Revisiting "Functional Training for Sports" with Mike Boyle

Welcome to episode 450 of the Strength Coach Podcast with host Anthony Renna. In this episode, we dive deep into the evolution of functional training with legendary coach Mike Boyle as he discusses the upcoming third edition of his landmark book, Functional Training for Sports. Whether you are a professional trainer or an athlete, this conversation offers a masterclass in how training philosophies have shifted over the last two decades.

You can Pre-order the New Functional Training for Sports here- https://a.co/d/0eKeRwPO

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The core of the episode features an in-depth conversation with Mike Boyle. Mike reflects on how his philosophy has changed since the first edition of his book was released in 2004. He redefines functional training as the application of functional anatomy and discusses why certain trends, like unstable surface training, have largely faded away. We explore the transition from machine-based exercises to a functional continuum that emphasizes unilateral movements and tri-planar activity.

Mike also shares his thoughts on why he has moved away from traditional Olympic lifting in many scenarios, favoring trap bar jumps and weighted jumps for explosive power. You will hear about the evolution of core training, the importance of upper body pulling for shoulder health, and why agility training should be less about choreographed drills and more about sport-specific chaos.

Mark Fisher from Business for Unicorns, shares a vital productivity tool for gym owners and trainers: time blocking. Mark explains how to move from reactive mode to proactive growth by protecting your schedule for high-priority tasks. If you have ever felt like you are just putting out fires all day, this segment provides a roadmap to reclaiming your time and focus to build a business and life you love.

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CHAPTERS

0:00 Intro and Sponsor Message

2:15 Business for Unicorns with Mark Fisher

5:30 The Importance of Time Blocking

9:45 Interview with Coach Mike Boyle

12:30 Defining Functional Training Today

16:00 Evolution of Training Implements

20:15 Unilateral Training and Injury Prevention

24:00 Rethinking Agility and Speed Drills

29:30 Weighted Jumps vs Olympic Lifting

33:00 Core Training and Functional Anatomy

37:54 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up

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Pre-order the new edition of Functional Training for Sports and level up your coaching knowledge here- https://a.co/d/0eKeRwPO