The Youth Fitness Podcast™

Send us your input for Season 5, We would love to hear what you want us to cover and any subjects you would like us to go deeper on, guests you'd like us to interview.

Rachel Steadman hops on with Mikki and Jeff to discuss a little "how we got here" CrossFit history, 2006, fish tacos, and some serious guidance. The community has grown up over the past two decades and Rachel's knowledge on how gyms can plan ahead to avoid "the risks of not managing risks" is pure gold.Episode Highlights:1. 1:30 CrossFit and Rachel's Professional Background2. 3:16 Message Boards and Painstorms3. 4:45 Internet Friendships 4. 6:56 Level 1 at the OG Brand X® in San Diego 5. 8:12 Coaching evolution 6. 8:59 Ellipsis Training and Adventures, Environment, Safety and Quality7. 12:31 From Safety Lady to teaching kids to Recognize, Assess, Manage 8. 14:46 Risk & Challenge and how they are different9. 17:12 Addressing both Professional Competence and Legal Compliance10. 19:00 The cost of not investing in Robust Risk Management11. 21:49 Most Common "problems" encountered, and youth specific concerns12. 27:25 Advice to Parents, Coaches and Owners in regard to Social Media exposure13. 31:45 Creating structure to limit Coaches use of phones during training14. 35:47 Thoughts on Teens in Adult Class15. 39:47 Teens, brain development timelines and the high possibility of "poor decisions"Links and Hashtags:https://ellipsistrainingandadventures.comhttps://www.instagram.com/ellipsisaffiliatesystemsellipsisaffiliatesystems@gmail.comhttps://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/thebrandxmethod/https://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/#BusinessRiskStrategies#RiskManagement#gymbusiness#ellipsistrainingandadventures#thebrandxmethod#YouthStrengthTraining#TeenFitnessTraining#TheAthleteCoachNetwork

Keegan and Mikki share proven strategies for positive coaching through growth spurts. Keeping youth engaged when physiological changes and challenges can create extra adjustment for both the youth and the coach.Episode Highlights:1. 1:31 "Early Bloomers" kindness, options, normalizing the experience and getting back to mastery2. 3:29  Highlighting how their new body proportions have advantages3. 6:32  Defining "Spend time in new positions"4. 8:43  Awareness that the results of spending time in new positions are often discomfort, pain, struggling through tightness, and the need for specific mobility exercises5. 10:55 "New Range of Motion is weak Range of Motion"6. 11:36 Plan to incorporate more midline, core exercises, building core from more than a single direction- includie proprioceptive, rotation and anti rotationLinks and Hashtags:https://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/thebrandxmethod/https://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/#thebrandxmethod#PositiveCoachingYouth#YouthStrengthTraining#YouthGrowthSpurts#TeenFitnessTraining#TheAthleteCoachNetwork

Dan Uyemura, Founder of PushPress joins Jeff and Mikki to discuss a myriad of topics from how fear of failure can be a real motivator, Glee Club and the positive outcomes of challenges, Staying humble, having true empathy and how a Coaches impact can be lifelong for youth. We discuss the similarities and differences in Adult and Youth Program needs, How actual human experience is still key for accurate data, and notably why PushPress is leading the way in SaaS for gyms with excellent products and strategies that help their customers (gyms) do their jobs helping their customers (members) to feel good about their experience.Episode Highlights:1:00  A focus on solving customer pain points.3:54  Play History, A typical day after school.5:26  Fear of Failure as a motivator.9:00 Resilience from a bad experience "...can be so defining".10:52 Resilience from choices, belief in humanity and empathy.12:39  "Do the right thing every day".14:09 How transparency enhances the culture at PushPress.16:03 Be humble, admit when you're wrong.17:31  Remember how tough youth culture can be, how empathy can provide a safe place 20:15 For youth, a Coaches impact can be lifelong. The importance of "they showed up for me".22:35 How PushPress helps gyms do their job24:46  Making the customer experience memorable "I love Coach Dan" and manufacturing for the desired outcome.27:18 Thinking of a youth program as a business.28:50  In business, work on one thing and fix it, which may break something else, fix it. 31:14  Parents want their children to reach full potential.33:07 Challenges are motivating.36:22 Data in a holistic gym setting to define who is successful and why, it can corroborate, improve and refine the human experience.39:40 Data concerns include bias, skewing of definitions and more. We still need both data and actual human experience.46:21 New PushPress tools.49:05. How we look at problems and creating solutions that are as aotomatable as possible.51:33 The Question no one has ever asked.Links & Hashtagswww.pushpress.comwww.thebrandxmethod.comBrand X® Kids & Teen Programming now on PushPress TrainPushPress website: PushPress.comThe PushPress Podcast: https://www.pushpress.com/podcastDan's LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/danuyemura/Dan's Instagram: @danielsan#Gymmanagementsoftware#PushPress#SaaS#YouthAthleticDevelopment#YouthFitnessBusiness#YouthPrograms

Keegan and Jeff share effective systems for appropriate Intensity when training Youth. They talk about what is ineffective, effective, dose response evaluation and the vast difference between training for health and longevity and training for competition.Episode Highlights:1:58 Defining What is effective2:42 Dose and Volume- Using speed, reps and load for positive effect.4:04 Health & intensity, balancing goals, recovery and fun.6:09 Effective Youth models differ from Adult models.7:35 Leverage High Skill Low Skill pairings.8:48 Evaluating Sport- Seasons, Cycles and stressors.10:50 The goal is to boost performance in their Sport of choice.11:19 Coach Movement rather than Cheerlead Intensity.11:50 Know your athlete with planned facetime and interaction.13:35 The whole goal is to make training gains while still recoverable to be effective.15:24 What is the appropriate age to sprinkle intensity into training?17:16 Training for Health vs. Training for Competition, redlining carries risk.17:55 Training for Health and Longevity should be and look different.Links and Hashtagshttps://www.instagram.com/thebrandxmethod/https://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikki-lee-martinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-martin#intensityinyouthfitness#sportperformance#youthsportperformance#effectiveyouthstrengthandconditioning#teenfitness#youthdevelopmentprograms#youthfunctionalfitness#gyms#sportsfacilities#youthtraining#boutiquegyms#wellnessbusiness#youthhealth

Mikki and Jeff host Farran Mackay to discuss her unique and client centric approach to creating success for gyms, coaches and clients.Sustainability is the goal through optimal member experience planning.Episode Highlights:1:32 Teaching through love of Sport2:43 Researching long term changes for positive practices in teachers4:32 "Unless you can support the person in front of you to take the next steps in their growth, whatever it is then it doesn't matter what the content is"5:41 Strategies for accountability8:34 Templates only go so far9:50 Choices based on the right information11:50 Understanding why members are there in that moment13:14 Create space to connect 15:30 The old way and the new way, generational change17:05 You don't have to muddle through, get a mentor22:14 What is meant by "just be better"?24:11 Expansion of member analysis is leaning into healthspan and innovation27:16 Development of expanded measures and benchmarks beyond the rehab model to an opportunity model33:38 All investments have time horizons37:40 Developing a human takes at least 18 years45:38 Defining explicitly exceptional member experiences46:15. Considering development path for trainers and coaches as integral48:06. Putting yourself in the shoes of every type of customer50:43 Farran: What question have you never been asked on a podcast, that you would like asked?Links and Hashtagshttps://www.virtuouscoach.nl/https://www.instagram.com/virtuous.coach.development/https://nl.linkedin.com/in/farran-mackayhttps://www.instagram.com/thebrandxmethod/https://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikki-lee-martinhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-martin#fitnesscustomerexperience#customerexperience#youthdevelopmentprograms#youthfunctionalfitness#gyms#sportsfacilities#youthtraining#boutiquegyms#wellnessbusiness#youthhealth

Jeff and Mikki talk with Stephen Kinsella of FSM Youth (Bray Ireland) about his recent project and ebook "The Edge" and the why behind helping this generation through adversity.Episode Highlights:2:36 The Youth Mindset angle and asking the right questions3:56 "The Edge"- 9 Lessons and exercising the mind7:13 Post adversity discussion and moving to "What are we going to do about it now"9:32 The gym as a safe environment, delayed gratification and perseverance13:54 Trust and great coaches16:05 Outdoor Challenges and teens excelling25:50 Brand X®, Psycho-Social Gaps defined alongside Movement Gaps30:03 Allowing adversity35:25 "It all comes back to getting them to lift weights"36:18 Other projects "The Youth Coach Summit"41:25 The 1 Question..."Stephan, Why is it so important to you to help impact Kids?"Links and Hashtagshttps://thebrandxmethod.com/https://www.instagram.com/fsm_youths/https://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/2025 Youth Coaching Summit 2025https://fsmbray.ie/kids-program/#YouthMentalHealth#YouthResilience#YouthAthleticDevelopment#YouthStrength&Conditioning#YouthFitness

Jen Broxterman, who metaphorically is "the joyful food in your nutrition education menu" talks with Jeff and Mikki about how to build a healthy plate, how that works with youth, as well as addressing the sweet treats culture in schools and organizations as both reward and celebration- how much should we actually focus on that?Episode Highlights:1:30 50% Vegetables, 25% Protein, 25% Carbohydrates and how to communicate individualizing to level of activity5:06 Reviewing the Division Of Responsibility for parents & kids8:00 Relative needs discussions with Teens and Tweens9:16 Matching plates to output11:19 The Quality of the gas and the distance you'll need to go12:56 Advice on Sweet Treats Rewards culture17:00 Banned things get elevated in kid's minds, Food should be joyful18:06 "As you know better, do better"Hashtags & Links#youthfitness#youthathleticdevelopment#youthperformance#JeffMartin#MikkiMartin#TheBrandXMethod#TheYouthFitnessPodcast#TheAthleteCoachNetwork#ProsperNutrition#JenBroxtermanhttps://www.prospernutritioncoaching.com/freebieshttps://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://linktr.ee/theacn.app

Physical Education, Inspiring motivation through standards. Keegan and Connor Martin discuss the starting point, we can't expect goal setting much less goal attainment without a destination. Episode Highlights:1:41 From JFK and a base level of health to the ability to skip or sit out Physical education5:07 In the early 2000's there were assessments, but no goals were shared with students.5:32 How the standards to goals to motivation process has been muddied12:18 Students dont need to have results published, but they do need to be given a standard- a destination to set goalsand motivate the pursuit of those goals.

Connor and Keegan Martin discuss the many changes in Youth Fitness over their lifetimes, from perceived exertion to wearables and contactless training.Their experiences and what training looks like now for young athletes.Episode Highlights:2:23 When we were kids, in our training all we really knew was "Go Hard and Go Fast".3:29 As things evolved, integrating strength with high intensity, adding high skill gymnastics, hypertrophy.4:41 The huge shift from perceived exertion to data at your fingertips, the development of technology and new training tools.6:35 Data- Google Spreadsheets to Training Platforms, Gen Z depends on tech for basic communication.8:27 Technology is integrated with the human experience for Gen Z.9:03 Landscape & Access, from landlines, dialup and computer rooms, it's wildly different now.11:07 Wearables, Biometrics, Self-Perception and Physiology and how they inform coaching feedback.11:26 Enhancing Coaches input with wearables.14:46 Physicality, convenience, luxury and the enduring challenges in the gym environment.17:15 Balancing perceived exertion and biometrics, keeping "the foot on the gas".21:09 Humans advance through the use of new tools.23:06 With Gen Z Technology can be the entry point to reach kids that otherwise would not engage.26.38 Utilize the tools, Embrace the Changes, Track the DataFind the Brand X® Store here:https://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionsHashtags and links:#fitnessgenz#fitnessmillennials#perspectivesonyouthfitness#youthathletics#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthsport#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#theyouthfitnesspodcast#BrandXYouthProgramming#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartinhttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/

In Part 1 of 2 U18 podcasts, Mikki & Jeff discuss Brand X® Youth Barbell Prep, and how it fits into a Youth Strength Training Program. How teaching use of the Barbell to younger kids in a safe, engaging, developmentally appropriate environment while leveraging Play created motivation and State and National records.Show Notes & Highlights:1. 1:20 What is it and Why is it offered?2. 2:57 Developmentally appropriate Goals & Methods3. 4:35 Who is it for? Age, focus, competency4. 7:37 Psycho-Social considerations, Safety protocols, set up, retention and success5. 11:30 What does a day in Barbell Prep Class look like?6. 12:54 Loaded Play 7. 15:07 Competitions, Events and RecordsFind Brand X® Training here:https://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionsHashtags and links:#USAPowerliftingKids#YouthBarbellTraining#YouthPowerLifting#BarbellSafetyYouth#youthathletics#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthsport#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#theyouthfitnesspodcast#BrandXYouthProgramming#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartinhttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/

Description: Jen Broxterman RD, the amazing energy behind Prosper Nutrition Coaching, shares actionable adviceand steps to create positive outcomes. Her use of Play to engage both parents, Coaches and youth through Games and metaphors is pure gold!Take her Free LIFT OFF course.Episode Highlights:1. 1:48 How to Bring Nutrition into your space 2. 3:00 WIN What's important now?3. 4:02 The LIFT OFF Course and Play 4. 5:12 Championing Vegetable intake and the Rainbow Game5. 8:59 Baby Cry or Dog Bark? Coping with stress eating6. 12:01 The Memory Game, matching cravings to solutions7. 13:59 Kid and exposure to Healthy Foods x 208. 14:57 Division of ResponsibilityFind Brand X® Games here:https://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionsProsper Nutrition CoachingLift OFF CourseHashtags and links:#NutritionCoachingBusiness#kidsnutritionstrategies#youthfitnessworkouts#kidsworkouts#teenworkouts#youthathletics#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthsport#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#theyouthfitnesspodcast#BrandXYouthProgramming#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartinhttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/

Our partners at PushPress recently hosted a webinar, where we outline 5 Essential actions for a Thriving Youth Program.In this five part series, we will discuss each of those five actions in short under 18 minutes episodes. In the 5th episode, we discuss the details of the Customer relationship in Youth Fitness Programs and how communication and actions differ from Adult Programs.Episode Highlights:1. 1:15 Customer v. Client2. 2:19 Understand the Goals of both Customer & Client2. 3:14 Scheduling Communication Systems, consistent and relevant to the Goals of both3. 4:41 Drip education to parents to increase retention4. 6:26 Three takeaways- Gather Customer & Client Goals, Maintain the relationship with great communication, and communicate success with "Bright Spots"Find Brand X® programming here:https://thebrandxmethod.com/featured-partners/https://www.pushpress.com/partners/brand x methodFind Brand X® Youth Specific Education here:https://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionsHashtags and links:#parentsascustomers#youthfitnessworkouts#kidsworkouts#teenworkouts#youthfitnessprogramming#youthgyms#kidsgym#youthprogramsuccess#youthathletics#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthsport#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#theyouthfitnesspodcast#BrandXYouthProgramming#theathletecoachnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/#jeffandmikkimartin

Our partners at PushPress recently hosted a webinar, where we outline 5 Essential actions for a Thriving Youth Program.In this five part series, we will discuss each of those five actions in short under 18 minutes episodes. In the fourth of the five, we discuss using youth specific programming. Check out our NEW Brand X® Kids & Teen Class Programming now available on PushPress Train https://www.pushpress.com/partners/brandxmethodEpisode Highlights:1. 1:07 Professional Organizations and Researchers recommend it.2. 3:40 Progressing Skills & Maximizing Potential takes planning3. 5:18 Outcomes- Constant Progress is Motivating4. 6:47 Retention Boosts your BusinessFind Brand X® programming here:https://thebrandxmethod.com/featured-partners/https://www.pushpress.com/partners/brand x methodhttps://www.pushpress.comFind Brand X® Youth Specific Education here:https://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionsHashtags and links:#youtthfitnessclass#youthfitnessworkouts#kidsworkouts#teenworkouts#youthfitnessprogramming#youthgyms#kidsgym#youthprogramsuccess#youthathletics#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthsport#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#theyouthfitnesspodcast#BrandXYouthProgramming#theathletecoachnetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/#jeffandmikkimartin

Our partners at PushPress recently hosted a webinar, where we outline 5 Essential actions for a Thriving Youth Program.In this five-part series, we will discuss each of those five actions in short under 18 minutes episodes. In the third of the five, we discuss Creating a Child Friendly Environment. Check out Brand X® Kids & Teen Class Programming now available on PushPress Train https://www.pushpress.com/partners/brandxmethodEpisode Highlights: 1. 1:12 Is your youth program hiding?2. 3:06 Creating Comfort3. 4:11 Retention and perception4. 6:06 Creating EngagementHashtags and links: #youthgyms#kidsgym#youthprogramsuccess#youthathletics#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthsport#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#theyouthfitnesspodcast#BrandXYouthProgramming#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartinFind Brand X® programming here:https://thebrandxmethod.com/featured-partners/https://www.pushpress.com/partners/brand x methodhttps://www.pushpress.comFind Brand X ®Youth Specific Education here:https://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/

Our partners at PushPress recently hosted a webinar, where we outline 5 Essential actions for a Thriving Youth Program.In this five part series, we will discuss each of those five actions in short under 18 minutes episodes. In the second of the five, we discuss Youth Specific Education.Episode Highlights:1. 1:51 Who goes to that mechanic!2. 3:14 Maximizing potential3. 4:06 Sub-optimal decisions4. 5:18 Safety, maximizing potential, retention Hashtags and links:#youthfitnesstraining#youthfitnesseducation#youthgyms#kidsgym#youthprogramsuccess#youthathletics#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthsport#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#BrandXYouthProgramming#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartinFind Brand X ®Youth Specific Education here:https://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/Find Brand X® programming here:https://thebrandxmethod.com/featured-partners/https://www.pushpress.com/partners/brand x methodhttps://www.pushpress.com

Our new partners at PushPress hosted a webinar, where we outline 5 Essential actions for a Thriving Youth Program.In this five part series, we will discuss each of those five actions in short under 18 minutes episodes. In the first of the five, we discuss Defining Your Goals.Episode Highlights:1:51 the benefits of defined goals2:45 you must drive the program to go to disneyland3:58 finish prerequisites before med schoolHashtags and links:#youthgyms#kidsgym#youthprogramsuccess#youthathletics#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthfitness#youthsport#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#BrandXYouthProgramming#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartinFind Brand X® programming here:https://www.pushpress.com/partners/brandxmethodhttps://www.pushpress.comhttps://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/

 Chappie Hunter of Alpine Ranch CrossFit, Westin and his parents Joe and Shelly join Jeff and Mikki to discuss Westin's journey into fitness and the myriad benefits that experience has created for both Westin, Chappie and the CF Alpine Ranch community.Episode Highlights: 1. 1:34 Alpine Ranch CrossFit, Brand X® and the Young Warriors, Teen Gladiators programs2. 2:38 Fitness, Sport, CrossFit perception and the reality at Alpine Ranch CrossFit3. 3:52 Coach and student learning, how focus and attention contributed to Westin's excellent and varied gains in processing, grip strength, biking, posture, muscle tone, academics, and interpersonal relationships4. 8:25 "Transcending the gym and transcending the sport"5. 10:18 The number one rule "Be a good human being"6. 12:17 Westin's success in BenchPress, Thrusters, Sit-ups, Cross Country and Track7. 18:54 Future goals for pacing, pushups and running longer without breaks8. 20:00 Keeping instructions simple, straight forward language and focusing on gym landmarks9. 25:41 Joe and Shelly explain their experience with and definitions of autism spectrum10. 30:20 "Working with Westin and other autism spectrum kids has made me a better coach"11. 31:05 What do we need to know to best serve your child as an individual?12. 33:28 Winning and incremental celebrations of success13. 36:17 Using challenges to make us all better as coaches, athletes and humans.Hashtags and links:#AlpineRanchCrossFit#autismspectrumyouth#autismresourcesforkids#youthhealth#youthperformance#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthfitness#youthsport#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartinhttps://www.instagram.com/alpineranchcrossfit/https://alpineranchcrossfit.com/https://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/

Coach Jeff, Keegan and Mikki discuss Maximizing Performance for Youth Sport, maximizing potential and enhancing the sport experience through a focus on Movement Skills & Quality, Positional consistency, Injury prevention, Skill acquisition and power production. Starting at the Foundation in Base and Building mobility alongside Stability.Episode Highlights:1:17 Sport IS Performance and the focus of performance is how we are doing in our sport.2:25 Maximizing Potential in the Boost Phase and Enhanced sport experience3:54 TIP - Teach youth to move better to express more for improved sport performance4:40 Positional Consistency "Athletes need enough mobility to get there (on the field) and then be stable for the amount of time needed"5:00 The ability to reproduce Movement Skills increases Movement Vocabulary and translates to Fluency on the field7:14 Detracting from performance trajectory through skipped foundations and subsequent injury9:02 How "Poor Position bleeds power" even in Pro and World Class Athletes10:21 TIP - Athlete Safety "Do no Harm" through intervention or lack of intervention11:08 TIP - Start with the Base, Strengthening the Feet12:17 Striking a Balance, supporting performance through precise application of High skill Low skill protocols to make weaknesses strengths.Hashtags and links:#SportPerformance#YouthSport#YouthPhysicalEducation#Physicalliteracy#YouthHealth#YouthPerformance#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthfitness#functionalfitnessyouth#poorpositionbleedspower#athletesafety#thebrandxmethod#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartinhttps://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/

Keegan, Jeff and Mikki talk simple straightforward strategies to foster a physical culture at home.Episode Highlights: 2:31 Consciously fostering a culture where kids want to move3;10 Daily modeling & scheduling of physical activities6:45 Seeing the family moving motivates kids to join and copy7:28 Incorporate things they already enjoy8:25 Move together as a family, let them lead and stay playful10:25 Leverage sport interests through playful skill practice10:58 Choosing within family scope and boundaries12:13 What is screen time replacing?13:30 Utilize screen time as earned and not expected16:05 Active modeling and conscious behaviorsHashtags and links:#activekids#Youthfitnessgames#YouthPhysicalEducation#Physicalliteracy#youthhealth#youthperformance#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthfitness#youthsport#functionalfitnessyouth#BrandXatHome#thebrandxmethod#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartinhttps://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/

Description: Jeff and Mikki are joined by NYT best selling Author Dr. Cate Shanahan who explains and discusses why all humans (especially parents!) need to be aware of the "profound and powerful" effects of seed oils, and understand just how toxic they are to our health. She acknowleges the science of nutrition having become very controversial and gives some history and ideas about why that may be. Dr. Cate advises all of us to pay attention to "The Hateful 8" and provides lots of tips for families to avoid the "metabolic hijacking" they leave in their wake.Episode Highlights:2:08 Seed oils and sugar addicts4:18 "I was a medical mystery" as an athlete and turned to the science of nutrition 5:24 The Hateful 8 and "The Fatburn Fix"7:44 99% of Americans over 18 show early signs of type 2 diabetes (pre-diabetic)11:40 Treating the symptoms "I want more sugar"13:41 "The Hateful 8" are Corn, Canola, Cotton, Soy, Sunflower, Safflower, Grapeseed and Rice Bran14:50 Burning off the stored seed oils and the fallacy of short term studies16:58 Pro Tip- . A path and tips for parents to rid children's diets of "The Hateful 8"19:56 Pro-Tip - Why you need to be your own ( and your children's) Health Advocate22:22 Clarifying the primary driver of heart disease23:16 La Sierra HS, Body composition, Fitness and the common perception of exercise as the only solution for body composition change26:40 Fatigue and Vegetable Oils and damaged mitochondria27:22 Most Americans are "Skinny Fat" 30:15 The perfect storm of poor health Movement Gaps, Movement Voids and diet induced Fatigue31:23 Youth are losing the internal feeling of "I want to move"34:19 Medical Science ignores Vegetable Oils as the root cause of anything bad37:35 Pro Tip- Read these books! The Fatburn Fix" and "Deep Nutrition"Hashtags and Links#TheHateful8#TheFatburnFix#DrCateShanahan#Youthnutrition#youthhealth#YouthPhysicalEducation#Physicalliteracy#youthperformance#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthfitness#youthsport#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartinhttps://drcate.com/https://www.instagram.com/drcateshanahan/https://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/https://www.instagram/com/prosper_nc

Jennifer Broxterman Registered Dietician and Founder of Prosper Nutrition Coaching joins Mikki and Jeff in a lively metaphor-rich conversation to talk Nutrition Coaching for Coaches and gives excellent advice concerning youth and nutrition discussions. Episode Highlights:2:59 Becoming a better coach4:07 Elevating skills, complex to simple as a behavior change facilitator5:25 Sherpas, climbing mountains and a clients definition of success7:26 Planting seeds, youth and the power of words8:06 Dinner Parties and Childhood feeding Practices, Ellyn Satter and the Division of Responsibility (DOR)11:04 On Rewards, bribes and punishments12:20 Fun Fact: It takes kids 20 exposures to "like or try" new food13:50 What if we take terms away? and we just offer foodsHashtags and links:#ProsperNutrition#JenniferBroxterman#prospernutritioncoaching#ellynsatter#Youthfitnessgames#YouthPhysicalEducation#Physicalliteracy#youthhealth#youthperformance#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthfitness#youthsport#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartinhttps://prospernutritioncoaching.comhttps://prospernutritioncoaching.com/LiftOffhttps://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/https://www.instagram/com/prosper_nc

Jeff and Mikki Martin discuss the development of youth fitness games in the early functional fitness days, misinterpretations and missed opportunities.They lay out how and why SuperGames can deliver so much more. Games + Functional Movement, Games + Physical Literacy, Games + Positional Strength, Games + Elements of Free Play, Games + Neurological training in agility, balance, coordination and accuracy, Games + Current Cultural Context.Episode Highlights:1:15: Misinterpreting Fun, Kids Fitness Games and History3:01 How to develop opportunities to offer more than running + tag, Games + Functional Fitness "Musical Medicine Ball", Games + Physical Literacy "Skipping Rocks"7:29 Games + Positional Strength "Stinky Feets"10:25 Games + Elements of Free Play "Legomania"13:18 Teens + Elements of Free Play, Cooperation and Creating Rules "HillBilly Basketball"15:23 Games + Neurological training, agility, balance, coordination and accuracy Race + target, Balance + throw, "Hoover Ball"17:19 Games + Current Cultural Context "Frogger" 2006 to "RideShare Uber/Lyft" 202119:22 Coaches Prep and explaining the RulesHashtags and links:#Youthfitnessgames#YouthPhysicalEducation#Physicalliteracy#youthhealth#youthperformance#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthfitness#youthsport#trainingpositionalstrength#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartin

Jonny Smyth hops on for friendly conversation concerning the needs of youth beyond simply physical performance. Jonny, Jeff and Mikki discuss how to apply these concepts within a gym and why they are so very important to building amazing and fully healthy, capable humans.Episode Highlights: 3:20 One for learning, plus a "wee bit of background"7:53 Fitness silos and the need for better integration of Practicum and Manualized learning Ideas on advancing the Novice to Expert Coaching path14:53 Resilience and the basis of trust, safety and support both physically and mentally.24:47 Rough & Tumble Play and how it provides key physical and social skills for life.28:32 Risk and learning to Recognize Assess and Manage for confident problem solving.36:00 Increasing & Supporting the "Imagination, Challenge and Play Voids"38:40 Trauma Informed Coaching, how gyms can build a safe environment and the absolute necessity of long term engagementHashtags and links:#Youthmentalhealth#Youthresilience#traumainformedcoaching#youthhealth#youthperformance#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthfitness#functionalfitnessyouth#jonnysmyth#thebrandxmethod#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartinhttps://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/

The third in a series on Brand X® methodology, Base- Build- BoostThe Martins cover how to BOOST performance and autonomy for a healthy movement-rich life."Intensity is the sport of mechanics, so it is our job as coaches to make sure our athletes understand the rules of the sport before they play it."- Keegan MartinEpisode Highlights:1:30 BOOST = Accelerating growth, performance and training autonomy2:49 Maximizing potential, volume, load and the continued use of pause and tempo strategies for strength gains4:36 Complexity, Olympic Lifting, loading and testing5:40 Base Build BOOST concepts, apply to bodyweight, calisthenics and gymnastics too7:55 Considering transferability of positions athletes are repeating, appropriate progressions excellence and expansion in the BOOST phase.10:32 Healthspan, longevity and the potential to maximize training and outcomes11:58 The Ultimate goal, taking the long view - making sure young athletes understand "the rules of movement before playing the game"13:37 Magically this long view and the Base Build Boost process not only aligns with What is Best for Kids™ but feeds retention and longevity in youth programs as well.Hashtags and links:#youthhealth#youthperformance#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthfitness#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartinhttps://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/

Jeff and Mikki continue the discussion of how to build on the base to solidify a foundation for great movers in fitness, sport and all of life's adventures. Listen in to hear strategies for testing, experimenting, expanding competency to promote broad physical literacy through exposure and why they are important.Episode Highlights:1:40 Build on lessons learned in Base while testing and experimenting3:22 Guiding youth to solve and self correct movement challenges while "moving the goal posts"6:30 Expanding competency in the six primal patterns and use of Brand X® Global Movement Strategies11:32 Coaching volume, intensity and load in the build phase12:04 Teaching tactics and strategies for self-correction13:30 Prioritizing positive patterns and embedding (mylenate) good pathways 14:30 Broad experience and learning Fast & Slow (see D.Epstein "Range" link below)Hashtags and links:#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthfitness#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartin#DavidEpstein#Rangehttps://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/https://davidepstein.com/the-range/

Jeff and Mikki discuss how to provide the foundation for great movers in fitness, sport and all of life's adventures. Repetition is good, creativity is necessary, errorless learning builds confidence, how to mix things up for strong workouts while developing foundational positions (Brand X® Movement Skills). Episode Highlights:1:36 Base begins with Starting points assumed and actual3:06 Brand X® Movement Skills & Global Strategies6:05 Brand X® Base and Tier 1 Movements8:21 Quality First, especially for developing youth10:05 Don't bore the children! Great athletes in any sport return to basics regularly12:05 Give youth permission to slow down when focusing on high skill movements, go all out on low skillHashtags and links:#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthfitness#youthathleticdevelopment#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartinhttps://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/https://www.instagram.com/ae.jr/https://open.spotify.com/episode/3ThqpwEp49HODF4vmCCxAC

Four time Brazilian National Kung Fu Champion, Boxing champion and CrossFit Coach, Cristiano Starling talks with Jeff and Mikki about Youth Training, his project working with Ukrainian youth war refugees, safe spaces, social relevance and the very basis for the development of a community. Cristiano is the energetic, engaging founder and co-owner of Starling Performance in Berlin Germany. "For a kid the only way that you create value is from development!"Episode Highlights:1:29 The journey from Brazilian National Champion to Youth Coach6:10 Life Changing mentors and gratitude7:42 Creating a safe space for Youth12:55 How fitness can be like Martial Arts by transmitting the learning of long term goals, discipline, perseverance, resilience and other character traits that transcend the gym.14:10 Social Value in translated in economic value and social relevance20:48 A focus on youth beyond "fitness+ fun" with Long term progressive programming and mastery of skill development23:35 Progression & Development "For a kid the only way you create value is from development!"25:00 The vision for Starling Performance trust and the effort of a teamHashtags and links:#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthfitness#functionalfitnessyouth#brandxstockholm#starlingperformance#projectaid#coachescongress#thebrandxmethod#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartinhttps://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/https://www.instagram.com/cristianostarlingdiniz/

Venezuelan Competitive CrossFit athlete Amato Mazzoccas joins his Coach Connor Martin and Jeff and Mikki to talk about training as a Teen Athlete (he qualified for the CF Games Teen Division in all 4 of 4 possible years) pegboards, current goals, motivations, temporary obstacles, 315# Good Mornings and the path towards continued growth in competition.Episode Highlights:1:10 Getting started, a pegboard challenge and sporting history5:03 From training with friends for fun to serious competition6:51 How talent evolved to training the talent8:04 Addressing any weaknesses, focus, coaching and continual assessment10:24 Playing with the mental game12:29 "Terminator Face" and the growing process from a teen athlete to a young adult athlete16:12 The Crown Competition 2023, community and training with peers 17:55 Overcoming the "5 Country Pandemic Detour"24:03 Motivations and Goals27:29 Recent PR's + 315# Good Mornings for repsHashtags and links:#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthfitness#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartin#teamtraining#teenathlete#crossfitgameshttps://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/https://www.instagram.com/amatomazzoccas/

Christopher Thynne of CrossFit 162 West, Brand X ®Mentor, Ambassador and one of only four flagship Brand X® LABS in the world - Brand X® Stockholm, joins Jeff and Mikki to talk about his history and his path to massive Youth Program Success. Episode Highlights:2:04 How a background in a broad array of physical activity. sport, adventure and play shape a great foundation.4:28 "A Huge buffet of possibility" PE in the Uk and choice of a wide variety of sports in the curriculum from Gymnastics to Archery.7:49 How sports experience differs outside of school in Sweden and offered Christopher opportunity to pursue Hockey, Soccer, Badmittan, Water Sports, Skiing, etc.9:33 "The atmosphere is not sound" How his daughters sport experiences led Christopher to coaching.12:21 Giving your kids what they need to succeed. 17:24 Youth Classes as a core business at 162 West/Brand X® Stockholm, systems, growth and control.  23:08 The first 2 steps to secure the Youth Business, Educating a team of Youth Coaches, Putting procedures in place.23:37 "Didn't you back squat last year?" The 3rd Step Systems for Communication, educating parents, and connecting with youth clients.30:48 Beyond Movement goals, External and soft goals. How do the kids feel about the class? Are they safe and seen?35:42 Ensuring Coaches talk with the kids, not at the kids.39:07 The Yin and Yang of Sports Training Programs, tracking Athleticism and Psycho- Social needs for retention41:30 Team Training and How youth have to learn to exist in a new body during growth spurts43:20 Changing culture and changing expectations, 50% of incoming team members can no longer move as previous generations did46:32 Educating Parents and the Team Training "Parents Education Meeting" model51:30 Brand X® Mentors and the importance of local youth expertsLinks and Hashtags:#brandxstockholm#crossfit162west#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthfitness#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartin#teamtraininghttps://www.instagram.com/brandxstockholm/https://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/

Since most every coach loves training high performing athletes, Jeff and Mikki discuss how that informs the practice of coaching youth, Doing What Is Best for Kids™ and how that practice informs the business of youth programs.Episode Highlights:1:14 Statistics, athletes and high performing youth6:30 Serving the 90% and Doing What Is Best For Kids™7:36 Barbell Club, Walk-ons to College Sport and hundreds of youth powerlifting records10:44 Base Build Boost, progress and a path to success, Good works + Good business11:24 Market Share and matriculation to ongoing youth programsHashtags and Links#theyouthfitnesspodcast#youthfitness#functionalfitnessyouth#thebrandxmethod#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartinhttps://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/https://www.instagram.com/cfgs_mini_kids_teens/

Jeff and MIkki discuss parent communication on what their children need and how more information helps.Episode Highlights:1:12 Why Parents do not want to "label" their children and how that informs coaching2:43 The tension between privacy and care and support3:13 Kylee, Taylor and Suzy's stories9:20 3 Important takeaways for coachesHashtags and Links:#thebrandxmethod#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartinhttps://parenting.firstcry.com/articles/should-parents-label-their-kids/https://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/https://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collections

Dr. Amy Saltzman talks with Jeff and Mikki on Mindfulness Teaching to youth. As the author of "A still quiet place for athletes" she offers great advice for defining, understanding and tactics for helping young athletes practice mindfulness.Episode Highlights: 1:25 Defining Mindfulness "paying attention here and now with kindness and curiosity so that we can choose our behavior"4:21 Internal & External kindness are not mutually exclusive5:16 Harsh vs. Supportive Coaching and data9:21 Changing culture and developing mindful coaches10:52 Age differences in mindfulness coaching, presentation, repetition, youth and heat of the moment application11:44 Peak emotional wave awareness, fight flight or freeze12:55 Top athletes and mental health, distress, errors and pre event skill16:33 Poise resilience responsiveness and compassion are learnable skillsLinks and Hashtags:#Dramysaltzman#thebrandxmethod#theathletecoachnetwork#jeffandmikkimartin#positivecoachingalliancehttps://www.amazon.com/Still-Quiet-Place-Athletes-Mindfulness/dp/1684030218https://www.psychologytoday.com/sg/blog/find-your-true-flow/202303/does-your-child-feel-supported-or-pressuredhttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/https://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://positivecoach.org

Keegan, Jeff and Mikki get together to discuss a few experiences with kids and teens that reflect important lessons about how kids think, how we respond and the responsibility to pay attention to what they need.Episode Highlights:1:25 Preschoolers and pre class preparation5:53 Teens and coaching moments, "we finish what we start." The case of Not Fran, Kinda Fran and Fran.Please Note: we do not recommend triple Fran for teens.9:30 Band Aid awareness, Movement Exposure surprises and welcoming environmentsHashtags and Links: #thebrandxmethod#youthfitnessstories#youthfunctionalfitness#theathletecoachnetwork#crossfitfranhttps://www.instagram.com/p/CXL2-IKp1f9/https://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/

Keegan, Jeff and Mikki outline a simple checklist and some takeaways on common soccer injuries that both Coaches and parents should have a basic awareness of, including causes and strategies to address, prevent or mitigate the chance of non contact injury. A progressive roadmap is provided to support youth player development.Episode Highlights: 1:40 Common Youth Soccer Injuries include: Ankle Sprain, Knee Sprain, ACL Tear, Meniscal Tear 2:05 What do we mean by "Flat Foot" and how it affects players3:44 How Lack of Stability & Strength and Weak Glutes matter4:46 Understanding the Roadmap of: Motor Pattern Training, Mobility and Stability to recognize and address potential performance issues5:44 Motor Patterns and pre- skill training, acceptance and normalization of catastrophic injury 7:24 "New range of motion is weak range of motion"8:33 Applying the Brand X® Base Build Boost model11:20 The most important Youth soccer S & C patterns: Lunge and Squat13:27 Three Takeaways- Barefoot Training for building strength, Lunge Pattern focus, Increase experience in new range of motion Links and Hashtags:https://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collectionshttps://www.instagram.com/theacn.app/#theathletecoachnetwork#thebrandxmethod#youthsoccer#youthsoccertraininghttps://www.instagram.com/p/B0yLaKmA8qZ/?igshid=1uvcdec1kg7y6 External Rotation of femur & glute activationhttps://www.instagram.com/tv/BxveXtdF6G4/?igshid=1fxm4jyets0k9 Stinky Feets V1 Barefoot Strength Gamehttps://www.instagram.com/p/ByNrgAjB8hW/?igshid=1t9m6ye1cnn7h Stinky Feets V2 Barefoot Strength Game

Guam Men's National Team Captain, Coach and player Jason Cunliffe, hops on the podcast to discuss a little of our mutual Brand X® history, one awful workout and his experiences, influences and methods training youth in Football and Soccer with Connor, Jeff and Mikki Martin.Episode Highlights:3:11 Finding Brand X®, "edge" and one bad workout7:28 Some Great things about growing up in Guam10:13 "Quality over Quantity"12:28 Coaching the U-17 National Team, physical and emotional maturity,life lessons, good human beings, tactics and "man managers"14:55 Building relationships17:47 Physical Literacy and top athletes20:52 Youth Load Management27:56 Base Build Boost in training, rushing to boost and ego29:30 Is humility (and forward progress) a teachable quality?35:55 Resilience, high level athletes and the experience of "First Loss"39:39 Training and experiencing "a posture of endurance"41:56 Goals and staying in the gameLinks and Hashtags:IG @JasonRQCunliffe@theacn.app@thebrandxmethod#theathletecoachnetwork#thebrandxmethod#BankofGuamStrykers#GuamMensNationalFootballTeam#RaymondVerheijen

Jeff, Connor and Mikki get together to discuss a few experiences with kids and teens that reflect important lessons about how kids think, how we respond and the responsibility to pay attention to what they need.Episode Highlights:1:26 Taste testing6:24 Assumptions on proprioception10:25 Gyms are playgroundsLinks and hashtags:www.thebrandxmethod.comFind the Athlete Coach Network in the Apple Store#AthleteCoachNetwork#TheBrandXMethod#YouthFitnessStories

Connor, Ben and Jeff discuss "Murph in the Garden", getting started in CrossFit, what Ben had been doing in sport and fitness prior to 2019, and how competition drives him to long term goals. Connor and Jeff talk about programming with and for Ben and what it takes for a young athlete to focus on the things they need to work on rather than just the more motivating strengths, and of course- the outcomes and rewards of that work.Show Notes/Highlights2:02 "Murph" in the garden and Great Stour Teens Class5:14 Baseline and sporting history6:44 Was Competition always a goal?7:44 Programming & gaining experiences competing in European and British Championships11:18 The Mental Shift required for learning, progress and resilience12:40 How experience and training made this year different16:45 Ben's vision for the next few yearsLinks and Hashtagswww.thebrandxmethod.comFind the Athlete Coach Network in the Apple Store#TheBrandXMethod#TheAthleteCoachNetwork#CompeteEliteHQ#CrossFitOpenTeenDivision#CrossFitGreatStour#BenCole#BritishTeenFitnessChampionship#EuropeanTeenFitnessChampionship

Jeff, Keegan and Mikki are back to talk about how to get kids to move more throughout the day. Parents are provided with some solid and specific ideas to get their kids on a path to more movement more often.Show notes /Highlights:3:12 Sedentary is the new normal3:45 Is One hour a day of movement good?6:29 Competence breeds confidence, Confidence breeds motivation8:45 Tips for Parents- Add home workouts, Parent involvement is key, Create Habits, Use Popular Challenges, Movement Based Tasks that are repeatableLinks and #Brand X At Homewww.thebrandxmethod.comFind the Athlete Coach Network in the Apple Store#AthleteCoachNetwork#BrandXAtHome#HomeInTimeToPlayOutside#MovementSnacks#MovementBreaks#MovementThroughoutTheDay

Tony Randall (of Tony and Kris) joins Jeff and Mikki to talk about his experiences being part of the early "Shenanigans" crew at Brand X® The Lab, in Ramona, CA. As expected, he brings humourous insights from 30+ years of expertise in the entertainment industry and a decade of training with Jeff. We touch on music in the gym environment and his fantastic work with and for kids via two decades fundraising for St. Judes.  Episode Highlights:  5:40 Shenanigans at Brand X® testingmethods, the benefits of novelty, camaraderie and engagement10:20 Trust and building programs19:12 Making Use of Music28:13 Tony and Kris, two decadesfundraising for St. Jude Childrens Hospital LinksTonyandKris.comon IG @TonyandKrisShow, TikTok and facebook @TonyandKrisstjude.orgDonate to St. JudeBrand X® Youth Athletic DevelopmentAthlete Coach Network in the Apple StoreHashtags#fitnessandmusic #TonyandKris #StJude#thebrandxmethod #BrandX® #youthfitness #youthdevelopment#youthfunctionalfitness 

Connor joins us again to further discuss Youth Fitness Competition. This time we dig into how and what that should look like for both competitive top level athletes versus youth wanting to begin that path. Programming, challenging skill, volume, strategies, with a lifetime of competition in mind, and defining success.Show notes/Highlights:2:28 What should training look like for functional fitness focused competitive youth?3:45 Building an athlete for now and down the line4:10 Training Elite level competitive youth4:54 Youth Specific via motor patterns, skill focus and position8:20 Longevity and avoiding burnout10:52 What should Youth Fitness Competition look like?14:24 What does success look like?Links and Hashtags:Connor@theathletecoachnetwork.appInfo@thebrandxmethod.comIG @ben_cole24IG @amatomazzoccas#youthfitnesscompetition#youthfitnessprogramming#youthperformance#youthhealth#youthsport#teenfitnesscompetitions

Keegan, Jeff and Mikki discuss a process for identifying and addressing movement faults in kids and teens fitness and strength programs. This process forms the basis for taking the appropriate steps towards and creating strong remedies to provide long term health and athleticism. What is observed to be happening, How important is it, and what actually needs work (fixing). Episode Highlights:1:09 Identification of 3 major types5:55 Pacing, triage and positive patterning7:16 3 Major Reasons faults occur10:50 Brand X® Movement Skills, control, tempo and pauses2:00 A Roadmap for guiding the fix or correctionLinks:IG @thebrandxmethodIG @theacn.appwww.thebrandxmethod.comathletecoachnetwork.appHashtags#youthathleticdevelopment#youthhealth#youthfitness#youthfunctionalfitness#motorpatterntraining#strengthandconditioning

When and How do PE programs translate to real life? Jeff and Mikki talk with International School Physical Education expert, James Dowling and the path to making meaningful programs and curriculum.Episode Highlights:5:19 Functional Fitness "An aha moment"9:43 Really Serving our kids best12:29 Recognize those who can and those who cannot16:47 Tools to solve Movement Riddles in sport or out18:14 Observations on implementation in International Schools in Asia and Europe24:33 "Adaptability comes from Opportunity" 30:38 "Generally at its worst PE is not serving and in many cases is even damaging the people it seeks to serve"31:18 Be brave in looking at what PE is or could be34:15 The differences in teaching in a gym vs. PE at school, assessment, benchmarking and testing terms and application40:28 Play HistoryHashtags and links:physedjames.comathletecoachnetwork.appthebrandxmethod.com#physedjames#athletecoachnetwork.app#thebrandxmethod.com#BrandX#PhysicalLiteracy#Physicaleducation#youthfitness#FunctionalFitness#IdoPortal #KellyStarrett#DavidKirk#MovementSolutions#MovementRiddles

In part 2 of 3 Connor, Jeff and Mikki discuss observations on Youth Fitness Competition and the multitude of differences between youth and adult competition. The conversation focuses on the differences in opportunity and therefore motivation, as well as future expansion and sustainability. Episode Highlights:2:39 Opportunity to compete, and at multiple levels/divisions3:09 Extremely low number of competition spots available4:16 Why and how this discourages athletes5:16 Room to cast a wider net?5:43 Age-appropriate formats and expansion to collegiate age division112:50  Other factors of change: NCAA rule changes14:22 Pushing boundaries, longevity, and sustainabilityLinks and hashtags:Connor@theathletecoachnetwork.apphttps://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/collections#BrandX®#TheBrandXMethod#YouthFitnessCompetition#TeenFitnessLeague#Competeelitehq

Jeff and Mikki Martin speak with Dr. Amy Saltzman and discuss her system for teaching youth to recognize potential predators and abusers, the obvious ones and the sneaky ones. Recent highly publicized events only reinforce the need to make sure youth are protected from abuse in athletic and competitive environments. Listen in to learn more about accessing needed resources.Show Notes & Highlights4:14 What is "Spot a Spider"?7:25 The missing piece is to actually teach the kids 8:07 Coach & Parental awareness9:23 Empowering kids to tell adults10:59 Misperceptions about who abuses and targets for abuse13:37 Understanding The Safe Adult Concept15:48 3 Things parents can do to help kids and teens to "Spot a Spider"Links & hashtags#protectingyouth #thebrandxmethod#athletecoachnetwork#dramysaltzman#spotaspiderSpot a SpiderBrand XACN

In part 1 of 2 U18 Episodes, Connor Martin looks back on 15 years of youth functional fitness competition, starting as the OG kid at age 11, competing as a teen at 15 and now as a teen competitor coach. The Martin family discusses the growth and change within the sport, including capacity, larger sample sizes, recovery pioneers, common characteristics of top level teen competitors.Episode Highlights3:11 A 15 year retrospective on Youth Fitness Competition 2006 - present4:59 Fitness pioneers and developing models, defining a new paradigm for fitness limitations and potential8:08 The impact of growth and larger sample sizes9:39 Mallory O'Brien age 18 youngest individual to podium 2nd place 202210:17 Historical differences in metabolic, gymnastic, strength, technical ability and stamina over time for the Teen Category12:39 How has the rise of recovery protocols affected the rate of change in the sport?17:59 Key observations of common characteristics of Teens Connor Coached to 5 of the last 8 CF Games Links:The Ready StateShift- Adapt @malobrien_The Athlete Coach NetworkThe Brand X® MethodHashtags:#youthfitnesscompetition#teenfitnesscompetition#functionalfitnesscompetition#internationalfunctionalfitnessfederation#theathletecoachnetwork #thebrandxmethod#malobrien #thereadystate #shift-adapt

"The Legend" Jason Khalipa joins the Martin family to talk about training his own children in fitness and youth sport, and offers valuable insights, takeaways and strategies for instilling long-term healthy habits, and above all "Meeting them where they are at."Episode Highlights:4:24 How training everyday with your kids looks, nurturing perspectives and personality7:18 Consistency and allowing the kids to ask when it's time for more11:02 With his daughter, listening and giving her what she wants with a little of what she needs12:40 Focusing on what is important, they had fun and they moved today13:39 The kids recognize that when they move, they feel better14:36 Jasons' Helpful Tips: (1) Human movement is critical (2) Do what you want but you've got to move (3) Use fitness as a tool to de-stress and learn how to overcome adversity16:50 Motivation & Goals will differ, fitness as a supplement to everything else they do, group sports are critically important18:33 Strength and Conditioning should be used to fill in the gaps that sport cannot22:00 Adding dynamic work between/during sport skill sessions22:15 Self Defense Sundays and Bullying24:50 Talking Strategies with your kids29:04 Childhood Leukemia, Joy Jars, NEGU and Ava's Kitchen32:35 Fun Reasons (for Jason) to train, Rogue Invitational "Legends, and Jiu Jitsu35:40 For those parents struggling to get their kids moving, "It didn't happen overnight"38:55 "Meeting them where they are at" Forcing it won't help build long term habitsLinks and hashtags:NCFITNEGUAvas KitchenBrand XACNTheRogueInvitational#NCFIT#NEGU#AVASKITCHEN#TheBrandXMethod #BrandX#TheAthleteCoachNetwork#TheRogueInvitational

The Martins discuss simple tips and easy steps to take to increase your child or teens success and durability in sport. Episode Highlights:2:34 Where Youth sport is today and defining differences from the past3:34 Tip #1- Find Time for Strength Training, Strength as the foundation for speed, explosive movement and sport success4:25 How to find the right Strength and Conditioning coach, specifically trained to work with youth 5:43 Using Low Skill Strength Moves at Home6:29 Additional Resources9:12 Tip #2- Taking breaks, adding Complimentary sport and Contrasting sport practiceLinks:jeffandmikki@thebrandxmethod.comkeegan@thebrandxmethod.comhttps://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/courses/Parentsconnor@theathletecoachnetwork.app

The Martins discuss simple tips and easy steps to take to increase your child or teens success and durability in sport. Episode Highlights:2:34 Where Youth sport is today and defining differences from the past3:34 Tip #1- Find Time for Strength Training, Strength as the foundation for speed, explosive movement and sport success4:25 How to find the right Strength and Conditioning coach, specifically trained to work with youth 5:43 Using Low Skill Strength Moves at Home6:29 Additional Resources9:12 Tip #2- Taking breaks, adding Complimentary sport and Contrasting sport practiceLinks:jeffandmikki@thebrandxmethod.comkeegan@thebrandxmethod.comhttps://thebrandxmethod.thinkific.com/courses/Parentsconnor@theathletecoachnetwork.app

Jeff and Keegan Martin host Coach Dan Quesenberry of Brand X® Nashville and Ravenwood High School Strength Coach to discuss running an effective High School Strength & Conditioning program. Coach Q, was named Physical Education teacher of the year for The State of Tennessee in 2018, has over 20 years teaching PE to youth within schools, and has Coached High School Football for over 15 years. We talk about the what, why and hows surrounding implementing a new and successful strength and conditioning program within a High School setting.Episode Highlights:2:39 "Because You can Doesn't mean you should"3:58 Teens and the "Ignore-Question-Trust " process5:36 How did you introduce Brand X® principles?8:05 Thoughtfully jumping into an existing Program, Freshman to Seniors10:40 In Season Programming11:05 Tips on How a positive impact on CNS and motor pattern emphasis can co exist14:58 Training protocols, overtraining and rest & recovery16:48 Balancing "The Outcomes" Versus "The Culture"19:06 Team Training Logistics23:35 Staffing, Organization and Tracking Magic28:45 Developing a great Culture31:36 Tips on selling Strength & Durability35:00 Communication with athletes who do "extra" training38:10 Success Stories44:28 Brand X® Nashville The Lab45:39 Female Athletes #LetHerLiftLinks:RavenwoodStrength on Twitter https://twitter.com/wcsRHSstrength?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorBrandX®Nashville on instagram https://www.instagram.com/brandxnashville/

Jeff and Keegan Martin host Coach Dan Quesenberry of Brand X® Nashville and Ravenwood High School Strength Coach to discuss running an effective High School Strength & Conditioning program. Coach Q, was named Physical Education teacher of the year for The State of Tennessee in 2018, has over 20 years teaching PE to youth within schools, and has Coached High School Football for over 15 years. We talk about the what, why and hows surrounding implementing a new and successful strength and conditioning program within a High School setting.Episode Highlights:2:39 "Because You can Doesn't mean you should"3:58 Teens and the "Ignore-Question-Trust " process5:36 How did you introduce Brand X® principles?8:05 Thoughtfully jumping into an existing Program, Freshman to Seniors10:40 In Season Programming11:05 Tips on How a positive impact on CNS and motor pattern emphasis can co exist14:58 Training protocols, overtraining and rest & recovery16:48 Balancing "The Outcomes" Versus "The Culture"19:06 Team Training Logistics23:35 Staffing, Organization and Tracking Magic28:45 Developing a great Culture31:36 Tips on selling Strength & Durability35:00 Communication with athletes who do "extra" training38:10 Success Stories44:28 Brand X® Nashville The Lab45:39 Female Athletes #LetHerLiftLinks:RavenwoodStrength on Twitter https://twitter.com/wcsRHSstrength?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5EauthorBrandX®Nashville on instagram https://www.instagram.com/brandxnashville/