The Minimum Effective Dose

Tune into this episode to get an inside look at the truth about strength and conditioning research. Today’s guest, Antonio Squillante, is a brilliant coach and researcher. He gives us an absolute masterclass on how research works in the world of strength and conditioning. If you are a coach who’s trying to understand how strength and conditioning research works, you don’t want miss this episode. B...

Mike and Brett take a deeper dive into corrective exercise in this episode. They’ll give you some things to think about when it comes to using corrective exercise with your own clients, athletes and perhaps even yourself. If you’ve been in the fitness industry for five years or more, you’ve definitely (and hopefully) heard of corrective exercise. Even before that, it was one of the most popular to...

One of the most common questions we get asked when it comes to programming is how to blend kettlebell training with barbell training. If you’re programming kettlebell and barbell work for your clients (or yourself), this is a must-listen episode for you. There are several different ways to approach utilizing both of these training modalities in order to develop programs that are safe and effective...

So you just finished an amazing course or certification. Great! Now you need to figure out how to apply your new skills with your clients. In this episode, Brett and Mike give some simple and effective tips and advice on how to take the new information you learn from a certification or workshop and apply your new skills with clients on Monday morning. Certification weekends can be incredibly power...

In this episode of the MED podcast, Brett and Mike discuss the importance of professional development. The hosts discuss their educational backgrounds and important lessons they’ve learned about continual improvement. Plus they’ll give you some great tactical advice on how to develop both personally and professionally. If you feel stuck in your current journey as a coach or you’re confused about w...

There are variety of strategies you can use when it comes to training for hypertrophy – building muscle. When you ask a coach the best way to build lean muscle,  kettlebell training is usually not a top preferred method. Thinking kettlebell training for hypertrophy won’t work probably has to do with misapplication, bro science and inexperience. When programmed correctly, kettlebell training can be...

Approximately 80% of the US population will experience low back pain at some point. The bad news is low back pain can be quite debilitating. The good news is low back pain can also often can be managed in a successful fashion. Join Brett and Mike as they share their personal struggles with low back pain and also give you valuable insight on how to help yourself and your clients/patients when deali...

In this Minimum Effective Dose Podcast Episode, Brett and Mike talk about a reality of working as a personal trainer – everyone’s got something. What we mean is that everyone you meet will have their own baggage. In the real world, rarely do people come through the doors without tweaks, twinges and musculoskeletal based injuries. Join Brett and Mike as they discuss their experiences working with v...

In this episode, Brett and Mike compare two significantly different training styles, structured training versus unstructured training. Please don’t hear what we’re not saying. We aren’t talking about doing a bunch of random exercises. We are talking about following a structured training program in a near perfect fashion versus having a bit more freedom and agility within your training sessions. So...

In this episode, hosts Mike Perry and Brett Jones, talk about the importance of a mentor. Mentors are positive role models who come in many different forms including teachers, friends, coaches, family members, and more. Mentors take you under their wing(s) to help you grow and develop in areas like business, athletics, coaching, relationships and every day life. Mentors help you learn new things,...

If you’re listening to this chances are you’re interested in learning how to be {more} successful as a personal trainer and/or strength coach. With over 45 years of combined experience, Brett and Mike have seen and experienced just about everything you can imagine working with clients in the fitness industry. Sure, they’ve made their fair share of mistakes. They’ve also gained tons of insight on s...

In episode 18 of the Minimum Effective Dose Podcast, Brett and Mike discuss consistency and motivation. It’s no secret that consistency yields the best results, but how can you stay motivated to be consistent when life gets tough or challenging? Everyone is different and each person responds to challenges and adversity in a different fashion. In this episode the MED hosts go over strategies to hel...

In episode 17, Brett and Mike discuss all things mobility and flexibility. The Minimum Effective Dose hosts go over: Proper application The differences between the two – mobility and flexibility What mobility and flexibility look like in real life If you are looking to gain valuable information on how two veteran strength and conditioning coaches discuss and apply mobility and flexibility in their...

In episode 16, Brett and Mike talk about whether foam rolling and self massage are a waste of time. Tune in to hear more about soft tissue management, foam rolling and self massage. The MED crew talks about: The art and science of self massage What foam rolling and self massage can and can not do for you How to use these tools effectively so you’re not wasting your time Learn some practical tips y...

In episode 15, a tale of two kettlebell journeys, Brett and Mike talk about their experiences with kettlebell training. Both coaches share how they got started, how their kettlebell journeys have evolved and where they are now. Mike and Brett also give you some valuable insight on coaching, professional development and more. One of the beautiful things about kettlebell training is that you’ll lear...

In episode 14, Brett and Mike talk about each of their individual cancer journeys. You’ll hear their stories starting from diagnosis to beating cancer. They discuss the challenges of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy and how these treatments impacted their daily lives. And, you better believe, the MED duo will also talk about how they handled their health and fitness during and post cancer treat...

Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast! We are excited to announce a new co-host, Brett Jones. This season, join Brett Jones, StrongFirst Director of Education and Functional Movement Systems Advisory Board member, and Mike Perry, co-owner of Skill of Strength, Lead instructor at Functional Movement Systems and Senior SFG at Strongfirst, as they share their life experiences and insight on all thin...

Today's topic includes two my favorite things - kettlebells and BJJ! If you've spent any amount of time training martial arts or coaching combat athletes, you’ve probably heard that kettlebell training can be incredibly beneficial for these athletes. You will hear things like... Kettlebell Training will improve functional strength. Training with kettlebells is excellent for improving grip strength...

The squat is a fundamental human movement pattern that also happens to be a wildly popular strength training exercise. Unfortunately, the squat pattern is often misunderstood, misapplied and taught incorrectly. In this podcast, Mike talks about why adults cannot squat like babies, how hip architecture plays a role in movement and also how anthropometry will influence your overall squat posture. If...

Over the last decade, mobility, flexibility and movement competency have become hot topics! While there's endless information out there on mobility, flexibility and movement competency, you might be wondering just how much time you really need to spend on these things. The answer, like many things, is that it depends. For example, an elite grappler demands way more of their body than a 40-year old...

Strength and conditioning for BJJ doesn’t have to be complicated. Unfortunately, There is so much misinformation on how to properly train for the sport of Brazilian jujitsu. In this episode, Mike gives you some no BS guidance on how you to approach strength and conditioning for BJJ. He covers everything from injury prevention, assessments, kettlebell training, CrossFit, GPP and so much more. Conne...

In this episode, Mike talks about his experience training youth athletes. He shares mistakes he's made along the way and gives you some practical guidance you can instantly implement when working with youth athletes. Put the agility ladder and parachutes away and stay tuned. Connect with Mike: Mike Perry on Instagram Mike Perry on Facebook Skill of Strength: Skill of Strength Online Training Conta...

In this episode, Mike discusses his basic template on evaluating and programming fighters. He goes over everything from the FMS screen, table assessments, performance assessments and program design. Connect with Mike: Mike Perry on Instagram Mike Perry on Facebook Skill of Strength: Skill of Strength Online Training Contact Skill of Strength Skill of Strength Instagram Skill of Strength Facebook S...

In this episode, Mike speaks with Rob Gregory, owner and founder of Redbones BBQ, located in Davis Square, Somerville, MA. They talk about how Rob started Redbones, the changes he's made along the way and how he has adapted during the COVID 19 pandemic. About Redbones BBQ: Redbones is a well-established, much-loved restaurant located in Davis Square - Somerville, Massachusetts. Redbones opened in...

In this episode, Mike speaks with Chris tierney, a retired professional soccer player. Chris Tierney played soccer professionally for 11 years in the MLS for the New England Revolution. In this episode, Chris will give you some valuable insight on what it takes to be a professional soccer player. We cover everything from strength and conditioning, mindset, consistency and other tips every athlete...