Unit 731 Experiments and Strength Training: How WWII Shaped Our Beliefs on Weight Training for Youth
In this episode of Strength Coach Rants, we explore the dark history of Unit 731, the notorious Japanese military unit that conducted inhumane experiments during World War II, including those on children. These horrifying events left an indelible mark on scientific and cultural perceptions of physical development in youth.
Strength-Speed vs Speed-Strength
In this episode of Strength Coach Rants, we dive into the hotly debated topic of Strength-Speed vs. Speed-Strength. What’s the difference, and why should you care? Whether you’re coaching athletes, programming workouts, or just looking to optimize your own training, understanding these two key concepts can make or break your approach to athletic development.
Fear Mongering with Dr. Rena Malik
Join me as I critique the approach taken in Dr. Rena Malik's video on steroid facts and side effects. While it's crucial to understand the risks, I argue that the portrayal of steroid users can sometimes lean towards fear-mongering, potentially skewing public perception and overshadowing responsible usage in medical contexts or sports under proper supervision.
How Should Athletes Train Off the Field?
In today's episode of Strength Coach Rants Coach Connor talks about different trends that have worked their way into the sports performance world. From CrossFit to HIT, and Functional Fitness to Westside Guys we'll cover it all. We'll close off with some information about how athletes should really be training.
How Carl Lewis Made Steroids Illegal
In this week's episode of Strength Coach Rants we talk about the story of Ben Johnson, Carl Lewis, and a really sketchy drug test that resulted in your mediocre gym gains.
Joe Biden Ruined Womens Sports
In this follow up episode Coach Connor talks about the situation at San Jose State with the women's volleyball program. 12 women have filed suit against the Mountain West Conference alleging Title IX protections, and infringement of their 1st amendment rights.
New NCAA Division I Hockey Eligibility Adds CHL Players to the Mix
On Thursday November 7th, 2024 the NCAA DI Council voted to extend eligibility to hockey players in the CHL. This is a landmark vote that will completely change the landscape of hockey development in North America. Who will benefit, who get's hurt, and what are the outcomes here? We'll go over all of that today on Strength Coach Rants!
Youth Sports Specialization: Who’s to Blame?
When it comes to children specializing in and playing the same sport year-round, who's actually to blame? Today we're going to go over a few studies that give us that very answer!
My Case for AAA Hockey In Florida
Kids leave, families break up, and all to continue persuing their dreams of playing hockey at the next level. It doesn't have to be this way. How much AAA/Tier I hockey opportunity is there in Florida? We're constantly told by governing bodies that there just aren't enough players in the state to field more than one organization at the Tier I level. That's total nonsense! Today we go over the numbers, and look towards possible solutions!
USA Hockey National Camp Strength and Conditioning Presentation
This week Coach Connor goes over a presentation that he delivered at the USA Hockey 17U National Development Camp back in June. There's a ton of good information in this one! From workout structure, to why and when we do certain things in the gym, and there's even some information on warming up, cooling down, and recovery strategies for hockey players!
Stop the Madness! The Insanity of Year Round Sports
Youth sports generate almost 20 billion dollars a year in the United States, and everyone is trying to get their piece of the action. Youth sports organizations, skills coaches, and sport coaches telling you that you'll get left behind if you don't play all year are looking out for their bottom lines, not your child's success. Will your kid be left behind if you take time off? Absolutely not! We're going to talk about the why today.
Should Biological Men Be Allowed to Compete Against Women?
In about 2 months the world of athletics is going to change. Joe Biden's new rules and regulations concerning Title IX go into effect on August 1st which afford trans athletes the same protections as women. So this begs the question, should biological men be allowed to compete against biological women? We'll talk about that today on Strength Coach Rants!
Can Muscle Help Fight Anxiety?
A study titled Exploring the Association between Elevated Anxiety Symptoms and Low Skeletal Muscle Mass among Asymptomatic Adults: A Population-Based Study in Republic of Korea was published recently in the Brain Sciences Journal. They sought to find out if there are links between muscle mass and anxiety. And they actually found some pretty interesting information and we're going to talk about that today!
New Title IX Rules: Did Joe Biden Just Ruin Women’s Sports??
The Biden administration just signed into effect a new set of rules when it comes to TITLE IX reversing rules set by Betsy Devos during the Trump administration. What effect will these new rules have on women? Find out today on Strength Coach Rants!
Strength Coach Reacts to John Deloney
Sports specialization is all the rage. In fact, it's seen not just as the cool thing to do, but as the only way to achieve the highest levels of sports. This could not be more wrong and every data set we have points to the complete opposite! Today Coach Connor reacts to a question from the John Deloney Show that came from a mother whose 10 year old's sports ambitions are ruling their household.
The Running Red Pill
Stop running! Running is a horrible way to increase your aesthetics, and fitness in general. Most people who embark on a running routine have visions of six-pack abs and an overall aesthetic look. Today we talk about the history of running and the science behind why you’ll never accomplish your fitness goals if running is front and center in your programming.
NIL Deals in High School?
The FHSAA (Florida High School High School Athletic Association) just put forth a proposal to allow NIL deals for high school athletes. This move would help the state of Florida join 33 other states and DC in allowing athletes to make money off their name, image and likeness. Is this a good move, or a bad one? We'll talk about that, and the history of the NIL today!
Weak Men Create Hard Times
The 80-year generational continuum based on the Strauss-Howe Generational Theory is real, and we're in it. Whether we're in the weak men create hard times or the hard times create strong men part remains up for debate. Today we're going to talk about some of the parallels between the Fall of the Roman Empire and the Fall of the American Republic.
Your Forearm Training is a Waste Of Your Time
Most training programs seem to incorporate some direct kind of forearm training. The reality is, this is a total exercise in futility (no pun intended) and you would be much better off devoting this time to other training modalities. We'll talk about the why today.
Should I Use Ankle Tape?
Ankle tape may be one of the most common preventative measures taken by athletes today. We've all had that one teammate who couldn't seem to stop rolling their ankle and would use either tape or braces ALL THE TIME. Is there benefit to using ankle tape? Is using ankle tape productive? Should I even use ankle tape? We'll answer all those questions today!