In this episode, Zac and Parker (aka Mac Daddy Pimpin) discuss various fitness trends, including the benefits and misconceptions surrounding cold plunges, the origins of the 10,000 steps goal, the realities of intermittent fasting, and the importance of zone 2 training. They provide insights into how these trends can impact health and fitness, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to exercise and nutrition.   Chapters 00:00  Welcome Back and Life Updates 02:48  Fitness Trends and Current Events 05:25  Cold Plunges: The New Fitness Craze 08:27  The 10,000 Steps Myth 10:53  The Importance of Daily Movement 24:56  The Importance of Movement 27:22  Understanding Intermittent Fasting 33:08  The Role of Zone 2 Training 47:09  Evaluating Zone 2 Training Benefits 49:25  Upcoming Topics and Conclusion

In this episode of the Chop It Up Strength podcast, Coach Parker and Coach Zac focus on the concept of progressive overload. They reflect on their previous episode, engage in rapid-fire questions about training preferences, and assess their coaching skills. The conversation delves into the Dunning-Kruger effect in coaching, the importance of group training, and the origins of progressive overload, tracing it back to historical figures like Milo. They also address modern misunderstandings of the term and its application in hypertrophy training. In this conversation, Parker and Zac delve into the complexities of hypertrophy and strength training, discussing common mistakes, practical approaches to volume manipulation, and the importance of understanding the nuances of strength training. They emphasize the need for balance when pursuing multiple fitness goals and the significance of consistency and realistic expectations in training. The discussion also touches on the role of progressive overload in general fitness and concludes with thoughts on training philosophy and the importance of planning and methodical approaches to achieve desired outcomes.  

Summary In this episode of Chop It Up, hosts Zac and Parker discuss a variety of topics ranging from personal updates and movie opinions to the rise of sports documentaries and the impact of lacrosse. They delve into the world of comic book characters, particularly focusing on Superman, and transition into a detailed review of Ryan Fisher's training programs. The conversation covers training philosophy, the evolution of fitness programs, and the concept of power building versus traditional strength training. They also provide insights into consumer behavior in the fitness industry and conclude with their rankings and recommendations for fitness programs.  

In this episode of Chop It Up Strength, Coach Parker and Zac discuss a range of topics from Coach Parker's grueling experience at the SpeedGoat race to the challenges of mental toughness in fitness. They explore the impact of social media on fitness perceptions, critique the Tracy Anderson method, and share insights on personal fitness goals and home gym setups. The conversation also delves into the importance of strength training, the value of learning new skills in martial arts, and the exhaustion that comes from navigating the fitness landscape.    

Coach Zac & Parker review questions they get on a regular basis, they also go through some rapid fire questions of topics they are seeing frequently on social media. They run through topics of common fitness trends, favorite gym accessories, how to choose the right workout program, etc...    Hope you enjoy the episode!

In this episode we review Jeff Nippard's content and two of the programs that can be found in the back of his book "Muscle Ladder". Coach Zac & Parker highlight the contribution Nippard has made to the fitness space, and "chop up" the respective programs, highlighting it's pro's and con's and discussing who the program may be best suited for.    Hope you enjoy! 

In this episode we review the controversial figure known as the Liver King, exploring the themes of honesty, marketing manipulation, and the ethics of the fitness industry. We dive into the impact of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), the emotional manipulation in marketing, and the misconceptions surrounding ancestral living. The conversation highlights the importance of critical thinking in health and wellness, as well as the need for transparency in the supplement industry.  

Recapping how Parker's talk at the NSCA event went, while discussing some of the Q&A questions he got asked on the panel. We also talk about how we plan to bring on more guests this summer! We have been on a lull, but there are cool things coming we promise!!

In this episode we discuss our gripes with having to create social media content, and talk about coach Parker's butt and Coach Zac's toe. Not in a weird way, we promise...  We also aim to give practical programming and fitness advice for fathers -  from sticking to bilateral movements because they are more time efficient, to what time of day to eat to avoid cravings. As always, we hope you learn something, enjoy the episode, and remember to enjoy your training journey!

Summary In this episode of Chop It Up Strength, we discuss a range of topics including Zac's recent bout with hiccups that prevented recording, his recovery from injury, and the importance of proper programming when returning to training. We briefly delve into the benefits of isometric training, share cautionary tales about injuries in adventure sports, and reflect on the launch of their new training program, Solo Sport, aimed at adventure athletes. Our conversation emphasizes the need for gradual reintegration into training and the significance of concurrent training approaches. We also touch on Zac's experience as a young professional and the need to promote positive words about fellow coaches and professionals.   

Believe it or not, Fitness Professionals often find themselves in very odd scenarios. Tune in to hear about some of the situations Coach P & Z have found themselves in. You may not learn much, but I bet you'll laugh at Zac's stories... 

Summary Welcome to part 2 of "How to build your own program" where we discuss how to build your own Mesocycle or better known as block / phase of training. Get your notebook about and be prepared to learn about the importance of progressive overload, refining training goals, and deciding how to split up your sessions during the week. This one is info heavy, so be ready!

In this episode we review Pavel Tsatsouline's KB Clean & Jerk -  Plan A. Pavel is well known as a premier coach and pioneer in the use of Kettlebells for strength and conditioning training with combat athletes. If you listen to Joe Rogan, you've likely heard of him. We review the program, more importantly, the claims behind the program. Listen to see if his KB Clean & Jerk Plan A is something you want to give a shot!   Spoiler Alert - Program is fine, claims are audacious...

In this episode, we discuss to pros & cons of the Dumbell, the Barbell & the Kettlebell... Are any of them superior? Spoiler Alert: NO. But each tool does have specific areas of training in which it shines. Check out the episode to hear Coach Zac and Parker's insights of how they program with each tool.    And if you haven't left us a 5-start review yet... Come on man? What's taking you so long?!?!?!?!  

Summary In this episode, we discuss part 1 of "HOW TO BUILD YOUR OWN PROGRAM" - planning and logistics. We emphasize the need for a long-term perspective when setting fitness goals, the significance of social impacts on training, and the necessity of deloads in training. We will guide you through the process of building what is called an "Annual Plan" in collegiate S&C practices. Be prepared for some homework!    Stay tuned for the following episodes of "How to Build Your Own Program" where will discuss how to build a phase of training, a week of training, and a day of training!  

Well... If you've ever wondered what it is like to be in a relationship with a fitness professional, look no further. In this episode you'll get a look into what it's like to live with Coach Zac and Parker through the lens of our ladies. Maja and Marlaina join us in a episode full of laughs, conversations about working out, and you bet your ass we put them through a quiz!!!  Audio will be funky, sorry, first time having this many people. Next episode will be informative, we promise!

Summary   We are STOKED to have another one of our mento’s Charles “Rock" Stephenson. We discuss Rock's journey in the field, the evolution of strength training programs, and the importance of building a strong team culture. Rock shares insights on training techniques for basketball players, the hesitancy some athletes have towards lifting, and the significance of being a good human being in coaching. We end the episode with some laughs and shared memories. Definitely a great episode to check out, hopeful y’all learn something! If not, you’ll at least see why Zac and Parker love hanging with Rock. Chapters   00:00 Introduction 06:23 Early Career in Strength and Conditioning 11:38 Evolution of Strength Training Practices 20:31 Building a Strong Team Culture 33:46 Training Strategies for Basketball Athletes 37:19 The Evolution of Lifting in Sports 40:39 Challenges in Strength Training for Basketball Players 43:14 The Changing Landscape of Fitness Culture 51:55 Wrappin it Up (not like that you sicko)  

In this episode, we review various strength training methodologies, focusing on the 5x5 program, the Texas Method, and the Juggernaut Method. We discuss the pros and cons of each methodology, and explain how you can modify each system to fit your goals. Strength training programs are the backbone of many performance related training regimens, though they are often misunderstood and incorrectly implemented. Tune in to make sure you’re dialed in on your strength training regimen!!!   Chapters   00:00 Introduction and New Beginnings 07:13 Personal Lifting Milestones 15:09 Understanding the 5x5 Program 22:49 Context of Strength Training 30:54 Modern Applications of 5x5 Training 38:45 Understanding the Texas Method 56:40 Understanding the Juggernaut Program 01:05:30 Final Thoughts (Making Your Own Program)

Join us in Choppin It Up with Coach Zac and Parker's mentor, Director of Sport Performance at the University of Utah, Coach Cody Lockling! In this episode we dive into Cody's experiences, the evolution of the strength and conditioning field, and the importance of supporting young coaches and interns. We discuss the challenges faced by new professionals, the transformation that occurs during internships, and the key principles that guide effective strength and conditioning practices. Prepare to hear about the nuances of coaching elite athletes, the challenges faced by young coaches, and the importance of creating a learning environment. We also share memorable training experiences, insights from internships, and the significance of adaptability in the coaching profession.    Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Coach Cody Lockling 12:06 Question of the Day: Tacos, Burgers, or Pizza 16:58 Responsibilities of A Director of Sports Performance 22:42 From Fitness Enthusiast to Strength & Conditioning Coach 30:21 The Importance of Interns in Strength and Conditioning 41:31 Key Principles of Strength Training in Collegiate Athletics 45:45 Learning from Experience: The Role of Coaches 01:07:44 Reflections on the Internship Experience

In this episode, we review Chris Bumstead's training app, exploring its features, and overviewing the pros and cons. We discuss the details of the programs and workouts within and give our insight on whether or not you should buy it. Spoiler alert, CBUM is an amazing guy and competitor, his programs could use some adjustments though. Listen to find out which adjustments you should make if you decide to use the app!   Want to support the podcast? Donate Here: https://buymeacoffee.com/chopitupstrength   02:35 Question of the Day: Favorite Populations to Train 03:47 The Stakes of Training Operators 09:57 Training High-Level Individuals 11:21 Introduction to Chris Bumstead 13:36 Overview of Chris Bumstead's App 16:57 User Experience and App Features 20:56 Generalization vs. Individualization in Programs 24:00 Critique of Power Building Program 27:56 Pros of Tempo Training 32:05 Pros of the Training App 35:49 Understanding Training Principles 47:02 Evaluating the CBUM Program 54:58 Final Thoughts on Fitness Programs