The Strength Coach Podcast

Episode 433 of the Strength Coach Podcast, "Train Like an Olympian: Consistency is Key!" is out.

 This episode dives into the importance of year-round training programs for elite athletes, featuring insights from Coach Mike Boyle and host Anthony Renna. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and fascinating stories from the world of Olympic and professional sports.

Brought to you by Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Don’t miss their current deals on foam rollers and bundles!

Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for info about the upcoming Functional Training Summits.

**Highlights of the episode:**

-  The evolution of training for Olympic athletes, especially in women's hockey before and after the PWHL launch.

-  How consistency in training has been the foundation for athletes like Angela Ruggiero and Hilary Knight.

- Practical tips for creating effective training programs that balance accountability and year-round conditioning.

-  The role of on-ice and off-ice testing in athlete development.

-  Insights on lactate workouts, their relevance beyond track athletes, and how to adapt them for team sports.

-  A fun look at how the women's hockey game has evolved globally, with increased competition and talent.

We also dive into fitness business tips with Mark Fisher, who shares strategies for boosting sales without being pushy. Plus, learn how to help clients connect with their deeper fitness goals to achieve long-term success!

Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?

Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):

**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)

**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)

**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)

**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)

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Thanks for tuning in! Hit that play button to discover how training like an Olympian starts with consistency and ends with extraordinary results. 

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

02:38 - Mark Fisher Insights

07:08 - Coach Boyle Techniques

09:54 - Training Olympians Effectively

12:44 - Consistency in Training Importance

14:44 - Professional Women's Hockey Growth

16:38 - Evolving Game Strategies

18:58 - Future of Women's Hockey Development

21:00 - Lactate Workouts- 23 Second Drill Overview

25:40 - Aerodyne Sprints Benefits

29:06 - Targeting Lower Abs Exercises

33:09 - Recovery Position Techniques

Episode 432 of the Strength Coach Podcast Brought to You by Perform Better 

Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for info about the upcoming Functional Training Summits.

Join host Anthony Renna as he chats with Coach Mike Boyle. They spoke about why terminology matters, new training strategies, and practical advice to help coaches and trainers level up their craft. Plus, Coach Boyle shares his thoughts on the importance of functional anatomy in athletic performance. 

Highlights of the episode include:  

- The ongoing debate: Does rotary power come from the hips or the ground?  

- Why anti-rotation exercises play a smart role in core training and how they fit the bigger picture.  

- Glute activation insights sparked by toe wedges – are they worth it?  

- Sled sprints vs. hill sprints – breaking down their effectiveness for athletes.  

- Naming exercises correctly: Addressing confusion around jumps, hops, bounds, and more.  

- For the Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Power Play, Mark Fisher is on to talk about Getting More Leads Without Paid ads 

To sign up for the complementary Business for Unicorn’s Feb. 12th webinar on How the Best Gym Owners Use AI, click here: go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-owners-and-ai

This episode is packed with actionable strategies and fresh insights for strength coaches, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts alike. Thanks for listening, and don’t miss out on the full episode!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

02:33 - Mark Fisher’s Getting More Leads Tips

09:50 - Coaches Corner with Mike Boyle

12:56 - Anti-Rotation Exercises Explained

26:23 - Big Toe Wedge Benefits

31:30 - Hill Sprints vs Weighted Sled

35:45 - Exercise Naming 

41:15 - Importance of Terminology

Episode 431 of the Strength Coach Podcast, features Dr. Haley Perlus, a PhD in sport and exercise psychology and author of "Personal Podium." 

Brought to you by Perform Better, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and expert insights to help you optimize your mental game.

Dr. Perlus breaks down how biology, thoughts, and emotions are interconnected, offering strategies to align them for optimal results. Plus, hear fascinating stories from sports legends like the 1980 Olympic hockey team and Eric Heiden, bringing real-life applications to the discussion.

Highlights of the episode:

- Dr. Perlus talks about reframing anxiety as energy to fuel peak performance and shares practical tools to help athletes and professionals manage pressure effectively.

- We spoke about mental blocks, what they are, and how to overcome them to achieve fluid performance.

- Changing your relationship with pressure: Learn why pressure isn't the enemy but an invitation to thrive.

- Working with injured athletes: Tips for managing expectations and building resilience for a successful comeback.

- A fresh perspective on mental toughness and how to achieve it without relying solely on external motivators.

- Insights into why tracking devices should complement, not replace, self-awareness and evaluation in training and recovery.

- Mark Fisher will give us some tips on using Instagram on the Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Power Play

To sign up for the Business for Unicorn’s Feb. 12th webinar on how the best gym owners use AI, click here: go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-owners-and-ai

This episode also features updates on Perform Better's Functional Training Summits and resources for trainers and gym owners.

Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com).

Thanks for listening! Tune in to gain valuable tools and techniques to reframe anxiety, turn pressure into performance, and elevate your mental game.

CHAPTERS:

01:20 - Intro

03:15 - Business of Unicorns - Fitness Business Power Play

10:59 - How Our Thoughts Impact Performance

14:12 - Overcoming Mental Blocks

21:47 - Embracing Pressure as an Opportunity

24:34 - Identifying Performance Cues

25:44 - The Miracle on Ice: Leveraging Pressure

30:40 - Strategies for Managing Pressure

34:55 - Supporting Injured Athletes

39:55 - Challenging Yourself for Growth

43:10 - Importance of Performance Tracking

44:52 - Balancing Trackers and Self-Awareness

48:35 - Developing Mental Toughness

51:04 - Mastering Emotional Control

55:40 - Overview of “Personal Podium”

56:05 - Optimizing Mindset for Peak Performance

57:54 - Thank You

Welcome to Episode 430 of the Strength Coach Podcast, brought to you by Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation! 

In this episode, host Anthony Renna talks to Mike Boyle about "Manipulation of Information" when it comes to research, continuing the discussion about Adults Lifting Heavy.

Highlights of the episode:

- We spoke about adults lifting heavy weights, focusing on safety, risks, and misconceptions, particularly for older adults and females.

- Coach Boyle shares insights into the controversy surrounding lifting heavy and addresses the importance of context, demographics, and safe programming.

- A chat about injury statistics, research reliability, and why experience matters when addressing training approaches for different populations.

- Hear how social media impacts perspectives in the fitness world and the role of semantics in the ongoing debate.

- Mark Fisher discusses artificial intelligence and its implications for fitness businesses.

To sign up for the Business for Unicorn’s Feb. 12th webinar on how the best gym owners use AI, click here: go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-owners-and-ai

This episode also features updates on Perform Better's Functional Training Summits and resources for trainers and gym owners. Don't miss this engaging discussion filled with actionable tips and fresh perspectives.

Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com).

Thanks for listening, and be sure to watch the full episode to learn more about lifting heavy safely and effectively!

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To sign up for Business for Unicorn’s Feb 12th webinar on how the best gym owners use AI, click here: go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-owners-and-ai

Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?

Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):

**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)

**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)

**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)

**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

03:00 - Business for Unicorns Insights with Mark Fisher

06:20 - Coach Boyle's Training Philosophy

11:54 - Creating Controversy for Audience Engagement

17:48 - One Rep Max Testing Research for Older Adults

21:00 - Injury Prevalence in Fitness

23:28 - Strategies for Engagement

25:40 - Finding the Balance in Coaching

28:24 - Understanding Reps

31:00 - Career Paths for Personal Trainers and Strength Coaches

34:35 - Mike Boyle's Learning Journey

38:20 - Benefits of Social Media in Fitness

38:50 - Contrarian Views

39:28 - Coach Boyle Back on Twitter 

Welcome to Episode 429 of the Strength Coach Podcast.  

Host Anthony Renna chats with Coach Mike Boyle about ithe year in review, his thoughts on the future in the fitness business, lifting heavy with adults & the Goldilocks Affect for Injuries as it relates to Training Loads and Sprinting Volume.

Highlights of the episode include:

- We talk about any changes from last year or even the year before, and what has “stuck”

- Expanding on weighted sprints- how, why & when

- Thoughts about what’s coming in fitness, including people taking control of their own health

- We revisited the Adults lifting Heavy posts he has on Instagram

- How to use the Goldilocks principle to “get things just right” in programming

- Goal setting tips from Business for Unicorn’s Mark Fisher.  He lays out his framework for setting goals and you can get his full framework free by emailing him at [email protected].

Brought to you by Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and thought-provoking discussions to help you build a thriving gym and community.

Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com).

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Get Mark’s complete framework for Goal Setting- email him at [email protected]

Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?

Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):

**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)

**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)

**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)

**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)

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Discover new ways to inspire and educate your clients while creating a safer and more effective training environment. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments and tune in for more episodes! Thanks for listening!

In Episode 428 of the Strength Coach Podcast, host Anthony Renna chats with Scott Leech, Associate Director of Strength and Conditioning at the University of Rhode Island, to explore game-changing strategies for coaches, trainers, and athletes. 

The focus is on High School but Episode 428 is for everyone, packed with insights to help you rethink your approach to training and athlete development.

Highlights of the episode:

- Scott talks about why prioritizing speed, power, and jump training is replacing outdated max-effort lifts.

- A chat on programming smarter workouts and what strength coaches should subtract for better results.

- Insights on developing high school strength coaching programs with limited resources.

- How contact prep programs improve athlete confidence and safety in off-season training.

- Exploring bilateral vs. unilateral work, and why Olympic lifts might not be essential for everyone.

- A special discussion on IU football’s shortened practice approach and its impact on performance.

- Brought to you by Perform Better, offering 20% off bands and tubing products—check them out today at www.PerformBetter.com!

We also dive into how Scott’s Gridiron Warrior platform is helping coaches elevate their training systems, plus tips for leveraging education and creativity to optimize training without breaking the bank.

Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale- 20% off bands and tubing products!

Thanks for listening! Engage with this episode and get ready to rethink strength training for smarter, more effective results.

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Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?

Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):

**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)

**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)

**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)

**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)

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CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

03:20 - Maximizing the Member Experience, with Naamly

08 :20- Scott Leech interview

10:25- What’s Wrong with High School S&C?

14:37 - Importance of Subtraction in Training

17:10 - Strength Coaches' Essential Practices

19:31 - Coaching High School Coaches Effectively

23:10 - Contact Preparation Techniques

27:33 - Less is More Philosophy in Training

31:58 - Educating High School Coaches

37:15 - Benefits of Single Leg Training

40:38 - Speed and Explosiveness vs. Heavy Lifting

42:40 - Incorporating Olympic Lifts

45:18 - Financial Success as a Strength Coach

50:39 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

54:00 - Gridiron Warrior Insiders Insights

Welcome to Episode 427 of the Strength Coach Podcast.  Host Anthony Renna chats with Coach Mike Boyle about impactful coaching techniques and shares insights to help trainers, strength coaches, and gym owners elevate their practice. 

Highlights of the episode include:

- A chat about lifting heavy with adult female clients, addressing misconceptions and promoting safer, smarter alternatives.

- John Wooden's 'Do This, Don’t Do This, Do This’ coaching method and why it's a game-changer for visual learners.

- Being Contrarian- is it always bad?

- Breaking down the debate of "exercise vs. pattern"—what truly matters for effective training.

- Business tips from Business for Unicorn’s Mark Fisher on humility, behavior change, and optimizing your environment for success.

**Win a ticket to the Business for Unicorn’s upcoming Retreat!  Details are in the segment!

Brought to you by Perform Better, the experts in functional training and rehabilitation, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and thought-provoking discussions to help you build a thriving gym and community.

Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale on PB Extreme Foam Plyo Boxes, the Bosu Ball, Select Dumbbells and Kettlebells, and their exclusive HYROX collaboration!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

**Win a ticket to the Business for Unicorn’s upcoming Retreat!  Details are in the segment!

Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?

Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):

**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)

**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)

**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)

**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discover new ways to inspire and educate your clients while creating a safer and more effective training environment. Don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments and tune in for more episodes! Thanks for listening!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

03:11 - Business for Unicorn’s Segment

10:02 - Coach Boyle's Segment

11:30 - Wooden’s “Do This, Don’t Do This, Do This” Coaching

15:22 - Importance of Reps Near Failure

19:13 - RPE for Advanced Lifters

26:53 - Embracing Contrarian Views

31:14 - The Business of Training

35:48 - Exercise vs. Movement Patterns

39:22 - Misjudging Client Needs

40:35 - Elderly Mobility Training

42:47 - Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Episode 426 of the Strength Coach Podcast is here! 

Join host Anthony Renna as he chats with Mike Boyle about smarter strategies for managing athlete training without overloading. 

Highlights of this episode include:  

- Insights from Coach Boyle on how to balance training stressors and avoid unnecessary overload.  

- A discussion his most underrated exercise

- What he thinks about the Trap Bar Kickstand Deadlift   

- Business for Unicorns tips from Mark Fisher on optimizing gym models, pricing, and space utilization for a successful fitness business.  

- Personal stories from Coach Boyle’s visit to the Hockey Hall of Fame, celebrating connections and pinch-me moments.  

We spoke about practical ways to approach athlete conditioning, the importance of understanding recovery and stress management, and how good coaches can avoid grinding athletes down with excessive volume.  

Brought to you by Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale on PB Extreme Foam Plyo Boxes, the Bosu Ball, Select Dumbbells and Kettlebells, and their exclusive HYROX collaboration!

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?

Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):

**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)

**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)

**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)

**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)

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Don’t miss this engaging episode packed with actionable strategies and inspiring stories. Thanks for listening!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

02:31 - Business for Unicorns: Model Optimization

09:49 - Coach Boyle's at the Hockey Hall of Fame

14:41 - Lifelong Learning in Coaching

15:32 - Knowing Your Limits in Training

18:20 - Perception vs. Reality in Fitness

21:18 - Boosting Instagram Views

25:08 - Trap Bar Kickstand Deadlift thought

27:35 - Progressing Psoas Exercise Techniques

28:14 - Slideboard Lunges Explained

33:00 - Understanding Stress in Training

38:35 - Balancing Fitness and Life

42:17 - Language of Longevity in Wellness

43:58 - Thanks for Joining Us

Episode 425 of the Strength Coach Podcast brings you a crucial discussion on fitness mistakes that crush progress after 50! 

Hosted by Anthony Renna, this episode features Chad Landers, founder of Push Private Fitness and author of "Building Strength and Muscle After 50." Together, we explore game-changing strategies for training smarter, not harder, as you age.

Highlights of the episode:

- The BIG mistake many make after 50 and how to avoid it

- Training considerations for the 50+ crowd: frequency, intensity, and programming

- Why training heavy (but not too heavy) is essential for longevity and resilience

- The importance of nutrition and how medications can impact your diet and performance

- Stories of clients thriving in their 70s and beyond through consistent training

- Insights from Chad’s new book, written for Gen X and beyond with '80s pop culture flair!

Plus, we talk about the evolution of fitness trends, overcoming obstacles to exercise, and how personal trainers can connect authentically with their clients.

Brought to you by Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale on PB Extreme Foam Plyo Boxes, the Bosu Ball, Select Dumbbells and Kettlebells, and their exclusive HYROX collaboration!

Don’t miss this engaging, practical, and inspiring conversation packed with actionable advice. Thanks for listening, and be sure to check out the full episode for more tips to stay strong for life! 

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

02:58 - Chad Landers Interview

04:58 - Overview of The Book

11:04 - Cardio in the 80s and 90s

14:56 - Training After 50: Key Strategies

20:24 - Importance of Tracking Workouts

24:10 - Long-term Fitness Commitment

26:50 - Understanding Your Client's Needs

28:40 - Chad's Session Prep Techniques

31:50 - Medications Impact on Training

37:00 - Nutrition as a Lifestyle Choice

42:15 - Training Heavy: Guidelines

43:19 - Defining "Heavy" for Older Adults

46:42 - Imposter Syndrome in Fitness

47:31 - Effective Warm Up Techniques

53:45 - OUTRO

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Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?

Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):

**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)

**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)

**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)

**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)

In this special anniversary episode of the Strength Coach Podcast (#424), Host Anthony Renna and Mike Boyle discuss Coach Boyle’s recent visit to a few gyms in Nashville, Ridiculous HIIT recommendations, Voodoo Flossing, the value of isolated shoulder work and whether or not you should put the barbell bench press to bed.

Brought to you by Perform Better, experts in functional training and rehabilitation.

Check out ⁠Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for their latest sale, the New Signature Series and all the upcoming education.

Highlights of the episode:  

- A heartfelt tribute to Rob Milani and his impact on the fitness community.  

- A chat about Coach Boyle’s recent gym visits in Nashville with Gunnar Peterson and Brian Kula.  

- We spoke about the controversial discussion: Is it time to put the barbell bench press to bed?  

- Navigating the ridiculous recommendations by influencers

- Tips on using isolated shoulder work and the growing popularity of voodoo flossing for joint relief.  

- Why and How Coach Boyle is using Voodoo Flossing

- Business for Unicorns segment with Mark Fisher exploring goal-setting frameworks inspired by “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.”  Get Mark’s goal-setting framework by emailing him at [email protected]

Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?

Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):

**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)

**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)

**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)

**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing) 

Whether you're a trainer, strength coach, or fitness enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable lessons, heartfelt reflections, and game-changing training strategies. Don’t miss out!

Thanks for listening—be sure to check out the full episode and join the conversation in the comments!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

00:59 - 18 Year Anniversary Celebration

04:59 - Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Power Play Insights

09:46 - Coaches Corner with Coach Boyle

10:25 - Coach Boyle Visits Other Gyms in Nashville

15:38 - 4x4 HIIT Training protocol

19:54 - How Hard Should You Train Effectively

20:42 - Defining "High" Intensity for Adults

22:00 - Starting with 10:20 intervals

23:20 - Why Adults Dislike Intervals

24:10 - Making Hard Workouts Manageable

27:10 - Individual Reactions to Hard Exercise

28:20 - The Best Exercise for Everyone

31:50 - Effective Shoulder Training Techniques

36:20 - Benefits of Hanging Exercises

37:54 - Flossing for Mobility

40:41 - Thanks and Closing Remarks