Training
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Our blog is a collection of articles that make up our doctrine on everything performance.
We are not beholden to corporate sponsors, influencers, or powers that be. Our commitment is to our readers; the coaches, athletes, and enthusiasts that come to us for our honest assessments, analysis, and opinions.
Our pledge to you is that we will do the heavy lifting! We go to battle with bullshit and cut to the chase. If you’re looking for honest information, you’re in the right place.
RECOMMENDED READING
Training
Sled Work Without a Sled
No sled? No problem. Learn the best sled workout alternatives to build power, speed, and conditioning anywhere. Whether you’re in a packed gym, outdoors, or traveling with limited equipment. Discover how to maintain intensity, train the same energy systems, and keep making gains without missing a step.
Ep 855 – Madeleine Conti on Real Kettlebell Strength
Madeleine Conti joins John to break down kettlebell training, event prep, and how to build real strength that carries beyond the gym. Known for her no-nonsense approach, she shares how she programs kettlebell workouts, where most athletes go wrong, and how she’s preparing for her upcoming event. If you want smarter kettlebell training, better results, and zero fluff, this episode delivers.
Ep 854 – Sabrina Shapiro on Mastering Performance Under Pressure
Sabrina Shapiro joins John to break down mental training, performance anxiety, and resilience for athletes and high performers. From her NCAA fencing career to coaching mindset under pressure, she shares practical tools to build confidence, develop self-compassion, and perform when it matters most.
How To Hack Your Breathing
If you’re not using breathing for performance, you’re leaving results on the table. Learn how to get stronger, recover faster, and train smarter.
Ep 853 – The Grind to ADCC w/ Felipe Costa
Felipe Costa joins John to break down his upcoming fight, ADCC 2026 preparation, and the realities of elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. From training intensity and mindset to strength, conditioning, and recovery, Costa shares what it takes to compete (and win) at the highest level.
Ep 852 – How to Bulletproof Your Body w/ Dr. John Rusin
Dr. John Rusin lays out how to bulletproof your body with smarter programming, better movement, and a no-BS approach to pain-free performance. We break down the biggest mistakes in modern training, why early specialization is wrecking athletes, and how a lack of movement diversity is setting you up for breakdown. If you want to build real strength, stay injury-free, and keep performing for the long haul, this is the blueprint.
Why Progress Requires Heavier Weight
Strength coach Louie Simmons had strong opinions about the idea that athletes can build elite strength without ever touching a barbell. Drawing from years of conversations and training alongside Louie, John breaks down why bodyweight strength is the exception, not the rule. And why real strength training principles still matter.
Ep 850 – Why Women Over 40 Need the Barbell w/ Hailey Babcock
Think strength training is optional after 40? Think again. Hailey Babcock joins John to unpack the real challenges women face in midlife. From hormones and muscle loss to the misinformation dominating social media, and why picking up heavy weight might be the most important health decision women make after 40.
The Uncomfortable Truth About Getting Lean…
Sleep is one of the most overlooked factors in strength, recovery, and long-term performance. Learn why quality sleep drives muscle repair, hormone balance, and nervous system recovery. And how prioritizing rest can help you break through plateaus, reduce injury risk, and make real progress instead of constantly training exhausted.
Ep 849 – Hard-Earned Hypertrophy Lessons
John sits down with resident Power Athlete Dragon Slayer, Arash Soofiani, to share the hard-earned hypertrophy lessons they wish they’d known starting out. From mistakes that kill gains to strategies that actually work. Tune in for tips on building muscle, strength, and resilience.
