On today’s Davis Fitness Method Podcast, Steven Davis sits down with Tris Casen to unpack what people really mean when they say, “I want to get strong” or “I’m always out of breath on hills.” We translate fuzzy goals into clear training targets, break down aerobic work (steps vs. cardio), and dig into why joints hurt during lifts—and how to fix it. From hiking Kilimanjaro prep to surfing shoulders and even Seattle light-rail “core training,” this one’s packed with practical carryover.

You’ll learn

• How to define “strength” so you can actually measure it and see progress

• The difference between steps, steady state, and intervals—and when to use each

• Why skill specificity matters (and when general strength is enough)

• Three reasons your joints hurt during lifts (and a simple fix order of operations)

• How to build conditioning without trashing recovery

• Real-life carryover: stairs, hikes, surfing, mountain biking, and more

Key takeaways

• Relative strength + aerobic base = everyday performance wins.

• Do both: steady state to drop resting HR, intervals to handle inclines/effort spikes.

• Pain ≠ doomed joints: clean up position → tempo → load and rebuild capacity.

• Practice the task when it’s high-skill; otherwise get generally strong and conditioned.

• Program stress with “high/low” rhythm so recovery can actually happen.

Mentions / Concepts

• Zone 2 vs. intervals (10/50s, 30/30s, 5:2 blocks)

• Resting heart rate, HRV, VO₂-style adaptations

• Tibial rotation, pronation, “happy puppy vs. bouncer” posture cue

• Trap bar deadlifts, goblet squats, leg press positioning

• Real-world prep: hiking, surfing, boxing, rowing, Hyrox

CTA

• Want a personalized strength + conditioning plan that actually carries over to your life? 👉 Apply for coaching: DM @the_mister_davis or email steven@davisfitnessmethod.com with subject “Carryover” and we’ll send you a quick intake + assessment options.

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