Summary

In this episode, Craig Turner and Justin Rey delve into the importance of hamstring training, discussing various exercises, their benefits, and how to effectively integrate them into athletic training programs. They explore the Nordic hamstring curl, RDLs, glute ham raises, and more, emphasizing the significance of eccentric training and injury prevention in sports. The conversation highlights the need for a balanced approach to hamstring conditioning, considering both strength and injury risk.

Takeaways

Hamstrings are crucial in any sport for performance and injury prevention.

The Romanian Deadlift (RDL) is a favorite hamstring exercise for many athletes.

Nordic hamstring curls are highly researched and effective for eccentric strength.

Hamstring strains, while rare, can occur and need to be conditioned for.

Progressive overload is essential in hamstring training to ensure strength gains.

Different hamstring exercises target various parts of the muscle group.

Eccentric training is vital for reducing injury risk in athletes.

Integrating multiple hamstring exercises can enhance overall strength and performance.

Glute ham raises can be beneficial for athletes with lower back concerns.

A well-rounded hamstring program should include a mix of exercises and focus on both strength and injury prevention.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hamstring Training

02:45 Favorite Hamstring Exercises

05:23 Nordic Hamstring Curls: Benefits and Challenges

08:13 The Importance of Hamstring Conditioning in Sports

10:41 Progressions and Variations of Hamstring Exercises

13:23 Understanding Proximal vs Distal Hamstring Training

16:03 Exploring Additional Hamstring Exercises

18:37 The Role of Glute Ham Raises

21:08 Prone vs Seated Hamstring Curls

23:45 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

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#repsandrealtalk #strengthandconditioning #strengthcoaching #basketball

Summary

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

Takeaways:

Bodybuilding training misconceptions often revolve around volume.

Athletes should use bodybuilding principles without aiming to look like bodybuilders.

Training to failure can be beneficial for athletes.

Volume in training can be a double-edged sword; it must be balanced with intensity.

Exercise selection is crucial for effective athlete training programs.

Plyometrics are essential for athletes but not for bodybuilders.

Understanding the relationship between size and strength is key.

Individualization in programming is important for athlete development.

Using failure as a proxy can simplify tracking progress.

Volume can be strategically included in training without overtraining.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Episode Format

00:37 Rant on Bodybuilding Training for Athletes

05:23 Designing a Total Body Workout for Athletes

11:11 Principles of Training to Failure

16:19 Volume and Its Role in Training

21:01 Summary Statements

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#repsandrealtalk #strengthandconditioning #strengthcoaching #basketball

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

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#repsandrealtalk #strengthandconditioning #strengthcoaching #basketball

In this episode, hosts Craig Turner (@thesciencebasedlifter) and Justin Rey (@jrey.strength) delve into the challenges of burnout in the coaching profession, particularly in strength and conditioning. They discuss the three B's of career progression in S&C: burnout, bitterness, and becoming better. The dialogue explores the financial strains faced by coaches, the impact of winning and losing on mental health, and the importance of mentorship and communication. They emphasize the need for coaches to share their wins and foster a supportive community, while also reflecting on their personal journeys and the evolution of their passions.

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#repsandrealtalk #strengthandconditioning #strengthcoaching #basketball

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

We want to thank each creator for their videos here!

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

REAL TALK:

🏋️ Minimal equipment can still yield effective training results.

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In this conversation, Cliff Spiller (@cliffspillercscs), the Director of Strength and Conditioning for Men's Basketball at the University of Oregon, shares his extensive experience in the basketball and strength conditioning fields. He discusses the transition from professional to college basketball, the importance of developing professional habits in athletes, and the challenges of adapting to new roster dynamics in college sports. Cliff emphasizes the significance of individualized training programs, the impact of the NIL landscape, and the necessity of building strong relationships with athletes. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring strength coaches and shares insights from his new project, Elite Basketball Insights (https://www.elitebasketballinsights.com/).

REAL TALK:

🏀 Navigating the transition from professional to college basketball requires different coaching strategies to the same approach.

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In this episode, Craig Turner and Justin Ray discuss their personal training philosophies, the adjustments they make in their programs, and their pet peeves in both public gyms and basketball weight rooms.

They emphasize the importance of gym etiquette, respect for others, and the significance of nutrition and recovery strategies in achieving fitness goals. The conversation also touches on the challenges of maintaining focus in a gym environment and the need for effective communication among athletes and coaches.

REAL TALK:💪 Your training programs should always fit your individual goals and needs.
😴 Rest and recovery are crucial part often overlooked even by coaches
🤝 Gym etiquette is essential for a respectful environment.
🥗 Nutrition plays a significant role in training success.
📊 Tracking calories can provide valuable insights into eating habits.
🗣️ Communication is key in a team training environment.
⏰ Respecting others' time in the gym is important.
📵 Using phones in the gym can be distracting and counterproductive.
🌟 Creating a positive training atmosphere benefits everyone.
🎧 Engaging with listeners can enhance the podcast experience.

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Where do you place your chest exercises in your library?

• Start it (means it has to be in the program)
• Sixth Man (its in your rotation but not an essential piece - bring it out when you need it to impact)
• Bench it (these don't get used and see no love)

In this conversation, hosts Craig Turner (@CTSPORTSCIENCE) and Justin Rey (@JREY.STRENGTH) delve into various chest exercises, discussing their personal favorites, the effectiveness of different techniques, and the importance of fitting the right exercises to the individual.

They explore the cambered bar bench press, dumbbell variations, push-ups, and machine training, while also addressing the limitations of certain exercises like the decline bench press (that may end up being benched - literally).

The discussion emphasizes the significance of stability and proper form in achieving optimal results for both bodybuilding and athletic performance in basketball.

THE REAK TALK:

💪 The cambered bar bench press as the best conventional chest press?
🏀 Dumbbell bench press gives more degrees of freedom — perfect for athletes
🧠 Does the mind-muscle connection enhance workout effectiveness?
✊ Push-ups can be a valuable exercise for basketball players — if done right
⚠️ Decline bench press — the deadliest chest press?
🎯 Cable flys can target the chest more effectively than presses!
🧱 Stability in exercises is crucial for performance, muscle growth, and decreasing risk
🔥 Guillotine press is a unique variation worth trying (at least in your warm-up)
🔄 Incorporating variety in chest training can lead to better results than one "optimal" exercise

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In this episode, we sit down with strength and conditioning coach and self certified hooper Nate Melendez - to explore what it takes to truly support basketball athletes today. Nate shares insights on building authentic relationships to earn athlete buy-in, leveraging social media as a coaching tool, and using research and athlete feedback to create effective programs. We dive into how the coaching landscape is shifting with NIL, the importance of adaptability when working with diverse players, and the reality of balancing family life with coaching demands. REAL TALK:

⚠️ Pistol Squat: Difficult and may not be practical for all athletes.

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👤 Nate: @natemelendez_

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In this episode, Hosts Craig Turner (@ctsportscience) and Justin Rey (@jrey.strength) take you deep into the world of squat variations, unpacking what really works — and what doesn’t — for basketball performance.

From the classic back squat to the often-overlooked hack squat, pendulum squat. We weigh in on the leg press, safety bar squat, and many other exercises that cover this pattern.

Breaking down the benefits, risks, and real-world application of each exercise for hoopers and more.

This high-energy discussion wraps up with a fiery debate on the polarizing pistol squat: can it actually drive muscle growth, and does it have any place in a hoops training program?

REAL TALK TAKEAWAYS:

🏋️‍♂️ Back Squat: Often misapplied and overrated.
🏗️ Smith Machine: Provides stability and allows for deeper squats.
💪 Hack Squat: Underutilized in many training programs.
🔩 Pendulum Squat: Can be a game changer for athletes.
🦵 Leg Press: Offers a safer alternative for loading the quads.
🛡️ Safety Bar Squat: May be the best option for many athletes.
🚫 Zercher Squat: May not be suitable for basketball players.
🔀 Trap Bar: A hybrid approach to squatting.
🏆 Goblet Squat: Useful but not the best for loading.
⚠️ Pistol Squat: Difficult and may not be practical for all athletes.

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In this episode, Hosts Craig Turner and Justin Rey, discuss the intricacies of strength training methodologies, focusing on reps and reserve (RIR) and rate of perceived exertion (RPE).

They explore the subjective nature of these methods, their application in programming for athletes, and the challenges faced in a college basketball setting.

The conversation also delves into the role of velocity-based training and practical applications for coaches, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual athlete needs and adapting training methods accordingly.Key Takeaways:🔁 Reps and reserve is a subjective method that requires experience.
⚠️ Understanding failure is crucial for effective training.
🏀 RPE can be challenging to implement in team settings.
📊 Using rep ranges can help gauge intensity effectively.
⚡ Velocity-based training offers objective feedback for athletes.
🛠️ Practical applications of training methods vary by sport.
🎓 College basketball training presents unique challenges.
🗣️ Communication with athletes is key to understanding their exertion levels.
🔍 Testing and adapting training methods is essential for success.
🧱 Consistency in coaching methods fosters athlete respect and performance.

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In this episode of Reps and Real Talk, Hosts Craig Turner and Justin Rey engage with Merv Lumba, a seasoned sports performance coach at UMass Lowell.

They discuss the critical role of mentorship in strength and conditioning. They also explore the nuances of building relationships, the impact of social media on coaching, and the importance of authenticity and education in the field.

The conversation emphasizes the need for patience and the value of networking, while also addressing the challenges young coaches face in today's fast-paced environment.

This one’s for the young coaches, and mentors who want real talk — no fluff. 🎙️💪🏀

🎧 Tune in now and re-think how you approach the weight room.

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In this episode of Reps & Real Talk, Craig Turner and J.Rey take on the hot-button issues, diving into the controversial topics surrounding strength and conditioning, particularly in the context of basketball training.

They discuss the merits and drawbacks of Olympic lifts, alternative training methods like trap bar jumps, and the importance of eccentric training methods and ways to progress this within the seasons transitions.

The conversation also touches on the role of machines in functional training and the often excessive warm-up culture in basketball.

Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the need for effective coaching techniques that prioritize athlete safety and performance enhancement. The discussion also leads us to some other methods which may be under utilized in the face of controversy.

REAL TALK:

💥 Olympic lifts have both strong advocates and critics.
🏋️‍♂️ Alternative exercises like trap bar jumps may offer better performance transfer for basketball players.
⚡ Eccentric training is essential for developing strength and power in athletes.
⬇️ The learning curve for trap bar movements is lower than for Olympic lifts.
🦾 Machines can be effective tools in strength training when used appropriately.
⏱️ Warm-up routines in basketball can often be excessive and counterproductive.
🎯 Coaching should focus on the specific needs of the athlete and their sport.
⚠️ Safety is a significant concern when using complex lifts like Olympic lifts.
🧠 Effective training should prioritize athlete engagement and enjoyment.
📣 The culture around certain training tools can influence their adoption in sports.

This one’s for coaches, athletes, and performance pros who want real talk — no fluff. 🎙️💪🏀

🎧 Tune in now and re-think how you approach the weight room.

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#RepsAndRealTalk #BasketballS&C #StrengthAndConditioning #PerformanceTraining

In this episode, reps and real talk hosts (Craig & Justin) are joined by Safet Kastrat (gm and assistant coach - La Salle Men's Basketball). They discuss the evolving landscape of college basketball, particularly focusing on the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. The episode explores how NIL is changing recruitment dynamics, the challenges faced by mid-major programs, and the need for regulation in the NIL space. The conversation also highlights the importance of relationships in recruitment, the role of strength and conditioning coaches, and the necessity for financial education for student-athletes. The episode concludes with thoughts on the future of NCAA and college athletics in light of these changes and what we all can do to navigate this landscape.

Real Talk:

💰 NIL has transformed college athletics, making it a competitive landscape

🎯 Recruitment is now heavily influenced by financial incentives.

⚖️ The lack of regulation in NIL is creating an uneven playing field

🤝 Relationships still matter in recruitment despite the focus on money.

🏋️‍♂️ Strength and conditioning coaches play a crucial role in athlete development.

🔄 Coaching styles must adapt to the new realities of NIL.

📚 Financial education for student-athletes is essential to manage newfound wealth.

📏 The future of NCAA may involve more regulations to ensure fairness.

🏀 Mid-major programs face significant challenges in retaining talent.

🌐 The landscape of college sports is evolving, and adaptation is necessary.

DONT FORGET:

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In this episode, Craig Turner and Justin Ray discuss the impact of social media on strength and conditioning coaching. They explore how social media has evolved, its role as an online resume, and the balance between personal and professional content.

The conversation also touches on exercise selection, the debate between machines and free weights, and the challenges of navigating the noise of social media. They provide valuable advice for coaches looking to build their presence online while staying true to their coaching philosophy.

Takeaways:📱 Social media is a powerful tool for strength and conditioning coaches.

🔄 The evolution of social media has changed how coaches engage with their audience.

🧾 Social media serves as an online resume for coaches and athletes alike.

🤝 It's important to maintain professionalism in social media posts.

⚠️ Coaches should be mindful of the content they share online.

👀 Learning from other coaches on social media can enhance coaching practices.

🎯 Exercise selection should be tailored to the needs of athletes.

🏋️ Both machines and free weights have their place in training.

💡 Coaches should focus on creating valuable content rather than just following trends.

📈 Consistency and authenticity are key to building a social media presence.

👉 Like, Subscribe, and Follow for More!If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️

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In this episode, Craig Turner and Justin Rey discuss the often sensitive topic of salary expectations in the field of strength and conditioning. They explore the current landscape of salaries, the reality of entry-level positions, and the importance of networking and social media in advancing one's career. The conversation also delves into negotiation strategies for S&C coaches, the significance of adaptability in coaching roles, and how to demonstrate value to employers. The episode concludes with key takeaways and final thoughts on navigating the complexities of salary discussions in the coaching profession.Takeaways💬 Salary discussions in strength and conditioning are often sensitive.🏆 Winning can significantly impact perceived value and salary.📍 Entry-level salaries can vary widely based on location and institution.🤝 Networking and 📱 social media presence are crucial for career growth.💡 Understanding your worth is essential for effective negotiation.🔀 Adaptability in coaching roles can enhance job security and value.📊 Demonstrating measurable success can help justify salary increases.🗣️ Negotiation should be approached with confidence and preparation.🔍 Researching salary ranges can empower coaches during negotiations.🎯 It's important to have clear expectations and goals for salary progression.If you enjoyed this episode please like and subscribe. If you would like to engage more throw comments below!

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

The conversation is rich with real-life examples and practical advice for aspiring coaches and veterans alike. So tune in to begin reflecting on your own journey as a S&C coach.

Key Takeaways:

🏋️ Real-life examples showcase the ups and downs of S&C journeys.

🎓 Internships are essential for gaining experience and expanding your network.

🤝 Building genuine relationships is a major key to success in coaching.

📜 Certifications matter — but real-world experience speaks louder.

💪 Confidence is one of the most important soft skills for coaches.

🔄 Adaptability is a must in the ever-changing S&C landscape.

❌ Mistakes are part of the process — learn and grow, especially with exercise selection.

📣 Clear communication is non-negotiable — let people know if you’re running late.

🙌 Being a good person can open more doors than just having technical know-how.

🌐 Networking often leads to unexpected and valuable career opportunities.

DONT FORGET:👉 Like, Subscribe, and Follow for More!If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️📲 Follow us on Instagram:🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_👤 Craig: @ctsportscience👤 Justin: @jrey.strengthThanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.