The Minimum Effective Dose

March is Colon Cancer Awareness month. Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be. Incidence in those younger than 50, or young-onset colorectal cancer, is on the rise. Among those under age 55, the incidence rate is increasing by 1.5% every year. According to the latest data, colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men...

You don’t know squat! But you will soon… In this episode of the Minimum Effective Dose, we’re talking all about squatting. We go over the squat as an exercise, the movement of squatting and the key differences between the two. Mike and Brett discuss several aspects of the squat including: Progressions Movement competency and prerequisites Coaching cues Anthropometry  The neuro-developmental sequen...

In this episode of the Minimum Effective Dose, we’re dissecting the pull-up. Mike and Brett discuss various topics surrounding the pull-up such as: Biomechanics Functional anatomy Progressions and regressions Strategies for group training and personal training Programming considerations If you are a huge fan of pull-ups (and want more movie quotes) don’t miss this episode! Related: Join us in Nort...

In this episode, we dive into the 1 arm push-up and the 1 arm /1 leg push-up exercises. The 1 arm push-up variation is a fantastic demonstration of total body tension and upper body strength. This is not one of those exercises you can dive right into. These bodyweight exercises require strength, coordination, determination and practice in order to perform them safely and efficiently. We dive deep...

In this episode of The Minimum Effective Dose podcast we are diving deep into the pistol squat. Brett and Mike talk all things pistol squats and cover topics including: Movement prerequisites for pistol squats Programming considerations Coaching cues Progressions Low back health Tension and core function And so much more! If you are looking to expand your knowledge on executing and coaching the pi...

In this episode, Brett and Mike discuss how to design a program using guidelines, governors, and guard rails. The MED duo also discusses various topics such as: The importance of client/coach communication How to design a program that yields results and is also easy for your clients to understand Repetitions on Reserve (RIR) Perceived Rate of Exertion (PRE) Linear periodization Regardless of what...

Brett and Mike discuss the science behind muscle confusion and energy system development. Just kidding, muscle confusion isn’t a real thing! But energy system development sure is. In this episode, we talk about… Energy System Development Alactic and aerobic training protocols On-the-minute training … and much more. We also give you some guidelines on how to approach and design training protocols i...

What makes a great coach? Every January, we see an uptick in people who are looking to improve their health and fitness and often times they are looking to hire a qualified coach. But what is it that makes a coach great? In this episode, Mike and Brett discuss various aspects about what it means to be a great coach. We talk about everything from knowledge, skill, set, personality, and much more in...

New Year, New you?! In the first episode of The Minimum Effective Dose Podcast for 2023, we talk about some simple strategies that may help you get into a better health and wellness routine for the upcoming year. We’ve both been in the fitness industry for a long time, and we’ve pretty much seen it all. In this episode, we’re going to give you some valuable advice on how to trainer smarter, be mor...

This past year, 2022, was an incredible year for the Minimum Effective Dose podcast. My good friend, Brett joined the podcast as a co-host and I could not be happier with how season 2 went. We had a chance to share about our cancer journeys, overused movie quotes, had some laughs and talked tons of shop about training. We explored all kinds of training topics including kettlebells, power developme...

In this episode we explore the principles and strategies for some of the more non-traditional programming styles. Mike and Brett discuss: Ascending ladders Descending ladders Strength aerobics Volume Density Work-to-rest ratios And much more! There are endless training methodologies that will yield positive results. It’s excellent, but can be confusing. Working with too many moving parts when you’...

One of the most common questions we get when it comes to training with kettlebells is about what size kettlebell to use. Quite often we see students going too heavy with kettlebell ballistics (e.g. clean, snatch, swing, jerk). Ballistic exercises are more dynamic than grinds (e.g squat, row, TGU, windmill) and work on the power generation and absorption in a dynamic fashion, If kettlebell swings a...

Many strength coaches and sports coaches have missed the boat on the idea that power development is very different than conditioning. Let’s emphasize that. Power development is not conditioning. Simply put, power is strength strength applied quickly. In this episode Brett and Mike discuss: The do’s and don’ts of power development Programming strategies for power development Principles for power de...

Join Brett and Mike to learn more about training strategies for mobility and hypermobility. Mobility is a hot topic these days and for good reason. When you live a sedentary lifestyle as so many are these days, you tend to lose your mobility. This is likely why you see countless systems promising to improve mobility currently being offered in the fitness industry. But what about individuals who ha...

The most efficient athletes in the world can demonstrate an elegant balance of tension and relaxation. We see this skill represented in strength training, calisthenics, and several field and court sports. Some people balance tension and relaxation naturally, while others have to work at it. Regardless of where you are in your athletic journey, learning how to balance tension and relaxation is a vi...

In this episode, Brett and Mike give you the simplest way to change and impact movement when you’re working with your clients. Far too often, we see coaches skip steps in this process and then wonder why their interventions are unsuccessful. If you’re looking for a simple recipe you can use time and again to change and impact movement, don’t miss this episode. The MED duo give you a step-by-step a...

This episode of The Minimum Effective Dose podcast is all about creating an amazing group training program. Your hosts discuss several topics such as culture, programming, communication and so much more. Brett and Mike give you valuable insight on how to create a culture in your group training program that fosters continual progress. Plus, we talk brand building and client retention. If you own a...

Mike and Brett discuss recent projects they’ve been working on outside of the Minimum Effective Dose podcast. These 2 resources can help you set yourself apart from other strength and conditioning coaches. If you’re a fitness professional looking to build your career in strength and conditioning, tune in and check out the details linked below. Iron Cardio Brett discusses his latest digital product...

This episode is part two of a two-part series on digging deeper into the Turkish Get Up. If you’re interested in learn more about the TGU to learn more for your own training purposes or to help you better coach your clients, don’t miss this episode and the previous episode ( Part 1 of Digging Deeper into the Turkish Get Up ) where we started the conversation. In part 2, Brett and Mike cover: The h...

This episode is part one of a two-part series on the Turkish Get Up. If you’re interested in digging deeper into the Turkish Get Up to learn more for your own training purposes or to help you better coach your clients, don’t miss this one. The MED duo, Brett and Mike,  discuss everything from… Teaching cues Common errors How we like to use this exercise How anthropometry plays a role throughout th...

Brett and Mike discuss their thoughts on the importance of gaining a solid knowledge base as a fitness professional. The fitness industry has a low barrier of entry which can be a blessing, but also a curse. While there are easy ways to get certified and start training, there is so much value in continuing to improve your knowledge base beyond what’s “required.” The MED duo discusses: The importan...

Is technology helping or hurting your fitness and function? Don’t get us wrong. We’re huge fans of technology, but it’s important to determine if what we’re implementing with these tools is done in a way that results in a positive adaptation. Are we getting too focused on the data from fitness technology devices/wearables? Are we relying so much on technology that we forget to slow down and pay at...

You already know we love kettlebell training. In this episode, we discuss the finer details of the kettlebell clean and snatch. These two kettlebell exercises are fundamental kettlebell skills. Just about everyone can benefit from including cleans and snatches into a training routine. Whether you are a seasoned professional looking for optimal coaching points or a beginner just learning to train w...

Do traveling and training mix? In this episode, Mike and Brett discuss how they manage traveling and training. They give you some strategies to improve your workouts when you travel and discuss something else you may never have thought about – what to do to get back into training (safely) after your trip. A few things you’ll hear more about… What Brett does before a trip with his training. Don’t w...

This episode is a deep dive into the importance of mastering the basics of the kettlebell deadlift and swing. Brett and Mike give you valuable insight into: How to approach your kettlebell training regimen The importance of programming when training with kettlebells Biomechanics Coaching kettlebells and why we start with the kettlebell deadlift and swing By the way… if you enjoy learning more abou...