About this episode
In Episode 418 of the Strength Coach Podcast , we explore Ken Vick’s concept of “Shocks & Springs” as well as the art of mastering recovery by tackling stress. Brought to you by Perform Better , your go-to source for functional training and rehabilitation, this episode is packed with actionable insights for trainers, therapists, and athletes alike. Highlights of the Episode - Ken Vick breaks down the concept of shocks and springs within the stretch shortening cycle and their impact on athletic performance. - We spoke about the importance of balancing eccentric forces, elasticity, and tissue resilience for recovery and injury prevention. - Ken shares his unique recovery framework, including the four pillars of stress: structural, energy system, nervous system, and mindset. - Discover how to tune recovery modalities to match specific stressors, from ice baths to NormaTec boots, and why perception matters. - Practical coaching tips on using language and cues to better communicate with athletes and clients. - Applications for both elite athletes and general populations, including tips for pickleball players and older adults. Ken Vick brings over 30 years of experience working with Olympic committees, professional franchises, and sports organizations worldwide. Known for translating science into real-world systems, Ken’s approach to performance and recovery is groundbreaking. We also feature Naamly's " Maximizing the Member Experience " segment with Sumit Seth, who shares the Debate-Decide-Do framework for making decisions. Check out Naamly.com to see how they can help your business Brought to You By Perform Better: From speaker schools to movement workshops, Perform Better continues to lead the way in education for fitness professionals. Check out their latest offerings and sales at Performbetter.com . Thanks for listening! Tune in to this insightful episode and take your recovery game to the next level. Let us know your thoughts in the comments! REMINDER ——————————————————————————————— Join Certified Functional Strength Coach and Business for Unicorns for a FREE webinar on Thurs Sept 18 at 4p ET: The Missing Piece: Consistently Excellent Training Sessions Claim Your Free Spot HERE- https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XwYLXLwXS6mja_XdoaPcUQ#/registration ——————————————————————————————— CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Intro 03:44 - NAAMLY: Maximizing Member Experience 10:38 - Ken Vick Interview 11:38 - Introduction to Shocks and Springs 17:42 - Understanding Shocks and Springs 23:14 - Programming for SSCs 26:30 - Plyometrics vs. Absorbing Force 30:25 - Training Athletes at Different Speeds 33:24 - Programming for Shocks and Springs 39:10 - Adult Population Programming 42:40 - Preparing for Physical Stresses 46:08 - Effective Coaching Cues 48:01 - Global vs. Specific Stress 54:19 - Importance of Perception 57:09 - System-Specific Recovery 59:42 - Overdoing Recovery Without Stimulus 01:01:00 - Meeting Athlete Needs