Is the back squat actually holding your adult clients back from their best results?

In this episode of the Strength Coach Podcast, legendary coach Mike Boyle dives deep into why he considers certain staple exercises to be the biggest mistakes in adult fitness programming.

Join host Anthony Renna as he explores the controversial takes that have kept Coach Boyle at the forefront of the industry for decades.

Brought to you by PerformBetter.com
Head over to their website to get 20 percent off First Place Fitness matss and check out the new Hyrox bundles. Be sure to save the dates for the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and Providence.

Check it all out at www.PerformBetter.com

Get $15 off you next order- Sign Up for Texts from Perform Better

In this episode, we break down the death of the back squat and why unilateral training is often the superior choice for longevity and athletic performance. Mike shares his list of the dumbest exercises for adults, including his thoughts on RDLs, hip thrusts, and the hidden dangers of sprinting for the average gym-goer. Pete Dupuis from Business for Unicorns to discuss a common pitfall for gym owners: confusing client attendance with true retention.

Whether you are a personal trainer, strength coach, or gym owner, this conversation offers a masterclass in training philosophy and business strategy. Learn how to navigate the modern world of social media education while staying true to functional training principles that actually work.

Chapters

0:00 Intro and Sponsor Updates

3:12 Retention vs Attendance with Pete Dupuis

6:28 Mike Boyle on the Back Squat Debate

9:45 Why Goblet Squats and Single Leg Training Win

13:30 Ranking the Dumbest Exercises for Adults

17:15 The Risks of Sprinting for Joe from Accounting

21:40 Success in 2026 Writing Speaking and Social Media

25:50 Dealing with Instagram Trolls and Criticism

28:15 Final Thoughts and Episode Wrap Up

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss an update! You can find more resources and upcoming seminar dates at the links provided in our channel bio.

Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?
Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):

Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE-
https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book

Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE
https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm

Follow BFU on Instagram HERE
https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/

Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing

Stop guessing about your adult clients fitness and start prioritizing what actually matters for longevity. In this episode, legendary coach Mike Boyle breaks down why VO2 Max training is no longer optional and how to integrate it without sacrificing strength gains. It is time to move past the performative antics and focus on the actual science of health span.

Brought to you by PerformBetter.com
Head over to their website to get 20 percent off Mini-bands and Superbad’s and check out their new Hyrox bundles. Be sure to save the dates for the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and Providence.

We dive deep into the essential shift toward cardiovascular health for the aging population. Coach Boyle explains how to use Maximal Aerobic Speed (MAS) to prescribe precise intervals that actually move the needle on fitness. We also tackle the technical side of movement, specifically why the industry might be over-complicating regressions like the half-kneeling position when standing might actually be the better starting point for most adults.

The conversation shifts to the eternal debate of the trap bar deadlift versus the squat. Is it just semantics, or does the distinction change how we check the bilateral strength box? Finally, we address the rise of performative coaching culture in collegiate sports. From removing light dumbbells to choreographed game day lifts, Boyle pulls no punches on why these antics are turning strength coaches into court jesters and what professional training should really look like.

Chapters

0:00 Intro and Perform Better Updates

3:15 Training Adult Clients for Longevity

7:45 VO2 Max and Cardiovascular Health

11:20 Programming Intervals with MAS

15:00 The Reality of the Norwegian 4x4

9:15 Half-Kneeling vs Standing Power Training

22:45 Defining the Deadlift and Trap Bar Nuance

26:30 The Problem with Performative Coaching

29:15 Final Thoughts and Hockey Talk

If you want to elevate your coaching game and stay ahead of industry trends, make sure to visit StrengthCoach.com for more expert insights and resources. Subscribe to the channel and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of the Strength Coach Podcast.

Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?
Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):

Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE-
https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book

Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE
https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm

Follow BFU on Instagram HERE
https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/

Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing

In this episode of The Strength Coach Podcast, Mark Fisher joins host Anthony Renna to break down how artificial intelligence is changing the way smart gym owners operate their businesses. From saving hours every week to improving decision making and marketing execution, Mark explains how even small technical shifts can create massive material gains over the course of a year.

Brought to you by PerformBetter.com
Head over to their website to get 20 percent off Mini-bands and Superbands and check out their new Hyrox bundles. Be sure to save the dates for the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and Providence.

Mark Fisher, co-founder of Business for Unicorns, shares how top fitness professionals are using AI tools to work smarter, not harder. While AI may feel overhyped in the short term, Mark explains why it is still one of the most powerful tools gym owners can adopt to create long-term growth.

In this conversation, Mark and Anthony explore practical ways gym owners can use AI today. From generating marketing first drafts to analyzing complex financial statements and insurance paperwork, AI can function like a pocket expert that helps business owners troubleshoot problems faster and make more informed decisions.

Beyond the technology, the discussion also highlights the timeless fundamentals of building a great fitness business. Mark explains why visiting other gyms is still one of the most powerful learning tools available and why successful multi-location owners tend to focus on operational excellence rather than flashy marketing tactics.

Whether you are a solo personal trainer or running multiple gym locations, this episode delivers practical insights on leveraging technology while staying grounded in the fundamentals of great coaching and business leadership.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE:

-Why AI might feel overhyped but still delivers long-term business advantages
-Practical ways gym owners can use AI for marketing and operations
-The difference between automation, delegation, and artificial intelligence
-Using AI to analyze financial documents and complex business systems
-Why visiting other gyms is still one of the best learning strategies
-The realities of scaling to multiple gym locations

Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?
Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):

Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE-
https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book

Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE
https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm

Follow BFU on Instagram HERE
https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/

Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro and the Truth About AI for Gym Owners
3:45 The Power of In-Person Connections and Gym Visits
8:15 Why Networking Still Beats Digital Bits
12:30 Automations vs Delegations vs AI
16:10 Using AI for First Drafts and Marketing
20:45 ChatGPT vs Claude for Fitness Professionals
24:20 AI as a Strategy Analysis Tool
28:50 Personal AI Use Cases for Health and Finance
32:15 Troubleshooting Your Life with a Pocket Expert
36:40 Budgeting for AI and Choosing Your Models
40:20 Synthesizing Data and Summarizing Systems
44:10 Scaling to Multiple Locations The Boring Basics
48:30 Lessons from Closing a Gym Location
51:45 Conclusion and Resources

Want more coaching insights?

Check out STRENGTHCOACH.COM and MBSC.TV for a 7-day free trial. Join the community and take your coaching to the next level with resources from the top experts in the industry.

Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes of The Strength Coach Podcast!

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER OR A LEADER IN THE FITNESS INDUSTRY?

In this episode of The Strength Coach Podcast, legendary coach Mike Boyle joins Anthony Renna to dive deep into why being evidence-based might be holding you back and why Zone 2 Cardio is currently the most overrated trend online. We explore the balance between scientific research and real-world coaching experience to help you become a better trainer, therapist, or business owner.

Brought to you by PerformBetter.com

Head over to their website to get 20 percent off PB Extreme Soft Toss Med Balls and check out their new Hyrox bundles. Be sure to save the dates for the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and Providence.

Coach Boyle shares his take on the limitations of the evidence-based crowd and explains why innovation often happens in the gym long before the studies are published. We also discuss the practical use of isometrics and how a simple belt strap can transform your summer programming for athletes and general population clients alike. Plus, Mark Fisher from Business for Unicorns joins us to talk about marketing for gym owners who are struggling with stalled growth.

KEY TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE:

-Why Zone 2 is the overrated darling of the internet

-The difference between being evidence-based and being a follower

-Marketing strategies for gym owners and the importance of a time audit

-Programming isometrics using the Zero RM ISO belt strap

- News on the MBSC Spring Seminar and hockey performance insights

Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?

Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):

**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)

**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)

**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)

**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro and Perform Better Updates

3:20 Fitness Business Power Play: Stalled Growth

7:15 MBSC Spring Seminar and BU Hockey Talk

11:45 Why Zone 2 Cardio is the Darling of the Internet

16:00 The Truth About Being Evidence-Based

21:30 Innovation vs Following the Research

26:10 Rethinking Squats and Unilateral Training

30:00 How to Properly Read and Filter Research

34:20 Using the Zero RM ISO Belt Strap

37:45 Programming Yielding and Overcoming Isometrics

39:58 Conclusion

Want More Coaching Insights?

Check out STRENGTHCOACH.COM and MBSC.TV for a 7-day free trial. Join the community and take your coaching to the next level with resources from the top experts in the industry.

Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more episodes of The Strength Coach Podcast!

Episode 434 of the Strength Coach Podcast, “Becoming the Unshakeable Female Athlete” is out.

Female athletes face a significantly higher risk of ACL tears compared to their male counterparts, but physiological differences are only part of the story.

In this episode, we explore the shocking training gap that leaves young women vulnerable to injury and discuss actionable strategies to keep them safe on the field.

Discover how to shift the focus from early specialization to long-term athletic development and build unshakable confidence.

Welcome to Episode 434 of the Strength Coach Podcast with your host Anthony Renna.

Brought to you by PerformBetter.com

Head over to their website to get 20 percent off PB Extreme Soft Toss Med Balls and check out their new Hyrox bundles. Be sure to save the dates for the upcoming Functional Training Summits in Chicago, Long Beach, and Providence.

Today we are joined by Justin Kegley, performance coach and founder of Movement Fitness.

Justin recently released his new book “Becoming the Unshakable Female Athlete”, available in dedicated versions for both parents and athletes.

We dive deep into why female athletes are still seeing a rise in ACL injuries. We examine physiological factors like the Q-angle and joint laxity, combined with the heavy loads of modern club sports.

Shockingly, while 50 percent of male varsity athletes are required to strength train, only 9 percent of female athletes have the same requirement. We discuss how neuromuscular training can close this gap, maximize performance, and dramatically reduce injury risk.

Check out BusinessForUnicorns.com for free resources designed for gym owners and personal trainers.

If you found this episode valuable, please hit the like button and subscribe to the channel for more professional strength and conditioning insights. Drop a comment below with your biggest takeaway on youth athlete development, and share this video with a parent or coach who needs to hear this important message.

Episode 433 of the Strength Coach Podcast, "Train Like an Olympian: Consistency is Key!" is out.

This episode dives into the importance of year-round training programs for elite athletes, featuring insights from Coach Mike Boyle and host Anthony Renna. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, this conversation is packed with actionable advice and fascinating stories from the world of Olympic and professional sports.

Brought to you by Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Don’t miss their current deals on foam rollers and bundles!

Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for info about the upcoming Functional Training Summits.

**Highlights of the episode:**

- The evolution of training for Olympic athletes, especially in women's hockey before and after the PWHL launch.

- How consistency in training has been the foundation for athletes like Angela Ruggiero and Hilary Knight.

- Practical tips for creating effective training programs that balance accountability and year-round conditioning.

- The role of on-ice and off-ice testing in athlete development.

- Insights on lactate workouts, their relevance beyond track athletes, and how to adapt them for team sports.

- A fun look at how the women's hockey game has evolved globally, with increased competition and talent.

We also dive into fitness business tips with Mark Fisher, who shares strategies for boosting sales without being pushy. Plus, learn how to help clients connect with their deeper fitness goals to achieve long-term success!

Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?

Here are some FREE biz-building resources from our friends at Business for Unicorns (https://businessforunicorns.com):

**Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE- (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book)

**Book a free 10-minute intro call HERE (https://go.businessforunicorns.com/brainstorm)

**Follow BFU on Instagram HERE (https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/)

**Subscribe to Mark Fisher’s channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/c/markfisherhumanbeing)

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks for tuning in! Hit that play button to discover how training like an Olympian starts with consistency and ends with extraordinary results.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

02:38 - Mark Fisher Insights

07:08 - Coach Boyle Techniques

09:54 - Training Olympians Effectively

12:44 - Consistency in Training Importance

14:44 - Professional Women's Hockey Growth

16:38 - Evolving Game Strategies

18:58 - Future of Women's Hockey Development

21:00 - Lactate Workouts- 23 Second Drill Overview

25:40 - Aerodyne Sprints Benefits

29:06 - Targeting Lower Abs Exercises

33:09 - Recovery Position Techniques

Episode 432 of the Strength Coach Podcast Brought to You by Perform Better

Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com) for info about the upcoming Functional Training Summits.

Join host Anthony Renna as he chats with Coach Mike Boyle. They spoke about why terminology matters, new training strategies, and practical advice to help coaches and trainers level up their craft. Plus, Coach Boyle shares his thoughts on the importance of functional anatomy in athletic performance.

Highlights of the episode include:

- The ongoing debate: Does rotary power come from the hips or the ground?

- Why anti-rotation exercises play a smart role in core training and how they fit the bigger picture.

- Glute activation insights sparked by toe wedges – are they worth it?

- Sled sprints vs. hill sprints – breaking down their effectiveness for athletes.

- Naming exercises correctly: Addressing confusion around jumps, hops, bounds, and more.

- For the Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Power Play, Mark Fisher is on to talk about Getting More Leads Without Paid ads

To sign up for the complementary Business for Unicorn’s Feb. 12th webinar on How the Best Gym Owners Use AI, click here: go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-owners-and-ai

This episode is packed with actionable strategies and fresh insights for strength coaches, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts alike. Thanks for listening, and don’t miss out on the full episode!

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Intro

02:33 - Mark Fisher’s Getting More Leads Tips

09:50 - Coaches Corner with Mike Boyle

12:56 - Anti-Rotation Exercises Explained

26:23 - Big Toe Wedge Benefits

31:30 - Hill Sprints vs Weighted Sled

35:45 - Exercise Naming

41:15 - Importance of Terminology

Episode 431 of the Strength Coach Podcast, features Dr. Haley Perlus, a PhD in sport and exercise psychology and author of "Personal Podium."

Brought to you by Perform Better, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and expert insights to help you optimize your mental game.

Dr. Perlus breaks down how biology, thoughts, and emotions are interconnected, offering strategies to align them for optimal results. Plus, hear fascinating stories from sports legends like the 1980 Olympic hockey team and Eric Heiden, bringing real-life applications to the discussion.

Highlights of the episode:

- Dr. Perlus talks about reframing anxiety as energy to fuel peak performance and shares practical tools to help athletes and professionals manage pressure effectively.

- We spoke about mental blocks, what they are, and how to overcome them to achieve fluid performance.

- Changing your relationship with pressure: Learn why pressure isn't the enemy but an invitation to thrive.

- Working with injured athletes: Tips for managing expectations and building resilience for a successful comeback.

- A fresh perspective on mental toughness and how to achieve it without relying solely on external motivators.

- Insights into why tracking devices should complement, not replace, self-awareness and evaluation in training and recovery.

- Mark Fisher will give us some tips on using Instagram on the Business for Unicorns Fitness Business Power Play

To sign up for the Business for Unicorn’s Feb. 12th webinar on how the best gym owners use AI, click here: go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-owners-and-ai

This episode also features updates on Perform Better's Functional Training Summits and resources for trainers and gym owners.

Perform Better, your go-to for functional training and rehab equipment. Check out Perform Better⁠ (https://www.performbetter.com).

Thanks for listening! Tune in to gain valuable tools and techniques to reframe anxiety, turn pressure into performance, and elevate your mental game.

CHAPTERS:

01:20 - Intro

03:15 - Business of Unicorns - Fitness Business Power Play

10:59 - How Our Thoughts Impact Performance

14:12 - Overcoming Mental Blocks

21:47 - Embracing Pressure as an Opportunity

24:34 - Identifying Performance Cues

25:44 - The Miracle on Ice: Leveraging Pressure

30:40 - Strategies for Managing Pressure

34:55 - Supporting Injured Athletes

39:55 - Challenging Yourself for Growth

43:10 - Importance of Performance Tracking

44:52 - Balancing Trackers and Self-Awareness

48:35 - Developing Mental Toughness

51:04 - Mastering Emotional Control

55:40 - Overview of “Personal Podium”

56:05 - Optimizing Mindset for Peak Performance

57:54 - Thank You