Progressive Rehab & Strength

In this episode of the Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast, Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. John Petrizzo break down how strength training allowed a 75-year-old barbell trainee to avoid inpatient rehab after fracturing both her hip and wrist. Her story is a testament to how barbell training preserves function, independence, and quality of life—even after serious injury.   “The stronger you go into these sorts of situations, the better off you're going to be—because you're going to have more lean body mass, more muscle mass, more bone mineral density… So that if you lose some of it, you’re not going to be as negatively impacted as someone who has low levels going in.” – Dr. John Petrizzo, PT, CSCS, PRSCC, SSC   Key Topics Discussed The role of strength training in rehab for older adults How physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons can safely use barbell exercises Adapting barbell training during recovery from fractures and surgery The benefits of building “physiological reserve” through strength Strategies to maintain training with one-sided injuries Using machines, bands, and unilateral work as part of barbell-based rehab Key Takeaways Strength training can prevent the need for inpatient rehab You can apply progressive overload without a barbell Barbell lifts can be safely modified in rehab Muscle and bone strength serve as protection, not risk, as we age   0:00 – 1:39 – Episode intro + Pat’s story setup 1:40 – 5:00 – Pat skips inpatient rehab after hip + wrist fractures 5:00 – 9:30 – Strength training keeps older adults independent 9:30 – 10:50 – Rehab often unnecessary if strong enough 10:50 – 13:18 – Medical disclaimer + conceptual discussion 13:19 – 17:00 – How to train lower body post-fracture 17:01 – 22:00 – How to train upper body with one arm 22:01 – 25:00 – Applying progressive overload in rehab 25:01 – 30:00 – Healing timelines + early rehab mobility 30:01 – 35:00 – Managing PT visits + training around insurance limits 35:01 – 41:00 – Transitioning from rehab to barbell training 41:01 – 45:00 – Strength as physiological reserve in aging 45:01 – 52:00 – Doctors dismissing lifting + final takeaways   Listen now and share this episode with a clinician, athlete, or loved one who needs to hear it.     Got a question you would like the PRS team to answer on the show? Submit it here! https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59      If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs John IG: @johnpetrizzo    

In this candid and insightful listener Q&A episode, Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. Alyssa Haveson of Progressive Rehab & Strength dive deep into two thought-provoking questions submitted by a competitive powerlifter navigating the post-meet blues and nutrition challenges.  They unpack the psychological and physical impacts of taking extended time off from training after powerlifting competitions, explore ways to manage training stress, and discuss how to realign your training goals during life transitions. Plus, they address the complex question of when to transition to maintenance calories after bulking or cutting. From athlete burnout and life balance to nutrition periodization and sport crossover (hello BJJ!), this episode is full of real talk, actionable advice, and behind-the-scenes coaching strategy.   Key Topics Discussed: When and how to take intentional time off after a powerlifting competition Psychological burnout vs. strategic off-season programming Communicating openly with your coach to optimize your program Training through lifestyle transitions like busy work seasons, family obligations, and other hobbies Adjusting expectations and recovery strategies in your 30s and 40s How to maintain strength without a meet on the horizon Pros and cons of adding high-stress sports (like BJJ) to your training in-season When to transition from a caloric deficit to maintenance Body composition discomfort vs. performance trade-offs Sustainable strength strategies and nutrition for competitive lifters Listener Takeaways: You don’t have to earn your time off — you need to plan it intentionally. Your training should adapt to your life, not the other way around. Weight gain doesn’t always mean strength gain — and that’s okay. Lifters in their 30s and 40s need smarter recovery strategies and realistic expectations. If you’re feeling something — mentally or physically — say something to your coach.   Resources Mentioned: Join the Secret Society of Barbell Mastery Facebook Group   Previous episode on weight classes & cutting #24 - Danny Lennon, MSc - Cutting & Confining to a Powerlifting Weight Class | A Decision Hierarchy Season 2, #2 - Choosing Your Powerlifting Weight Class | When to Cut, Bulk, And Compete   Got a question you would like the PRS team to answer on the show? Submit it here! https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59      If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs  

In this episode of the Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast Inspirational Interview Series, Dr. Rori Alter sat down with Anna Marie Oakes-Joudy, an athlete who faces life’s toughest challenges and emerges stronger every day. Anna Marie shares her personal journey through the hardships of raising and homeschooling 5 children, demonstrating resilience, and the transformative power of strength training. As a mother of five—including a set of twins—she balances her role as a dedicated parent while excelling as a barbell coach, homeschooling her children, and running a successful business. From overcoming significant obstacles to finding empowerment in lifting, her story is one of perseverance and inspiration. Listeners will be moved by her candid reflections on how she navigates setbacks and finds purpose in both training and life. Anna Marie discusses the mental and physical battles she endured and how she leveraged strength training as a means of grounding herself. She opens up about the crucial role of a supportive community and the guidance she received along the way. Her experiences highlight the power of mindset and how shifting perspectives can turn adversity into an opportunity for growth. Juggling motherhood, coaching, homeschooling, and entrepreneurship, Anna Marie provides an honest look at the challenges she faces daily and how she stays focused on her goals. Whether you're an athlete facing challenges or someone looking for motivation to push through tough times, this conversation offers invaluable insights. Throughout the interview, Anna Marie and Dr. Rori Alter explores key themes such as goal setting, adapting mindsets, and the importance of consistency in training and life. Some of the thought-provoking questions she answers include: How do you find balance between raising five children, running a business, and staying committed to your own strength journey? What advice do you have for other parents who struggle to prioritize their own health and fitness? What were the biggest mental barriers you had to overcome, and how did you work through them? She also shares how she integrates her passion for strength training into her family life, setting an example for her children and encouraging them to build confidence through movement. This episode serves as a reminder that even when circumstances seem insurmountable, persistence and a strong support system can pave the way for success. Join us for this powerful and uplifting conversation with Anna Marie. Whether you’re a working mom of one or a stay-at-home-dad of 5, her journey will leave you feeling inspired and ready to tackle your own challenges head-on. Listen now and be reminded of the strength that lies within you!   Resources & Links: Anna Marie’s IG: @am_strength Anna Marie’s email: am.strength.ss@gmail.com Client Spotlight | Anna Marie’s 4th Pregnancy/Postpartum & Barbell Training  Pregnancy & Postpartum Barbell Training Resources   If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs  

Barbell strength training or powerlifting training after having kids is HARD. Finding the time and energy to powerlift after having babies has its challenges for all parents, but, most of all, time to train and the ability to recover is most affected.  In this episode of the PRS Podcast, hosts Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. John Petrizzo continue their New Parent Training series, discussing how to adapt strength training when time and recovery resources are limited—a challenge that applies not only to new parents but to anyone with a demanding schedule. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Reality of Training as a New Parent – Is it really any different from other life demands that impact training time and recovery? Three Key Situations Where We Lower the Ceiling on Training Intensity – Understanding when and why you should adjust your expectations to stay injury-free and maintain progress.  How to Prepare for Training as a Parent Before You Even Have Kids – The mindset shift that makes the transition to time-restricted training smoother.  Optimizing Training When Recovery Resources Are Limited – Practical strategies for making progress even when sleep and recovery time are compromised. Adjusting Training Volume for Maximum Efficiency – How to modify your workouts to get stronger without spending hours in the gym. How Long Should a Barbell Lift Take? – Setting realistic timeframes for training sessions to fit your schedule. Load Adjustments to Stay Within a Specific Timeframe – Strategies to manage training intensity and keep workouts productive. Two Time-Efficient Training Week Setups – How to structure your program for consistency and flexibility as a new parent. Maximizing Training Session Efficiency – Tips to ensure you get the most out of each session while maintaining consistency.  Reducing Mental Barriers to Training – Simple ways to overcome the mindset challenges that may be keeping you from getting a session in. Whether you're a new parent, a busy professional, or someone struggling to balance life and training, this episode provides actionable strategies to help you stay strong, make progress, and train smarter—not harder.   Resources Mentioned in This Episode: PROGRESSION WITHOUT REGRESSION: HOW TO ADJUST TRAINING SO THINGS DON'T GO AWRY!     If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs  

In this episode of The Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast, new parents and Clinical Coaches, Drs Rori Alter and John Petrizzo, dive into the challenges of maintaining a strength training program, specifically powerlifting and barbell training, after having a baby for the first and second time. From sleep deprivation to time constraints, they explore how your approach to training must shift in the postpartum period. If you're a parent, or soon-to-be parent, they talk about the differences in training expectations before and after having kids, and how to avoid the common pitfalls that lead to injury and burnout after. This episode discusses the importance of flexibility and consistency over perfection, how to modify your lifting program to suit your current life stage, and the critical need to listen to your body and adjust your approach. It also covers how to stay realistic and avoid frustration by embracing the idea that this is a temporary phase, and there will be opportunities to get back to a more robust powerlifting routine that works for you. Key Takeaways From This Episode: Managing Expectations in Postpartum Powerlifting for Both Parents: Training as a new parent may look very different from training before kids. Explore the shift in mindset and realistic goals when it comes to strength training during the postpartum period. Sleep Deprivation and Its Impact on Strength Training & Recovery: Sleep disturbances are commonplace after having a child, whether it’s the first, second or third time. Whether it’s early postpartum or you’re in the midst of a sleep regression, your ability to recover is impacted and training must adapt while you’re in this ever changing life phase.  Finding Time to Train: How parents can carve out time for strength training despite the busy, unpredictable schedule of parenting. This episode  tackles the myth of "I don't have time to train" and shares practical tips for fitting in workouts, even when life gets chaotic. Consistency Over Perfection: Why aiming for consistency instead of perfection can be a game changer in the postpartum period. It's all about progress, not perfection. The Importance of Modifying Your Program: Not adjusting your training can lead to injuries and hinder your progress. This episode gives real-life examples of clients who struggled with injuries because their standard programs weren’t suited to their current life stage and recovery capacity. Recovery and Injuries: Why you may need to slow down and focus more on recovery, especially after childbirth, when typical strength training programs may not provide enough rest. Temporary Phase: Recognizing that this challenging stage is temporary, from the fourth trimester to toddlerhood, and that balance and recovery will improve as time goes on. Episode Highlights: The #1 reason people stop exercising is lack of time – and this becomes even more of a challenge after having kids. Case studies of clients balancing demanding careers and new families, who had to modify their training to avoid injuries and achieve better recovery. Real talk about the physical and mental adjustment needed after introducing a new family member, and how training programs need to reflect these changes. Links and Resources: John’s article: One Year of Low Volume Training How to Incorporate Cardio Into Your Strength Training Program How to Manage Strength Training Fatigue in Your Barbell Training | Fatigue Management While Powerlifting The Sustainable Training Builder (Free): designed to help you completely customize and adjust your barbell training program and nutrition by tracking the most important data for optimal recovery, performance, and sustainability     If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs  

In today's episode, Dr. Rori and two other Clinical Coaches at PRS, Alyssa Haveson and Dr. John Petrizzo, answer your questions! In this first installment of Q&A, the team answers the following questions: How tight should your lifting belt be? How do deal with deadlift drifting away from your legs when using a mixed grip? How can I increase the number of pull-ups I can do?   Resources mentioned in this episode: 10 Minute Tip #1: How to Choose a Powerlifting or Strength Training Belt 10 Minute Tip #20: The Truth About Belts, Bracing & Your Back in Barbell Training (Webinar) Weightlifting Belts: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How!   Got a question you would like the PRS team to answer on the show? Submit it here! https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59      If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Free Resources! Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs  

In this episode of Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast, we sit down with PRS client and competitive powerlifter, Stephanie Tracy. We dive into her incredible journey from competing at Powerlifting America’s Bench Press National Championships to representing the USA at the Pan American Championships. Along the way, we discuss the mental and physical challenges that come with injuries, how Steph found the strength to push through, and what it takes to keep competing at the highest level, even when your body may be working against you.   Get our FREE Powerlifting Meet Day Bundle HERE >> progressiverehabandstrength.com/powerliftingbundle    Stephanie opens up about her history in competitive powerlifting, the setbacks she’s faced due to injury, and the mindset that keeps her in the game. She shares the story of her shoulder injury, how it affected her training and mentality, and the decision-making process that led her to compete at the Pan American Championships despite not being at 100%. We also discuss how strategy helped her succeed in this international competition, even though she didn’t hit a PR or go 3/3, and what kept her smiling after a tough performance.   Steph Tracy highlights many of the elements we discussed in our Powerlifting Competition Series on the Podcast and we’re excited for her to share her story with you. In this candid conversation, Stephanie gives valuable advice for anyone dealing with an injury while preparing for a competition and how to determine when to push through and when to take a step back. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The ups and downs of Stephanie’s competitive powerlifting journey, including her experience with injuries and how they’ve shaped her approach to the sport. Why powerlifting is a great sport for people of all backgrounds and abilities. How to stay mentally focused during competition, even when dealing with setbacks. The real reason Steph accepted the invitation to the Pan American Championships, despite being injured. The importance of strategy in overcoming physical limitations and how it contributed to her performance. How to evaluate whether you should push through an injury or take time off from competing. Why injuries don’t necessarily have to end your competition season. The role of imaging in understanding the extent of an injury and its impact on performance. Episode Highlights: Injuries and Resilience — Stephanie talks about the challenges injuries have presented throughout her powerlifting career and how they’ve affected both her training and mindset. Pushing Through the Pain — A deep dive into the mental toughness required to compete at a high level when injured, and how strategic thinking allowed Stephanie to succeed even when she wasn’t at full strength. Facing the Decision — Stephanie’s advice for anyone dealing with an injury and whether to continue pushing toward a competition or take time off to heal. Why It’s Not Always About PRs — Despite not hitting a PR at the Pan American Championships, Stephanie explains why she felt proud of her performance and how the experience shaped her approach to future competitions. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, strategy, and the power of mindset in competitive powerlifting, even in the face of injury. Resources & Links: Follow Stephanie on Instagram @civilwarbabe  Learn more about PRS podcast Visit PRS to learn more about coaching and training programs for powerlifters #6 - Part 2 - Pain & Injuries in Barbell Training - Do You Need an MRI?       If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs  

In the powerlifting world, injuries are an unfortunate reality. Whether it's a tweak in training leading into a competition or something more significant happening during the powerlifting meet itself, injuries will happen. However, it's how we reduce our risk for them and manage them so they don't get worse leading into or during the competition.   Prepping for a Powerlifting Meet? Download our FREE Powerlifting Meet Day Bundle HERE!   In this episode of the Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast, we dive into the complex dynamics of injuries in powerlifting competitions, from preventing them to managing them when they inevitably occur.   We'll break down why injuries seem to crop up as lifters approach competition time, addressing key factors like:   Overtraining Mental stress Physical demands of peaking for performance  How to decide whether to push through an injury or pull back  When is it wise to adjust your attempt selection to avoid making things worse   We'll also discuss the financial and future opportunity costs of competing through injury—how much should you weigh your investment in the competition against your long-term lifting goals? When is it best to step back and preserve your health for the future?   Injuries during a competition present a whole new set of challenges. What's the best course of action if you get hurt mid-meet? Can you adjust your attempt selection in real time to avoid further damage? Should you skip an attempt, put in a number versus a 0, or pull out completely? These are the tough decisions that many lifters face.   Plus, we'll talk about the sometimes frustrating process of adjusting your first attempt—how to make changes when you're warming up and things don't feel right, and why your opener matters more than you might think. Do you change the number at weigh-ins? And what happens when you tweak something warming up right before your first lift?   If you've ever dealt with the stress of managing an injury before or during a powerlifting competition, or you're wondering how to avoid major setbacks in your competition journey, this episode of the Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast is for you. We'll share strategies, practical tips, and personal insights to help you navigate those challenging moments and come out stronger on the other side.   Tune in for this essential conversation on staying healthy, making smart decisions under pressure, and keeping your long-term goals intact leading into a powerlifting competition!   Resources mentioned in this episode: #1 - Key Features of the PRS Sustainable Training Method: Bridging the Gap Between Barbell Training, Powerlifting, & Rehabilitation How to Manage Strength Training Fatigue in Your Barbell Training | Fatigue Management While Powerlifting Tracking Your Barbell Training: The Importance of RPE & E1rm in Reaching Your Goals in Powerlifting & Strength Training #5 - Part 1 - Pain & Injuries in Barbell Training - What Are Injuries & How Do They Happen? #6 - Part 2 - Pain & Injuries in Barbell Training - Do You Need an MRI? #7 - Part 3 - Pain & Injuries in Barbell Training - The Athlete Recovery Process The PRS Sustainable Training Builder- FREE     If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs  

In this episode of Progressive Rehab & Strength Podcast we continue our discussion on Powerlifting Game Day Strategy. We focus on the nuances of managing and competing at the highest levels of powerlifting, with a particular emphasis on coaching advanced athletes through regional, pro, national, and international powerlifting competitions. This episode is designed for advanced lifters and new lifters entering the higher competition circuit, and their coaches who are preparing for national and international competitions, offering actionable strategies to optimize performance when every detail matters. Coach Alyssa breaks down the critical differences between advanced lifters and those at the beginner or intermediate levels, exploring how a lifter’s game day strategy evolves as they progress in the sport. From refining the technical aspects of attempt selection to the mental fortitude required for high-stakes competition, we cover everything you need to know about navigating the challenges that come with elite-level powerlifting meets. Key topics include: Building a Competitive Powerlifting Total: How to strategically plan attempts to build a winning total, including handling the psychology of openers, progressions, and third attempts. Handling Red Lights in a Meet: What to do when an attempt doesn’t go as planned—how to stay calm, reset, and come back stronger, and when it’s time for the coach to step in. The Role of the Meet-Day Handler: Why a handler becomes essential at this level or powerlifting , how to optimize their role in assisting with warm-ups, attempt selection, and managing last-minute decisions. Advanced Deadlift Strategy: Why the deadlift can make or break your competition, and how to approach it strategically—especially when the bar is heavy and every kilo counts. Competition Day Logistics: Navigating the complexities of lot numbers, squat to bench to deadlift transitions, and managing potential delays or distractions in the warm-up area. DOTS Scoring and Pro-Level Strategy: Understanding the impact of DOTS scores on rankings and how this affects attempt planning at national and world-level events. We’ll also discuss how to fine-tune your lifter’s mindset, optimize performance under pressure, and deal with the unique challenges that arise at high-level meets. Whether you’re a coach guiding a lifter to their first national competition or managing a seasoned pro at the world level, this episode is packed with strategies to elevate both your athlete’s performance and your coaching game. Tune in for expert advice on mastering the finer points of game day and ensuring that your athlete executes with precision, confidence, and focus on the biggest stages in powerlifting.   Get our FREE Powerlifting Meet Day Bundle HERE >> progressiverehabandstrength.com/powerliftingbundle      If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs  

Having a game day strategy for a powerlifting meet is essential to making sure you have fun and the outcome of the competition meets your expectations. Whether you are a first time powerlifting competitor or a seasoned lifter, you should do all you can to ensure you go 9-for-9 as completing all possible attempts in a powerlifting competition ensures you have the best outcome possible.   In this episode of the PRS Podcast Drs Rori Alter and Alyssa Haveson continue their discussion on powerlifting competition by dedicating Part 3 and 4 of this Powerlifting Competition Series to planning your powerlifting meet and meet day strategy and execution.    In this episode they discuss: Planning your attempts for a powerlifting meet Meet day strategy attempt planning and execution What game day strategy takes into account The first thing to consider when planning your powerlifting competition strategy  When you should take risks in a powerlifting competition and when you should not Why you should aim to go 9 for 9 and what missing a lift sets you up for The goal of your first attempt in a powerlifting meet  How to select openers for a novice versus more advanced powerlifter? In what situations you go up in weight or stay at the same weight for your next attempt What not to do on competition How do you determine how much to increase between each attempt Should you ever miss your third attempt in a powerlifting competition Will you hit a PR in every meet? What the challenges for transitioning from novice to intermediate competitor are How do you look at PRs in a powerlifting competition; Are they just PRs on the lifts themselves? What RPE your attempts should be Do we recommend max effort on all third attempts?   This podcast episode is highly focused on the strategic aspect of powerlifting competitions, specifically the planning and execution of attempts in a meet. It is geared toward powerlifters at all levels, from novice to more experienced lifters, as well as powerlifting coaches and meet day handlers, making it broadly appealing to a wide audience.    Get our FREE Powerlifting Meet Day Bundle HERE >> progressiverehabandstrength.com/powerliftingbundle      If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs  

In this follow-up episode, Drs. Rori Alter, PT, and Alyssa Haveson, PT, delve into the critical decisions powerlifters face when selecting a weight class for competition. Building on their previous conversation about the timing of entering a meet, they explore the key factors that influence whether you should cut weight, bulk up, or stay at your current body weight to optimize your performance. In this episode, they answer essential questions like: How do powerlifting weight classes work, and who are you actually competing against? What factors should influence your decision to lose weight or gain weight for a competition? When is it a smart strategy to cut weight (and how to do it safely), versus bulking for powerlifting? Should you train at a heavier body weight relative to your weight class? What’s the difference between a weight cut and a water cut—and when should you do either? When is it time to change weight classes, and how does this impact your personal records (PRs)? How does gaining or losing weight affect your strength, technique, and overall performance? Should you outgrow a weight class, and what are the signs? If you're wondering how to make the right weight class choice for your next competition—or if you're unsure whether to bulk or cut—this episode is packed with expert advice on how to navigate these tough decisions!   Resources mentioned in this episode: Weigh-in & Meet Day Eating Guide Episode #24: Danny Lennon, MSc - Cutting & Confining to a Powerlifting Weight Class | A Decision Hierarchy      If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on  Apple or Spotify.   Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs  

When people get into barbell training as their form of exercise, they’ll at some point ask the question, “should I do a powerlifting meet?” After just over a year hiatus from the PRS Podcast, Drs Rori Alter and Alyssa Haveson are back with the first in a series of five podcast episodes on all elements of powerlifting competitions.  In these five episodes they will cover exactly what you need to know to do well in your first powerlifting competition all the way to the international powerlifting platform.  In this episode of the PRS Podcast we cover: Where we’ve been and what we’ve been up to over the last year Introduce Dr. Alyssa Haveson’s background as a competitor and elite competitive powerlifting coach and the three elements she brings to the table for game day powerlifting coaching How a person gets into recreational or competitive powerlifting for the first time What it means to do a competition and how do we choose it at the right time? The two ways the topic of doing a powerlifting competition comes up with a novice lifter The Questions: “How strong should I be to do my first competition?” - and does it matter? One of the most intimidating parts of competition for new powerlifters Why the question, “What goals do you have for me?” isn’t the best question for a powerlifter to ask their coach Who you are actually competing against in powerlifting competitions The 7 goals for the novice powerlifting competitor Three types of Novice Powerlifting Competitors Important things for the higher level powerlifting athlete to consider when choosing competitions    If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify.   Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery     Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com  Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs  

Rori and team are taking a quick break from podcasting for the fall. Stay tuned, though, because they'll be back soon with more podcasts!   In the meantime, check out the PRS website (link below) as well as the many other resources PRS offers.     If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify.   Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery    Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs

Shoulder surgery is one of the most painful and debilitating surgeries that we see people go through. Because of this and the comparable outcomes of physical therapy relative to shoulder surgery, we encourage powerlifters to exhaust all conservative options before having shoulder surgery.   Shoulder surgeries seem to be the most challenging for people to deal with because it affects so many things: Personal hygiene Driving Feeding yourself Putting on and taking off shirts Sleeping Cooking  Grocery shopping  And much more   Contrary to popular belief, barbell training and powerlifting alone do not usually cause most of the “injuries” associated with the shoulder. Things like rotator cuff tears and tendinopathies, labral tears, “impingement,” etc. are all things that affect the general population. So it’s more likely that training volume, intensity, and barbell techniques are irritating a shoulder that already has some of this going on. And it’s more than possible to reduce symptoms and make a full recovery without surgery.   Dr. Rori Alter and Dr. John Petrizzo discuss common shoulder injuries that affect barbell training and strategies for managing and rehabbing them, including physical therapy, training modifications, medical interventions such as cortisone injections, and finally, surgery.     If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify.   Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery    Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs

The shoulder is one of the most commonly injured areas of the body in the sport of powerlifting and strength training. But injuring your shoulder does not mean you should stop training. Barbell lift modifications can be made so you can continue to powerlift while you rehabilitate your shoulder injury.   In this episode of the PRS Podcast the Clinical Coaches discuss our algorithm for technique modification to allow you, your clients, or patients to continue to train each powerlift while rehabilitating a shoulder injury. Additionally, we discuss how you can continue to train your whole body early on after having shoulder surgery and what early return-to-sport for powerlifting  looks like.   We break down technique modifications and return-to-powerlifting after surgery via a discussion on each lift so there is no reason why your athleticism should decrease when you are recovering from a shoulder surgery or injury.    Resources mentioned in this episode: Pain & Injuries Part 1 Pain & Injuries Part 2 Pain & Injuries Part 3 Barbell Strap    If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify.   Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery    Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs

The shoulder is one of the most common sites of injury in powerlifting and barbell training because it is involved in every single powerlift. So in order to protect yourself from shoulder pain or injury, it’s important to have good bar placement, grip width, and shoulder position to optimize force production while minimizing extraneous forces on the shoulder.   In this episode of the PRS Podcast we discuss not just the functional anatomy of the shoulder and the four joints it’s composed of, but how it functions in each lift and how you should move to reduce your risk for injury while getting as strong as possible.    This episode is broken down by lift and common myths or misconceptions about technique and the shoulder in barbell training.   The Shoulder In The Squat: What are some misconceptions people have about bar placement, stability, and grip width in the squat? How does the shoulder impact grip width and bar position in the squat?   The Shoulder In The Bench Press: How does arching your back improve bench press execution and support muscle development?  Why does excessive arching in the bench press create a problem at the shoulder? Why do we want to maintain tightness and not sink the bar into the chest when bench pressing? Why is the idea of tucking and flaring during the bench press problematic for the shoulder?   The Shoulder In The Deadlift: What role do the lats pla in the deadlift? How does the role of the lats in the deadlift influence our back/shoulder angle?   The Shoulder In The Overhead Press: Why is overhead feared by doctors and physical therapists? How do you protect from impingement in the shoulder while overhead pressing?   If you’re a chiropractor, physical therapist, medical doctor, strength coach, or student clinician, this episode is a great review and application tutorial regarding the foot and ankle in barbell training.   If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify.   Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery    Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs

Chiropractic adjustments are often used for the treatment of neck pain and headaches. However, there is an increasing awareness that cervical spine manipulation may not be safe, therefore it’s important to know the risks, benefits, and alternatives when determining if cervical spine adjustments are best for you.    There is a strong relationship between the structures of the neck and head with balance and performance in barbell training and powerlifting. This is why we coach people to maintain a neutral neck posture in line with the rest of their spine and to focus their eyes on a specific point close to their bodies while executing the powerlifts.   Not considering and adhering to sound technique in the cervical spine may lead to neck pain, headaches, dizziness, or injuries in barbell training. This may lead you to seek out the care of a chiropractor for manipulation or adjustment of the cervical spine for neck pain or other disorders of the head and neck. But is chiropractic adjustment of the cervical spine safe and what you need?   In this episode of the PRS Podcast, our hosts sit down to discuss Dr. Taylor Goldberg, DC who discusses the efficacy and safety of cervical spine manipulation.    There are many other treatments that can provide the same benefit in a safer capacity One of the iIssue with traditional chiropractors is they market themselves as the only way to fix symptoms and make someone healthier. The narrative and language used by traditional chiropractors scares people into believing they need adjustments forever and it is the only way to feel well Chiropractic manipulation isn’t doing what it says it’s doing because… Bad palpation skills Not adjusting the level we think we are adjusting Bones don’t move Medical Subluxation & Chiropractic Subluxation are different confusing people about the mechanism of their pain  Contraindications to manipulating the cervical spine and when WOULD she recommend and use cervical spine manipulation? How are the neck, ears, jaw, and eyes connected to dizziness and balance How might movement of the neck while lifting cause dizziness or fainting Is there truly bad posture and how does that influence neck pain? Types of headaches stemming from our traps and how they are different from migraines Cervicogenic headaches  Tension headaches Where does botox fit into the treatment of cervicogenic and tension headaches?   Some of Taylor’s Educational Articles: Hypermobility & Adjustments What is an Adjustment?    Connect with Taylor @theyhypermobilechiro on Instagram     If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify.   Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery    Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs

In a perfect world, you should pull all the slack out of the bar and body system in the deadlift set up. The deadlift should leave the floor in a very smooth, quiet manner. You shouldn’t hear the bar, yank it, or get excessive body movement before the bar leaves the ground.  In this What We Saw Wednesday episode of the PRS Podcast, Dr. Alyssa Haveson reviews a PRS client’s form check video where we see a very jerky deadlift start.    She discusses: What these deadlift set-up errors look and sound like The importance of why the slack must be pulled out before the deadlift is executed some strategies to address these issues How to make sure you pull out the slack and maintain it before lifting the bar   To view what this deadlift error looks like and the weekly form check that his PRS Coach Rori provided, check out the video here!     If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify.   Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery    Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs  

Neck tweaks and dizziness can sometimes occur with barbell training and powerlifting. So if you’ve ever wondered why you get dizzy when you lift heavy, why you tweaked your neck from the overhead press, where you should look when you squat, etc., you should understand that your eye gaze and neck position is very important when you lift heavy.     The neck is a region of the body that does not actively contribute to the bar moving up in the squat, bench press, overhead press or deadlift. Therefore, we consider the neck joints accessory joints rather than mover joints. While it’s impossible for the neck to stay completely still when you lift it should be your goal to keep it as still as possible and reduce the amount of position change that occurs as the rest of your body moves in space.    Our eyes also play a significant role in our overall lifting experience and execution so we should be very specific with what we are doing with our eyes as well.    The role of eye gaze in barbell training is to: Provide visual feedback about the environment/where our body is in space Maintain as much neutrality in our neck as possible to support the function or structures in our neck and inner ear that promote balance and equilibrium   At Progressive Rehab & Strength, we have a few general rules for eye gaze and neck position that applies to all exercises, including non-barbell/non-powerlifts: The cervical spine or neck and head are extensions of the spine and should remain in line with the rest of the spine throughout the lift If the cervical spine cannot remain in neutral throughout the lift, it should be positioned at the start and end of the lift such that it is positioned in neutral during the most stressful parts of the lift The eyes should be positioned perpendicular to the line of the spine when it is at its most neutral position during the lift   In this episode of the PRS Podcast we dive deeply into our eye gaze and neck position recommendations for each barbell lift. For some lifts this is obvious,for others it is not. Check out the full episode to learn how to improve the execution of your lifts while reducing injury to your neck.     If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify.   Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery    Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs  

The unrack of the overhead press should put you in the right start position. Yet you may be unracking poorly causing a higher energy expenditure, stress on the shoulder, elbow, and wrist, and putting you in a poor position to start the overhead press.    In this What We Saw Wednesday episode, Dr. Alyssa Haveson reviews this video of an Overhead Press and identifies a common unracking mistake.    She then goes on to review two types of overhead press unracking mistakes and how to properly unrack the overhead press so you don’t hurt yourself and can perform the lift well.     If you’re enjoying our podcast, please leave us a review on Apple or Spotify.   Need help with an injury or programming? Book a free consultation call with one of the PRS Clinical Coaches here!   Interested in attending some of the free PRS community events and getting early access to PRS Podcast episodes? Sign up for our weekly newsletter here!   Join our Facebook Community for free form checks, live Q&As & more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PRS.Barbell.Mastery    Got questions or guests you'd like to hear on the show? Submit them here: https://forms.gle/7Vu2HmgHoeQY9xM59    Get in touch with the show! Web: https://www.progressiverehabandstrength.com Email: podcast@progressiverehabandstrength.com Rori IG: @rorimegan_prs Alyssa IG: @alyssahope_prs