Beyond Strength Show

Train with Beyond Strength online: https://www.bspnova.com/hybrid-performance/Or, if you're local to northern Virginia, come join us in-person: https://www.bspnova.comIn this conversation, Todd Bumgardner and Chris Merritt explore various themes related to community, aging, fitness, and personal development. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences visiting retirement communities, discuss the importance of maintaining social connections as one ages, and reflect on the changing perspectives that come with age. The discussion also delves into training techniques, particularly focusing on kettlebell carries and rucking, and the upcoming Kettlebell Mile event. They emphasize the significance of running for improving rucking performance and share practical tips for effective training. The conversation concludes with light-hearted banter about personal preferences in shoes and bags (it's not what it sounds like ha).00:00 - Technical Difficulties and Introduction01:15 - Community and Connection in Retirement03:42 - The Importance of Social Connections06:16 - Reflections on Aging and Life Perspectives10:21 - Shifting Perspectives on Age12:01 - Experimenting with Rowing Techniques17:04 - Kettlebell Mile Event Introduction21:54 - Kettlebell Mile Event Details and History28:02 - Food Truck Adventures and Potluck Plans30:06 - Kettlebell Mile Insights31:53 - Rucking Techniques and Strategies36:09 - Weight Management in Rucking39:54 - Training for Heavy Loads40:54 - Choosing the Right Gear for Rucking43:35 - The Importance of Proper Weight Distribution49:05 - Running vs. Rucking: The Efficiency Debate54:01 - Building Aerobic Capacity through Running56:59 - Progressing from Walking to Running

In this episode of The Beyond Strength Show, Todd Bumgardner and Chris Merritt explore the concept of self-care, particularly in the context of fitness and personal growth. They discuss the importance of defining one's values and purpose, the need for long-term thinking in achieving fitness goals, and the common misconceptions surrounding self-care. The dialogue emphasizes that true self-care involves making decisions that may not feel good in the moment but are beneficial in the long run. They also highlight the significance of consistency, the role of motivation, and the necessity of understanding one's values to navigate challenges effectively.The Self-Care Lie Article Series:Part 1Part 2Part 3Part 4Chapters00:00 - The Journey of Self-Care and Fitness00:59 - Getting back to training after the flu06:35 - The Self-Care Lie08:15 - How will you feel in 10?09:02 - How the self-care article turned into a 4-part series23:54 - Defining Values and Long-Term Goals28:49 - The Importance of Showing Up29:06 - Values and Purpose in Decision Making30:26 - Choosing the Version of Yourself You Want to Be32:13 - Taking Action: The Small Steps Matter33:24 - Understanding Trade-offs and Sacrifices34:43 - Self-Care and Long-term Goals36:22 - The Role of Self-Knowledge in Fitness39:14 - Creating a Supportive Environment41:09 - Building Habits Beyond Motivation43:04 - Navigating Short-term vs Long-term Goals44:34 - The Value of Rest and Recovery46:46 - Emerging Values and Goals49:31 - The Miracle Question: Defining Success52:51 - Integrating Values into Daily Decisions

Train with Beyond Strength: https://www.bspnova.com/hybrid-performance/ In this conversation, Chris Merritt and Todd Bumgardner delve into philosophical questions about reality and truth, exploring the implications of living in a simulation versus facing the harsh realities of life. They discuss the importance of purpose in modern life, the challenges of finding meaning, and the role of voluntary hardships in building resilience. The dialogue transitions into practical applications in fitness preparation for HYROX, focusing on program design, training methodologies, and the significance of high-intensity continuous training. The conversation emphasizes the need for personal growth and the impact of coaching on individual development. 00:00 Exploring Reality and Illusion 02:43 The Nature of Truth and Meaning 05:31 The Search for Purpose in Modern Life 08:50 Voluntary Hardships and Resilience 11:41 The Impact of Kindness and Service 16:45 Program Design and Coaching Insights 28:07 Neural Charge Training Explained 30:06 Strength Training Volume and Intensity 32:35 Training Frequency and Adaptation 33:38 Revising Conditioning and Strength Workouts 35:25 Weekly Training Structure and Goals 39:08 HYROX Preparation and Aerobic Development 42:20 Dynamic Control and Breathing Techniques 51:45 Volume Management and Training Adaptations

In this conversation, Todd Bumgardner and Chris Merritt explore the themes of creativity, action, and the importance of understanding client archetypes in achieving personal and professional goals. They discuss the significance of having stakes in one's pursuits, the balance between purpose and pressure, and the role of accountability in driving action. The conversation also delves into defining values, planning for the future, and utilizing technology for personal growth. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for reflection and adaptation in the journey of self-discovery and goal achievement. Takeaways Creativity requires consistent practice, much like fitness. Understanding client archetypes can enhance coaching effectiveness. Having clear stakes can drive motivation and action. Balance between purpose and pressure is essential for growth. Accountability can help maintain focus and direction. Defining personal values is crucial for finding purpose. Technology can aid in planning and personal development. Reflection allows for adaptation and growth in goals. Embracing challenges can lead to personal growth. Openness to exploration is key to making progress. Chapters 00:00 The Power of Creativity and Action 02:35 Understanding Client Archetypes: What, Why, and How 05:23 The Importance of Action and Accountability 08:27 Finding Balance: Purpose and Pressure 11:16 Defining Values and True Self-Care 14:08 Emergent Growth: The Role of Action in Self-Discovery 24:59 Setting Goals and Overcoming Nerves 28:56 The Importance of Stakes in Life 31:20 Embracing Challenges and Personal Growth 34:21 Planning for the Future with Family 43:42 Utilizing Technology for Effective Planning

Sign up for the Hybrid Tips Email Series here: https://mailchi.mp/1626d07dec43/becoming-a-hybrid-athlete

It has been a MINUTE! But that's because a lot of change has gone down in the last 5 months. Let's catch up today and we'll be back with regular episodes going forward.

Access Hybrid Performance Training Tips (FREE!!) here: https://mailchi.mp/1626d07dec43/becoming-a-hybrid-athlete Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at ⁠https://www.bspnova.com/⁠

Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at ⁠https://www.bspnova.com/⁠

Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at ⁠https://www.bspnova.com/⁠

Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at ⁠https://www.bspnova.com/⁠

Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at ⁠https://www.bspnova.com/⁠

Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at ⁠https://www.bspnova.com/⁠

Coach Rony's journey to the U.S. from Venezuela is a gripping story. And on today's episode of the Beyond Strength Show we're finally sharing it with all of you... Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at ⁠https://www.bspnova.com/⁠

Cory Hudson has done what you want to do. He's done what every person that's ever lived has wanted to do. He's transformed. Cory's lost over 40 pounds since joining Beyond Strength in November 2021. More than that, he's improved his performance during all of our testing weeks, deadlifting over 400lbs, shaving significant time off of his rows, jumping farther, as well as improving on the other battery of tests. Cory is badass. You might have expected Cory to say he did something drastic. Maybe he found some kind of magical secret that helped him to lose the weight. Or maybe he only ate lettuce while screaming at himself naked in the mirror. But there's no magic. He didn't do anything drastic. Cory just did what most people don't do. And on today's episode of the Beyond Strength Show we're talking what exactly that is, and how he got it done... Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at ⁠https://www.bspnova.com/⁠

Well, if you're a Beyond Strength member, you're already doing it (in one form). But Chris and Todd break it down for you in the newest episode of The Beyond Strength Show. They also lay out example training weeks and talk about how to get back into running. Episode on how to add running to your training: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0fdHwWXMlpHWB11mPDBec8?si=rXO9HxHSRi6RWPfV1qRddA Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at ⁠https://www.bspnova.com/⁠

Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at ⁠https://www.bspnova.com/⁠

Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at ⁠https://www.bspnova.com/⁠

Difficult training weeks are a part of the fitness process. You might curse your coach and everyone who's ever loved them while you're in the thick of hard a session, but we need those sessions to push ourselves forward. The rub is that we must be smart about how we approach them. But the good news is with a few tactics and skills, you can nail difficult training weeks and get the full benefit of all that sweat and strain. And all that cursing won't be for nothin'. Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at ⁠https://www.bspnova.com/⁠

Is there a difference between muscular endurance and strength endurance? Plus: CHRIS'S DEEPEST FEAR TODD'S DISDAIN FOR CONDIMENTS STRENGTH METHODS STRENGTH TRAINING FOR SELECTIONS YOUTH TRAINING AND EARLY SPECIALIZATION IN SPORTS Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at ⁠https://www.bspnova.com/⁠

In today's episode, we'll outline how to concurrently train for various disciplines... specific capacities, layering skills, and recovering from it all. Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at ⁠https://www.bspnova.com/⁠

We all want to see the fruits of our labor, right? Why would we do anything, other than something that's purely pleasurable, if we can't eventually note measurable progress? Well, unless we are seeing measurable results, or we're getting some kind of pleasure, we typically stop doing the thing. So, we need to give ourselves reasons to keep doing the thing. Fitness progress can feel slow because, well, sometimes it is. However, sometimes you're making progress and you don't realize it because you just don't know how to measure it. That's especially true of progress with conditioning, particularly low and slow aerobic conditioning – something that we all need.  In today's episode, we'll outline a handful of ways that you can track your fitness progress to help you stay the course and also deepen your understanding of conditioning progress. Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/⁠ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at ⁠https://www.bspnova.com/⁠

On this episode of The Beyond Strength Show, Chris and Todd discuss heart rate training zones. The physiological benefits of the different zones, the mental side of things, and dive into practical application with real-world training examples. Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/⁠ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at ⁠https://www.bspnova.com/⁠

On this episode of The Beyond Strength Show, Chris and Todd discuss how to set physical goals in 2024, and they share their physical goals with you. Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength/ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at https://www.bspnova.com/

On this episode of The Beyond Strength Show, Chris and Todd look absolutely horrendous and talk through random subjects to close out the year. You'll laugh, you'll have some deep shit to think about, and you'll get a list of our favorite books we each read this year. Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: / itsbeyondstrength Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

On this episode of The Beyond Strength Show, Chris and Todd discuss what they've learned in 2023… and YOU get to walk away with two killer tools to plan your 2024 (among other things, of course). Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

On this episode of The Beyond Strength Show, the guys discuss how you can approach training when you don't have a date-stamped goal through the lens of some wonky stuff that Chris has been dealing with lately. Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro to Beyond Strength Gym at www.bspnova.com

People chase all kinds of "things" in their lives... but what's worth wanting? Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: ⁠https://instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength⁠ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

What would it take for you to give up your passions? To give up years of your life? Today's episode explores how asking yourself, or others, a simple question can lead to some deeper understanding of what's important (or not). Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

On this weeks episode of the Beyond Strength Show, Chris and Todd talk about their recent experience with mobility, power, agility, strength, endurance, and recovery testing for tier one operators. Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength Follow Chris's Threads training journal for his upcoming 50-miler here: https://www.threads.net/@chrisbeyondstrength Ready to join Beyond Strength: 1️⃣ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

On this weeks episode of the Beyond Strength Show, Chris and Todd talk about Beyond Strength's seasonal approach to developing different capacities in (and out) of the gym. Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength Follow Chris's Threads training journal for his upcoming 50-miler here: https://www.threads.net/@chrisbeyondstrength Ready to join Beyond Strength: 1️⃣ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

On this weeks episode of the Beyond Strength Show, Chris and Todd talk about what's working for them right now with regard to training, nutrition, and recovery! Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength Follow Chris's Threads training journal for his upcoming 50-miler here: https://www.threads.net/@chrisbeyondstrength Ready to join Beyond Strength: 1️⃣ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

On this weeks episode of the Beyond Strength Show, Chris and Todd discuss the “controversy” of mobility assessments and moving with good form in the gym. That is, after we get through about 24 minutes of absolutely ridiculous banter (as always)… Enjoy! Want to read the accompanying blog? https://www.bspnova.com/building-resilience-how-mobility-tests-enhance-your-strength-training/ Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength Follow Chris's Threads training journal for his upcoming 50-miler here: https://www.threads.net/@chrisbeyondstrength Ready to join Beyond Strength: 1️⃣ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

Strength matters, you know this, I know this, hell, I bet your Aunt Edna from Altoona, Iowa knows this. But here's the thing, lots of strength with lots of body weight isn't the best thing for you. Have a look at the general health of powerlifters and strongman competitors. They ain't too healthy. Relative strength, on the other hand, is powerful stuff. It's foundational to health, performance, and longevity.  In this episode of the Beyond Strength Show, Chris and Todd talk about… wait for it… relative strength! Want to read the accompanying blog? https://www.bspnova.com/relative-strength-what-it-is-why-we-test-it-and-how-to-build-it/ Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength Follow Chris's Threads training journal for his upcoming 50-miler here: https://www.threads.net/@chrisbeyondstrength Ready to join Beyond Strength: 1️⃣ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

In this episode of the Beyond Strength Show, Chris and Todd talk about a training secret and, I mean, I guess that's all we can say. You'll have to listen to discover what exactly it is… and then you can't tell ANYONE.

In this episode of the Beyond Strength Show, Chris and Todd talk about a new challenge that Todd has decided to take on, and the conversation goes to some really interesting and unexpected places. To be honest, this one was supposed to be about organizing your training week, but that's just the final 10:00. But trust us, there are still some great nuggets in there as well. But if you really want to dig into more on that, be sure to check out this weeks blog: www.bspnova.com/how-to-plan-a-training-week-to-build-strength-and-endurance/ Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: www.instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength Follow Chris's Threads training journal for his upcoming 50-miler here: www.threads.net/@chrisbeyondstrength Ready to join Beyond Strength: 1️⃣ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

In this episode of the Beyond Strength Show, Chris and Todd talk about some wacky shit up front (as always), before diving into their experiences of running with a metronome, how Chris is experimenting with programming changes for his upcoming 50-miler (ultra), and other randomness. No new blog this week, but dig into the archives here: https://www.bspnova.com/blog/ Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength Follow Chris's Threads training journal for his upcoming 50-miler here: https://www.threads.net/@chrisbeyondstrength Now you have TWO options to join Beyond Strength: 1️⃣ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

Have you ever been injured, felt discomfort, or experienced pain with your physical pursuits and felt like you were going to have to stop training? Maybe even lose all of your progress? In this episode of the Beyond Strength Show, Chris and Todd talk about dealing with pain, discomfort, and injuries, providing you with some mindset strategies, people you can reach out to, and other tips to help you keep pressing on towards your goals. As a bonus we get into a little back and forth about whether or not you should look at and react to your readiness daily via things like Oura, EightSleep, Whoop, Garmin, etc. Todd and Chris don't necessarily see eye to eye on this one, but their strategies seem to work for themselves. If you've ever felt stressed by this stuff, you'll dig this little bonus! Read the accompanying blog: https://www.bspnova.com/mindset-for-training-with-injuries-or-limitations/ Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength Follow Chris's Threads training journal for his upcoming 50-miler here: https://www.threads.net/@chrisbeyondstrength Now you have TWO options to join Beyond Strength: 1️⃣ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

Ever achieve your goals and go… now what?

Sure you've heard of consistency—everyone's talking about that—but what about continuity? In this weeks episode Chris and Todd break down the what and the how of the two most important training variables. Many folks think in terms of workouts. They want to do a HIIT workout. Or they search the internet or magazines for a strength workout. Then they do a HIIT workout one day and a strength workout another day. On yet another day they might go for a run. But it's all discombobulated because they were thinking small. They thought only about the individual workouts and not how workouts string together in a meaningful way to create a program. That program should fit into a bigger string of programs that composes a year-round training plan. This, sports fans, is how you create training continuity. You think big about training rather than small. You think about how each training day fits with the others. And then how each program leads to the next program so you're doing the right things at the right time. It's akin to thinking long-term and seeing the big picture. Follow Chris's Threads training journal here: https://www.threads.net/@chrisbeyondstrength Read the accompanying blog and watch Cory's video: https://www.bspnova.com/the-most-important-fitness-variables-consistency-and-continuity/ Connect with Beyond Strength on Instagram: https://instagram.com/itsbeyondstrength Aaaaaaand now you have TWO options to join Beyond Strength: 1️⃣ Local to Northern Virginia: Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

“About halfway back, I was in real trouble. My vision blurred and I could walk for 10 or 15 minutes at a time.” During the newest podcast episode, Todd tells a story about something pretty stupid that he did while rucking. The damn fool could have kilt hisself! He and Chris also share some solid rucking tips. Ready to join Beyond Strength? Now you have TWO options: Locals: Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

What's your inner dialogue when you're doing HARD things? That's where Chris and Todd kick off this weeks episode before diving into what they both “measure” and how they've optimized their routines as a result. Expect to walk away from todays episode with some new mental skills, some things you may want to track, and clarity on why it all matters to YOU… and, of course, a few laughs along the way. Ready to join Beyond Strength? Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

In this weeks episode, Chris and Todd talk about the surprising changes we've seen from NOT focusing on body comp with our members… and focusing on THESE things instead. And YOU can apply the takeaways from anywhere. Ready to join Beyond Strength? Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

How you lay out your conditioning matters well beyond immediate “results” and how it makes you “feel”. On todays episode, Todd and Chris discuss the why and how of aerobic base building before high intensity work. We nerd out. We get practical. And hope you enjoy! Ready to join Beyond Strength? Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

In this weeks episode, Chris and Todd discussed the Kettlebell Mile Challenge they were preparing to host at the gym, which went down on May 20th, 2023. The fastest men's time was 12:00. And the fastest women's time was 14:05. They were each awarded with a brand new kettlebell for their efforts! Although, Chris did the fastest time overall (11:14), he wasn't allowed to win a prize. What a crock of

Todd and Chris talk about Peter Attia's new book, Outlive. Before diving into that, they talk about their experiences of adding more aerobic base training to their own training and what they noticed. Ready to join Beyond Strength? Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

Todd hits Chris with some pretty weird questions off the bat, which opens the door to talking about the sketchiest hotels we've ever stayed in. And then we get to the real meat of the show: Why you should put something hard on the calendar (and how to do it). Want to register for an ultra? Head to www.ultrasignup.com Sign up for a local (Northern VA) race with EX2 Adventures: https://ex2adventures.com Interested in learning more about StrongFirst? Head to https://www.strongfirst.com Put something hard on the calendar! Oh, ready to join Beyond Strength? Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

We kick todays episode off talking about some climbing documentaries we've been into lately, and then we talk about the importance of resting between sets. But you should already know that from the title, right? Oh, ready to join Beyond Strength? Sign up for your FREE intro at www.bspnova.com

Chris finished the 2023 Georgia Death Race in 19:25:09, ending up 36th overall and 9th in his age group (35-39). In todays episode we recap how the day went. Interested in signing up for Beyond Strength? Head to www.bspnova.com to sign up for your FREE intro!

Follow along with Chris's race on Saturday, March 25th here: https://georgiadeathrace.livetrail.net/?fbclid=IwAR2p1R0twZ5ooSPmQlTxkb1DtbIFFYFqUnmgGs6X_JKSjr8Zf0HwBQp4pqw Ready to join Beyond Strength? Head to www.bspnova.com to sign up for your FREE Intro.

Ready to join Beyond Strength? Sign up for your FREE INTRO at www.bspnova.com

Ready to join Beyond Strength? Schedule your Free intro at www.bspnova.com