As we did to kick off 2017, the HMMR Podcast and the GAINcast join forces to co-host the first episode of 2018. As the new year gets underway we chat about the state of training for sports together with GAINcast host Vern Gambetta. Our discussion covers a variety of topics like recruiting, whether athletic development is still undervalued, functional training, doping, and more. Read more
Exercise has a crucial role to play in the maintenance of good health, with an abundance of research supporting that regular exercise is effective at reducing obesity rates and decreasing the risks of diseases such as type-II diabetes, some cancers, and cardiovascular disease. Despite all the benefits, exercise is not always that easy for individuals to do. For some individuals injury or sickness might preclude exercise. For others, simple motivation can be difficult. And exercise also has some negative effects. Therefore current research in the field of mimetics is looking at how advances in technology and science might allow alternate methods for individuals to get the benefits of exercise without exercising. In an ideal world, a bed-ridden individual might be able to take a pill that would give them the benefits of exercise despite the inability to get up and go for a run. Read more
The recent documentary Icarus took an in-depth look at the recent Russian doping scandal through the lens of a relationship with the mastermind of the doping plan Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov. As controversy enveloped his Rodchenkov’s life, director Bryan Fogel was drawn to the center of the storm and we get an inside look at how far athletes go to beat the system. On this week’s episode we take a break from talking about training to discuss the film and the current state of doping and anti-doping. Read more
The standard story in life is that we have to play the hand we’re dealt. We can’t choose our genes, and so we have to make the most of what we have, optimizing our training techniques and lifestyle in order to reach our potential, whatever that might be. But this standard story is slowly changing and this might have a major impact on sport. Read more
A few times a year we have to let off some steam and it’s that time again. On this week’s episode we discuss a few rants such as why we keep worshipping doped athletes, marathon weight room session, and why equipment companies need focus on selling old stereotypes rather than innovative ideas. Read more
In the baseball world, the term “eyewash” is thrown around a lot. It’s used to describe players who try to look real busy but really are not accomplishing anything at all. Just as eyedrops make your eyes look better without fixing the underlying problem, eyewash is something you do that looks good but doesn’t actually accomplish anything. Read more
It’s that time again. The international season is about to start up and I’m eager to see the best throwers get back in the ring. As I do every year, I’ve compiled a list of the top reasons to watch our sport’s most exciting event in 2017. Read more
Anyone who knows me or has regularly read this blog or followed me on social media knows that I am vehemently anti-drug. So, it may seem strange to have a post on a primer for drug use and how to beat the system but I think this will give you context for looking at the issue. This is what I have seen up close and personal in my 48 years of coaching how athletes and coaches beat the system. Read more
As is the case every year, 2016 was filled with highs and lows in the world of hammer throwing. World records were set, and former record setters athletes were banned. New athletes arrived, and old athletes retired. The Olympic men’s hammer final lacked some luster, but overall the year more than lived up to my expectations. Below is my list of top hammer throwing stories from the past year. Read more
Every few months we need to let Nick blow off some steam or he will explode. On this week’s episode we share some rants based on the latest news and trends in sports. We look at offseason training, social media, the bench press, proposal by European Athletics to improve track and field, and the role of strength coaches in the NCAA. Read more
