Revisiting "Functional Training for Sports" with Mike Boyle

<p>Welcome to episode 450 of the Strength Coach Podcast with host Anthony Renna. In this episode, we dive deep into the evolution of functional training with legendary coach Mike Boyle as he discusses the upcoming third edition of his landmark book, <em><strong>Functional Training for Sports</strong></em>. Whether you are a professional trainer or an athlete, this conversation offers a masterclass in how training philosophies have shifted over the last two decades.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>You can Pre-order the New Functional Training for Sports here- https://a.co/d/0eKeRwPO</strong></p><p>————————————————————————————————</p><p><strong>BROUGHT TO YOU BY PERFORMBETTER.COM </strong></p><p>Check out the <strong>HUGE Summer Sale </strong>at Perform Better- Up to 50% off select items!!</p><p><a href="https://www.PerformBetter.com"><strong>https://www.PerformBetter.com </strong></a></p><p>————————————————————————————————</p><p>The core of the episode features an in-depth conversation with <strong>Mike Boyle</strong>. Mike reflects on how his philosophy has changed since the first edition of his book was released in 2004. He redefines functional training as the application of functional anatomy and discusses why certain trends, like unstable surface training, have largely faded away. We explore the transition from machine-based exercises to a functional continuum that emphasizes unilateral movements and tri-planar activity.</p><p><br></p><p>Mike also shares his thoughts on why he has moved away from traditional Olympic lifting in many scenarios, favoring trap bar jumps and weighted jumps for explosive power. You will hear about the evolution of core training, the importance of upper body pulling for shoulder health, and why agility training should be less about choreographed drills and more about sport-specific chaos.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Mark Fisher from Business for Unicorns</strong>, shares a vital productivity tool for gym owners and trainers: time blocking. Mark explains how to move from reactive mode to proactive growth by protecting your schedule for high-priority tasks. If you have ever felt like you are just putting out fires all day, this segment provides a roadmap to reclaiming your time and focus to build a business and life you love.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Want to build a fitness business that creates more income, impact, and freedom?</strong><br></p><p>Here are some <strong>FREE biz-building resources</strong> from our friends at <strong>Business for Unicorns</strong> (<a href="https://businessforunicorns.com/"><u>https://businessforunicorns.com</u></a>):<br></p><p>Get the Little Book of Gym Marketing Secrets HERE-<br><a href="https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book"><u>https://go.businessforunicorns.com/gym-marketing-book</u></a></p><p><br></p><p>Get a FREE trial of Leads Engine HERE<br><a href="https://learn.businessforunicorns.com/leads-engine"><u>https://learn.businessforunicorns.com/leads-engine</u></a></p><p><br></p><p>Learn more about the Unicorn Society HERE<br><a href="https://businessforunicorns.com/unicorn-society"><u>https://businessforunicorns.com/unicorn-society</u></a></p><p><br></p><p>Follow BFU on Instagram HERE<br><a href="https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/"><u>https://www.instagram.com/businessforunicorns/</u></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>CHAPTERS</strong></p><p>0:00 Intro and Sponsor Message</p><p>2:15 Business for Unicorns with Mark Fisher</p><p>5:30 The Importance of Time Blocking</p><p>9:45 Interview with Coach Mike Boyle</p><p>12:30 Defining Functional Training Today</p><p>16:00 Evolution of Training Implements</p><p>20:15 Unilateral Training and Injury Prevention</p><p>24:00 Rethinking Agility and Speed Drills</p><p>29:30 Weighted Jumps vs Olympic Lifting</p><p>33:00 Core Training and Functional Anatomy</p><p>37:54 Final Thoughts and Wrap Up</p><p><br></p><p>If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. </p><p>Pre-order the new edition of Funct