Shows
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTYour Clients Deserve Better than "It Depends"You've said it a thousand times. Your client asks a question — about an exercise, a rep range, a training approach they saw on TikTok — and you say "it depends." Because it does. Every single question a client asks a fitness professional is context-dependent. Some questions have one layer of context. Some have fifteen. "It depends" is not wrong.But when it's followed by silence, or the next exercise cue, or a pivot to something else — your client walks away no better informed than when they asked. And in Episode 4 of the Smarter Strength Podcast, Dr. David Skolnik makes...
2026-06-0121 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTThe Value Gap: Why Client's Don't See What You're WorthYou know what exercise can do. You've seen it reverse the trajectory of someone's health, eliminate chronic pain, restore confidence, add years to a life. To you, the value of structured physical activity is a 100 out of 100. To most of your clients? It's a 5. That gap — between your real value and their perceived value — is, according to Dr. David Skolnik, the single biggest problem facing fitness professionals today.And it touches everything. It makes it harder to market yourself. Harder to close a new client. Harder to charge what you're worth. It can even make it difficult to c...
2026-05-2520 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTThe Unmotivated Client: How to Reignite Effort and Get ResultsWhen a client's motivation dips, nothing else survives the fall. Compliance drops. Consistency disappears. Effort fades. And without those three things, results become impossible — which circles right back to episode one's core fear: the client who isn't getting results.But here's what doesn't work: yelling louder. Making the program harder. Wondering why a fully employed adult with a family, a mortgage, and a calendar full of obligations isn't matching the energy you bring to the gym floor every day. We can't force motivation. What we can do is get curious, get empathetic, and get strategic....
2026-05-1823 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHow to Guarantee Better Client ResultsWhat's the number one fear every coach carries? That their clients aren't getting results. But before we can talk about client behavior, programming, or nutrition — we need to call out the elephant in the room: Sometimes, we are the problem.WELCOME TO THE SMARTER STRENGTH PODCASTDr. David Skolnik, DPT is back behind the mic — and this time, the mission is bigger. After 98 episodes of the Essential Strength Podcast (last recorded in 2022), David is launching a brand new weekly show designed specifically for fitness professionals who are done consuming content and ready to act...
2026-05-1124 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTDr. Kyle Gillett - Concerning Health Trends & Full Spectrum MedicineOur guest this week is Dr. Kyle Gillett.In today’s conversation, Dr. Gillett and I talk about the concerning health trends he sees in men and women between the ages of 25 and 45 as well as the health trends that those over 50 should be aware of. We talk about the continuum of diet, exercise and pharmaceutical interventions in addressing obesity and the many downstream risk factors associated with excessively high body fat percentages. We also go deep on the topic on infertility - why rates are climbing and what we can do about it.You ca...
2022-07-201h 03
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTFrank Benedetto - How to Avoid Burnout & Design a Life You LoveOur guest this week is Frank Benedetto.On today’s episode, Frank and I talk about why so many healthcare professionals are finding themselves burned out but scared to leave their jobs, when and how to find your niche as a practitioner and I ask Frank if it is ever too early or too late to start a side hustle. Frank is also gracious enough to offer two free tools to help everyone listening design a life they will love and to help them discover their niche - both resources typically reserved for members of The Honey Ba...
2022-07-061h 15
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTDr. Kristin Phillips - Women's Health, Pelvic Floors & Better Sex for AllOur guest this week is Dr. Kristin Phillips, DPT & a Re-Release of the fifth most popular episode in Essential Strength History!Check out our partner on today's episode - Barbell Rehab - and use the code "stronger25" to save $25 off any online continuing education course!Remember - if you are enjoying this podcast, be sure you’re subscribed, and that you’re sharing these episodes with your friends and family who would appreciate what we’re talking about on a week to week basis!Highlights - In t...
2022-06-221h 03
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTDanny Matranga - The Myth of Motivation & Other Common Fitness Mistakes to AvoidOur guest this week is Danny Matranga.In today’s conversation, Danny and I talk about the key elements he wants every client to understand about training, the difference between the idea of a “best diet” vs. “best dietary practices”, what Danny sees as the biggest scam in the fitness industry and the potentially bleak inevitability that we will all eventually have to prioritize our health.Remember - If you’re enjoying this podcast, be sure you’re subscribed, and that you’re sharing these episodes with your friends and family who would appreciate what...
2022-05-111h 02
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTMark Breedon - Strength Training for Women & Breaking Fitness BarriersOur Guest this week is Mark Breedon.Mark is an online strength coach for women who uses strength training to build their confidence in and out of the gym, and make them feel like a confident badass lifter. Mark is passionate about helping those who don't fit the typical mold of someone who is strong and wants to show you that strength training is for everyone. Mark's mission is to change the focus on why we exercise, to move away from training for the weight on the scale and instead use exercise for health, self-confidence, and feeling...
2022-04-2759 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTEbenezer Samuel - How Technology is Lowering the Barriers to FitnessOur guest this week is Ebenezer Samuel.Ebenezer is the fitness director for Men’s Health, the largest men’s media brand in the world, and a personal trainer for a wide range of clients from NFL players to working mothers and from broadcast personalities to firefighters. He's also the head of training innovation at the virtual training platform FlexIt.In today’s conversation, Ebenezer and I talk about how the fitness industry can do a better job of promoting client health vs. specific physical attributes, I get Ebenezer’s insight on how the growing market f...
2022-04-201h 06
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTReed Davis - Metabolic Chaos, Functional Nutrition & Taking Responsibility for Your HealthOur guest this week is Reed Davis.Reed is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner (HHP) and Certified Nutritional Therapist (CNT). He is an expert in functional lab testing and holistic lifestyle medicine. Reed is the Founder of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® (FDN) and the FDN Certification Course with over 3,000 graduates in 50 countries.Our Parter on today's episode is Functional Diagnostic Nutrition - Use this special enrollment link to gain access to the most in-depth nutrition and lab testing certification course ever developed!Remember -
2022-04-131h 07
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTKenny Santucci - Healing the World Through FitnessOur Guest this week is Kenny Santucci.Kenny is the owner of Strong New York and The Strength Club NYC. Kenny has established himself as a top trainer and thought leader in the New York City Fitness LandscapeOur Partner on today's episode is the STRONG Coffee - save 15% with the code ESSENTIAL at checkout!Remember - If you are enjoying this podcast, be sure you’re subscribed, and that you’re sharing these episodes with your friends and family who would appreciate what we’re tal...
2022-03-2358 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTKevin Mullins - Men's Mental Health in the Fitness IndustryOur guest this week is Kevin Mullins.Kevin is a Miami-based personal trainer, Pain Free Performance Lead Instructor, and published author. Kevin and I share many of the same interests and passions in the realm of health & fitness and we are both part of the Pain Free Performance Education team. Our Partner on today's episode is the Pain Free Performance Specialist Certification - save 15% on the BEST weekend certification in the Fitness Industry with the code ESSENTIAL at checkout!Remember - If you are enjoying...
2022-03-161h 04
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTChris Swart - Practical Advice for the Next Generation of Fitness ProfessionalsOur guest this week is Doctor Chris Swart.Doctor Swart is an Exercise Science Professor with a PhD in Exercise Physiology. While this conversation is built on our shared experiences in the field of Exercise Science, there are a lot of universally applicable lessons that can be applied to the pursuit of any career or any stage of life - including the importance of networking early and often, finding mentors and testing your knowledge.Our Partner on today's episode is FNXFit - save 15% on every purchase with the code ESSENTIAL at checkout!
2022-03-091h 09
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTCory Camp - Struggling with Life After Sports & Becoming a Forever AthleteOur guest this week is Cory Camp.Cory is a former Division One athlete, Founder of Forever Athlete and host of the Forever Athlete Podcast. After his athletic career ended, Cory experienced a profound loss of identity and felt that he’d been “locked out of flow” - the state of being where we are at our most creative and intuitive. The realization that he had invested too much of his identity into a single element of life, lead Cory to dedicate himself to helping other athletes make a smoother transition into life after sport. Our...
2022-03-021h 02
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTAstrid Naranjo - Emotional Eating & The Four Pillars of HealthOur guest this week is Astrid Narajo - aka The Anti-Diet Dietician.Our Partner on today's episode is FNX - save 15% on every purchase with the code ESSENTIAL at checkout!Remember - If you are enjoying this podcast, be sure you’re subscribed, and that you’re sharing these episodes with your friends and family who would appreciate what we’re talking about on a weekly basis!Today’s Conversation centers around Astrid’s four pillars of a wholistic health, common self-limiting mindsets that undermine fat loss g...
2022-02-091h 13
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTAustin Cohen - Building the Future of A la Carte FitnessOur Guest this week is Austin Cohen.Our partner on today's episode is STRONG Coffee - save 15% on every purchase with the code ESSENTIAL at checkout!Remember - If you are enjoying this podcast, be sure you’re subscribed, and that you’re sharing these episodes with your friends and family who would appreciate what we’re talking about on a weekly basis!In today’s conversation, Austin and I talk about the origins of FlexIt Fitness, the problem the company is out to solve, and the challeng...
2022-02-021h 00
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTNelly Attar - Grief, Strength & Growing Through AdversityOur guest this week is Nelly Attar.Our partner on today's episode is STRONG Coffee - save 15% on every purchase with the code ESSENTIAL at checkout!Remember - If you are enjoying this podcast, be sure you’re subscribed, and that you’re sharing these episodes with your friends and family who would appreciate what we’re talking about on a weekly basis!Nelly Attar joins us all the way from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Nelly is a sports entrepreneur, trainer and athlete. After completing two degrees...
2022-01-281h 08
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTSarah McDevitt - Demystifying Meditation & Learning to Enjoy the JourneyOur Guest this week is Sarah McDevitt.Our partner on this week's episode is Pain Free Performance - Save 15% with the code ESSENTIAL at checkout!Remember - If you are enjoying this podcast, be sure you’re subscribed, and that you’re sharing these episodes with your friends and family who would appreciate what we’re talking about on a weekly basis!In today's conversation, we talk to Sarah about her personal experiences with anxiety and her realization that, like many of us, achieving the deeper states of med...
2022-01-191h 10
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTAnthony Mendez - How to Double Your Income & Beat the Instagram AlgorithmOur guest this week is Anthony Mendez.Our partner on this week's episode is STRONG Coffee - Save 15% with the code ESSENTIAL at checkout!Remember - If you are enjoying this podcast, be sure you’re subscribed, and that you’re sharing these episodes with your friends and family who would appreciate what we’re talking about on a weekly basis!In today’s conversation, Anthony and I walk about how to define success for yourself rather than measuring your success by someone else definition. We talk about both the big...
2022-01-121h 22
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTJulie Shiller - Get Strong for the Greater GoodOur guest this week is Julie Shiller.Our partner this week is Pain Free Performance - use the code ESSENTIAL at checkout to save 15%Remember - If you are enjoying this podcast, be sure you’re subscribed, and that you’re sharing these episodes with your friends and family who would appreciate what we’re talking about on a weekly basis!In today’s conversation, Julie and I talk about her evolving definition of strength, the benefits of taking risks and intentionally trying things you are bad at, the role of...
2022-01-0559 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTValentina LeQueux - Lessons Learned on the Path to Self LoveOur guest this week is Valentina LeQueux.Our partner this week is STRONG Coffee - use the code ESSENTIAL at checkout to save 15%Remember - If you are enjoying this podcast, be sure you’re subscribed, and that you’re sharing these episodes with your friends and family who would appreciate what we’re talking about on a week to week basis!On today’s episode, Valentina and I talk about her recovery from crippling anxiety and the steps she took to learn to love herself more than ever. We talk...
2021-12-291h 12
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTBrandon Whitehead - Using Food to Fix Your Broken GutOur guest this week is Brandon Whitehead.Our Partner on Today's Episode is FNXFit - use the code ESSENTIAL and save 25% on all your sports nutrition needs!Remember - If you are enjoying this podcast, be sure you’re subscribed, and that you’re sharing these episodes with your friends and family who would appreciate what we’re talking about on a week to week basis!In today’s conversation, Brandon and I talk about the roll of being open to change as it relates to coaching and to being coached. We discus...
2021-12-221h 17
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTDr. Carolyn Stone - Warning Signs & Treatments for Thyroid Disorders, Low Testosterone and Autoimmune DiseaseOur guest this week is Dr. Carolyn Stone.Check out our partner on today's episode - STRONG Coffee - and use the code ESSENTIAL to save 15% off every purchase of organic coffee!Remember - if you are enjoying this podcast, be sure you’re SUBSCRIBED, and that you’re SHARING these episodes with your friends and family who would appreciate what we’re talking about on a week to week basis!Highlights - In today’s Conversation, Dr. Stone defines Hashimoto’s Disease, why it is increasingly common and...
2021-12-1557 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTDr. Kristin Phillips - Women's Health, Pelvic Floors & Better Sex for AllOur guest this week is Dr. Kristin Phillips, DPT.Check out our partner on today's episode - Barbell Rehab - and use the code "stronger25" to save $25 off any online continuing education course!Remember - if you are enjoying this podcast, be sure you’re subscribed, and that you’re sharing these episodes with your friends and family who would appreciate what we’re talking about on a week to week basis! Highlights - In today’s Conversation, Dr. Phillips and I discuss the pros and cons...
2021-12-081h 03
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTMark Bell - Protein Mandates, Fat Proofing Your Home & Lessons Learned from DietingOur guest this week is Mark Bell.Our partner this week is STRONG Coffee - save 15% on every purchase with the code ESSENTIAL! A portion of every purchase helps support this show.REMEMBER - if you are enjoying this podcast, be sure you’re subscribed, and that you’re sharing these episodes with your friends and family who would appreciate what we’re talking about on a week to week basis!HIGHLIGHTS - Mark is back for his second appearance on The Essential Strengt...
2021-12-011h 42
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTPat Darby - Financial Advice for the Fitness Business OwnerOur guest this week is Pat Darby.Our partner on this week's episode is STRONG Coffee - save 15% on every purchase with the code ESSENTIAL at checkout! A portion of every purchase helps support this show.REMEMBER - if you are enjoying this podcast, be sure you’re subscribed, and that you’re sharing these episodes with your friends and family who would appreciate what we’re talking about on a week to week basis! HIGHLIGHTS - In today’s conversation, Pat and I talk about the benefits...
2021-11-241h 10
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHayden Bowe - Raising the Standard on Powerlifting & BusinessOur guest this week is Hayden Bowe.Today's Partner is Pain Free Performance - use the code "essential" to save 15% on any in -person course. Remember - if you are enjoying this podcast, be sure you’re subscribed, and that you’re sharing these episodes with your friends and family who would appreciate what we’re talking about on a week to week basis! Tag the show on Instagram too - @essential.strength.podcast - and tag me - @dr.davidskolnik.dpt - its super fun to see whose listening!Ha...
2021-11-171h 09
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTNatalie Newhart - Lessons Learned from Over Training & Poor Stress ManagementOur guest today is Natalie Newhart.Our Partner on Today's Show - FNX Fitness - Use code "essential" for 25% off every purchaseIn today’s conversation, Natalie and I walk at length about her definition of strength and how it has changed in the last 3 years, why learning to manage stress is just as important as the food we eat and the weights we lift, and strategies for overcoming the compulsive desire to always train harder.Connect with Natalie - @natalie.newhart Connect wi...
2021-11-101h 07
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTFrank Benedetto - How to Avoid Burnout & Design a Life You LoveOur guest this week is Frank Benedetto.On today’s episode, Frank and I talk about why so many healthcare professionals are finding themselves burned out but scared to leave their jobs, when and how to find your niche as a practitioner and I ask Frank if it is ever too early or too late to start a side hustle. Frank is also gracious enough to offer two free tools to help everyone listening design a life they will love and to help them discover their niche - both resources typically reserved for members of The Honey Ba...
2021-11-031h 14
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTDr. Kyle Gillett - Concerning Health Trends & Full Spectrum MedicineOur guest this week is Dr. Kyle Gillett.In today’s conversation, Dr. Gillett and I talk about the concerning health trends he sees in men and women between the ages of 25 and 45 as well as the health trends that those over 50 should be aware of. We talk about the continuum of diet, exercise and pharmaceutical interventions in addressing obesity and the many downstream risk factors associated with excessively high body fat percentages. We also go deep on the topic on infertility - why rates are climbing and what we can do about it.You ca...
2021-10-271h 02
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTDanial Hooper - Using Return on Relationship to Build a BrandOur guest today is Danial Hooper.In today’s conversation, I ask Danial about the role of community within the framework of building a brand, what challenges he has faced in building a digital brand and Danial shares an incredible shift in perspective from assessing Return on Investment (or ROI) to prioritizing Return on Relationship (ROR). Plus I get Danial to spill the beans on some new products and projects coming down the pipe at FNX Fitness.Our Partner on Today's Show - FNF Fitness - Use code "essential" fo...
2021-10-2055 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTCrystal Miranda - All Vibes Welcome & The Dangers of Toxic PositivityOur guest today is Crystal Miranda.Crystal is back as our very first repeat guest and today we are talking about the dangerous nature of Toxic Positivity and the importance of normalizing the full spectrum of human emotions.Today’s episode is being released on October 10, 2021 on World Mental Health Day and in support of Crystal and the non-profit work she is doing through The Healthy Mind Movement - we are releasing a new piece of apparel. I’m sure everyone listening has seen someone wearing a “Good Vibes Only” T-shirt, but what about all the othe...
2021-10-1053 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTSarry Ibrahim - Build Financial Wealth by Learning to Think Like a BankOur guest this week is Sarry Ibrahim. In today’s conversation, Sarry and I talk about how to define financial strength, what it means to Think Like a Bank, the importance of having financial objectives and goals and what Sarry thinks people can do right now to set themselves up for strong financial futures.Sign up for Enduring Strength - Take the guesswork out of your workouts with this year-round program coached by Dr. David Skolnik, DPT. Build Strength, Gain Muscle and Improve Your Endurance with Enduring Strength. Hit the link abo...
2021-10-0655 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTDr. Justin Farnsworth - What the F$CK Happened to Healthcare?Our guest today is Dr. Justin Farnsworth, DPT.In today’s conversation, Dr. Farnsworth and David talk about how the American Healthcare system is failing to keep us healthy and how the Fitness Industry needs to step up to fill the void. They talk about why it is so difficult for people to take personal responsibility for their own health and the dangers of “convenience culture”. This is a no-holds-barred conversation, with a lot of passion - these issues are vitally important and its going to take a lot of difficult discussions to bring about real change.
2021-09-2959 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTBuilding a Healthy Mindset & Busting Fitness Myths w/ Hayley PettinatoOur guest this week is Hayley Pettinato.In today’s conversation, Hayley and I talk about the power of daily affirmations and how to optimize your self-talk. We discuss different forms of journaling, and Hayley and I dive into three of the biggest health and fitness myths that can have damaging effects on both our physical and our mental health.If you have a second, please subscribe to this podcast, leave us a five star rating and write a quick review. It means the world to me, and it helps get this podcast out into th...
2021-09-151h 05
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTSimple Strategies for Being Happy & Healthy w/ Mads FriisOur guest this week is Mads Friis.On today's Episode, Mad's and David discuss strategic goal setting, the importance of sleep and rest, and why so many people are unhappy despite their perceived success. Mads is, by his own admission, excessively curious and this curiosity has lead hum to question why so many people seem so unhappy and unfulfilled. It is his mission with his Podcast and his coaching business, to help as many people as he can figure out what makes them happy, where they want to be in life, and show them how...
2021-09-081h 02
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTAdapt or Die: A Lesson on How to Handle Hard Things w/ Joe SullivanOur guest this week is Joe Sullivan.In today’s episode, Joe and I talk about the origin of his “Adapt or Die” mentality, the importance of family, what makes a good coach and Joe answers some questions from gym members at my home gym, American Raw Fitness out here in Gilbert, Arizona.Joe is an All Time World Record holding powerlifter, a coach, an entrepreneur and an educator. He is very familiar with hardship and speaks frequently on the power of mindset as it relates to overcoming difficult circumstances.Our Partner on Toda...
2021-09-011h 08
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTFrom Consumption to Action: How to Build a Brand on Instagram w/ Kandace HudspethOur Guest this week is Kandace Hudspeth.On today’s episode, Kandace and I talk about all the things you need to know to leverage Instagram to support your personal brand and business. From how lay out your page, build trust, increase interaction and help people transition from consuming your content to taking action on it.Kandace is a career brand strategist and lifelong fitness enthusiast who pivoted her career, from big agency leadership to fitness business and brand innovation. With 20 years building brands and crafting digital marketing strategies, Kandace brings proven growth an...
2021-08-251h 09
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTWho is David Skolnik? w/ Guest Host Christian CarranzaOur guest today is David Skolnik. We’re changing things up to make episode 50 with something special. Today, my producer - Christian - is interviewing me. The idea is, a reintroduction of sorts. Now that we’re 50 episodes in, I know it’s not just my mom and dad and a few friends listening any more, so getting to know who I am, and why I do what I do seemed the pertinent thing to do. Connect with David - @dr.davidskolnik.dptConnect with the Show - @essent...
2021-08-181h 29
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTEating to Achieve Your Goals w/ Hallie TobiasOur guest this week is Hallie Tobias.In our conversation today, Hallie and I talk about how to eat to achieve specific goals, we talk about the psychology and personal development aspects of nutrition coaching, and I learn what has surprised Hallie the most about working as a nutrition coach.Check Out Our Partner on Today's Episode - FNX Fitness Save 15% off any purchase of the BEST nutritional supplements in the game!Use the code "ESSENTIAL" at checkout to save some dolla dolla bills ya'll :)Connect with Hallie...
2021-08-1159 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHow to Turn Circumstance into Opportunity w/ Joe RinaldiToday’s guest is Joe Rinaldi. Joe is a Doctor of Physical Therapy based on Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - but Joe will tell anyone who asks that he is far more than his professional title. His personal mission is to serve, love, encourage and inspire everyone he meets, and to leave the world better than he found it. There is a contagious positivity about Joe that I am sure everyone listening will feel.In today’s conversation, we talk about who Joe wants to be and the work he is doing to become that pers...
2021-08-0456 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTReimagining Health & Wellness with Full Spectrum CBD w/ Matt LombardiOur guest this week is Matt Lombardi, Former Professional Hockey Player, Entrepreneur, Avid Cross-Fitter and Co-Founder of Beam, a THC-Free CBD brand committed to producing the best possible products for better everything. In our conversation today, Matt and I talk about CBD and why it stood out to him as an athlete surrounded by a million different supplements. We talk about Beam, their core products, and their mission to reimagine health and wellness. We also discuss the “dark sides” of entrepreneurship that happens behind the flashy ad campaigns and celebrity endorsements.Our partn...
2021-07-2859 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTA Guide to Blazing Your Own Trail in the Fitness Industry w/ Scott HowellOur guest this week is Scott Howell.From training clients in small boutique gyms, to overseeing regional operations at one of the biggest corporate fitness brands to owning his own successful gym business, Scott has seen, and done, more than most in this industry.In today’s conversation, Scott and I talk about the risk and rewards of working for a larger company vs. blazing your own entrepreneurial trail, we talk about whether there is any such thing as “stability” in the workplace anymore, and I get Scott’s insight into how he has crea...
2021-07-211h 12
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTThe Pursuit of Fulfillment & Finding Community w/ Conny SchneiderOur guest this week is Conny Schneider. Conny is the owner of KomplexFit in Petaluma, California. She is a personal trainer, community builder, knowledge seeker and as you’re learn today - not afraid to take bold steps in pursuit of fulfillment.In today’s conversation, Conny and I talk about the strength that was required to pick up her entire life and move from Germany to Northern California after high school, how she first got involved in the fitness industry, her decision to start her own business and the challenges she faced when she she realized it was...
2021-07-141h 05
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTA Practical Guide to Being a Strong Leader w/ Layci NelsonToday’s Guest is Layci Nelson.In today’s conversation, Layci and David talk about the differences between someone in a leadership position and someone who is a real leader, why ego checks and apologies are key components of effective leadership, and the potential pitfalls of becoming friends with your employees.Follow Layci - @layci_nelsonFollow David - @dr.davidskolnik.dptFollow the Show - @essential.strength.podcastCheck Out our Partner - GetPPSC** Use the Code "essential" to take 10% off any in-person GetPP...
2021-07-071h 09
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHow to Have Effective & Empathetic Conversations About Weight w/ Gabi DixsonOur guest this week is Gabi Dixson.Today’s conversation is focused on how health and fitness professionals, and the public at large, can have more effective and empathetic conversations about body weight, and how the lived experience of being in a bigger body shapes one’s outlook on life.Gabi is the Winner of New Zealand’s Strongest Woman 2020 and is currently training for USPA Powerlifting Nationals in July 2021 and World’s Strongest Woman in November 2021. She is also an aspiring coach on a mission to create space for black and brown people i...
2021-06-301h 03
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTPlaying the Long Game in the Fitness Industry w/ Andrew CoatesToday’s guest is Andrew Coates. Andrew is a personal trainer based in Edmonton, Alberta Canada. He hosts a weekly podcast called Lift Free and Diet Hard, and is a prolific writer in the fitness space who has contributed articles to T Nation, True Coach, The PTDC and Generation Iron. He is a mentor, and a bonafide scholar of all things health and fitness.Follow Andrew - @andrewcoatesfitnessFollow David - @dr.davidskolnik.dptFollow the Show - @essential.strength.podcastOur Partner on today's episode is GetPPSC - us...
2021-06-2359 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTIs Mindfulness Training the Key to More Effective Policing? w/ Richard GoerlingOur guest this week is Richard Goerling.Richard is a certified mindfulness trainer, retired police officer and military veteran. He is the founder of The Mindful Badge and specializes in training health, resilience and human performance skills to first responders.Connect with Rich - The Mindful BadgeConnect with David - @dr.davidskolnik.dptConnect with the Show - @essential.strength.podcastCheck out our partner - GetPPSC - and take 10% off any live course with the code essential at checkout!Your Action Plan
2021-06-161h 00
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTCould a Dysfunctional Pelvic Floor be Causing Pain & Limiting Performance? w/ Dr. Michelle Gilpin, DPTOur guest today is Dr. Michelle Gilpin, DPT. Michelle is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who practices out of Evolution Healthcare & Fitness in Portland, Oregon. In Today’s conversation we focus on one particular area of body, the pelvic floor. What is it? What is its function in the wholistic system of the body? What are the signs and symptoms that the pelvic floor is not functioning properly or optimally? And how training the pelvic floor can lead to enhanced performance in both sport and life.Follow Michelle - @drmgptFollow David - @dr.da...
2021-06-0958 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHelping Military Veterans Find Community Through Fitness w/ Chris PhillipsOur guest today is Chris Phillips. Chris is a US Army Veteran who conducted 4 tours of Afghanistan and Iraq as an Infantryman. In 2019, a solider Chris has been especially close with took his own life, and Chris decided it was time to do something. So he created Quality Resilience Fitness, QRF Fit for short, a non-profit organization that uses their proceeds to help veterans pay for gym memberships, entrance fees into lifting competitions, and to find community through fitness. His ultimate goal is to make sure that our Military Veterans know they are not along, and there i...
2021-06-0244 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTSimple, Sustainable Fat Loss w/ Jumha AburezeqOur guest today is Jumha Aburezeq. Jumha is the founder and head nutrition coach at StoopidFit, a health and wellness brand focused on helping people to live a healthier lifestyle as simply as possible. By focusing on simple actionable habits, Coach Jumha has helped hundreds of people lose weight, gain confidence, and feel better than they ever have before. In today’s conversation Jumha and I talk about the biggest pitfalls that trip people up when they are trying to loose fat and change their relationship with food. We talk about the STOOPID easy thing people overlook wh...
2021-05-2648 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTEmpowering the Next Generation of Fitness Professionals w/ Gini GrimsleyToday’s guest is Gini Grimsley - Gini is the Director of Fitness Product for VASA Fitness. She is known for creating cutting-edge programming and introducing approachable, results-driven fitness concepts. She enjoys any opportunity to empower the next generation of fitness professionals and is passionate about furthering their education and expertise to provide opportunities for development and career advancement. Today's conversation spans everything from the common strengths and weaknesses of new fitness professionals, how to build a brand, how to build teams, and how VASA balances aggressive growth in the gym industry while ra...
2021-05-191h 03
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTOvercoming Addiction & Discovering Your Passion w/ Kyle SullivanThis is Episode 27 and our guest is Kyle Sullivan. Kyle has been sharing his story, speaking on his experiences with alcohol addiction, the trials he faced, mistakes he made, lies he told himself and others, and strategies he has used over the last four years to go from the lowest point imaginable - writing his suicide note - to the point where, in his own words he is just “happy to be existing on this planet”, happy to experience everything this life has to offer and happy to connect with anyone and...
2021-01-201h 14
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - Why is an Exercise Habit so Hard to Form?Welcome to this week’s episode of Health & Fitness Friday on The Essential Strength Podcast. This is your 5 minute download of some health and fitness knowledge meant to make you a little bit smarter and a little bit stronger as you head into the weekend!So, why is it that we haven’t evolved to enjoy something as beneficial as exercise? Evolution has created all kinds of hacks, loops and short cuts that in essence trick us into enjoying things that are good for us. But not exercise. Why? In a new book by Harvard Evol...
2021-01-1507 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHow to Live a Courageous Life w/ Patrick SweeneyToday we have a guest that I feel incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to speak with. His name is Patrick Sweeney. He is the author of Fear is Fuel, and a keynote speaker that Inc. Magazine has called “One of the world’s most interesting people”. He is a cancer survivor, a father, and a philanthropist. Patrick spent 6 years interviewing and learning from three dozen of the world’s top neuroscientists on how fear and the act of overcoming it, creates changes in the brain. He took all that knowledge and put it into his book, Fear is Fuel...
2021-01-1357 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - Medical Breakthrough: Miracle Cure?Happy Friday, it’s been … quite a week kicking off 2021. We’ll leave it at that, and move on to the reason you’re here - to gain some health and fitness knowledge as you head into the weekend!We’ve got a really cool, and in my opinion honestly life changing bit of science for everyone today. We’re talking about a breakthrough in preventive medical treatment that has been shown to address an incredible amount of common illnesses, ailments and other maladies. It’s a treatment that is backed by a ton of science and re...
2021-01-0804 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTPreparing for Every Outcome & Trusting Your Training w/ Ricky SimonToday’s guest kicks off 2021 here on The Essential Strength Podcast, and it’s the first in a series of episodes that will all focus on mental health and mental strength. Our guest today is Ricky Simon, a professional UFC fighter from Vancouver, WA whose next bantamweight fight is on January 16th on Fight Island, part of the upcoming UFC Fight Night on ESPN.In today’s episode you will get a glimpse behind the curtain, into the mind of a fighter. We talk about Ricky’s upbringing and how combat sports have been part of his life fro...
2021-01-0646 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTWhat is Your Personal Definition of Strength?Questions or comments? E-mail Us - david@strongerinmotion.com - or hit us up on Instagram - @essential.strength.podcastHave your subscribed to The Essential Strength Podcast yet? - If you’ve enjoyed this podcast so far but have not yet subscribed, that would mean a lot to us.Episode 24Today is Episode 24 and it’s episode unlike anything up until this point. Today, we are sharing a highlight reel of some of our favorite definitions of strength from guests up to this point.
2020-12-1616 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - What's Better: Walking or Running?Questions or Comments? E-mail us! - david@strongerinmotion.comWhat's Better: Walking or Running?There's a lot to unpack in a question like this, but today's episode aims to tackle the two biggest reasons why people might wonder - "Should I walk or should I run?"Want to learn more? Check out the link below for an article from Medical News Today!https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/walking-vs-runningCatch ya'll next week!Want more content? Follow Dr. David...
2020-12-1104 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHow Coaches Can Create Deeper Connections for Better Results w/ Laura PoburanToday is Episode 23 and our guest is Laura Poburan.Laura is the founder and lead mentor of TriggerMapping - a certification and mentorship program for nutritionists, dieticians and wellness coaches. Her core philosophy revolves around how the power of connection and human psychology must be understood and used with clients to cultivate permanent, deep and meaningful change. She is leading a shift in the weight loss industry away from traditional coaching practice towards a more healing-based approach, and preparing coaches to implement this shift and truly support their clients on every level.Reminder
2020-12-0951 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHigher Education in the Pandemic & The Future of Physical Therapy w/ Karin SteereYou are in for a treat this week, an incredibly powerful conversation with Karin Steere, my favorite professor from my PT school program who is still teaching the physical therapists of tomorrow while also completing her PhD in neuroimmunology.I know the title this episode focuses on her roles as an educator and a physical therapist, but the first 30 minutes of this conversation played out more as a conversation about where human beings draw their motivation from, the impacts of our lived experience, and how each person’s journey to healing is uniquely important. I think you’ll q...
2020-12-021h 17
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - The Importance of Strength Training in This PandemicWe know physical activity and exercise is important to our health and well being. And we know that being physically fit reduces the risk of serious complications should we be exposed to COVID-19.But what do most of us think of when we consider being “physically active?” Walking? Jogging? Riding a Bike? We used to think about about going to the gym - and I believe we will again in the future - but even then, there’s a reason the elliptical, the stationary bike and the treadmill are the most frequented pieces of equipment in any globog...
2020-11-2704 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTCounting Macros & Realizing Control is Freedom w/ Cody McBroomToday is episode 21 and we had the pleasure of spending about an hour talking to Cody McBroom, owner of Tailored Coaching Method, host of The BoomBoom Performance Podcast. Cody is an entrepreneur who has built an extremely successful Nutrition Coaching business, he is a nutrition specialist, a coach, a husband, a father and in his own words, he is PASSIONATE about personal development.A few points to look forward to include Cody’s personal story of being the “chubby friend” growing up and when he flipped the switch and decided he wanted to change his body and his li...
2020-11-251h 10
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - Social Jet Lag & Blue Light Blocking GlassesWelcome to this weeks episode of Health & Fitness Friday on The Essential Strength Podcast! This is your bite-sized podcast designed to make you a little smarter and a little stronger heading into the weekend!This week we’re talking about the concept of Social Jetlag and whether or not Blue Light blocking glasses actually work to help improve sleep and recovery and prevent this new form of jet lag we are likely all suffering from to one degree or another. Today’s podcast is inspired by a recent research review from Tailored Coaching MethodSo, what...
2020-11-2004 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTBack In Motion - A Hybrid Approach to Pain w/ Stefi Cohen & Ian KaplanWelcome to this week’s episode of The Essential Strength Podcast! Today is Episode 20, which feels like a big one! It’s one of those nice round numbers that feels like a milestone and we’re lucky enough to have a big guest for today! We had the chance to sit down for an hour with Stefi Cohen and Ian Kaplan of Hybrid Performance Method to talk about their new book, Back In Motion.For those who don’t know, Stefi Cohen is The Co-Owner of HYBRID Performa...
2020-11-181h 05Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - So... I think I had COVID-19My wife and I had COVID-19. Today was my first day back in the gym now that I've achieved the benchmarks for days since first symptoms, days without a fever and symptom reduction. The strangest part - I never actually tested positive, even though my wife, Rebecca, did. We made no effort to distance from each other after I developed symptoms and yet... I still tested negative... TWICE and with two different forms of testing.And that is, in large part, what this episode is about. It's not about the symptoms we experienced, but instead i...
2020-11-1304 min
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTThe Four Pillars of Fitness & Doing "The Work" w/ Maggie DongWelcome to Episode 19 of The Essential Strength Podcast with our guest this week, Maggie Dong - host of the Mind Muscle Enlightenment Podcast and someone who has a powerful message to share about expanding out definition of what it means to be healthy and fit.On today’s episode, we talk about Maggie’s four pillars of fitness, what is means to “do the work” and how the journey is so much more important than the destination. We talk about a recent episode of Maggie’s podcast that I found super interesting, in which she speaks on how forgiv...
2020-11-1156 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - Have People Always Had Back Pain?What’s up everyone, it’s David back with this weeks episode of Health and Fitness Friday. Your bite sized podcast meant to make you a little smarter and a little stronger at the end of every week.We’re still riding the back pain train this week, but we’re taking it BACK IN TIME.Back Pain seems like a modern dilemma. We sit more and more for our jobs, we sit and watch Netflix at home, we sit in our cars and therefore we have back pain.People probably didn’t have back...
2020-11-0604 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHard Work, Grit & Building FNX Fit w/ Adrian ConwayToday’s guest is none other than Adrian Conway - former pro-football player, multiple time CrossFit Games Team Champion, Coach, Podcast Host and Co-Founder of FNX Fit.On today’s episode we talk about Adrian’s athletic background, the birth of FNX and their commitment to building a supplement company grounded in transparency, quality and community, we talk about Adrian’s recent venture into podcasting - he is the host of RISE and POD with Adrian Conway - and I ask Adrian about the importance of two key themes in his life and success - HARD WORK and the...
2020-11-0457 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - Re-training the Brain with Chronic PainCongratulations ! You have made it to the end of another work week and that means it’s time for Health & Fitness Friday here on The Essential Strength Podcast! This is the bight sized podcast meant to make you a little smarter as the week comes to a close!This week we’re talking about how to take control and start undoing some of these painful connections and feedback loops that cause pain when you just think about an activity like walking, carrying groceries, etc.I read a great analogy for neuroplasticity since our last conversation. Neur...
2020-10-3007 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTLearning, Leading & The Importance of Relative Strength w/ Max ArtsisThis is episode 17 and our guest today is Max Artsis. Max is a coach, trainer and speaker based in Los Angeles. In his own words, Max is fortunate to train gold medal Olympians, and athletes in the NFL, MLB, WNBA, NBA, and NCAA. He spent 6 years at Nike World Headquarters, including time as the Nike Master Trainer Network Lead, was the Director of Sport Science and Education for Rokke Performance Therapy, and continually keynotes for companies/conferences globally. He is endlessly fascinated with the psychology of sport, and how the holistic picture of the human behind the...
2020-10-2851 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - Why Do We Feel Pain?Today we’re continuing our conversation about pain, and in particular we’re asking the question - why do we feel pain? What is the point of this unpleasant sensation and why, if it’s so important, does it seem that we all experience it differently?Pain is, at its core, our body’s way of signaling a real or perceived threat. That threat is most commonly one that could cause damage to the physical structure of the body. We experience pain as a way of breaking the pattern and creating a sensation so acutely unpleasant that our atte...
2020-10-2305 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTYoga, Strength Training and Empowering Strong Women w/ Alex PiccirilliToday is episode 16 and out guest is Alex Piccirilli - one of the most effusively energetic and positive people I have the pleasure of calling a friend.Alex is a Certified Group Fitness Instructor, Personal Trainer and RYT-200 Yoga Teacher who recently left Portland and moved to Nashville, TN. As a coach, Alex focuses on moving with intention and integrity, building confidence through strength, and holistically increasing performance in a fun and sustainable way. She grew up playing sports and discovered her love of strength training through college athletics as a cheerleader at the University of Miami...
2020-10-2158 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - Chronic Pain Changes Your BrainToday we’re continuing our conversation about pain, and in particular today we’re talking about how it literally changes your brain.Because the experience of chronic pain is associated with multiple networks of the central nervous system, it is actually classified as a Central Nervous System Disorder with sensory, cognitive, emotional and behavioral elements.Long story short, the brain is a complex and interconnected structure - in the case of pain, the areas of the brain responsible for interpreting the messages coming from other areas of the body are connected with the areas responsible for...
2020-10-1605 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTInjury, Mentorship & Building SoCal Powerlifting w/ Zack BartellToday is Episode 15 and our guest is the Great and Powerful Zack Bartell.Zack Bartell is the sole owner of SoCal Powerlifting, located in Irvine California. He is a retired competitive powerlifter, and also works as a business coach to fitness businesses around the country, helping them grow and scale their own operations. On today’s episode, Zack takes us back to when his powerlifting career was ended prematurely due to injury and puts himself back in that moment when his entire identity was ripped away from him. We talk about the how SoCal Powerlifting cam...
2020-10-1452 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTMotivation Monday - Be UncommonIt’s the little things we do that either moves us forward towards high achievement or pulls us backward towards the safety of low expectations.When most stop…keep going. Risk safety for uncertain.Let your values and principles serve as anchors during the inevitable storms that life sends your wayMike is back with another Motivation Monday segment!This one will help you shed the fear and mediocrity that comes with "the crowd." It might be just the spark you need break free and begin to live the life YOU want...
2020-10-1208 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - Low Back Pain and Exercise: What Does the Evidence Say?Last week we began our conversation about pain and the importance of continuing to find ways to stay active and keep mobile even in the presence of pain. Today, we are going to zoom in a little bit and discuss Low Back Pain and the state of the literature as it relates to what does and does not work when it comes to exercises designed to rehabilitate chronic low back pain.In particular, we’re talking about the findings of a literature review published in December, 2018 that looked at various common exercise paradigms used to address low ba...
2020-10-0906 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTIntegrated Healthcare & Fitness w/ Brad FarraToday is Episode 14 and our guest is Brad Farra. Brad is a sports chiropractor and the owner of Evolution Healthcare and Fitness in Portland, Oregon. Evolution is the Premier Integrated Healthcare and Fitness Facility in the Pacific Northwest, and a unique look into what many of us in the healthcare and fitness industries becomes common place - a single facility boasting Physical Therapy, Chiropractic, Massage, Acupuncture, Naturopathic Medicine and Dietetics along with a group of experienced coaches and trainers all working in concert under a single roof, supporting one another and pushing each other to be better....
2020-10-0758 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - Can I Train with Pain?Happy Friday!Let's talk about pain - and specifically, can you continue training when if you have pain?Short answer to a very complex question: YES...most of the time. There are some caveats to this answer, and LOT's more to talk about moving forward but here is the biggest take home from today's episode:If you are experiencing mild pain (At or below 4/10) you likely SHOULD continue to train with modification to ensure you aren't making your pain get WORSE during exercise. In general, our bodies heal faster when we stay active...
2020-10-0207 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTKettlebells, Coaching & The Greater Good w/ Holly MyersHello My Friends!This is Episode 13 of The Essential Strength Podcast and our guest is Holly Myers.Holly is a coach and business owner based in Portland, Oregon. Along with her partner, Arryn, she owns Lift With Holly and Arryn - an online coaching business with the mission of Creating a Kinder Fitness Industry through Play, Awareness and Courage. The emphasis of their platform is coaching other coaches on how to get stronger and move more joyfully using barbells, kettlebells and other modalities. Much in the same was that The Essential S...
2020-09-301h 03Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - Physical Activity, Aging & The PandemicOn today’s episode of Health & Fitness Friday, we’re talking about the importance of maintaining physical activity as we age, and how COVID-19, with all it’s health risks and policies, has made it harder than ever for older adults to get the recommended amount of weekly physical activity.To frame the situation, let’s quickly re-cap: COVID-19 becomes increasingly dangerous with pre-existing conditions, such as the types of chronic medical conditions common in older adults such as heart disease, respiratory diagnoses, and hypertension among. All of this happens at the same time as the aging process...
2020-09-2505 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTThe Historic Power of Rhythm w/ Steven SkolnikHello friends! Welcome to another episode of The Essential Strength Podcast. After a week off that involved moving from Northern California to Phoenix, Arizona … we are back to our normally scheduled Wednesday full-length episodes and this one is particularly special to me personally because I had the chance to sit down with my brother, Steve Skolnik, to talk about the power of rhythm throughout history, and how much like strength, rhythm is ever present in our lives, and in the world all around us. In this episode you’ll learn about Steve’s path from a little kid who...
2020-09-231h 04Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTMotivation Monday - The Unlikely LaborMike McCastle recently completed an Unlikely Labor, pulling a 2.5 ton truck for 10 miles along the Dalton Highway in freezing temperatures. This labor took him into the Arctic Circle, and beyond the what the vast majority of people may consider the limits of human achievement.But for Mike, this labor was more about relief than about the struggle. Relief from an anguished mind, struggling to come to grips with the loss of a previously planned labor, one that is a part of a series of tasks he has but one lifetime to complete, and all of which serve...
2020-09-2112 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTWhat Cancer Can Teach Us About Strength w/ Dr. Shai Sewell, DPTHello friends, and welcome to this week’s episode of the Essential Strength Podcast! This is episode 11 and I had the pleasure of speaking this week with one of my best friends and fellow physical therapist Shai Sewell. We talked about his experiences as a physical therapist working with cancer patients, and also about what he learned from the time his mother spent battling cancer, and how her spirit and fight informed his decision to pursue this unique career and become an advocate not just for his patients, but for the professionals working to serve this population.We...
2020-09-091h 14Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - The American Health EmergencyThere is a health emergency in this country, and it dates back far longer than this novel Corona Virus, COVID-19. But now, it's directly effecting our citizens risk of contracting the Corona Virus, as well as their risk of hospitalization and even death.We are a sick country, and unfortunately our system is set up to respond only after we become sick, rather then helping us find and maintain true health.It's a band aid approach to wellness that is not just failing us, it's literally doing us harm. Think of all of our pills...
2020-09-0406 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTThe Incredible Power of Accepting Change w/ Chase ChewningHello friends and welcome to Ep. 10 of The Essential Strength PodcastToday we are talking with the one and only Chase Chewning, host of Ever Forward Radio.We get into a lot of deep topics in this episode - from why people fear change to what happens in our own heads when we are left alone with our thoughts.Chase and David talked about quite a few books during today's episode, In no particular order, here are the books that were mentioned:1. Shoe Dog by Phil Knight 2. Ego...
2020-09-0259 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - The Benefits of a Gym BuddyWelcome to another edition of Health & Fitness Friday. Your weekly mini-podcast covering health and fitness knowledge that will leave you a little smarter and a lot more motivated in less than 10 minutes!The topic this week - Gym BuddiesMost people have an intrinsic sense of why it’s good to have a gym buddy or a workout partner. But what does the research say? Is there more to it than just having a friend to keep you accountable?Researchers at the University of Aberdeen set out to answer that question, an...
2020-08-2105 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTEmotional Trauma, Stress and Injury Risk w/ Shauna EricksenCan emotional stress increase your risk of physical injury?That's just part of the question that today's guest, Shauna Ericksen, is attempting to answer with her PhD research. It's the type of question that could create a major shift in how coaches manage athletes, how athletes advocate for their own well being and have a ripple effect into so many other areas of sport.Shauna Ericksen is an Athletic Trainer with a Masters Degree in Sports Conditioning and is currently pursuing her PhD at Concordia University in Montreal, Quebec. In her time as an Athletic...
2020-08-191h 02Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - Why Everyone Should Train Like an AthleteWhat is it that you love to do the most? We're talking specifically about things that involve physical activity - gardening, cycling, adult league softball, summer hiking, etc.Now - consider that your "Sport"Training and thinking more like an athlete, using concepts like off season training and in season training, can be the key to unlocking better performance in any activity you love to do. Whether than means using the winter to get your grip stronger and your low back stronger for those house of gardening you know are coming as soon...
2020-08-1410 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTCreating A Bright Future for Health & Fitness w/ Michael MashWhat if healthcare providers and fitness professionals worked together in an integrated system that built people up to become the strongest, healthiest, most resilient versions of themselves? Sounds amazing, right? Well, there are a handful of people laying the groundwork for this future, and today's guest is one of them. Dr. Michael Mash, PT, DPT, CSCS is the owner and founder of Barbell Rehab, an educational company dedicated to helping rehab and fitness professionals improve their management of barbell athletes. His flagship course, The Barbell Rehab Workshop, is available in both a home-study forma...
2020-08-1248 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - Should You Use a Collagen Supplement?Collagen Supplements - What are they, who should take them, where should you get them?Let’s actually start with that last point - where should you get your collagen supplements? Well, it just so happens that we have our first partner on the Essential Strength Podcast! Super stoked to say we are working with the great people at FNX Fitness, which is where I personally have been getting the majority of my supplements for the last 2 years - Including their Resilience CollagenBy the time I’m done talking about the benefits of c...
2020-08-0704 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTStrength is Never a Weakness w/ Mark BellMark Bell has a saying - "Strength is Never a Weakness and Weakness is Never a Strength."Today on Ep. 06 of The Essential Strength Podcast, Mike and David had the honor of spending over an hour talking to the one and only Mark Bell about how strength plays a roll in his life inside and outside the gym. While most people are familiar with "Smelly" as the owner of Mark Bell's Slingshot and Super Training Gym, the man who has squatted 1,000lbs and continues to workout like a savage - we wanted to know how he uses...
2020-08-051h 22Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - What Happens When You Don't Sleep?Sleep deficiencies have both long term and short term impacts on your health. And while sleep is one of the most fundamental ways to improve our health and well being, it is also one of the easiest to overlook. In our modern world, full of endless entertainment and information, 33% of American Adults get less than 6.5 hour of sleep per night. As you'll learn in this week's Health & Fitness Friday mini-pod, habitual sleeplessness has both short and long term effects that are universally negative.Today's mini-pod was inspired by a recent blog from Precision Nutrition, which you can...
2020-07-3105 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTAchieve Your True Potential by Training Your Mind & BodyAchievement lies on the other side of struggle.Unfortunately, for almost all of us, our minds will persuade us to stop long before we find out just how much we can struggle and still overcome. Ultimately, that's what this conversation is about. David & Mike start by talking about how they approach hard training sessions, and what years of repeated exposure to physical challenges has taught each of them about their bodies and minds. As the conversation progresses, the discussion moves well beyond just physical training and into a discussion of how often the limits we...
2020-07-291h 01Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTHealth & Fitness Friday - Do Strong People Live Longer?Happy Friday Everyone!David here to announce that we are launching a new component of The Essential Strength Podcast today called Fit & Healthy Friday!!Every Friday you will get a bite sized podcast covering a health and fitness topic that you can apply to your own life. Think of it as a little gift at the end of a long week, and something to take with you into the weekend as motivation to keep moving in the right direction - THE HEALTHY DIRECTION!Today, we're reviewing an article that...
2020-07-2404 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTThe Psychological Science of Diet and Behavior Change w/ Dr. Cat SteeleAddressing obesity isn't as simple as "eat less, move more". On this episode we sit down with Dr. Cat Steele to learn how the food we eat literally changes our brain, why food cravings are so powerful, and what we each can do to support healthy eating choices.Dr. Cat Steele has a PhD in Psychological Sciences from Kansas State University, and completed postdoctoral work in Clinical Nutrition. She will be starting as an Assistant Professor in Psychology at Texas A&M International University in August, where she will teach and conduct research in human...
2020-07-161h 08Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTMomento Mori - Find Strength in Your MortalityGet comfortable with your own mortality.While many people seem to act as if they will live forever, this is simply not the way things work. No one in history has ever escaped the ultimate exit plan - death. Along with birth, it is the defining characteristic of human life which unites all people regardless of class, religion, or nationality.Despite it's certainty, however, few people contemplate the reality of death because it's too grim. But what if something as certain and universal as mortality could be harnessed as a tool to build your strength...
2020-07-0853 minSmarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTData Driven Strength w/ Brian BuckOn Episode 2 of The Essential Strength Podcast, David & Mike sit down (virtually, of course) with Brian Buck, Director of Sports at Sparta Science. The conversation starts with an exploration of Brian's path to his current position; his education, his time as an outfielder in the Major League Baseball system, his mentors in the field of sports science, and his work as a Strength & Conditioning Coach in the pro sports industry.From there, the conversation shifts specifically to Sparta Science - what they do, and who they aim to serve. Sparta Science is a data collection...
2020-06-301h 00
Smarter Strength w/ Dr. David Skolnik, DPTThe Origin StoryWelcome to the FIRST episode of The Essential Strength Podcast. In this episode, David & Mike introduce themselves and share their backgrounds, including the vital role that STRENGTH has played during challenging times in their lives as well as how they have found the strength to succeed both personally and professionally.As the conversation evolves, David & Mike discuss the power of the mind to turn even the most bleak situations into joyful memories, the importance of finding footholds to climb out of despair, and how mental strength is a practice, not something that comes overnight.
2020-06-1956 min