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In this episode we explore the principles and strategies for some of the more non-traditional programming styles. Mike and Brett discuss: Ascending ladders Descending ladders Strength aerobics Volume Density Work-to-rest ratios And much more! There are endless training methodologies that will yield positive results. It's excellent, but can be confusing. Working with too many moving parts when you're designing training programs can feel unstructured for the coach and the athlete(s). While there a...
One of the most common questions we get when it comes to training with kettlebells is about what size kettlebell to use. Quite often we see students going too heavy with kettlebell ballistics (e.g. clean, snatch, swing, jerk). Ballistic exercises are more dynamic than grinds (e.g squat, row, TGU, windmill) and work on the power generation and absorption in a dynamic fashion, If kettlebell swings are good, heavier must be better, right? Like many things, it depends! This episode is all about kett...
Many strength coaches and sports coaches have missed the boat on the idea that power development is very different than conditioning. Let's emphasize that. Power development is not conditioning. Simply put, power is strength strength applied quickly. In this episode Brett and Mike discuss: The do’s and don’ts of power development Programming strategies for power development Principles for power development Why it's really important to develop a base level of strength before training for power (Y...
Brett and Mike delve into the nuances of mobility and hypermobility, explaining the critical differences between active and passive range of motion and how to bridge this gap through controlled, loaded movements. They discuss the pitfalls of over-stretching, particularly for hypermobile clients who need stability, not more flexibility. The conversation extends to the neurological underpinnings of movement and the impact of holistic factors like nutrition, hydration, and sleep on overall movement competency.
The most efficient athletes in the world can demonstrate an elegant balance of tension and relaxation. We see this skill represented in strength training, calisthenics, and several field and court sports. Some people balance tension and relaxation naturally, while others have to work at it. Regardless of where you are in your athletic journey, learning how to balance tension and relaxation is a vital and worthwhile skill. Join Mike and Brett and they discuss their in depth knowledge of how to ba...
In this episode, Brett and Mike give you the simplest way to change and impact movement when you're working with your clients. Far too often, we see coaches skip steps in this process and then wonder why their interventions are unsuccessful. If you're looking for a simple recipe you can use time and again to change and impact movement, don't miss this episode. The MED duo give you a step-by-step approach on how to approach movement change in a way that will actually stick. If you have clients wh...
This episode of The Minimum Effective Dose podcast is all about creating an amazing group training program. Your hosts discuss several topics such as culture, programming, communication and so much more. Brett and Mike give you valuable insight on how to create a culture in your group training program that fosters continual progress. Plus, we talk brand building and client retention. If you own a gym or run adult group classes, don’t miss this episode! Principles of Program Design Group Training...
Mike and Brett discuss recent projects they've been working on outside of the Minimum Effective Dose podcast. These 2 resources can help you set yourself apart from other strength and conditioning coaches. If you're a fitness professional looking to build your career in strength and conditioning, tune in and check out the details linked below. Iron Cardio Brett discusses his latest digital product and e-book called Iron Cardio. This is for you if you want to develop essential skills to safely ut...
This episode is part two of a two-part series on digging deeper into the Turkish Get Up. If you're interested in learn more about the TGU to learn more for your own training purposes or to help you better coach your clients, don't miss this episode and the previous episode (Part 1 of Digging Deeper into the Turkish Get Up) where we started the conversation. In part 2, Brett and Mike cover: The half kneeling position via the low sweep The lunge - stand up position How to reverse these steps to im...
This episode is part one of a two-part series on the Turkish Get Up. If you're interested in digging deeper into the Turkish Get Up to learn more for your own training purposes or to help you better coach your clients, don't miss this one. The MED duo, Brett and Mike, discuss everything from… Teaching cues Common errors How we like to use this exercise How anthropometry plays a role throughout the movement And more... In this two-part series, you will gain tips from coaches who have over 35 year...
Brett and Mike discuss their thoughts on the importance of gaining a solid knowledge base as a fitness professional. The fitness industry has a low barrier of entry which can be a blessing, but also a curse. While there are easy ways to get certified and start training, there is so much value in continuing to improve your knowledge base beyond what's "required." The MED duo discusses: The importance of anatomy, physiology and psychology Communication Skill acquisition The value of in-the-trenche...
Is technology helping or hurting your fitness and function? Don't get us wrong. We're huge fans of technology, but it's important to determine if what we're implementing with these tools is done in a way that results in a positive adaptation. Are we getting too focused on the data from fitness technology devices/wearables? Are we relying so much on technology that we forget to slow down and pay attention to the signals our body is giving us? If modern technology has changed the landscape of fitn...
You already know we love kettlebell training. In this episode, we discuss the finer details of the kettlebell clean and snatch. These two kettlebell exercises are fundamental kettlebell skills. Just about everyone can benefit from including cleans and snatches into a training routine. Whether you are a seasoned professional looking for optimal coaching points or a beginner just learning to train with kettlebells, you don’t want to miss this episode field stripping the kettlebell clean and snatch...
Do traveling and training mix? In this episode, Mike and Brett discuss how they manage traveling and training. They give you some strategies to improve your workouts when you travel and discuss something else you may never have thought about - what to do to get back into training (safely) after your trip. A few things you'll hear more about... What Brett does before a trip with his training. Don't worry about sticking to your exact training plan unless you have a very specific goal. If the goal ...
This episode is a deep dive into the importance of mastering the basics of the kettlebell deadlift and swing. Brett and Mike give you valuable insight into: How to approach your kettlebell training regimen The importance of programming when training with kettlebells Biomechanics Coaching kettlebells and why we start with the kettlebell deadlift and swing By the way... if you enjoy learning more about strength and conditioning, specifically when it comes to how to design the best programs, we'd l...
Tune into this episode to get an inside look at the truth about strength and conditioning research. Today's guest, Antonio Squillante, is a brilliant coach and researcher. He gives us an absolute masterclass on how research works in the world of strength and conditioning. If you are a coach who's trying to understand how strength and conditioning research works, you don’t want miss this episode. By the way... if you enjoy learning more about strength and conditioning, specifically when it comes ...
Mike and Brett take a deeper dive into corrective exercise in this episode. They'll give you some things to think about when it comes to using corrective exercise with your own clients, athletes and perhaps even yourself. If you’ve been in the fitness industry for five years or more, you’ve definitely (and hopefully) heard of corrective exercise. Even before that, it was one of the most popular topics in the fitness industry. While some coaches have had great success using corrective exercise to...
One of the most common questions we get asked when it comes to programming is how to blend kettlebell training with barbell training. If you're programming kettlebell and barbell work for your clients (or yourself), this is a must-listen episode for you. There are several different ways to approach utilizing both of these training modalities in order to develop programs that are safe and effective. In this episode Mike and Brett go over... How to use kettlebells as part of your warm up Work to r...
So you just finished an amazing course or certification. Great! Now you need to figure out how to apply your new skills with your clients. In this episode, Brett and Mike give some simple and effective tips and advice on how to take the new information you learn from a certification or workshop and apply your new skills with clients on Monday morning. Certification weekends can be incredibly powerful and even career changing. (Side note: Mike Perry and Eric D'agati have a live Principles of Prog...
In this episode of the MED podcast, Brett and Mike discuss the importance of professional development. The hosts discuss their educational backgrounds and important lessons they’ve learned about continual improvement. Plus they'll give you some great tactical advice on how to develop both personally and professionally. If you feel stuck in your current journey as a coach or you're confused about what types of professional development may help you most, you don’t want to miss this episode. Welcom...
There are variety of strategies you can use when it comes to training for hypertrophy - building muscle. When you ask a coach the best way to build lean muscle, kettlebell training is usually not a top preferred method. Thinking kettlebell training for hypertrophy won’t work probably has to do with misapplication, bro science and inexperience. When programmed correctly, kettlebell training can be an incredible tool to help you pack on muscle. Join Brett and Mike as they discuss kettlebell traini...
Approximately 80% of the US population will experience low back pain at some point. The bad news is low back pain can be quite debilitating. The good news is low back pain can also often can be managed in a successful fashion. Join Brett and Mike as they share their personal struggles with low back pain and also give you valuable insight on how to help yourself and your clients/patients when dealing with low back pain. Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with new co-host, Brett Jones. This se...
In this Minimum Effective Dose Podcast Episode, Brett and Mike talk about a reality of working as a personal trainer - everyone's got something. What we mean is that everyone you meet will have their own baggage. In the real world, rarely do people come through the doors without tweaks, twinges and musculoskeletal based injuries. Join Brett and Mike as they discuss their experiences working with various clients. You don't want to miss this episode because you have something, we have something an...
In this episode, Brett and Mike compare two significantly different training styles, structured training versus unstructured training. Please don’t hear what we’re not saying. We aren’t talking about doing a bunch of random exercises. We are talking about following a structured training program in a near perfect fashion versus having a bit more freedom and agility within your training sessions. Some argue that structured training is the best option and others like to more leeway based on schedul...
In this episode, hosts Mike Perry and Brett Jones, talk about the importance of a mentor. Mentors are positive role models who come in many different forms including teachers, friends, coaches, family members, and more. Mentors take you under their wing(s) to help you grow and develop in areas like business, athletics, coaching, relationships and every day life. Mentors help you learn new things, guide you as you determine and work towards your goals, and support you along the journey. Both host...
If you’re listening to this chances are you’re interested in learning how to be {more} successful as a personal trainer and/or strength coach. With over 45 years of combined experience, Brett and Mike have seen and experienced just about everything you can imagine working with clients in the fitness industry. Sure, they’ve made their fair share of mistakes. They’ve also gained tons of insight on some things that will help you become more successful in the fitness industry. Join Mike and Brett as...
In episode 18 of the Minimum Effective Dose Podcast, Brett and Mike discuss consistency and motivation. It's no secret that consistency yields the best results, but how can you stay motivated to be consistent when life gets tough or challenging? Everyone is different and each person responds to challenges and adversity in a different fashion. In this episode the MED hosts go over strategies to help keep you on the right track. If you struggle with consistency and motivation or you work with clie...
Mike Perry and Brett Jones delve into the nuances of mobility and flexibility, differentiating between the two and highlighting how the brain governs movement and the importance of awareness. They discuss common misconceptions, the dangers of aggressive stretching, and the need for medical clearance for pain. The hosts stress the importance of an individualized, incremental approach to training, advocating for a "buffer zone" of movement competency to ensure lifelong health and resilience, rather than chasing extreme ranges of motion or past physical capabilities.
In episode 16, Brett and Mike talk about whether foam rolling and self massage are a waste of time. Tune in to hear more about soft tissue management, foam rolling and self massage. The MED crew talks about: The art and science of self massage What foam rolling and self massage can and can not do for you How to use these tools effectively so you're not wasting your time Learn some practical tips you can apply immediately to utilize foam rolling and self massage for yourself and your clients. Wel...
In episode 15, a tale of two kettlebell journeys, Brett and Mike talk about their experiences with kettlebell training. Both coaches share how they got started, how their kettlebell journeys have evolved and where they are now. Mike and Brett also give you some valuable insight on coaching, professional development and more. One of the beautiful things about kettlebell training is that you'll learn a skill and get a great workout at the same time. You can develop strength, power and efficiency a...
