OPEX Podcast - Fitness Explained

Hosts James FitzGerald, Carl Hardwick, Kandace Dickson, and Georgia Smith discuss what's caught their attention this week, including living forever, the latest food as medicine initiative, TikTok surpassing Netflix, and how to approach fitness from a seasonal perspective.00:26 Welcome and introduction to the episode9:15 Carl Hardwick's radar on living forever and aging as a disease37:15 Georgia Smith's radar on the Rockefeller Foundation's latest investment in a food as medicine initiative1:01:57  Kandace Dickson's radar on TikTok surpassing Netflix for users under 35 1:25:45 James FitzGerald awards his All American and gives advice on how to adapt your fitness for the seasonsWant more Live a Larger Life?Join James for his bonus monologue weekly monologue and connect with him on LearnRx: https://learnrx.app/classes/live-a-larger-life-with-james-fitzgerald*Subscribe to LearnRx for access to 80+ specialty fitness education courses and our extensive library of resources on exercise, nutrition, and coaching business topics. New content added weekly!*Carl's RadarThe Quest to Live Forever - https://insider.fitt.co/issue-no-147-the-quest-to-live-forever/Georgia's RadarRockefeller Foundation invests $4.6, to food is medicine - https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/news/the-rockefeller-foundation-invests-4-6-million-to-scale-food-is-medicine-initiatives-in-u-s/True Cost of Food report - https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/True-Cost-of-Food-Full-Report-Final.pdfKandace's RadarTikTok Overtakes Netflix - https://omdia.tech.informa.com/pr/2022-oct/omdia-tiktok-overtakes-netflix-as-most-popular-app-with-under-35s-in-the-usaJames' book recommendations The Natural Navigator - https://www.naturalnavigator.com/books-and-libraryWatch the episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/38w3mL5sLAo

Hosts James FitzGerald, Carl Hardwick, Kandace Hudspeth, and Georgia Smith take on popular culture this week, including idolatry in the form of the Liver King, the rise of technology in the wellness space, vaping, and, as ever, living large. 00:26 Welcome and introduction to the episode10:10 Kandace Hudspeth's radar on smart homes and the continued boom of the wellness market27:45 Carl Hardwick's radar on Tik Tok's Liver King 52:30 Georgia Smith's radar on vaping and it's popularity with young people 1:22:22 James FitzGerald's All American Award and Un-American Award, as well as euthanasia and what this says about living a larger lifeWant more Live a Larger Life?Join James for his bonus monologue weekly monologue and connect with him on LearnRx: https://learnrx.app/classes/live-a-larger-life-with-james-fitzgerald*Subscribe to LearnRx for access to 80+ specialty fitness education courses and our extensive library of resources on exercise, nutrition, and coaching business topics. New content added weekly!*Kandace's RadarThe US Wellness Market Continues to Boom -  https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/consumer-packaged-goods/our-insights/still-feeling-good-the-us-wellness-market-continues-to-boomCarl's RadarThe Liver King Lie - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKpmAGZQetcGeorgia's RadarCDC Study on Middle and High School Vaping - https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7140a3.htm?s_cid=mm7140a3_wJAMA Study on Adolescent Nicotine Addiction and Intensity of e-Cigarette Use - https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2798130Vaping Regulation - https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/11/29/1137161526/teen-vaping-regulatory-crackdown-comingJuul Teen Vaping Lawsuits - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/12/06/health/juul-settlement-lawsuits-teen-vaping.htmlJames' book recommendationsNo Escape - https://www.harpercollins.com/products/no-escape-nury-turkel?variant=39665176772642The Natural Navigator - https://www.naturalnavigator.com/books-and-libraryWatch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/wcO3nM0Y1Sg

Reunited after the holidays, hosts James FitzGerald, Carl Hardwick, Kandace Hudspeth, and Georgia Smith discuss Lab-Grown Chicken, the rise of woke culture in Hockey, and a recent study on the role of weight loss strategies in managing weight control and type 2 diabetes. 00:26 Welcome and intro08:40 James FitzGerald reflects on his recent trip home to Canada and woke ideology in hockey37:20 Georgia Smith's Radar on weight loss strategies, weight change, and type 2 diabetes in US health professionals1:04:13 Kandace Hudspeth's Radar on the FDA approval of lab grown chicken1:39:00 Wrap-UpWant more Live a Larger Life?Join James for his bonus monologue weekly monologue and connect with him on LearnRx: https://learnrx.app/classes/live-a-larger-life-with-james-fitzgerald*Subscribe to LearnRx for access to 80+ specialty fitness education courses and our extensive library of resources on exercise, nutrition, and coaching business topics. New content added weekly!*Georgia's RadarWeight loss strategies, weight change, and type 2 diabetes in US health professionals -  https://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1004094#pmed-1004094-t001Kandace's RadarFDA approves Lab grown chicken -  https://www.morningbrew.com/daily/stories/fda-approves-first-lab-grown-meat-from-upside-foodsWatch episode #13 on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/c78nSwsqDbo

With his co-hosts away for Thanksgiving, James FitzGerald flies solo, sharing what he's been reading and listening to, making a case for always looking at both sides of any story.00:26 Introduction to the episode06:00 All American Award 10:18 The podcasts James hosts12:45 James' fitness update including the podcasts he's been listening to 38:15 What James has been reading46:48 How we can create a national conversation around fitness50:26 Wrap-UpWant more Live a Larger Life?Join James for his bonus monologue weekly monologue and connect with him on LearnRx: https://learnrx.app/classes/live-a-larger-life-with-james-fitzgerald*Subscribe to LearnRx for access to 80+ specialty fitness education courses and our extensive library of resources on exercise, nutrition, and coaching business topics. New content added weekly!*Podcasts mentioned:The Victor Davis Hanson Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-victor-davis-hanson-show/id1570380458Intelligence Squared debates - https://www.intelligencesquaredus.org/debate/is-public-radio-still-relevant/#/The Realignment - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/315-david-sax-the-over-hyped-digital-world-and-why/id1474687988?i=1000587090579On With Kara Swisher - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/can-chris-licht-turn-cnn-around/id1643307527?i=1000586551899Braver Angels Podcast -https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-your-red-line-jonathan-haidt-with-m%C3%B3nica-guzm%C3%A1n/id1457136401?i=1000587052854Books mentioned:Abraham Lincoln - https://www.amazon.com/Abraham-Lincoln-Lord-Charnwood/dp/0548967105Postjournalism and the death of newspapers - https://www.amazon.com/Postjournalism-death-newspapers-media-after-ebook/dp/B08GWWXDG7Watch episode #12 on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/wLNFDkpOrnI

After a busy week in US news, hosts James FitzGerald, Carl Hardwick, Kandace Hudspeth, and Georgia Smith discuss what's been on their radar including recent research into the global decline in sperm count, Disney's latest offering, and new findings on how exercise defeats cancer. 00:00 Opening titles00:28 Introduction to episode09:00 James Fitzgerald's radar on his All American for the week, Abraham Lincoln13:20 Georgia Smith's radar on a new global study on the decline in sperm count 41:20 Kandace Hudspeth's radar on Disney's latest short, Bianca.1:08:20 Carl Hardwick's radar on the link between aerobic activity and metastatic cancerWant more Live a Larger Life?Join James for his bonus monologue weekly monologue and connect with him on LearnRx: https://learnrx.app/classes/live-a-larger-life-with-james-fitzgerald*Subscribe to LearnRx for access to 80+ specialty fitness education courses and our extensive library of resources on exercise, nutrition, and coaching business topics. New content added weekly!*Georgia's RadarTemporal Trends in Sperm Count - https://academic.oup.com/humupd/advance-article/doi/10.1093/humupd/dmac035/6824414Kandace's RadarDisney's new short about a plus size ballerina - https://twitter.com/i/status/1570049733514625027Carl's RadarAerobic Activity can Reduce Risk of Metastatic Cancer by 72% - https://english.tau.ac.il/exercise_defeats_cancer_2022?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletterWatch episode #11 on YouTube here:  https://youtu.be/8-ByqS7RsY8

With the holidays almost upon us, hosts James FitzGerald, Carl Hardwick, Kandace Hudspeth, and Georgia Smith discuss a common topic this time of year—how to never fall off the exercise wagon again by life proofing your movement. 00:00 Opening titles00:28 Introduction to episode - Life Proof Your Movement01:30 James FitzGerald's Radar on what he's reading this week05:45 Kandace Hudspeth's Radar on the definition of conservatism19:48 Carl Hardwick's Radar on daylight savings31:55 Georgia Smith's Radar on alcohol death rates44:30 How much do Americans move? - a study55:05 Kandace reflects on study and how to life proof movement57:45 James responds to the study58:55 Georgia reflects on study and how to life proof movement1:00:20 The conversation coaches should have with clients ahead of holiday period1:22:35 Wrap-upWant more Live a Larger Life?Join James for his bonus monologue weekly monologue and connect with him on LearnRx: https://learnrx.app/classes/live-a-larger-life-with-james-fitzgerald*Subscribe to LearnRx for access to 80+ specialty fitness education courses and our extensive library of resources on exercise, nutrition, and coaching business topics. New content added weekly!*Kandace's RadarWhat Do Conservatives Wish to Conserve - https://www.prageru.com/video/ep-261-what-do-conservatives-wish-to-conserveCarl's RadarPermanent Daylight Savings Time Will Hurt Our Health - https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/06/health/permanent-daylight-savings-health-harms-wellnessGeorgia's RadarThe rate of alcohol-related deaths in the U.S. rose 30% in the first year of COVID - https://www.npr.org/2022/11/05/1134523220/alcohol-death-rate-cdc-reportCDC Study - https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db448.htmMain EpisodeMap of American Fitness - https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2018/07/03/more-money-more-fitness-why-people-in-the-wealthiest-states-get-more-exercise/40% of Americans Never Workout - https://www.gymless.org/breaking-national-survey-finds-nearly-40-of-americans-never-workout-massive-regional-and-state-by-state-discrepancies/

Hosts James FitzGerald, Carl Hardwick, Kandace Hudspeth, and Georgia Smith discuss how movement, nutrition, and learning evolve as we progress through the stages of life, from growing to peaking to resisting. For optimized viewing we recommend joining us on YouTube. Watch episode 9 here.00:00 Opening titles00:28 Introduction to episode01:25 James FitzGerald's Radar including the All American Award06:30 Kandace Hudspeth's Radar on the role of physical activity in appetite and weight control15:15 Carl Hardwick's Radar on The Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act in Congress33:09 Georgia Smith's Radar on Taylor Swift and fat shaming46:15 Introducing Cradle to Grave52:50 What is the point of the framework?58:03 The Growing phase - movement, nutrition & learning1:21:20 The Peaking phase - movement, nutrition & learning1:39:50 The Resisting Phase - movement, nutrition & learning1:52:32 Wrap upWant more Live a Larger Life?Join James for his bonus monologue on this week's topic and connect with him on LearnRx: https://learnrx.app/classes/live-a-larger-life-with-james-fitzgerald*Subscribe to LearnRx for access to 80+ specialty fitness education courses and our extensive library of resources on exercise, nutrition, and coaching business topics. New content added weekly!*Kandace's RadarStudy Reviewed in MASS: Homeostatic and non-homeostatic appetite control along the spectrum of physical activity levels: An updated perspective - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29289613/Carl's RadarThe Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act in Congress -  https://athletechnews.com/phit-act-seeking-passage/Georgia's RadarTaylor Swift Fat Controversy - https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/leylamohammed/taylor-swift-fat-scale-anti-hero-video-defend

Live from the 2022 OPEX Coaches Summit!Hosts James FitzGerald, Carl Hardwick, Kandace Hudspeth, and Georgia Smith share one thing they've changed their mind on over their years in fitness. Then, we opened it up to the audience for live Q&A.For optimized viewing we recommend joining us on YouTube. Watch episode 8 here.00:00 Opening titles00:28 Introduction to episode02:25 What James FitzGerald has changed his mind on09:08 What Georgia Smith has changed her mind on16:23 What Carl Hardwick has changed his mind on26:13 What Kandace Hudspeth has changed her mind on32:02 Audience Q&A1:06:25 Wrap up

Do men and women need entirely different approaches to exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle?In this week's show, hosts Carl Hardwick, Kandace Hudspeth, and Georgia Smith talk through the biological difference between men and women and how these do and don't play out in exercise prescriptions. They also dig into masculine and feminine personality traits and why these may be even more important to consider. For optimized viewing we recommend joining us on YouTube. Watch episode 7 here.00:00 Opening 00:26 Introduction to the episode01:03 Carl Hardwick's Radar on misinformation09:08 Georgia Smith's Radar on vegan meals in NY hospitals21:05 Kandace Hudspeth's Radar on Dr Eric Helms and behaviors that lead to body composition changes20:36 Male vs Female Fitness - Persona anecdotes46:09 Biological differences between men and women1:12:32 Masculine vs feminine traits1:23:35 Wrap-upPrefer audio? Listen on your favorite podcast platform. SHOW RESOURCESCarl's RadarA Practical Guide to Deciphering Misinformation - https://epicenter-nyc.com/a-practical-guide-to-deciphering-misinformation/Georgia's RadarRollout of plant based meals in NYC hospitals - https://www1.nyc.gov/office-of-the-mayor/news/705-22/mayor-adams-nyc-h-h-ceo-katz-successful-rollout-expansion-plant-based-meals-asNew York's Vegan Mayor - https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/14/dining/eric-adams-vegan-nyc.htmlKandace's Radar

What's the best way to start (without getting hurt) after 35?How can a coach teach their clients the vitality model?Where does sport fit into someone's exercise program?What ONE practice will have the most impact on health if every American started doing it today?In this week's show hosts James FitzGerald, Carl Hardwick, Kandace Hudspeth, and Georgia Smith took on these audience questions and more…For optimized viewing we recommend joining us on YouTube. Watch episode 6 here.00:00 Opening titles00:26 James' Radar, including Woke Racism by John McWhorter16:15 Kandace's Radar on Chrononutrition25:35 Carl's Radar on the work of Dr Aseem Malhotra47:00 Georgia's Radar on embracing aging1:04:00 Introducing sport/performance at an early age?1:09:39 New language for OPEX BLGs?1:10:37 How to start fitness after 35 without getting hurt?1:13:58 How a coach can teach their client about the vitality model?1:16:16 Where sport sits in someone's exercise program?1:19:19 One practice that would have the most impact on health?Join James for his bonus monologue on this week's topic and connect with him on LearnRx: https://learnrx.app/classes/live-a-larger-life-with-james-fitzgerald**Subscribe to LearnRx for access to 70+ specialty fitness education courses and our extensive library of resources on exercise, nutrition, and coaching business topics. New content added weekly!**SHOW RESOURCESKandace's RadarChrononutrition - https://www.strongerbyscience.com/chrononutrition/Circadian Eating - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fA2zjGz0VaACarl's RadarCuring the Pandemic of Misinformation VIDEO - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MtE0I5FqHPs Curing the Pandemic of Misinformation PAPER 1 -  https://insulinresistance.org/index.php/jir/article/view/71 Curing the Pandemic of Misinformation PAPER 2 - https://insulinresistance.org/index.php/jir/article/view/71Georgia's RadarConfusing: Are you embracing aging at 50 if you still look 35? - https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/confusing-are-you-embracing-ageing-at-50-if-still-you-look-35-20220929-p5bm3q.htmlGwyneth in Vogue - https://www.vogue.com/article/gwyneth-paltrow-50-birthday

Want the secrets to a long, healthy, and vital life?In this week's show hosts James FitzGerald, Carl Hardwick, Kandace Hudspeth, and Georgia Smith walk through the first iteration of the OPEX Vitality Model.This is our take on the simple behaviors that we know will solve the health crisis facing Americans (and anyone seeking vitality).For optimized viewing we recommend joining us on YouTube. Watch episode 5 here00:00 Intro sequence00:28 The Radar - James' week, men & relationships, high schoolers & sleep, and 10k steps39:40 The origins of the Vitality Model49:30 What's inside the Vitality Model 1:29:30 Wrap up Join James for his bonus monologue on this week's topic and connect with him on LearnRx: https://learnrx.app/classes/live-a-larger-life-with-james-fitzgerald**Subscribe to LearnRx for access to 70+ specialty fitness education courses and our extensive library of resources on exercise, nutrition, and coaching business topics. New content added weekly!**SHOW RESOURCESCarl's RadarHigh Schools Are Starting Too Early- https://apple.news/AYgKfysc3SZG4JcEwZrV1_QStudy: Students Get More Sleep With Later Starts- https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/44/12/zsab180/6350476?mod=ANLinkGeorgia's RadarDavid French on Men - https://frenchpress.thedispatch.com/p/a-short-story-of-menSNL Man Park - https://youtu.be/9XOt2Vh0T8wKandace's RadarWhy walk more - https://thereadystate.com/blogs/why-you-should-walk-more-according-to-kelly-starrett/10k steps? - https://inbodyusa.com/blogs/inbodyblog/99465793-what-walking-10-000-steps-does-and-doesn-t-do-for-you/Benefits of 10k - https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/blog/fitness/walking-10000-steps-a-day-benefits

Let's get physical! In this week's show hosts James FitzGerald, Carl Hardwick, Kandace Hudspeth, and Georgia Smith discuss the history of physical education, the access to PE that currently exists, and the PE adults need for great health and vitality.For optimized viewing we recommend joining us on YouTube. Watch episode 4 here. 00:00 - Intro sequence00:25 - Radar31:15 - History of Physical Education48:15 - Definition of adult PE1:22:04 - What should adult PE be?1:41:50 - Wrap upSHOW RESOURCESGeorgia's RadarPatagonia makes earth it's only shareholder - https://www.fastcompany.com/90789599/patagonia-reinvents-itself-again-were-making-earth-our-only-shareholderOpting out of taxes? - https://www.businessinsider.com/patagonia-big-climate-donation-saves-1-billion-in-taxes-yvon-chouinard2022-9Carl's RadarRecord high gym memberships: https://athletechnews.com/over-66-million-americans-in-health-club/Low cardiometabolic health: https://athletechnews.com/cardiometabolic-health-of-americans/Kandace's RadarMarriage by state - https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/marriage-rate-by-stateHealth benefits of marriage - https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/the-health-benefits-of-marriage/

With an increasing number of Americans failing to meet physical standards for the US Army and a projected failure of the Army to meet its enlistment target, hosts James FitzGerald, Carl Hardwick, Kandace Hudspeth, and Georgia Smith take on the question: “Why are Americans unfit to serve?”For optimized viewing we recommend joining us on YouTube. Watch episode 3 here.00:00 - Intro00:25 - The Radar: TRT, men in crisis, "wellness" bodybuilding division & what James is learning41:30 - Introduction51:30 - Why fight?1:07:30 - What makes a good soldier?1:27:00 - What physical standards should there be for the US Army?01:53:30 - Wrap UpSHOW RESOURCESGeorgia's Radar Bill Maher on Men in Crisis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAgUHyXr7_Y A Few(er) Good Men (Scott Galloway) - https://www.profgalloway.com/a-fewer-good-men/ Bad behavior & online dating - https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20210623-the-darkest-side-of-online-dating Carl's RadarTreating Invented Diseases https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fendo.2021.682620/ful Main Topic 76% ineligible for military- https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/14/us/us-military-recruiting-enlistment.html Public opinion on wars over time- https://news.gallup.com/poll/167471/americans-view-afghanistan-war-mistake.aspx

In episode two of the Live a Larger Life show, hosts James FitzGerald, Carl Hardwick, Kandace Hudspeth, and Georgia Smith take on the controversial question: "can you be obese and healthy?"For optimized viewing we recommend joining us on YouTube. Watch episode 2 here.00:00 - Intro sequence00:25 - The Radar (birth control, the elections, the UGC creator, and rising costs of college)17:15 - What is health?18:30 - #bodypositivity origins46:15 - The science on obesity01:12:02 - Can you be obese and healthy?01:15:55 - ClosingSHOW RESOURCESGeorgia's RadarPill blunting drive to achieve? -  https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/is-the-pill-blunting-women-s-drive-to-achieve-20220822-p5bbs8.htmlCompetitiveness & birth control study - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40750-022-00198-4Carl's RadarRising costs of college - https://www.visualcapitalist.com/rising-cost-of-college-in-u-s/Main TopicThe problem with body positivity - https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/29/opinion/weight-loss-body-positivity.htmlWhat is Healthy at Every Size (HAES) - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4386524/Fat but Fit Paradox - https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/52/3/151#ref-3CVD Risks - https://academic.oup.com/eurjpc/article/29/2/e50/6105192NAAFA - https://naafa.org/

In episode one of the Live a Larger Life show, hosts James FitzGerald, Carl Hardwick, Kandace Hudspeth, and Georgia Smith take on the big question: "what does it mean to live a larger life?"For optimized viewing we recommend joining us on YouTube. Watch episode 1 here. 00.00.00 - Intro sequence00.00.25 - Meet the hosts00.03.45 - The Radar00.18.30 - The origins of Live a Larger Life00.26.35 - Where does vitality fit into Live a Larger Life?00.36.50 - What role do intentions play in Live a Larger Life?00.50.00 - What role does knowledge play in Live a Larger Life?01.10.03 - ClosingSHOW RESOURCESCarl's RadarPeloton's Slump - https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2021/11/05/peloton-sales-gym-memberships/You “need” Whoop - https://www.cnn.com/cnn-underscored/reviews/whoop-4-fitness-trackerCOVID 19 Comorbidities - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8677356/#:~:text=Hypertension%2C%20cardiovascular%20disease%2C%20and%20diabetes,had%20two%20or%20more%20comorbiditiesFDA's controversial strategy - https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2022/08/18/1117778748/whats-behind-the-fdas-controversial-strategy-for-evaluating-new-covid-boostersCovid 19 Edu Response - https://en.unesco.org/covid19/educationresponse/supportWhite House Covid Response - https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2021/09/09/remarks-by-president-biden-on-fighting-the-covid-19-pandemic-3/Georgia's RadarModern Diet a Security Threat? - https://www.palladiummag.com//2022/06/04/the-modern-diet-is-a-biosecurity-threat/

Program design is the easy part of coaching. The real challenge (and the fun!) is in nurturing relationships and using the principles of human behavior to help your clients make sustainable changes.In this episode of Back Room Talk, hosts Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith chat about the human behavior basics every coach should know and why relationships are actually more important than program design.00:00 - 00:55 Opening titles00:55 - 2:50 Opening statements and Exercise Selection chat2:50 - 7:10 The importance of relationships in coaching7:10 - 25:10 Basics of human behavior a coach needs to understand25:10 - 25.:20 Closing statementsLearn more about the OPEX Coaching Certificate Program (CCP): https://www.opexfit.com/ccp-level-1

Crafted coaches Sam Smith and Michael McElroy discuss the importance of intentional training to reach your highest level of sports performance. Ready to reach your fitness goals? Learn more about Crafted Coaching: www.crafted.coach

We've changed our thinking on what it means to be an efficient coach over the last few years, and so we want to clear a few things up in this week's episode of Back Room Talk!00.00 - 00.45 Opening titles00:45 - 1:43 Intro to today's topic -Does Efficiency Actually Matter?1:43 - 5:50 Where the idea came from5:50 - 8:55 Are fitness coaches creatives?8:55 - 14:55 Does efficiency matter?14:55 - 19:55  What does efficiency mean?19:55 - 21:55 What it feels like to be efficient21:55 - 23:32 Coaching systems in CCPLearn more about the OPEX Coaching Certificate Program (CCP): https://www.opexfit.com/ccp-level-1

Join CCP and mention Back Room Talk for $500 off your enrollment! Offer ends June 30. Apply here: https://www.opexfit.com/ccp-level-1What's the best fitness advice you've ever received? In this week's episode of Back Room Talk, hosts Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith reflect on the answers you guys gave when we asked this question on Instagram a few weeks ago!00:00 - 00:55 Opening titles00:55 - 07:25 What's new in CCP + start for $500 off!07:25 - 7:55 The best fitness/coaching advice I ever received was …07:55 - 14:10 Discipline over motivation.14:10 - 19:55 Decide what you want to earn, how many clients you want to handle and charge that rate from the get go. The exceed that value in your service.19:55 - 23:40 You're never experienced enough to not get coached.23:40 - 26:35 Don't neglect your rest days. And more is not better.26:35- 29:35 If you're not learning, you're dying.29:35 - 30:20 Just start.30:20 - 31:07 Closing

Crafted coaches Sam Smith and Michael McElroy look at the age group semifinal workouts and discuss what the tests consist of, what was tested well, and what was potentially missing. Learn more about Crafted Coaching: www.crafted.coach

Sign up for LearnRx and access our exclusive subscriber-only content, including this week's Half Marathon Program Breakdown and our huge library of fitness education classes: https://learnrx.app/https://learnrx.app/classes/back-room-talkIn this week's episode of Back Room Talk, hosts Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith break down and review 4 common strength training protocols: 20 Rep Squat Program, German Volume Training (10x10), 5x5, and Wendler's 5/3/1.00:00 - 00:50 Opening titles00:50 - 1:95 Intro to strength training protocols1:95 - 7:35 20 Rep Squat Program7:35 - 11:10 German Volume Training11:10 - 18:25 5x518:25 - 20:20 5/3/120:20 - 22:00 How to decide on the best rep scheme22:10 - 23:34 Closing thoughtsWatch the full episode in video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/0ZOPuSFMGso

Crafted coaches Sam Smith and Michael McElroy discuss their habits for program design efficiency.Learn more about Crafted Coaching: www.crafted.coach

Sign up for LearnRx and access our exclusive subscriber-only content, including this week's Half Marathon Program Breakdown and our huge library of fitness education classes: https://learnrx.app/https://learnrx.app/classes/back-room-talkIn this week's episode of Back Room Talk, Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith roll through real answers to common questions on aerobic training.00:00 - 00:35 Opening titles00:35 - 03:45 Intro to new format03:45 - 07:45  Question 1: If I do aerobic work will I lose my strength gains?07:45 - 13:05 Question 2: Do I need to consume a lot of carbohydrates if I do aerobic work?13:05 - 15:10 Question 3: Will I burn more calories if I run fasted?15:10 - 18:20 Question 4: Will I burn more calories doing aerobics over strength training?18:20 - 21:45 Question 5: Will minimalist shoes fix my running technique?21:45 - 24:40 Half Marathon Program Breakdown in LearnRxWatch the full episode in video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/0ZOPuSFMGso

Following up to 2 weeks ago on things to consider for a masters athlete, this week Crafted coaches Michael McElroy and Sam Smith take a dive into Sam's client Joe for some specific examples.Learn more about Crafted Coaching: www.crafted.coach

Should fitness coaches do blood testing?While knowing what's going under the hood is undeniably important for health, this is an area that has long been untouched by coaches, both due to a lack of knowledge and scope of practice concerns. In this week's episode of Back Room Talk, hosts Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith share their thoughts on whether or not blood work should be a part of the fitness coaching process.00:00 - 00:30 Opening titles00:30 - 01:05 Should coaches do blood testing?01:05 - 49:15 Where blood work sits in the assessment process49:15 - 56:30 What's possible with InsideTracker testing plans56:30 - 58:37 Closing thoughtsLearn more about ordering blood biomarker testing using the CoachRx app and start your free 14-day trial: https://www.coachrx.app/insidetracker

Crafted coaches Michael McElroy and Sam Smith break down the 2022 CrossFit Semifinals workouts and review the Syndicate Games. Learn more about Crafted Coaching: www.crafted.coach

In this week's episode of Back Room Talk, hosts Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith are joined by repeat guest Michael Bann to discuss coaching adaptive athletes and defining quality movement. 00:00 - 00:45 Opening titles00:45 - 02:15 Introductions02:15 - 10:55 The pros and cons of remote coaching10:55 - 16:50 Basic human guidelines for adaptive athletes16:50 - 28:45 How he defines quality movement28:45 - 1:10:45 Michael's advice for coaching adaptive athletes1:10:45 - 1:12:29 Closing thoughtsIG: @coach_michael_bannRemote Coaching: https://www.crafted.coach/coaches/michael-bannCoaching Mentorship: https://www.opexfit.com/remote-coaching-mentorship-program

Crafted coaches Michael McElroy and Michael Bann sit down to continue the fitness fatigue model conversation, discussing recovery and muscle endurance.Learn more about Crafted Coaching: www.crafted.coach

“What's the best exercise for…?” is one of the most common questions we get from coaches.So we decided to answer it in this week's episode of Back Room Talk!Hosts Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith share 5 essential frameworks for exercise selection, to help you think critically about what exercises you're prescribing. 00:00 - 00:45 Opening titles00:45 - 05:20 Introduction05:20 - 12:45 Intro to exercise selection12:45- 20:20 Assessment20:20 - 23:10 Life Gain framework23:10 - 43:45 Contraction progression43:45 - 58:15 Exercise intention58:15 - 1:04:23 How CCP will help with exercise selectionJoin the OPEX Coaching Certificate Program (CCP): https://www.opexfit.com/ccp-level-1

Crafted coaches Sam Smith and Michael McElroy discuss considerations for coaching masters athletes.Learn more about Crafted Coaching: www.crafted.coach

Passion isn't enough if you can't pay your bills…In this week's episode of Back Room Talk hosts Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith discuss the things coaches need to consider if they want to make more money doing what they love. 00:00 - 00:40 Opening titles00:40 - 06:10 Intro to topic 06:10 - 24:10 Belief in yourself/purpose24:10 - 39:20 Pricing39:20 - 50:30 Client numbers50:30 - 56:30 Knowing where you sit financially/where you want to go56:30 - 1:01:35 Acquisition1:01:35 - 1:07:00 Retention1:07:00 - 1:11:37 Closing statementsJoin the OPEX Coaching Certificate Program (CCP): https://www.opexfit.com/ccp-level-1

Crafted coaches Sam Smith and Michael McElroy discuss 8 different examples of nutrition clients and their individualized prescriptions.Learn more about Crafted Coaching: www.crafted.coach

The training split lays the foundation for everything you write in program design… but too many coaches either overcomplicate the split, or skip this crucial step altogether. In this week's episode of Back Room Talk hosts Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith share how to create training splits that are both simpler and smarter. 00:00 - 2:00 Opening2:00 - 2:55 Intro to training splits2:55 - 7:25 Smarter vs simpler training splits7:25 - 32:05 What are splits and why are they important?32:05 - 35:25 What you need to lay out a split35:25 - 1:05:55 The process of writing a split for beginner, intermediate, and advanced clients1:05:55 - 1:09:28 Closing remarksApply to the OPEX Coaching Certificate Program (CCP): https://www.opexfit.com/ccp-level-1

Following up on the conversation on exercise selection from episode 11, in this episode hosts Sam Smith and Michael McElroy discuss how to pick the right exercises to fix specific limitations when further out from a competition. In particular, they focus on the bend or hinge movement pattern.Learn more about Crafted Coaching: www.crafted.coach

You can progress a client through cyclical, time-based MAP intervals forever and get them great results, and mastering the basics first is essential… but as coaches, we love to challenge ourselves to think outside the box with program design!In this week's episode of Back Room Talk hosts Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith discuss creative strategies for structuring aerobic training, so both the coach and the client get to play.00:00 - 00:45 Opening titles00:45 - 3:15 Intro to topic: Structuring Aerobic Wok3:15 - 7:15 Why it's important to structure aerobic work7:15 - 12:45 How CCP coaches learn to structure aerobic work12:45 - 19:50 Reasons to get creative with program design19:50 - 37:00 Ways to structure aerobic work differently37:00 - 45:00 Rest45:00 - 54:15 Pacing54:15 - 56:55 Reps56:55 - 1:01:15 Ordering1:01:15 -1:04:30 Measurement/time1:04:30 - 1:07:15 How to decide what measurement to give clients1:07:15 - 1:08:55 Final thoughtsApply to the OPEX Coaching Certificate Program (CCP): https://www.opexfit.com/ccp-level-1

Your competitive season is over. Now what? Crafted coaches Sam Smith and Michael McElroy discuss off-season preparation for CrossFit athletes. Learn more about Crafted Coaching: www.crafted.coach

In this week's episode of Back Room Talk hosts Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith share their top 3 pieces of nutrition advice… you'll have to listen to find out what it is!00:00 - 00:50 Opening titles00:50 - 06:05 Introduction to the topic - the best nutrition advice ever received06:05 - 15:10 Quantity more important than quality15:10 - 28:50 Quality is more important than quantity28:50 - 39:50 It's not always going to be as hard as in the beginning39:50 -47:35 Nutrition + exercise are not a transactional relationship47:35 - 54:25 Importance of home cooking54:25 - 1:00:50 Importance of simplicity + personalization1:00:50 - 1:01:25 ClosingApply to the OPEX Coaching Certificate Program (CCP): https://www.opexfit.com/ccp-level-1

Crafted coaches Sam Smith and Michael McElroy review the 2022 CrossFit Quarterfinals. Learn more about Crafted Coaching: www.crafted.coach

In this week's episode of Back Room Talk hosts Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith share their list of the Basic Human Guidelines - movement requirements they believe every human should work towards being able to achieve. 00:00 - 00:45 Opening titles00:45 - 03:25 Intro to today's topic: basic human guidelines03:25 - 11:35 Where idea for podcast came from11:35 - 54:25 Discussion of basic human guidelines54:25 - 55:25 ClosingApply to the OPEX Coaching Certificate Program (CCP): https://www.opexfit.com/ccp-level-1

Crafted Coaches Sam Smith and Michael McElroy discuss how to create compliance and consistency in nutrition and lifestyle. Learn more about Crafted Coaching: www.crafted.coach

In this week's episode of Back Room Talk hosts Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith discuss productivity and what it means for the fitness coach.FREE LEARNRX CLASS: Individual Design Efficiency -  https://learnrx.app/classes/individual-design-efficiency-with-coachrx00:00 - 00:50 Opening titles00:50 - 04:50 Intro to topic: The Productive Coach04:50 - 11:35 What is a productive coach?11:35 - 27:05 What prevents productivity for the coach?27:05 - 56:50 Strategies to increase productivity56:50 - 58:07 ClosingApply to the OPEX Coaching Certificate Program (CCP): https://www.opexfit.com/ccp-level-1

Crafted Coaches Sam Smith and Michael McElroy share their thoughts on the 2022 CrossFit Open workouts.Learn more about Crafted Coaching: www.crafted.coach

What characteristics do the best fitness coaches possess?Back Room Talk hosts Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith chat about the traits and behaviors they believe every coach should work to develop. 00:00 - 00:45 Opening titles00:45 - 09:30   Intro to topic + personal views on it09:30 - 14:45 Perspective / Experience14:45 - 21:30 Consistency21:30 - 26:15 Objectivity26:15 - 35:25 Knowledge35:25 - 43:00 Having a path43:00 - 52:00 Ability to coach nutrition and exercise52:00 - 59:45 Emotional intelligence59:45 - 1:02:45 Not being fanatical about one method1:02:00 - 1:03:28 CloseApply to CCP: https://www.opexfit.com/ccp-level-1

Coach Michael McElroy has a sit down interview with his client Samantha Garihan to discuss her journey as a CrossFit competitor.Learn more about Crafted Coaching: www.crafted.coach

Love coffee? This episode is for you!Back Room Talk hosts Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith chat about what happens when we consume caffeine and how it affects health and performance—the good and the bad. 00:00 - 00:50 Opening titles00:50 - 06:05 Intro to topic and personal anecdotes about drinking coffee06:05 - 15:20 Relationship to coffee15:20 - 23:50 What happens when we drink caffeine23:50 - 28:35 Why caffeine keeps us from sleep28:35 - 48:50 Upsides of caffeine48:50 - 59:20 Downsides of caffeine59:20 - 1:04:17 Closing thoughts

Why is sustaining power so important to expressing your highest potential? Hosts Michael McElroy and Sam Smith explain why we reward the pacer at Crafted. Learn more about Crafted Coaching: www.crafted.coach

In this week's episode of Back Room Talk hosts Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith discuss a new framework for mastering physical skills, with examples of application along the way.Watch the Skill Development and Progression webinar for FREE here: https://learnrx.app/classes/webinars/chapters/skill-development-progression-where-coaches-go-wrong00:00 - 00:45 Opening Titles00:45 - 03:00 Intro to skill development, progression, and expression03:00 - 16:00 Where skill development goes wrong16:00 - 34:15 Skill progression for the human35:15 - 39:35 Skill progression and expression for the athlete39:35 - 51:51 Closing thoughts on learning - Check out LearnRx here: https://learnrx.app/homepage

In part three of the Fitness Fatigue Model, hosts Michael McElroy and Sam Smith are joined by guest Michael Bann to discuss breathing, the cardiovascular system, and skill. Learn more about Crafted Coaching: www.crafted.coach

In this week's episode of Back Room Talk, hosts Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith break down the intentions, daily plans, and progressions of two programs:1. 6/12/25 Full Body Tri Sets 6-week program2. Mixed MAP 9 8-week programAccess the full programs in LearnRx: https://learnrx.app/Assign the Program in CoachRx: https://coachrx.app/00:00 - 00:45 Opening titles00:45 - 03:45 Intro to todays topic03.45 - 7.00 What is 6/12/25?7:00 - 7:45 What you get from this progression7:45 - 10:25 Why it's not for a novice10:25 - 12:25 How to guide the client on load12:25 - 24:45 6/12/25 daily plans24:45 - 31:55 6/12/25 progressions31:55 - 35:30 Signs this program is going wrong35:30 - 45:00 Mixed MAP 9 8 week progressions - Mixed cyclical key principles45:00 - 49:30 Mixed modal key principles49:30 - 50:16 Close

Sam and Michael lay out the best structure to use for weekly training DURING the CrossFit Open for two types of athletes.Learn more about Crafted Coaching: www.crafted.coach

By cycling through phases of accumulation and intensification, you manage exposure to volume and intensity and keep your clients recovering and progressing towards their training goals.In this week's episode of Back Room Talk, hosts Carl Hardwick and Georgia Smith discuss the nuances of implementing periodization.00:00 - 00:35 Opening titles00:35 - 2:00 Intro to topic2:00 - 7:45 What is accumulation?7:45 - 9:25 What is intensification?9:25 - 14:10 Training age considerations14:10- 20:25 Mistakes made in implementation20:25 - 1:02:47 Goals and implementation (health, performance, strength, hypertrophy, endurance, 1:02:47 -1:05:20 Individualization and accumulation and intensification1:05:20 - 1:05:40 CloseApply to the OPEX Coaching Certificate Program (CCP): https://www.opexfit.com/ccp-level-1