Spencer Arnold, head coach of Power and Grace, shares his journey into strength and conditioning and how his faith shapes his coaching philosophy. He emphasizes the importance of community and humility in coaching and highlights the need for coaches to continually learn and adapt. The athlete-coach relationship is pivotal and Spencer talks about the learning that you do as a coach alongside athletes. For those who want insight on programming for high-level athletes, Spencer Arnold discusses the benefits of velocity-based training (VBT) in strength and conditioning. He explains how VBT helps athletes develop force and rapid force development, and how it can be used to progress training over time. Spencer is preparing to coach Jourdan Delacruz in Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

THE GRITTY DETAILS

• Community and humility are essential in coaching and leadership.

• Programming for high-level athletes requires attention to detail and individualization.

• The athlete-coach relationship is crucial in weightlifting, and coaches should focus on developing a partnership with their athletes.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

• Learn more about Spencer Arnold and Power and Grace Performance.

EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

• Episode 16: Athletic Independence

• Episode 27: Competing with Grit and Grace

• Episode 32: Building Community Through Sport

CONNECT ON SOCIAL

• Follow the Podcast on Instagram

• Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

• It’s always FREE and much appreciated to like, subscribe, and share this podcast

• Listening on Apple Podcasts? Write a review.

• Save 20% on Legion Supplements

• Small donations help support the development and editing of this content.

Cheryl Hayworth, a three-time Olympian and world record holder in Olympic weightlifting. They discuss Cheryl's experiences as an athlete, the mental preparation for the Olympics, coaching philosophy, inclusivity in weightlifting, and the transition from weightlifting to life. Cheryl emphasizes the importance of resilience, managing stress, and finding balance in training. She also highlights the need for inclusivity and accessibility in the sport, and the role of coaches and organizations in championing these values.

THE GRITTY DETAILS

• Finding balance and managing stress are important for long-term success in weightlifting. Resilience and coping skills are crucial for athletes for mental preparation when competing at a high level in sports.

• Learning to accept all outcomes and good sportsmanship is an important skill for mental health in sport.

• Inclusivity and accessibility are key values that need to be championed in the sport of weightlifting.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

• Follow Cheryl Haworth OLY on Instagram

EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

• Episode 30: Managing Stress and Building Resilience

• Episode 40: Preparing for International Competition

• Episode 42: Trusting the Coaching Process

CONNECT ON SOCIAL

• Follow the Podcast on Instagram

• Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

• It’s always FREE and much appreciated to like, subscribe, and share this podcast

• Listening on Apple Podcasts? Write a review.

• Save 20% on Legion Supplements

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  Small donations help support the development and editing of this content.

Coach Mark Roberts returns to the podcast for our Coaching and Leadership series. Mark is the owner and head coach of Rise Weightlifting. In this episode, your host chats with Mark about his leadership and coaching style. They discuss Mark's journey into weightlifting, the transition from athlete to coach, and the importance of building a strong team culture. Mark emphasizes the value of education and credentials for coaches, but also highlights the importance of building relationships and effectively communicating with athletes. Mark shares his experiences and challenges of being a business owner in the fitness industry and the importance of finding a balance between providing value and making a profit. New and aspiring coaches and entrepreneurs will enjoy this episode.

THE GRITTY DETAILS

• Coaches should prioritize building relationships and effectively communicating with athletes.

• Programming in weightlifting should be adaptable to individual circumstances and needs. Coaching in weightlifting involves education, motivation, and inspiration.

• Different perspectives and approaches in weightlifting can lead to success.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

• Learn more about Mark Roberts Founder and Head Coach of Rise Athletics

• Follow Rise Athletics and Rise Weightlifting on Instagram

EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

• Episode 1: Recovery for Improved Performance

• Episode 3: Coaching Discipline and Leadership

• Episode 32: Building Community Through Sport

CONNECT ON SOCIAL

• Follow the Podcast on Instagram

• Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

• It’s always FREE and much appreciated to like, subscribe, and share this podcast

• Listening on Apple Podcasts? Write a review.

• Save 20% on Legion Supplements

• 
  Small donations help support the development and editing of this content.

The COVID-19 pandemic may have a longing impact on youth kids who may have missed out on sport and recreation opportunities for nearly a year. However, Elite Weightlifting Coach Kevin Doherty used the barbell during this time to help his community flourish through connection and sport. Owner of Hassle Free Barbell Club, Coach Kevin Doherty safely coached first generation kids through the pandemic to ensure that they could remain active while the world shutdown. Coach Doherty talks about the importance of Weightlifting as a tool for building confidence. Also in this episode, Kevin shares his perspective on goal setting beyond physical PRs so that athletes can thrive outside of the gym. This episode continues our Coaching and Leadership series. It was incredible to hear how much of an impact a coach can make on an athletes life alongside physical strength. The relationships forged through weightlifting can help set the foundation for lifelong success. He also emphasizes the value of collaboration and uplifting others. If you were curious why athletes find weightlifting to be a lifetime sport - listen to this episode with Coach Kevin Doherty.

THE GRITTY DETAILS

• Youth weightlifting is a window to introduce children to many different sports. Weightlifting builds skills and confidence for other sport disciplines.

• Less is more in your strength and conditioning program. The basics will benefit you as long as you are moving correctly and loading the barbell heavy enough.

• Goal setting goes beyond reps and sets but should include life goals to develop a well-rounded human. This is especially important for athletes who may experience setbacks or injuries.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

• Follow Hassle Free Barbell Club on Instagram or on the web.

• Stanford Hospital says “Weight room no longer off limits to kids.”

EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

• Episode 42: Trusting the Coaching Process

• Episode 32: Building Community Through Sport

• Episode 3: Coaching Discipline and Leadership

CONNECT ON SOCIAL

• Follow the Podcast on Instagram

• Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

• It’s always FREE and much appreciated to like, subscribe, and share this podcast

• Listening on Apple Podcasts? Write a review.

• Save 20% on Legion Supplements

• Small donations help support the development and editing of this content.

The Coaching and Leadership series continues with a Team USA Senior International Coach, Cara Heads Slaughter. In this episode, we have a candid and fun conversation on the impact of sports on personal growth, the importance of coaching and mentorship, and the challenges of trusting the coaching process. Cara explains why athletes must buy into the coaching process entirely and shares her tools for communication and program planning that empower the athlete to succeed. Whether you are a coach or athlete, this episode has so much information to guide, support, and enhance sports performance. The episode highlights the need to amplify the voices of women and coaches of color in the sports industry. We end with a remix to our rapid-fire game - the special Cara edition of “This That or The Other.”

THE GRITTY DETAILS

• Trust in the coaching process is essential for an athlete's progress, and coaches must create an environment where athletes can fully buy into the process.

• Balancing tradition and innovation in coaching is important, as coaches need to adapt to new information and approaches while respecting the sport's history.

• Creating a sense of camaraderie and teamwork within a weightlifting team can enhance the training experience and contribute to individual success.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

• Follow Cara on Instagram for more coaching and sport performance education

• Learn more about CH Fitness and Performance on the web

EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

• Episode 16: Athletic Independence

• Episode 3: Coaching Discipline and Leadership

CONNECT ON SOCIAL

• Follow the Podcast on Instagram

• Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

• It’s always FREE and much appreciated to like, subscribe, and share this podcast

• Listening on Apple Podcasts? Write a review.

• Save 20% on Legion Supplements

• 
  Small donations help support the development and editing of this content.

We start with the basics in the Coaching and Leadership in strength sports. Quality coaching and athletic development start with a well-designed plan of attack. Zack Lebo, Owner of Category 5 Athletics, is known for just that. Lebo provides insight into the importance of general physical preparedness (GPP) for strength athletes as a foundational component of long-term success. In this episode we discuss approaches for building on GPP, managing different athlete personalities, and optimizing performance in competition. As an experienced coach and business owner, Zack also emphasizes the importance of communication and collaboration in the athlete-coach relationship. Stay tuned to the entire episode to catch what Zack believes is missing from the coaching profession.

THE GRITTY DETAILS

• General physical preparedness (GPP) is important for strength athletes because it addresses areas of performance that weightlifting doesn't cover, such as mobility, stability, and body awareness in different planes of motion.

• Effective communication with athletes involves listening to their needs and goals, asking the right questions, and finding a balance between the coach's expertise and the athlete's individual circumstances.

• Strategies such as tapering, practicing heavy total days, and creating uncomfortable training environments can bring out the best in athletes.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

• Follow Zack Lebo on Instagram or check out his gym Category 5 Athletics in Tampa, Florida

EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

• Episode 31: Let's Talk Programming and Progression

• Episode 24: Quality Coaching

CONNECT ON SOCIAL

• Follow the Podcast on Instagram

• Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

• It’s always FREE and much appreciated to like, subscribe, and share this podcast

• Listening on Apple Podcasts? Write a review.

• Save 20% on Legion Supplements

• Small donations help support the development and editing of this content.

Mary Theisen-Lappen is an athlete and coach and is pursuing a spot on the Team USA Olympic Weightlifting team competing in Paris 2024. Mary is a standout example of transferable skills from Track and Field contributing to her success in a new discipline as an elite Weightlifter. If you are newer to the sport, Mary breaks down the similarities of the two sports to help athletes think about how to approach transitioning sports disciplines. Mary also talks about the challenges of training for international competitions and the importance of emotional and mental preparation and discusses the psychological impact of overcoming an injury. She emphasizes the camaraderie among competitors and the support they provide each other. Mary shares advice for athletes aspiring to make an international team. Mary advocates for women of all sizes and backgrounds to feel confident participating in strength sports and not worry about societal expectations. Lastly, Mary discusses the role of faith in her sports journey and how it helps her stay grounded and focused.

THE GRITTY DETAILS

• Transitioning from one sport to another can bring unique skills and experiences that contribute to success.

• Faith can play a significant role in an athlete's journey, providing peace and perspective during difficult times.

• Overcoming setbacks and injuries requires patience, trust in the process, and a focus on areas for improvement. Having a strong support system is crucial in overcoming challenges and building confidence.

CONNECT WITH THE GUEST

• Follow Mary Theisen Lappen as she pursues her goal of being an Olympian for Team USA on Instagram

EPISODES YOU MIGHT ENJOY

• Episode 17: From Tumbling to Weightlifting

• Episode 27: Competing with Grit and Grace

• Episode 38: Empowering HerAthlete

CONNECT ON SOCIAL

• Follow the Podcast on Instagram

• Follow your host 🎙 Dr. A’Naja Newsome on Instagram

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

• It’s always FREE and much appreciated to like, subscribe, and share this podcast

• Listening on Apple Podcasts? Write a review.

• Save 20% on Legion Supplements

• 
  Small donations help support the development and editing of this content.