Episode 18: Interview with Dr. Mike Israetel - Practical Sports Science Application & Maximum Recoverable Volume

In 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…

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Episode 17: Interview with Alex Viada - Athlete Development using a Concurrent Training Model

In 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…

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Episode 16: Interview with Dimitri Tsoumpas (aka the "Strength Shaman")

In 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…

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Episode 15: Interview with Alex Viada of Complete Human Performance

In 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…

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Episode 14: Thoughts on Fatigue Management & Biofeedback

In 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…

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Episode 13: Interview with Danny Camargo

In 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.

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Episode 12: Biomechanics & Accessory Work

In 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.

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Episode 11: ABC Model of Sustainable Training

In 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).

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Episode 10: Cardiovascular Adaptations Part 2

In 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.

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Episode 9: Cardiovascular Adaptations Part 1

In 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…

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Episode 8: Periodization for Strength

In this episode, we highlight the origins, theory, and distinct training phases of periodization for strength adaptations, as it was popularized in Soviet Russia. In doing so, we provide context for whom, and for how long, this traditional model may work.

We then discuss how one can blend the general characteristics of periodization simultaneously, including general physical preparedness, hypertrophy, strength, power and taper…

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Episode 7 - CrossFit Mini-Camp Interview

Our "Concurrent Training" series was put on hold this week, as we interviewed three of our competitive CrossFit Athletes. Natalie Allport, Grace Lilley, and Harrison Bell were all in town for a mini-training camp leading up to the CrossFit Open.

Natalie is a former Pro-Snowboarder turned CrossFit athlete from Canada, and Grace, a Nationally Competitive Weightlifter from the UK, placed 9th in the Meridian Regional, alongside her boyfriend, and "Espirit De Corps CrossFit" team-mate, Harrison.

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Episode 6 - Strength Training Part 2 "Training Variables"

In this episode, we begin by discussing the stress response to training, and the indicators of training thresholds necessary to elicit a minimum effective dose. Next, we highlight traditional recommendations of strength training variables such as volume, intensity, frequency and time, as well as their effects on size and strength.

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Episode 5 - Strength Training Part 1

In this episode, we discuss the neuromuscular adaptations to strength training and define three types of strength: relative, absolute, and general. We explain the significance of each of these three types of strength training, and how they can be trained concurrently. Make sure to send us any questions you have through Instagram (strengthratio) or Facebook (Strength Ratio LLC). 

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Episode 4 - Concurrent Training

Humans have evolved as generalists. We were never the fastest in the kingdom, nor were we the most enduring. Instead, we developed a nice blend of both strength and endurance. In this podcast, we introduce how to train strength and endurance simultaneously, what variables must be considered in this process, and how best to manage these variables for long-term health and performance. Make sure to send us any questions you have through Instagram (strengthratio) or Facebook (Strength Ratio LLC). 

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Zachary Greenwald
Episode 3 - Foundational vs. Advanced Fitness Characteristics

In this episode, we discuss both biological and training age considerations for an athlete, how to train genetic "freaks", and how CrossFit athletes can periodize their training around the Open. Make sure to send us any questions you have through Instagram (strengthratio) or Facebook (Strength Ratio LLC). 

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Episode 2 - Master Athlete Considerations

In this episode, we discuss our training recommendations for the Masters Athlete, explore what happens to our training-related physiology as we age, and propose actionable feedback to help you sustain health and performance into your golden years! Make sure to send us any questions you have through Instagram (strengthratio) or Facebook (Strength Ratio LLC). 

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