Barbell Life

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Coach Travis Mash talks with industry experts about all things concerning strength - from coaching to programming to technique... from weightlifting to powerlifting to athletic performance.

The Barbell Life


    • Aug 10, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 56m AVG DURATION
    • 434 EPISODES

    4.6 from 172 ratings Listeners of Barbell Life that love the show mention: rpr, barbell shrugged, love travis, mash, weightlifting, bombs, fitness, always great, sound quality, training, coach, faith, great information, health, ideas, great show, smart, enjoyed, bring, top.


    Ivy Insights

    I typically don't write reviews, but I wanted to express how much I enjoy The Barbell Life podcast. As someone who is passionate about fitness and health, this podcast has become one of my favorites. Travis and Crystal, the hosts, do an excellent job of bringing on high-profile guests and covering a wide range of topics in the health and fitness world.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the educational value it provides. Each episode leaves me with new training ideas and concepts to consider. Travis not only shares his own expertise but also gives credit to others for their ideas, which he has tweaked and combined into his own unique way of training. I appreciate his willingness to learn from others and provide a well-rounded perspective on lifting.

    Another aspect I love about The Barbell Life is the emphasis on velocity training that they have had recently. This topic has been incredibly interesting and intriguing, and it adds another layer of depth to the podcast.

    The only downside I can think of is that some earlier episodes had minor audio issues. However, this does not detract significantly from the overall quality of the podcast.

    In conclusion, The Barbell Life is a must-listen for anyone interested in fitness, health, and lifting. Travis Mash and his crew bring motivating content every week and offer valuable insights that can improve your life both inside and outside the gym. Whether you are an Olympic lifter or simply looking to improve your deadlift or squat, this podcast provides valuable information that can help you reach your goals. I highly recommend giving it a listen!



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    Latest episodes from Barbell Life

    The Coaches of Olympic Medalists Hampton Morris and Olivia Reeves Talk Methods

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 10, 2024 19:37


    Hampton Morris and Olivia Reeves are the best American weightlifters of all-time. Hampton just won the Bronze Medal and Olivia the Gold Medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics.I interviewed their coaches about a month ago: Coach Tripp Morris and Coach Steve Fauer. They had some similarities that I consider to be gold nuggets for all coaches, and they have some differences. You will learn about each in this video.We discuss all the topics: 1. Technique 2. Frequency 3. Intensity 4. Volume 5. Data collection 6. Fatigue Management 7. Variations 8. Accessory Work 9. Recovery 10. Intensity v. Volume and which is better to focus. Much, Much more! Enjoy!Visit www.MashElite.com for all of our free content and products.

    410 - Strength & Mindset: Coaching Youth for Success with Gabriel Villarreal

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2024 67:13


    This week, we're excited to bring you an insightful conversation with Coach Gabriel Villarreal, LPC. Gabriel shares his innovative hybrid approach to mental health and strength training with youth, drawing from his experience in successfully combining strength training and counseling for young men and women, particularly those with ADHD.In this episode, we delve into:Strategies for maintaining a positive mental approach as coaches The importance of being process-driven versus performance-driven Helping youth leave us mentally and physically healthier and with a passion for fitness Gabriel's approach to working with youth who may initially resist lifting weights or training altogether.Don't miss out on Gabriel's invaluable insights into fostering holistic development in young athletes. Tune in now to enhance your coaching approach and positively impact the lives of your athletes!

    409 - Pillars of Fitness for Sport

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2024 34:20


    Welcome to Episode 409 of The Barbell Life Podcast! This week, we delve into the critical aspects of training that seamlessly translate to sports performance across various levels of athletic development.But before we dive in, don't miss out on the latest offer from our Coaching on the Bridge Athletic App: Youth Development (Ages 6-10 Years Old).Here's what's on the agenda for today:We'll start with a quick refresher on the 10 Pillars of Athletic Development.Then, we'll explore the key elements of strength training that directly impact sports performance.Next up, we'll tackle conditioning and its role in enhancing athletic abilities.Plus, we'll share insights on effective testing methods to pinpoint areas for targeted training focus.Before you hit play, be sure to check out our New Year Specials:Get 40% off our Advanced Weightlifting Seminar, covering everything from the science behind the lifts to programming strategies for elite performance.For those aiming to stay fit and active, we're offering RiseFit at 30% off for its initial launch. Use code ‘RISEFITNEWYEAR' for the discount. This comprehensive program covers all aspects of physical fitness, including mobility, strength, endurance, and more, delivered conveniently through the Bridge Athletic App.So, whether you're a seasoned athlete striving for greatness or someone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle, we've got something for you.Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy the show as we unlock the secrets to athletic development on The Barbell Life Podcast!

    408 - Resistance Training For Youth

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2024 37:22


    Introduction:This week on The Barbell Life Podcast, we're diving into a revolutionary perspective on Resistance Training for Youth. We'll be revisiting our previous discussions, summarizing our stance, and presenting an updated viewpoint based on the latest research and our extensive coaching experience with thousands of youth over the last two decades.Special Offer:Before we kick off, be sure to check out the latest offer from Stronger Experts: 40% Off the Advanced Weightlifting Seminar, featuring Coach Spencer Arnold, Coach Sean Rigsby, and our own Coach Travis Mash.Key Points Discussed in Today's Podcast:Safety of Weightlifting and Resistance Training for Youth:Emphasizing the importance of age-appropriate programs, safe progression, and professional monitoring.Highlighting the 40% Off offer for the Advanced Weightlifting Seminar with Spencer Arnold and Sean Rigsby.Debunking Myths:Clarifying that Weight Training is not dangerous for growth plates and, in fact, contributes to stronger and thicker bones.Strength Development:Discussing how youth can significantly increase strength through weight training compared to normal growth and maturation.Benefits of Plyometrics and Explosive Movements:Exploring how Olympic weightlifting techniques induce improvements in Power.Enhanced Motor Performance Skills:The impact of resistance training on improving athleticism.Reduced Sports-Related Injuries:Insights into how resistance training can enhance resistance to sports-related injuries.Improved Cardiovascular Risk Profile:Exploring the positive effects on cardiovascular health.Weight Management Assistance:Discussing how resistance training can be helpful in weight management.Psychosocial Well-Being:Exploring the broader impact on relationships, mental health, and overall well-being.Cognitive Performance:A promise to explain in more detail later in the podcast.Lifetime Health and Fitness:Discussing the improved chances of maintaining a lifetime of health and fitness.Related Videos for Quick Reference:"So, is Weightlifting Dangerous for Youth?""Youth Resistance Training and Running Benefits and Risks""Resistance Training for Youth"Special Offers for Listeners:For those interested in diving deeper, check out the RiseFit program:RiseFit with Coaching:Link to purchase with coachingRiseFit Onetime Purchase:Link to onetime purchaseUse Code RISEFITNEWYEAR for a 30% discount.Don't miss out on this insightful episode reshaping the narrative on youth resistance training. Tune in and join the revolution!

    407 - We are back!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2023 48:37


    Welcome back to the show after a six-month hiatus! Coach Mash is back, and this time, he's not alone. Partnered with Rise Indoor Sports as the Head of Sport Science, Coach Mash is excited to bring you top-notch information, educational products, and stellar customer support.In today's episode, Coach Mash and new cohost Riley Breske dive into the world of Olympic Weightlifting and Powerlifting. They share insights on implementation in strength training programs, covering when to embrace these movements and when to steer clear.Here's a glimpse of what to expect:Coach Mash's journey during the break and future plans.The exciting partnership with Rise Indoor Sports and its synergy with GymAware, Stronger Experts, and Mash Elite.In-depth discussions on Weightlifting and Powerlifting for athletes, exploring potential adaptations and benefits.Insights on Velocity Based Training to ensure training intent.Exploring Weightlifting and Powerlifting for General Fitness, touching on skill development, speed, power, mobility, hypertrophy, and strength.Tune in for a power-packed episode as Coach Mash and Riley guide you through optimizing your strength training journey

    406 - Stimuli

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2023 27:09


    405 - Best Practices When Coaching Young Athletes with Missy Mitchell-McBeth

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2023 60:52


    On this special episode of The Barbell Life Podcast, Coach Mash discusses High School Strength and Conditioning with Coach Missy Mitchell-McBeth.

    404 - Accentuated Eccentric Loading (AEL) with Tim Suchomel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2023 78:31


    Ok, we are back from a slight layoff for the holidays. We are starting 2023 out big with Episode 404, "Accentuated Eccentric Loading (AEL) to Improve Power Production and Rate," with my friend Dr. Tim Suchomel, Associate Professor of Exercise Science at Carroll University and Program Director for Master of Science in Sport Physiology and Performance Coaching, so all of you coaches and athletes out there that love getting the most cutting-edge research before everyone else is going to get precisely what you are after.

    403 - Tools for Optimizing Performance and Recovery With Louisa Nicola

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 21, 2022 51:50


    This week on the Barbell Life Podcast, we are talking to NeuroPhysiologist Louisa Nicola, host of The Neuro Experience Podcast and Founder of Neuro Athletics.

    402 - The Importance of Physical Fitness for Our Youth with Gabriel Villareal

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 9, 2022 59:44


    This week on The Barbell Life Podcast, we talked to one of our former guests, Gabriel Villareal, about the importance of physical fitness on our youth's overall mental and physical well-being.

    401 - Latest Methods and Why

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2022 45:21


    This week's look at the science of possible adaptations to the different methods within an athletic performance program is going to be an ongoing series in an effort to teach coaches the multiple adaptations that are possible.

    400 - A Revolutionary Look at Sports Training with Tony Holler

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2022 63:49


    This week on The Barbell Life Podcast, we talk to Coach Tony Holler about a revolutionary way of looking at not only football practice but all sporting practices. He takes science and common sense and blends them into an obvious change that needs to take place in sports practices around the world.

    399 - Debates and Common Ground with Alexis Maxence Leveille

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2022 52:45


    In this week's episode of The Barbell Life Podcast, I speak to Montreal Physio, Alexis Maxence Leveille. You might know him as @nobullphysio, and this show proves that people can disagree in a way that helps the world learn more and think critically. Once again, there are very few absolutes, but there are some best practices.

    398 - ACL Injury Mechanisms and Prevention with Dr. Tim Hewett

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2022 55:09


    In this week's episode of The Barbell Life Podcast, we talk to one of the world's most renowned researchers regarding ACL injury mechanisms and prevention. If you are a coach, parent, or athlete, tune in to this one.

    397 - Complexity of the Human Body

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2022 44:17


    I put together a presentation that explains the complexity of the human body. This is my way of teaching you guys that absolutes are rarely a good thing. Too many people are picking one aspect of the human body to explain any problem or deficiency. Today's podcast is filled with nuggets like

    396 - Breath Work and Ice Protocol with Kristin Weitzel

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2022 66:18


    Listen to today's episode of the Barbell Life Podcast as we talk to Coach Kristin Weitzel from Warrior Woman Mode, and I will say right now that this is in my Top 5 Favorite guests on my show.

    395 - Training and Mindset with NFL Punter Jake Schum

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2022 36:26


    Tune in for today's episode of The Barbell Life Podcast as we discuss training and mindset with NFL Punter, Jake Schum. Let me warn you, he's not the typical punter. Let's just say that a punt returner might not want to break through the initial line of defenders.

    394 - The Journey to Weightlifting Excellence with Wes Barnett

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2022 79:23


    Tune in to today's episode of The Barbell Life Podcast as we speak with Coach Mash's first weightlifting coach, two-time Olympian, Wes Barnett, now the VP of Business Development at Thorne HealthTech.

    393 - Sports Science and Technology in a High School Program with Doug Gle

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2022 43:45


    Travis MashMay 24, 2022, 3:22 PM (12 days ago)to meCheck out today's episode of the Barbell Life as we talk to Traverse City High School's own Coach Doug Gle as we talk about all the ways he's advanced their strength and conditioning program.

    392 - Biometrics and the Human Matrix with Zac Cupples

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2022 47:14


    Listen to today's episode of The Barbell Life Podcast as Coach Mash talks to Coach Zac Cupples, DPT and CSCS.

    391 - Coaching Insights with Missy Mitchell-McBeth

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2022 50:14


    In today's episode of The Barbell Life Podcast, we talk to Coach Missy Mitchell-McBeth. She gives insight into coaching that most of us will never have because she has coached at the Division I Collegiate level, big time Texas High School level, and now she's entering the world of education with Powerlift.

    390 - All About Strength and Conditioning with Ricky McFarlane

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2022 58:01


    Today on the Barbell Life Podcast, we have an OG Mash Athlete turned Strength Coachextraordinaire, Coach Ricky McFarlane owner of PWR Sports and Human Performancein England. He is the coach to some of the best Boxing, MMA, Football (aka Soccer), andRugby Athletes in the UK.

    389 - Strength and Conditioning Greatness with Reb Brock

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2022 59:49


    Today we talked to someone that has been a true pioneer for the cause of strength and conditioning. His mentors led him down a road of pure greatness. Whether you are in the high school, collegiate, professional, or private sector, you will learn a lot today

    388 - Program Balance with Mike Tuchscherer

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2022 46:15


    Today we have my favorite powerlifting coach in the world on the show for a second time, Coach Mike Tuchscherer. You probably already know him. If not, get ready for a treat. I promise you will learn something by listening to this episode.

    387 - Training Tools with Michael Chatman

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2022 37:21


    Check out today's podcast where we talk to Coach Michael Chatman, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for Men's Basketball and Golf at Stanford University.

    386 - Weightlifting and Coaching with Wil Fleming

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2022 65:45


    Check out today's podcast as Coach Mash talks to his friend and fellow Team USA Weightlifting Coach, Wil Fleming.

    385 - Athlete Monitoring with Cam Davidson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2022 53:01


    On this week's episode of The Barbell Life Podcast, we are joined by fellow data nerd Coach Cam Davidson, Head Strength and Conditioning Coach at Colorado College in Colorado Springs.

    384 - Thriving Under Adversity with Sam Schaefer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2022 55:24


    In this episode of The Barbell Life Podcast, we talk to one of the most inspiring guests in the history of our show. Coach Sam Schaefer is a former athlete of the original online team. While in the military, he experienced an injury that led to 9-years of chronic pain.

    383 - Following Your Passion with Hunter Charneski

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2022 64:44


    In this episode, we talk to and get inspired by Hunter Charneski. Hunter is an author, coach, and founder of the Artistic Warrior, a very successful course and mentorship for men seeking to unlock the desire to make their passion into profit.

    382 - The Journey to an All-Time World Record with Bill Gillespie

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2022 79:33


    In this episode, we talk to legendary strength coach and powerlifter, Coach Bill Gillespie. He recently set the all-time bench press record hoisting 512.5kg/1130lbs to lockout and more impressively at age 62!

    381 - Youth Development with Sean Rigsby

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2022 34:23


    In today's episode, we sit down with Sean Rigsby to discuss the process of youth development, including when to start youth training, how to structure sessions, and more!

    380 - Athlete Monitoring with Ryan Metzger

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2021 53:58


    In this episode, we sit down with Coach Ryan Metzger to talk about the latest in athlete monitoring, data collection, exercise selection, and more!

    379 - Speed First with Justin Ochoa

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2021 57:36


    On this episode, we sit down with Coach Justin Ochoa - an expert on speed training. So we talk about assessing athletes, warming up, drills, strength training, tendon health, VBT, and so much more,

    speed vbt justin ochoa
    378 - Bridge with Ryan Carroll

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2021 51:08


    On this episode, we talk with Ryan Carroll - tactical athlete trainer and one of the directors with BridgeAthletic. So listen in to hear about tracking and actually using data in a meaningful way.

    377 - The Art of Coaching with Bobby Sirkis

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2021 61:39


    On this episode, we have our good friend Coach Bobby Sirkis. He's a man who Coach Travis has learned a ton from – so get ready to dig into all aspects of weightlifting programming, the art of coaching, monitoring athletes, and so much more.

    376 - Tendon Strength and Health with Keith Baar

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2021 64:58


    On this episode, we talk with professor Keith Baar of UC Davis – an expert in tendon health and strength. So we talk on this podcast all about how tendons and ligaments need to perform for maximum athleticism and safety – we talk about how to build back from a tendon injury – and we talk about the right ways and the wrong ways to program in order to maximize tendon health.

    375 - Wisdom from a Powerlifting Legend with JM Blakely

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2021 69:11


    On this episode, we are joined by powerlifting legend JM Blakely. JM has pulled off some of the most amazing feats of strength on his way to being the world's best bencher – but what's truly impressive is the depth of wisdom that this man possesses. So if you want to be inspired, if you want to think deeply, if you want to be a better person as well as a better lifter – then this is the podcast for you.

    374 - Fitness Marketing and Branding with Kandace Hudspeth

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2021 61:20


    On this episode, we talk with fitness marketing expert Kandace Hudspeth. She's worked with industry giants like bodybuilding.com, OPEX, and she's now Chief Marketing Officer for Hybrid Performance. So listen in to hear about branding, telling a marketing story, learning from your competition, and the biggest marketing mistakes made by gym owners, personal trainers, and coaches.

    373 - Kids in Weightlifting with Will Bujanda

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2021 67:31


    On this episode, we talk with our good friend Will Bujanda about how he's recently developed a specialty training very young weightlifters. So of course we talk about training those young athletes – but we also get into the mistakes that CrossFit coaches make with kids, the correct and incorrect uses of frequency, understanding recovery in kids, and so much more.

    372 - Ashe County Strongman with Brian Chatham

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2021 52:28


    On this episode, we talk with Brian Chatham. Now it's no surprise as Travis's cousin that this guy is super strong – so listen in to hear about growing up in Ashe county, competing in strongman and the highland games, and how strongman training relates to athletics and all of life.

    371 - Breathing, Posture, and Movement with Arianna Hoffman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2021 63:08


    On this episode, we talk to movement expert Arianna Hoffman. We get into diagnosing problems that can lead to injury, postural issues, breathing issues, and how to get balanced and corrected so you can make maximum gains in a pain-free way.

    370 - International Meets with Bobby Sirkis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2021 45:31


    On this episode, we catch up with Coach Bobby Sirkis who just got back from the Junior Pan Ams with Coach Travis and Coach Crystal. So listen in as they unpack what makes the PanAms so different, the crazy challenges they had with so many meets so close together, what they've learned, and how the Mash Method is bringing insane results in the warm up room.

    369 - Army Football and Brilliant Programming with Brandon Reyes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2021 58:08


    On this episode, we talk with Coach Brandon Reyes, an Army coach at West Point. Coach Travis was blown away by the brilliant ways that Coach Reyes and his crew were programming. So listen in to hear about their approach to volume, hypertrophy, peaking, conditioning, and more.

    368 - Your Questions Answered

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2021 65:31


    On this episode, we get to listener questions about lifting with limited equipment, sore lower backs, cheerleaders, rodeo athletes, longevity in training, bench press programming, cardio, macros for weightlifters, and more.

    367 - Texas Football and Twitter with Peter Noonan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2021 60:16


    On this episode, we talk with Strength Coach and conversation starter Peter Noonan. Coach Noonan trains high school football players in the incredibly competitive state of Texas, so listen in to hear about his training methodologies, how to make sure that the work in the weight room transfers to the field, and also how he's started great conversations among strength coaches on Twitter.

    366 - Training for Golf with Mike Carroll

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2021 70:55


    On this episode, we talk with Coach Mike Carroll of Fit for Golf. Coach Travis has admired Coach Mike for a long time on Twitter – because Mike is constantly dropping gold nuggets on rotational athletes, biomechanics, muscular asymmetries, avoiding injuries, and more.

    365 - Gym Culture and Combat for Kids with Josh Stanley

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2021 62:00


    On this episode, we talk with Josh Stanley of Combat Athletics. Coach Josh has built a thriving business working with all ages on wrestling, MMA, and more. So listen in to this one to hear about how he trains those athletes, how he builds such an amazing gym culture, how athletes need adversity to make them the best, and so much more.

    364 - International Weightlifting Updates with Seb O.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2021 59:58


    On this episode, we talk to our good friend Seb from Weightlifting House. Seb gets us caught up on all that's going on in International Weightlifting – from drug scandals to what makes lifters great – and of course the latest on Liu Xiaojun, Lasha, and all the American heroes of the sport.

    363 - Sean Rigsby on American Weightlifting and Tales of Glenn Pendlay

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2021 59:09


    On this episode, we talk with our good friend Sean Rigsby all about the current happenings in American weightlifting – all the latest rumors, the stats, what makes weightlifting so special for female lifters – and we also talk about some insane training experiments from the late Glenn Pendlay.

    362 - Mechanisms for Speed with Lee Taft

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2021 64:42


    On this episode, we talk with renowned speed expert, Coach Lee Taft. These podcasts are some of our favorites because speed work is just so fascinating – so listen in to hear about mechanisms for speed, creating the perfect drills for the individual, and enhancing neurologic response.

    361 - Coaching Natural Athletes with Craig Cheek

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2021 61:16


    On this episode we talk with Craig Cheek – a coach who flew onto Travis’s radar after some fascinating Twitter discussions. So on this episode we break down the idea of being a natural athlete and the concept of self-organization. How do you coach these people – do you get out of their way or do you try and intervene when that might be compromising their natural ability? Well that's we talk about today!

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