Barbell Shrugged - Talking Training W/ Crossfit Games Athletes, Strength Coaches & More

Brian Lewis Jennings (born October 14, 1976) is a former American football long snapper and tight end for the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for Arizona State University, and was picked by the 49ers in the 7th round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He is a two-time Pro Bowl selection, having been chosen for the 2004 and 2012 Pro Bowls as a special teams player. He is the founder of Jennings 1-4-1, dedicated to developing the skill of long snapping. - from Wikipedia.com   Subscribe to Barbell Shrugged's Channel Here- http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedSubscribe Listen to the audio version on the Apple Podcast App or Stitcher for Android Here- http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedApple http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedStitcher Barbell Shrugged helps people get better. Usually in the gym, but outside as well. In 2012 they posted their first podcast and have been putting out weekly free videos and podcasts ever since. Along the way we've created successful online coaching programs inclu

Today we welcome Dr. Quinn Henoch, Doctor of Physical Therapy and author of Weightlifting Movement Assessment & Optimization: Mobility & Stability for the Snatch and Clean & Jerk.  He is also the founder of ClinicalAthlete, which is a network of health care professionals who understand the performance-based needs of athletes. Since 2011, he has trained exclusively for the sport of weightlifting, having competed in the 2014 American Open and posting qualifying totals for the 2015 National Championships, as a 77kg lifter.  In this episode he discusses how to achieve weightlifting specific positions and why just trying to stretch to increase your mobility may not be the best way.  He's a damn smart coach, this episode is loaded with great advice and suggestions for you if you're working to improve your snatch, clean or jerk.  Enjoy! Mike, Doug and Team Barbell Shrugged   Subscribe to Barbell Shrugged's Channel Here- http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedSubscribe Listen to the audio version on the Apple Podca

Today's episode is a something unique.  Today we look at Hollywood and what's it's like to get in shape for the big screen.   Brandon Routh is a Hollywood actor who currently plays The Atom in the TV show DC's Legend's of Tomorrow on Netflix. Brandon is best known for playing Superman in the movie Superman Returns (2006). Yup, he's a superhero.   In this episode we discuss the kind of training and nutrition he used to get in shape to portray a character who has seemingly unlimited physical strength.   Hope you enjoy! Mike and Doug   Subscribe to Barbell Shrugged's Channel Here- http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedSubscribe Listen to the audio version on the Apple Podcast App or Stitcher for Android Here- http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedApple http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedStitcher Barbell Shrugged helps people get better. Usually in the gym, but outside as well. In 2012 they posted their first podcast and have been putting out weekly free videos and podcasts ever since. Along the way we've created successful online coach

Want to gain more muscle?  Bodybuilders can show you the path.  Want to gain strength?  Powerlifters will show you the way.  Want both?  Talk to Stan Efferding.   IFBB Pro bodybuilder Stan Efferding holds the all-time raw world powerlifting records in the 275-pound-class and is often referred to as the "world's strongest bodybuilder".   Best lifts include: 606 raw bench, 865 squat w/ wraps and an 837 deadlift.  Truly impressive!!! It's no accident that Stan is jacked, lean and incredibly strong.  He's dialed in his training and nutrition with decades of consistent focus, intense study and a lot of trial and error.   In this episode Stan talks about: How training for hypertrophy is massively helpful for getting stronger How training heavy (1RMs) doesn’t always mean you’ll get grow larger muscles How he programs when focusing on staying healthy (lookin good and feelin good) How he utilizes movement to speed recovery Why he uses conditioning tools like 20 rep squats and 500 lb weighted carries Why he eats the s

This was one of the most enjoyable shows we’ve done all year.   Really, really enjoyed speaking with Dr. Scott Lynn. He earned a PhD in Biomechanics and is now an associate professor of Kinesiology/Biomechanics at Cal State Fullerton.  Loosely put, biomechanics is the study of how forces effect your body (stress —> adaptation) as well as how the forces produced by your body effect the world (moving yourself and objects… in our case heavy barbells). Want to know how front squats are different than back squats?  Is there a difference in muscular activation?  Is there a difference in the stresses on the hips, knees and lower back?  Scott has you covered.  Collecting, analyzing and interpreting this kind of data is exactly what biomechanists do on a daily basis (often using cool things like 3D motion capture systems like the ones used to make video games and animated movie characters). In this episode Dr. Lynn teaches us: Why scoring well on a movement screen could actually make you MORE likely to get hurt How y

Derrick Johnson has won 6 senior national titles, 8 American Open titles and is a world team member (scoring the most points of any athlete in over 10 years for United States at the 2014 World Championships).   Bursting with passion for the sport, with decades of knowledge to share, Derrick one hell of an athlete and may be an even better coach (the youngest Level 5 Senior International Coach in history and has coached weightlifters for the Olympics). Competing in weightlifting for over 20 years, Derrick is the American record holder for both the snatch (double bodyweight!) and the total in the 62 kg class.   He's as legit a weightlifter as you can get, enjoy the show! -Mike and Doug   ► Subscribe to Barbell Shrugged's Channel Here- http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedSubscribe

From training and operating with the elite of the elite Navy SEALs, to going to the CrossFit Games as an individual 3 times (2009, 2011, 2013), Zach Forrest has attacked some of the hardest physical training in the world.   He's now a Level 4 CrossFit Trainer and since the Navy opened the first CrossFit affiliate in Las Vegas in 2008, CrossFit Max Effort (go train there next time you're in Vegas, great gym!). He's been in the game for over a decade, from not newbie, to competitor, to coach, to gym owner, he's seen it all.  If you're pursuing functional fitness mastery, Zach shares some great advice to guide you on your journey.  Enjoy!    ► Subscribe to Barbell Shrugged's Channel Here- http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedSubscribe  Listen to the audio version on the Apple Podcast App or Stitcher for Android Here- http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedApple http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedStitcher Barbell Shrugged helps people get better. Usually in the gym, but outside as well. In 2012 they posted their first podcast and have b

Ben Greenfield was voted as America’s top personal trainer in 2008. He's competed as one of the top ranked amateur triathletes in the world, completing over 120 races and 12 Ironman triathlons. A relentless self-experimenter and biohacker, Ben became a professional obstacle course racer, completing the coveted Spartan Delta, training with the Navy SEALs, competing across the globe in open water swims, mountain runs and adventure races, winning multiple USA bowhunting competitions, and appearing on the planet's toughest reality TV shows. Ben was named as one of the world’s top 100 most influential people in health and fitness.   Check him out at: https://bengreenfieldfitness.com ► Subscribe to Barbell Shrugged's Channel Here- http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedSubscribe  Listen to the audio version on the Apple Podcast App or Stitcher for Android Here- http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedApple http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedStitcher Barbell Shrugged helps people get better. Usually in the gym, but outside as well. In 2012 th

Jesse Burdick, the funniest coach that can lift your whole family, visits Barbell Shrugged Jesse talks turkey about power and a mindset about movement How competitors can still have a good time Coaching vs. Teaching Cutting weight / managing body vs. strength He's damn strong, his numbers will blow you away ► Subscribe to Barbell Shrugged's Channel Here- http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedSubscribe  Listen to the audio version on the Apple Podcast App or Stitcher for Android Here- http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedApple http://bit.ly/BarbellShruggedStitcher Barbell Shrugged helps people get better. Usually in the gym, but outside as well. In 2012 they posted their first podcast and have been putting out weekly free videos and podcasts ever since. Along the way we've created successful online coaching programs including The Shrugged Strength Challenge, The Muscle Gain Challenge, FLIGHT, Barbell Shredded, and Barbell Bikini. Find Barbell Shrugged here: Website: http://www.BarbellShrugged.com Facebook: http://facebook.co

What’s better than peeing in a cup every two weeks? If you thought, “listening to this week’s podcast of Barbell Shrugged,” then you’re more than right. On today’s episode, we spoke with the [Fat-Burning] Man himself, Abel James (@fatburningman), about his super-successful Wild Diet, how the philosophy behind it is nothing new –– yet still absolutely revolutionary –– in terms of helping one achieve physical success, and why making the most of the food that you eat every day is so important for attaining and maintaining optimum health. Abel’s path to becoming the authority of eating right started in his early twenties when trying to do everything “right” just wasn’t… right. After experiencing the hardship of a fire that consumed everything he owned, Abel refocused his efforts, got in shape, and took on the moniker Fat-Burning Man. During this process, he realized that many of the so-called experts were hawking products and services that were more gimmick than substance, so he began thinking in terms of natural

This week, we spoke with movement expert and all-around badass Carl Paoli (Instagram and Twitter: @carlpaoli), coach and author of Free+Style: Maximize Sport and Life Performance with Four Basic Movements. Carl explains his Three Tricks to be jacked as hell, using his own Free+Style connection framework of position, movement, and purpose. Carl’s varied background has informed his path, leading him from gymnastics; breakdancing (yes); his athletic shoe business, Strike Mvmnt; and of course, functional fitness. Despite being a jack of all trades, he’s humble and doesn’t profess to be an expert, instead saying he’s a constant student. Carl’s built a reputation by keeping things simple and clear, and by remaining compelling. This got people to do the things he taught – and suddenly, he was called a guru and became The Movement Guy. Although he was successful, Carl felt expectations were too high, yet his true potential was not met. Two years ago, like the Renaissance man that he is, he disassembled and reorganiz

What’s more fun than working out when you’re in crazy amounts of pain? If you answered, “Uh, like, everything,” you are correct! Injury is the biggest factor that can keep a person away from realizing their full physical potential. So today, we went to Physical Culture in Encinitas, California, to meet up with Dan Pope (@fitnesspainfree) and Ryan DeBell (@themovementfix). Unlike other strength and fitness coaches we’ve interviewed, Dan is also a physical therapist specializing in pain management. His business is Fitness Pain Free. And Ryan is a coach and chiropractor specializing in making sure you don’t mess yourself up. He’s the man behind The Movement Fix. Their forces combine on this week’s podcast to help you heal, keep you from hurting yourself, or both, all while getting an awesome workout. Listen in to hear about specific modifications for specific injuries or differences. Every body is different, and the ideal squat isn’t going to look exactly the same for everyone. Learn about the squat technique th

This week, we went to Bulletproof to meet with founder Dave Asprey (Twitter: @bulletproofexec), a company you might know best for the “butter in your coffee” craze. But Dave’s work, and Bulletproof, are so much more -- they’re in the business of “biohacking,” or changing your environment inside and out so that you can have the most possible control of your biology. As an executive at a non-profit for anti-aging research, Dave began to understand the nutritive shortcuts -- the biohacks -- that we can activate for our best health. He started blogging about it on the side, and out of that effort grew the Bulletproof empire. Listen in as we discuss his new bestselling book, Head Strong, about being the boss of your mitochondria, and about how there’s not a lot of convincing science to support coffee enemas… Something we wish we’d known a few weeks earlier. This Week on Barbell Shrugged, We Interview Dave Asprey to Discuss: The concept of biohacking - what it is and how to do it The difference between cravings

This week we traveled to Onnit Academy in Austin, Texas, to talk to their Chief Fitness Officer, John Wolf. Onnit’s mission is to help people achieve total human optimization, and John’s the one to get you there. He’ll be the first to tell you that movement and training is just a part of total human optimization. You might know Onnit best from their nutrition supplements and fitness accessories (like these kettlebells, for example). When John was brought on as CF[itness]O, he was tasked with creating a system that incorporated everything Onnit was already doing -- and to use all the information available to make the best humans. In this week’s episode, John gets into some solid, specific technical about how to make your movement more efficient. Bonus: Get 10% off your order with Onnit when you go to www.barbellshrugged.com/onnit.

This week, we went over to CrossFit Invictus in downtown San Diego to meet up with some of the very best athletes in the world. This week’s six-for-one special includes insights from four Games competitors and two Invictus coaches about what it takes to go from great to the greatest. In our first segment, we talk to training partners Garret Fisher and Holden Rethwill about how their workout styles compliment each other, how they train for such an unpredictable athletic event, and how to know when it’s truly time to give their bodies a rest. Next up, we talk to weightlifters and Games competitors Maddy Myers and Lauren Fisher about the challenges they face as dual-discipline athletes, how they’ll decide when it’s time to specialize, and what it’s like to enter this field as new athletes––only to discover you’re the best in the world. We round the conversation out with the coaches who got them this far, CJ Martin and Tino Marini. CJ’s trained over 40 individual athletes to Games, and Tino’s coached alongside hi

This week we stopped by Onnit in Austin, Texas, to talk about some pretty big ideas with CEO and founder Aubrey Marcus. If, for example, you want to know how to change the world for the better, then this is the episode for you. “If you want to be of service for society at large, you’ve got to be fit for service. And to be fit for service, you have to do these personal practices. You have to get yourself in a state where you’re able to affect change and really help people.” Aubrey shared a lot of insight about what he does to get himself fit for service, and he peppers the podcast with both the science and ancient philosophies that justify his practices. Y’all know about ecstatic dance? If you don’t, you will by the time you’re done listening (and you might be looking up where to find it in your area). Aubrey tells us about how to stack practices wisely for the best results. Looking at health through the lens of identity and consciousness, Aubrey’s practices take functional fitness to a new level. Ecstatic dan

“You need to cross-train your balls, is basically what I’m saying.” Biomechanist Katy Bowman gets straight to the point in this week’s podcast. We interviewed Katy at Paleo (f)x Austin, where she’s a featured speaker on the concept of movement -- not to be confused with what we often refer to as “exercise.” “There are more muscles than you’re working in the gym, and those muscles will go on to affect your health,” says Katy. We’re big fans of her book, Move Your DNA, which mentions the various casts we put on or around our bodies, from shoes to mattresses to underpants. So, in fairness to Katy, she didn’t lead with cross-training your balls. It was the first question we brought up. Rather than focusing on the biomechanics of workouts, Katy’s expertise is in the total ecosystem of our movement. How we move, what we move, and when we move, during the full 24 hours of our day. Through this lens, she evaluates health on a cell-by-cell basis, rather than looking just at the muscles developed in the gym. “The diffe

At this year’s Paleo F(x) conference in Austin, we had a chance to interview one of the primary spokespeople for the Paleo movement, Mark Sisson. You know him from Mark’s Daily Apple, his website and blog dedicated to “primal living in the modern world.” A true Paleo hipster, Mark has been preaching the primal diet gospel since before it was cool. Mark’s interest in primal living can be traced back to college, where he became really interested in evolution and human DNA. He later worked as the anti-doping commissioner for the sport of triathlon worldwide. As the guy who oversaw every hearing, he learned a ton––not just about the off-limits performance-enhancing drugs, but about the healthy supplements and eating styles competitive athletes and little old ladies alike can use to reach their full potential. These two threads of experience set Mark up for a career in discovering the health lessons of our ancient ancestors and applying them to our daily lives. In particular, he’s developed interest in how we can

As athletes, the pressure to win has a very strong effect on us. The best athletes in the world are not only the strongest, or the fastest, but the ones who can keep their emotions in check during competition. Emotions before and during competition can define and influence how you perform. These emotions aren't just limited to the negative ones like fear, and anxiety, but the positive ones too. For example, too much confidence and a cocky attitude can leave an athlete ill prepared for a competition. To get a better understanding of how emotions affect our performance, we visited sports psychology expert, Dr. Lenny Wiersma, and Dr. Andy Galpin at Cal State Fullerton to dive into the science behind motivating athletes and developing a champion mindset. Renowned and respected in his field, Dr. Wiersma has worked with some of the top athletes in different sports including several CrossFit and endurance athletes. In this episode, you'll learn how he helps top athletes develop a champion mindset, strengthens their