In this episode of Reps and Real Talk, Hosts Craig Turner and Justin Rey engage with Merv Lumba, a seasoned sports performance coach at UMass Lowell.

They discuss the critical role of mentorship in strength and conditioning. They also explore the nuances of building relationships, the impact of social media on coaching, and the importance of authenticity and education in the field.

The conversation emphasizes the need for patience and the value of networking, while also addressing the challenges young coaches face in today's fast-paced environment.

• 🌱 Mentorship is essential for growth in strength and conditioning.

• 🤝 Building real relationships is more valuable than accolades.

• ⏳ Patience is crucial for young coaches in their careers.

• 📱 Social media can be both a tool and a distraction.

• 🧠 Authenticity in mentorship fosters trust and growth.

• 📚 Education and continuous learning are vital for success.

• 🌐 Networking opens doors to new opportunities.

• 🔍 Young coaches should seek out mentors actively.

• 🏀 Success in coaching is not solely defined by wins and losses.

• ❤️ The right intentions behind mentorship can lead to meaningful connections.

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  This one’s for the young coaches, and mentors who want real talk — no fluff. 🎙️💪🏀

  🎧 Tune in now and re-think how you approach the weight room.

  
  

  DONT FORGET!!

  👉 Rate, Subscribe, and Follow for More!

  If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️

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  🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_

  👤 Craig: @ctsportscience

  👤 Justin: @jrey.strength

  Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.

In this episode of Reps & Real Talk, Craig Turner and J.Rey take on the hot-button issues, diving into the controversial topics surrounding strength and conditioning, particularly in the context of basketball training.

They discuss the merits and drawbacks of Olympic lifts, alternative training methods like trap bar jumps, and the importance of eccentric training methods and ways to progress this within the seasons transitions.

The conversation also touches on the role of machines in functional training and the often excessive warm-up culture in basketball.

Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the need for effective coaching techniques that prioritize athlete safety and performance enhancement. The discussion also leads us to some other methods which may be under utilized in the face of controversy.

REAL TALK:

💥 Olympic lifts have both strong advocates and critics.
🏋️‍♂️ Alternative exercises like trap bar jumps may offer better performance transfer for basketball players.
⚡ Eccentric training is essential for developing strength and power in athletes.
⬇️ The learning curve for trap bar movements is lower than for Olympic lifts.
🦾 Machines can be effective tools in strength training when used appropriately.
⏱️ Warm-up routines in basketball can often be excessive and counterproductive.
🎯 Coaching should focus on the specific needs of the athlete and their sport.
⚠️ Safety is a significant concern when using complex lifts like Olympic lifts.
🧠 Effective training should prioritize athlete engagement and enjoyment.
📣 The culture around certain training tools can influence their adoption in sports.

This one’s for coaches, athletes, and performance pros who want real talk — no fluff. 🎙️💪🏀

🎧 Tune in now and re-think how you approach the weight room.

DONT FORGET!!

👉 Rate, Subscribe, and Follow for More!

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️

📲 Follow us on Instagram:

🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_

👤 Craig: @ctsportscience

👤 Justin: @jrey.strength

Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.

#RepsAndRealTalk #BasketballS&C #StrengthAndConditioning #PerformanceTraining

In this episode, reps and real talk hosts (Craig & Justin) are joined by Safet Kastrat (gm and assistant coach - La Salle Men's Basketball). They discuss the evolving landscape of college basketball, particularly focusing on the impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. The episode explores how NIL is changing recruitment dynamics, the challenges faced by mid-major programs, and the need for regulation in the NIL space. The conversation also highlights the importance of relationships in recruitment, the role of strength and conditioning coaches, and the necessity for financial education for student-athletes. The episode concludes with thoughts on the future of NCAA and college athletics in light of these changes and what we all can do to navigate this landscape.

Real Talk:

💰 NIL has transformed college athletics, making it a competitive landscape

🎯 Recruitment is now heavily influenced by financial incentives.

⚖️ The lack of regulation in NIL is creating an uneven playing field

🤝 Relationships still matter in recruitment despite the focus on money.

🏋️‍♂️ Strength and conditioning coaches play a crucial role in athlete development.

🔄 Coaching styles must adapt to the new realities of NIL.

📚 Financial education for student-athletes is essential to manage newfound wealth.

📏 The future of NCAA may involve more regulations to ensure fairness.

🏀 Mid-major programs face significant challenges in retaining talent.

🌐 The landscape of college sports is evolving, and adaptation is necessary.

DONT FORGET:

👉 Rate, Subscribe, and Follow for More!

If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️

📲 Follow us on Instagram:

🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_

👤 Craig: @ctsportscience

👤 Justin: @jrey.strength

Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.

In this episode, Craig Turner and Justin Ray discuss the impact of social media on strength and conditioning coaching. They explore how social media has evolved, its role as an online resume, and the balance between personal and professional content.

The conversation also touches on exercise selection, the debate between machines and free weights, and the challenges of navigating the noise of social media. They provide valuable advice for coaches looking to build their presence online while staying true to their coaching philosophy.

Takeaways:📱 Social media is a powerful tool for strength and conditioning coaches.

🔄 The evolution of social media has changed how coaches engage with their audience.

🧾 Social media serves as an online resume for coaches and athletes alike.

🤝 It's important to maintain professionalism in social media posts.

⚠️ Coaches should be mindful of the content they share online.

👀 Learning from other coaches on social media can enhance coaching practices.

🎯 Exercise selection should be tailored to the needs of athletes.

🏋️ Both machines and free weights have their place in training.

💡 Coaches should focus on creating valuable content rather than just following trends.

📈 Consistency and authenticity are key to building a social media presence.

👉 Like, Subscribe, and Follow for More!If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️

📲 Follow us on Instagram:

🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_

👤 Craig: @ctsportscience

👤 Justin: @jrey.strength

Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.

In this episode, Craig Turner and Justin Rey discuss the often sensitive topic of salary expectations in the field of strength and conditioning. They explore the current landscape of salaries, the reality of entry-level positions, and the importance of networking and social media in advancing one's career. The conversation also delves into negotiation strategies for S&C coaches, the significance of adaptability in coaching roles, and how to demonstrate value to employers. The episode concludes with key takeaways and final thoughts on navigating the complexities of salary discussions in the coaching profession.Takeaways💬 Salary discussions in strength and conditioning are often sensitive.🏆 Winning can significantly impact perceived value and salary.📍 Entry-level salaries can vary widely based on location and institution.🤝 Networking and 📱 social media presence are crucial for career growth.💡 Understanding your worth is essential for effective negotiation.🔀 Adaptability in coaching roles can enhance job security and value.📊 Demonstrating measurable success can help justify salary increases.🗣️ Negotiation should be approached with confidence and preparation.🔍 Researching salary ranges can empower coaches during negotiations.🎯 It's important to have clear expectations and goals for salary progression.If you enjoyed this episode please like and subscribe. If you would like to engage more throw comments below!

In this premier episode, hosts Justin Rey and Craig Turner delve into their personal journeys in strength and conditioning (S&C), sharing insights on the importance of internships, networking, and the essential skills needed for success in the field. They discuss the value of adaptability, the significance of certifications, and the importance of being a good person in coaching.

The conversation is rich with real-life examples and practical advice for aspiring coaches and veterans alike. So tune in to begin reflecting on your own journey as a S&C coach.

Key Takeaways:

🏋️ Real-life examples showcase the ups and downs of S&C journeys.

🎓 Internships are essential for gaining experience and expanding your network.

🤝 Building genuine relationships is a major key to success in coaching.

📜 Certifications matter — but real-world experience speaks louder.

💪 Confidence is one of the most important soft skills for coaches.

🔄 Adaptability is a must in the ever-changing S&C landscape.

❌ Mistakes are part of the process — learn and grow, especially with exercise selection.

📣 Clear communication is non-negotiable — let people know if you’re running late.

🙌 Being a good person can open more doors than just having technical know-how.

🌐 Networking often leads to unexpected and valuable career opportunities.

DONT FORGET:👉 Like, Subscribe, and Follow for More!If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️📲 Follow us on Instagram:🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_👤 Craig: @ctsportscience👤 Justin: @jrey.strengthThanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.