Shows
Speed Strength ShowEpisode 66 - Training the Tendons Part 1This episode Christian and Tommy begin their two part series on training the tendon. In the opening part, they dive into some of the science and anatomy that underpins how tendons function. This leads to notions around training principles, injury risk and tissue adaptation. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2023-09-141h 19Speed Strength ShowEpisode 65 - Working with ParasportThis episode Christian and Tommy discuss their experiences working with Parasport. Christian is able to share a lot about the unique aspects of training in Athletics working with some of Canada's best para athletes. The two discuss training considerations, programming and how to manage the facility for this type of training. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2023-09-011h 24Speed Strength ShowEpisode 64 - Weight Room Culture with Cole HergottThis episode Christian and Tommy welcome Trinity Western University Head Strength Coach Cole Hergott to the show. Cole is well known for creating a unique atmosphere in "Sparta" full of hard work, fun challenges and athlete's just getting better. He shares his coaching journey, the ideas he had for developing a solid culture of training and how he addressed challenges along the way. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2023-08-101h 08Speed Strength ShowEpisode 63 - Enhancing Performance of the Foot Part 2This episode Christian and Tommy close out the two part series on training of the foot. This time the two expand on the previous episode to share their training ideas. They discuss how they assess this area, programming progressions for the foot and some new ideas inspired by the research in this area. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2023-07-281h 25Speed Strength ShowEpisode 62 - Enhancing Performance of the Foot Part 1This episode Christian and Tommy begin a series on training concepts for the foot. The foot is often times forgotten about when it comes to training and performance. The two share findings from research and their experience on the foot as it relates to it's anatomical function. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2023-07-071h 25Speed Strength ShowEpisode 61 - Implementing Weightlifting for AthletesIn this episode Christian and Tommy break down some ideas on how to coach and implement weightlifting with athletes. Christian draws upon his background in coaching the sport of weightlifting to highlight some tips on how to use it. The two also share some ways they have been uniquely intertwining weightlifting into their sessions as well as some new ideas for the future. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2023-06-091h 15Speed Strength ShowEpisode 60 - Welcome to Christian PruferThis episode Tommy welcomes Christian Prufer as a co-host to the show. In this episode Tommy thanks Braden for the time and knowledge he shared on the show as he sets off on a new career path. Christian shares his background in coaching and the two discuss their history working together in the coaching world. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2023-05-2655 minSpeed Strength ShowEpisode 59 - Training Considerations for Injuries with Jared Maynard
This episode Braden and Tommy welcome Jared Maynard as this rounds guest to the podcast. They discuss how Jared works with his clients when they experience pain or injury. What solutions can be implemented? How can they still train and work towards being pain free when they exercise? As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2023-05-121h 12Speed Strength ShowEpisode 58 - Motor Learning and Instruction Part 3
The Speed Strength Show is delivering part 3 of this series. In this final segment of the topic, Tommy and Braden explore how they use the theory of motor learning in their day to day coaching. They discuss how coaches and practitioners can determine if learning is occurring and ways to structure sessions for the best possible learning outcomes as per the research. As always this is sandwiched between random banter and this week's music selection.
2023-04-201h 25Speed Strength ShowEpisode 57 - Motor Learning and Instruction Part 2The Speed Strength Show is back (Again). In this second part of the series, Tommy and Braden dive further into motor learning. They discuss how coaches and practitioners can influence learning strategies through the use of cues and appropriate drill selection. As always this is sandwiched between random banter and this week's music selection.
2023-03-101h 07Speed Strength ShowEpisode 56 - Motor Learning and Instruction Part 1The Speed Strength Show is back to regularly scheduled programming. In this long awaited episode, Tommy and Braden dive into the first of a three part series on motor learning. They discuss how learning and perception relate, different models attempting to explain motor learning, and factors influencing learning. As always this is sandwiched between random banter and this week's music selection.
2022-11-181h 19
Speed Strength ShowEpisode 55 - Mental Skills Training with Danae Frentz Part 2This episode Braden and Tommy welcome back Mental Performance Trainer Danae Frentz. They discuss mental skills training as it pertains to specific cases such as mental blocks in training, competition expectations, self efficacy and performance anxiety. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2022-05-241h 12Speed Strength ShowEpisode 54 - Mental Skills Training with Danae Frentz Part 1This episode Braden and Tommy welcome Mental Performance Trainer Danae Frentz. They discuss mental skills training, the difference between mental skills and sport psychology, the value of developing mental skills, as well as what is important for a good foundation. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2022-03-221h 10Speed Strength ShowEpisode 53 - Monitoring and Tracking StrategiesThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss monitoring and tracking strategies. They talk about the qualities a good tracking metric should have, what types of things you should be tracking and how you can use the data you collect. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2022-03-161h 06Speed Strength ShowEpisode 52 - Aerobic Training Considerations Part 3This episode Tommy and Braden discuss aerobic training considerations, focusing on applying this information in practice, as well as new ideas or new ways they plan to include aerobic training going forward. As always this is sandwiched between random banter and this week's music selection.
2022-02-231h 08Speed Strength ShowEpisode 51 - Aerobic Training Considerations Part 2This episode Tommy and Braden discuss aerobic training considerations, focusing on the main adaptations, how they impact aerobic capacity, and how they adapt to training. As always this is sandwiched between random banter and this week's music selection.
2022-02-061h 07Speed Strength ShowEpisode 50 - Aerobic Training Considerations Part 1Episode 50! In this episode Braden and Tommy discuss Aerobic Training Considerations, a general overview of the energy systems, why a base level of aerobic capacity for everyone, and some of the adaptations you can impact with training. For episode 50, this is sandwiched between our favourite moments so far and a thank you to the listeners and each other.
2022-01-221h 07Speed Strength ShowEpisode 49 - Building a S&C Program with Andrew HopfThis episode Braden and Tommy welcome University of Waterloo Head Strength Coach, Andrew Hopf to discuss building and S&C program. He covers developing a curriculum, testing and individualization, building athlete autonomy, and collaborating with sport coaches and athletes. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2022-01-071h 13Speed Strength ShowEpisode 48 - Kettlebell TrainingThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss kettlebell training, including how they are a tool in the toolbox, how they can be used, and some cases where they are the best or only tool for the job. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-12-201h 08Speed Strength ShowEpisode 47 - The Fascial System Part 3This episode Tommy and Braden discuss the fascial system and what to consider in training for performance and health, and how it will influence their training approach going forward. As always this is sandwiched between random banter and this week's music selection.
2021-12-011h 09Speed Strength ShowEpisode 46 - The Fascial System Part 2This episode Tommy and Braden discuss the fascial system including important training considerations, potential methods to target desired adaptations and timelines of said adaptations. As always this is sandwiched between random banter and this week's music selection.
2021-11-171h 06Speed Strength ShowEpisode 45 - The Fascial System Part 1After a short hiatus the speed strength show is back! This episode Tommy and Braden discuss the fascial system including what it is, what it does, how it changes and adapts and why it might be important to consider when creating a training plan. As always this is sandwiched between random banter and this week's or month's music selection.
2021-11-071h 06Speed Strength ShowEpisode 44 - Value of Assessments with Dr. Andrew RobbThis episode Braden and Tommy welcome Chiropractor Dr. Andrew Robb to discuss athlete assessment. He covers the importance of assessment, how it should be used, why it needs to fit the person you are assessing, and some practical takeaways. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-09-171h 10Speed Strength ShowEpisode 43 Warm-Up and Session PreparationThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss warm-ups, including different ways they can be used, increasing their effectiveness and how it should match the session. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-08-211h 08Speed Strength ShowEpisode 42 - Plyometric Training Part 3This episode Braden and Tommy discuss plyometric training, including different ways to classify, organize and progress them, and talk through some questions and ideas the last two episodes provoked. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-08-101h 06Speed Strength ShowEpisode 41 - Plyometric Training Part 2This episode Braden and Tommy discuss plyometric training, including the adaptations you can derive from them and different ways they can be used. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-07-251h 08Speed Strength ShowEpisode 40 - Plyometric Training Part 1This episode Braden and Tommy discuss plyometric training, including what they are and how they were created, the stretch shortening cycle, and some factors influencing specificity. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-07-151h 05Speed Strength ShowEpisode 39 - Applying Psychology to Sport Part 2 with Navio KwokThis episode Braden and Tommy welcome back Navio Kwok and talk about helping athletes identify and develop tools for success including learning orientations, feedback, motivation and highlighting the process. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-07-081h 09
True North Strong: A Sports Performance PodcastEp 5 - Tommy Gingras: Sports Performance Coach & Track & Field Sprints CoachWelcome to Episode 5 of True North Strong: A Sports Performance Podcast.
Join me this episode as I catch up with Tommy Gingras, who is a Sports Performance Coach as well as a Track and Field Sprints Coach. I have known Tommy for many years, first working with him when he was a high school student-athlete and now as close colleagues, so it was great to have some fun with him during the rapid fire portion.
We will dig into his path into coaching, his experiences working with athletes in and outside the sport of track...
2021-06-2541 minSpeed Strength ShowEpisode 38 - Applying Psychology to Sport Part 1 with Navio KwokThis episode Braden and Tommy welcome Navio Kwok to talk about his research in psychology and how it applies to sport and coaching. He digs into leadership, motivation, goal setting and feedback. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-06-231h 39Speed Strength ShowEpisode 37 De-Load & Recovery WeeksThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss de-load and recovery weeks, including their benefits, how you can maximize their effectiveness and how to schedule them. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-06-161h 11Speed Strength ShowEpisode 36 - Bilateral vs Unilateral Training Part 3In part 3 of Bilateral versus Unilateral training, Braden and Tommy share the new ideas that this discussion has revealed with regards to exercise selection and periodization. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-06-081h 07Speed Strength ShowEpisode 35 - Bilateral vs Unilateral Training Part 2In part 2 of Bilateral versus Unilateral training, Braden and Tommy discuss the various benefits each can provide in different situations. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-05-311h 08Speed Strength ShowEpisode 34 - Bilateral vs Unilateral Training Part 1This episode Braden and Tommy discuss Bilateral versus Unilateral training, including how to classify these modes of exercise, the bilateral force deficit and a case for using both in your training. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-05-241h 06Speed Strength ShowEpisode 33 - Performance TestingThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss performance testing, the difference between testing and monitoring, how your data collection can inform training decisions and why it should. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-05-171h 09Speed Strength ShowEpisode 32 - Sitting Volleyball Training with Molly HenneberryIn this episode, we welcome Molly Henneberry, University of Victoria S&C coach for track, swimming and women's rugby and S&C coach for Team Canada Women's Sitting Volleyball to talk Sitting Volleyball training. We discuss what sitting volleyball players need to be able to do, the unique demands placed on them, and how Molly is able to target these through training, as well as how she tracks and quantifies practice and game stress. As always this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-05-101h 07Speed Strength ShowEpisode 31 - Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Part 3This episode Braden and Tommy discuss some of the ways Post-Activation Performance Enhancement could be used, as well as some exciting new ideas they had based on Part 1 and 2. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-05-021h 03Speed Strength ShowEpisode 30 - Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Part 2This episode Braden and Tommy discuss the variables that Post-Activation Performance Enhancement depends upon, including the individual, the conditioning and performance activities, and rest times. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-04-251h 07Speed Strength ShowEpisode 29 - Post-Activation Performance Enhancement Part 1This episode Braden and Tommy discuss Post-Activation Performance Enhancement, including the difference between that and potentiation, how the literature suspects it works, and some constraints and considerations. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-04-171h 03Speed Strength ShowEpisode 28 - Breaking Through Strength PlateausThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss strength plateaus, how strength is task specific, ways to vary your training to continue to progress , and other factors that influence progression and stagnation. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-04-101h 07Speed Strength ShowEpisode 27 - Breaking Through Speed PlateausThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss speed plateaus, how speed is such a volatile adaptation and using movement variation to combat this. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-04-041h 06Speed Strength ShowEpisode 26 - Experimenting with TrainingThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss the importance of continuing to train as a coach, and some of the more interesting, ridiculous or painful training experiments they have done on themselves. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-03-271h 09Speed Strength ShowEpisode 25 - Basketball Training with Jay MelhadoIn this episode, we welcome Jay Melhado, long time friend, mentor and coach to Tommy, to talk Basketball training. We discuss what basketball players really need to be able to do from a needs analysis standpoint, and how Jay targets these attributes in his training, with some of his favourite drills and exercises. As always this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-03-201h 31Speed Strength ShowEpisode 24 - Weight Room Equipment and LayoutThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss positives and negatives of different pieces of equipment, considerations for equipment selection and weight room layout. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-03-111h 04Speed Strength ShowEpisode 23 - Muscle Hypertrophy Part 3This episode Braden and Tommy finish the hypertrophy mini series. They discuss interesting ideas that came up after reading the research and some considerations when applying these principles to real world training. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-03-041h 08Speed Strength ShowEpisode 22 - Muscle Hypertrophy Part 2This episode Braden and Tommy discuss hypertrophy. They dig into some of the published research, reviewing different types of hypertrophy, timelines, and factors that can augment the process. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-02-251h 08Speed Strength ShowEpisode 21 - Muscle Hypertrophy Part 1This episode Braden and Tommy discuss hypertrophy, what it is, who should do it, and dispel some common myths about it. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-02-151h 05Speed Strength ShowEpisode 20 - Movement for Recovery with Zach MarchildonIn this episode Tommy and Braden welcome Zach as the first returning podcast guest. They discuss using movement of the body as a practical recovery tool. They touch on warm ups, cool downs, off/recovery days, and mobility drills. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-02-091h 05Speed Strength ShowEpisode 19 - Fluid Pumps with Zach MarchildonIn this episode the Tommy and Braden welcome Zach Marchildon as the podcasts first guest. They discuss recovery, how the body uses pumps to circulate fluid throughout the body, how this leads to certain adaptations and how we can use it to our advantage. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-02-011h 10Speed Strength ShowEpisode 18 - Weightlifting as a Sport Training Tool Part 3This episode Braden and Tommy discuss weightlifting as a training tool for sports performance. Each of them brings to the table a hypothetical athlete profile, and the deliberate on if and how they would use weightlifting in these individuals training programs. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-01-241h 07Speed Strength ShowEpisode 17 - Weightlifting as a Sport Training Tool Part 2This episode Braden and Tommy discuss weightlifting as a training tool for sports performance. They talk about some of the limitations inherent in weightlifting, and considerations coaches need to make before including it in sport specific training programs. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-01-181h 03Speed Strength ShowEpisode 16 - Weightlifting as a Sport Training Tool Part 1This episode Braden and Tommy discuss weightlifting as a training tool for sports performance. They talk about some of the requirements necessary before including weightlifting, as well as some of the benefits or adaptations that can be drawn from it. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-01-111h 06Speed Strength ShowEpisode 15 - Building Buy-InThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss buy-in, what it is, why its necessary and how they build it with their athletes. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2021-01-031h 03Speed Strength ShowSpeed Strength Show Christmas Holiday SpecialThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss Santa training. They talk about how to optimize the 24 hour present delivery process as well as how they would train for the event. This is sandwiched between festively themed random banter and music selections.
2020-12-261h 03Speed Strength ShowEpisode 14 - Team Training ConsiderationsThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss team training. They talk about different ways to individualize programming for a team, working with a coach and players to set team and individual goals, navigating the team and sport culture, as well as team building. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2020-12-191h 05Speed Strength ShowEpisode 13 - Torso TrainingThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss torso training. They talk about different goals of torso training, teaching and developing different skills, as well as strategies they would like to experiment with. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2020-12-111h 05Speed Strength ShowEpisode 12 - Managing Injuries Part 2In the second episode of this two-parter, Braden and Tommy discuss managing injuries. They focus on how they approach dealing with an injury from a rehabilitation standpoint, working with a clinician and reintroducing load to an injured tissue. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2020-12-041h 10Speed Strength ShowEpisode 11 - Managing Injuries Part 1In the first episode of this two-parter, Braden and Tommy discuss managing injuries. They reveal the good and the bad they have learned through their own experiences with injuries. They also talk about the strategies the employ with their athletes to maintain as much training status as possible, potentially progress, and prepare for return to normal training. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2020-11-271h 06Speed Strength ShowEpisode 10 - Mental Barriers in TrainingThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss mental barriers in training. They talk about their own mental barriers in sport, what they commonly see in athletes and strategies they have used to overcome them. They also discuss how mental barriers change with athletes of different backgrounds and experience levels, and how goal setting and milestones can contribute to mental barriers. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2020-11-191h 01Speed Strength ShowEpisode 9 - Training at HomeThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss training at home, expanding on episode 1, training in the new normal. They talk about their own home workout experiences, favourite bodyweight exercises, how to modify exercises for more or less difficulty or to target different attributes. They also discuss shifting the training focus and different experimental ideas they have had. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2020-11-071h 01Speed Strength ShowEpisode 8 - Preparing for CompetitionThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss competition prep as an iterative process, getting to know how the athlete responds to competition and different elements of prep. They also talk about the changes that they make as competition approaches and the factors that influence them. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2020-10-281h 06Speed Strength ShowEpisode 7 - Training SpecificityThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss training specificity and what it means to them. They also talk about the different perceptions of words like specific and functional in the fitness industry, their experiences with selecting more specific exercises, as well as the benefits of specificity and variation. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2020-10-211h 01Speed Strength ShowEpisode 6 - Exercise SelectionThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss exercise selection as a driver of change and adaptation in athletes. They discuss their general program skeletons, factors influencing exercise selection, tailoring it to the athlete, and modifying exercises to produce a desired stimulus. They also touch on some of their favourite core lifts. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2020-10-131h 02Speed Strength ShowEpisode 5 - Assessing Weaknesses Part 2This episode Braden and Tommy continue their discussion on how they identify the weaknesses in the movements of their sports. They mention some of the common flaws they see in the powerlifts and sprinting as well as what drills and exercises can be used to address it. They also share their thoughts on how several factors such as training age, sport demands or other metrics influence their decisions. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2020-10-071h 21Speed Strength ShowEpisode 4 - Assessing Weaknesses Part 1This episode Braden and Tommy talk weakness assessment. They discuss the context for quality movement, what is a weakness versus individual movement characteristic, the non-negotiables for sprinting and the three main powerlifts, and different types of limitations. They also touch on some common compensation patterns. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2020-10-011h 09Speed Strength ShowEpisode 3 - Qualities of Great CoachesThis episode Braden and Tommy discuss what they deem as the attributes that make great coaches great. They talk about continuing to grow your knowledge and skill as a coach, learning from a wide variety of experiences, and learning how to learn. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection
2020-09-231h 04Speed Strength ShowEpisode 2 - Coaching Influences & MentorsThis episode Braden and Tommy share some of their influences in the world of coaching. They talk about how their coaching careers began, who helped them get there, trade stories of the dungeon PAC gym at Waterloo and where to find sound coaching knowledge on the web. As always, this is sandwiched between random banter and this weeks music selection.
2020-09-181h 03Speed Strength ShowEpisode 1 - Training in the "New Normal"This episode Braden and Tommy discuss what it has been like to return to training and coaching following the lockdown. Modifying exercises, using new spaces to train and keeping individuals motivated to train all comes up in discussion. Of course, there is some pointless and potentially humourous banter along the way.
2020-09-141h 05
Speed Strength ShowEpisode 0 - The Speed Strength ShowHello world, this is the debut episode of the Speed Strength Show. Get to know a little bit about Braden and Tommy, your hosts. They discuss coaching backgrounds, their friendship and why they have started the show.
*We may have cursed occasionally, can't remember*
2020-09-0948 min