Navigating Pain and Fitness: Insights from Dr. Donald Mull

Welcome to the latest episode of the Coach U Podcast, where we bring you the latest insights from the world of coaching and sports performance. In this episode, our host, Coach U, is joined by the incredible Alan Dean, head performance coach for Great Britain Baseball and seasoned strength and conditioning coach with over 30 years of experience. Get ready to dive deep into the world of athletic development and coaching as we discuss the power of building personal connections and understanding athletes on a personal level.

Main Topics Covered
1. Holistic Coaching Approach - Building personal connections with athletes.
2. Athletic Development - Non-linear progress and energy management.
3. Technology Impact - Global connectivity and information overload.
4. Movement Proficiency - Quality and efficiency in training.
5. Individual Support - Tailoring encouragement based on personalities.
6. Sport Specific Training - Similarities and differences in cricket and baseball.
7. Social Norms - Teaching life skills and adapting to changes.

Throughout the episode, Coach U and Alan Dean shed light on the significance of kids playing multiple sports, and how this diverse engagement can shape individuals as well-rounded athletes. We explore how playing multiple sports can enhance an athlete's skills across different planes and build robust conditioning. It's not just about physical prowess, but also about allowing for recovery and nurturing both the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. Plus, incorporating fun activities and warm-up games before training can energize and invigorate young athletes, setting the stage for optimal performance and enjoyment.

The conversation takes an inspiring turn as we discuss the significance of combating impostor syndrome and spreading positivity. Alan Dean highlights the impact of genuine relationships with athletes, and the rich rewards that come from understanding and supporting them beyond the boundaries of the sports field. It's a heartfelt reminder of the transformative power of coaching and the deep fulfillment that comes from positively influencing the lives of young athletes.

The impact of technology on coaching takes center stage, with Alan Dean emphasizing the positive possibilities of global connections and information accessibility. However, the discussion prompts reflections on the need to navigate through a sea of information and align it with personal values and coaching philosophies. The communal spirit of the coaching world and the shift towards prioritizing movement quality over sheer strength emerge as paramount themes, underlining the ever-evolving landscape of athletic development and performance enhancement.

Amidst the enriching conversations, the podcast surfaces compelling discussions about the importance of supporting and encouraging young athletes in today's dynamic coaching environment. Alan Dean's insights into understanding athletes as individuals and tailoring support based on their personalities and strengths echo the heart-centered coaching approach that resonates with coaches and athletes alike.

The episode concludes with a captivating conversation on the differences and similarities between sports such as baseball, cricket, and soccer, offering a fascinating glimpse into the diverse world of athletic training and skill development.

Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes and insightful conversations on the Coach U Podcast, where coaching isn’t just a profession, it’s a profound journey of heart, passion, and transformation.

In this episode of the Coach U Podcast, movement specialist Lee Taft shares valuable insights on the connection between fundamental movements, speed development, and athletic performance. Taft's expertise extends beyond traditional speed coaching, as he emphasizes the crucial role of fundamental movement patterns in building a strong base for athletes. 

Let's explore the key takeaways from the episode and how they can benefit coaches and athletes in their training approach.

Embracing Mistakes and Learning:

Taft stresses the importance of allowing athletes to learn from their mistakes, acknowledging that learning often starts with failure. He emphasizes that it's okay for athletes not to be perfect from the beginning and encourages a growth mindset that values trial and error as a part of the learning process.

Progressive Skill Development:

The discussion highlights the value of starting athletes at a manageable pace and gradually increasing the difficulty of skills. By providing detailed feedback and allowing self-reflection, coaches can help athletes better understand skill execution, promoting steady skill development and motor control.

Coaching Flexibility and Problem-Solving:

Taft emphasizes the need for coaches to adapt and encourage athletes to think critically and problem-solve independently. This approach aligns with the evolving nature of coaching and supports comprehensive skill development.

Sprinting Techniques and Training:

Taft provides insights into sprinting mechanics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining specific angles and coordination between arm and leg movements for better efficiency and power output. He also discusses the use of training tools such as wickets to improve running mechanics and prevent overstriding.

Mastering Fundamental Movements:

Taft stresses the importance of mastering fundamental movement patterns before moving on to advanced skills. This emphasis on foundational movements prepares athletes for specific movements in their sports and contributes to injury prevention and long-term athletic development.

Coaches and athletes can apply these principles to create a learning environment that values mistakes, prioritizes gradual skill development, and emphasizes the mastery of fundamental movement patterns. By integrating these concepts into their training, coaches and athletes can establish a strong foundation for athletic success and continuous improvement.

Lee Taft Website 
Coach U Podcast YouTube

Welcome back to the Coach U Podcast! In today's episode, we have a special guest joining us: Dr. Donald Mull.

Watch/Listen on --> YouTube
 
Dr. Mull is here to share his insights and experiences on the current state of the medical system and the importance of collaboration in the health and fitness industry.

Dr. Mull starts by addressing the challenges of high demand and long wait times in the medical system. He believes that urgent care centers, while crucial for saving lives, often prioritize non-urgent cases and leave patients waiting. He advocates for the establishment of more accessible clinics and better reimbursements for healthcare services.

Collaboration and learning from others is a key theme in Dr. Mull's discussion. He emphasizes the importance of humility and being open to learning from professionals in different fields. By breaking down the silos that exist within the industry, professionals can avoid issues like under-dosing and injuries.

Watch/Listen on --> YouTube

In addition to his insights on collaboration, Dr. Mull touches on topics ranging from the importance of patient expertise in their own pain experiences to the need for a complete overhaul of the US healthcare system. He praises the US for its exceptional life-saving capabilities but acknowledges the system's shortcomings in preventive healthcare and chronic illness management.

Join us in this thought-provoking episode as we dive into the intricacies of the medical system, the importance of collaboration in the health and fitness industry, and the steps we can take to improve the well-being of individuals. Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Donald Mull on the Coach U Podcast.
Watch/Listen on --> YouTube

Please join the conversation!  Add comments or ask questions to start a discussion.

00:37 FPM seminars cater to unique health professionals.
05:04 Physical activity important for long-term health.
08:12 Learning from others, pushing industry forward.
10:54 Questioning basics, options, and leverage for health.
13:56 Low back pain cost rising despite advancements.
18:57 Options for pain relief: injections or surgery.
22:29 Guide, understand, provide positive experience, hit guidelines, reassure safety, avoid chronic illness, violate pain expectations.
25:33 Health care system needs holistic approach, empathy
28:31 US spends most on healthcare, worst outcomes.
30:10 Stop. Discipline can change life habits.
34:15 Following World Health Organization guidelines reduces pain.
39:12 Positive relationship with physical activity, expanding capabilities, enjoyment, positive health performances, important for those in pain, gamifying things, making it fun.
40:07 MRI not always necessary for precise treatment.
44:28 Gamification adapts to individual needs for maximum impact.
48:24 Meeting people where they're at, goal-oriented deconstruction. Strength and force for sports, varied approaches needed.
52:07 "Vaccination to decrease injury risk in athletes."
55:07 Trust people, be dumb, ask questions.
57:13 Jumping high, small hands hinder basketball dreams.

Donald Mull's Contact and Content Information 
https://linktr.ee/Kineticimpact

Welcome to the Coach U Podcast, where today's episode features an in-depth conversation with Chris Martin, Coordinator of Minor League Strength and Conditioning for the Houston Astros. Join Coach U and Chris as they delve into the world of sports performance, rehab, and strength training in baseball.

In this episode, Chris shares valuable insights on the use of caffeine for performance enhancement and its impact on sleep, the benefits of various supplements, and the importance of high-quality, third-party tested products in unregulated markets.

You will gain insider knowledge on player rehabilitation, training, and recovery practices, as Chris discusses the collaboration and communication within the rehab team and the implementation of velocity-based training VBT techniques.

You'll learn about the crucial role of tailored training for pitchers, the complexity of arm care, and the programming principles for athletes. Chris also sheds light on personal development, goal setting, and the value of networking and gaining as many coaching repetitions as possible.

So, whether you're an athlete, coach, or fitness enthusiast, this episode offers valuable lessons and expert tips from Chris Martin, providing a comprehensive view of strength and conditioning in the world of baseball.

00:00 Rehab experience led to sports medicine career.
03:37 Internship led to full-time strength coaching job.
09:53 Team helps with mental health and rehab.
13:02 Rehab process depends on injury type, principles.
15:02 Increasing exit velocity is crucial for baseball.
18:44 Pitching coach and rehab coach understand biomechanics.
21:41 Reduce post-pitch exercises to aid recovery.
24:23 Ice bath for recovery, prioritize sleep.
27:46 Caffeine benefits aerobic, uncertain for anaerobic performance.
30:46 Multivitamins helpful, but some supplements overhyped.
35:07 Adaptation first, exercise second - mindset shift.
39:04 Baseball pitching requires robust aerobic energy system.
43:46 Autoregulation key in lifting for speed adaptation.
45:40 Adapting bar speed for different exercises.
50:28 Consistent routine and discipline are keys to success.
52:03 Network with coaches, reach out on social media.
56:07 Active on Twitter and Instagram, follow for content.

YOUTUBE RECORDING

In this episode of the Coach U Podcast, host Coach U is joined by guest Dr. Josh Heenan, a renowned expert in strength and conditioning. The focus of this episode is on various aspects of training, movement, and orthopedics.

Dr. Heenan begins by stressing the importance of controlling the spine during deadlifts and squats. He explains that maintaining a neutral spine while picking up a load and controlling the eccentric force while lowering it is crucial. He also highlights the significance of good movement and orthopedics for proper hip separation and flexion in squats.

The topic of athlete nourishment is also addressed, with Dr. Heenan suggesting a goal of consuming 1000 calories before 9 AM, even for female athletes. However, the focus is not just on calorie intake but on consuming quality calories. He explains the importance of having a solid breakfast with high-quality proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Sleep and recovery are highlighted as crucial factors for athletes. Dr. Heenan recommends getting 7 to 10 hours of sleep and mentions other strategies like cold plunges and sauna use, depending on the specific needs of each athlete.

The podcast also touches on the mental health of athletes.  Dr. Heenan discusses the role strength and conditioning coaches play in being the first line of defense and having regular contact with athletes.

The discussion then moves towards individualizing training approaches for athletes.  Dr. Heenan emphasizes the uniqueness of each athlete and the importance of considering their mental and physical condition when determining the appropriate training program.  He likens the use of different training tools to the appropriate use of tools, highlighting the need for careful consideration and customization.

Dr. Heenan believes in having a wide range of knowledge to refer clients to the appropriate specialists when needed. The importance of balancing health and well-being with safety is stressed.  For younger athletes, he sees strength and conditioning coaches as educated big brothers, guiding them.

The episode concludes with a focus on specific movements and techniques in training. Dr. Heenan explains the distinction between low threshold and high threshold strategies.  

[00:04:11] The changing role of strength and conditioning.

[00:11:29] Orthopedics, movement, and neurological assessments in humans.

[00:18:33] Control spine, proper movement, athletes' performance.

[00:29:25] Pro athletes need rest and specific training.

[00:34:16] Narrowed down strength metrics for baseball players.

[00:43:18] Simple nutrition: 1000 calories before 9 AM.

[00:48:38] Phone display colors impact engagement and well-being.

[00:53:51] Angles and positioning are key in training.

[00:57:12] Unique athletes find their right path.

[01:03:29] Josh, thank you for your time and knowledge.

On this episode of Coach U Podcast, we delve into the importance of screening athletes to understand their physical capabilities and identify areas for improvement. Our guest, Dr. Sean Drake, emphasizes that screening is not about predicting injury but rather determining what an athlete can and cannot do. He highlights the need for coaches to adapt their methods and not dismiss athletes with physical limitations.

The episode takes a deep dive into the specific needs of rotational athletes, such as the crucial role of thorax spine rotation and symmetry in the hips. Dr. Drake outlines the importance of range of motion in throwers and overhead athletes, while cautioning against asymmetry in the spine for rotational athletes. Lack of rotation in certain areas can lead to compensation and increased pressure on other body parts.

We also hear about Dr. Drake's personal experience as a skydiver and how meticulous planning and following procedures are essential in this extreme sport. He shares a scary incident when his parachute malfunctioned, emphasizing the importance of training and following processes in all areas of life, including sports and work.

Dr. Drake provides insights into different approaches to cold exposure, focusing on either performance or recovery. He also highlights the importance of understanding and regulating the nervous system when practicing cold exposure.

Breath work is another area of focus in this episode. Dr. Drake discusses different techniques such as the Wim Hof method, yoga breathing, and holotropic breathing. Each technique has various effects on the nervous system, ranging from regulation to releasing trauma and improving overall well-being.

We also learn about Dr. Drake's clinic, Athlete Chiropractic and Athlete Empowered, located in Scottsdale. He shares the different levels of certification they offer for coaches, physical therapists, chiropractors, and manual medicine practitioners.

Prompts from the episode
1. How can athletes benefit from screening and understanding their physical capabilities?
2. How can coaches adapt their coaching methods for athletes who have physical limitations?
3. What are the potential consequences of neglecting one side of the body in training?
4. What are some benefits and potential risks of engaging in cold exposure?
5. How can different breathing techniques impact the nervous system and overall well-being?
6. How can understanding and addressing physical limitations help improve performance and prevent injuries?
7. What role does trust play in influencing others, particularly in the context of coaching and healthcare?
8. How can collaboration with experts in different fields benefit coaches and healthcare practitioners?
9. How can hobbies and passions be pursued separately from professional goals, and why is it important to have a balance between the two?

Jump to topic
00:00:00 Podcast episode featuring Dr. Sean Drake, performance director.
00:03:17 Learning scuba diving and extreme sports.
00:08:12 Skydiving scares me, but it's empowering.
00:10:47 Different types of breath work and benefits.
00:17:28 Excel at what you do, get results. Trust follows.
00:22:02 Cold exposure: benefits, risks, and limitations
00:26:56 Cold exposure and PMF transformed player's career.
00:30:20 Importance of comprehensive health assessments for athletes.
00:33:51 Screening to determine physical capabilities for coaching.
00:37:40 Maintain physical abilities and train the brain.
00:40:30 Asymmetry in rotational athletes can cause problems.
00:46:03 Basic treatment and reprogramming for movement.
00:50:39 "Baseball coaches and practitioners should get certified"
00:54:04 Passionate music lover, diverse taste in genres.
00:55:59 Utilize brea

Todays conversation features Julia Glanz R.D. - hormone nutritionist

ALL FEMALE athletes need to listen to this conversation.  It is full of insights to help you throughout your menstruation cycle.  We cover the key points pertaining to training and nutrition during the menstruation cycle, how to maximizing gut microbiome health, relative energy deficiency (pertains to everyone) which is crucial for all athletes to understand, and much more!

LIST OF TOPICS AND QUESTIONS!

• What is hormone nutrition?
• What does balancing hormones look like?
• How do you begin to balance your hormones?
• Could you break down estrogen, progesterone and testosterone?
• Training while on your cycle
• Nutrition during cycle
• Mental health impacts
• Nutrients to have in your daily intake
• Track your cycle
• Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport
• Social media and its influence on people's decisions
• Fasting, where do you stand on it?
• Optimizing Gut Health
• Some foods do not sit well with people
• Top 4 foods to promote a healthy gut
• What are some big factors that cause bloating?
• What is the importance of not starting with caffeine right away in the morning?
• Alcohol: how much is too much?

Links for Julia

• Website: https://juliaglanzlifestyle.com/service
• Ebook: https://juliaglanzlifestyle.thinkific.com/courses/ebook 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliaglanz 

Links for Coach U

• Coach U Podcast
• Brand U
• Catch me on Instagram
• Free Content on YouTube!
• Facebook

In today's conversation we talk to Nate Shemtov, a fellow strength coach and entrepreneur.  His path has lead him to exactly where he intended.  Find out how Nate built his path by putting himself in the best positions he could and taking advantage of every single opportunity.  
 
A couple of talking points include:

1. "I left a really comfortable situation."
2. "I want to make sure wherever I go, I am able to say I left it better than I found it."
3. "I wasn't unhappy, I just had a vision and this was part of the journey."
4.  "Need to be able to improvise and have fun."
5. "The type of conversations I want to have are more about being vulnerable as opposed to the x’s and o’s."

Nate's contact info:
Instagram - @Nateshemtov_coach

Coach U info:
Podcast - Coach U Podcast
Brand U - Brand U
Instagram - Catch me on Instagram
YouTube - Free Content on YouTube!
FB - Facebook

This episode features a conversation with Brandon McDaniel, the Vice President/Director of Player Performance for the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Brandon oversees a lot of departments including, but not limited to nutrition, physical therapy, performance training, scouting,  and athletic training.  All of these departments play a crucial role in helping the Dodgers players play at their highest levels. 

Learn from Brandon as he breaks down what it takes to build a team environment, discusses how he has seen the training world evolve, and much more. 

Bullet points
- Making mistakes is part of the process
- Learn by teaching and listening
- Certifications don't mean anything without application and vice versa
- Youth sports training and what actually matters
- Fast does not = athletic
- Training as a sport vs training for a sport
- How to build a team

Coach U's Information

Coach U Podcast

Brand U

Catch me on Instagram

Free Content on YouTube!

Facebook

In the conversation with Mike Garrett, we talk all things business, the life of an entrepreneur, what he learned from watching his father lead 3000 men at a time for the United States Marine Corps, how to take ownership for yourself, and the reality of becoming great takes discipline and consistency. 

We cover A LOT in this, but here are the bullet points.

• you want to be in an environment that brings the best out of you
• showed up every day
• did more than I was asked
• hand written messages have a ton of power
• simplify mission
• small simple things go a long long way
• give yourself the self motivation
• no one but U will create momentum for U
• take ownership of every action you do
• how you learn from failure and success is highy important
• how you respond to failure is going to make or break who you are
• know when you need to be extroverted and introverted
• if you can’t build relationships, you won’t have a team  

Brand U

Catch me on Instagram

Free Content on YouTube!