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Episode Overview

As we gear up for the milestone of Episode 150, OB and Smitty take a reflective turn, diving into the often-overlooked role grief plays in personal growth. This conversation pulls back the curtain on how emotional depth can shape physical resilience and how embracing life’s heavier moments can actually fuel the journey forward.

From there, the energy shifts to what makes training stick. The guys unpack fresh approaches to programming that make fitness feel more like play - not punishment. They break down why novelty, gamification, and strategic intensity are key to keeping clients engaged and progressing. Topics include the timeless effectiveness of the five by five method, the underrated power of isometrics, and how ad sets can push adaptation without wrecking recovery.

Throughout the episode, OB and Smitty underline one constant: evolution. Whether it’s emotional intelligence or smarter programming, the Becoming Ronin philosophy is always about leveling up and staying one step ahead.

Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction and Anticipation for Upcoming Episode

[02:44] Exploring Grief: A Deep Dive

[05:25] Innovative Training Methods: Making Fitness Fun

[08:30] The Importance of Novelty in Training

[11:20] Understanding the Five by Five Training Method

[13:57] The Evolution of Training Philosophy

[16:50] The Role of Mental Toughness in Training

[19:21] The Science Behind Compound Lifts

[21:59] Practical Application of Training Techniques

[29:46] High-Intensity Training Techniques

[34:46] The Simplicity of Five by Five Training

[39:05] Active Rest and Fillers in Training

[43:02] Innovative Training Phases and Techniques

[56:02] Building Work Capacity and Recovery Strategies

Stay Connected

💡 Join the Ronin community for weekly insights, tips, and motivation!

📲 Follow us on Instagram:

• @oberther
• @smittydiesel

🌐 Visit Our Website:
www.becomingroninpodcast.com

🛠 Share Your Journey:
Tag us with #BecomingRonin100 and let us know how you’re taking control of your fitness and personal growth journey!

👍 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to level up their life!

Sponsors

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🛡 Iron Neck
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💧 LMNT Electrolytes
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❄️ The Plunge
Save $150 on the ultimate cold plunge tank!

Support the Show

Every like, review, and share helps us inspire more people on their self-mastery journey. Together, we can grow stronger, more disciplined, and live better lives.

#BecomingRonin #FitnessJourney #SelfMastery #WorkoutTips #Empowerment #FitnessProgramming #GrowthMindset #Podcast

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Episode Overview

In this episode, OB and Smitty share stories from their time training in commercial gyms—the good, the bad, and the frustrating. From mismatched weights to people sitting on machines scrolling their phones, they vent about common gym pet peeves and how social media has changed the gym environment.

The conversation shifts to practical nutrition advice, including the importance of tracking your food and getting enough protein, especially for those serious about results. They also dive into how training methods need to evolve over time, particularly in bodybuilding—balancing strength with size and learning how to adapt as you age.

Later in the episode, OB and Smitty get into what it really means to be a good coach. They talk about building trust, creating a supportive environment, and helping clients focus on more than just the physical side of training. It’s about being real, staying positive, and helping people grow both in and out of the gym. This one’s full of honest takes and hard-earned lessons from two guys who’ve been in the game for a long time.

Timestamps

[00:00] Strongman Training in Commercial Gyms

[10:41] The Role of Social Media in Fitness

[18:11] Nutrition Tips and Misconceptions

[26:03] The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Fitness

[31:08] Judgment in Gym Culture

[40:11] The Importance of Tracking Progress

[46:41] Strength vs. Size in Bodybuilding

[52:32] Nutrition: The Key to Bodybuilding Success

[01:02:05] Coaching Challenges and Business Insights

[01:09:07] Authenticity in Coaching

[01:15:41] The Journey of Self-Discovery

[01:22:51] Building Connections Through Positivity

[01:30:49] The Importance of Personal Growth

[01:39:01] Setting Realistic Expectations

Stay Connected

💡 Join the Ronin community for weekly insights, tips, and motivation!

📲 Follow us on Instagram:

• @oberther
• @smittydiesel

🌐 Visit Our Website:
www.becomingroninpodcast.com

🛠 Share Your Journey:
Tag us with #BecomingRonin and let us know how you’re taking control of your fitness and personal growth journey!

👍 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to level up their life!

Sponsors

💪 Jocko Fuel
Shop now and save with code RONIN10!

🛡 Iron Neck
Improve neck strength and save 10%!

💧 LMNT Electrolytes
Get FREE LMNT with your first order!

❄️ The Plunge
Save $150 on the ultimate cold plunge tank!

Support the Show

Every like, review, and share helps us inspire more people on their self-mastery journey. Together, we can grow stronger, more disciplined, and live better lives.

#BecomingRonin #FitnessJourney #SelfMastery #WorkoutTips #Empowerment #FitnessProgramming #GrowthMindset #Podcast

🔗 Subscribe on YouTube

Episode Overview

In this episode of Becoming Ronin, OB and Smitty dive deep into the worlds of Jiu-Jitsu and strength training, sharing hard-earned lessons and practical insights for coaches and athletes alike. They discuss the significance of earning milestones in martial arts, how training methods have evolved, and why coaching with integrity and intention is more important than ever—especially when it comes to popular challenges like the Murph.

The conversation shifts into technical training strategies, with a focus on improving grip strength, dialing in proper push-up form, and understanding the nuances of deadlift technique—especially how to identify and fix hip shifts to prevent injury. OB and Smitty break down how to get more out of your Romanian Deadlifts (RDLs), how to choose the right footwear as a coach who’s on their feet all day, and how to address and correct strength imbalances by programming for your weaker side.

Whether you're on the mat or under the barbell, this episode delivers powerful tools to refine your craft and lead with purpose.

Timestamps

[00:00] OB Gets His Purple Belt

[05:50] The Current Status of Jiu-Jitsu

[12:01] Programming Techniques for Challenges

[18:13] Correcting Push-Up Form for Better Results

[25:50] How to Feel Your Glutes With RDLs

[32:57] Innovative Techniques for RDLs

[41:28] Addressing Imbalances in Strength Training

Stay Connected

💡 Join the Ronin community for weekly insights, tips, and motivation!

📲 Follow us on Instagram:

• @oberther
• @smittydiesel

🌐 Visit Our Website:
www.becomingroninpodcast.com

🛠 Share Your Journey:
Tag us with #BecomingRonin100 and let us know how you’re taking control of your fitness and personal growth journey!

👍 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone ready to level up their life!

Sponsors

💪 Jocko Fuel
Shop now and save with code RONIN10!

🛡 Iron Neck
Improve neck strength and save 10%!

💧 LMNT Electrolytes
Get FREE LMNT with your first order!

❄️ The Plunge
Save $150 on the ultimate cold plunge tank!

Support the Show

Every like, review, and share helps us inspire more people on their self-mastery journey. Together, we can grow stronger, more disciplined, and live better lives.

#BecomingRonin #FitnessJourney #SelfMastery #WorkoutTips #Empowerment #FitnessProgramming #GrowthMindset #Podcast