In this episode, hosts Craig Turner (@thesciencebasedlifter) and Justin Rey (@jrey.strength) delve into the challenges of burnout in the coaching profession, particularly in strength and conditioning. They discuss the three B's of career progression in S&C: burnout, bitterness, and becoming better. The dialogue explores the financial strains faced by coaches, the impact of winning and losing on mental health, and the importance of mentorship and communication. They emphasize the need for coaches to share their wins and foster a supportive community, while also reflecting on their personal journeys and the evolution of their passions.

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: @thesciencebasedlifter

👤 Justin: @jrey.strength

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

#repsandrealtalk #strengthandconditioning #strengthcoaching #basketball

In this episode, hosts Craig Turner and Justin Ray discuss various training techniques and analyze unique exercise videos they've encountered online. They share insights on off-season training, innovative equipment, and advanced exercises for athletes, while also evaluating complex movement patterns and plyometric drills. The conversation emphasizes the importance of core training, rotational movements, and the application of these techniques in real-world athletic scenarios.

We want to thank each creator for their videos here!

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: @thesciencebasedlifter

👤 Justin: @jrey.strength

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

In this episode, both Justin (@jrey.strength) and Craig (@thesciencebasedlifter) discuss the essentials of strength training with minimal equipment. They explore the versatility of dumbbells, the role of machines, and the importance of recovery tools. The conversation also covers what equipment to bring while traveling and the significance of programming for athletes. The hosts share their personal preferences and insights on various training tools, emphasizing the need for adaptability in strength and conditioning coaching.

REAL TALK:

🏋️ Minimal equipment can still yield effective training results.

• 🏋️‍♂️ Dumbbells are versatile and essential for various exercises.

• 🛠️ Machines can complement free weights but should be chosen wisely.

• ✈️ Traveling coaches should prioritize lightweight and multifunctional equipment.

• 🌀 Resistance bands are great for mobility and strength training on the go.

• 💆‍♂️ Recovery tools like BFR and vibrating foam rollers are the future.

• 🔁 Programming should focus on full-body workouts for better engagement in atheltes.

• 🏋️‍♀️ Barbells, especially fat grip bars, can improve grip strength and potentially overall performance.

• 🔄 Jump ropes are excellent for conditioning and coordination a travel essential.

• 
  

• 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: @thesciencebasedlifter

  👤 Justin: @jrey.strength

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

In this conversation, Cliff Spiller (@cliffspillercscs), the Director of Strength and Conditioning for Men's Basketball at the University of Oregon, shares his extensive experience in the basketball and strength conditioning fields. He discusses the transition from professional to college basketball, the importance of developing professional habits in athletes, and the challenges of adapting to new roster dynamics in college sports. Cliff emphasizes the significance of individualized training programs, the impact of the NIL landscape, and the necessity of building strong relationships with athletes. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring strength coaches and shares insights from his new project, Elite Basketball Insights (https://www.elitebasketballinsights.com/).

REAL TALK:

🏀 Navigating the transition from professional to college basketball requires different coaching strategies to the same approach.

• 💼 Developing professional habits in athletes is crucial for their success no matter the level.

• 🧠 Individualized training programs are essential for athlete development - but how much individualization is necessary.

• 💰 The NIL landscape has changed the dynamics of college sports significantly.

• 🤝 Building relationships with athletes enhances their training experience - but what's the best approach?

• 🩺 Screening and assessment techniques are vital for understanding athlete needs.

• ⚖️ The integration of traditional and modern training methods is necessary for optimal performance - learn how..

  
  

• 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: @thesciencebasedlifter

  👤 Justin: @jrey.strength

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

In this episode, Craig Turner and Justin Ray discuss their personal training philosophies, the adjustments they make in their programs, and their pet peeves in both public gyms and basketball weight rooms.

They emphasize the importance of gym etiquette, respect for others, and the significance of nutrition and recovery strategies in achieving fitness goals. The conversation also touches on the challenges of maintaining focus in a gym environment and the need for effective communication among athletes and coaches.

REAL TALK:💪 Your training programs should always fit your individual goals and needs.
😴 Rest and recovery are crucial part often overlooked even by coaches
🤝 Gym etiquette is essential for a respectful environment.
🥗 Nutrition plays a significant role in training success.
📊 Tracking calories can provide valuable insights into eating habits.
🗣️ Communication is key in a team training environment.
⏰ Respecting others' time in the gym is important.
📵 Using phones in the gym can be distracting and counterproductive.
🌟 Creating a positive training atmosphere benefits everyone.
🎧 Engaging with listeners can enhance the podcast experience.

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: @thesciencebasedlifter

👤 Justin: @jrey.strength

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

Where do you place your chest exercises in your library?

• Start it (means it has to be in the program)
• Sixth Man (its in your rotation but not an essential piece - bring it out when you need it to impact)
• Bench it (these don't get used and see no love)

In this conversation, hosts Craig Turner (@CTSPORTSCIENCE) and Justin Rey (@JREY.STRENGTH) delve into various chest exercises, discussing their personal favorites, the effectiveness of different techniques, and the importance of fitting the right exercises to the individual.

They explore the cambered bar bench press, dumbbell variations, push-ups, and machine training, while also addressing the limitations of certain exercises like the decline bench press (that may end up being benched - literally).

The discussion emphasizes the significance of stability and proper form in achieving optimal results for both bodybuilding and athletic performance in basketball.

THE REAK TALK:

💪 The cambered bar bench press as the best conventional chest press?
🏀 Dumbbell bench press gives more degrees of freedom — perfect for athletes
🧠 Does the mind-muscle connection enhance workout effectiveness?
✊ Push-ups can be a valuable exercise for basketball players — if done right
⚠️ Decline bench press — the deadliest chest press?
🎯 Cable flys can target the chest more effectively than presses!
🧱 Stability in exercises is crucial for performance, muscle growth, and decreasing risk
🔥 Guillotine press is a unique variation worth trying (at least in your warm-up)
🔄 Incorporating variety in chest training can lead to better results than one "optimal" exercise

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, we sit down with strength and conditioning coach and self certified hooper Nate Melendez - to explore what it takes to truly support basketball athletes today. Nate shares insights on building authentic relationships to earn athlete buy-in, leveraging social media as a coaching tool, and using research and athlete feedback to create effective programs. We dive into how the coaching landscape is shifting with NIL, the importance of adaptability when working with diverse players, and the reality of balancing family life with coaching demands. REAL TALK:

• 🤝 Building relationships with athletes is crucial for buy-in.

• 📱 Social media can be a powerful tool for coaches but its not all about followers

• 📚 Research provides the foundation for effective programming.

• 🗣️ Athlete feedback is essential for improving training methods.

• 💰 The coaching landscape is changing with NIL opportunities.

• ⚖️ Work-life balance is a challenge for coaches with families.

• ❗ Not all successful programs are research-backed.

• 😊 Being a good person can enhance an athlete's career.

• 🔄 Adaptability is key in coaching, especially with diverse athletes.

• ⚠️ Pistol Squat: Difficult and may not be practical for all athletes.

  
  

  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

  👤 Nate: @natemelendez_

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

In this episode, Hosts Craig Turner (@ctsportscience) and Justin Rey (@jrey.strength) take you deep into the world of squat variations, unpacking what really works — and what doesn’t — for basketball performance.

From the classic back squat to the often-overlooked hack squat, pendulum squat. We weigh in on the leg press, safety bar squat, and many other exercises that cover this pattern.

Breaking down the benefits, risks, and real-world application of each exercise for hoopers and more.

This high-energy discussion wraps up with a fiery debate on the polarizing pistol squat: can it actually drive muscle growth, and does it have any place in a hoops training program?

REAL TALK TAKEAWAYS:

🏋️‍♂️ Back Squat: Often misapplied and overrated.
🏗️ Smith Machine: Provides stability and allows for deeper squats.
💪 Hack Squat: Underutilized in many training programs.
🔩 Pendulum Squat: Can be a game changer for athletes.
🦵 Leg Press: Offers a safer alternative for loading the quads.
🛡️ Safety Bar Squat: May be the best option for many athletes.
🚫 Zercher Squat: May not be suitable for basketball players.
🔀 Trap Bar: A hybrid approach to squatting.
🏆 Goblet Squat: Useful but not the best for loading.
⚠️ Pistol Squat: Difficult and may not be practical for all athletes.

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.