So you want to be prepared? Let's talk about the key principles of athletic development. Brett and Mike have both been coaching for over 20 years and have learned some valuable lessons about preparation, load management, blending skill, development, and strength and conditioning. We discuss everything above and also cover topics such as: conditioning based protocols in-season programming periodization movement competency and much more To some, this episode may seem like common sense, but for oth...
Aug 16, 2023
Coaching kids is challenging. If you've ever trained kids, I bet you agree! Middle school and high school athletes come in all shapes and sizes. On top of that, they have varied maturity levels, experiences and skill levels. Due to these discrepancies, pre-teens and teens can be a tough group of athletes to work with. It probably makes sense to you that training the kids who are athletic is a much easier task than training kids who don't have a lot of experience with sports and being active, but...
Aug 09, 2023
This episode is a bit different from our normal Minimum Effective Dose Podcast format. Mike took this opportunity to catch up with his good friend, Evan Marcantonio, to discuss how, when and why he made a career change into the fitness industry. Becoming a coach later in life comes with some challenges and also some benefits. Evan is a successful gym owner who owns Elevate Strength and Performance in Worcester, Massachusetts. He’s a highly talented coach who is always looking for ways to improve...
Aug 03, 2023
This episode is all about fall sports preparation for youth athletes. August is coming right up and fall sports are around the corner. Brett and Mike both have experience working with youth athletes. Both are strength and conditioning coaches and Brett also worked with youth athletes as an ATC. Over the years, the MED team has accrued valuable information on how to optimally prepare athletes for their fall sports... and all sports. In this episode, we discuss several topics including: tissue loa...
Jul 26, 2023
This episode of the MED Podcast is all about the cervical spine. We talk about training considerations, contraindications and scope of practice when it comes to the cervical spine. We cover: the basics of functional anatomy simple assessments for personal trainers how to work with individuals who have experienced neck or shoulder pain the importance of scope of practice how to create a successful approach when working with individuals experiencing neck pain If you are a personal trainer and you ...
Jul 19, 2023
The internet is a wealth of information - some great and some really bad. We know it’s hard to decipher between fake news and fitness truths, In this episode, Brett and Mike discuss fitness trends, research, how science impacts trends and much more. After working in the fitness industry for several decades, we feel better equipped to navigate the world of social media, influencers, cherry-picked research and real science… and we want to share some tips with you. If you want to learn more about h...
Jul 12, 2023
You’ve probably heard someone say something along the lines of “you should eat like an adult,” but has anyone told you that you should train like an adult as well? What does it mean to train like an adult? Obviously, it depends on each individual, but in this podcast we discuss the most common qualities adults need to focus on developing as they age. In this episode, Brett and Mike discuss various topics related to working with adults such as : The importance of mobility and movement competency ...
Jun 28, 2023
In this episode about optimizing your practice, we go over how to better understand and implement block, serial, and random practice. Brett and Mike talk about skill acquisition, motor learning and optimizing your practice and training sessions. Depending on the skill(s) you are trying to learn, there are different types of practice methods that will lend themselves to skill acquisition and practical application. Practice makes perfect, right? Well, maybe. It depends on the skill, situation and ...
Jun 21, 2023
One of the most common questions we get regarding youth training is whether kids should lift weights or not. The short answer is yes they should lift weights, but like anything, the devil is in the details. In this episode, Brett and Mike discuss all things youth training and share our thoughts on kids lifting weights. The MED duo covers various topics on youth training such as: The impact of sprinting on the body How to manage growth spurts How to introduce strength training for kids The import...
Jun 14, 2023
Building the Engine is an 8-week customized conditioning program that will get you in the best shape of your life. Over the last 10 years, Mike has been working with some of the best combat athletes in New England. His e-book, Building the Engine, is the culmination of that work. In this episode of the Minimum Effective Dose, Mike gives you the story and science behind the e-book. He and Brett Jones also share invaluable resources to help you get into the best shape of your life. If you want to ...
Jun 07, 2023
This episode is all about the Beast Tamer and Iron Maiden challenge. If you are not familiar with this challenge, here’s a link to StrongFirst to learn more. The three events are a strict military press, a strict tactical pullup, and a pistol. Men lift a 48kg kettlebell to become Beast Tamers. Women earn their Iron Maiden title with a 24kg kettlebell. This challenge is simple, but not easy to complete. This challenge takes strength, patience, mobility, strength and a boat load of determination. ...
May 31, 2023
This episode is all about Iron Cardio. Brett and Mike dig deep into this style of training and cover topics including: Physiological adaptations of iron cardio Physiological adaptations of traditional cardiovascular exercise The difference between iron cardio and traditional cardiovascular exercise Programming options Pros and potential cons How to categorize upper body, lower body and/or systemic-biased exercises How skill and being efficient impacts your overall training program If you current...
May 24, 2023
Stress Management is a hot topic these days. We still talk about training in this episode, but we're focused more on the impact of training and less on a specific type of training. Eustress is defined as positive form of stress having a beneficial effect on health, motivation, performance, and emotional well-being. Strength Training is typically eustress. When you're training in a way that's working well for you it will result in a positive adaptation. We dive more into how this works and also g...
May 17, 2023
You've probably had to figure out how to manage injuries from time to time. Tweaks, twinges and injuries happen. Unfortunately, they're a part of life. If you're an athlete, you may get injured while training or competing, but you also might just tweak something in your day-to-day activities. While we can't prevent tweaks, twinges or injuries, we can: Make better programming decisions Use more common sense when it comes to managing injuries Create a game plan to optimize the recovery and rehabil...
May 15, 2023
Today's Minimum Effective Dose episode is all about the kettlebell windmill exercise. In this episode we discuss all things related to the windmill including: Movement prerequisites Hip anatomy and how it plays a role in performing the windmill Tips to find your stance Teaching progressions Coaching cues Programming considerations And so much more! If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the kettlebell windmill, don’t miss this episode. Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry an...
May 03, 2023
This episode is all about minimalistic training. The MED team discusses various topics around minimalistic training such as: Program design The beauty of simplicity Time management Lifestyle and recreational activities How to integrate barbell, kettlebell and and bodyweight training into your training regimen As always, there are movie quotes, shenanigans and plenty of laughs and sarcasm. If you want to know more about minimalistic training and how you can apply this idea to your own training, d...
Apr 26, 2023
This podcast is a bit different than our normal episodes, but it's quite important if you're a gym owner, personal trainer or coach. We're focusing on the importance of client retention and giving you 10 tips keep your clients coming back for more. The fitness industry is filled with individuals promising seven-figure sales, 100 new clients by tomorrow and all kinds of endless BS. Acquiring new clients is never a bad thing, but don't forget about client retention. It's a lot easier to keep a cli...
Apr 19, 2023
Your individual hip architecture impacts your movement. Your hips, your movement! Today’s episode is all about the hips and pelvis. We discuss various topics including: Hip function Shape and orientation of the pelvis Various shapes of the femoral head The acetabulum Posterior and anterior pelvic tilts and how these can impact movement, such as hip flexion and extension Hip mobility The dreaded “butt wink” ... And so much more If you are interested in how structure dictates function, don't miss ...
Apr 12, 2023
In this episode of the Minimum Effective Dose podcast, Mike and Brett dig deep into the kettlebell clean and press. In this episode, the team discusses various topics related to the clean and press such as: Shoulder mobility Scapular mechanics The importance of the thoracic spine, when pressing overhead How different shoulder anatomy impacts pressing groove The importance of the kettlebell clean and how it sets up your press ... and more! If you are a fan of the kettlebell clean and press in you...
Apr 05, 2023
There is no shortage of programming options in the world of strength and conditioning. Some program options we go over in this episode include: Linear Periodization Wave Loading Auto-Regulation Reps in Reserve (RIR) Perceived Rate of Exertion (PRE) ...and so much more! This episode is all about program design. Brett and Mike discuss various types of training options such as linear periodization, wave loading, auto-regulation, RIR, PRE and so much more. The MED duo digs deep into each of these pr...
Mar 29, 2023
March is Colon Cancer Awareness month. Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be.Incidence in those younger than 50, or young-onset colorectal cancer, is on the rise. Among those under age 55, the incidence rate is increasing by 1.5% every year. According to the latest data, colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men aged 20–49 years. Screening disparities are also evident among Black and Alaskan Native communities,...
Mar 22, 2023
You don't know squat! But you will soon... In this episode of the Minimum Effective Dose, we're talking all about squatting. We go over the squat as an exercise, the movement of squatting and the key differences between the two. Mike and Brett discuss several aspects of the squat including: Progressions Movement competency and prerequisites Coaching cues Anthropometry The neuro-developmental sequence Why adults cannot squat like babies Much more If you are a fan of the squat, for yourself or you...
Mar 15, 2023
In this episode of the Minimum Effective Dose, we're dissecting the pull-up. Mike and Brett discuss various topics surrounding the pull-up such as: Biomechanics Functional anatomy Progressions and regressions Strategies for group training and personal training Programming considerations If you are a huge fan of pull-ups (and want more movie quotes) don’t miss this episode! Related: Join us in North Chelmsford, MA at Skill of Strength for a StrongFirst Bodyweight Certification August 12-13, 2023....
Mar 08, 2023
In this episode, we dive into the 1 arm push-up and the 1 arm /1 leg push-up exercises. The 1 arm push-up variation is a fantastic demonstration of total body tension and upper body strength. This is not one of those exercises you can dive right into. These bodyweight exercises require strength, coordination, determination and practice in order to perform them safely and efficiently. We dive deep into various topics like: Creating and implementing muscular tension Programming considerations Coac...
Mar 01, 2023
In this episode of The Minimum Effective Dose podcast we are diving deep into the pistol squat. Brett and Mike talk all things pistol squats and cover topics including: Movement prerequisites for pistol squats Programming considerations Coaching cues Progressions Low back health Tension and core function And so much more! If you are looking to expand your knowledge on executing and coaching the pistol squat, you don’t wanna miss this episode. Related: Check out this game-changing online instruct...
Feb 22, 2023
In this episode, Brett and Mike discuss how to design a program using guidelines, governors, and guard rails. The MED duo also discusses various topics such as: The importance of client/coach communication How to design a program that yields results and is also easy for your clients to understand Repetitions on Reserve (RIR) Perceived Rate of Exertion (PRE) Linear periodization Regardless of what type of exercises and program you choose for each individual (or group), the ability to communicate ...
Feb 15, 2023
Brett and Mike discuss the science behind muscle confusion and energy system development. Just kidding, muscle confusion isn't a real thing! But energy system development sure is. In this episode, we talk about... Energy System Development Alactic and aerobic training protocols On-the-minute training ... and much more. We also give you some guidelines on how to approach and design training protocols in order to optimize your health and performance. If you've wondered what the deal is with muscle...
Feb 08, 2023
What makes a great coach? Every January, we see an uptick in people who are looking to improve their health and fitness and often times they are looking to hire a qualified coach. But what is it that makes a coach great? In this episode, Mike and Brett discuss various aspects about what it means to be a great coach. We talk about everything from knowledge, skill, set, personality, and much more in this episode. If you’re looking to take your coaching game to the next level or want some tips on w...
Jan 25, 2023
New Year, New you?! In the first episode of The Minimum Effective Dose Podcast for 2023, we talk about some simple strategies that may help you get into a better health and wellness routine for the upcoming year. We’ve both been in the fitness industry for a long time, and we’ve pretty much seen it all. In this episode, we’re going to give you some valuable advice on how to trainer smarter, be more consistent and help you work towards your goals. This isn’t going to be a motivational talk to get...
Jan 18, 2023
This past year, 2022, was an incredible year for the Minimum Effective Dose podcast. My good friend, Brett joined the podcast as a co-host and I could not be happier with how season 2 went. We had a chance to share about our cancer journeys, overused movie quotes, had some laughs and talked tons of shop about training. We explored all kinds of training topics including kettlebells, power development, conditioning, hypermobility, corrective exercise, training while traveling, professional develop...
Jan 04, 2023
