Épisodes

  • E 77 | You Can't Talk a Client Out of a Fad Diet (Here's What Actually Works)

    E 77 | You Can't Talk a Client Out of a Fad Diet (Here's What Actually Works)
    Jun 22 2026
    Episode SummaryYou cannot debunk a client out of a fad diet. And every time you try, you lose.In this solo episode, we get into the conversation every coach handles badly: what to do when a client shows up excited about the latest fad diet. The instinct is to correct them. That instinct is what costs you the client.We cover why fad diets win (it is not about the food), what the research actually says about diet method versus adherence, why being right backfires, and a 5-step framework with exact client scripts you can use on Monday.For coaches, personal trainers, and gym owners who are tired of being right and want to be trusted instead.WHAT WE YOU WILL LEARNThe 4 emotional jobs a fad diet is actually hired to doWhy the evidence does not say what most evidence-based coaches think it saysHow psychological reactance turns your good advice into the thing pushing clients awayA 5-step framework for navigating any fad diet conversationExact word-for-word scripts for 5 common client scenariosWhy calm is a business strategy and trust is the real productKEY RESEARCH REFERENCEDMann, T., et al. (2007). Diets Are Not the Answer. American Psychologist, 62(3), 220-233.Dansinger, M. L., et al. (2005). Comparison of Atkins, Ornish, Weight Watchers, and Zone Diets. JAMA, 293(1), 43-53.Gardner, C. D., et al. (2018). The DIETFITS Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 319(7), 667-679.Brehm, J. W. (1966). A Theory of Psychological Reactance.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.Subscribe & Review:If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.About Brandon SmitleyInstagram: @bsmitley @team.thirstSubscribe On YouTube!Website: THIRSTgym.comMy FREE Newsletter — training insights, programming education & no-fluff content delivered straight to your inboxFree 3-Minute Performance Audit — find out what's actually limiting your results (and what to do about it)Brandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.
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    52 min
  • E 76 | Difficult Clients: How to Handle Them Like a Pro

    E 76 | Difficult Clients: How to Handle Them Like a Pro
    Jun 8 2026
    Episode SummaryEvery coach has that client. The one who argues with every program, ghosts every third session, or texts you at midnight expecting an answer by breakfast. Your certification taught you anatomy and programming. It never taught you the hardest skill in this industry: people.In this solo episode, we retire the phrase "difficult client" for good. You'll learn why that label is quietly costing you retention and revenue, and you'll get a 5-step system the best coaches use to turn their hardest clients into their most loyal ones.WHAT WE YOU WILL LEARNThe false binary that keeps coaches stuck (it's not the client OR you)Why difficulty is data, not a verdict, and the bond / goals / tasks model that decodes itThe 6 types of difficult clients and which part of the relationship is actually breakingThe two engines behind the behavior: stages of change and the 3 basic needsA 5-step system: diagnose, roll with resistance, reset expectations, set boundaries, and when to actually let a client goKEY RESEARCH REFERENCEDBordin (1979), working alliance: bond, goals, tasks.Miller and Rollnick, Motivational Interviewing: rolling with resistance.Deci and Ryan, Self-Determination Theory: autonomy, competence, relatedness.Prochaska and DiClemente, Transtheoretical Model: stages of change.Ericsson, deliberate practice and expertise.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.Subscribe & Review:If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.About Brandon SmitleyInstagram: @bsmitley @team.thirstSubscribe On YouTube!Website: THIRSTgym.comMy FREE Newsletter — training insights, programming education & no-fluff content delivered straight to your inboxFree 3-Minute Performance Audit — find out what's actually limiting your results (and what to do about it)Brandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.
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    45 min
  • E 75 | How to Keep Athletes Strong All Season (The Minimal Effective Dose)

    E 75 | How to Keep Athletes Strong All Season (The Minimal Effective Dose)
    Jun 1 2026
    Episode SummaryMost athletes finish the season slower, weaker, and more banged up than they started. That is not bad luck. It is a coaching decision with a delayed invoice.In this episode we go through exactly what the research says about holding onto strength, power, and speed across a full competitive season, why so-called maintenance done wrong is really just managed decline, and the step-by-step framework to keep athletes sharp without burning them out.WHAT WE YOU WILL LEARNHow fast athletes actually detrain, and which qualities you lose firstWhy power and speed fade before maximal strength, and why that is the dangerous blind spotThe minimal effective dose, and how one quality session a week can hold the lineThe interference effect, and why the sport is already supplying your conditioningHow to monitor and autoregulate so you prevent burnout instead of causing itA six-step in-season programming framework you can run this weekHow to taper into the games that actually matterKEY RESEARCH REFERENCEDMujika & Padilla (2000), Detraining I & II — Sports MedicineRonnestad, Nymark & Raastad (2011), In-season strength maintenance frequency — JSCRBickel, Cross & Bamman (2011), Exercise dosing to retain adaptations — MSSEHickson (1980), Interference effect — Eur J Appl PhysiolWilson et al. (2012), Concurrent training meta-analysis — JSCRGabbett (2016), Training-injury prevention paradox — BJSMPareja-Blanco et al. (2017), Velocity loss in resistance training — Scand J Med Sci SportsBosquet et al. (2007), Tapering meta-analysis — MSSEDISCLAIMERThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.Subscribe & Review:If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.About Brandon SmitleyInstagram: @bsmitley @team.thirstSubscribe On YouTube!Website: THIRSTgym.comMy FREE Newsletter — training insights, programming education & no-fluff content delivered straight to your inboxFree 3-Minute Performance Audit — find out what's actually limiting your results (and what to do about it)Brandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.
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    50 min
  • E 74 | Periodization Is Overrated: What the Research Actually Says

    E 74 | Periodization Is Overrated: What the Research Actually Says
    May 25 2026
    Episode Summary

    The fitness industry sells periodization as complicated, sacred science. The research tells a very different story. In this episode of THIRST For More, we strip periodization down to what it actually is, walk through every major model, and look at what the peer-reviewed evidence really says about which one works best. Then we hand you a simple, defensible framework you can use with almost every client this week.

    If you have ever built a beautiful training spreadsheet that fell apart by Wednesday, this episode is for you.

    WHAT WE YOU WILL LEARN

    1. What periodization actually is, in plain language (week, block, year)
    2. The shaky theoretical foundation most certifications never mention
    3. The four main models explained simply: linear, undulating, block, and concurrent
    4. What the research really shows about periodized vs non-periodized training
    5. Why the specific model you choose matters far less than you have been told
    6. A simple four-step framework for programming general population clients
    7. Who actually needs advanced periodization, and five common mistakes to avoid

    KEY RESEARCH REFERENCED

    • Williams et al. (2017), Sports Medicine, periodized vs non-periodized training for maximal strength.
    • Grgic et al. (2017), linear vs daily undulating periodization for hypertrophy.
    • Rhea et al. (2002), Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, linear vs daily undulating for strength.
    • Harries et al. (2015), Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, systematic review of linear vs undulating programs.
    • Afonso et al., methodological critique of the periodization literature.
    • Issurin (2010), Sports Medicine, block periodization.
    • Buckner et al. (2017), General Adaptation Syndrome misapplied to resistance exercise.

    DISCLAIMER

    This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.

    Subscribe & Review:

    If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.

    About Brandon Smitley

    Instagram: @bsmitley @team.thirst

    Subscribe On YouTube!

    Website: THIRSTgym.com

    Brandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.

    Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.

    He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.
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    42 min
  • E 73 | The 8 Fitness Myths That Won't Die (And the Research That Buries Them)

    E 73 | The 8 Fitness Myths That Won't Die (And the Research That Buries Them)
    May 19 2026
    Episode SummaryEight of the most stubborn myths in the fitness industry, and the peer reviewed research that buries every one of them. This episode is for the coach, personal trainer, or gym owner who is tired of repeating bro science and ready to make evidence the standard of their practice.In this episode we break down why training to failure is not required for hypertrophy, why soreness is one of the worst metrics for training quality, why the idea that lifting makes women bulky is biologically wrong, and why most of the supplement industry is selling noise. Every claim is sourced to peer reviewed research, and every myth comes with a practical coaching alternative.WHAT WE YOU WILL LEARN1. Why training every set to failure may actually reduce your long term muscle growth2. The hormonal reasons women cannot get bulky from lifting heavy without pharmacological help3. Why the most sore lifters are often not the ones growing the most muscle4. The settled science on spot reduction and what actually changes a problem area5. How to program cardio without compromising strength or hypertrophy gains6. What the research actually says about protein timing and the so called anabolic window7. Why static stretching before training may be hurting your performance8. The very short list of supplements that have real research support, and why everything else is marketingKEY RESEARCH REFERENCEDSchoenfeld and Grgic 2019 on training to failure and hypertrophy in the Strength and Conditioning JournalSchoenfeld et al 2017 meta analysis on volume and muscle hypertrophy in the Journal of Sports SciencesRoberts et al 2020 on sex differences in resistance training adaptations in Sports MedicineWatson et al 2017 on resistance training and bone mineral density in postmenopausal womenDamas et al 2016 on muscle damage and hypertrophy in the Journal of PhysiologyVispute et al 2011 on abdominal exercise and spot reduction in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning ResearchWilson et al 2012 concurrent training meta analysis in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning ResearchMandsager et al 2018 on VO2 max and all cause mortality in JAMA Network OpenSchoenfeld Aragon and Krieger 2013 on post workout protein timing in the Journal of the International Society of Sports NutritionMorton et al 2018 protein intake meta analysis in the British Journal of Sports MedicineBehm and Chaouachi 2011 on static stretching and performance in the European Journal of Applied PhysiologyKreider et al 2017 creatine supplementation review in the Journal of the International Society of Sports NutritionDISCLAIMERThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.Subscribe & Review:If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.About Brandon SmitleyInstagram: @bsmitley @team.thirstSubscribe On YouTube!Website: THIRSTgym.comBrandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.
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    1 h et 9 min
  • E 72 | Stop Setting Goals This Way | The Science of Goal Setting for Athletes & Coaches

    E 72 | Stop Setting Goals This Way | The Science of Goal Setting for Athletes & Coaches
    May 11 2026
    Episode SummaryAlmost everything you have been taught about goal setting is incomplete. And in a coaching context, incomplete is dangerous. In this episode we go deeper than the certification material and examine what the psychology and performance research actually say about how humans set and pursue goals.We cover the neuroscience of dopamine and goal pursuit, the limitations of the SMART goal framework, and why outcome-only goal setting consistently produces lower adherence and performance than a layered approach that integrates outcome, performance, and process goals.We also discuss the implementation intention, a research-backed planning tool that has been shown in meta-analysis to more than double the probability that a planned behavior actually occurs. And we go through the WOOP framework from researcher Gabriele Oettingen, which consistently outperforms standard positive visualization in controlled trials.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODEWhy SMART goals alone are not enough and what the research says is missingThe dopamine system and what it means for goal difficulty and athlete motivationThe three-layer goal architecture: outcome goals, performance goals, and process goalsHow to use implementation intentions to close the gap between intention and behaviorThe WOOP framework: Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, PlanHow to run a goal-setting conversation your athletes actually ownCommon goal-setting mistakes in the fitness industry and how to avoid themRESEARCH REFERENCEDKleingeld, van Mierlo, and Arends (2019). The Effect of Goal Setting on Group Performance. Journal of Applied Psychology.Deci and Ryan (2000). The What and Why of Goal Pursuits: Human Needs and the Self-Determination of Behavior. Psychological Inquiry.Gollwitzer and Sheeran (2006). Implementation Intentions and Goal Achievement: A Meta-Analysis of Effects and Processes. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology.Oettingen and Mayer (2002). The Motivating Function of Thinking About the Future. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology.Duda and Hall (2001). Achievement Goal Theory in Sport. Handbook of Sport Psychology.Burton and Naylor (2002). The Jekyll/Hyde Nature of Goals. Advances in Sport Psychology.Schultz, W. (2016). Dopamine Reward Prediction Error Coding. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience.DISCLAIMERThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.Subscribe & Review:If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.About Brandon SmitleyInstagram: @bsmitley @team.thirstSubscribe On YouTube!Website: THIRSTgym.comBrandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.
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    44 min
  • E 71 | Strength Training's Entire History in 45 Minutes (And Where It's Going Next)

    E 71 | Strength Training's Entire History in 45 Minutes (And Where It's Going Next)
    May 4 2026
    Episode Summary

    Most of the cutting edge strength training methods being sold on social media right now were invented 30, 50, even 2,500 years ago. In this episode of the THIRST For More Podcast, Brandon traces the full evolution of strength training. From Milo of Croton carrying a bull in ancient Greece, to Eugen Sandow and Bob Hoffman building American strength culture, to Arthur Jones and the Nautilus HIT wars, to the Soviet sport science revolution, to the evidence based era led by Brad Schoenfeld and Eric Helms, and finally to where we are going: AI assisted programming, continuous biometric data, and genetically individualized training.

    If you are a strength coach, personal trainer, or gym owner who wants to stop chasing trends and start building real professional expertise, this is the historical framework you have been missing.

    WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODE

    • The 2,500 year old origin of progressive overload
    • How Eugen Sandow invented the modern fitness industry in 1895
    • The HIT versus volume training war and what the research actually says
    • Why Eastern European sport science still underpins modern programming
    • The specific researchers and coaches defining the evidence based era
    • Four trends that will shape coaching over the next 10 years
    • The uncomfortable truth about why most gyms still train like it is 1985

    RESEARCHERS AND COACHES MENTIONED

    Brad Schoenfeld, Eric Helms, Mike Israetel, Greg Nuckols, Stuart Phillips, Vladimir Zatsiorsky, Mel Siff, Tudor Bompa, Leonid Matveyev, Yuri Verkhoshansky, Arthur Jones, Bob Hoffman, Eugen Sandow, Mike Mentzer, Dorian Yates, Ellington Darden, Joe and Ben Weider

    DISCLAIMER

    This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.

    Subscribe & Review:

    If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.

    About Brandon Smitley

    Instagram: @bsmitley @team.thirst

    Subscribe On YouTube!

    Website: THIRSTgym.com

    Brandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.

    Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.

    He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports Performance (USAW), Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certifications, and is educated in PRI for Fitness and Performance.
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    42 min
  • E 70 | Equipment Buying Guide: How to Build a High-Performance Training Space Without Getting Played by Marketing

    E 70 | Equipment Buying Guide: How to Build a High-Performance Training Space Without Getting Played by Marketing
    Apr 27 2026
    Episode SummaryThe fitness equipment industry is worth 14.7 billion dollars, and it has spent decades perfecting one message: better equipment produces better results. The peer-reviewed research says that is not how training adaptation works.In this solo episode, Brandon breaks down the evidence-based framework every fitness professional should be using to make equipment purchase decisions -- from the research on what actually drives strength and hypertrophy outcomes, to a practical Three-Tier Equipment Framework you can apply immediately, to real budget ranges and red flags for every vendor conversation you will ever have.WHETHER YOU ARE A STRENGTH COACH, PERSONAL TRAINER, OR GYM OWNER, this episode gives you the tools to stop buying based on marketing and start buying based on outcomes.WHAT WE COVER IN THIS EPISODEThe Three Vectors of Equipment Marketing Mythology -- how the industry uses outcome conflation, technology theater, and professional identity leverage to shape your purchasing decisions.The Three-Tier Equipment Framework: Tier 1 -- Non-Negotiables: The equipment that directly drives training outcomes and should be funded first. Tier 2 -- Outcome Enhancers: Equipment that expands programming scope and serves specific populations. Tier 3 -- Nice-to-Haves: The comfort and convenience layer that gets purchased last, not first.Category-by-Category Breakdown: Barbells -- What tensile strength, knurling, and sleeve specs actually matter and which ones are marketing noise. Plates -- When iron plates are sufficient, when bumpers are required, and when calibration precision is irrelevant. Power Racks -- The one category where spending for quality has a legitimate safety-based justification. Cardio Equipment -- Why a 2020 meta-analysis in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise should change how you think about cardio equipment spending. Specialty Equipment -- An honest, research-grounded assessment of functional trainers, vibration platforms, and AI-integrated smart gym equipment.Budget Frameworks by Gym Type -- real-world cost ranges for home gyms, personal training studios, boutique gyms, and commercial facilities across all three tiers.Red Flags and Green Flags -- a rapid-fire list of signals to evaluate in every equipment vendor relationship.RESEARCH REFERENCEDGrand View Research, Global Fitness Equipment Market Report (2022).Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, technology-integrated resistance training review (2021).Sports Medicine, resistance training adaptations meta-analysis (multiple years cited).Journal of Human Kinetics, free weight vs. machine training systematic review (2019).Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, cardio modality meta-analysis (2020).Sports Medicine, whole-body vibration systematic review (2022).DISCLAIMERThis podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, fitness, or professional advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare and fitness professionals before making changes to your training, supplementation, nutrition, or health practices. Individual results may vary. The host and producers are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information, suggestions, or procedures discussed in this podcast.Subscribe & Review:If this episode added value to your training knowledge, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review! Your feedback helps us reach more fitness enthusiasts, coaches, lifters, athletes or anyone who can benefit from quality training information.About Brandon SmitleyInstagram: @bsmitley @team.thirstSubscribe On YouTube!Website: THIRSTgym.comBrandon Smitley is a world renowned strength coach and athlete for over a decade. He and his wife, Adrian, own Terre Haute Intensity Resistance and Sports Training (THIRST) where they work with youth athletes and personal training clients of all ages. He earned his Bachelor’s degree from Purdue University in Health and Fitness, and his Master’s degree from Indiana State University in Physical Education and Coaching. Brandon has been awarded Personal Trainer of the Year Awards from Purdue University and Indiana State University as well is the 2020 Reader's Choice for Best Personal Trainer in Terre Haute, IN and the Wabash Valley.Brandon is a sponsored athlete with Elitefts and NutraBio where as a competitive powerlifter he currently holds the all-time world record squat in the 132 pound weight class, with a 567 pound squat. He also holds a 330 pound bench press, and 510 pound deadlift in that weight class, totaling 1377 pounds, ranking 4th all-time. He provides online coaching and programming around the world, and has personally worked with over 200 athletes in the US, UK, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Brandon’s been published at Elitefts, Muscle and Performance, and Muscle and Fitness magazine.He holds his Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), Level One Sports ...
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    52 min