In this episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, I break down one of the most overlooked concepts in fitness and performance: open system training.

Most people spend years getting stronger in the gym—but still feel unathletic in real life. If that sounds familiar, this episode will explain exactly why.

I challenge the traditional idea that closed chain exercises are inherently more “functional,” and introduce a different way to think about training—one that better reflects how the body actually moves and interacts with the real world.

We get into:

•  The difference between open system and closed system training 
•  Why most gym programs don’t translate to real-life movement 
•  How athletes actually train for performance 
•  The role of speed, acceleration, and ballistic movement 
•  Why plyometrics, sprinting, and throwing matter 
•  How to structure your workouts for real-world strength 

If you want to feel stronger, faster, and more athletic outside the gym—not just inside it—this episode will change how you approach your training.

This episode is brought to you by LMNT.

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The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits.

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