Strength Matters

Join Josh Kennedy and James Breese on Season 2, Episode 1 of the Fit Over Thirty podcast by Strength Matters. Find out what's been going on behind the scenes...

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To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system

You don’t have to be a top athlete to find the benefits in professional training. Ordinary, everyday people can benefit from learning how to improve your mobility, practice mindfulness, and find an exercise progression strategy that works for you.Today’s guest is Ryan Hurst from GMB Fitness. Ryan has multiple black belts and is a former competitive gymnast who loves yoga and has years of experience in strength and movement coaching. Ryan is certified in multiple systems and has a philosophy of training for a healthy life. Listen to today’s interview to hear what Ryan has to say about how to come back after an injury, what training looks like at GMB Fitness, and what it really means to “embrace the suck”.Topics Discussed in This Episode: Ryan’s background in gymnastics What GMB is all about Coming back to training after an injury Ryan’s experience with martial arts What is taught at GMB Training techniques and strategies used at GMB The fundamental exercises for regular people Exercise progressions in relation to bodyweight movements What Ryan means by “embrace the suck” How people can apply mindfulness to their training Tips for hip mobility Solutions for shoulder pain Major challenges Ryan has faced in his career, and how he overcame them.Links and Resources:Ryan HurstGMB FitnessQuotes:“It’s not about me going out and competing and choking people out anymore.”“Play is our exploration. We’re always going to play at a regressed level of our highest level.”“Sometimes it’s not just going from ABC. It’s a matter of just trying things and exploring, and just doing a lot of it.”

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To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system

There are many programs out there for athletes that are looking for ways to push themselves to their physical and mental limits. But most programs designed for civilians don’t measure up to the kinds of training that military members endure in order to serve their country. However, today’s guest joins the podcast today to talk about his experience with a program that’s designed to mimic one of the most difficult challenges military members can face – a training program based on the U.S Navy SEALs “hell week”.Jason Kane is a trainer at Impact Strength and Fitness in Dublin. In addition to his other qualifications, Jason is a skilled martial artist and one of the leading kettlebell instructors in Ireland. In today’s episode, Jason describes what it was like to participate in SEALFIT Kokoro, a 50-hour training program designed to push athletes to their limits and build mental toughness. Listen to the episode to hear more about Jason’s background and about what it was like to live through one of the most challenging training programs available to civilians today.Topics Discussed in This Episode: The training academy at Impact Strength and Fitnessxc What it means to be a beast tamer The hardest part of beast tamer training for Jason SEALFIT Kokoro The biggest thing that Jason needed to work on when he started training Jason’s experiences during SEALFIT trainingLinks and Resources:Impact Strength and FitnessEmail: [email protected]:“As soon as you start blaming people, you’re on a downward spiral.”“You go from “what the hell am I doing?” to “no, I’ve got this.”“Listen, nobody’s shooting at me here. There are no bullets whizzing around my head, no bombs going off. All I have to do is just stay in this moment and keep one foot going after the next.”

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To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system

It can be both daunting and exciting to push yourself to take on a new challenge that tests your limits. The Marathon des Sables is nothing if not challenging – it’s a multi-day marathon that covers 250 kms and takes place in the Sahara desert. In today’s episode, you’ll meet one of the athletes who has taken on that incredible challenge.Michelle Steenhuis is a personal trainer and strongwoman. Michelle joins the podcast today to talk about her experience competing in the Marathon des Sables. Listen to the episode to hear how Michelle ended up signing up for the marathon, what the training process was like, and where she finished at the end of the race.Topics Discussed in This Episode: Michelle’s background How Michelle got into personal training Michelle’s experience with Commando Temple What it’s like to be a woman in the fitness industry The Marathon des Sables How Michelle trained for the Marathon des Sables What the terrain was like during the marathon How Michelle approached nutrition during the marathon What it was like when Michelle first arrived at the marathon How the race progressed How marathon participants know where they’re going when it gets dark What the weather was like during the marathon Dealing with blisters during the marathon How Michelle felt at the end of the race, and where she finished Advice for listeners thinking about taking on the Marathon des SablesLinks and Resources:Michelle SteenhuisMichelle on InstagramMarathon des SablesQuotes:“I don’t really differentiate myself from male trainers.”“I saw what a challenge it was for him, so I had to kind of give it a go to see if I could beat him.”“It was nice to be in your own headspace and just detach from life.”

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If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps us reach more people and bring you even more quality content. Click the link below to rate and review us now!

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To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system

It’s easy to think of training as a purely physical activity, but your brain has more to do with your physical ability and your perception of pain than you may think. How does neurology relate to your training and your perception of pain? What is the vestibular system, and what does it have to do with your balance and coordination? Today’s guest is here to answer those questions and more.Taylor Kruse is the co-founder of The Movement Project and Kruse Elite in Boston. Taylor holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health and has studied Z Health, the Burdenko Method, and Neurokinetic Therapy. He’s a martial artist, a collegiate wrestler, and a former high school wrestling coach. Listen to the episode to hear what Taylor has to say about brain-based training, how your eye position is linked to strength and mobility and what you need to know about the threat neuromatrix.Topics Discussed in This Episode: How Taylor got started in the health and fitness industry The Movement Project Kruse Elite The Burdenko Method How the vestibular system relates to brain-based training How to improve the vestibular system How eye position can improve strength and mobility How to know if your balance and coordination are what they should be The difference between proprioception and balance training Z Health The threat neuromatrix Daily practices that can help reduce threat The exercises that give the most bang for your buck How Taylor fixed a runner’s knee pain without touching their knee The difference between inputs and outputs and how they improve movement skills Some of the things that Taylor and Alisha are interested in right nowLinks and Resources:Taylor KruseKruse Elite @KruseEliteZ HealthQuotes:“If you’re gonna squat and deadlift and do cartwheels and jump and land and spin, you have to have a healthy vestibular system in order to do those things.”“Because pain is 100% an output of the brain, you don’t actually have to have an injury event to experience pain.”“We can work with any of the sensory systems to instantaneously create a better output.”

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If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps us reach more people and bring you even more quality content. Click the link below to rate and review us now!

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To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system

There are all kinds of different diets out there. Many of them encourage you to limit things like fat and carbs and often suggest that you eat more vegetables. More surprising is a diet that eliminates vegetables entirely. In this episode, you’ll be introduced to that unusual all-meat diet.Today’s guest is Steve Kiely of Be Strong Training. This wide-ranging interview covers everything from Steve’s health and fitness background, his training philosophies, and his love of competition. Listen to the episode to hear Steve talk about being falsely accused of steroid use, recovering from a serious back injury, and of course, the all-meat diet: what it consists of, how it takes, and how it affects the body.Topics Discussed in This Episode: How Steve got into the health and fitness industry How Steve dealt with accusations of steroid use Steve’s back injury and how he recovered from it Where Steve thinks his love of competition came from Steve’s philosophy in training and work at Be Strong Training What types of clients use Be Strong Training Steve’s competition in CrossFit and kettlebell Why Steve follows an all-meat diet The keto diet How Steve’s diet affects digestion Why Steve doesn’t use supplements What a typical day’s meals look like for Steve How Steve seasons his food How Steve’s family’s diet differs from his Steve’s bodybuilding training What an ordinary week’s training looks like for Steve Advice for people who are interested in bodybuildingLinks and Resources:Steve KielyBe Strong TrainingQuotes:“There were no vegetables, it was just steak and eggs twice a day and then eat whatever you wanted one day a week. And that got me the leanest I’d ever been in a very long time.”“I think that’s one of the key things people find with ketosis, is you don’t get any energy slumps during the day.”“You’re definitely not going to miss out on anything, you just need to eat more than you think you need to and you’ll be very very surprised at some of the changes.”

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To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system

The brain plays an important role in health and fitness. The brain has a lot of power over the rest of the body and understanding how the brain works can help when it comes to relieving pain and treating injuries or illnesses. Today’s guest is an expert on the importance of understanding the brain and neurology.David Fleming is the creator and co-founder of the Applied Movement Neurology (AMN) Academy. David holds a BSc in holistic health sciences and is pursuing an MSc AND Ph.D. in integrative medicine with quantum physics. David also holds a variety of certifications including strength and conditioning, functional biomechanics, and functional neurology. Listen to the episode to hear what David is doing at ANM Academy, what effects emotion can have on the brain, and how modern technology is influencing health.Topics Discussed in This Episode: How David got into his current field David’s experience with health problems What applied movement neurology means What David is doing at ANM Academy Some of the assessments that they use at ANM Academy The effect that emotion can have on pain or perception of pain David’s favorite part of the brain Tips for the cerebellum How spatial summation can be used to reduce tendon pain and increase strength The piezoelectric effect The influence that modern technology has on people Quick tips for improving insomnia symptoms Success stories from David’s practitionersLinks and Resources:David FlemingANM AcademyQuotes:“I started realizing that everyone you work with as a trainer is broken in some way, and I wanted to be able to help that.”“Emotion and the psyche, in the hierarchical sense, are at the absolute top of the totem pole, the number one things which impact and influence our biology. It’s just an inescapable fact.”“Try and train your body to the natural rhythms under which we’ve evolved.”

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To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system

Just like every other industry, the fitness industry is changing, in large part as a result of technology. Consumer demand also has an effect on the industry, and technology allows consumers to have much more information about fitness and the fitness industry, which may affect the kinds of demands they have.Today’s guest, Michael Cunico, is the National Fitness Manager for Fitness First Australia. In this role, Michael develops both fitness products and programming, which means that he’s familiar with the way that the industry is changing, where consumer demand is headed, and what’s driving the changes in the industry. Listen to the episode to hear what Michael has to say about wearable tech, fat loss myths, convincing older generations to practice strength training, and more.Topics Discussed in This Episode: Michael’s experience representing Australia at the World Cup How Michael got into the fitness industry How the fitness industry has changed over the last five to ten years Current trends in the fitness industry How demographics have changed in fitness club memberships How technology has affected gyms and fitness clubs Whether or not technology has improved the fitness industry for the better Advice for listeners who are considering joining a gym but don’t know where to start Best exercises for people to incorporate into their training How to encourage the older generation to try strength training Whether it’s possible to lose weight and build muscle Fat loss myths The benefits of HIIT (High-intensity interval training) programs and how best to approach HIIT Fitness industry trends that Michael expects to see in coming years Who Michael thinks people should be following in the fitness industryLinks and Resources:Michael CunicoFitness First AustraliaMichael on InstagramQuotes:“We put our first sled track in – it would be no more than five years ago. And now, if a club doesn’t have a sled track, it’s anarchy.”“I think we’re seeing a real change in fitness – people want more offerings.”“An element of strength training should be part of everyone’s life if they can fit it in.”

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To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system

Many kinds of people, from athletes and celebrities to average people who just want to lose weight or get healthier, turn to personal trainers to help them achieve their goals. But how do personal trainers learn what they need to know to help their clients effectively? Who trains the trainers? Today’s guest is one person that personal trainers may go to for their own training.Today’s guest is Nick Tumminello, whose nickname is “Trainer of Trainers”. Nick is a personal trainer himself and was voted NSCA Personal Trainer of the Year in 2016. Nick is also the owner of Performance University International, and an author of three books as well as numerous articles that appear in publications like Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Muscle Mag, and GQ. Listen to today’s episode to hear what Nick has to say about his training ethos, whether men and women should work out differently, and how to build muscles without using weights.Topics Discussed in This Episode: How Nick got into the health and fitness industry What it’s like to train both high-level clients and average fitness enthusiasts Nick’s training ethos Why strength training helps with fat loss Examples of a metabolic workout Nick’s current outlook on nutrition Returning to training after an injury Whether men and women should work out differently How to build muscles without using weights What makes a great training program Common mistakes that trainers make Nick’s new book, Your Workout Perfected Advice for trainers who want to write or teach other trainers Difficult moments that Nick has faced in his career What’s coming up for Nick in the near futureLinks and Resources:Nick TumminelloYour Workout PerfectedQuotes:“I think a good trainer is adaptable in that way, and you make it about your client.”“Here’s what program design is: it’s just creating a stimulus to get a certain adaption.”“It’s not about reinventing the wheel, it’s about putting out your own brand of wheels.”

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To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system

What does it take to achieve good health? Many people think that being healthy and fit is an elusive goal. But in today’s episode, Phil McDougall talks about the six pillars of health and longevity – six relatively simple things that you need in order to be healthy and live a long life.Phil McDougall is the Director of Athletic Performance at Strength Matters. In today’s wide-ranging episode, Phil talks about the six pillars of health and longevity, Strength Matters Professional Certification, and the importance of self-healing. Listen to the episode to learn how to do breathing reps, the many benefits of walking, and how you can improve your diet by making meal plans. You’ll also learn about blue zones and why they matter.Topics Discussed in This Episode: What Phil does for Strength Matters What SMP certification is The six pillars of health and longevity How to do breathing reps What daily joint mobility means The benefit of walking 10,000 steps a day How making a meal plan can improve diet habits How best to stay hydrated Why self-healing is important Body composition The benefits of standing or walking around at a workstation Blue zones – areas of the world with the highest rates of longevityLinks and Resources:Phil McDougallStrength MattersBlue ZonesQuotes:“One of the fundamentals that we put into level one is what I call the six pillars of health and longevity.”“In a perfect world, your client would turn up 2-3 times a week, you’d have that time with them, and without really caring about anything else, you’d notice the improvement. But it doesn’t work.”“Yeah, sure, exercise helps get rid of stress, but what is the one exercise that is the best stress reliever? Walking.”

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If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps us reach more people and bring you even more quality content. Click the link below to rate and review us now!

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To learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system