Should we lift overhead? Tune in for an in-depth discussion on overhead mobility and our opinions on if we (and our clients) should lift overhead... and why. This episode is all about overhead lifting and we discuss topics such as: How neurology plays a role in posture Why posture is actually an adaptation The importance of breathing when it comes to mobility The role of the cervical spine and the brachial plexus A simple approach to improve overhead mobility If you are looking for a brain dump ...
Apr 24, 2024
Aging is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean we cannot live a long and healthy life. If you've ever wondered about training and aging... it's a process. There are various aspects to consider when discussing the aging process. In this episode we talk about appropriate strength and conditioning when it comes to training and aging. The Minimum Effective Dose hosts discuss the importance of mobility, exercise selection and cardiovascular health as it relates to training and aging. They also discuss th...
Apr 17, 2024
We're revisiting Prilepin's Chart in this episode all about the science of strength training. We are going to talk about sets, reps and percentages using Prilepin's Chart which has been a staple in the world of strength training for decades. Brett and Mike cover topics including: Percentage based lifting Sets and rep schemes Real life application Examples of how to apply Prilepin's Chart If you are a fan of strength, you don’t want to miss this episode where we take a deep dive into the science ...
Apr 10, 2024
This episode is all about those aha moments - the game changing moments in our careers. You know the ones I’m talking about. Someone says something in a conversation or shares a new way of doing something that resonates deeply or you attend a course where you completely change the way you look at the way you coach or how you want to move about this world. You don’t want to miss Brett and Mike discuss topics such as: The importance of neurology and how is has impacted each of our thought processe...
Apr 03, 2024
What makes you an expert? We're switching things up today and you'll get to hear some interesting insight on what both Brett and Mike believe makes you an expert in something. Sure, we know there are the basics, such as having a high degree of skill or being someone who is sought out in their given field, but what else makes you an expert? There’s so much more to that question! When it comes to being an expert at something, there are a lot more similarities than differences regardless of what pr...
Mar 27, 2024
Here we go again. It’s time to answer the biggest and baddest training questions from listeners - you! As always, thanks for tuning in to the Minimum Effective Dose Podcast. We love hearing from you and appreciate your comments, questions and feedback so we can better help you improve as a coach. It’s fun to answer new and different training questions and also those about life, leadership, mentoring and more. These episodes keep us on our toes. In training questions from the mailbag part 2, we c...
Mar 20, 2024
It's easy to get stuck in a silo as a coach - to become the kettlebell guy or the barbell gal. In this episode we talk about how to combine training modalities to help get your clients better results. Blending modalities, the art and science of creating a training program via combining and implementing exercises with barbells, kettlebells, bodyweight exercises and more, can be confusing and overwhelming. In this episode, we dig a bit deeper and give you some high-level details on how to combine ...
Mar 13, 2024
In this episode, we talk about timing the hinge, plus all things hinging - specifically folding, timing, and force. We also go over why tempo and speed matter for power and athletic development. Brett and Mike have taught thousands of people how to hip hinge in all types of environments. They have taught clients to hinge in the weight room, outside and often with a kettlebell in hand. The ability to produce force and absorb force efficiently through your hips is probably the most vital component...
Mar 06, 2024
In this episode, we’re trying something completely new and we're calling it training questions from the mail bag. A lot of our listeners are active on the Strongfirst forum and we reached out to find out what questions coaches have on all things training related. In this episode, we answer questions from you - our listeners - covering topics including: The overall benefits of kettlebell training The difference between exercising and skill acquisition How to maintain a healthy relationship with e...
Feb 21, 2024
In this episode we're talk about programming for the snatch test. We revisit old programs and offer new insight. If you aren’t familiar with the snatch test, it’s very simple - not easy. The goal of the snatch test is to perform 100 kettlebell snatches in five minutes or less. The weight of the kettlebell used ranges anywhere from 10k to 32k or higher, depending on age, weight and goals. In this episode, Mike and Brett discuss various aspects of programming for the snatch test such as: How mobil...
Feb 14, 2024
If you work with athletes, you most likely (and hopefully!) understand the importance of single leg training. Here are a few common problems when it comes to trainers actually executing single leg training with their clients: A lack of progressions Limited knowledge of when, where and how to use these exercises Inability to coach single leg movements exceptionally well Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered and we talk about the importance of single like training and everything that goes along with ...
Feb 07, 2024
This episode is all about tendons. We're going to get a little bit more nerdy than we usually do here on the Minimum Effective Dose. Brett and Mike cover various topics about tendons including: Rehabilitation Stress and adaptation Performance And much more! If you’re curious about what tendons do and how to train them, this is a perfect episode of you. Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength: Mike Perry on Instagram Mike Perry on Facebook Skill of Strength: Skill of Strength Website Skill of Str...
Jan 31, 2024
You've probably wondered about yoga for athletes. Is it good? Bad? Does it depend? Like many things, it does depend. You'll want to consider why you're adding yoga into your training program instead of assuming that yoga is a catch-all and will benefit everyone. In this episode, Brett and Mike discuss the topic of yoga for athletes in detail. For some athletes, yoga is wonderful! If you are training a lot and you want something to help take you down a notch, remove yourself from the wired state,...
Jan 24, 2024
Years ago, Gray Cook and Mike Boyle changed the fitness industry with their idea of the joint by joint approach to training. Here's a fun story from Mike Boyle himself about how this approach came to life. In this episode we're revisiting the joint by joint approach to training, a simple concept that revolutionized the training industry and literally changed the trajectory of thousands of coaches all over the world. We love this approach to training and find there are so many layers to peel back...
Jan 17, 2024
We're back and since it's a huge time for New Years Resolutions, that's where we're starting off this season! Whether you are a "New Year, New You" resolution die-hard or you're simply looking to implement some changes to improve your health, relationships, or career, we've got your back. If you’re really going to make a change, you need a game plan and it needs to be a realistic one. If you want some real-world advice on how to make lasting changes in your life, don’t miss this episode. Welcome...
Jan 10, 2024
It's almost December and it's time for the year in review! This episode will be the last one of 2023. Your hosts, Brett Jones and Mike Perry, are taking some time off over the holidays, but don’t worry! A new season will start in January, 2024. If you've been enjoying the podcast and want to get to know these two a bit better, don’t miss this final episode of season 3. Oh, and if you have a few minutes, we'd love for you to review the podcast and share your favorite episode on social media or wi...
Nov 29, 2023
In today's episode we continued our recent discussion on programming variables. We're talking about density in this one! Training density is the ability to complete a certain amount of work (sets/reps) in a specific amount of time. In this episode we dive into: How does density apply to training? What are some ways to change density from a practical standpoint? How can changing density alter the desired adaptations? If you want to learn more about programming variables, specifically density, don...
Nov 22, 2023
Volume is one of many variables you can modify with when putting together training programs. Volume can be described as a number of working repetitions performed over time. Seems simple, right? Yes and no. Programming volume is an art and a science and to be successful you need to combine science, art, empirical evidence and common sense. If you are having a tough time understanding how to properly program volume, you don’t want to miss this episode. Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with M...
Nov 15, 2023
Sometimes the best way to learn is to let the weight become the teacher. Don't worry - we aren't saying you should take a brand new weight lifter, throw a barbell on their back and see how it goes. (And, yes, we have heard of coaches who do that!) So what's the best way to progress people from an exercise standpoint? Start with Bodyweight weight training. Once you become proficient with your bodyweight, add an external load. From there, choose your favorite implements to make things heavier. In ...
Nov 08, 2023
In this episode we dive pretty darn deep into programming the TGU, Windmill and Bent Press exercises. The Turkish Get Up (TGU), Windmill and Bent Press exercises can be incredibly impactful when applied and programmed correctly. Unfortunately, most people, even coaches, don’t know how to fit all the pieces together properly. Brett and Mike discuss the nuances of each of these kettlebell exercises and provide years of observations and insight when it comes to programming the TGU, Windmill and Ben...
Nov 01, 2023
This episode is all about strength training, and specifically embracing the grinds. The grinds are lifts such as deadlift, pressing variations and squats. While most people think that the grinds are pretty easy exercises to execute, it all changes when the weights get heavy . In this episode, we discuss all things grinds including: Technique The importance of stacking your rib cage over your pelvis Programming considerations and much more If you strength train or work with clients, tune in to he...
Oct 25, 2023
The following exercises are all part of the kettlebell ballistics family. Cleans Swings Snatches Jerks No stone is left unturned in this episode, the MED team goes over the intricacies of all things kettlebell ballistics. Mike and Brett discuss programming, load management, technique, and so much more. The combination of ballistic and grind lifts, done in many possible ways will increase strength and cardiovascular ability, and stabilize and strengthen the legs, hips, lower back, abs, and should...
Oct 18, 2023
This episode is all about comparing body part splits and total body training - two fairly different training styles. Body parts splits have been around for decades and one of the main reasons was due to the popularity of bodybuilding. Within the last 20 years, total body training has become incredibly popular . In this episode we compare the two training styles and discuss the pros and cons of body part splits versus total body training sessions. Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike ...
Oct 11, 2023
This episode is covers the anatomy of a training session. The definition of anatomy is a study of the structure or internal workings of something. We talk all things related to the structure of a training session and dive into the decision making process as well. Brett and Mike discuss the various components a successful training session should include and also give you valuable feedback that allows for better decision making, optimal programming and, ultimately, happy clients and students. If y...
Oct 04, 2023
Like anything, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively is a skill that can be developed. The art of communication involves delivering messages effectively to others to obtain specific results. In this episode, the MED team shares with you the valuable advice and communication strategies they’ve learned over the years as coaches, educators and lectures. There are three main topics we discuss in this podcast, and they are: The importance of authenticity when communicating How body langu...
Sep 28, 2023
This episode is all about keys to longevity. We’re going to cover the basics such as sleep, hydration and nutrition. There are also so many other components that need to be included in this discussion from a training standpoint. We go over other topics that will likely affect your longevity including: load management overreaching guidelines on how to approach your training program and so much more If you’re looking to thrive as you age and become the best version of yourself, you don’t want to m...
Sep 20, 2023
Let's clear something up first. It’s not that we aren’t fans of the creative process. It’s just that quite often people (ahem coaches) are being creative for the sake of being creative, and there is no purpose. Enter: Principle based creativity! If you’re being creative for fun, go for it. If you’re being creative to be productive and/or find something new for yourself or your clients, you’re going to need some guidelines. This is where principle based creativity comes in. Principle based creati...
Sep 13, 2023
If you’ve been in the fitness industry for five or more years, you may have noticed the New Year’s rush is not what once was. We think of New Year's in September now. While people still make New Year’s resolutions, we're finding far more people start training or get back to training in conjunction with their fall routine. If you have kids, you know what I’m talking about. Most parents spend the summer balancing work, kids and vacations and quite often our own fitness goes on the back burner. And...
Sep 06, 2023
Today the MED team talks about the advice they would give to their younger selves, particularly when it comes to their careers in the fitness industry. While Brett and Mike had very different paths in life, there were plenty of similarities as well. In this episode we discuss things like education, mentorship, finding what you love, experiencing what you hate, and everything in between. If you are a younger coach looking to have a successful career in the fitness industry, you don’t want to miss...
Aug 30, 2023
You may wonder if creativity in sport and fitness a good thing or a bad thing. You've heard it's important to get creative, but you've also heard others say you must to stick to the plan. I think we’re asking the wrong question. Creativity in sport and fitness is not good or bad, but there are certainly times it's appropriate to be creative and other times it's better to stick to the game plan. That’s what this episode is all about. Brett and Mike discuss the importance of creativity and how to ...
Aug 23, 2023
