Dub-ois Recap: From U-dub to Now
The latest episode of PA Chalk Up brought together a powerhouse of strength and conditioning minds for a long-overdue reunion. Host Manny was joined by his old colleagues from the University of Washington strength staff – Brandon and Nate – for an in-depth discussion on coaching methodologies, athletic development, and navigating the evolving landscape of strength and conditioning.
Meet the Dub-ois
The trio met while interning at the University of Washington with the football team in 2022 and have since branched out into various coaching roles across the U.S. and Europe:
Brandon is now a personal trainer in New York, balancing strength coaching for a club rugby team.
Nate operates out of Maximum Sports Conditioning in Bellevue, Washington, working primarily with high school athletes.
Manny has been growing Primitive Athletix, a private strength and conditioning company based in Scotland UK. Working with athletes from Scottish to Brittish level.
Their banter was filled with old memories, plenty of laughs, and valuable insight into the field of strength and conditioning.
Key Topics Discussed:
1. The Evolution of Strength & Conditioning
The group tackled the ever-changing landscape of sports science and training, questioning whether strength coaches sometimes overcomplicate things. Nate emphasized the KISS principle (Keep It Stupid Simple), highlighting that while data tracking tools like the Plyomat and velocity-based training (VBT) are useful, they must be applied with context.
2. Jump Metrics and Plyometric Development
Nate broke down how he integrates Plyomat to assess athlete readiness through RSI (Reactive Strength Index) and depth jumps. He shared his approach to adjusting depth jump heights and ground contact times based on an athlete’s sport and physical needs. The conversation underscored the importance of contextualizing data, rather than blindly chasing numbers.
3. Stress and Athlete Development
A big discussion centered around how modern athletes handle stress – not just physical but also academic and emotional. Nate noted that many young athletes he works with come from high-pressure academic environments where school stress rivals physical fatigue. Managing their training loads while respecting their mental well-being has become a critical part of his programming.
4. The Role of Social Media in Strength & Conditioning
The coaches debated the impact of social media on training philosophy. Many influencers present their training methods as the “only way,” which leads young athletes to chase trends instead of sound programming. Brandon pointed out that some of the most respected strength coaches in the industry are too busy coaching to produce content, leaving the space open for less experienced voices to take over.
5. Experimentation in Programming
Each coach emphasized the importance of trial and error in coaching. Whether testing velocity-based training (VBT), step-up variations, or conjugate programming, French contrast or the importance of individualisation they all agreed that the best coaches are always experimenting and evolving.
Final Thoughts
The episode wrapped up with reflections on coaching philosophy, mentorship, and the importance of continuing education. Each coach shared where listeners could find them, with a promise to make "The Dub-ois" a recurring series.
This episode was a goldmine for coaches, athletes, and anyone interested in the science and art of strength training. Stay tuned for more discussions, debates, and deep dives into the world of coaching.
PA Chalk Up Sponsor Highlight:
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