In this episode of The SPAR Life Kevin and Dylan discuss the definition of a coach and explain why the dictionary definition does not encompass what it takes to be a successful coach. Successful coaching is similar to owning and operating a boutique fitness studio. If you have ever stepped into a well run boutique fitness studio you will understand and appreciate how the experience is revolved around YOU...your fitness goals, your experience, your community! Relationships cr...

In this episode of The SPAR Life, Kevin and Dylan talk with legendary coach Jim "Milboy" Miller. In 22 years of college coaching, Milboy’s teams won 10 NCAA Division III Championships and finished second 8 other times. He is regarded as the best Division III wrestling coach of all time, one of the best coaches of all time, and the greatest motivator of our era.Milboy talks about growing up in Waterloo, IA and his transition from youth, to college athlete, to coach. He also speaks in depth abo...

In this episode Kevin and Dylan celebrate the upcoming 2019 Reebok CrossFit Games, beginning this week! On the surface, we all know the importance of moving our bodies and exercising. Whatever you do that keeps you moving consistently is great! Something is always better than nothing. If you follow “The SPAR Life” on social media, you already know, we choose CrossFit. Listen in as we discuss our Top 7 reasons why high intensity interval training (HIIT) has our full attention. Anyone intereste...

In this episode of The SPAR Life Coach Bratland and Coach Foley speak with Coast Guard Academy graduate, Dan Fiorvanti. Growing up, we are all told to never judge a book by it's cover... Looking at Dan Fiorvanti today you would assume he has always been successful. He is about to be the Executive Officer of a Coast Guard Cutter, was a two-sport athlete in college, and personifies the SPAR LIFE. Dan stated he was not born innately talented, but built himself up by never giving up, bu...

In this Episode of The SPAR Life Kevin and Dylan speak with Karl Bratland, founder and owner of the Hammer Wrestling School in Illinois.The conversation becomes one about coach-athlete relationships and the power your words and thoughts can have on your (and someone else’s) performance. Karl’s story goes to show that sometimes you need someone to believe in you more than you believe in yourself.

In Episode 6 of The SPAR Life, Kevin and Dylan discuss a performance enhancer that is readily available to everyone, free of charge, and completely legal. That’s right. We are talking about sleep! Optimizing your sleep requires tracking in order to monitor the three most important factors of sleep: quality, quantity and consistency. Want to perform better in all realms of your life, feel happier, be more productive, and reap countless medical benefits? The answer is simple - Get a g...

With Day 1 of Swab Summer beginning for the Coast Guard Academy Class of 2023 beginning today, what could be better than hearing from rising CGA senior, George McBurney on his experiences through his first three years of Academy life!Kevin and Dylan talk with 1/c McBurney about why he chose to attend the US Coast Guard Academy, what life is like as a Cadet, and some of the amazing places you will go as a member of the US Coast Guard.George leaves us with his thoughts as to why every qualified...

For LeRoy Gardner it took finally winning a National Championship for him to realize wrestling was something he did, not who he was. To him, a new heavyweight national champion would be crowned next season. The shine of the trophies would eventually fade. What he would always carry with him though, were the lessons he learned along the way. Now, as the Head Men's Wrestling Coach at the University of the Ozarks in Arkansas, LeRoy is focused on coaching young men to be champions on the mat...

In Episode 3, Kevin and Dylan dive into the Nutrition branch of the second element in the SPAR LIFE formula - Systems. Perhaps one of the most undervalued systems to be discussed this season, nutrition is the fuel that allows our body’s to perform on the mat, in the game, and in the Board Room. Everyone’s nutrition will look slightly different from the next. Knowing this, Kevin and Dylan created SPAR Nutrition to tailor a specific nutrition program to meet each individual’s needs, in ord...

Kevin and Dylan tackle the first element of the SPAR LIFE formula - Character. Citing experiences from their coaching careers and personal lives, the duo discusses the most important characteristics a person can possess, the impact of first impressions, and team culture. The discussion transitions from morality and into just HOW practicing strong character can help you be a better competitor on the mat and in the game of life.Welcome to the SPAR LIFE!