Ambitious Strength: Powerlifter's Playground

The conversation delves into the concept of 'find and feel' in fitness, exploring the impact of muscle tension and the difference between compound and isolated movements. It also discusses the various feelings experienced during lifting and the importance of understanding them in different types of movements. Takeaways Find and feel in fitness Understanding muscle tension Chapters 00:00 The Find a...

The conversation explores the emotional reactions to missed lifts in the gym and the impact it has on performance. It emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation as a performance skill and provides practical tools for reframing and recovery after a miss. Takeaways Emotional regulation is a performance skill A miss is information, not a verdict Chapters 00:00 Understanding Emotional Reactions...

In this episode, we delve into the transformative effects of integrating movement into your daily routine. Discover practical tips and strategies to seamlessly incorporate physical activities into your busy schedule, enhancing your overall health and well-being. From simple desk exercises to creative ways to stay active throughout the day, learn how these small changes can lead to significant impr...

In this episode, we delve into the transformative power of pausing before making food choices. Discover how a moment of mindfulness can lead to healthier decisions, enhance your relationship with food, and promote overall well-being. Join us as we explore practical tips and insights to help you cultivate a more intentional approach to eating. Tune in to learn how a simple pause can make a signific...

Every lifter has those days — low motivation, low energy, and the barbell feels heavier than usual. But how do you know if you should grind through it or take a step back? In this episode of The Powerlifter’s Playground , I break down the three key areas fatigue shows up beyond the barbell and how you can assess them using my simple Stop Light System . You’ll learn how to track trends, spot patter...

In this episode of the Powerlifters Playground, host Amber Verrill challenges the conventional wisdom of "perfect form" in lifting. Discover why chasing textbook perfection might be holding you back and how embracing efficient form can lead to better performance and longevity in your lifting journey. Amber shares practical tips on auditing your technique, using video as a tool, and finding cues th...

You felt a twinge. A weird ache. Something just… off. Before you spiral into self-diagnosis or scrap your entire training plan, let’s slow down and walk through a simple process: Assess. Adapt. Execute. In this 5-minute episode, I’ll guide you through how to respond to small pains or discomforts in training without panic, overcorrection, or losing momentum. You don’t need to have all the answers t...

In this episode I discuss: The three lens' in which I view and prescribe training plans for powerlifters (Skill, sub-task, structure) What is skill, how do we use it, when do we prescribe training relevant to it, and examples for both beginners and intermediate/advanced lifters. What is a sub-task, how do we use it, when do we prescribe training relevant to it, and examples of how we integrate it...

In this episode I discuss long-term athletic development for Powerlifters. The benefits The pitfalls How I use it as a powerlifting coach What are some sample long term development plans for a powerlifter?

In this video I describe what it means when a coach is telling you that "fatigue" is masking your ability to perform the intended output. Having trouble understanding why you can't add weight to the bar every week? Having trouble understanding why your squat tanks one day but not on another? This video will answer all your questions in regards to stimulus, recovery, and adaptation and how fatigue...

RPE = rate of perceived exertion Great tool to measure objectively the amount of exertion you put into a set. This allows us to continue to make progress via a relative measurement rather than always leaning on an absolute measurement to dictate our progress where we cannot account for all variables subjectively.

Here’s a quick look into the owner of Ambitious Strength’s journey. Coach Amber has been through an incredible transformation, both physical and emotional. She speaks on her journey with PCOS and the struggles of losing weight and keeping it off, strength training and it’s importance, as well as starting her own business to help others who are struggling to write their own similar transformation s...

This is a lesson that pops up for me time and time again. Whether I'm halfway up a mountain or in the middle of a ruck run where I desire the comfort of my own home or car. I believe it's easy to see seasoned lifters or athletes and think "they must never struggle with the mental aspect of training" but they are just as susceptible as anyone else to the negative thoughts. Here is how I approach th...

Amber discusses several exercises that can be used to start someone at the easiest level of understanding breathing mechanics to bracing under a load to resist rotation leading to the ultimate goal of making you a better bracer under your 1RM squat, bench, and deadlifts!

In this episode, Amber and Rachel discuss the proper types, fittings, and placement of the belt as a strength training tool. They will cover how to properly brace into the belt making it a more effective tool in your training regimen.

What is the purpose of the brace? Anatomy of Pelvic and Thoracic Diaphragm Piston Mechanism of Bracing Importance of Building the Brace

Here I define both state and trait anxiety. I touch upon how they differ and how we can use them to our advantage in performance.

I provided a video previously that talks about the improper uses of a belt. Here is how to wear your belt properly and how you can get more out of it by wearing it properly.

Listen in as Tyler and I chat about common nutrition myths that go around the internet. We debunk some of these myths and share tips and tricks to overcome the dread and shame of falling off track. Enjoy!

This prep was a unique one to say the least! Here are some of the ups and downs of this past prep. We can never rely too much on the data we collect to predict an outcome, we can only manage our mindset on it and continue to move forward with it.

Food logging can be a great tool to help identify patterns in your eating habits and symptomology. By tracking what you eat, you can more easily identify any potential issues that may be affecting your health.

We talk about pro wrestling, tools to use for warm-ups, not marrying yourself to one thing in particular, coaching people remotely and those challenges. Tyler and I will be putting out some major key info on nutrition over the next month. But for now, I just wanted you all to get to know Tyler and where he comes from! Raw and unedited conversation between two coaches!

Amber shares the secret to keeping your workouts short and effective. Buy back your time with this small tool.

Welcome Jack to this episode for our Powerlifter Interview series! I am looking to share the many experiences that are had out there with powerlifting. Jack has suffered a few concussions putting him out of the competitive field for football. Find out how powerlifting has helped Jack to continue to excel in sports, school, and life. We chat about how Jack got into powerlifting and where he sees hi...

Welcome Taylor to this episode for our Powerlifter Interview series. I am looking to share the many experiences that are had out there with powerlifting. Indeed it is not for everyone and there are many reasons why. Listen to why Taylor is thankful she included this sport in her journey but has since moved onto something that better fits her lifestyle! We chat about Taylors experience with powerli...