ABOUT THIS EPISODE — A history-forward conversation that ties classic coaching decisions and reporting to practical programming, equipment selection, and facility setup for safer, more repeatable lifting.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How meet-handling principles inform weekly programming and attempt selection.
Where easy cardio fits to support recovery without dulling bar speed.
Equipment priorities for a stable, confidence-building training setup.
Simple ways to make technique more repeatable from session to session.
KEY TOPICS
Openers, bar speed checks, and selecting thirds based on real-time feedback.
Balancing barbell priority with brief kettlebell or cycling sessions.
Choosing durable free weights, Olympic bars, and flooring solutions.
QUICK ANSWERS
Q: How should lifters pick openers and thirds?
A: Open with a weight you can triple on a normal day; set the third by bar speed and technique on the second, not by a preplanned number.
Q: What cardio supports strength without excess fatigue?
A: Short, easy-to-moderate bouts (bike, row, swings) on non-max days to boost blood flow and recovery while preserving top-end power.
Q: What gear upgrades improve consistency first?
A: A rigid platform or mats, a dependable Olympic bar, and well-matched plates—these stabilize setup and keep bar path predictable.
SHOP THE EPISODE
IRON COMPANY Urethane Bumper Plates
https://www.ironcompany.com/urethane-bumper-plates-iron-company-ic-ubpc?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep66
IRON COMPANY Urethane Hex Dumbbells
https://www.ironcompany.com/urethane-hex-dumbbells-iron-company-ic-u-hex?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep66
IRON COMPANY Premium Powder Coated Kettlebells
https://www.ironcompany.com/premium-powder-coated-kettlebells-iron-company-ic-ppck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep66
North American Made 1,500 lb Capacity Olympic Bar
https://www.ironcompany.com/north-american-made-1500-lb-capacity-olympic-bar?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep66
Regupol AktivLok Economy Interlocking Rubber Puzzle Tiles
https://www.ironcompany.com/regupol-aktivlok-economy-interlocking-rubber-puzzle-tiles?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep66
FULL EPISODE LIST & RESOURCES
https://www.ironcompany.com/podcast?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep66
IRON COMPANY — gym equipment & gym flooring (trusted since 1997) https://www.ironcompany.com
Start here (podcast hub + resources):
https://www.ironcompany.com/podcast
Shop equipment:
• Cardio Equipment (treadmills, bikes, ellipticals): https://www.ironcompany.com/cardio-equipment
• Free Weights (dumbbells, barbells, kettlebells): https://www.ironcompany.com/free-weights
• Gym Flooring (rubber rolls, mats, tiles): https://www.ironcompany.com/rubber-gym-flooring
• Strength Equipment (benches, racks, cages): https://www.ironcompany.com/strength-training-equipment
Training guides:
https://www.ironcompany.com/articles
Government & GSA buyers:
https://www.ironcompany.com/gsa-and-cmas-bid-information
