In Episode 29 of the Strength Ratio Podcast, we discuss how you can both qualitatively and quantitively measure performance over time so as to gauge the effectiveness of your training. We also offer practical programming benchmarks for weightlifters, powerlifters and Crossfitters in the context of a competitive macrocycle.
Lastly, we provide metrics you can use to increase the efficacy of a nutritional plan across body composition goals.
Read MoreIn Episode 25 of the Strength Ratio Podcast, Dr. Sobolewski joins us to discuss considerations for both quantity and quality of food for sports performance.
Nutrition can seem overwhelming. That’s why Dr. Sobo takes an academic, yet straightforward approach. He begins by speaking about how the quantity of food an individual should eat is dictated by their energy expenditure. He provides more information about how one can easily determine a starting point for their expenditure. He provides more information…
Read MoreIn April, we celebrated our third year anniversary as a company! Therefore, in Episode 27, we identify how, and why, our major training philosophies have changed in this time. We also acknowledge the individuals in the field who've had the greatest impact on our growth. We discuss, most notably, our evolved stance on exercise selection, exercise correlation, and muscular imbalances.
Lastly, we acknowledge the inherent limitations to the research performed in our field…
Read MoreFirst and foremost, a supplement is, by its very definition, meant to be something added to an already balanced diet. If your diet sucks, no amount of supplementation will help you. Begin by getting your diet right; then, and only then, should you consider taking supplements.
Secondly, it is important to note that supplements are not drugs. If they were drugs, they would only be available by prescription, yet GNC and bodybuilding.com do not require a physician's referral.
Read MoreEpisode 25 of the Strength Ratio Podcast was recorded from Kansas City, host of the 2018 USAW National Championships. Zach was joined by his larger team of National Level athletes and co-coaches, including Anthony Konas, Danny Yeager, and Christopher Yang. These four share in their combined experience at National Weightlifting meets, including the many mistakes that they made early on, the mistakes that they still occasionally make, as well as other lessons they've found valuable in their development.
Read MoreAlthough the field of Sports Science is relatively young, and despite the inherent limitations in studying human performance, we have many Ph.D.'s to thank for our best current evidence. There’s Brad Schoenfeld, Mike Israetel, Eric Helms, Alan Aragon, and Greg Nuck — Wait, Greg Nuckols doesn’t have a Ph.D.?
If Greg, age 26, doesn’t have a Ph.D., what makes him so well respected by the larger field of Sports Science researchers? What makes him such a credible source that thousands would subscribe to his digest of the latest literature, in “MASS Research Review”?
Read MoreAlthough Bret Contreras is known popularly as the "Glute Guy", due to his innovation and expertise surrounding glute training, Bret's accumulated tremendous experience, education, and coaching skills in most Sport Science matters. Therefore, we spend less time in this podcast discussing the glutes, and more time talking about coach development.
In this episode, Bret highlights how important it is for a coach to consolidate personal training experiences…
Read MoreIn episode twenty-two of the Strength Ratio Podcast, Dr. Eric Sobolewski, aka "Professor of Swole Sciences", joins us to discuss both power and speed. Eric begins by defining these fitness characteristics before clarifying their subtle, but distinct differences. The podcast then offers practical examples of how to train power and speed, and how this fits into our own ABC Training Model.
Lastly, Eric shares insight as for how to train power during volume training phases. This information will be of tremendous value to sport of fitness and to endurance athletes.
Read MoreIn episode twenty-one of the Strength Ratio Podcast, we discuss muscular symmetry for strength sports, fitness sports, and endurance sports. We first reference science-based literature on the topic, which is currently inconclusive in finding correlations between symmetry and a decreased probability of injury. In doing so, our hope is to reduce fear around asymmetry, especially when it is subtle. In his article, "How Important is Muscular Symmetry for Strength Sports?" author Greg Nuckols states, "our bodies aren't symmetrical, so we don't lift things symmetrically."
Read MoreIn episode nineteen of the Strength Ratio Podcast, we’re joined by Michael Ray, Chiropractor, and owner of the Shenandoah Valley Performance Center. Mike relies heavily on both science and on semantics in his treatment of chronic pain.
First, Mike explains why pain is a complex topic. In fact, the greater field of researchers who study pain have not yet agreed upon a working definition for "pain".
Read MoreIn episode eighteen of the Strength Ratio Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Mike Israetel, Head Science Consultant of Renaissance Periodization. Mike's body of work, along with the help of his colleagues at Renaissance Periodization, has had a tremendous impact on our ability to help athletes resolve pain, return to play, and optimize performance.
Mike first answers how his advanced education in Exercise Physiology, under the counsel of acclaimed…
Read MoreIn episode seventeen of the Strength Ratio Podcast, we’re joined again by Alex Viada of Complete Human Performance. Alex is back to discuss athlete development using a concurrent training model.
This episode first highlights the development of an intermediate to advanced level endurance athlete, who, as a novice to weight training, begins training both endurance and strength concurrently. Alex details his methodology for introducing this particular athlete…
Read MoreIn episode sixteen of the Strength Ratio Podcast, we’re joined by Dimitri Tsoumpas. Dimitri attended Weber State University as an offensive lineman, earning Second Team Big Sky accolades in his senior season. After graduating with a bachelors in Human Performance, he was drafted second overall in the 2008 Canadian Football League. Dimitri excelled in the "CFL", where he was nominated as rookie of the year, and also won a championship title. Dimitri even signed an NFL contract with the Miami Dolphins…
Read MoreIn episode fifteen of the Strength Ratio Podcast, we’re joined by Alex Viada who shares with us his insight on concurrent training. Alex, a lifelong athlete, is the founder and co-owner of Complete Human Performance, and author of "The Hybrid Athlete". Alex epitomizes what it means to be a "hybrid" athlete, as he's deadlifted 700 pounds and completed a 50-mile ultra-marathon in a week's time.
In this interview with Zach Greenwald, Alex answers what it means to be a "hybrid" athlete…
Read MoreIn this episode, we share our thoughts on recovering from and adapting to training for optimal results. We begin by highlighting the importance of adequate sleep, nutrition, and stress management/relaxation. We also discuss how, when these areas are negatively impacted, one can adjust training accordingly to reduce the risk of injury and allow for the maintenance of, rather than the regression of, desired fitness characteristics.
Next, we discuss methods of biofeedback…
Read MoreIn episode thirteen of the Strength Ratio Podcast, we’re joined by Danny Camargo who shares with us his weightlifting insight and coaching journey. As a Junior, Danny was one of America’s most celebrated lifters, and now, roughly twenty years later, Danny is respected as one the nation’s most distinguished coaches. Danny has earned Level 5 Senior International Distinction and has coached countless elite athletes in the sport including, most recently, Mattie Rogers.
Read MoreIn this podcast, we discuss foundational biomechanics across squatting, hip-hinging, pushing and pulling exercises to improve both safety and performance. We also provide context around commonly used cues to clarify misconceptions, and that allow you to focus on the most important aspects of sound technique.
Read MoreIn this podcast, we share how we program for both strength and conditioning, concurrently. Our ABC Model creates a framework of exercise selection and exercise intensities that help our athletes improve performance, and regulate fatigue over time. Grab a pen and paper for this one; you may want to take notes!
Make sure to send us any questions you have through Instagram (strengthratio) or Facebook (Strength Ratio LLC).
Read MoreIn this episode, we continue our discussion pertaining to cardiovascular adaptations of endurance sports and of CrossFit. This podcast discusses the physiology of the oxidative system, how to train it, and how it supports the anaerobic systems.
Then, we discuss the respiratory system, and how it adjusts during exercises to ensure oxygen delivery and the removal of carbon dioxide.
Read MoreIn this episode, we discuss cardiovascular adaptations of endurance sports and of CrossFit. We begin with a thorough, yet easy to digest, explanation of the body's bioenergetics, known also as metabolism. We break down bioenergetics into three systems: Creatine Phosphate, Anaerobic Glycolysis, and Oxidative Phosphorylation.
Next, we provide further insight into each category’s respective…
Read More
