The Minimum Effective Dose

Should we lift overhead? Tune in for an in-depth discussion on overhead mobility and our opinions on if we (and our clients) should lift overhead… and why. This episode is all about overhead lifting and we discuss topics such as: How neurology plays a role in posture  Why posture is actually an adaptation The importance of breathing when it comes to mobility The role of the cervical spine and the...

Aging is inevitable, but that doesn’t mean we cannot live a long and healthy life. If you’ve ever wondered about training and aging… it’s a process. There are various aspects to consider when discussing the aging process. In this episode we talk about appropriate strength and conditioning when it comes to training and aging. The Minimum Effective Dose hosts discuss the importance of mobility, exer...

We’re revisiting Prilepin’s Chart in this episode all about the science of strength training. We are going to talk about sets, reps and percentages using Prilepin’s Chart which has been a staple in the world of strength training for decades. Brett and Mike cover topics including: Percentage based lifting Sets and rep schemes Real life application Examples of how to apply Prilepin’s Chart If you ar...

This episode is all about those aha moments – the game changing moments in our careers. You know the ones I’m talking about. Someone says something in a conversation or shares a new way of doing something that resonates deeply or you attend a course where you completely change the way you look at the way you coach or how you want to move about this world. You don’t want to miss Brett and Mike disc...

What makes you an expert? We’re switching things up today and you’ll get to hear some interesting insight on what both Brett and Mike believe makes you an expert in something. Sure, we know there are the basics, such as having a high degree of skill or being someone who is sought out in their given field, but what else makes you an expert? There’s so much more that question! When it comes to being...

Here we go again. It’s time to answer the biggest and baddest training questions from listeners – you! As always, thanks for tuning in to the Minimum Effective Dose Podcast. We love hearing from you and appreciate your comments, questions and feedback so we can better help you improve as a coach. It’s fun to answer new and different training questions and also those about life, leadership, mentori...

It’s easy to get stuck in a silo as a coach – to become the kettlebell guy or the barbell gal. In this episode we talk about how to combine training modalities to help get your clients better results. Blending modalities, the art and science of creating a training program via combining and implementing exercises with barbells, kettlebells, bodyweight exercises and more, can be confusing and overwh...

In this episode, we talk about timing the hinge, plus all things hinging – specifically folding, timing, and force. We also go over why tempo and speed matter for power and athletic development. Brett and Mike have taught thousands of people how to hip hinge in all types of environments. They have taught clients to hinge in the weight room, outside and often with a kettlebell in hand. The ability...

In this episode, we’re trying something completely new and we’re calling it training questions from the mail bag. A lot of our listeners are active on the Strongfirst forum and we reached out to find out what questions coaches have on all things training related. In this episode, we answer questions from you – our listeners – covering topics including: The overall benefits of kettlebell training T...

In this episode we’re talk about programming for the snatch test. We revisit old programs and offer new insight. If you aren’t familiar with the snatch test, it’s very simple – not easy. The goal of the snatch test is to perform 100 kettlebell snatches in five minutes or less. The weight of the kettlebell used ranges anywhere from 10k to 32k or higher, depending on age, weight and goals. In this e...

If you work with athletes, you most likely (and hopefully!) understand the importance of single leg training. Here are a few common problems when it comes to trainers actually executing single leg training with their clients: A lack of progressions Limited knowledge of when, where and how to use these exercises Inability to coach single leg movements exceptionally well Don’t worry! We’ve got you c...

This episode is all about tendons.  We’re going to get a little bit more nerdy than we usually do here on the Minimum Effective Dose. Brett and Mike cover various topics about tendons including: Rehabilitation Stress and adaptation Performance And much more! If you’re curious about what tendons do and how to train them, this is a perfect episode of you. Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength: Mik...

You’ve probably wondered about yoga for athletes. Is it good? Bad? Does it depend? Like many things, it does depend. You’ll want to consider why you’re adding yoga into your training program instead of assuming that yoga is a catch-all and will benefit everyone. In this episode, Brett and Mike discuss the topic of yoga for athletes in detail. For some athletes, yoga is wonderful! If you are traini...

Years ago, Gray Cook and Mike Boyle changed the fitness industry with their idea of the joint by joint approach to training. Here’s a fun story from Mike Boyle himself about how this approach came to life. In this episode we’re revisiting the joint by joint approach to training, a simple concept that revolutionized the training industry and literally changed the trajectory of thousands of coaches...

We’re back and since it’s a huge time for New Years Resolutions, that’s where we’re starting off this season! Whether you are a “New Year, New You” resolution die-hard or you’re simply looking to implement some changes to improve your health, relationships, or career, we’ve got your back. If you’re really going to make a change, you need a game plan and it needs to be a realistic one. If you want...

It’s almost December and it’s time for the year in review! This episode will be the last one of 2023. Your hosts, Brett Jones and Mike Perry, are taking some time off over the holidays, but don’t worry! A new season will start in January, 2024. If you’ve been enjoying the podcast and want to get to know these two a bit better, don’t miss this final episode of season 3. Oh, and if you have a few mi...

In today’s episode we continued our recent discussion on programming variables. We’re talking about density in this one! Training density is the ability to complete a certain amount of work (sets/reps) in a specific amount of time. In this episode we dive into: How does density apply to training? What are some ways to change density from a practical standpoint? How can changing density alter the d...

Volume is one of many variables you can modify with when putting together training programs. Volume can be described as a number of working repetitions performed over time. Seems simple, right? Yes and no. Programming volume is an art and a science and to be successful you need to combine science, art, empirical evidence and common sense. If you are having a tough time understanding how to properl...

Sometimes the best way to learn is to let the weight become the teacher. Don’t worry – we aren’t saying you should take a brand new weight lifter, throw a barbell on their back and see how it goes. (And, yes, we have heard of coaches who do that!) So what’s the best way to progress people from an exercise standpoint? Start with Bodyweight weight training. Once you become proficient with your bodyw...

In this episode we dive pretty darn deep into programming the TGU, Windmill and Bent Press exercises. The Turkish Get Up (TGU), Windmill and Bent Press exercises can be incredibly impactful when applied and programmed correctly. Unfortunately, most people, even coaches, don’t know how to fit all the pieces together properly. Brett and Mike discuss the nuances of each of these kettlebell exercises...

This episode is all about strength training, and specifically embracing the grinds. The grinds are lifts such as deadlift, pressing variations and squats. While most people think that the grinds are pretty easy exercises to execute, it all changes when the weights get heavy . In this episode, we discuss all things grinds including: Technique The importance of stacking your rib cage over your pelvi...

The following exercises are all part of the kettlebell ballistics family. Cleans Swings Snatches Jerks No stone is left unturned in this episode, the MED team goes over the intricacies of all things kettlebell ballistics. Mike and Brett discuss programming, load management, technique, and so much more. The combination of ballistic and grind lifts, done in many possible ways will increase strength...

This episode is all about comparing body part splits and total body training – two fairly different training styles. Body parts splits have been around for decades and one of the main reasons was due to the popularity of bodybuilding. Within the last 20 years, total body training has become incredibly popular . In this episode we compare the two training styles and discuss the pros and cons of bod...

This episode is covers the anatomy of a training session. The definition of anatomy is a study of the structure or internal workings of something. We talk all things related to the structure of a training session and dive into the decision making process as well. Brett and Mike discuss the various components a successful training session should include and also give you valuable feedback that allo...

Like anything, the ability to communicate clearly and effectively is a skill that can be developed. The art of communication involves delivering messages effectively to others to obtain specific results. In this episode, the MED team shares with you the valuable advice and communication strategies they’ve learned over the years as coaches, educators and lectures.  There are three main topics we di...