Reckless Training

In this episode, your hosts TC and Chris Nicole interview an athlete who has competed at ALL of our sanctioned StrongLifting competitions, and who was a First Time competitor at our very first Reckless Miami Mayhem StrongLifting competition back in 2024. She shares her experience at the events, her hesitations in her first registration, and what has kept her coming back time after time - tune in t...

Most people think lifting weights is about aesthetics or performance. But the real power of strength training goes far beyond what you see in the mirror. Muscle and bone are protective tissues that regulate metabolism, support brain health, maintain hormonal balance, and keep us resilient as we age. In this episode, TC and Chris Nicole break down the science behind strength training and longevity....

In this episode, we sit down with Nancy to explore a lifetime of athletic evolution — from breaking barriers as one of the first girls to join a boys’ track team, to playing and coaching rugby at the highest levels, to now holding world records in raw powerlifting in her 60s. Nancy shares how early exposure to calisthenics and track shaped her competitive mindset, how she found her passion for rug...

Goals give direction, but are often emotional. Systems are practical, and WILL illicit results. If your goals keep stalling, it’s likely not a motivation problem; it’s a systems problem. In this episode, we unpack: • Why focusing on outcomes can reduce motivation • Why habits and systems outperform willpower • How identity is built through repetition, not intention • What to do daily when motivati...

In this episode, we break down what this year truly taught us as athletes and coaches — the lessons that actually moved the needle in bodybuilding, powerlifting, and long-term physique development. We dive into the real truth about creatine HCL vs. creatine monohydrate, why some athletes benefit from switching, and how to use creatine effectively for strength, recovery, and muscle growth. We also...

On this episode of the Reckless Training podcast, Chris Nicole and TC dive into some of the most popular supplementation strategies employed by the general population and elite athletes alike! Energy Drinks, protein powders, creatine, glutamine, beta-alanine, citrulline, plus vitamins and minerals - all discussed here! Tune in to put the finishing touches on your dietary routine.

In Part Two of our Navigating Nutrition miniseries, Chris and TC explore cooking oils, cookware, and various food additives. They go into depth about how seed oils became so prevalent in today's American diet; they explore the variety of cookware options consumers have available to them; and they discuss some of the popular preservatives, colorings, and artificial sweeteners that are becoming more...

In the first installment of the Navigating Nutrition mini series, Chris Nicole and TC discuss the differences in whole foods vs processed foods, as well as various marketing terms that the average consumer is exposed to while trying to build a healthy diet and lifestyle. Tune in to find out how you can make your grocery trips more effective at fueling your goals!

Peak Week Isn’t Magic — It’s Mental. In this episode, TC and Chris Nicole share what most competitors miss about Peak Week — and it’s not about the carbs or the water. The real battle is mental. From athlete overcorrections to stress sabotage, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone prepping for the stage OR the platform.. You’ll learn: 💥 How to manage stress so your physique can shine 💥 W...

How to receive and digest Judge Feedback in Bodybuilding and Powerlifting - Getting feedback from judges can be one of the most emotionally charged moments in a competitor’s journey — especially when you feel like you brought your best to the stage. In this episode, TC and Chris Nicole break down how to interpret, process, and apply judge feedback without letting ego, emotion, or confusion get in...

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the mindsets, training strategies, and nutrition habits that separate a mediocre offseason from a truly transformational one. Whether you’re navigating time off due to injury, burnout, or the need for serious physique upgrades — this episode is your guide to staying intentional when you're not in prep. We break it down with real-life athlete examples and cover...

Are barbells the holy grail of gains, or do machines deserve more credit than they get? In this episode, your hosts TC and Chris Nicole break down the pros and cons of both training methods to help you hit your goals faster — whether it’s strength, hypertrophy, or just getting started in the gym. We cover how machines can support your journey, why barbells build full-body control, and how to struc...

In this special episode, coaches TC and Chris Nicole interview a first time competitor, Becky Baldyga. The group discusses serval topics including: Apprehension in getting started in a prep Choosing the Figure category over Bikini Expectations surrounding show time lines and physique progress How mobility became part of strength training Strategies to maintain a positive mentality in the hardest p...

In this episode, your host TC and Chris Nicole discuss all of the available Short Cuts to Success as a competitive athlete. Topics include: - False information/people on social media - Knowing when to push or when to take time off to improve as an athlete - Using appropriate intensity in the gym - How nutrition and hormones stall or support positive changes - Assisted and natural athletes competin...

It has been a WILD year, but we are BACK!! In this episode your hosts discuss some strategies when choosing warm up shows before hitting the national stage. We share some tips on interpreting judge feedback and how to plan for next steps after receiving judge critique. We also cover benefits of having an objective opinion in the sport of bodybuilding and why going up against good competition is be...

On today’s podcast, your hosts TC and Chris Nicole sit down with the inventor of the weighted hip thrust and well-known expert in glute training, Bret Contreras. Author of the book- Glute Lab, founder of BC Strength, and founder of Booty by Bret, our guest is also a certified Strength and Conditioning Coach with a PhD in Sports Science. Since Bret is responsible for the inception of StrongLifting,...

In this episode, TC and Chris Nicole cover the 2024 Arnold Expo as well as their experience at the Arnold Amateur witnessing their good friend Sam become an IFBB Bikini Pro. TC talks about his meet up with Julian Smith, Chris Nicole talks with Lauralie Chapados- 3x Bikini Arnold Champion, and the two discuss Arnold's big announcement for Men's Open Bodybuilding. Tag @smith.julian in your story if...

In this episode Chris Nicole and TC discuss strategies for achieving better glute tie-ins, benefits of pec development for bikini athletes, and getting the most out of your training through intentional body positioning. If you are struggling with lower glute development, there are some considerations related to core, hip, and scapula position. If you are wondering why pec muscle can help the overa...

In this episode Chris Nicole and TC tackle a third round of questions inspired by the listeners! Here are some of the questions addressed in part 3 of this Q&A What are some training consideration that need to be taken into account when starting your lifting journey as a young/old athlete? What are strategies to help consume higher volumes of carbs in the improvement season? Is it detrimental...

In round two of this Q&A, TC and Chris Nicole answer the following questions... How would you approach activation imbalances from right to left sides? How does abdominal training look different for powerlifters vs bodybuilders? What are strategies used to reduce knee pain? Is back pain normal after performing the hip thrust? How should I be modifying my training when on my menstrual cycle? To...

In the first episode of 2024, Chris Nicole and TC tackle the first round of questions inspired by the listeners! . Here are some of the questions addressed in part 1 of this Q&A What are they looking for in bikini this year? Why and how do you incorporate heavy (3-6 rep max) training for bikini athletes? What benefits do compound lifts produce other than strength improvements? What are the dif...

In today’s podcast, your hosts TC and Chris Nicole recap the last few events of this year, and share some things they have learned as coaches and athletes during Reckless Training’s inaugural year. To find out more about Reckless Training visit https://www.recklesstraining.com To find out more about 100% Raw visit https://rawpowerlifting.com Follow us on Instagram @longshotgamble @chrisnicole_ifbb...

In this episode your hosts TC and Chris Nicole discuss not only the results of the 2023 Olympia but also share event highlights surrounding the top athletes including: Isa Pecini implementing specific judge feedback from previous shows, Chris Bumstead's 2023 prep motivation and his Olympia speech, and friendly rivalries between competitors of several divisions. This year had some upsets as well, s...

In this episode, your hosts TC and Chris Nicole discuss their ideology concerning a coach’s role in athlete education.

In this episode, your hosts TC and Chris Nicole discuss utilizing different training intensities and the purpose of Technique Weeks.