Strength Coach Collective

Coaching Different Body Types: Dr. Lon Kilgore on Anatomy and Technique

Dr. Lon Kilgore explains why "perfect technique" doesn't exist—and what actually matters for strength development. In this episode of the "Strength Coach Collective" podcast, host Kenny Markwardt sits down with Kilgore, author of "Anatomy Without a Scalpel" and co-author (with Mark Rippetoe) of "Starting Strength." Lon, a veteran strength coach with over 50 years of experience, shares lessons from his decades in in the gym, as well as his time as a professor and an athlete who’s still competing into his 60s. Kilgore explains the importance of coaching cues clients can understand, how to balance technique with loading, and how human variation in limb length and body type should influence training technique. He also discusses strategies for improving VO2 max and what masters athletes can teach coaches about strength development. Whether you’re a young coach looking for clarity or a veteran searching for new perspectives, Lon’s stories and experience offer wisdom you can use immediately. It doesn't matter if you're coaching beginners or elite athletes; this episode is full of practical insights on individualizing technique and programming based on real-world evidence. Links Strength Coach Collective [https://strengthcoachcollective.com/] 0:47 - Using terminology people understand 12:11 - Better coaching cues 17:06 - Strength versus technique 38:54 - Improving VO2 max 45:36 - Age and training volume

Why Chris Spealler Ditched Traditional Fitness Programming

Is performance in the gym the goal or simply a tool to live better in the outside world? In today’s episode, eight-time CrossFit Games competitor and former CrossFit Seminar Staff member Chris Spealler discusses his evolution from high-intensity daily training to sustainable "Adventure Preparedness Programming." Chris breaks down his 12-week programming blocks and explains why his gym, Park City Fit, focuses on serving adventure-loving athletes who want to better enjoy outdoor activities like skiing rather than compete in fitness. He explains how to keep clients motivated long term, how to adjust coaching strategies as athletes’ needs evolve and why teaching fundamentals never goes out of style. "Speal" also talks about what it takes to balance the demands of family, business and personal training, and he offers advice for coaches who want to build sustainable, fulfilling careers. Links Strength Coach Collective [https://strengthcoachcollective.com/] 0:30 - Programming from 2016 to now 8:44 - Handling transitions with members 19:24 - Benchmarks for progress 34:15 - Spealler’s program design 46:49 - Scaling for clients’ needs

Pamela Gagnon: Having Fun With Gymnastics—For Life

Today on the “Strength Coach Collective,” host Kenny Markwardt sits down with Pamela Gagnon, former Division 1 gymnast, longtime CrossFit coach and the co-creator of Performance Plus Programming. Pamela explains her “playground approach” to coaching—breaking complex skills into their fun components and strength elements—and shares practical mobility strategies that take just minutes a day. She gives new coaches tips for working with clients, such as using simple language (“make a turtle shell” instead of “retract your scapula”) and focusing on 1% daily improvements rather than end goals that create frustration. Kenny and Pamela also discuss coaching older populations and how gymnastics fundamentals such as balance and getting up from the floor become critical life skills as we age. Whether you're working with nervous beginners, competitive athletes or older adults, Pamela's approach can help you teach movement skills safely without overcomplicating coaching. Links Strength Coach Collective [https://strengthcoachcollective.com/] 1:19 - Pamela’s journey into gymnastics 8:10 - Injury prevention and recovery 23:46 - Coaching skill progression 34:25 - Gymnastics for older athletes 48:07 - What is Performance Plus?

The Next Frontier: Blood Biomarkers for Precise Fitness Coaching

The one-size-fits-all approach to fitness coaching is no more. Enter blood biomarkers: the next frontier in truly individualizing client training programs. Today on the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, Kenny Markwardt sits down with Ash Anwar from Molecular You to explore how comprehensive blood analysis is revolutionizing fitness coaching. While traditional medical tests look at a handful of diagnostic markers after problems develop, Molecular You analyzes 288 biomarkers to catch issues early. In this episode, you’ll learn how biomarkers can transform your coaching by giving you insight into: * Resilience—if clients are overtraining or recovering from exercise stress. * Energy systems—moving beyond V02 max to determine how efficiently the body shifts between aerobic and anaerobic fuel sources. * Cognitive performance—levels of brain plasticity and neuroprotection, showing how exercise literally makes clients smarter. Ash also shares recommendations for testing frequency and explains how coaches can stay within their scope of practice. Listen to find out how molecular-level data can help you optimize programming for each client’s unique physiology. Links Strength Coach Collective [https://strengthcoachcollective.com/] 1:32 - How biomarkers relate to fitness 20:02 - Top biomarkers for coaches 29:22 - Fitness and cognitive ability  40:44 - Molecular You’s process 51:16 - Recommended testing frequency

Dr. Zach Long: Why Athletes Get Injured (And How to Prevent It)

In this episode, Kenny Markwardt sits down with Dr. Zach Long—a board-certified sports physical therapist who believes injured athletes should use the gym, not leave it. Long, aka “The Barbell Physio,” explains when coaches should modify training versus refer out and how trainers can build relationships with the right medical professionals. He also offers practical tips for training athletes through pain and injury. The pair discuss what separates quality gyms from mediocre ones, from optimal coach-to-athlete ratios to common programming mistakes. Long also tackles coaching misconceptions such as “never lift overhead” and “don't squat below 90 degrees,” explaining why these myths can cause more harm than good. Check out the full conversation for actionable strategies you can use to keep your athletes training safely through injuries and setbacks. Links Strength Coach Collective [https://strengthcoachcollective.com/] 2:46 - Good versus bad gyms 5:18 - Common programming mistakes 21:55 - When should coaches refer out? 33:31 - Preventing injuries for beginners 42:52 - Debunking fitness myths