Kari Woodall is a former U. S. National team swimmer, who eventually became a collegiate coach for the same sport that she competed in. Kari is a TRX master trainer and is currently a coach, personal trainer, and mother of two teenage daughters. She is also the owner of Blaze Fitness and a volunteer firefighter. Kari taps into her in-depth knowledge about the power of the body, physical training, and mental toughness to create custom workouts for athletes and fitness enthusiasts alike.   In this episode hosted by Dan McDonogh, Kari shares more about how she manages her role and influence on social media, and how taking a break from social media to dive into self-care and self-awareness has been a game-changer for her. She explains why it is so important for athletes to be empowered and trust their own bodies in their training, and how coaches can help them in that. Tune in to find out more.   Key Takeaways: [0:30] Dan McDonogh introduces his guest for this episode - Kari Woodall. [2:57] How did Kari transition from being an athlete into the fitness industry? [7:46] Dan and Kari discuss how coaching is really about people and relationships - it doesn't matter what you know, it matters how you coach. [11:20] How has Kari been able to manage her presence and role on social media as a fitness influencer? [17:33] Kari took a break from social media, but now she's back on. What did she do in this break that put her in a better position to start putting herself out there again? [22:59] What skills has Kari brought to her coaching by diving into yoga and mindfulness? [27:51] This podcast is being sponsored by VertiMax. [28:38] Dan and Kari discuss how slowing down can help athletes speed up. [31:56] It can be empowering for an athlete to be able to make that choice between going hard or taking a rest. [35:48] How does Kari see things changing in the future with social media and impacting athletes’ journeys for the better? [40:32] What is Kari's advice for young women looking to enter the health and fitness industry? [43:47] How does Kari teach young athletes to distinguish between the pain that comes from training and learning to listen to their bodies? [50:03] Dan summarizes some of the key points Kari shared in this interview. Mentioned in This Episode: VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube VertiMax on LinkedIn Dan McDonogh Dan McDonogh on LinkedIn Kari Woodall Blaze Fitness Kari Woodall on Instagram Kari Woodall on LinkedIn Jim Richardson, the University of Michigan Perennial Yoga, Madison    Tweetables: "I just want someone to feel better through movement." - Kari   "The more, you know, the more you don't know." -Kari   "When you understand need, that's when you can truly help make an individual grow and develop." - Dan   "We are all influencing and being influenced." - Kari   "Your choices, are your choices, not what the influence around you is." - Kari

VertiMax Vive

Kari Woodall — Resilience and Influence

Dr. Ed Le Cara is an expert in a number of healing modalities, in addition to being a trained chiropractor and medical professional. Based in Dallas, Texas, Ed helps individuals  in their healing and recovery journey, and one of the the techniques he employs is blood flow restriction (BFR). Blood flow restriction has recently started finding its way into the sports performance world, and as an expert in this technique, Ed has many valuable insights to share.   In this episode hosted by Dan McDonogh,  Ed shares more about blood flow restriction (BFR). He explains what it is, how it works, and how its role has evolved in the sports performance, health and fitness industry. Ed also explains some of the benefits and risks of BFR and why it’s so important to have a trained coach or guide to ensure athletes are using it the right way and not setting themselves up for injury. Tune in to find out more.   Key Takeaways: [0:43] Dan introduces his guest for this episode- Ed Le Cara. [3:18] How did Ed get introduced to blood flow restriction? Where did it originate and what is its role in the industry today? [10:01] Blood flow restriction is being adapted to the sports performance world. [15:55] Dan and Ed discuss the discomfort that athletes may feel when using blood flow restriction. [16:59] What is the best way to approach integrating blood flow restriction as a modality in the health and fitness world? [17:43] Link - Jeremy Loaniki, University of Mississippi Oldness How long it takes to adapt to blood flow restriction [19:15] It is important to have a coach who is familiar with this modality to guide athletes who are getting into it. What are some of the risks of undertaking blood flow restriction without the proper guidance? [24:58] This podcast is being sponsored by VertiMax. [26:08] How would an individual be able to determine what their percentage of blood flow restriction should be? [31:01] Is it necessary to do BFR on both sides of the body, even if rehab is taking place only for one side? [34:19] Where does Ed recommend as a starting point for someone wanting to learn more about blood flow restriction? [38:12] How does this compare to PRP treatment? [44:52] What are the differences between the different companies offering BFR? Mentioned in This Episode: VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube VertiMax on LinkedIn Dan McDonogh Dan McDonogh on LinkedIn Dr. Ed Le Cara Dr. Le Cara's Approach To: Blood Flow Restriction Training, by Dr. Ed Le Cara Ed Le Cara on Instagram BFR University BFR University Podcast   Tweetables: "Let's not hurt our back lifting heavy loads if we can get away with it. Let's have perfect form, use lighter loads but get the adaptation that we need because you don't have to lift the heavy loads."   "Blood flow restriction has been shown to be very, very safe in the literature."   "So even though I've only got the cuff [in one place], I still get benefits [further down the limb]. I still get benefits on the opposite side and I still get benefits in my brain."   "When we do BFR with light loads, you don't cause any muscle damage."   "There's a balance between needing more pressure, less pressure and being comfortable and practical."   "Any time that our body can repair ourselves, it's always better than putting cortisone or other things which are really band aids."

Dr. Ed Le Cara — Blood Flow Restriction

Michael Piercy is the owner of The LAB Sports in New Jersey. Michael transitioned to the fitness industry after an illustrious career in professional baseball where he played for three major league organizations. Today, Michael works with everyone from elite professionals, youth athletes, and active adults to help them unleash their inner athlete. Michael is recognized for his achievements in the fitness space, including being named Personal Trainer of the Year in 2017, and TRX senior master trainer. Michael is also an author and a speaker.   In this episode hosted by Dan McDonogh, Michael shares more about his transition from professional sports to the fitness industry, and what inspired his decision to work with youth athletes. He speaks about the challenges and most rewarding aspects of working with youths, and why it’s important to manage expectations of everyone involved. Michael also shares more about his ideas of what it means to be a playmaker, and how to bring that out in the work we do. Tune in to find out more.   Key Takeaways: [0:38] Dan introduces his guest for this episode — Michael Piercy. [2:05] Michael made a transition from professional sports into the fitness industry. What was that transition like for Michael? [4:45] What was the gap that Michael saw that needed to be filled, especially with youth athletes, that he works on within his facility? [6:50] What does Michael find the most rewarding working with youth athletes? [8:56] What is the most challenging aspect of working with youth athletes? [10:54] Dan and Michael discuss the challenges of managing expectations, both of the athletes and their parents. [16:18] What does it mean to be a playmaker, and how can we all bring that into the work that we do? [20:07] Michael talks a bit about embracing your vision. [22:33] This podcast is being sponsored by VertiMax. [23:59] Michael explains what it means to let your work speak as it relates to being a playmaker. [26:32] Part of being a playmaker also has to do with knowing your strengths. [30:12] Michael shares a story about talking to his mom about stealing bases. [32:20] #4 of being a playmaker is to mind your words. [34:57] Our words matter a lot, especially when working with youth athletes. [38:03] The last thing Michael talks about in being a playmaker is that coaching is a calling. [45:08] Dan summarizes some of his biggest takeaways from this conversation with Michael. Mentioned in This Episode: VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube VertiMax on LinkedIn Dan McDonogh Dan McDonogh on LinkedIn Michael Piercy on LinkedIn and Instagram The LAB Sports   Tweetables: "The fitness industry was always something that was really central to my life." - Michael   "That's one of the most important things that we do here is try to work on the total athlete." - Michael   "What can we give them that can help them really make a difference, not only just as an athlete, but as a person." - Michael   "It's not about results, it's about the work that you put in." - Michael   "Building trust with the parents is ultimately going to lead to trust and growth and development in all areas of that child's life." - Dan

Michael Piercy — Being a Playmaker

Dr. Mark Cheng is the Founder and Trainer of Tai Cheng and K3 Combat Movement Systems. Through a lifetime of passion, learning, honing, refining, and distilling methods and practices of both the Western and Eastern worlds, Mark has developed a system that helps people move better to feel better. He works with everyone from office jocks to top-performing athletes to C-suite executives, and his aim is to help people get strong, train smarter and feel better in a sustainable way for them.   In this episode hosted by Dan McDonogh, Mark shares more about how he has integrated Eastern and Western philosophies and principles into his work in fitness and training. He explains more about the need for balance in the pursuit of getting stronger and hitting athletic goals — knowing when to train vs when to test, when to apply the gas vs apply the brakes, and knowing when to stop. Mark has many great insights about how we can all move better and things to be mindful of in coaching, training and working with people on their health and fitness. Tune in to find out more.   Key Takeaways: [:50] Dan introduces his guest for this episode — Dr. Mark Cheng. [3:30] How has Mark been able to take his Eastern practices and integrate those principles and philosophies into what he currently does today? [4:59] What does Mark mean when he says we need to know when to apply the gas and when to apply the brakes? [7:00] What are some of Mark's tips for knowing when to test and when to train? [9:07] Many people are brought up to mute their bodies, rather than listen to them. Mark explains what this means and the impact it can have. [14:00] Mark shares some of his personal experiences of pushing himself too hard, and describes his 'Aha!' moment. [17:29] What are some of the corrective exercises that Mark recommends? [20:48] What's the best way to get athletes to buy into corrective exercises? [23:38] This podcast is being sponsored by VertiMax. [24:24] Getting buy in and building mutual trust is so important in coaching, and listening is key to this. [25:43] How can we help people understand that it's not just about pushing through fatigue? [28:54] Dan and Mark discuss the importance of athletes knowing when to stop. [31:57] Mark explains more about why he believes healthy tissue should be soft and able to receive pressure. [36:09] Why is breathing and relaxing so important? [41:14] Dan reflects on the theme of this conversation. [42:34] What does Mark mean by "fevery and failing" and how does it relate to the work of health and fitness professionals? [45:22] How does Mark prioritize between different things? Mentioned in This Episode: VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube VertiMax on LinkedIn Dan McDonogh Dan McDonogh on LinkedIn Dr. Mark Cheng Dr. Mark Cheng on Instagram K3 CombatGrey Cook, Functional Movement Systems Tweetables: "Whether we choose to use an Eastern paradigm to describe and understand [our bodies], or a Western paradigm to understand and describe it, if it works, it works." - Dr. Mark Cheng   "Your hormones are a drug." - Dr. Mark Cheng   "My ego's not writing checks that my body can't cash." - Dr. Mark Cheng   "If you don't see improvement, ease." - Dr. Mark Cheng   "If we expect success, reward, pleasure at every turn, we're going to be sorely disappointed and very entitled." - Dr. Mark Cheng

Dr. Mark Cheng — Move Better to Feel Better

Matt Krause has been in the world of professional strength and conditioning in baseball for a long time. He was a former National Strength and Conditioning Association professional strength coach of the year, as well as a long time strength coach with the New York Yankees and Cincinnati Reds. Most recently, Matt has been named the first Administrative Director of the Professional Baseball Strength and Conditioning Coaches Society (PBSCCS).   Like in any other sport, strength and conditioning coaching in baseball has its own quirks. Matt shares more about his experiences as a coach in baseball through the years. He reveals his own personal journey of how he got into strength and conditioning, and how he got to where he is today, as well as the career progression one might take to achieve success in this industry. Matt also talks about the new initiatives being undertaken by PBSCCS and his goal for the organization going forward. Coaching in baseball is no mean feat, and Matt shares how he deals with the challenges that come his way to consistently stay on top of his game. Tune in to find out more.   Key Takeaways: [1:48] Al Marez introduces his guest for this episode - Matt Krause. [3:20] What got Matt into strength and conditioning coaching, and how did he get to where he is now? [11:21] What are some of the initiatives that Matt will be spearheading for the PBSCCS? [14:29] This podcast is being sponsored by Vertimax. [15:17] How does Matt create the programs for the PBSCCS? [16:31] Matt outlines the typical career progression of someone in this industry and the steps they would take to achieve success. [23:07] What is the path Matt recommends to get into coaching in a particular sport? [27:24] What was the process of becoming a GA like? [29:16] Has Matt ever felt burned out after being in the industry for so long? How does he counter it? [31:51] What are some of the not-so-glamorous parts of the baseball industry? [33:58] What is one of the most gratifying things about being a strength coach for Matt? [36:00] Find out more about PBSCCS and the work that Matt does via their website. Mentioned in This Episode: VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube VertiMax on LinkedIn Al Marez on LinkedIn Matt Krause on LinkedIn Matt Krause on Instagram National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Professional Baseball Strength and Conditioning Coaches Society (PBSCCS)   Tweetables:   "We're trying to create quality education from the parent-coach to the high school coach to the college coach to the professional strength coach." - Matt   "We want to provide quality content for all levels of people trying to help athletes." - Matt   "In the industry, I've always found someone who was my peer to talk to." - Matt  

Matt Krause — Strength and Conditioning in Baseball

Adam Feit is the Head Strength and Sport Psychology Coach at Precision Nutrition, world's largest online coaching and certification software company. He has a tremendous background in strength and conditioning, nutrition and coaching, and began his journey in the field as a coach in his undergraduate days. From there, he gained more experience and exposure in the field through other coaching internships and placements in many places across the country. Eventually, Adam went on to become a Co-Founder and Director of Reach Your Potential Training, where he trained hundreds of youth athletes, and worked with numerous colleges and institutions. Adam recently completed his PhD in Sport and Exercise Psychology, and works full time as a consultant for colleges and part time as a strength and conditioning coach at Springfield College.    In this episode hosted by Steve Leo, Adam shares more about his journey to where he is today, starting in 2006. He also explains how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted how he runs his business and the impacts he sees on the industry as a whole. Adam also has some business advice for new coaches trying to get to the next level, and insights about pricing and managing expectations. He shares more about nutrition and tips for working with younger athletes in this insightful interview as well. Tune in to find out more.   Key Takeaways: [:33] Steve Leo introduces his guest for this episode - Adam Feit. [1:35] Adam shares a bit about his background. [7:44] How has COVID-19 changed how Adam runs his business? [11:39] What are some of the impacts of having to adapt to living in a pandemic? [15:52] What are some of the biggest differences Adam has noticed in the strength and conditioning coaching arena since he started? [19:14] How has Adam dealt with balancing parents demands and the needs or abilities of youth athletes? [23:04] What is some of Adam's advice for people who are trying to take their independent small business to the next level in these times? [28:54] This podcast is being sponsored by VertiMax. [29:40] Adam shares more how to create better clients and manage expectations. [34:58] How does Adam deal with pricing in his business? [40:47] What is Precision Nutrition and how is it relevant to younger athletes? [46:03] What are some of the pros and cons of working with younger athletes? [51:23] What advice would Adam give parents who need to help their children make some behavioral changes? [57:25] Find out more about Adam and the work he does via social media or email.   Mentioned in This Episode: VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube VertiMax on LinkedIn Steve Leo Steve Leo on Instagram Adam Feit Adam Feit on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook Email Adam Feit Precision Nutrition Reach Your Potential Training StreamYard Crucial Conversations, by Al Switzler, Joseph Grenny, and Ron McMillan   Tweetables: "I feel bad for everybody that's going through this time because they're not getting the ideal coaching situation." - Adam   "I've found that education is now more paramount, it's more bountiful and convenient. Anybody can learn at any time, and coaches can now use that to leverage the opportunities they have." - Adam   "What can I offer that can be very multi-faceted?" - Adam   "The flexibility comes not just in the price, but how you're going to deliver the programs. That's going to set up some interesting opportunities for revenue." - Ada

Adam Feit - Nutrition as a Part of Strength and Conditioning

Chris Gorres is well-known as one of the smartest and best trainers. Chris has always had a passion for fitness and was a high school and collegiate athlete in his youth. Today, he is the Lead Trainer and COO at Onyx Elite. In his career, Chris has acquired certifications with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and continues to educate himself, making him one of the best and brightest in the field of performance coaching. He works with athletes on all different levels and sports, specializing in speed, power, strength, injury prevention, functional training, and rehabilitation.   VertiMax has invested a lot of time and money into creating education platforms, including the in-person certification program, a virtual course and the VertiMax app. In this episode hosted by Al Marez, Chris Gorres shares more about the importance of continuing education for strength and conditioning coaches and trainers in the health and fitness industry. He also shares the benefits to be had from learning from experts outside your organization and some useful resources to get started. Tune in to find out more about the educational opportunities with VertiMax and how you can get to the next level as a trainer and coach.   Key Takeaways: [1:27] Al introduces his guest for this episode — Chris Gorres. [3:19] Chris shares a bit about his journey to become one of the top strength and conditioning coaches. [5:48] What are some of Chris's recommendations for people looking to further their education in this space? [9:58] Who are some of the VertiMax Master Trainers and where are they located? [14:34] Education is so important when dealing with a varied clientele. [15:41] What are some resources for people looking to get started with training? [18:14] Al explains why VertiMax decided to launch their own education platform. [19:16] What happens in the VertiMax in-person certification course? [21:36] This podcast is being sponsored by VertiMax. [22:29] Chris shares more about how he conducts in-person certification courses. [24:02] Who should attend the VertiMax trainings or courses? [26:29] VertiMax recently launched virtual training to cater to a broader audience. What are the differences between in-person and virtual training? [29:51] A parent asks what his daughter can do for training after an ankle fracture. Chris highlights some considerations around training with an injury. [35:32] VertiMax also has an app as a part of the education platform. Al and Chris discuss some of the elements of the app. [40:48] Follow Chris on Instagram and Twitter to learn more about his work. Mentioned in This Episode: VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube VertiMax on LinkedIn Al Marez on LinkedIn Chris Gorres on Twitter Chris Gorres on Instagram VertiMaxCertification Program and Virtual Training Course VertiMax App National Strength Professionals Association National Academy of Sports Medicine Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning (Boston) Parisi Speed School EXOS (Athletes Performance) Athlete Fit, Scott Moody Overland Park Kansas Core Performance, by Mark Verstegen Everyday is Game Day, by Mark Verstegen   Tweetables: "The real special ingredient that makes our team unique is the humility that everybody brings." — Chris   "When you're working with that vast of a group, education is so important." — Chris   "To me, that's what education is about. You get to learn from other people's experience and make yourself a genius." — Chris

Chris Gorres — Education in the Strength & Conditioning Industry

Trevor Anderson is the owner and operator of the Better Everyday Performance Institutes in Orlando, Florida, and recently opened a second outlet of his facility, despite the pandemic. Trevor is a performance coach, focused specifically on the areas of professional football, baseball and basketball who works with everyone from pro athletes from NFL and Superbowl champions to his own children. He is talented in working with people of any age or ability in the area of sports performance, and as the creator of GOLFleticism®, Trevor has a special interest in training athletes in the golf industry. As a TRX master trainer and master trainer for SPRI, Trevor has many achievements under his belt, including being named one of the top 50 best golf fitness trainers by Golf Digest.   In this episode hosted by Dan McDonogh, Trevor shares more about how he developed his custom training program for professional golfers to become more athletic and why he believes that sport-specific training should be the focus only 30% of the time. Trevor also gives his take on speed and agility training for everyday athletes and shares his unique perspective on better movement. Tune in to find out more.   Key Takeaways: [:38] Dan introduces his guest for this episode — Trevor Anderson. [:58] Trevor's rallying cry is two claps. Where did that begin? [2:45] Dan shares more about Trevor's background. [4:32] What is GOLFleticism®? [6:58] What are Trevor's thoughts on sport-specific training? [9:51] Trevor has a unique take on speed and agility training for everyday athletes. He shares more about his perspective. [12:28] The Better Everyday Performance Institute facilities are designed functionally, to have exactly what athletes need and not more. Trevor talks about some of the modalities he incorporates in his facilities. [15:29] What are the benefits of elastic resistance? [17:29] Dan and Trevor discuss the potential of the Raptor. [19:14] What is the psychology that Trevor uses with his athletes? [22:01] This podcast is being sponsored by VertiMax. [22:47] When did Trevor understand the importance of better movement as it relates to an athlete's ability to perform better? [26:37] Does Trevor do a movement assessment for his athletes and clients? [30:05] Trevor talks about what he thinks the art of coaching is. [31:38] What is Trevor's philosophy around managing a large group of people, knowing that they each have individual needs and wants? [36:08] Being successful is about making connections and building relationships. [38:41] Dan sums up some of the takeaways from this interview with Trevor. [41:35] Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Mentioned in This Episode: VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube VertiMax on LinkedIn Dan McDonogh Dan McDonogh on LinkedIn Trevor Anderson on LinkedIn and Instagram Better Every Day Better Every Day Orlando GOLFleticism TRX SPRI Under Armour    Tweetables: "I started to see how important athleticism was in the game of golf." - Trevor   "The reality is you need to build a base foundation of athleticism, of functional movement, of foundational movements." - Trevor   "Loose is smooth, and smooth is fast. If you create unnecessary tension, it's hard for you to be fluid." - Trevor   "You get your mental toughness through your physical challenges." - Trevor

Trevor Anderson — Training with Passion and Purpose

Martin Rooney is the Founder of Training for Warriors. In his youth, he was a track and field athlete in college and a former US bobsledder. He went to medical school to become a PT and had a successful career as a PT, before taking the leap to pursue his passion in the strength and conditioning industry. Today, Martin is an internationally recognized trainer, speaker, author and pioneer in the strength and conditioning industry, and his Training for Warriors program is world-renowned. His passion and purpose lies in helping bring the athlete out in everyone, and also finds joy in coaching middle and high school track teams.   In this episode hosted by Steve Leo, Martin shares the origin story of how he got into the strength and conditioning industry. He reveals the huge risks he took, the hard work, time and effort he put in to build his business and a name for himself, and the eventual success he has enjoyed. Martin also has some great insights about why passion and purpose are his driving forces, and some valuable advice for coaches in the industry. Tune in to find out more.   Key Takeaways: [:31] Steve introduces his guest for this episode - Martin Rooney. [1:49] Martin shares a little about his background and how he got into the industry. [3:40] How did Martin transition from being a PT to his current career? [7:59] Don't be afraid to pursue your passions and your dreams. [11:42] A lot of people get into the industry for the right reasons, but there are also those who want instant fame and recognition. Martin has some advice for them. [15:26] What made Martin decide to switch gears and start working with adults and the general population, rather than professional athletes? [17:24] This podcast is being sponsored by VertiMax. [18:13] Training professionals is easy. It's a much greater challenge to help regular people unlock the athletes within them. [20:45] Martin shares how his transition into training for adults was driven not only by passion, but also by purpose. [22:43] Taking big risks were part of what helped Martin achieve success. He explains how fear can be a huge motivator for success. [26:28] How has Martin's business grown since its inception? [32:25] In order to be a good coach, you need to have passion, and you need to be able to help people believe. [36:05] Steve and Martin discuss his latest book, Coach to Coach. What motivated him to write this particular book? [44:27] Martin shares a bit more about the value of hard work and doing something hundreds of times in becoming great at what he does. [48:22] Steve and Martin discuss how they got their children interested in sports, and their journeys. [55:12] Get in touch with Martin on social media to learn more about him and his journey. Mentioned in This Episode: VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube VertiMax on LinkedIn Steve Leo Steve Leo on Instagram Martin Rooney Martin Rooney on Instagram, Facebook Coaching Greatness Facebook Group Training for Warriors Parisi Speed School Coach to Coach, by Martin Rooney   Tweetables:   "Everybody gets in this industry dreaming that they're going to work with pros. But it's not all as rosy as it seems. If you want to make a greater impact, you do that with kids." - Martin   "Do what you love, do what you're passionate about, and if you push for it hard enough, it can happen." - Martin.   "Comparison is the thief of joy." - Martin   "There's an athlete inside of everybody, and the joy is bringing it out." - Martin

Martin Rooney — Training with Passion and Purpose

Coach Megan Young is the High-Performance Director with the Chicago Red Stars, and serving her second season in this role. She was previously part of the strength and conditioning program at the Auburn University Athletics Department for 11 years. She worked with student-athletes in the baseball and football programs, moving up in time to become directly responsible for year-long programming and implementation of all strength and conditioning related activities for the women’s soccer and basketball programs. Megan currently holds certifications from the NSCA, Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCA), USA Weightlifting (USAW), and USA Track and Field (USAWTF).   In this episode hosted by Al Marez, Megan shares the story of how she entered the strength and conditioning industry, as well as what it was like for her as a woman in a male-dominated industry. She explains how she has taken on the challenges in her life, both in her career and personally in her battle with cancer, and how that has shaped her outlook and goals in life. Megan also talks about how she has adapted to the changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, and how she feels about the future of the industry. Tune in to find out more.   Key Takeaways: [1:12] Al introduces his guest for this episode — Megan Young. [3:02] How did Megan get into the strength and conditioning industry initially? [5:37] What are some of the challenges that Megan faced getting into strength and conditioning? [8:47] More and more women are getting into the industry. [9:38] What is Megan's role as High-Performance Director? [13:51] How has COVID affected the training season this year? [15:25] This podcast is being sponsored by VertiMax. [16:11] How did Megan adapt to conducting trainings while the players were in lockdown because of COVID? [18:41] What was Megan's dream as a coach? [22:28] Megan shares more about what it means to "speak for those who can't". [27:37] How has Megan's battle with cancer changed her trajectory in her career and life? [29:52] How does Megan feel about more women getting opportunities in the industry? Mentioned in This Episode: VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube VertiMax on LinkedIn Al Marez on LinkedIn Megan Young on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter Chicago Red Stars Auburn University Athletics Department NSCA Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association (CSCCA) USA Weightlifting (USAW) USA Track and Field (USAWTF)   Tweetables: "You have to be willing to be the only one of you in the room." — Megan   "A lot of people feel the pressure to throw all technology and solutions into a system or organization without ever reading what the environment actually needs." — Megan   "You can learn a lot from players by asking them questions first." — Megan   "Dreams change with education and with experience and life." — Megan   "I want to change what it means to be strong, and being strong, besides physically, means to share your scars, it means to share the vulnerability, it means to share the hard things that actually made you who you are." — Megan

Megan Young — A Woman in a Male-Dominated Industry

Vinny Scollo is the Gold's Gym Sports Performance Director and Regional Fitness Manager in Middletown NY. As a strength and conditioning coach working with both amateur athletes and professional athletes in high school, college and the NFL, Vinny has over 12 years of experience in human performance.   In this episode hosted by Dan McDonogh, Vinny shares more about his perspectives and philosophy for recovery for his athletes. He shares more about his tried and tested methods and strategies to help athletes recover faster, and why sleep plays such an important role in effective recovery. Vinny and Dan also discuss the power of mindset and mindfulness in an effective training plan, and why a coach’s role and responsibility extends far beyond the time they spend actively training their athletes. Tune in to find out more.   Key Takeaways: [:33] Dan introduces his guest for this episode — Vinny Scollo. [2:08] The VertiMax Summit just took place over the past weekend. What were some of the highlights for Vinny? [6:25] The real role and responsibility of a strength and conditioning coach extends beyond the time they spend with their athletes. [8:48] What are some of the strategies and recovery hacks that Vinny is using with his athletes? [13:00] This podcast is being sponsored by VertiMax. [13:46] Dan shares some of his experience with recovery and some of his observations around breathing and recovery. [18:28] Coaches need to learn before they teach, not the other way around. [20:13] What are some of Vinny's recommendations around sleep habits and patterns? [27:26] Vinny's three main aims for his mornings are mindfulness, movement and mindset. [30:36] Keep it as simple as possible for your athletes. [32:21] There is power in the life that our athletes are living outside the training room, and a lot of that has to do with positivity. [35:02] Dan and Vinny discuss the importance of listening, not to respond, but to understand. [39:59] Dan gives a short recap of some of the main themes of the discussion with Vinny. Mentioned in This Episode: VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube VertiMax on LinkedIn Dan McDonogh Dan McDonogh on LinkedIn Vinny Scollo on Instagram  Vinny Scollo on Facebook VertiMax Vive Podcast Episode: Vinny Scollo— Gold's Gym Sports Performance Director and Regional Fitness Manager - Part 1 VertiMax Vive Podcast Episode: Vinny Scollo - Bringing Sports Performance Facilities to Commercial Spaces The Five Minute Journal   Tweetables: "We see [our athletes] for an hour. The more important hours are the other 23." — Vinny   "A lot of times, we can get so much benefit and bang for our buck just off doing the simple things that we readily have access to, but as long as it's done consistently." — Vinny   "Success comes from what we do consistently." — Dan   "If you're just stretching but you're not breathing, you're just doing busywork." — Vinny   "What are your silver linings every day?" — Dan

Vinny Scollo — The Importance of Recovery in Training

Coach Daniel Mckim is a sales representative for Sorinex and a Hollywood movie star on Instagram. Coming from Northwest Missouri State University, Daniel competed in the shot put, and was a 15-time National Qualifier in five events. Currently, he works as a trainer and coach with high schools, colleges, universities, gyms, training centers, and professional teams to bring them innovative training solutions. Two of his passions are training and bringing joy to others, which he has combined into a unique career to become a sought-after athlete, speaker and author.   In this episode hosted by Steve Leo,  Daniel shares more about his background and how he almost took a completely different path to pursue baseball instead. He also shares some of the inspiration for the work he does today, and how he got started making videos that poke fun at anything and everything in the strength and training industry. Daniel has some interesting insights about the impact of social media on the kids he trains, as well as how he landed a partnership with Little Debbie's Snacks. Tune in to find out more.   Key Takeaways: [00:00:30] Steve introduces his guest for this episode — Daniel McKim. [1:05] Daniel shares more about his background and his career. [6:18] What inspired Daniel to get into the career he has now? [9:08] How has Daniel's interactions with coaches and trainers from other spaces and specializations influenced his philosophies on training? [12:22] Daniel and Steve discuss the influence that social media has on the kids that they're working with in terms of questioning their impact as coaches. [13:44] What did Daniel learn as a collegiate athlete that has shaped him as a person now? [16:47] What are some of the changes Daniel has seen since he started working with Sorinex? [18:30] Daniel shares how technology has integrated with equipment in terms of training, particularly in relation to the VertiMax Raptor. [20:24] This podcast is being sponsored by VertiMax. [21:12] Daniel and Steve dig into how the weights room has changed to accommodate different athletes from different sports. [23:08] How does Daniel deal with kids who want to emulate workouts and exercises that they see online? [25:16] Daniel talks about Little Debbie and how he has incorporated that into his business. [31:32] When he's working with Sorinex, which kind of clients does Daniel focus on? [34:22] Check out Daniel's website for more information about his work. [34:53] How does Daniel's faith help him in his professional career? [37:15] Daniel shares some final thoughts about being in the strength industry. Mentioned in This Episode: VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube VertiMax on LinkedIn Steve Leo Steve Leo on Instagram Daniel McKim Daniel McKim on Instagram and Twitter Sorinex Northwest Missouri State University Little Debbie VertiMax Raptor   Tweetables: "Everyone takes themselves so seriously and we sometimes think everything is so serious, that we've got to take a step back and realize there's a lot of joy to be had in this world, and if we're not careful we're going to miss out on it." — Daniel    "We're here in this industry to improve lives, and sometimes that means we've got to step out of our comfort zone, sometimes that means we've got to get out and do things to have fun, to create joy and excitement for these kids." — Daniel   "It's been impressive to see how things are now custom. Everything is custom." — Daniel   "I want to share joy, and I want to have joy in all that I do." — Daniel

Daniel McKim — Finding the Joy in Training

Dwayne Paul is the Founder of Limitless Training Club and LTC 2.0, and a VertiMax Master Trainer in the UK. His passion for training and fitness started at a young age during his adolescence in the Caribbean, and after a career in the military, Dwayne made the shift to the personal training and fitness industry. Dwayne then opened up his training facility and recently opened a second location with a focus on sports performance training.   In this episode hosted by Al Marez,  Dwayne shares more about his inspiration for his training facilities, as well as the design and layout of the facilities. He explains the different focus he has for each location, and how the “conveyor belt” style helps keep things running smoothly. Dwayne also talks about how his business has been affected by the pandemic, how he has managed to keep clients engaged during the course of the shut down of his facilities, and how he is handling the reopening. As a Master Trainer, Dwayne also provides insights into the benefits he has seen and the impact of the relationships he has cultivated as a result. Tune in to find out more.   Key Takeaways: [1:17] Al introduces his guest for this episode — Dwayne Paul. [2:29] How did Dwayne get into the fitness industry? [4:56] What inspired Dwayne to name his facility Limitless Training? [7:32] Dwayne is just opening up a second location. What was his process in designing it and what made him decide to open a new location now? [9:46] What is the difference between Limitless Training Club and LTC 2.0? [10:45] What kind of training does Dwayne offer at each facility? [11:53] Dwayne explains how the new facility is set up in a "conveyor belt" style. [14:36] How is the UK handling the pandemic in terms of reopening training facilities? [16:26] What was the biggest challenge that Dwayne faced when opening his first facility? [19:03] This podcast is being sponsored by VertiMax. [20:06] How is the UK dealing with the COVID pandemic? Dwayne shares how he was able to adapt to the changes that the pandemic brought and keep clients engaged. [26:33] What are Dwayne's tips for parents training their kids at home? [29:48] What does it mean to be a VertiMax Master Trainer? [34:36] What does Dwayne think of cultivating relationships with other distributors and other Master Trainers from other regions? [37:08] Follow Dwayne to find out more about the work that he does. Mentioned in This Episode: VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube VertiMax on LinkedIn Al Marez on LinkedIn Dwayne Paul on Instagram Limitless Training Club VertiMax App   Tweetables:   "The new facility gives a bit of a sports performance feeling to it." — Dwayne Paul   "We have a conveyor belt kind of rotation style for the facility." — Dwayne Paul   "You've got to keep something in reserve for hard times." — Dwayne Paul   "If they haven't been doing a lot, ease into it as you get back into it." — Al Marez

Dwayne Paul — VertiMax Master Trainer in the UK

Vinny Scollo is the Gold's Gym Sports Performance Director and Regional Fitness Manager in Middletown NY. He is often imitated but never duplicated. A strength and performance coach with over 12 years experience in human performance, Vinny works with everyone from high school athletes looking to make professional sports their career, to current professional athletes, to busy business executives.    In this episode hosted by Dan McDonogh, Vinny talks about the key differences between purpose and passion, and testing and training. He gives us the inside scoop about what it’s like to work with Latavius Murray for many years, and why he considers it of utmost importance to be aware of the mental, emotional, and physical state of athletes when designing a training schedule to help them hit their goals. Vinny also shares more about education as a critical aspect of implementing a system successfully, and why he is such a firm believer in VertiMax. Tune in to find out more.   Key Takeaways: [:40] Dan introduces his guest for this episode — Vinny Scollo. [4:01] Every goal needs to have purpose and intent. What's the difference between purpose and passion? [7:52] It is important for each movement to be done with intention. [10:20] What is Vinny's coaching philosophy and how is he able to keep things simple and effective? [14:24] This podcast is being sponsored by VertiMax. [15:37] There's a difference between testing and training. [16:49] How does Vinny work with Latavius and what is that relationship like? [21:00] As coaches, we need to be aware of how our client is feeling and what they are ready to do. [29:00] How can we identify unmotivated athletes vs someone who is just not feeling it that day? [31:39] What made Vinny decide to get behind the VertiMax brand and the VertiMax as a tool? [38:40] Education is a crucial part of implementing a system successfully. [43:00] What are three things Vinny thinks people in the health and fitness industry should be doing on a consistent basis? Mentioned in This Episode: VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube VertiMax on LinkedIn Dan McDonogh Dan McDonogh on LinkedIn Vinny Scollo on Instagram  Vinny Scollo on Facebook Latavius Murray VertiMax Raptor   Tweetables:   "If you have a passion, to me, it blends in with the purpose, because your passion is essentially your purpose." — Vinny   "What is the intention behind the movement?" — Vinny   "Everything really goes back to the basics. Everything is built from the basics." — Vinny   "The best ability is availability." — Dan   "Movement is the new medicine." — Dan

Chad Coy — A Tailored Approach for Every Athlete

Chad Coy has had a long and illustrious career in the fitness space with 40 years of experience under his belt. He started training in 1980, with high school football and moved on to coaching as an undergraduate assistant strength coach at Purdue University. In 1995, he opened Powerhouse Gym, before going on to compete in multiple strongman competitions. Chad has also played semi-professional football, and is experienced in speed training with Parisi Speed School,   In this episode hosted by Steve Leo, Chad shares his insights about strength and conditioning training with athletes. He highlights some of the most important parts of strength training that athletes need to focus on, and why it is so important for coaches to do a full evaluation of the athlete’s needs before recommending training programs for them. Chad also shares more about stress and recovery, how to help athletes build confidence, and the key attributes coaches need to have. Tune in to find out more.   Key Takeaways: [:30] Steve introduces his guest for this episode — Chad Coy. [1:05] Chad gives a brief introduction to his background and career. [4:54] What is the biggest difference Chad sees in his years of experience in the strength and conditioning area? [6:52] What is the most important part of strength training that athletes need to focus on? [9:47] How would Chad approach training female athletes? [13:06] Chad recommends doing an evaluation to assess the needs of athletes to figure out an approach that works best for them. [14:42] This podcast is being sponsored by VertiMax. [15:29] How does Chad address parents who may be concerned about their child lifting weights? [18:11] Confidence is a big issue with many athletes. How does Chad address this issue? [21:10] How would Chad manage or modify training volume for athletes whose seasons have been cancelled? [23:51] How has Chad incorporated VertiMax equipment and other devices into his training programs? [26:50] What has Chad learned about recovery from his years of strongman? [30:28] Chad talks about how he helps his athletes manage stress and recovery. [32:35] How did Chad deal with stress when he was at the highest level of his sports and dealt with adversity? [36:48] Chad shares his perspective on the key attributes coaches need to have. [39:08] Connect with Chad on social media to learn more about strength and performance coaching. Mentioned in This Episode: VertiMax VertiMax on Facebook VertiMax on Instagram VertiMax on YouTube VertiMax on LinkedIn Steve Leo Steve Leo on Instagram Chad Coy on Instagram Powerhouse Gym Parisi Speed School VertiMax Raptor   Tweetables: "I didn't realize how strength affected speed, but it was huge." — Chad   "[Strength training] should lead to injury resiliency first, then performance." — Chad   "Confidence is a big issue." — Steve   "It's a fine line between pushing them and over-training them." — Chad

The Vive Podcast is for coaches, trainers, athletes, parents of athletes, fitness professionals, and human performance enthusiasts. We started this podcast to bring you insights from the biggest names in sports performance, strength conditioning, and athletics with hopes that you will gain understanding, insights, ideas and the tools you need to optimize your athletic program, sports performance business, athletic career and future in this ever-evolving space.

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