How do professional athletes stay strong, fast, and ready to compete all year round? At Westside Barbell, our athletes don’t have the luxury of long prep periods. They train at 90% of their best every day, so when the call comes—whether it’s for a title fight, a last-minute jiu-jitsu super fight, or an event—they’re ready.

In this episode, Tom Barry and Burley Hawk break down: What training at 90% really means, and why Louie Simmons built Westside athletes this way Why traditional peaking cycles don’t work for fighters, grapplers, and elite competitors How max effort, dynamic effort, and volume work together to keep strength at its peak The real reason most athletes can’t handle this system—and why it’s a game-changer for those who can. (Blog on this topic: https://www.westside-barbell.com/blogs/the-blog/built-to-win-the-westside-barbell-blueprint-for-jiu-jitsu

At Westside, MMA fighters, Jiu-Jitsu competitors, and our athletes don’t get 8-12 weeks to prepare. They have to be ready at all times—no excuses. Learn how we train, recover, and dominate using the principles taught by Louie Simmons and real-world-tested programming.

Organize Your Visit to Westside Barbell Here!

Follow Westside Barbell:

• Website: Westside Barbell
• Instagram: @westsidebarbellofficial
• Facebook: @westsidebarbellofficial
• Twitter: @westsidebarbell

Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:

• CLMS
• Conjugate Tactical
• The Conjugate Club

In this episode of the Westside Barbell Podcast, Tom Barry and Burley Hawk break down Dynamic Effort Training, its role in building explosive strength, and how Westside has adapted it for powerlifters, MMA fighters, and Jiu-Jitsu athletes.

Topics Covered:

What is Dynamic Effort Training & how does it work? How to apply the three-week wave system for speed & power Why powerlifters, MMA fighters, and grapplers use this method How Westside Barbell modified Dynamic Effort for athletes Training density, volume per minute, and maximizing recovery

"Train as strong as necessary, not as strong as possible." Westside Barbell continues to evolve Louie Simmons’ methods for today’s athletes.

Organize Your Visit to Westside Barbell Here!

Follow Westside Barbell:

• Website: Westside Barbell
• Instagram: @westsidebarbellofficial
• Facebook: @westsidebarbellofficial
• Twitter: @westsidebarbell

Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:

• CLMS
• Conjugate Tactical
• The Conjugate Club

In this episode of Driven by Westside, join Tom Barry of Westside Barbell as he picks up former Ohio State linebacker, NFL athlete and renowned strength coach Anthony Schlegel for an in-depth, on-the-road conversation about all things training. From their days under legendary coaches like Louie Simmons, Jim Tressel, and Urban Meyer to the gritty environments of Metroflex Gym and Westside Barbell, this episode dives into the core principles that shape elite athletes.

Anthony reveals how a simple program, coached at an elite level, can outperform even the most “perfect” training protocols if they’re not taught with passion and precision. They discuss striking the balance between sports science and old-school toughness, building a raw and relentless culture, and guiding athletes to maximize their genetic potential. Whether you’re interested in strength training, football performance, or just want to learn how top-level coaches keep athletes driven and injury-free, this conversation delivers real-world insights you can apply immediately.

Tune in for candid stories about the impact of teamwork, the importance of recovery, and the mindset shift needed to transform good athletes into unstoppable champions. Don’t miss this high-energy “carcast” packed with practical tips, coaching hacks, and behind-the-scenes stories that bring the Westside Barbell ethos to life.

Organize Your Visit to Westside Barbell Here!

Follow Westside Barbell:

• Website: Westside Barbell
• Instagram: @westsidebarbellofficial
• Facebook: @westsidebarbellofficial
• Twitter: @westsidebarbell

Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:

• CLMS
• Conjugate Tactical
• The Conjugate Club