#454 Cillian O’Connor - Does Your Training Split Matter, The Problem With Optimization, and Survivorship Bias In Fitness

Jon Heck is a sought after strength and nutrition coach who’d previously worked for 9 years in Division 1 and NFL strength and conditioning.Jon joins me with lessons and expertise in:How to structure fat loss phasesWorking with people seeking to lose substantial body fatWhy Jon always starts with strength training and step counts with fat lossCan you hold the simultaneous goals of high performance and fat lossWhy Jon believes “Almost everyone should go through a true hard fat loss diet once in their life” and what it teaches youWhy should you get really lean before trying to put on a lot of muscleHow to approach people who are deconditioned and present as “skinny fat”How to reverse diet and why it helps post fat loss phaseThoughts on incorporating GLP-1 agonist drugs for fat lossIs someone better off using GLP-1 agonist drugs for significant fat loss even if they haven’t begun to strength trainJon’s experience gaining 55 pounds of mass in 18 weeksAnd much moreInstagram: @what_the_heck71CHAPTERS01:12 Leaving Football Behind03:35 Fat Loss Basics06:48 Big Weight Loss Clients10:58 Tracking App Break12:02 Performance While Cutting16:30 When Athletes Should Cut20:25 In Season Weight Loss22:46 Stress Eating Archetypes23:37 Fueling Without Fat Gain26:14 Hard Diet Lessons31:51 Lean Before Gaining35:39 Why Cut Before Bulking36:03 Reverse Diet Basics39:34 Avoiding Post Diet Rebound41:26 Reverse Diet Nuance43:36 Skinny Fat Strategy47:36 Training Drives Results48:28 GLP1 Drugs Done Right54:26 Who Needs Muscle Focus56:53 Meal Prep Sponsor Break57:58 8000 Calorie Bulk01:02:04 Feeling Heavy vs Lean01:04:08 Strength Sports Bodyfat01:06:43 Athlete Specific Targets01:08:53 Where to Follow JonSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you better understand fat loss, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to someone working toward fat lossFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup select: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you

Jason Brown returns in a unique episode where he opens up about some of the behind the scenes pressure and challenge of being a fitness professional including:His struggles with being pulled in multiple directions between coaching and educatingWhy he shut down his programming course after a successful launchGetting clear on what lights him up vs what doesn’t fulfill him and causes stressAlignment in your professional pursuitsHow stress played a role in some health issuesThe pressure to be successful in education and social mediaThoughts on the growing negativity of social mediaJason and I engage in a lot of dialogue about our shared challenges, experience, pressures, and narratives about careers in fitness.Instagram: @jasonbrowncoachingCHAPTERS01:18 Career Identity Crisis03:42 Who Are You Serving06:41 Health Wake Up Call07:40 Andrew Shares His Story11:42 People Pleasing And Doubt14:28 What Actually Lights Me Up18:30 Launch Stress And Bandwidth24:08 Cardiac Issues Explained30:00 Making A Hard Pivot31:59 Pure Intentions Win33:54 When Growth Stalls35:57 Status Chasing Reality Check41:40 Viral Influencer Fraud43:38 Why He Won’t Play Dirty45:39 Social Media Course Lessons49:31 How Algorithms Changed54:26 Building What Matters58:32 Final Wrap UpSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode resonated with you as a coach, creator, or business owner, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to someone navigating pressure in their careerFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup select: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you

Cillian O’Connor is a strength coach with a masters of strength and conditioning who joins me to share his skill and philosophy about:Does your training split really matterWhy trying to over optimize training programs and lifestyle usually leads to failureWhy starting with an extreme approach may be an intentional or subconscious way to prove someone isn’t the type of person who can be fit and healthyWhy hitting rock bottom is an unreliable way to changeWhy taking lessons from elite bodybuilders may lead you astraySurvivorship bias in fitnessThe value of being around the right people and in the right training environmentThe training variables that matter most for resultsMusings on online vs in-person trainingHow people will interact with AI based vs human coachingAnd much moreIG: @cilloconnorCHAPTERS01:32 Programs Need Repeatability03:28 Self Efficacy And Identity04:57 Why People Self Sabotage07:33 Quick Fixes And Messaging11:57 Change Windows And Privilege14:38 Avoiding Rock Bottom15:55 Kids Sports And Foundations19:03 Irish Sports And Rugby21:53 Internet Optimization Trap26:13 Bodybuilding Ideologies28:56 Survivorship Bias Lesson31:20 What Actually Matters32:38 Survivorship Bias Lessons33:22 Training Frail Older Adults34:07 Do Training Splits Matter38:37 Less Is More Training42:15 Full Body Done Right46:34 Focus Beats More Volume47:31 Train With Stronger People50:03 Accountability Is The Edge53:43 AI And Coaching Future01:00:43 Online Coaching Trust IssuesSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you simplify your approach to training or rethink optimization, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to someone overwhelmed by fitness adviceFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup select: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you

Dr Tommy Wood is a leading authority on neurodegenerative disease, cognitive health and decline, and related lifestyle interventions. Tommy has a medical degree from the University of Oxford, and a PhD in physiology and neuroscience.I believe every guest and episode are excellent, but this episode and topic are off the charts for importance and valuable information. Everyone should care about their long term cognitive health and independence, and that of your loved ones.Tommy shares his expertise about:How we can decrease the long term risks of dementiaWhat’s within and what’s beyond your controlWhy our idea of retirement may be a terrible ideaIs there a better way to retireWhat is “headroom” and why does it matter for long term cognitive healthHow important is physical activity for reducing risk of cognitive decline and does the type or intensity matterDoes bodyweight matter for long term neurodegenerative decline riskWhat metabolic health factors and lifestyle diseases contribute to dementia riskIs there a sweet spot for overall energy consumption and cognitive healthWhat role can nutrition play in cognitive healthAre video games beneficial in cognitive decline preventionHow dancing may be potent for preventionAnd a ton moreIG: @drtommywoodCHAPTERS01:15 Video Games And Brain Health04:15 Cognitive Headroom Explained07:57 Gaming Context Matters09:59 Cognitive Reserve And Education12:24 Learning Beyond School15:19 Three S Brain Model20:17 Uncontrollable Risk Factors22:54 Genetics And APOE427:08 Family History And Lifestyle28:23 Exercise Type And Intensity29:03 Movement Minimums29:46 Walking Grows Hippocampus30:41 HIIT And Lactate32:37 Lifting For White Matter33:40 Dancing And Open Skills36:18 Falls Illness And Decline39:43 Retirement Brain Risk45:04 Weight And Metabolic Health46:35 GLP1s And Dementia49:22 Key Brain Nutrients52:17 Wrap Up And Book PlugSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you think differently about long-term brain health, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to someone you care aboutFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup select: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you

Elizabeth Davies is the author of Training For Your Old Lady Body and famous for the quote:“Training for my summer body? Fuck no. I’m training for my old lady body. Dense bones, strong muscles, a healthy heart, good balance, functional independence.”Elizabeth joins me to share her thoughts and experience about:What is SkinnyTok and why it’s dangerousThe cycles of body image standards and why chasing them can create problemsIs Kim Kardashian a good role model for body imageWhy building a bank of bone health early matters, and why chasing skinny at a young age compromises thisHer frustration with the marketing messaging about getting in shape for summerWhy she’s focused on taking care of her body for now and laterWhere being focused on training for aesthetics can go wrong“Why is there so much focus on helping women avoid looking old as we age and so little focus on helping us avoid feeling old”And much moreIG: @thiswomanliftsCHAPTERS00:56 What Is Skinny Talk02:27 Debulking And Gym Myths05:11 Beauty Standards Shift08:43 Why Skinny Talk Harms10:50 Who Gets Triggered12:49 Artifacts Of Diet Culture15:40 Old Lady Body Quote16:15 From Lawyer To Trainer17:02 Summer Body Panic19:55 Plagiarism And Sharing23:19 Looking Good Vs Longevity25:13 Confidence Through Care25:47 Aesthetic Goals Debate27:16 Realistic Expectations29:03 Long Game Fitness29:52 MacrosFirst Ad30:56 Harmful Beauty Tactics33:41 Training For Later Life34:40 Cardio And Weights36:53 Avoid Feeling Old38:34 Aging Anxiety And Control42:36 Botox Culture Critique44:44 TrainHeroic Ad46:04 Closing And Where To FollowSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode resonated with you or changed how you think about training, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to someone navigating body image or fitness messagingFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you’ll be asked “How did you hear about us?”Type in: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you

Sheridan Skye is a pre-and postnatal coaching specialist and educator and joins me to share her expertise about:Is resistance training safe for pregnant womenDo mom and baby have better outcomes when the mother works outWhy some physicians might be hesitant to advise their clients to workout during pregnancyAre there medical conditions where women should avoid or approach working out with caution during pregnancyCan exercise help improve symptoms of postpartum depressionWhat are the guidelines for returning to working out post pregnancyHow much of working out during and after pregnancy is varied based on each individuals experienceWhat she means with “We’ve reached a point where women’s normal physiology is being repackaged as a pathology and marketed as female empowerment”And much moreIG: @sheridanskyefitCHAPTERS01:06 Is Lifting Safe02:35 Miscarriage Myths05:07 Evidence On Exercise10:18 Benefits For Mom13:00 Postpartum Fear14:10 When Not To Train16:19 Sponsor Break19:19 Postpartum Depression23:34 Return To Exercise25:27 Six Week Myth27:12 Gradual Return Plan28:08 Core Rehab Framework28:36 Symptom Feedback Loop29:30 Load Management Principles32:00 Scalable Core Training35:58 Barriers Not Biology38:06 Misinformation Marketing44:51 Why Women Feel Better47:42 Energy Balance Nuance50:34 Storytelling Versus Facts51:54 Wrap Up And ResourcesSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped clarify exercise during pregnancy or postpartum training, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to a coach, trainer, or expecting parentFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst → During setup answer “How did you hear about us?”Type: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you

Robert Linkul is the master of Training the Older Adult and returns with more lessons about working with this population, including:-How Robert’s own extensive medical history helps him relate to the injuries and restrictions of older populations-How we as coaches think about our own aging, and eventual shift into this demographic, and how we approach our training to prepare-Why he doesn’t plan to retire from in-person coaching-How he approaches cardiovascular training for older adults-Why he likes rucking/walking with weighted packs-How to keep people from becoming inactive and suffering greater risk of cognitive decline during periods of life interference for older adults-Training around injuries and degenerative issues-And much moreIG: @robertlinkulCHAPTERS00:41 NSCA Journey01:56 Aging Changes Training02:33 Injuries Shaped Approach04:31 Training Smarter Now06:43 Barbell Debate Online08:37 Why Barbells Can Fail13:10 Unilateral Tools Win16:14 Creative Workarounds18:54 Sponsor Break – TrainHeroic20:13 Staying On The Floor24:06 Career Arc Myth26:08 Cardio for Aging Adults27:06 Zone Two Strength Circuits30:23 Rucking on Off Days32:15 Rucking Hype and Load Management34:31 Weighted Vest Metabolism Story38:03 Training for Brain Health38:43 Discovery Workouts for Focus42:45 Small Group Training Sweet Spot46:57 Sponsor Break – Just Bite Me Meals48:02 Avoiding Inactivity After Injury51:52 Wrap Up and Where to FollowSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you rethink training for aging populations, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to a coach or trainer who works with older adultsFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you’ll be asked “How did you hear about us?”Type in: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trial (2 steps)https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you

Gareth Sapstead, my long time T-Nation writing peer joins me to talk about his new book (which I contributed to) and share wisdom and experience about:-Where to start if you look in the mirror and you’re not happy with what you see-How to approach your training and nutrition if you want to change your life-How social support matters if you’re aiming to change your life and health-Thinking in terms of “architecture for your life”-What his new book - 100 Best Physique Workouts offers-And much moreIG: @thefitnessmaverickCHAPTERS01:00 Why In Person Events02:34 Connections Create Careers03:41 Transformation Starting Point04:02 Assessments Online Vs In Person11:16 Gen Pop Transformation Tactics13:14 Output First Nutrition Plan15:52 Strength Training Guardrails19:55 Sustainable Deficits21:30 Sponsor Break RP Strength22:54 Environment Biggest Loser24:34 NEAT And Diet Adaptation27:02 Muscle Loss Expectations29:34 Milo And Load Bearing30:08 Fat Loss Muscle Tradeoff31:24 Skinny Fat Metabolic Health32:09 Education Over Extremes33:25 Flexible Dieting Macros34:27 Tracking To Intuition36:41 Training Structure Levels38:38 Meal Prep Lifestyle Hack41:57 Maintenance Training Phase42:55 Sponsor TrainHeroic44:15 Cardio While Learning46:59 Make Cardio Enjoyable50:49 Transformation Basics Structure53:23 100 Physique Workouts Book55:53 How To Use WorkoutsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you think more clearly about transforming your physique or your life, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to someone starting their transformation journeyFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you’ll be asked “How did you hear about us?”Type in: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trial (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you

Josh Hillis returns with more of his eating skills mastery and shares thoughts on:-The sheer number of holidays and special occasions that end up justifying off track eating behaviour-How to approach special occasions without falling off track-Understanding the skill of being able to notice when you’re full and stop-Understanding the skill of being willing to sit with the feeling of wanting more-Understanding the skill of managing the disappointment when a meal ends-Why pre-deciding your choices is powerful-Eating within your core values-Can you eat takeout and meet your nutritional goals-The challenge of keeping promises to ourselves-Recognizing the power of your narratives in your eating behaviour-And much moreIG: @joshuahillisCHAPTERS01:07 Special Occasions Add Up02:02 Sitting With Wanting More04:34 Chips Buffet Thanksgiving06:44 Big Plate Then Wait10:21 Sensory Specific Satiety13:56 Values Over Rules18:22 Ad Break Macros App19:26 Social Eating Belonging24:10 Food Quality Mythology26:58 Weekend Obstacle Planning30:25 Riding Out Cravings31:43 Values Over Numbing32:34 Stress Is Part of Love36:12 Choosing When to Cope38:35 Main Character Pressure40:28 Why Food Works Fast42:37 Three Types of Self Care45:02 Type A Recovery Rituals48:42 No Phone Space50:00 Takeout Without Tracking53:05 Mindful Treat LimitsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you navigate holidays or special occasions more confidently, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to someone who struggles with nutrition during eventsFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you’ll be asked “How did you hear about us?”Type in: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trial (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you

Dr Natasha Barnes returns to share her expertise on climbing and strength training and how these principles apply broadly to everyone, including thoughts about:-Are lighter climbers better climbers-The problem with focusing on weighing less as a performance enhancer in climbing-Is disordered eating more prevalent in climbing and weight class sports?-Are more climbers coming around to the value of strength training-The story behind Natasha saying “The lightest I’ve ever been was also the most broken I’ve ever been”-Why climbing may be a great outlet for adults to put more fun and play into their lives-When you would benefit from putting on weight and muscle for your sport-How to enhance strength without gaining weight-Why squatting is better than doing pistol squats for most training goals-The problem with feats of strength on social media, that aren’t useful training methodologies-How can someone reduce the chance of injury when starting a new program-Is climbing a safe activity-How people end up increasing their risk of injury in training and climbing-And much moreIG: @natashabarnesCHAPTERS00:46 Are lighter climbers better02:10 Free solo and El Capitan03:24 Calculated risk and preparation05:34 Strength to weight myth07:07 Technique over weight loss07:47 Eating disorders in climbing09:22 Leg strength and injuries10:48 Olympic climbing explained11:36 Sponsor break — RP app12:59 Why strength training matters14:00 Longevity and pro trends15:44 “Lightest and most broken”17:43 Disordered eating behaviors19:56 Strength without weight gain21:42 Programming for strength23:41 Body fat sweet spot24:43 Society and being smaller26:14 Ozempic and media extremes28:27 Role models and responsibility28:48 Celebrity body scrutiny30:19 Pistol squats vs real strength33:54 Climbing parlor tricks35:27 New program new injury38:12 Autoregulation with RPE40:13 Underprepared tissue injuries42:52 Why climbing feels like play44:02 How to start climbing46:54 Climbing injury rates48:05 Aging vs undertraining53:33 Bone density comebacks54:40 Where to find NatashaSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you rethink body weight, strength, or performance, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to someone interested in climbing or athletic performanceFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you’ll be asked “How did you hear about us?”Type in: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trial (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you