Episode overview
In this Trainer Spotlight, Brandon Schultze breaks down how he uses first principles of biomechanics to solve pain, individualize training, and keep clients consistent for the long haul—whether they are day-one lifters or NFL/NHL vets. He shares how obsessive “hobby guy” energy turned a failed backcountry trip into a lesson in embracing messy first attempts, the path from box-gym trainer to international educator, and why simple exercises done well usually beat flashy Instagram drills. Listeners also get a peek behind the curtain at how Brandon uses tools like TrainHeroic and Squarespace to streamline client experience, communication, and business systems.
Key takeaways
* Principles first, person always: Brandon repeatedly comes back to the idea that the principles of biomechanics are universal, but the expression must be tailored to the human in front of you—their training age, history, and current limitations.
* Shoulder–hip–spine as anchors: When troubleshooting pain and “mystery” issues, he starts with the big three—shoulders, hips, and spine—then looks for where clients are overexposed or underexposed to specific positions and loads.
* Train the root, not the symptom: Low back pain is often a hip, foot, or center-of-mass problem, so he prioritizes improving movement options instead of only hammering the painful area.
* Simple beats flashy: Brandon encourages clients to send him social media exercises and then deconstructs them into primary, secondary, and tertiary benefits, usually swapping overly complex drills for simpler, better-fitting options.
* Reframing goals to “move better”: When clients show up with a laundry list of goals—lose fat, gain muscle, get strong—he starts by getting them moving better so training is pain-free and sustainable enough for those outcomes to actually happen.
* Consistency as the real stimulus: Across fat loss, hypertrophy, and performance, the through-line is consistency over time; his job is to remove roadblocks (pain, poor movement, confusing programs) that disrupt training streaks.
* Experience > formal letters: Brandon’s path did not include a kinesiology degree; instead, he leaned on a two-year personal training program, 30–40 certifications, and big-box-gym reps to build pattern recognition with real people.
* Curiosity and mentorship: He emphasizes curiosity, doing continuing education, and seeking mentors as non-negotiables for coaches who want to provide a high level of service.
* Tech as a force multiplier: Tools like TrainHeroic (for in-person and online programming) and Squarespace (for scheduling, payments, forms, and email) free up his time so he can coach more and admin less.
Connect with Brandon
* Instagram: @brandon.schultze
* Website: Atomic Performance / coaching info
* His Podcast:
