Beast over Burden powered by Barbell Logic

Lifting Through Setbacks: How Scott Came Back Stronger Through Injury & Loss

Life doesn't stop for your training — but your training can help you survive life. In this episode, we sit down with Scott & Coach Jamal to explore what it really looks like to keep lifting through setbacks while raising kids, grieving a parent, and rebuilding after injury. This is not a highlight-reel story — it's real-life resilience, one rep at a time. What You'll Learn * Why strength matters most in life's hardest seasons * Training through nerve pain and rebuilding confidence * How parents can fit training into chaotic schedules * The value of flexible, customized programming * Coaching as accountability, encouragement, and partnership * Why showing up imperfectly matters more than perfection PS - IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TAKING ONLINE COACHING FOR A TEST RUN, CHECK IT OUT HERE. [https://barbell-logic.com/experience] Connect with the hosts * Niki on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/niki.in.the.gym/] * Andrew on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/andrewbarbender/?hl=en] Connect with the show * Barbell Logic on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/barbell_logic/] * Podcast Webpage [https://barbell-logic.com/podcast/] * Barbell Logic on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/barbelllogiccoaching] * Or email podcast@barbell-logic.com [podcast@barbell-logic.com]

Lifting Through Chemo: Motherhood, Strength, and Beating Breast Cancer

When Elizabeth Blair began lifting postpartum, she had no idea that strength training would one day become one of her most important tools in fighting cancer. In this powerful episode, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson sit down with coach Nikki Berman and her client Elizabeth to explore the transformation that comes not from chasing PRs, but from choosing to show up when life hits hardest. Elizabeth shares her journey from new mom learning to deadlift, to receiving a diagnosis of aggressive triple-negative breast cancer, to lifting through chemo, surgery, and recovery. She and Nikki walk us through adapting training around a chemo port, managing energy and nausea, and redefining what "success" looks like when your goal shifts from performance to survival — and then back again. This conversation is about strength in every sense: physical, emotional, maternal, and human. It's a story of refusing to quit, of lifting through chemo to maintain dignity and control, and of building a body and mindset capable of meeting life's hardest challenges. Whether you're a lifter, a parent, or someone navigating your own fight, this episode shows that the path forward is through the obstacle — one rep, one day at a time. What You'll Learn * How strength training supported postpartum recovery * Why small wins and consistency matter more than perfect programming * Adapting training around chemo ports, nausea, fatigue, and post-surgery rules * The emotional and mental resilience built through training * How lifting can be an anchor during uncertainty and fear * Returning to the barbell after treatment — and hitting new milestones PS - IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TAKING ONLINE COACHING FOR A TEST RUN, CHECK IT OUT HERE. [https://barbell-logic.com/experience] Connect with the hosts * Niki on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/niki.in.the.gym/] * Andrew on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/andrewbarbender/?hl=en] Connect with the show * Barbell Logic on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/barbell_logic/] * Podcast Webpage [https://barbell-logic.com/podcast/] * Barbell Logic on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/barbelllogiccoaching] * Or email podcast@barbell-logic.com [podcast@barbell-logic.com]

Do You Really Need a Coach? Why Guidance Beats AI & Templates Every Time

Even with all the AI training apps and free workout programs out there, real coaching still matters. In this episode of Barbell Logic: Beast Over Burden, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson explain why coaching remains essential for lifters who train for strength, health, and longevity. They explore how personalized feedback, accountability, and real human judgment can never be replaced by algorithms or templates. Through a live Q&A, they answer listener questions about core strength, nutrition, joint pain, and mindset—and show how consistent, adaptable coaching leads to lasting results. You'll learn why a good coach helps you navigate life's changing variables, how to train smarter as you age, and how to stay consistent in both your workouts and your nutrition. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced lifter, this conversation will remind you that you don't need to compete to need a coach. Coaching isn't just for elite athletes—it's for anyone who wants clarity, consistency, and confidence in their training. Strength for life isn't built through perfect programs; it's built through guided progress and real accountability. What You'll Learn In this live strength and nutrition Q&A, you'll discover: * Why AI and free training templates can't replace a coach. * How to build stronger core stability through barbell movements. * A simple meal plan built around real food (and sandwiches). * How to train around joint pain without giving up progress. * The difference between group and one-on-one coaching—and which might fit you best. * How coaching can transform not only your training, but your life outside the gym. PS - IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TAKING ONLINE COACHING FOR A TEST RUN, CHECK IT OUT HERE. [https://barbell-logic.com/experience] Connect with the hosts * Niki on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/niki.in.the.gym/] * Andrew on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/andrewbarbender/?hl=en] Connect with the show * Barbell Logic on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/barbell_logic/] * Podcast Webpage [https://barbell-logic.com/podcast/] * Barbell Logic on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/barbelllogiccoaching] * Or email podcast@barbell-logic.com [podcast@barbell-logic.com] 👉 Try online strength coaching FREE for one month at barbell-logic.com with discount code LIVE4FREE.

Can Women Do Pull-Ups? (Yes.) How to Get Your First Chin-Up + The Protein Milk Trend

Can women do pull-ups? Yes—absolutely. In this standalone Beast Over Burden episode, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson break down the controversy around new pull-up standards and use it as a springboard to tackle one of the most common fitness myths: that women can't do pull-ups. You'll learn: * Why benching your bodyweight often predicts your first chin-up * How to progress from bands and negatives to unassisted reps * Why bench and chin training sometimes interfere—and how to fix it * The truth about "high-protein" food trends like Starbucks' new protein milk This episode is a blend of myth-busting, practical programming, and smart nutrition advice for lifters who train for strength, health, and longevity. Whether you're a beginner or chasing your next PR, this one's for you. PS - IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TAKING ONLINE COACHING FOR A TEST RUN, CHECK IT OUT HERE. [https://barbell-logic.com/experience] Connect with the hosts * Niki on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/niki.in.the.gym/] * Andrew on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/andrewbarbender/?hl=en] Connect with the show * Barbell Logic on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/barbell_logic/] * Podcast Webpage [https://barbell-logic.com/podcast/] * Barbell Logic on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/barbelllogiccoaching] * Or email podcast@barbell-logic.com [podcast@barbell-logic.com]

Why You Don't Need a Gym to Get Strong: Linda & Chrissy's Coaching Story

Stronger at any age: discover why you don't need a gym to get strong. Linda's story proves that with the right coaching and consistency, you can build strength, health, and confidence at home—no matter your age or equipment. You don't need a gym to get strong. In this episode of The Coaching Advantage: Real Stories of Strength & Nutrition, Niki and Andrew reflect on the powerful journey of Linda, a 70-year-old lifter who transformed her health with the guidance of Barbell Logic coach Chrissy. From overcoming intimidation and training at home with nothing but bodyweight, to building a simple home gym, battling osteopenia, and learning to shift her mindset around progress, Linda's story proves that strength training is for everyone—at any age, with any level of equipment. You'll learn how coaching adapts to your unique situation, why building strength is the best defense against aging, and how even small, consistent efforts can add up to lasting health and independence. Whether you're starting late, training at home, or just wondering if strength training is worth it, this episode shows why you don't need a gym to build the confidence, resilience, and vitality you want for life. Timestamps * 0:00 – Why you don't need a gym to get strong * 1:30 – Gym intimidation and the hidden barriers for older lifters * 4:50 – Training at home: starting with nothing and building over time * 9:00 – Strength training vs. osteopenia and aging * 13:00 – Redefining progress: from PRs to preparing for life What You'll Learn * Why you don't need a gym to begin strength training * How online coaching can empower people at any age * Practical ways to train at home with minimal equipment * The role of strength training in aging and bone health * How creative coaching adapts principles to real lives Hashtags #StrengthTraining #HomeWorkouts #Longevity #FitnessPodcast #YouDontNeedAGym #BarbellLogic #HealthyAging #StrengthForLife PS - IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TAKING ONLINE COACHING FOR A TEST RUN, CHECK IT OUT HERE. [https://barbell-logic.com/experience] Connect with the hosts * Niki on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/niki.in.the.gym/] * Andrew on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/andrewbarbender/?hl=en] Connect with the show * Barbell Logic on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/barbell_logic/] * Podcast Webpage [https://barbell-logic.com/podcast/] * Barbell Logic on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/barbelllogiccoaching] * Or email podcast@barbell-logic.com [podcast@barbell-logic.com]