
Strength Coach Collective
Welcome to the “Strength Coach Collective” podcast, where we bridge the gap between cutting-edge fitness science and real-world coaching.
For the first time, people are living longer but not better. Fitness coaches and personal trainers can fix that. But who’s helping them push the industry forward? No one—until now.
Hosted by top trainers and gym owners, this show will teach you how to turn research and technology into actionable tools for transforming lives in gyms, studios and clubs.
From heart-rate training, wearable tech and biometrics to the psychology of behavior change, this podcast bridges the gap between knowledge and application. In each episode, we’ll give you practical insights to elevate your coaching or personal training practice and maximize client results.
Join the movement to evolve the fitness industry and improve lives on the front lines. Together, we’ll create better coaches who can create greater changes for clients.
To connect with thousands of like-minded professionals, join our free group at strengthcoachcollective.com.
Strength Coach Collective
Why Strength Comes First: Coach Rut and Max Effort Training
Today, Michael Rutherford joins “Strength Coach Collective” to tell coaches how to help their clients get stronger and recover better.
Host Kenny Markwardt sits down with Michael—aka “Coach Rut”—to unpack decades of lessons in strength training and conditioning.
Coach Rut shares his journey from his early days in college strength coaching to pioneering the Max Effort Black Box (MEBB) method, which blends conjugate strength work with CrossFit-style conditioning.
He says building strength first is non-negotiable for effective conditioning and explains why so many athletes struggle to throttle back on intensity when their recovery demands it.
You’ll hear how Coach Rut's 2x2x2 training model helps athletes make progress without burning out and why HRV tracking—when done right—can revolutionize individualized programming.
Listen to hear all of Coach Rut’s no-nonsense insights, and for more support, join the Strength Coach Collective via the link below.
Links
Strength Coach Collective
00:52 - Coach Rut’s background
17:22 - Max Effort Black Box
20:08 - Building strength first
38:05 - The role of HRV in training
50:27 - Tips for new trainers