The Minimum Effective Dose is a podcast hosted by long-time strength coach and Owner of Skill of Strength Gym in Massachusetts, Mike Perry. Each podcast features conversations with successful individuals from all walks of life and is designed to help you stop spinning your wheels and focus on what truly matters - in business and in life.
The interviews with top minds offer valuable takeaways to help you shorten your learning curve, learn from other's mistakes, eliminate needless BS and focus on the most effective ways to achieve success.
Oh, and please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
Tendon Talk – From Rehab to Performance
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:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
1/31/2024 • 0
Is Yoga Good for Athletes?
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 training a lot and you want something to help take you down a notch, remove yourself from the wired state, down regulate your nervous system, help you focus on your breath, etc. yoga may complement your training quite well.
For others, it’s a bad idea. If you take someone who is hypermobile and get them really great at yoga, they may not have control over their range of motion and it could potentially event make them slower and inhibit force production.
If you're curious about the pros and cons of yoga for athletes, tune in and get ready to learn.
Please note: at the end of the episode Brett mentions Bikram yoga when he meant to say Iyengar.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
1/24/2024 • 0
Revisiting the Joint By Joint Approach to Training
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 all over the world.
We love this approach to training and find there are so many layers to peel back when you truly want to understand how the body functions from a movement standpoint.
If you enjoy learning more about movement and function or you’re looking for some new insight on the joint by joint approach to training, you don’t want to miss this episode.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
1/17/2024 • 0
New Years Resolutions
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 some real-world advice on how to make lasting changes in your life, don’t miss this episode.
Welcome to season 4 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
1/10/2024 • 0
The Year in Review – Reflections on 2023
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 minutes, we'd love for you to review the podcast and share your favorite episode on social media or with your friends!
Enjoy the holidays and we'll chat with you in 2024!
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
11/29/2023 • 0
Programming Variables – Density
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 desired adaptations?
If you want to learn more about programming variables, specifically density, don’t miss this!
Link to PubMed study on Acute Mechanical, Neuromuscular, and Metabolic Responses to Different Set Configurations in Resistance Training.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
11/22/2023 • 0
Programming Variables – Volume
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 properly program volume, you don’t want to miss this episode.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
11/15/2023 • 0
Let the Weight Become the Teacher
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 bodyweight, add an external load.
From there, choose your favorite implements to make things heavier.
In theory, that makes perfect sense. In reality, it's not always the case .
There are certain exercises that will allow your students/clients to acquire skill in a much quicker fashion if they start with an external load.
If you want to hear more about when it's appropriate to let the weight become the teacher when you're programming and coaching, don’t miss this episode.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
11/8/2023 • 0
Programming the TGU, Windmill and Bent Press
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 and provide years of observations and insight when it comes to programming the TGU, Windmill and Bent Press.
If you want to become better at coaching at these effective kettlebell lifts, don’t miss this episode.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
11/1/2023 • 0
Embracing the Grinds
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 pelvis
Programming considerations
and much more
If you strength train or work with clients, tune in to hear Mike and Brett go over some of the finer points of training and embracing the grinds!
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
10/25/2023 • 0
Kettlebell Ballistics
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 and cardiovascular ability, and stabilize and strengthen the legs, hips, lower back, abs, and shoulders. {source: StrongFirst}
If you and/or your clients love training with kettlebells, don’t miss this episode.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
10/18/2023 • 0
Body Part Splits vs. Total Body Training
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 body part splits versus total body training sessions.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
10/11/2023 • 0
The Anatomy of a Training Session
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 allows for better decision making, optimal programming and, ultimately, happy clients and students.
If you want to take a look inside the brains of Brett and Mike to see how they work with their clients, don’t miss this episode where take a deep dive into the anatomy of a training session.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
10/4/2023 • 0
The Art of Communication
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 discuss in this podcast, and they are:
The importance of authenticity when communicating
How body language impacts a conversation
Why word selection matters when it comes to clarity and communication
If you talk to people, you will definitely take something positive from this podcast. ;-)
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Related Episodes / Articles:
Key Principles of Athletic Development
Fall Sports Preparation for Youth Athletes
Youth Training - Should Kids Lift Weights?
We are Failing our Youth Athletes (and I'm part of the problem)
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
9/28/2023 • 0
Keys to Longevity
This episode is all about keys to longevity.
We’re going to cover the basics such as sleep, hydration and nutrition. There are also so many other components that need to be included in this discussion from a training standpoint.
We go over other topics that will likely affect your longevity including:
load management
overreaching
guidelines on how to approach your training program
and so much more
If you’re looking to thrive as you age and become the best version of yourself, you don’t want to miss this episode on the keys to longevity.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Related Episodes / Articles:
Key Principles of Athletic Development
Fall Sports Preparation for Youth Athletes
Youth Training - Should Kids Lift Weights?
We are Failing our Youth Athletes (and I'm part of the problem)
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
9/20/2023 • 0
Principle Based Creativity
Let's clear something up first. It’s not that we aren’t fans of the creative process. It’s just that quite often people (ahem coaches) are being creative for the sake of being creative, and there is no purpose. Enter: Principle based creativity!
If you’re being creative for fun, go for it.
If you’re being creative to be productive and/or find something new for yourself or your clients, you’re going to need some guidelines.
This is where principle based creativity comes in.
Principle based creativity is a simple process of making decisions based off of a set of guidelines, laws or rules. These are not arbitrary numbers or things... there is a purpose.
To learn more about how to create with purpose, don’t miss this episode!
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Related Episodes / Articles:
Key Principles of Athletic Development
Fall Sports Preparation for Youth Athletes
Youth Training - Should Kids Lift Weights?
We are Failing our Youth Athletes (and I'm part of the problem)
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
9/13/2023 • 0
New Year’s in September
If you’ve been in the fitness industry for five or more years, you may have noticed the New Year’s rush is not what once was. We think of New Year's in September now.
While people still make New Year’s resolutions, we're finding far more people start training or get back to training in conjunction with their fall routine.
If you have kids, you know what I’m talking about. Most parents spend the summer balancing work, kids and vacations and quite often our own fitness goes on the back burner. And, if you don't have kids, you still probably travel more and find yourself in a less-structured routine during the summer.
We often talk about how kids need structure, but adults do too. We are craving routine and I bet many of you are too.
If you are new to fitness or it’s time to start up again, you don’t want to miss this podcast. In this episode, Mike and Brett give you some tactical, real life examples of how to make lasting changes to your health and fitness this "new year" in September.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Related Episodes / Articles:
Key Principles of Athletic Development
Fall Sports Preparation for Youth Athletes
Youth Training - Should Kids Lift Weights?
We are Failing our Youth Athletes (and I'm part of the problem)
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
9/6/2023 • 0
A Letter to Our Younger Selves
Today the MED team talks about the advice they would give to their younger selves, particularly when it comes to their careers in the fitness industry.
While Brett and Mike had very different paths in life, there were plenty of similarities as well.
In this episode we discuss things like education, mentorship, finding what you love, experiencing what you hate, and everything in between.
If you are a younger coach looking to have a successful career in the fitness industry, you don’t want to miss this episode. Both experienced coaches share what they did well and what they would have done differently if they were starting over again.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Related Episodes / Articles:
Key Principles of Athletic Development
Fall Sports Preparation for Youth Athletes
Youth Training - Should Kids Lift Weights?
We are Failing our Youth Athletes (and I'm part of the problem)
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
8/30/2023 • 0
Creativity in Sport and Fitness
You may wonder if creativity in sport and fitness a good thing or a bad thing. You've heard it's important to get creative, but you've also heard others say you must to stick to the plan.
I think we’re asking the wrong question.
Creativity in sport and fitness is not good or bad, but there are certainly times it's appropriate to be creative and other times it's better to stick to the game plan. That’s what this episode is all about.
Brett and Mike discuss the importance of creativity and how to optimize creativity based off of the situation and environment. The team drills down on the idea of principle-based creativity in sport and fitness and how how to implement it.
If you work with young athletes, don't miss this episode.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Related Episodes / Articles:
Key Principles of Athletic Development
Fall Sports Preparation for Youth Athletes
Youth Training - Should Kids Lift Weights?
We are Failing our Youth Athletes (and I'm part of the problem)
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
8/23/2023 • 0
Key Principles of Athletic Development
So you want to be prepared? Let's talk about the key principles of athletic development.
Brett and Mike have both been coaching for over 20 years and have learned some valuable lessons about preparation, load management, blending skill, development, and strength and conditioning.
We discuss everything above and also cover topics such as:
conditioning based protocols
in-season programming
periodization
movement competency
and much more
To some, this episode may seem like common sense, but for others, it will be eye-opening. If you work with athletes, don’t miss this episode. Once you learn the key episodes of athletic development it will be much easier to be prepared for any sport.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Related Episodes / Articles:
Fall Sports Preparation for Youth Athletes
Youth Training - Should Kids Lift Weights?
We are Failing our Youth Athletes (and I'm part of the problem)
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
8/16/2023 • 0
Where is our biggest opportunity to make an impact when coaching kids?
Coaching kids is challenging. If you've ever trained kids, I bet you agree!
Middle school and high school athletes come in all shapes and sizes. On top of that, they have varied maturity levels, experiences and skill levels.
Due to these discrepancies, pre-teens and teens can be a tough group of athletes to work with.
It probably makes sense to you that training the kids who are athletic is a much easier task than training kids who don't have a lot of experience with sports and being active, but where is our biggest opportunity to help?
To learn more, don’t miss this episode all about coaching kids.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
8/9/2023 • 0
Becoming a Coach Later In Life
This episode is a bit different from our normal Minimum Effective Dose Podcast format. Mike took this opportunity to catch up with his good friend, Evan Marcantonio, to discuss how, when and why he made a career change into the fitness industry. Becoming a coach later in life comes with some challenges and also some benefits.
Evan is a successful gym owner who owns Elevate Strength and Performance in Worcester, Massachusetts. He’s a highly talented coach who is always looking for ways to improve grow his business and improve his skill set and effectiveness as a coach.
If you’re interested in becoming a coach or you're seeking motivation on how to successfully make a career change, don’t miss this episode!
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Elevate Strength and Performance:
ESP on Instagram
ESP on Facebook
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
8/3/2023 • 0
Fall Sports Preparation for Youth Athletes
This episode is all about fall sports preparation for youth athletes. August is coming right up and fall sports are around the corner.
Brett and Mike both have experience working with youth athletes. Both are strength and conditioning coaches and Brett also worked with youth athletes as an ATC.
Over the years, the MED team has accrued valuable information on how to optimally prepare athletes for their fall sports... and all sports.
In this episode, we discuss several topics including:
tissue loading
load management
programming considerations
and much more.
If you work with (or parent) youth athletes, don’t miss this episode!
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
7/26/2023 • 0
The Cervical Spine – Training Considerations, Contraindications and Scope of Practice
This episode of the MED Podcast is all about the cervical spine. We talk about training considerations, contraindications and scope of practice when it comes to the cervical spine.
We cover:
the basics of functional anatomy
simple assessments for personal trainers
how to work with individuals who have experienced neck or shoulder pain
the importance of scope of practice
how to create a successful approach when working with individuals experiencing neck pain
If you are a personal trainer and you want to learn more about how to work with clients who have a history of cervical spine issues, don’t miss this episode.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
7/19/2023 • 0
Fake News and Fitness
The internet is a wealth of information - some great and some really bad. We know it’s hard to decipher between fake news and fitness truths,
In this episode, Brett and Mike discuss fitness trends, research, how science impacts trends and much more.
After working in the fitness industry for several decades, we feel better equipped to navigate the world of social media, influencers, cherry-picked research and real science… and we want to share some tips with you.
If you want to learn more about how to look past fake news and seek truth in the fitness industry, especially on social media, don’t miss this episode.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
7/12/2023 • 0
Train Like an Adult
You’ve probably heard someone say something along the lines of “you should eat like an adult,” but has anyone told you that you should train like an adult as well?
What does it mean to train like an adult?
Obviously, it depends on each individual, but in this podcast we discuss the most common qualities adults need to focus on developing as they age.
In this episode, Brett and Mike discuss various topics related to working with adults such as :
The importance of mobility and movement competency
Why balance training is vital for adults
How hypertrophy plays a role in the aging process
Why power development is so important
Common mobility restrictions seen in adults
If you work with an adult population and often get confused about what to program (and not program), don’t miss this episode where we lay out some guidelines to help you train like an adult.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
6/28/2023 • 0
Optimizing Your Practice
In this episode about optimizing your practice, we go over how to better understand and implement block, serial, and random practice.
Brett and Mike talk about skill acquisition, motor learning and optimizing your practice and training sessions.
Depending on the skill(s) you are trying to learn, there are different types of practice methods that will lend themselves to skill acquisition and practical application.
Practice makes perfect, right?
Well, maybe. It depends on the skill, situation and application.
There are optimal ways to acquire a skill, but often times, people don’t know the difference between learning styles, application, and skill acquisition.
If you truly want to understand the difference between block practice, serial practice and random practice, don’t miss this episode!
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
6/21/2023 • 0
Youth Training – Should Kids Lift Weights?
One of the most common questions we get regarding youth training is whether kids should lift weights or not.
The short answer is yes they should lift weights, but like anything, the devil is in the details.
In this episode, Brett and Mike discuss all things youth training and share our thoughts on kids lifting weights.
The MED duo covers various topics on youth training such as:
The impact of sprinting on the body
How to manage growth spurts
How to introduce strength training for kids
The importance of understanding Long Term Athletic Development
Whether lifting weights stunts the growth of kids
And much more...
If you work with kids, don’t miss this episode on youth training.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
6/14/2023 • 0
Building the Engine
Building the Engine is an 8-week customized conditioning program that will get you in the best shape of your life.
Over the last 10 years, Mike has been working with some of the best combat athletes in New England. His e-book, Building the Engine, is the culmination of that work.
In this episode of the Minimum Effective Dose, Mike gives you the story and science behind the e-book. He and Brett Jones also share invaluable resources to help you get into the best shape of your life.
If you want to perform at the highest level in MMA or any sport, grab this e-book, take a listen to this podcast and start Building the Engine.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
6/7/2023 • 0
The Beast Tamer and Iron Maiden Challenge
This episode is all about the Beast Tamer and Iron Maiden challenge.
If you are not familiar with this challenge, here’s a link to StrongFirst to learn more.
The three events are a strict military press, a strict tactical pullup, and a pistol. Men lift a 48kg kettlebell to become Beast Tamers. Women earn their Iron Maiden title with a 24kg kettlebell.
This challenge is simple, but not easy to complete. This challenge takes strength, patience, mobility, strength and a boat load of determination.
Join us as we discuss programming considerations, coaching and cueing tips and much more to help you along your strength journey.
If you (or one of your clients) have a goal of completing the Beast Tamer and Iron Maiden challenge, give this episode a listen and let us know if you have any questions.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
5/31/2023 • 0
Where’s the cardio? Iron Cardio Explained.
This episode is all about Iron Cardio. Brett and Mike dig deep into this style of training and cover topics including:
Physiological adaptations of iron cardio
Physiological adaptations of traditional cardiovascular exercise
The difference between iron cardio and traditional cardiovascular exercise
Programming options
Pros and potential cons
How to categorize upper body, lower body and/or systemic-biased exercises
How skill and being efficient impacts your overall training program
If you currently train using Iron Cardio or you're interested in checking it out, don’t miss this episode to learn more.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
5/24/2023 • 0
Real Life Tips for Stress Management
Stress Management is a hot topic these days.
We still talk about training in this episode, but we're focused more on the impact of training and less on a specific type of training.
Eustress is defined as positive form of stress having a beneficial effect on health, motivation, performance, and emotional well-being. Strength Training is typically eustress. When you're training in a way that's working well for you it will result in a positive adaptation.
We dive more into how this works and also go over the following:
What about negative stress?
How does negative stress impact your training?
What action can you take to decrease negative stress?
Is exercise the answer or could it be part of the issue?
Trying to figure out how to manage your stress can be a slippery slope. Sometimes you're trying to find ways to chill out, but end up adding so many de-stressing techniques (including exercise) that you add more to your overburdened schedule.
Hopefully you’ll find some wise advice in this episode to help you improve the way you look at stress management.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
5/17/2023 • 0
How to Manage Tweaks, Twinges and Injuries
You've probably had to figure out how to manage injuries from time to time.
Tweaks, twinges and injuries happen. Unfortunately, they're a part of life. If you're an athlete, you may get injured while training or competing, but you also might just tweak something in your day-to-day activities.
While we can't prevent tweaks, twinges or injuries, we can:
Make better programming decisions
Use more common sense when it comes to managing injuries
Create a game plan to optimize the recovery and rehabilitation process
In this episode, Brett and Mike share ideas to help you make smarter decisions to stay healthy, strong and resilient.
If you've been looking for a better way to manage injuries and deal with inevitable tweaks and twinges, don’t miss this episode.
Please note: this is not intended to be medical advice. If you need medical advice, please seek out a medical professional to assist you in your diagnosis and/or treatment.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
5/15/2023 • 0
The Kettlebell Windmill
Today's Minimum Effective Dose episode is all about the kettlebell windmill exercise.
In this episode we discuss all things related to the windmill including:
Movement prerequisites
Hip anatomy and how it plays a role in performing the windmill
Tips to find your stance
Teaching progressions
Coaching cues
Programming considerations
And so much more!
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about the kettlebell windmill, don’t miss this episode.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
5/3/2023 • 0
A Deeper Look into Minimalistic Training
This episode is all about minimalistic training. The MED team discusses various topics around minimalistic training such as:
Program design
The beauty of simplicity
Time management
Lifestyle and recreational activities
How to integrate barbell, kettlebell and and bodyweight training into your training regimen
As always, there are movie quotes, shenanigans and plenty of laughs and sarcasm.
If you want to know more about minimalistic training and how you can apply this idea to your own training, don’t miss this episode.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
4/26/2023 • 0
10 Tips for Client Retention
This podcast is a bit different than our normal episodes, but it's quite important if you're a gym owner, personal trainer or coach. We're focusing on the importance of client retention and giving you 10 tips keep your clients coming back for more.
The fitness industry is filled with individuals promising seven-figure sales, 100 new clients by tomorrow and all kinds of endless BS.
Acquiring new clients is never a bad thing, but don't forget about client retention. It's a lot easier to keep a client you already have than it is to find a new one. We'll give you 10 tips to make this easier and we'll also touch on what happens if you’re trying to sell a product that is rubbish!
If you want to learn more about how you can retain clients more consistently, don’t miss today’s podcast.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
4/19/2023 • 0
Your Hips, Your Movement
Your individual hip architecture impacts your movement. Your hips, your movement!
Today’s episode is all about the hips and pelvis.
We discuss various topics including:
Hip function
Shape and orientation of the pelvis
Various shapes of the femoral head
The acetabulum
Posterior and anterior pelvic tilts and how these can impact movement, such as hip flexion and extension
Hip mobility
The dreaded “butt wink”
... And so much more
If you are interested in how structure dictates function, don't miss this episode!
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
4/12/2023 • 0
The Kettlebell Clean and Press
In this episode of the Minimum Effective Dose podcast, Mike and Brett dig deep into the kettlebell clean and press.
In this episode, the team discusses various topics related to the clean and press such as:
Shoulder mobility
Scapular mechanics
The importance of the thoracic spine, when pressing overhead
How different shoulder anatomy impacts pressing groove
The importance of the kettlebell clean and how it sets up your press
... and more!
If you are a fan of the kettlebell clean and press in your own training or you coach others, you don’t want to miss this episode.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
4/5/2023 • 0
Programming Options
There is no shortage of programming options in the world of strength and conditioning.
Some program options we go over in this episode include:
Linear Periodization
Wave Loading
Auto-Regulation
Reps in Reserve (RIR)
Perceived Rate of Exertion (PRE)
...and so much more!
This episode is all about program design. Brett and Mike discuss various types of training options such as linear periodization, wave loading, auto-regulation, RIR, PRE and so much more.
The MED duo digs deep into each of these programming options/styles, and also explores the pros and cons of each.
If you enjoy program design and want to learn more about different programming options, you don't want to miss this episode. Dive in and learn how you can positively impact your clients and athletes, you don’t want to miss this one.
Related: Principles of Program Design Online Course
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
3/29/2023 • 0
Colon Cancer Awareness
March is Colon Cancer Awareness month.
Colorectal cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in the United States, but it doesn’t have to be.Incidence in those younger than 50, or young-onset colorectal cancer, is on the rise. Among those under age 55, the incidence rate is increasing by 1.5% every year. According to the latest data, colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men aged 20–49 years.
Screening disparities are also evident among Black and Alaskan Native communities, which experience higher incidence and mortality rates.
Colorectal cancer screening saves lives.
Screening can find precancerous polyps—abnormal growths in the colon or rectum—that can be removed before they turn into cancer. Screening also helps find colorectal cancer at an early stage, when treatment works best. About nine out of every 10 people whose colorectal cancers are found early and treated appropriately are still alive five years later.
If you are 45 years old or older, get screened now. If you think you may be at increased risk for colorectal cancer, speak with your doctor about when to begin screening, which test is right for you, and how often to get tested.
BTW - since the recording of this episode, Brett received great news.
Related: Mike's Cancer Story
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
3/22/2023 • 0
You Don’t Know Squat
You don't know squat! But you will soon...
In this episode of the Minimum Effective Dose, we're talking all about squatting.
We go over the squat as an exercise, the movement of squatting and the key differences between the two.
Mike and Brett discuss several aspects of the squat including:
Progressions
Movement competency and prerequisites
Coaching cues
Anthropometry
The neuro-developmental sequence
Why adults cannot squat like babies
Much more
If you are a fan of the squat, for yourself or your clients, don’t miss this episode.
Tom Purvis Link
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
3/15/2023 • 0
Dissecting the Pull-up
In this episode of the Minimum Effective Dose, we're dissecting the pull-up.
Mike and Brett discuss various topics surrounding the pull-up such as:
Biomechanics
Functional anatomy
Progressions and regressions
Strategies for group training and personal training
Programming considerations
If you are a huge fan of pull-ups (and want more movie quotes) don’t miss this episode!
Related: Join us in North Chelmsford, MA at Skill of Strength for a StrongFirst Bodyweight Certification August 12-13, 2023.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
3/8/2023 • 0
The 1 Arm Push-Up and the 1 Arm / 1 Leg Push-Up
In this episode, we dive into the 1 arm push-up and the 1 arm /1 leg push-up exercises.
The 1 arm push-up variation is a fantastic demonstration of total body tension and upper body strength. This is not one of those exercises you can dive right into. These bodyweight exercises require strength, coordination, determination and practice in order to perform them safely and efficiently.
We dive deep into various topics like:
Creating and implementing muscular tension
Programming considerations
Coaching cues for these exercises
Shoulder and scapular mechanics
If you are a fan of bodyweight training, you don’t wanna miss this episode.
Related: Join us in North Chelmsford, MA at Skill of Strength for a StrongFirst Bodyweight Certification August 12-13, 2023.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
3/1/2023 • 0
Diving Deep into the Pistol Squat – Episode 50
In this episode of The Minimum Effective Dose podcast we are diving deep into the pistol squat.
Brett and Mike talk all things pistol squats and cover topics including:
Movement prerequisites for pistol squats
Programming considerations
Coaching cues
Progressions
Low back health
Tension and core function
And so much more!
If you are looking to expand your knowledge on executing and coaching the pistol squat, you don’t wanna miss this episode.
Related: Check out this game-changing online instructional video and learn to do a pistol squat.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
2/22/2023 • 0
How to Design a Program Using Guidelines, Governors and Guard Rails – Episode 49
In this episode, Brett and Mike discuss how to design a program using guidelines, governors, and guard rails.
The MED duo also discusses various topics such as:
The importance of client/coach communication
How to design a program that yields results and is also easy for your clients to understand
Repetitions on Reserve (RIR)
Perceived Rate of Exertion (PRE)
Linear periodization
Regardless of what type of exercises and program you choose for each individual (or group), the ability to communicate effectively is vital to the success of your clients and athletes.
If you are wondering how to design better programs and want to learn to communicate in ways that help your clients and athletes get better results, this episode is for you.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
2/15/2023 • 0
Muscle Confusion and Energy System Development – Episode 48
Brett and Mike discuss the science behind muscle confusion and energy system development. Just kidding, muscle confusion isn't a real thing! But energy system development sure is.
In this episode, we talk about...
Energy System Development
Alactic and aerobic training protocols
On-the-minute training
... and much more.
We also give you some guidelines on how to approach and design training protocols in order to optimize your health and performance.
If you've wondered what the deal is with muscle confusion and energy system development is your thing, you don’t wanna miss this episode.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
2/8/2023 • 0
What Makes a Great Coach? – Episode 47
What makes a great coach?
Every January, we see an uptick in people who are looking to improve their health and fitness and often times they are looking to hire a qualified coach.
But what is it that makes a coach great?
In this episode, Mike and Brett discuss various aspects about what it means to be a great coach. We talk about everything from knowledge, skill, set, personality, and much more in this episode.
If you’re looking to take your coaching game to the next level or want some tips on what to look for in order to find a great coach, don’t miss this episode.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
1/25/2023 • 0
New Year, New You – Episode 46
New Year, New you?!
In the first episode of The Minimum Effective Dose Podcast for 2023, we talk about some simple strategies that may help you get into a better health and wellness routine for the upcoming year.
We’ve both been in the fitness industry for a long time, and we’ve pretty much seen it all. In this episode, we’re going to give you some valuable advice on how to trainer smarter, be more consistent and help you work towards your goals.
This isn’t going to be a motivational talk to get you fired up. Instead, we share real-life, proven strategies to keep you making continual improvements all year.
Welcome to season 3 of the MED podcast with Mike Perry and 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
1/18/2023 • 0
The Minimum Effective Dose Podcast 2022 Year In Review – Episode 45
This past year, 2022, was an incredible year for the Minimum Effective Dose podcast.
My good friend, Brett joined the podcast as a co-host and I could not be happier with how season 2 went.
We had a chance to share about our cancer journeys, overused movie quotes, had some laughs and talked tons of shop about training. We explored all kinds of training topics including kettlebells, power development, conditioning, hypermobility, corrective exercise, training while traveling, professional development, group training, different types of programs and so much more.
We hope you enjoyed this last year and we are grateful to all of our listeners.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Mike and Brett
As always, if any episode of the Minimum Effective Dose podcast moves you, please feel free to share it on social media or with your friends. And we always love reviews as it's what helps us grow and get solid fitness advice out into the world.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
1/4/2023 • 0
Principles and Strategies for Non-Traditional Programming – Episode 44
In this episode we explore the principles and strategies for some of the more non-traditional programming styles.
Mike and Brett discuss:
Ascending ladders
Descending ladders
Strength aerobics
Volume
Density
Work-to-rest ratios
And much more!
There are endless training methodologies that will yield positive results. It's excellent, but can be confusing. Working with too many moving parts when you're designing training programs can feel unstructured for the coach and the athlete(s).
While there are several different ways to get the job done when it comes to program design, keep in mind the principles of stress and adaptation remain the same.
If you are looking for new ideas on how to program for your clients and athletes (that get great results) you don’t want to miss this episode.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
12/21/2022 • 0
Kettlebell Ballistics – Episode 43
One of the most common questions we get when it comes to training with kettlebells is about what size kettlebell to use. Quite often we see students going too heavy with kettlebell ballistics (e.g. clean, snatch, swing, jerk). Ballistic exercises are more dynamic than grinds (e.g squat, row, TGU, windmill) and work on the power generation and absorption in a dynamic fashion,
If kettlebell swings are good, heavier must be better, right?
Like many things, it depends!
This episode is all about kettlebell ballistics and load selection. The MED team digs deep into the kettlebell swing and other kettlebell ballistics. Mike and Brett share valuable insight on technique, programming, optimizing your kettlebell ballistics.
If you truly want to improve your training (or your client's training), perhaps it’s time to put your ego aside and train a little bit smarter.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
12/7/2022 • 0
Power Development – Episode 42
Many strength coaches and sports coaches have missed the boat on the idea that power development is very different than conditioning. Let's emphasize that. Power development is not conditioning. Simply put, power is strength strength applied quickly.
In this episode Brett and Mike discuss:
The do’s and don’ts of power development
Programming strategies for power development
Principles for power development
Why it's really important to develop a base level of strength before training for power (You can't to power work without an engine!)
The idea behind practicing mechanics first - jumping, landing, acceleration, deceleration mechanics
The problem(s) with using box jumps, which are often misapplied, and how to correctly utilize this exercise
Why power development sessions may need to be longer (plan on resting more than you're working)
You'll come away from this episode with some in-depth strategies on how you can program power for youth athletes and also advanced athletes.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
11/30/2022 • 0
Training Strategies for Mobility and Hypermobility – Episode 41
Join Brett and Mike to learn more about training strategies for mobility and hypermobility.
Mobility is a hot topic these days and for good reason. When you live a sedentary lifestyle as so many are these days, you tend to lose your mobility. This is likely why you see countless systems promising to improve mobility currently being offered in the fitness industry.
But what about individuals who have too much mobility? (Also referred to as hypermobility.) How do you work with clients who are hypermobile and what strategies will yield the best results while keeping them safe?
If you want to learn how to help improve mobility in your clients who need it, this episode is for you. If you're looking for strategies on how to safely train hypermobile clients who likely need more stability, not mobility, this episode is also for you.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
11/23/2022 • 0
The Importance of Tension and Relaxation
The most efficient athletes in the world can demonstrate an elegant balance of tension and relaxation.
We see this skill represented in strength training, calisthenics, and several field and court sports.
Some people balance tension and relaxation naturally, while others have to work at it. Regardless of where you are in your athletic journey, learning how to balance tension and relaxation is a vital and worthwhile skill.
Join Mike and Brett and they discuss their in depth knowledge of how to balance both of these skills.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
11/16/2022 • 0
The Simplest Way to Change and Impact Movement
In this episode, Brett and Mike give you the simplest way to change and impact movement when you're working with your clients.
Far too often, we see coaches skip steps in this process and then wonder why their interventions are unsuccessful.
If you're looking for a simple recipe you can use time and again to change and impact movement, don't miss this episode. The MED duo give you a step-by-step approach on how to approach movement change in a way that will actually stick.
If you have clients who have mobility restrictions and you want to make a change, you don’t want to miss this.
If you have clients who have excellent mobility, but need more stability, you also don’t want to skip this one.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
11/9/2022 • 0
Creating an Amazing Group Training Program
This episode of The Minimum Effective Dose podcast is all about creating an amazing group training program. Your hosts discuss several topics such as culture, programming, communication and so much more.
Brett and Mike give you valuable insight on how to create a culture in your group training program that fosters continual progress. Plus, we talk brand building and client retention.
If you own a gym or run adult group classes, don’t miss this episode!
Principles of Program Design Group Training eBook
If this topic is interesting to you and you want to learn more about creating or improving your group training program, PPD has a free ebook to help keep your wheels turning.
Learn more on how to create systems that will help you nail down and communicate your offerings. Determine how to lay out your gym and equipment based on what you decide to offer. Get started towards creating a training system that will help your coaches and members warm up, cool down and move up and down along the continuum for exercises. And, of course, we address ways to build and maintain better relationships with your clients.
Tell us where to send your ebook or learn more about the full Principles of Program design course which dives even deeper into program design for group training and individual training.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
11/2/2022 • 0
Current Projects – Principles of Program Design and Iron Cardio – Episode 37
Mike and Brett discuss recent projects they've been working on outside of the Minimum Effective Dose podcast. These 2 resources can help you set yourself apart from other strength and conditioning coaches.
If you're a fitness professional looking to build your career in strength and conditioning, tune in and check out the details linked below.
Iron Cardio
Brett discusses his latest digital product and e-book called Iron Cardio. This is for you if you want to develop essential skills to safely utilize kettlebells for a unique and effective workout. Upgrade Your Cardio And Muscular Endurance with this 4-part must-have instructional!
Learn more about Iron Cardio here.
Principles of Program Design
You'll also hear Mike give an over on an educational course he put together with his colleague, Eric D’agati, called Principles of Program Design. The Principles of Program Design course was designed to help you develop systems to ensure the training programs you use with your clients are effective, efficient, safe, scalable and repeatable. You'll come away from this course with systems (including specific checklists) to help you succeed in this industry by helping your clients reach their health, fitness and performance goals.
Learn more about Principles of Program Design here.
If you want to know more about these courses above and how they can help you build your skills to improve your own training and the way you work with clients, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
10/26/2022 • 0
Digging Deeper Into the Turkish Get Up – Part 2 – Episode 36
This episode is part two of a two-part series on digging deeper into the Turkish Get Up.
If you're interested in learn more about the TGU to learn more for your own training purposes or to help you better coach your clients, don't miss this episode and the previous episode (Part 1 of Digging Deeper into the Turkish Get Up) where we started the conversation.
In part 2, Brett and Mike cover:
The half kneeling position via the low sweep
The lunge - stand up position
How to reverse these steps to improve your overall skill
And more...
If your goal is to learn as much as possible about the Turkish Get Up, don’t miss this episode and the previous TGU episode where you'll gain tips from coaches who have over 35 years of combined knowledge teaching kettlebells to clients, members and other coaches.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
10/19/2022 • 0
Digging Deeper Into the Turkish Get Up – Part 1 – Episode 35
This episode is part one of a two-part series on the Turkish Get Up. If you're interested in digging deeper into the Turkish Get Up to learn more for your own training purposes or to help you better coach your clients, don't miss this one.
The MED duo, Brett and Mike, discuss everything from…
Teaching cues
Common errors
How we like to use this exercise
How anthropometry plays a role throughout the movement
And more...
In this two-part series, you will gain tips from coaches who have over 35 years of combined knowledge teaching kettlebells to clients, members and other coaches.
If your goal is to learn as much as possible about the Turkish Get Up, you don’t want to miss this episode and the follow up TGU episode.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
10/12/2022 • 0
The Importance of a Solid Knowledge Base – Episode 34
Brett and Mike discuss their thoughts on the importance of gaining a solid knowledge base as a fitness professional.
The fitness industry has a low barrier of entry which can be a blessing, but also a curse. While there are easy ways to get certified and start training, there is so much value in continuing to improve your knowledge base beyond what's "required."
The MED duo discusses:
The importance of anatomy, physiology and psychology
Communication
Skill acquisition
The value of in-the-trenches experience
Mike and Brett also share some books, courses and resources to help you improve your knowledge base and keep you thinking and learning.
If you are new to the fitness industry, you don’t wanna miss this valuable episode.
The more you know…
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
10/5/2022 • 0
Is Technology Helping or Hurting Your Fitness? – Episode 33
Is technology helping or hurting your fitness and function?
Don't get us wrong. We're huge fans of technology, but it's important to determine if what we're implementing with these tools is done in a way that results in a positive adaptation.
Are we getting too focused on the data from fitness technology devices/wearables?
Are we relying so much on technology that we forget to slow down and pay attention to the signals our body is giving us?
If modern technology has changed the landscape of fitness for the better, why are so many people sick, injured, overstressed, and unhealthy?
In this podcast, Brett and Mike discuss how technology has impacted their own journeys, the ways they use technology with clients and some insight into how we see fitness technology impacting the fitness industry as a whole.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
9/28/2022 • 0
Digger Deeper into the Kettlebell Clean and Snatch – Episode 32
You already know we love kettlebell training. In this episode, we discuss the finer details of the kettlebell clean and snatch.
These two kettlebell exercises are fundamental kettlebell skills. Just about everyone can benefit from including cleans and snatches into a training routine.
Whether you are a seasoned professional looking for optimal coaching points or a beginner just learning to train with kettlebells, you don’t want to miss this episode field stripping the kettlebell clean and snatch.
Some takeaways:
Brett's favorite way to teach people the kettlebell clean
Coaching cues to help you and your clients improve the kettlebell clean and snatch
Taming the arc and nailing down the trajectory of the bell
Keeping the clean and snatch crisp and athletic
Common mistakes we see with clients learning the kettlebell clean and snatch
Using gravity to help improve your kettlebell training technique
Helping your clients become more self-aware and able to self-correct instead of over-coaching
And so much more!
By the way... if you enjoy learning more about strength and conditioning, specifically when it comes to how to design the best programs, we'd love to see you at our next Principles of Programming course THIS WEEKEND Providence Rhode Island on 9/24/22.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
9/21/2022 • 0
Traveling and Training – Episode – Episode 31
Do traveling and training mix?
In this episode, Mike and Brett discuss how they manage traveling and training. They give you some strategies to improve your workouts when you travel and discuss something else you may never have thought about - what to do to get back into training (safely) after your trip.
A few things you'll hear more about...
What Brett does before a trip with his training.
Don't worry about sticking to your exact training plan unless you have a very specific goal. If the goal of your trip is to have fun and spend time with family/friends, indulge a little bit with an extra few drinks or some desserts. Life is short, have some fun. Don't let training get in the way of you connecting, relaxing.
Some low-stress options for traveling and training: utilize bodyweight routines, walk more, do some mobility work, bring a kettlebell if you're driving.
Take your time when hopping back into your routine after a trip.
Everybody responds differently to traveling and training, but there are some dos and don’ts when it comes to exercise and travel in general. Listen in for some valuable insight on how to take care of your body when you aren’t in a normal routine. When you travel your sleep, nutrition and training will absolutely be affected.
By the way... if you enjoy learning more about strength and conditioning, specifically when it comes to how to design the best programs, we'd love to see you at our next Principles of Programming course in Providence Rhode Island on 9/24/22.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
9/14/2022 • 0
Mastering the Basics of the Kettlebell Deadlift and Swing – Episode 30
This episode is a deep dive into the importance of mastering the basics of the kettlebell deadlift and swing.
Brett and Mike give you valuable insight into:
How to approach your kettlebell training regimen
The importance of programming when training with kettlebells
Biomechanics
Coaching kettlebells and why we start with the kettlebell deadlift and swing
By the way... if you enjoy learning more about strength and conditioning, specifically when it comes to how to design the best programs, we'd love to see you at our next Principles of Programming course in Providence Rhode Island on 9/24/22.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
9/7/2022 • 0
The Truth about Strength and Conditioning Research – Episode 29
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.
By the way... if you enjoy learning more about strength and conditioning, specifically when it comes to how to design the best programs, we'd love to see you at our next Principles of Programming course in Providence Rhode Island on 9/24/22.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
More about Antonio Squillante:
Antonio Squillante is a Registered Certified Strength and Conditioning Coach (NSCA RSCC CSCS*D) with over a decade of experience coaching high school and collegiate athletes competing at the national and international level. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from the Universita’ San Raffaele (Rome, Italy).
Antonio earned a Master of Science in Sports Performance and Orthopedic Rehab from A.T. Still University and a Master Degree in Biokinesiology from the University of Southern California. As a Ph.D student, Antonio is currently conducting research at the Clinical Exercise Research Center, Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy (University or Southern California, Los Angels).
Antonio authored serval books and textbooks on strength training for sport and translated some of the classic readings in exercise physiology and sports science, including Bosco and Zatsiorsky. Antonio is a Registered Sport and Exercise Nutritionist (SENr) and a lead NSCA instructor.
Antonio Squillante on Instagram
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
8/31/2022 • 0
Corrective Exercise: A Deeper Dive – Episode 28
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 topics in the fitness industry. While some coaches have had great success using corrective exercise to help change someone’s movement, others don't have the skill set and/or feel is a waste of time.
Regardless of how you feel about corrective exercise right now, we'll help you look at it through a slightly different lens to better understand how to program, coach and apply corrective exercises when working with your clients.
By the way... if you enjoy learning more about programming, we'd love to see you at our next Principles of Programming course in Providence Rhode Island on 9/24/22.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
8/24/2022 • 0
Programming Kettlebell and Barbell Work – Episode 27
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.
In this episode Mike and Brett go over...
How to use kettlebells as part of your warm up
Work to rest ratios
Adjusting programs based on your goals
Symmetrical and asymmetrical loading
What you need to build max strength
Building form, improving technique
Training your weaknesses
... and more!
If you’ve ever wonder how to design a program that blends kettlebell training with barbell training, you don’t wanna miss this episode.
By the way... if you enjoy learning more about programming, we'd love to see you at our next Principles of Programming course in Providence Rhode Island on 9/24/22.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
8/17/2022 • 38 minutes, 51 seconds
After the Certification – How to Apply Your New Skills – Episode 26
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 powerful and even career changing. (Side note: Mike Perry and Eric D'agati have a live Principles of Program Design course coming up in Providence Rhode Island this fall! Learn more.)
Just keep in mind there are some dos and don’ts when it comes to applying your new skills.
When you're excited after an amazing course or weekend, it's temping to jump right into the next one, but we recommend taking a deep breath first.
Practice using your new skills. Digest the information. Test things out. Ask questions. Get feedback. Keep learning. Don't rush into the next certification or course before practicing and applying your newly acquired skills.
Oh, and, be careful you're not giving way more information to your clients than they need to know and overwhelming them. Make sure the skills you're using actually apply to your individual client's (or group) goals before you start implementing the new information with everyone simply because you're excited about it. Always remember to keep your client's goal the goal.
If you are wondering how to strategically apply your new skills after taking courses and certifications, tune into the latest episode of the MED podcast.
Related Episode: The Importance of Professional Development
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
8/10/2022 • 0
The Importance of Professional Development – Episode 25
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 what types of professional development may help you most, you don’t want to miss this episode.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
8/3/2022 • 0
Kettlebell Training for Hypertrophy – Episode 24
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 an incredible tool to help you pack on muscle.
Join Brett and Mike as they discuss kettlebell training for hypertrophy.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
7/27/2022 • 0
How to Manage Low Back Pain – Episode 23
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 dealing with low back pain.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
7/20/2022 • 0
Everyone’s Got Something – Episode 22
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 various clients.
You don't want to miss this episode because you have something, we have something and every client you meet will have something too.
The reality is, everyone's got something and the good news is we can often help.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
7/13/2022 • 0
Structured Versus Unstructured Training – Episode 21
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.
Some argue that structured training is the best option and others like to more leeway based on schedule, sleep, stress, etc.
In the end, the results are what matters.
Join Brett and Mike as they discuss structured versus unstructured training styles and the pros and cons of each.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
7/6/2022 • 0
The Importance of a Mentor – Episode 20
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, guide you as you determine and work towards your goals, and support you along the journey.
Both hosts have been fortunate enough to connect with exceptional mentors throughout life for various reasons. Mike and Brett both agree they wouldn't be where they are today, personally or professionally, without the assistance of their mentors.
Tune in to hear more details on each of their journeys, the importance of a mentor and how their mentors have helped shape their lives and careers.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
6/29/2022 • 0
Success Leaves Clues – Episode 19
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 some things that will help you become more successful in the fitness industry.
Join Mike and Brett as they walk you through strategies to help you on your own journey to become a sought-out personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
6/22/2022 • 0
Consistency and Motivation – Episode 18
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 help keep you on the right track. If you struggle with consistency and motivation or you work with clients, this is a must listen!
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
6/15/2022 • 0
Mobility and Flexility – How Much Is Enough? – Episode 17
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 own training and with their clients, you don’t wanna miss this
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
6/8/2022 • 0
Is Foam Rolling and Self Massage a Waste of Time? – Episode 16
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 you can apply immediately to utilize foam rolling and self massage for yourself and your clients.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
6/1/2022 • 0
Tale of Two Kettlebell Journeys – Episode 15
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 learn a skill and get a great workout at the same time. You can develop strength, power and efficiency as you embark on your own kettlebell journey or help your clients on theirs.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
5/25/2022 • 0
Cancer Doesn’t Care if You’re Fit
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 treatment.
Welcome to season 2 of the MED podcast with 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 things health and fitness related.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
5/18/2022 • 0
Using the Minimum Effective Dose In Training Programs – Episode 13
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 things health and fitness related.
In episode 13, Brett and Mike talk about the definition of the minimum effective dose and go over the idea of using the minimum effective dose in training programs. Keep in mind, this doesn't mean we skip things or cut corners, but that we focus on what's going to have the most beneficial impact on someone's training and life. In this first episode back, you'll hear a little bit more about why these two seasoned coaches have recently become even more passionate about prioritizing what matters most - in training and in life.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
Mike Perry on Instagram
Mike Perry on Facebook
Skill of Strength:
Skill of Strength Website
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Connect with Brett Jones:
Brett Jones on Instagram
Brett Jones on Facebook
Please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
5/11/2022 • 0
Kettlebells and BJJ – A Perfect Match
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.
Kettlebell training is a great conditioning tool for combat athletes.
I agree with the above statements, but they are pretty generic. In this podcast, Kettlebells and BJJ - a Perfect Match, I will dive into some very specific details on how kettlebell training can be very advantageous for grapplers.
Want more? Here are 2 digital kettlebell training options from BJJ Fanatics featuring Mike Perry:
Kettlebell Essentials Instructional Guide - with Mike Perry
Kettlebell Strongfirst Digital Kettlebell Training - Minimalist Training for Maximal Results on the Mat - with Pavel Tsatsouline and Mike Perry)
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
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
Skill of Strength YouTube
Oh, and please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
2/18/2021 • 0
Everyone Should Squat
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 squats hurt your knees, find a good coach and see if you have some technique or movement flaws you can clean up to start squatting properly.
Related: Why You Can't Squat
Related: Squats are Bad For Your Knees
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
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
Skill of Strength YouTube
Oh, and please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
2/3/2021 • 0
Mobility, Flexibility and Movement Competency
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 who's trying to lose ten pounds.
When wondering how much time you should spend on mobility, flexibility and movement competency, ask yourself this: What am I asking of my body?
Join Mike Perry as he digs a bit deeper into this topic!
Related: Parts, Positions and Prying – A Simple Guide to Improve Your Movement Quality
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
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
Skill of Strength YouTube
Oh, and please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
1/26/2021 • 0
Strength and Conditioning for BJJ
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.
Connect with Mike and Skill of Strength:
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
Skill of Strength YouTube
Oh, and please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
1/10/2021 • 0
Training Youth Athletes – The Good, Bad & Ugly
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
Contact Skill of Strength
Skill of Strength Instagram
Skill of Strength Facebook
Skill of Strength YouTube
Oh, and please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
11/16/2020 • 0
Training Combat Athletes – An Overview
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
Skill of Strength YouTube
Oh, and please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
10/13/2020 • 0
BBQ, Building a Legendary Business & Adapting to a Global Pandemic with Rob Gregory of Redbones
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 1987 and has become a favorite for many folks over the years, most likely due to its authentic downhome-style Southern food, its unique ambiance, and the genuine friendliness of its staff. They offer 29 fresh brews on tap and often host local Brew Fests. Catering and delivery are available for private functions.
Connect with Redbones BBQ:
Red Bones BBQon Instagram
Red Bones BBQ on Facebook
Red Bones BBQ Website
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
Skill of Strength YouTube
Oh, and please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
8/23/2020 • 0
From Walk-on to MLS with Chris Tierney
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 can benefit from.
Connect with Chris Teirney:
Chris Teirney on Instagram
New England Revolution
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
Skill of Strength YouTube
Oh, and please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
7/30/2020 • 0
Simplifying Energy System Development with Devan McConnell
In this episode, Mike speaks with Devan McConnell, the Director of Performance Science and Reconditioning with the New Jersey Devils and former Head of Hockey Performance and Sports Science at the University of Massuchusetts.
Mike and Devan talk about energy system development. This episode is a fantastic combination of sport science, empirical evidence and trial and error.
Coaches, if you are looking for pertinent information on how you can simplify your energy system development protocols, don’t miss this.
Connect with Devan and the New Jersey Devils:
Devan McConnell on Instagram
New Jersey Devils
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
Skill of Strength YouTube
Oh, and please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
7/22/2020 • 0
Lessons from a Professional Soccer Player with Michael Parkhurst
Michael Parkhurst is a retired professional soccer player. He started playing soccer around the age of 6. Mike played club soccer in Rhode Island from ages 9-14. He Went to the IMG academy for High School and attended Wake forest for 3 years. He played professionally for 15 years - 10 years in Major League Soccer, and 5 in Europe.
Parkhurst is an MLS cup champion and played in the open cup, danish cup, danish league and the gold cup with the United States men’s soccer team. He also played in the 2008 Olympics.
He is currently working for tech company called Rippleworx as the VP of US Sports.
In this episode, Michael shares valuable insight on how to stay healthy and have a long career as a professional athlete.
Connect with Michael Parkhurst:
Michael Parkhurst on Instagram
Michael Parkhurst on Facebook
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
Skill of Strength YouTube
Oh, and please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
7/7/2020 • 0
How to Be Successful In the Music Industry with John Keefe
John Keefe is a professional musician/recording artist based out of Nashville, TN. He is the drummer for Boys like Girls, and also works for Sony where writes music for commercials, soundtracks, etc. In this episode, John talks about his journey in the music industry and also gives you some candid and valuable insight on how to be successful as a musician.
A quick note - there is some adult language in this podcast so please be aware of this prior to listening.
Connect with John:
John Keefe on Instagram
Boys Like Girls on Facebook
Boys Like Girls Website
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
Skill of Strength YouTube
Oh, and please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.
6/26/2020 • 0
How to be Successful as a Strength Coach – Private Gyms vs. Team with Devan McConnell
In this episode, Mike speaks with Devan McConnell, the Director of Performance Science and Reconditioning with the New Jersey Devils and former Head of Hockey Performance and Sports Science at the University of Massuchusetts.
In the episode, Mike and Devan share their journey and give you invaluable advice on how to be successful in the private sector, but also in team sports!
Connect with Devan:
Devan McConnell on Instagram
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
Skill of Strength YouTube
Oh, and please make sure to share the episodes that motivate you and move you in the right direction.