Overview: In today’s episode, Smitty and OB take on AI in a tale as old as technology itself. We asked Chat GPT the top 10 asked questions to fitness professionals and it knocked the list out of the park with extremely relevant questions that anyone in the industry will recognize. We then take those top 10 questions and go head to head with our answers. After the debate, we ask what are the top fitness myths and discuss our thoughts.   Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [2:17] Jocko Fuel [5:30]...

Overview:   In today’s episode we address some common fitness industry questions starting with; is frequent muscle stimulation better than longer recovery between workouts. We talk about Mind Pump’s MAPS program and how and how it relates to our approach with our clientele. Next we move into how strength training changes when you begin a sport like BJJ. Included in this discussion are considerations on balancing performance with staying healthy for your sport. The third topic is something...

Subscribe to Our Youtube! https://youtube.com/@becomingroninpodcast?si=KSmhTMvmrW5JfhXg   Overview: We’re back from this years Elite FTS SWIS Symposium, an international fitness, health and rehab expo where leaders in industry come together and present on their findings, methods, and advice. In today’s episode we begin with our trip to Ohio and talk about our private Jiu Jitsu lesson with high level black belt,Scott Burr. After Jiu Jitsu we stopped by Elite FTS so Smitty could hop on...

Overview: In today’s episode we’re honored to be joined by Kenny Santucci. Kenny describes how he created the most successful fitness expo in the northeast, Strong NY. Strong NY is Kenny’s contribution to the fitness community in an effort to tackle what he believes is a hole in the community. We talk about how loneliness, a lack of quality fitness options, and too few in person networking events has plagued the fitness industry the last decade.      Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [0:23]...

Episode #90 Four Top Tips from Four Fit Pros     Overview: First off we'd like to announce that we are officially up and running on YouTube! If you'd like to watch our podcasts or see bonus content, please feel free to subscribe with the link below! https://youtu.be/8pCk7dGQp34?si=1ZmLkbHmwyHueAmN In today's episode of Becoming Ronin, Smitty, OB, and Chris McGowan listen to 4 tips submitted from industry experts and give their own perspective on each of them. Our tips come from us...

Overview: Join us on "Becoming Ronin," where financial responsibility meets the path to self-mastery. In this insightful episode, we sit down with British HODL, a Bitcoiner, Investor, and educator, to demystify the fascinating world of finance. British sheds light on what Bitcoin truly represents and how it disrupts traditional finance by addressing inherent issues. We dispel prevalent myths and showcase the potential this digital currency holds. British offers invaluable insights, guiding...

Overview: Today we jump into a serious issue that plagues the field of play and haunts strength and conditioning coaches around the world: achilles injuries. This is one of the most common tendon rupture injury in the human body and we believe can largely be prevented. In this episode, we delve into the intricate world of Achilles tendon injuries, shedding light on effective prevention and recovery strategies. The Achilles tendon, a vital structure connecting the calf muscles to the heel...

Overview: In today’s episode we explore a topic that plagues any industry: BURNOUT.  Our goal with this episode is to both give you an understanding of what leads to burnout, as well as help dissect whether your job is the issue, or your mindset is leading you down the wrong path. We lay out six components of career fatigue and talk about each one in an effort to develop tools to become burnout proof and reignite the passion to pursue what’s best.    Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [1:32] How...

Overview: After wishing Smitty a happy birthday, we dive right into a subject close to Smitty’s heart: Bitcoin. What many might not know is that Smitty has been researching Bitcoin for the past couple years and today he sheds some light on what it is for those who may not know. Then we continue to answer some listener questions, starting with what our thoughts are on filming in the gym. We discuss etiquette for influencers and fit pros, and some criteria for the the content you put out. ...

Overview: In this mini burst series, Smitty and OB are breaking down program design into four episodes: Assessment, Warm Up, Strength, and Conditioning. Each category will be its own episode and you will hear Smitty and OB program for two different clients and think through the considerations for each and give their advice on how to apply it to yourself.   Todays episode is all about how to program and progress energy systems. Conditioning training is one of the most misunderstood aspects...

Overview: In this mini burst series, Smitty and OB are breaking down program design into four episodes: Assessment, Warm Up, Strength, and Conditioning. Each category will be its own episode and you will hear Smitty and OB program for two different clients and think through the considerations for each and give their advice on how to apply it to yourself. Todays episode is all about how to program and progress strength training. Everyone knows “exercises,” but exercises alone are just like...

Overview: In this mini burst series, Smitty and OB are breaking down program design into four episodes: Assessment, Warm Up, Strength, and Conditioning. Each category will be its own episode and you will hear Smitty and OB program for two different clients and think through the considerations for each and give their advice on how to apply it to yourself. Todays episode is all about how to individualize the warm up. Taking what we’ve learned from the Assessment in Episode 1, we discuss how...

  Overview: Becoming Ronin's First Burst Series! Episode 1/4: Assessment and Consultation Coming later this week: Episode 2/4: Warm Up and Corrective Exercise Episode 3/4: Program Design Episode 4/4: Energy Systems Made Simple In this mini burst series, Smitty and OB are breaking down program design into four episodes: Assessment, Warm Up, Strength, and Conditioning. Each category will be its own episode and you will hear Smitty and OB program for two different clients and think...

Overview: Today’s episode we dive into some Ronin listener submitted questions, starting with some business related topics such as developing your brand as a coach, starting a small business in a new area, and best marketing techniques learned from years of mistakes. Next we discuss the best conditioning for firefighters and tactical athletes, while highlighting a way to progress your own conditioning training. This leads to Smitty explaining what @defrancosgym calls “Time Motion Analysis,”...

Overview: In this episode, we’re honored to be joined by one of our biggest influences in the assessment and corrective exercise realm, Dean Somerset. Dean runs a prolific fitness blog as well as a youtube channel that boats hundreds of resources for trainers and athletes. Dean is standout in the fitness industry for many reasons but to us, we credit him with educating the industry on injuries and post-rehab training principles that moved the collective knowledge forwards decades. Today he...

Overview: Today’s episode kicks off with a quick look back at the first week of the Ronin Challenge. Smitty ond OB discuss how limiting screen time has renewed their focus and increases the awareness of the present moment. Next Smitty brings to the table a rapid fire question that he is extremely proud of; what are the top three dying scenes of any movie? We then dive into a question submitted to us from Justin from Mind Pump; what are our thoughts on people of the fitness industry moving...

Overview   In today’s episode we begin with what becoming a “Modern Day Ronin” means to us. In this segment we lay out the seven tenants of self-mastery that to us, exemplify what it means to work on yourself without falling into the traps of more typical self-development methods.   After briefly discussing each of the tenants, we move into the new four week Ronin Challenge that lays out some very basic things that have a large impact on how one interacts with the world. Through less...

Overview:    Today we are honored to have Tim Reynolds back in the studio. For those who listened to Tim’s first episode, you will remember that Tim is a distinguished physical therapist as well as an Anatomy and Physiology professor at Ithaca College. In addition to his commitment to the health and rehab field, Tim is an avid outdoorsman with hundreds of grueling paced high peak hikes under his belt.   In this episode, Tim walks us through his recent experience taking on Mt. Rainier. We...

Overview:  In today’s episode, Smitty is back from vacations which means we are back to answering your questions! After some rapid fire questions, we dive into interfamily dynamics and Smitty offers some wisdom based on personal struggles in the past and how his outlook carried him into a more successful present. We then discuss a unique concept on how ensure constant progress with your bench, squat, and deadlift. This conversation leads into multiple levels of us discussing work capacity,...

Overview:  In this episode we seek to understand Anger. Because anger is so misunderstood, one might feel shame or frustration around feeling angry, when in reality there are some pretty important benefits of anger. Today we will discuss the five components of anger, the appraisal process when angry, anger traps, and five ways to disrupt anger from becoming a problem. Hopefully after listening to this discussion, you will have a better understanding on how to use anger as a tool, rather...

Overview: Welcome to the Becoming Ronin podcast, where we delve into topics that empower you to break free from limiting mindsets and enhance various aspects of your life. In this episode, we shed light on a cognitive bias that we're all guilty of. By understanding and recognizing this bias, you can revolutionize your approach to business, fitness, and life.   We kick off the episode by exploring the fascinating concept of confirmation bias. Learn how this innate human tendency can impact...

Overview:  In this captivating episode of our podcast, we delve into the awe-inspiring journey of Rob Solveson, an extraordinary special operator with Force Recon. Rob's life has been punctuated by immense challenges that would have broken the spirit of many, yet he persevered and emerged stronger than ever. Join us as we explore his remarkable story of resilience, determination, and triumph over unimaginable obstacles.   Timestamps: [0:00] Intro [1:37] Episode Intro [3:07] Rob’s...

Overview:    In this episode, we cover a wide range of topics related to fitness, rehabilitation, and common exercise questions. Join us as we settle the debate on breakfast sandwiches, celebrate OB's blue belt, and provide expert insights and advice on various listener submitted questions.   In the following segments, we celebrate OB's recent accomplishment of earning his blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, discuss the dedication and hard work required to progress in martial arts, and...

Overview:  In this episode, we're joined by Eric Cressey, a renowned strength and conditioning coach, author, and speaker, who has worked with thousands of athletes and clients from all walks of life. Eric is the co-founder of Cressey Sports Performance, a high-performance training facility, and has been featured in numerous publications, including Men's Health, Men's Fitness, and ESPN. Today, Eric will share his insights on building a brand, nuances of training pro athletes, and staying...

Overview:  Joe Gilfedder is a head strength coach at Fordham University and oversees the programs that leads to all athletes’ success there.  Joe Gilfedder has an extremely comprehensive understanding the strength and conditioning world and uses this to fuel his sophisticated training style. Today Joe shares his perspective on how he views training for different athletes and different sports. Joe also then talks a bit about lessons learned through years of experimentation and practice with...