The Empowered Performance for Curlers Podcast

In this episode I answer questions such as: How to manage setbacks after an injury,  Who is the best sweeper, What happens during those between end meetings, & more   This months case study outlines how I would help someone who struggles to find balance in the delivery, and who feels pain in their knee when they turn their slider foot 'out'.   If you've got a question or case study example you can...

Save this for the next time you're sick, lacking motivation, or need some help finding your way back to regular training. In this episode I go through a hierarchy of low level movements and build up to your regular training routine and intensity.    If you've got a question or case study example you can fill this out HERE .   Some other great episodes to check out: Episode 03 : Shut your mouth -th...

If you have ever played on a curling team with a new curler, this episode is for you: Tips and tricks to help you support and encourage new curlers as they learn and grow. Give them tips as a skip or a sweeper while avoiding overwhelm, and help them find a win after every shot. This is a 3-part series; check out episode 66 focusing specifically on tips for new curlers, and episode 68 tips specific...

If you're involved in Learn to Curl programs or find yourself in a coaching role helping fresh curlers navigate the curling world this episode is for you: Tips and tricks to help you help them get the most out of their first few years. In this episode I go into detail on a few priorities that I hope coaches can find the time to sneak into their programs, practices & coaching session. This is not a...

Frazer Shaw is back to give us more insight into what is happening with that cold and pebbled surface we love to play on. He answers questions such as 'what is green ice'?, and 'is there a difference between 'curl' and 'finish'?   This episode is full of little things to pay attention to while you are curling to help improve your performance and is beneficial for players of all levels.   Make sure...

If you're new to the curling world this episode is for you: Tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your first few years. These are the things that can take years to learn, observe or be taught, but also things that can increase your enjoyment of the game early on. If you are new to curling, coach, or know someone who is new to curling give this a listen and share it with them. This is a 3...

75% of what a front end is responsible for is sweeping related, and yet our practices don't reflect that. In my experience helping curlers improve their brushing performance, I've noticed a few trends in terms of what they are not already doing, and what kinds of things help them uplevel their abilities.    In today's episode I walk you through 5 reasons why you aren't a better sweeper than you we...

The best curling athletes are in the gym training year round. This statement scares some coaches because their main priority in season is to perform well on the ice. In this episode I walk you through how to optimally juggle off and on ice training without sacrificing time on the ice or setting your athletes up for injury and burnout   I have 3 workout 'themes' I use to govern what I do in the gym...

In today's episode I am joined all the way from Scotland by Frazer Shaw, the Assistant Manager of Curl Edinburgh. He shares with us his learnings about making ice and managing a curling club environment.   We touch on what rocks are made of, how ice is made and what variables are important in making great ice. Fraser reminds us that there are tones of variables to consider when it comes to making...

In today's episode I talk about how a focus on the teeny tiny process goals help you reach your bigger performance and outcome goals faster.   I give you 8 habits that I've noticed the most successful people in life and sport follow. The key is to focus on the process and workshop eliminating any barriers to success.   Those who focus on HOW to get shit done get shit done.   In case you missed the...

In today's episode I discuss how to measure intensity using a 1-20 subjective RPE. I take the time to describe the different elements such as subjective intensity, heart rate, the talk test, and the breathing gears. I go through each and explain how to use them during training and a curling game.   In case you missed them, these episodes would be a great follow up listen: Episode 03 : Shut your mo...

In today's episode I walk you through the importance of focusing on small weekly goals and celebrating progressive 'wins' to help make your on and/or off ice program less overwhelming   Task: At the end of each week take some time to reflect on 3 ways you 'won', and identify one main process thing you want to focus on and be held accountable for each week.   Use these to build momentum, resilience...

In this episode I go over some of the reasons why that technique adjustment is hard to do or doesn't stick in games, and of course some things to consider as both the athlete and the coach to help get the most out of each practice.   We discuss the importance of expecting an implementation dip & the pathway of going from not knowing that your technique issue exists, to being able fix it and over t...

In today's episode I have Emily Riley, a mental performance coach back on the podcast to talk about managing missing a workout (or 2 or 3). How do you know if you need a rest day, or if you are just being lazy? And what are some strategies you can employ to ensure you follow through on your commitments   Here are some past episodes you will want to go back & listen to: Episode 19 : Giving yourself...

What if you could easily make adjustments to your training and recovery practices to help keep you fit and healthy, adapt to your activities and be prepared to compete with less worry? Your RHR (resting heart rate) is an easy measurement to take whether you have a smart watch or just a pulse & a timer. If you track your RHR you can check to see if you are adapting to your training, if you need a r...

In today's episode I am joined by in-person and virtual Personal Trainer and fellow Empowered Performance Academy member Erica Friedman.   Erica shares her perspective on what core training is, how to get the most out of your core training, and how to upgrade your current core training program to help you move well, improve your pelvic floor and maximize your day-to-day and athletic performance. I...

In today's episode I answer an IG fan question about how to turn your toe out during the delivery to get more stability in the slide.   I will teach you some basic movement terms as they relate to hip flexion, share my thoughts on who should and when should you consider turning the toe out in the delivery, and of course some exercises to help support the movements you require to find a stable and...

In today's episode we discuss a common issue when it comes to becoming a better brusher. Everyone knows we want to apply more force during the sweep. But not many people understand how to go about both effectively and efficiently creating that force. I explain the concept of kinetic energy and how to practice using your entire body to create downward force while sweeping a rock.   Here are some pa...

In today's episode I go through my list of top 6 habits that all elite curling athletes demonstrate on their path to becoming and staying great. These qualities are just as important to develop as your on and off ice training in order to set yourself up for success.   All mentioned past episodes with some of the greats I've gotten to interview Episode 19: Giving yourself grace with Lori Olson-John...

In today's episode I have Emily Riley back on the podcast to talk about her Total Athlete program and answer some fundamental questions about what mental performance training is all about. We answer your IG questions and define some key words like: comfort zone, self-awareness,  character strength, leadership and communication.   Here are some past episodes you will want to go back & listen to: Ep...

In today's episode I share 5 tips that will make your training journey easier. These are things that I've learned through experience, and habits I encourage my athletes to develop. To stay as up-to-date as possible, make sure to join the Empowered Performance newsletter and to follow me on Instagram at @empoweredperformance   Listen and watch on The Curling News/SI website.   All mentioned resourc...

In today's episode I am joined by Brad Thiessen who shares his journey as one of Canada's top front-enders.    Brad shares how he believes improving his fitness was integral in marking him as one of the best brushers in the world, why learning to prioritize your time is crucial, how to be the best teammate, and why you need to look after both your mental and physical health.   To stay as up-to-dat...

Today's episode is all about helping you set an intention for the "limbo time" between the end of one curling season, and the beginning of your off ice training program.   I discuss the importance of a full season plan, and provide some tips and tools to rest fully, recover physically & mentally, and how to use the time to move well and manage injuries.   Here are some past episodes you will want...

In today's episode Alison Marie, PhD and I go into detail about how and why the organization of our internal organs can and will influence how well we move.    Alison shares her learnings as an athlete, personal trainer, engineer and running coach.   We dive into what the typical asymmetry looks like, how it might influence your movement, and most importantly, how it might affect your technique as...

In today's episode I am joined by mental performance consultant and National level athlete Emiley Riley. We have a great conversation about the definition of motivation, how to develop and maintain motivation, what conversations to have with your team, and ways to build self awareness at any point in the season.   Here are some past episodes you will want to go back & listen to: Episode 20 : How d...