Reps and Real Talk

Summary In this episode, Craig Turner and Justin Rey delve into the importance of hamstring training, discussing various exercises, their benefits, and how to effectively integrate them into athletic training programs. They explore the Nordic hamstring curl, RDLs, glute ham raises, and more, emphasizing the significance of eccentric training and injury prevention in sports. The conversation highli...

Summary In this conversation, Craig Turner and Justin Rey discuss (rant about) the misconceptions surrounding bodybuilding training and its application to athletes. They explore the principles of bodybuilding that can enhance athletic performance, the structure of effective workout programs, and the balance between volume and intensity in training. The discussion emphasizes the importance of train...

This conversation explores the intricacies of training basketball athletes, focusing on hypertrophy, programming, and the importance of nutrition. The speakers discuss the dynamics of in-person training, the balance between intensity and volume, and the misconceptions surrounding hypertrophy training. They emphasize the need for adaptability in training programs to meet the demands of collegiate a...

In this episode, hosts Craig Turner (@thesciencebasedlifter) and Justin Rey (@jrey.strength) delve into the challenges of burnout in the coaching profession, particularly in strength and conditioning. They discuss the three B's of career progression in S&C: burnout, bitterness, and becoming better. The dialogue explores the financial strains faced by coaches, the impact of winning and losi...

In this episode, hosts Craig Turner and Justin Ray discuss various training techniques and analyze unique exercise videos they've encountered online. They share insights on off-season training, innovative equipment, and advanced exercises for athletes, while also evaluating complex movement patterns and plyometric drills. The conversation emphasizes the importance of core training, rotational...

In this episode, both Justin (@jrey.strength) and Craig (@thesciencebasedlifter) discuss the essentials of strength training with minimal equipment. They explore the versatility of dumbbells, the role of machines, and the importance of recovery tools. The conversation also covers what equipment to bring while traveling and the significance of programming for athletes. The hosts share their persona...

In this conversation, Cliff Spiller (@cliffspillercscs), the Director of Strength and Conditioning for Men's Basketball at the University of Oregon, shares his extensive experience in the basketball and strength conditioning fields. He discusses the transition from professional to college basketball, the importance of developing professional habits in athletes, and the challenges of adapting t...

In this episode, Craig Turner and Justin Ray discuss their personal training philosophies, the adjustments they make in their programs, and their pet peeves in both public gyms and basketball weight rooms. They emphasize the importance of gym etiquette, respect for others, and the significance of nutrition and recovery strategies in achieving fitness goals. The conversation also touches on the cha...

Where do you place your chest exercises in your library? Start it (means it has to be in the program) Sixth Man (its in your rotation but not an essential piece - bring it out when you need it to impact) Bench it (these don't get used and see no love) In this conversation, hosts Craig Turner (@CTSPORTSCIENCE) and Justin Rey (@JREY.STRENGTH) delve into various chest exercises, discussing their...

In this episode, we sit down with strength and conditioning coach and self certified hooper Nate Melendez - to explore what it takes to truly support basketball athletes today. Nate shares insights on building authentic relationships to earn athlete buy-in, leveraging social media as a coaching tool, and using research and athlete feedback to create effective programs. We dive into how the coachin...

In this episode, Hosts Craig Turner (@ctsportscience) and Justin Rey (@jrey.strength) take you deep into the world of squat variations, unpacking what really works — and what doesn’t — for basketball performance. From the classic back squat to the often-overlooked hack squat, pendulum squat. We weigh in on the leg press, safety bar squat, and many other exercises that cover this pattern. Breaking...

In this episode, Hosts Craig Turner and Justin Rey, discuss the intricacies of strength training methodologies, focusing on reps and reserve (RIR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE). They explore the subjective nature of these methods, their application in programming for athletes, and the challenges faced in a college basketball setting. The conversation also delves into the role of velocity-ba...

In this episode of Reps and Real Talk, Hosts Craig Turner and Justin Rey engage with Merv Lumba, a seasoned sports performance coach at UMass Lowell. They discuss the critical role of mentorship in strength and conditioning. They also explore the nuances of building relationships, the impact of social media on coaching, and the importance of authenticity and education in the field. The conversatio...

In this episode of Reps & Real Talk , Craig Turner and J.Rey take on the hot-button issues, diving into the controversial topics surrounding strength and conditioning, particularly in the context of basketball training. They discuss the merits and drawbacks of Olympic lifts, alternative training methods like trap bar jumps, and the importance of eccentric training methods and ways to progress...

In this episode, reps and real talk hosts (Craig & Justin) are joined by Safet Kastrat (gm and assistant coach - La Salle Men's Basketball). They discuss the evolving landscape of college basketball, particularly focusing on the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. The episode explores how NIL is changing recruitment dynamics, the challenges faced by mid-major programs, and the nee...

In this episode, Craig Turner and Justin Ray discuss the impact of social media on strength and conditioning coaching. They explore how social media has evolved, its role as an online resume, and the balance between personal and professional content. The conversation also touches on exercise selection, the debate between machines and free weights, and the challenges of navigating the noise of soci...

In this episode, Craig Turner and Justin Rey discuss the often sensitive topic of salary expectations in the field of strength and conditioning. They explore the current landscape of salaries, the reality of entry-level positions, and the importance of networking and social media in advancing one's career. The conversation also delves into negotiation strategies for S&C coaches, the significan...

In this premier episode, hosts Justin Rey and Craig Turner delve into their personal journeys in strength and conditioning (S&C), sharing insights on the importance of internships, networking, and the essential skills needed for success in the field. They discuss the value of adaptability, the significance of certifications, and the importance of being a good person in coaching. The conversati...