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GT Performance Podcast
Zach Guiser
34 episodes
5 days ago

A show dedicated to all things long-term athlete development.

Learn how to help your athlete get faster, stronger, more explosive, healthier, and prepared for game-day and real-world success.

Join Dr. Zach Guiser as we talk about youth sports, sports physical therapy, sports performance training, strength and conditioning, and everything else around long-term athletic development.

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Sports
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All content for GT Performance Podcast is the property of Zach Guiser and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.

A show dedicated to all things long-term athlete development.

Learn how to help your athlete get faster, stronger, more explosive, healthier, and prepared for game-day and real-world success.

Join Dr. Zach Guiser as we talk about youth sports, sports physical therapy, sports performance training, strength and conditioning, and everything else around long-term athletic development.

Show more...
Sports
Episodes (20/34)
GT Performance Podcast
How to get the most out of your life (a special episode for the adults)

Dr. Zach Guiser introduces Jesse Itzler’s framework of "Misogis" and "Mini-Adventures," providing a structured way to build toughness and meaningful memories through one massive annual challenge and six scheduled life-enriching experiences . He then details Peter Attia’s Centenarian Decathlon, a goal-setting method that shifts the focus of physical training toward maintaining ten specific, high-value tasks during the final decade of one’s life.

Finally, Guiser explores the concept of "time-limited potency," urging listeners to audit their current lives and prioritize relationships or physical pursuits that may not be as accessible or meaningful in five to ten years.

  • 00:32 – Introduction: The Importance of Small Habits
  • 00:43 – Jesse Itzler’s Framework: Misogis and Mini-Adventures
  • 01:05 – The Two Rules of a Misogi
  • 02:18 – Rules and Examples of Mini-Adventures
  • 03:22 – Peter Attia’s Centenarian Decathlon: Training for 100
  • 03:59 – Real-World Examples of Centenarian Goals
  • 05:10 – Time Limits on Potency: Shifting Priorities
  • 06:20 – Fact-Checking Your Future: Living Intentionally Now
Show more...
1 week ago
8 minutes 46 seconds

GT Performance Podcast
What you should actually train in-season

In this entry of the Athlete Development Journal, Dr. Zach Guiser outlines a six-bucket framework for in-season training designed to maintain maximal speed, power, and compound strength while addressing specific injury risks through isolated exercises . He concludes by discussing the "burden of the reward," emphasizing that high-level success requires an acceptance of the specific struggles and trade-offs that accompany it.

Everything in these newsletters, podcasts, social media, and on our website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice for you or your athlete. Consult directly with a healthcare professional .

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 – Introduction: Struggle as an Opportunity
  • 01:05 – Six Buckets for In-Season Training
  • 01:14 – Bucket 1: Compound Strength
  • 01:46 – Bucket 2: Maximal Speed
  • 02:30 – Bucket 3: Maximal Jumping
  • 02:59 – Bucket 4: Isolated Strength
  • 04:15 – Bucket 5: Proprioception & Vestibular System
  • 05:10 – Bucket 6: Mobility & Soft Tissue
  • 05:43 – The Burden of the Reward: Avoiding Jealousy
Show more...
2 weeks ago
5 minutes 43 seconds

GT Performance Podcast
When something starts hurting for no reason...

In this entry of the Athlete Development Journal, Dr. Zach Guiser introduces three powerful mental models to improve athletic performance and perspective.

He begins with Occam's Razor, urging athletes to avoid unnecessary complexity in training and rehab, noting that the simplest explanation is usually the correct one.

Next, he introduces his own concept, "Zach's Law" (The Law of Mechanical Idiopathy), which states that the more obscure and confusing an injury's cause is, the faster it typically self-resolves; provided it is mechanically reproducible.

Finally, he applies Hanlon's Razor to sports and life, reminding listeners to never attribute to malice what can be adequately explained by ignorance or stupidity.

Everything in these newsletters, podcasts, social media, and on our website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice for you or your athlete. Consult directly with a healthcare professional.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 - Introduction
  • 00:16 - Occam's Razor (The Simplest Explanation is Usually Correct)
  • 00:43 - Examples of Occam's Razor in Sports & Rehab
  • 01:14 - Introducing "Zach's Law" (The Law of Mechanical Idiopathy)
  • 01:34 - Why Obscure Injuries Tend to Heal Faster
  • 01:51 - The "Soccer Player vs. Cow" Story (Strange vs. Obscure)
  • 02:30 - The Important Caveat: Mechanical Reproducibility
  • 02:45 - Hanlon's Razor (Stupidity vs. Malice)
Show more...
3 weeks ago
4 minutes 23 seconds

GT Performance Podcast
Why you did everything right and it didn't work.

In this entry of the Athlete Development Journal, Dr. Zach Guiser helps you train your mind, build your body, and fuel your soul.

First, he tackles Training Your Mind by distinguishing between process and outcome. He explains that in a complex world, you can do the wrong thing and get a good outcome (or vice versa), but you shouldn't confuse luck with a good strategy . He warns against "history revisionism"—assuming that just because an athlete played year-round or did fancy footwork drills and succeeded, those methods were the cause of their success . Instead, he encourages athletes to think probabilistically: good processes enhance your odds, even if they don't guarantee results.

Next, he dives into Building Your Body by challenging the popular obsession with mobility. He argues that mobility is not a "more is always better" quality. While you need enough mobility to get into required positions, having passive flexibility that you cannot actively control can actually cause your injury risk to skyrocket. Finally, he Fuels Your Soul by breaking down the equation: Happiness = Reality - Expectations. He discusses the tension between chasing excellence (which requires high belief) and being happy. The solution? Keep insanely high expectations for the process (your daily habits) but release your expectations for the outcomes (things you cannot control, like scholarships).

Everything in these newsletters, podcasts, social media, and on our website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice for you or your athlete. Consult directly with a healthcare professional.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 - Introduction
  • 00:02 - Train Your Mind: Good Things Can Happen to "Bad" Processes
  • 00:36 - The Danger of "History Revisionism" (The Susie, Johnny, & Kyle Examples)
  • 01:13 - Thinking Probabilistically: Enhancing Odds vs. Guarantees
  • 01:41 - Build Your Body: Knocking Mobility Off Its High Horse
  • 02:08 - When Too Much Mobility Becomes Detrimental
  • 02:45 - Fuel Your Soul: The Happiness Equation
  • 03:22 - High Expectations for Process vs. Outcome

Here's the hypermobility article.

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1 month ago
5 minutes 22 seconds

GT Performance Podcast
If you're too busy for in-season training...

In this entry of the Athlete Development Journal, Dr. Zach Guiser helps you train your mind, build your body, and fuel your soul, specifically addressing the athlete who thinks they are "too busy" for in-season training.

First, he tackles Training Your Mind by reframing "busyness" not as a negative, but as a necessary stressor to build work capacity. He uses the analogy of a waitress in a small town versus a busy New York City restaurant to illustrate how high-volume work eventually becomes manageable through adaptation. He explains that students who stretch themselves in high school often thrive in college because they have built a higher capacity for work .

Next, he dives into Building Your Body by analyzing the dangers of stopping training during the season. He outlines three main benefits of continuing: staying healthier (carrying your "shield"), performing better in the playoffs, and achieving better long-term progress . He cites Patriots wide receiver Matthew Slater, noting that the team was squatting 80% of their maxes during Super Bowl week. Dr. Guiser describes a graph showing that stopping training is like taking "two steps forward and one step back," whereas continuous training leads to exponential compound growth . Finally, he Fuels Your Soul with a quote from economist Thomas Sowell: "There are no solutions, only trade-offs" . He encourages listeners to accept that every choice—whether chasing excellence or choosing family time—comes with a cost, and avoiding the "what ifs" is the ultimate goal.

Everything in these newsletters, podcasts, social media, and on our website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice for you or your athlete. Consult directly with a healthcare professional .

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 - Introduction
  • 00:46 - Train Your Mind: The Waitress Analogy & Building Work Capacity
  • 02:51 - Build Your Body: Why In-Season Training prevents "One Step Back"
  • 04:12 - The Matthew Slater Example: Squatting Heavy on Super Bowl Week
  • 05:21 - The Graph: Visualizing Long-Term Progress vs. Stagnation
  • 06:29 - How to Make It Work: Individualized, Tiered, and Flexible Training
  • 08:12 - Fuel Your Soul: "There Are No Solutions, Only Trade-Offs"
Show more...
1 month ago
9 minutes 50 seconds

GT Performance Podcast
Should anyone be taking ashwagandha?

In this episode, Zach Guiser and John Tropeano kick things off with Turkey Bowl preparations.

This leads to the main topic: a deep dive into Ashwagandha. Is it a miracle supplement for stress and gains, or does it just turn you into an "emotionless zombie"? Zach breaks down the three proposed physiological mechanisms:

  1. HPA Axis Modulation: Reducing cortisol by calming the hypothalamus
  2. GABA Agonist: Mimicking the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter to induce calm.
  3. Antioxidant/Anti-Inflammatory: Neutralizing free radicals and blocking NF-κB to stop inflammation cycles .

They review four major studies covering stress, anxiety, sleep, and physical performance. The results are surprisingly strong—showing significant reductions in stress and anxiety, and even large effect sizes for strength and cardiorespiratory fitness . However, Zach introduces the Attia Categories (Proven, Promising, Fuzzy, Noise, Nonsense) and places Ashwagandha firmly in the Promising category due to a lack of long-term human data.

Finally, they bust common myths: it doesn't work instantly (it takes weeks), "natural" doesn't always mean safe (poison ivy is natural, too), and more is not better (stick to ~600mg) .

Everything in these newsletters, podcasts, social media, and on our website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice for you or your athlete. Consult directly with a healthcare professional.

IN THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 - Turkey Bowl Prep & The Greatest Cyclist You've Never Heard Of
  • 06:38 - Main Topic: Should Anyone Be Taking Ashwagandha?
  • 07:47 - The Public Narrative: Emotional Zombies & Testosterone Myths
  • 11:25 - How Ashwagandha Works: The 3 Mechanisms (HPA Axis, GABA, Inflammation)
  • 22:15 - Study #1: Effects on Stress (Big Reduction, High Heterogeneity)
  • 35:48 - Study #2: Effects on Anxiety (Massive Effect Size)
  • 42:26 - Study #3: Effects on Sleep (0.59 Effect Size)
  • 44:03 - Study #4: Effects on Physical Performance (Strength, Power, VO2 Max)
  • 50:00 - Summary: What Actually Matters (Stress, Anxiety, & Safety)
  • 52:54 - Zach's Final Stance: Should You Take It?
  • 57:04 - The Attia Categories: Proven, Promising, Fuzzy, Noise, Nonsense
  • 1:00:38 - Mythbusters: Instant Results, "Natural = Safe," & Emotional Blunting
Show more...
1 month ago
1 hour 7 minutes 25 seconds

GT Performance Podcast
Your physical therapist is lying to you about this (unintentionally)

In this entry of the Athlete Development Journal, Dr. Zach Guiser helps you train your mind, build your body, and fuel your soul.

First, he tackles Training Your Mind by arguing that robust athletic development from ages 0–18 is more valuable than a massive trust fund. He explains the concept of the "Don't Screw It Up Years" (starting around age 25) and why building a strong physical base early in life makes it infinitely easier to maintain health later on, thanks to muscle memory and nuclei retention .

Next, he dives into Building Your Body by exposing a common lie in physical therapy: the 90% Limb Symmetry Index (LSI). He breaks down why aiming for 90% of your non-injured leg is often a trap—especially if your "healthy" leg has gotten weaker during recovery . He explains why you must aim to be stronger than your pre-injury self, not just symmetrical to a de-conditioned limb .

Finally, he Fuels Your Soul with a perspective on duality: you cannot truly know joy, light, or energy without first experiencing despair, darkness, and exhaustion .


Everything in these newsletters, podcasts, social media, and on our website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice for you or your athlete. Consult directly with a healthcare professional.


IN THIS EPISODE:

    • 00:00 - Introduction

    • 00:18 - Train Your Mind: Why Athlete Development is Worth More Than a Trust Fund

    • 02:06 - The "Don't Screw It Up Years" (Age 25+)

    • 03:07 - Build Your Body: The Lie Your Physical Therapist Is Telling You (The 90% Barrier)

    • 03:28 - What is the Limb Symmetry Index (LSI)?

    • 04:26 - Why 90% of a Weak Leg is "A Smiling Pile of Poop"

    • 05:42 - Fuel Your Soul: Why You Can't Know Joy Without Despair

Show more...
1 month ago
7 minutes 37 seconds

GT Performance Podcast
Should teenage athletes consume caffeine?

In this episode, Zach Guiser and John Tropeano kick things off with John's full recap of his first Ironman, battling the wind, and his caffeine strategy for the 13+ hour race .


This leads to the main topic: a deep dive into whether teenage athletes should consume caffeine. Zach breaks down the science, explaining that caffeine doesn't create energy (ATP) but rather blocks the brain's sleep-pressure signals (adenosine) to make you feel less tired .


They review two major studies:

  1. Safety: For adolescents, the data is limited, but the available evidence suggests a limit of around 1.13 mg per pound of body weight per day (2.5 mg/kg) .


  2. Efficacy: An umbrella review of 21 meta-analyses found that while caffeine does improve performance, the effect size is very small for most explosive, power-based sports . Its most significant impact is on aerobic endurance.


Finally, they bust three common myths:

  • Caffeine does not stunt your growth.

  • It does not dehydrate you at normal doses .

  • It does not provide a major boost for short-term, high-intensity sports.


Everything in these newsletters, podcasts, social media, and on our website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice for you or your athlete. Consult directly with a healthcare professional.


IN THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:32 - John's Ironman Recap

  • 03:38 - John's Caffeine Intake for the Ironman (350mg)

  • 04:52 - Main Topic: Should a Teenage Athlete Consume Caffeine?

  • 05:17 - The Public Narrative on Caffeine (Energy Drinks, Pre-Workout, etc.)

  • 13:03 - What the Science Says: What is Energy (ATP)?

  • 16:14 - How Caffeine Actually Works (It Blocks Adenosine)

  • 18:06 - Study #1 (Wachoff et al.): Is Caffeine Safe for Teens?

  • 20:19 - Study #1 Findings: Suggested safe limit is 1.13mg/lb (2.5mg/kg)

  • 22:23 - Study #2 (Grgic et al.): Is Caffeine Effective for Performance?

  • 24:57 - The Catch: Statistical Significance vs. Small Effect Size

  • 33:59 - Zach's Final Stance on Caffeine for Teens

  • 34:32 - Mythbusters Start

  • 34:48 - Myth #1: Does Coffee Stunt Your Growth?

  • 38:45 - Myth #2: Does Caffeine Dehydrate You?

  • 41:00 - Myth #3: Do Energy Drinks Make You Perform Better?


Show more...
2 months ago
45 minutes 7 seconds

GT Performance Podcast
The 3 systems you're missing for elite balance

In this entry of the Athlete Development Journal, Dr. Zach Guiser tackles Training Your Mind by sounding the alarm on a growing public health issue: the rise of sports betting among young athletes. He discusses the "illusion of control" that makes athletes particularly vulnerable and why this is a danger hiding in plain sight.


Next, he dives into Building Your Body with a deep exploration of dynamic balance. He explains why this is a key separator for great athletes and breaks down the three essential balance receptor systems—Visual, Proprioceptive, and Vestibular. He details how the inner ear (semicircular canals and otolith organs) senses rotation and movement , and why these complex systems are highly trainable.


Finally, he Fuels Your Soul with a simple, powerful framework from James Clear: spend time on one thing for the future and one thing for the present.


Everything in these newsletters, podcasts, social media, and on our website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice for you or your athlete. Consult directly with a healthcare professional.


IN THIS EPISODE:

  • 00:00 - Introduction

  • 00:19 - Train Your Mind: The Hidden Danger of Sports Betting

  • 02:07 - Build Your Body: The 3 Systems of Dynamic Balance

  • 06:44 - Fuel Your Soul: A Simple Framework for a Fulfilling Day

Show more...
2 months ago
9 minutes 12 seconds

GT Performance Podcast
The Truth About Creatine: Myths, Teen Safety, and What to Buy

In this episode, Zach Guiser and John Tropeano kick things off with John's taper anxiety for his upcoming Ironman before diving into the wild NBA betting scandal involving Terry Rozier, Chauncey Billups, and a secret poker ring with characters like "Albanian Bruce".

This leads to the main topic: a deep dive into supplements. Zach lays down the single most important rule—the FDA does not regulate supplements —and explains why athletes must look for third-party testing labels like NSF Certified for Sport or Informed Sport to avoid banned substances.

From there, they focus on creatine, breaking down:

  • How it works for explosive energy (the phosphocreatine system) .

  • If it works (Yes, for power/strength, but the effect size is small).

  • The myths vs. facts on kidney safety (creatinine vs. cystatin C) and hair loss.

  • The big question: Should adolescents take it? They review the limited research and land on the ISSN's stance: it's only for mature athletes who have already mastered their diet, sleep, and training .

  • What to buy: Stick to basic creatine monohydrate and avoid ineffective gummies.


Everything in these newsletters, podcasts, social media, and on our website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice for you or your athlete. Consult directly with a healthcare professional.


IN THIS EPISODE:

  • 01:15 - The NBA Betting Scandal Explained (Rozier, Billups, Albanian Bruce)

  • 07:35 - Main Topic: Supplements in High School & College Locker Rooms

  • 10:10 - The Most Important Rule: The FDA Does Not Regulate Supplements

  • 12:55 - What to Look For: NSF Certified for Sport & Informed Sport

  • 14:45 - What is Creatine and How Does it Work? (The Phosphocreatine System)

  • 17:51 - How to Read Research: A Guide to Scientific Studies

  • 22:25 - Does Creatine Actually Work? (The Adult Research)

  • 28:29 - The "Effect Size" vs. Statistical Significance

  • 31:00 - Creatine Safety: The Kidney Myth (Creatinine vs. Cystatin C)

  • 32:21 - Creatine Safety: The Hair Loss Myth

  • 35:51 - The Real Question: Should Adolescents Take Creatine?

  • 41:34 - What Form of Creatine is Best? (Avoid Gummies)


Show more...
2 months ago
45 minutes 16 seconds

GT Performance Podcast
Supplements 101: The 3 Categories Every Athlete Should Know

In this entry of the Athlete Development Journal, Dr. Zach Guiser provides a framework for training your mind, building your body, and fueling your soul.

First, he tackles Training Your Mind by exploring the concept of "High Agency" and asking whether you are someone who happens to the world, or if you let the world happen to you .

Next, he dives into Building Your Body with a comprehensive answer to one of the most common questions: "Should I take this supplement?". After laying down three crucial caveats—including the non-negotiable importance of NSF Certified for Sport products —he breaks down the most popular supplements into three clear categories:

  • Ones almost everyone should take: Creatine , Protein Powder , and Vitamin D.
  • Ones helpful in specific situations: Caffeine , Multivitamins , Omega-3s , Collagen , Magnesium , and Iron.
  • Ones that are a waste of money or dangerous: Pre-workout , individual amino acids (BCAAs/EAAs) , and Green Superfoods.

  • Finally, he Fuels Your Soul by sharing a simple 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique to help anyone with a "busy brain" stay present in the moment.

  • Everything in these newsletters, podcasts, social media, and on our website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice for you or your athlete. Consult directly with a healthcare professional.


    Links:

    - read this article: gtperformance.co/adj102825

    - the phenomenal high agency essay: highagency.com

    - subscribe to the newsletter: gtperformance.co/newsletter

    - creatine article: gtperformance.co/creatine/


    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • 00:00 - Introduction

    • 00:27 - Train Your Mind: Are You a High Agency Person?

    • 00:54 - Build Your Body: A Breakdown of Supplements

    • 01:23 - The 3 Most Important Rules for Taking Supplements

    • 02:44 - Category 1: Supplements Almost Everyone Should Take

    • 04:36 - Category 2: Supplements for Specific Situations

    • 07:59 - Category 3: Supplements That Are a Waste of Money

    • 10:04 - Fuel Your Soul: The 5-4-3-2-1 Trick for a Busy Brain

    Show more...
    2 months ago
    15 minutes 50 seconds

    GT Performance Podcast
    Why do athletes get hurt more on turf vs natural grass?

    In this episode, Zach Guiser and John Tropeano kick things off with a discussion about the staggering physical and mental excellence of Taylor Swift's 149-show Eras Tour.


    They then pivot to a new, in-depth format, tackling one major question: Are artificial turf fields more dangerous than natural grass?


    Zach breaks down the scientific literature, explaining the difference between minor injuries and the catastrophic, season-ending injuries (like ACL tears) that are more common on turf. He explores the "Traction Theory"—how the high friction that improves performance is the same thing that increases risk. The conversation also covers the major exceptions, like lower concussion rates on turf , the financial incentives for teams, and the ultimate trade-off athletes make between performance and health.


    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • 01:21 - The Unbelievable Physical Feat of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour

    • 04:34 - Main Question: Are Artificial Turf Fields More Dangerous Than Grass?

    • 05:51 - Analyzing the Research: Do More Injuries Actually Happen on Turf?

    • 08:31 - Bias in Research (The Turf Industry Funding)

    • 09:09 - The Key Difference: Catastrophic vs. Minor Injuries

    • 12:21 - The "Traction Theory": Why Turf Causes More ACL Injuries

    • 13:21 - The Performance vs. Safety Trade-Off

    • 17:42 - The Financial Reason for Turf (Cost vs. Maintenance)

    • 19:47 - The Big Exception: Concussion Risk is Lower on Turf

    • 22:03 - Final Summary: Turf, Traction, and Trade-Offs


    Everything in these newsletters, podcasts, social media, and on our website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice for you or your athlete. Consult directly with a healthcare professional.

    Show more...
    2 months ago
    25 minutes 40 seconds

    GT Performance Podcast
    How to Prevent 95% of Basketball Injuries (The 7-Week Plan)

    In this entry of the Athlete Development Journal, Dr. Zach Guiser helps you avoid 95% of injuries with reverse engineering.

    First, he tackles the topic of Training Your Mind by exploring how to find meaning in suffering, drawing on a powerful quote from Viktor Frankl.

    Next, he dives deep into Building Your Body with Part 2 of "How to Avoid 95% of Injuries". This week, he reverse-engineers the sport of basketball. He walks you through his exact research process—using AI, PubMed, and academic journals—to find the peak demands of the sport. He then provides the concrete numbers for peak jumps, high-intensity change of direction reps, and running distance. Using these numbers, he lays out a 7-week, 10% progression plan to safely build your load capacity and provides a practical method for tracking your load during open gyms.

    Finally, he Fuels Your Soul with a quote from George Bernard Shaw, making the case that all progress depends on being "unreasonable" in your pursuit of excellence .

    Everything in these newsletters, podcasts, social media, and on our website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice for you or your athlete. Consult directly with a healthcare professional.


    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • 00:00 - Introduction

    • 00:54 - Train Your Mind: Finding Meaning in Your Suffering

    • 02:20 - Build Your Body: How to Avoid 95% of Injuries (Part 2: Basketball)

    • 02:51 - The Research Process: How to Find Peak Demands for Your Sport

    • 06:46 - Peak Demands for Basketball (The Numbers for Jumps, Sprints, & COD)

    • 10:07 - A 7-Week Progression Plan to Prevent Injuries

    • 10:48 - How to Track Your Load and Stats in Open Gyms

    • 14:13 - Fuel Your Soul: Be Unreasonable


    Read this article at gtperformance.co/adj102125.

    Show more...
    2 months ago
    16 minutes 36 seconds

    GT Performance Podcast
    AMA: Volleyball Arm Care, Building Aggressiveness, and Coaching Mindset

    In this episode, Zach Guiser and John Tropeano tackle some of the most common physical and mental challenges that athletes face.


    First, they dive into a specific arm care routine for volleyball players dealing with "hitter's shoulder," breaking down the key exercises for the rotator cuff, serratus anterior, and low trap. Then, they answer a parent's question about helping a discouraged freshman football player with low playing time, using the story of Jalen Hurts as a prime example of character and being a great teammate.


    The conversation shifts to the psychology of performance, discussing how to help an athlete break through self-made barriers by stacking small wins. They also explore the "High Expectation, High Support" coaching model as the key to motivating young people. Finally, they provide strategies for building confidence and assertiveness in a young basketball player who is hesitant on the court.


    IN THIS EPISODE:

    01:00 - How to Manage Hitter's Shoulder in Volleyball

    07:00 - When to Push Through Pain vs. When to Rest an Injury

    08:53 - Helping a Discouraged Athlete with Low Playing Time

    09:50 - The Jalen Hurts Story: Being the Ultimate Teammate

    16:59 - How to Break an Athlete's Self-Made Mental Barriers

    20:10 - The "High Expectation, High Support" Coaching Method

    23:24 - Using a "Cookie Jar" of Past Wins to Build Confidence

    25:55 - How to Help a Young Athlete Who Isn't Aggressive

    Show more...
    2 months ago
    35 minutes 20 seconds

    GT Performance Podcast
    How to Avoid 95% of Injuries

    In this entry of the Athlete Development Journal, Dr. Zach Guiser provides a framework for maximizing your potential both on and off the field.

    First, he breaks down the two essential character traits for athletic success: conscientiousness (the discipline for details and hard work) and killer instinct (the ability to compete with ruthless confidence on game day).

    Next, he dives into the core principles of injury prevention, explaining how 95% of injuries can be avoided through smart load management. Using the analogy of getting a tan versus a sunburn, he illustrates how gradually increasing your body's "load capacity" is the key to staying healthy. He provides a week-by-week template for reverse-engineering your off-season training to prepare for the peak loads of preseason camp.

    Finally, he encourages you to find your "why"—the guiding purpose that provides clarity, direction, and motivation through the toughest challenges.


    IN THIS EPISODE:

    00:00 - Introduction

    00:46 - Train Your Mind: Be a Conscientious Killer

    02:27 - Build Your Body: How to Avoid 95% of Injuries

    08:38 - Fuel Your Soul: What Is Your "Why"?


    Everything in these newsletters, podcasts, social media, and on our website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice for you or your athlete. Consult directly with a healthcare professional.

    Show more...
    2 months ago
    10 minutes 53 seconds

    GT Performance Podcast
    Faster First Step, High Ankle Sprains, Cramps, Exit Velo, and Absolutism.

    In this episode, Zach Guiser and John Tropeano kick off with a look at John's intense preparation for his first full Ironman, detailing the staggering distances involved in the race.

    They then jump into your questions, providing specific, actionable drills like sled sprints and tall kneel accelerations to improve a basketball player's first-step quickness. The conversation also covers the multifactorial causes of in-game cramping, the most important exercises for developing rotational power for baseball players, and how to manage a high ankle sprain late in the season. This leads to a detailed breakdown of why the injury protocol has evolved from RICE to POLICE.

    Finally, the discussion takes a philosophical turn, exploring why you should be skeptical of anyone who speaks in absolutes and the challenge of maintaining intellectual honesty in an age of online "gurus".


    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • 01:21 - What a Full Ironman Race Entails

    • 03:31 - Best Drills to Improve First Step Quickness Before Tryouts

    • 07:04 - The Physics of Shin Angles: How They Make You Faster

    • 09:16 - Why Am I Getting Cramps Even Though I Hydrate Constantly?

    • 11:57 - Off-Season Conditioning to Prevent In-Season Cramps

    • 14:34 - Top 3 Exercises to Increase Bat Speed and Exit Velocity

    • 16:50 - How Much Training Should Be Sport-Specific vs. General?

    • 19:06 - Playing Through a High Ankle Sprain: How to Manage It

    • 23:09 - RICE vs. POLICE: The Modern Way to Treat Acute Injuries

    • 27:50 - Why "Always" and "Never" Are Bad Advice (The Problem with Gurus)

    • 36:46 - The Difference Between a Patella and Knee Dislocation

    • 38:57 - Which Domain is Better: .co or a longer .com?


    Show more...
    3 months ago
    41 minutes 5 seconds

    GT Performance Podcast
    5 ways to heal faster, the ugliest trait, & what to do for the rest of your life.

    Welcome to the Athlete Development Journal, where Dr. Zach Guiser helps you train your mind, build your body, and fuel your soul.

    In this entry, Zach starts by tackling the "ugliest trait known to mankind": the victim mindset. He shares a story about an intern and explains why taking "extreme ownership" is the only way to control your own life and success.

    Next, he provides a complete framework for injury recovery with five actionable steps to heal faster and better. This section covers how to properly protect an injury, manage pain and swelling, the importance of early movement, and how to activate your parasympathetic "rest and digest" system to accelerate recovery. Here's the link to the ice article mentioned in the episode: https://gtperformance.co/%f0%9f%a5%87-is-ice-bad-for-an-injury/

    Finally, Zach leaves you with one powerful question from Naval Ravikant to help you find your passion and purpose: "What feels like play to you, but looks like work to others?".


    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • 00:00 - Introduction to the Athlete Development Journal

    • 00:54 - Train Your Mind: The Ugliest Trait (The Victim Mindset)

    • 02:04 - Build Your Body: 5 Things You Can Do to Heal Faster From Injury

    • 06:50 - Fuel Your Soul: The One Question to Figure Out the Rest of Your Life

    Show more...
    3 months ago
    9 minutes 55 seconds

    GT Performance Podcast
    Kobe's Secret, "Bambi Mode," Osgood-Schlatter's, and Why I'm Ditching My iPhone

    In this episode, Zach Guiser and John Tropeano kick things off with a deep dive into the negative effects of cell phones and social media, discussing the "Reverse Flynn Effect" and why Zach is switching to a Light Phone.

    Then, they jump into your questions, starting with how athletes can regain coordination after a major growth spurt. The conversation emphasizes the power of mastering the fundamentals, anchored by an inspiring story about Kobe Bryant's relentless dedication to the basics. They also cover a simple, all-around workout for young multi-sport athletes , how to manage Osgood-Schlatter's knee pain , and the most common mistakes athletes make when trying to bulk up. The episode wraps up with a powerful discussion on how the gym can be a place to build confidence and resilience, especially for athletes who don't get much playing time.


    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • 00:00 - Kobe's Secret: Never Get Bored with the Basics

    • 00:47 - Why I'm Ditching My iPhone for a Light Phone

    • 12:45 - I Grew 5 Inches and Feel Uncoordinated. What Exercises Can Help?

    • 16:49 - The Full Kobe Bryant Story: Mastering the Fundamentals

    • 21:04 - What Are the Top 5 Lifts for Runners?

    • 23:35 - A Simple Workout for a 10 y/o Soccer Player and 13 y/o Gymnast

    • 29:17 - Can I Play Basketball with Osgood-Schlatter's Knee Pain?

    • 35:14 - Common Mistakes Thinner Athletes Make When Trying to Bulk Up

    • 38:35 - If the Furnace Is Hot Enough, Does It Matter What You Eat?

  • 42:39 - How the Gym Builds Resilience for Athletes Who Sit the Bench


    1. This podcast and newsletter is completely free. I spend many hours each week researching, writing, recording, editing, and illustrating. The best way you can support it and allow it to continue is to share it with people you know. You can just send them to ⁠gtperformance.co/newsletter⁠⁠  and they can subscribe there!
    2. Everything in these newsletters, podcasts, and on our website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice for you or your athlete. Consult directly with a healthcare professional.
    3. We're recording another "Ask Me Anything" episode this week. If you have any athlete development, sports performance, rehab, or life questions for me, send them ⁠here!⁠
  • Show more...
    3 months ago
    47 minutes 34 seconds

    GT Performance Podcast
    Finding Your Superpower, Beating Burnout, and Overcoming Injury

    In this episode, Dr. Zach Guiser and John Tropeano dive into some of the most common questions and concerns from young athletes. They tackle the myth that strength training leads to getting bulky and slow , discuss the "Superpowers vs. Kryptonite" framework for athletic development , and offer strategies for managing sport-specific pain, like low back issues in golfers.

    The conversation also covers the critical topics of athlete burnout, especially in sports like softball , and the mental hurdles of returning to play after a major injury like an ACL tear. Listen for practical advice on training, recovery, and how to have difficult but necessary conversations with coaches and parents.


    IN THIS EPISODE:

    • 00:34 - Is mass transfer a helpful lifelong class?

    • 02:52 - Will lifting weights make me bulky and slow?

    • 05:21 - How do I get stronger without getting bigger? Should I focus on strength or speed?

    • 05:38 - Superpowers vs. Kryptonite

    • 13:37 - Exercises for a golfer with low back pain

    • 24:15 - How do I tell my coach and dad I'm burned out and need a break?

    • 29:25 - How do I overcome the fear of re-injury after ACL surgery?


    1. This podcast and newsletter is completely free. I spend many hours each week researching, writing, recording, editing, and illustrating. The best way you can support it and allow it to continue is to share it with people you know. You can just send them to gtperformance.co/newsletter⁠  and they can subscribe there!
    2. Everything in these newsletters, podcasts, and on our website is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice for you or your athlete. Consult directly with a healthcare professional.
    3. We're recording another "Ask Me Anything" episode this week. If you have any athlete development, sports performance, rehab, or life questions for me, send them here!
    Show more...
    3 months ago
    35 minutes 48 seconds

    GT Performance Podcast
    AMA: Zach's starting a school?, how to recover when you can't sleep 8 hours per night, and more.

    Ask questions for the next episode here!


    00:00

    The Future of Education: AI-Powered Schools


    02:41

    Exploring Alternative School Models


    05:53

    Performance Training for Dual-Sport Athletes


    08:31

    Strength Training and Athletic Performance


    11:47

    Managing Training for Young Athletes


    14:43

    Recognizing Overuse Injuries in Young Athletes


    17:52

    The Importance of Recovery and Sleep


    20:47

    Practical Recovery Strategies for Busy Athletes


    40:46

    The Importance of Sleep and Recovery


    43:00

    Understanding the Autonomic Nervous System


    44:24

    Breathing Techniques for Recovery


    45:26

    Balancing College Life and Sleep


    46:42

    The Role of Wearable Technology in Sleep Tracking


    51:45

    Nutrition and Body Image in Young Athletes


    56:26

    Relative Strength and Performance


    01:03:50

    Trends in Athletic Performance Metrics


    01:06:32

    Managing Performance Fluctuations


    01:10:19

    Mental Strategies for Game Day Pressure


    01:17:55

    Nutrition Strategies for High-Intensity Events

    Show more...
    4 months ago
    1 hour 20 minutes 42 seconds

    GT Performance Podcast

    A show dedicated to all things long-term athlete development.

    Learn how to help your athlete get faster, stronger, more explosive, healthier, and prepared for game-day and real-world success.

    Join Dr. Zach Guiser as we talk about youth sports, sports physical therapy, sports performance training, strength and conditioning, and everything else around long-term athletic development.