Joe Defranco's Industrial Strength Show

In this weeks episode, Joe clears up any confusion regarding the true meaning of the word periodization. He also gives a straightforward, understandable overview of both Linear & Conjugate periodization models. He then explains the benefits and drawbacks of each, along with some common misconceptions. He provides real-world examples of when each model can be used, as well as his personal periodization preference during the past 15 years. After listening to today's show, you will undoubtedly possess the knowledge to make an educated decision regarding the periodization model that is best suited for YOUR personal situation.  

In this weeks episode, Joe reveals the thought-process that goes into each and every program he designs. For the first time ever, he shares his "Top 6 Principles of Writing an Effective Program". Hearing [and learning] these principles will give you a much better understanding as to what goes on "inside Joe's head" and why DeFranco's Gym has produced such amazing results for such a long period of time. After listening to this episode, you too will be able to achieve the same results that Joe and his athletes have been achieving for almost two decades! 

In this weeks episode, Joe discusses a recent NY Times article that revealed the "new" research on static stretching. (Simply put, the "new" research finally supports what Joe has been practicing for over 20 years.) After a rant on "BRO" Science vs. "Real" Research, Joe explains how to effectively incorporate static stretching into your routine in order to improve performance and reduce your risk of injury! 

In this weeks episode, Joe reveals the 11 most common mistakes that prevent athletes from reaching their true speed potential. Avoiding these mistakes will undoubtedly accelerate progress and help any athlete take their speed to the next level! If you'd like to get MORE out of your training - while spending LESS wasted time on the track or in the gym - this episode is a "must-listen"! 

In this week's podcast, Joe answers a wide variety of questions specifically directed towards vertical jump performance. Questions include the following topics: The simple test that will help you determine the "weak link" in your vertical jumping ability; Joe's "skinny calf" theory gets challenged by a listener; Volume recommendations for jumps and plyos; Biggest plyometric training mistakes; Joe D's Top 5 dynamic-effort strength exercises for improving the vertical jump; Joe D's personal experience using isokinetic machines for power development; The theory behind static stretching the hip flexors before testing your vertical jump...plus a new "pre-jump" stretching recommendation; Analyzing your Box Jump performance compared to your Vertical Jump performance; Is it possible to make significant improvements in vertical jump height or is it mainly genetic?  

In this first episode of 2016 Joe D. discusses TWO hot training topics! First, he reveals 5 of his tried-and-true methods for drastically reducing an athlete's probability of pulling a hamstring. Then, he reveals the truth behind the fat-burning effects of performing your cardio first thing in the morning on an empty stomach! Will you reach your fat-burning goals faster by performing your cardio in a "fasted" state...or is it a bunch of "fitness industry hype"? You will know the answer after listening to this information-packed episode! All this, plus George DeFranco stops by to let everyone know what's pissing him off now! 

In this first episode of 2016 Joe D. discusses TWO hot training topics! First, he reveals 5 of his tried-and-true methods for drastically reducing an athlete's probability of pulling a hamstring. Then, he reveals the truth behind the fat-burning effects of performing your cardio first thing in the morning on an empty stomach! Will you reach your fat-burning goals faster by performing your cardio in a "fasted" state...or is it a bunch of "fitness industry hype"? You will know the answer after listening to this information-packed episode! All this, plus George DeFranco stops by to let everyone know what's pissing him off now! 

In this final episode of 2015 Joe D. goes on an intense rant regarding New Year's Resolutions. He then reveals the ONE THING that will have the biggest impact on your success. George DeFranco also stops by to discuss what's pissing him off this holiday season :) 

In this final episode of 2015 Joe D. goes on an intense rant regarding New Year's Resolutions. He then reveals the ONE THING that will have the biggest impact on your success. George DeFranco also stops by to discuss what's pissing him off this holiday season :) 

In this special Christmas Spectacular edition of the Industrial Strength Show, Joe shares a holiday story and then answers 3 questions from his listeners. Those 3 questions include: #1 - Eating whole eggs vs. just the whites.  #2 - Is muscular soreness an indicator of a good workout?  #3 - What does Joe D. want for Christmas? [The answer may shock you!]

In this weeks episode, Joe interviews pro football player turned motivational speaker & peak performance strategist - Matt Mayberry. Matt speaks candidly about his struggles with addiction as a teenager, his roller-coaster ride of emotions during his collegiate and professional football career, and the phone call from NY Times best-selling author  Stedman Graham that changed his life forever!  You will also learn Matt's Top Tips for DOMINATING Your Business and Life, How to Turn Your Failures Into Gifts, The One Thing Most Successful Leaders Have in Common... and much, Much MORE! 

Joe starts this weeks show with a unique lesson in etiquette, aka, "meathead manners". After his 15 minute rant is complete, he discusses the following training topics: Can Trap Bar Deadlifts replace Straight Bar Deadlifts?; Best supplemental lifts to compliment the Trap Bar Deadlift; Why "nobody gives a sh*t" about how much you shrug; How to tell if you're a "chickenhead shrugger"; Top 3 mistakes people make when training traps; Joe D's proven tips & tricks for getting more out of your shrugs; The shrug variation that Joe loves, but you're probably not doing; Joe D's favorite (non shrug) exercises for developing powerful traps; The truth behind the research study that scared everyone away from static stretching; The one thing that Joe D. feels trumps any scientific research study; How to effectively incorporate static stretching into your program and/or pre-game plan (without putting your CNS to sleep)...and much, Much MORE!  

In this weeks episode, Joe sits down with Elitefts.com Founder & CEO - Dave Tate.  Here's a glimpse at just a few of the topics that Dave discussed during this conversation:  Life after powerlifting and "finding your identity" once you're no longer competing; Advice for former athletes that "lost the love" of their sport and are now bitter about the sacrifices they made to compete, etc; The importance of knowing your "minimum strong" and what it means to your health, longevity and sanity; The revelation Dave had after one "bodybuilding-style" workout and how it affected his health [and training] to this day; Learn about the "tweaks" Dave has made to his current style of training and how they contribute to his GAINZ; Dave describes what it means to go into "The Void" and why he thinks it's "Fu*kin' Awesome"; How most recovery methods actually end up interfering with your ability to recover [and what to do about it]; Learn why Dave & Joe both agree that all "washed-up meatheads" & athletes need to g

In this weeks episode, Joe sits down with the first man to ever total 3000 pounds in the sport of Powerlifting - Donnie Thompson! Besides being one of the strongest men on earth, Donnie is also an innovator and trendsetter in the Strength & Conditioning industry. He's the creator of the Thompson Fatbell (a "kettlebell-like" implement with the handle re-positioned inside the bell), the Thompson FatBar, and the Thompson FatPad. But the "creation" that just may stand out more than all the rest is Donnie's "body tempering" technique. During this interview, you will learn exactly HOW Donnie came up with this technique and WHY it works so well. You will also find out how you can incorporate it into your own training. In addition, Donnie shares his #1 "self care" technique that EVERYONE should be doing for their overall health and longevity - regardless if you're a pro athlete, housewife, 50-year-old executive, or weekend warrior. You will also learn about the many benefits of training with "Fatbells"...and much

In this weeks podcast, Joe shares his top tips and dirty tricks for getting athletes strong, without having them add any mass. [If you train wrestlers, boxers, MMA athletes - or any other athlete that competes in a sport with weight classes - this episode is for you.] While listening to this episode, you will learn: The role diet plays when you need to gain strength without gaining mass; Set, rep, volume and rest recommendations when attempting to get strong [without getting big]; How/Why "weight-class" athletes should incorporate jumps and med ball throws into their program; How to structure your assistance lifts when you don't want to gain any weight [but you need the strength]; The #1 piece of equipment that every weight-class athlete should be incorporating into their workouts; Joe D's favorite assistance exercises for getting weight-class athletes strong; Joe D's "DIRTY TRICK" for improving full body strength without the fear of "adding too much muscle" [If you train wrestlers or MMA athletes this 'dirty

In this weeks episode, Joe talks shop with fitness and life strategist - Jason Ferruggia. Here's a list of just a few of the [many] things that were discussed: The importance of becoming the best at ONE thing and "referring out" for everything else; The biggest difference between how Jay trained athletes during his first 5 years in business and his last 5 years; Why it's important for older lifters to "get a pump" and pre-fatigue their muscles before hitting their "work sets"; Jay maps out the training template he currently uses for his own training; Tips & Tricks for making gains after the age of 40; How & Why Jay transitioned from successful warehouse gym owner to an even-more-successful online "fitness personality"; What goes into building your own personal brand as a trainer or coach; How to attract clients you will love [and prevent energy-sucking bad clients from entering your gym]; Why email is still the most effective form of marketing; The biggest business mistake Jay made and how you can avo

In this weeks episode, Joe exposes 10 common exercises that suck [or can be problematic] and how you can make them better. Here's a list of the exercises that Joe analyzes and then fixes in this podcast:  Upright Rows, Barbell Bench Press, Tricep Extensions, Leg Extensions, Leg Curls, RDL's, "Donkey Kicks" (glute activation), Front Lunges, Jump Squats & Broad Jumps, Steady-state cardio / Distance Running. [During this episode, Joe also describes a new variation of the Cuban Press that's guaranteed to turn anyone's delts into "pumpkins"!] 

In this weeks episode, Joe helps you get out of the "3 sets of 10" rut by sharing some unique methods that'll make your training more fun and productive! While listening to this episode you will learn: How focussing on "total volume" [as opposed to a specific set/rep scheme] can help you overcome sticking points and pack on muscle like never before; Joe's specific formula for performing 2.5X the pull-up volume that you're usually capable of doing; How Joe uses "time" & "EMOM's" in his programs to increase strength, power and work capacity; How to easily complete 15 reps [or more] with 85-90% of your 1RM; Why you should periodically replace your specific rep prescriptions with an "undetermined" amount of reps [performed in a specific timeframe]; The benefit of occasionally performing your reps "as fast as possible"; How & Why you should incorporate "ascending & descending pyramid sets" into your training; The "magic number" of warm-up reps that you should never exceed [doing so will bring your stre

In this weeks episode, Joe introduces the world to the very first "STRONG BASTARD 911 Transformation Challenge" winner - Charlie Guthrie. While listening to this interview, you will learn: What it felt like when Charlie "got the call" informing him he beat out 600+ people worldwide to win the 1st Annual STRONG BASTARD 911 CHALLENGE; The set-backs that Charlie had to overcome during the 11-week challenge; How Charlie worked two jobs, yet still "found the time" to train each and every day; The importance of having an "accountability partner" whenever you're trying to accomplish something BIG; The importance of planning ahead and having specific goals if you want to be successful; The changes in Charlie's training that had the biggest impact on his amazing transformation; Why everyone should be training their upper back every single day [or close to it]; How "having more fun" in the gym equals "getting more results"; Joe D's FREE advice to Charlie [and personal trainers all over the world] on how to get more fem

In this weeks episode, Joe explains how & why endurance athletes should be incorporating strength training into their physical preparation. While listening to this episode, you will learn:    How Joe trained his first marathon runner and what he learned from that experience; The physical quality that should be at the base of every athlete's "athletic pyramid"; The single most overlooked component of training endurance athletes; The secret to crushing your Crossfit WOD; The biggest mistake Crossfitters make in their training; The #1 physical characteristic that has the most carryover to Crossfit events; What endurance athletes can learn from Rich Demers (Joe's former meathead client who still holds all the bench press records at DeFranco's; How endurance athletes can intelligently incorporate a strength program into their weekly plan; In-season training recommendations for endurance athletes and much, Much MORE!