How to Strength Train Like an Elite Athlete w/ Chase Bethel and Simoni Lawrence
Season 2, Episode 2
Podcast #21
Hello, Performance Therapy Nation! Today, Mike is joined by Simoni Marco Lawrence, safety / outside linebacker for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, and Chase “Jiff” Bethel, a strength training coach. This is a special episode for Mike because both men are Upper Darby natives who Mike completed with and against in football growing up. In this episode, they talk all about strength training in football, how to train like an elite athlete, the evolution of sports training, and what it is like to train for the NFL combine.
PROGRESSION OF STRENGTH TRAINING IN FOOTBALL
3:39 - Tell me how strength training has changed in how it pertains to football.
7:21 - Simoni talks about his strength training at Valley Forge Military Academy versus his strength training when he started playing college ball at Minnesota.
9:58 - Q discusses how Chase’s strength in speed training is his ability to create field-like environments.
16:50 - Chase, as a coach, what is it like working with an athlete like Simoni who picks up drills quickly? How do you keep them interested and entertained?
ENERGY, VIBES, & COMPETITION WHEN IT COMES TO TRAINING
22:15 - Chase, tell me about the clients you train.
25:38 - Everything should be competitive according to Simoni. He recalls an old coach - Coach Brewster - who would say, “I want some competitive freakers!”
28:14 - They discuss the differences between football in Philly at private versus public schools.
31:15 - For Chase, as a trainer, it comes down to understanding your client and having the right vibe.
DIFFERENCES IN TRAINING THEN AND NOW
34:05 - How do both of you see training then versus now?
36:00 - The biggest change is people using PTs more and more now.
36:23 - Simoni explains why he always goes to a PT after he is done training.
37:01 - PT has changed from being solely for rehab to expanding into prevention measures, pre-op, and most importantly in athletics - optimizing muscle function.
41:52 - Mike thinks the biggåest change in strength training is that there is speed incorporated in the lifting.
44:35 - Chase talks about he sets up his training schedule to balance different aspects such as lifting, speed, and plyometrics. Simoni adds how his training looks on the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
48:15 - Simoni talks about his experience with the NFL combine which sparks further debate amongst the men.
CONTACT
Chase “Jiff” Bethel - @jiff_24fit
Simoni Marco Lawrence - @simmyhov21