Evolving Performance Podcast (Ep8): Developing Maximum Strength for Athletes with Eric Cressey

In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by Eric Cressey, Director of Player Health and Performance for the New York Yankees and President and co-founder of Cressey Sports Performance. They delve into the importance of developing maximum strength for athletes and key characteristics of effective strength training methods. Eric discusses how to recognize when an athlete is strong enough and ready to pursue other primary training goals, acknowledging the evolution of athletic strength and the role of technology in assessing performance.

They explore whether strength training can lead to reduced mobility and strategies to minimize potential loss in athleticism, particularly for rotational athletes. The conversation further addresses how strength training should evolve from off-season to in-season programs to account for competing demands, emphasizing maintaining strength with minimal volume during the competitive season. Finally, they cover critical aspects like the impact of athlete lifestyle habits (including sleep), managing injury history, and the importance of mentorship for young coaches in the evolving landscape of sports performance. This episode provides actionable insights for coaches and athletes looking to optimize training adaptation and career longevity.

In the episode, we delve into the importance of developing maximum strength for athletes, including:

✅ Recognizing when an athlete is strong enough to shift training focus.
✅ How strength training can impact mobility and athleticism.
✅ Training considerations for rotational athletes.
✅ Evolving strength training from off-season to in-season programs.
✅ The role of technology in assessing and guiding strength development.
✅ Strategies for maintaining strength with low volume in-season.
✅ The critical role of sleep in athlete performance and recovery.
✅ Balancing physical stressors with broader life stressors for athletes.
✅ The value of mentorship for aspiring strength and conditioning coaches.

📲 Connect with Eric: EricCressey.com | Instagram: @ericcressey

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Supporting High Performance

Special thanks to this podcast’s sponsor Metabolic Elite. Metabolic Elite’s entire product line is designed to specifically support the health, performance, and recovery of high performers. Each product is formulated using research-supported ingredients and dosages using the highest quality ingredients, so you can be confident that every product you take will deliver the maximal benefit and effect.

Check out why Metabolic Elite’s Liposomal Tablet delivery system is a game-changer: LPT White Paper

Save 15% using the code ‘neeld15’ at checkout here: Metabolic Elite

A few of my personal go-to’s:

To improve focus, decision making, and coordination: Synapsin
To improve inflammation and recovery: Tetra Cur
To support the immune system and weight management: Viraxall
To improve digestive health: Max 12 Probiotic

Evolving Performance Podcast (Ep7): Building Complete Training Programs with Mike Robertson

In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, Kevin is joined by Mike Robertson, President of Robertson Training Systems and co-owner of Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (IFAST), recognized as one of the top ten gyms in America by Men’s Health. They delve into the foundational principles of program design, individualizing training, and navigating the complexities of an athlete’s career. Mike introduces his “7 Rs” framework for building effective training programs, emphasizing the importance of every component from warm-ups to recovery.

They explore Mike’s comprehensive athlete assessment process, which includes identifying limitations and opportunities for improvement through conversation, movement analysis, and objective data. The conversation further addresses the critical balance between driving performance gains and enhancing durability, discussing how risk tolerance in training should evolve over an athlete’s career. Finally, they cover strategies for training athletes immediately after an injury, focusing on psychological support and utilizing the recovery period as an opportunity for holistic development. This episode provides actionable insights for coaches and athletes looking to optimize training adaptation and career longevity.

Topics Include:

The “7 Rs” framework for effective training program design.
The importance of educating clients on training methods.
Comprehensive athlete assessment and objective data utilization.
Balancing performance improvements with durability and longevity strategies.
Adapting training approaches based on an athlete’s career stage and sport schedule.
Strategies for programming and supporting injured athletes.
The role of consistency in long-term athletic development.
Specific exercises for restoring movement capacity.
Integrating isometrics and eccentrics in early offseason programming.

📲 Connect with Mike: RobertsonTrainingSystems.com | Instagram: @robtrainsystems

Supporting High Performance

Check out why Metabolic Elite’s Liposomal Tablet delivery system is a game-changer: LPT White Paper

Save 15% using the code ‘neeld15’ at checkout here: Metabolic Elite

A few of my personal go-to’s:

To improve focus, decision making, and coordination: Synapsin
To improve inflammation and recovery: Tetra Cur
To support the immune system and weight management: Viraxall
To improve digestive health: Max 12 Probiotic

NHL Combine feature in The Athletic

I was recently featured as a source in a new article on The Athletic about the NHL combine, including:

✅ The goal of the combine and how NHL staffs are viewing testing data ✅ Why players should be well-prepared for the tests, even if they aren’t gifted in a specific area ✅ The most “important” test to gain insight into a player’s output potential ✅ Some insight into how players prepare (courtesy of @post_meloni)

You can check out the article here: How NHL combine participants prep for their ‘biggest job interview’

Feel free to post any comments/questions below. If you found this helpful, please share/re-post it so others can benefit. To your success, Kevin Neeld P.S. If you’re interested in following a comprehensive off-season program, this is for you: Off-Season Hockey Training Programs

Enter your first name and email below to sign up for my FREE Sports Performance and Hockey Training Newsletter!

Evolving Performance Podcast (Ep6): Mastering Metabolic Health for Athletes with Jim LaValle

In this episode of the Evolving Performance Podcast, I’m joined by clinical pharmacist, author, and metabolic health expert Jim LaValle to dive deep into the interconnected systems that underpin human health and performance. Jim introduces his “Five Triads” framework—an integrative approach that helps identify root causes of fatigue, poor recovery, gut dysfunction, and hormonal imbalances. We explore how stress, inflammation, and training load affect everything from decision-making and stamina to resilience and hormone production.

Jim outlines actionable strategies for optimizing metabolic function using lifestyle, nutrition, and targeted supplementation—offering practical solutions for athletes, coaches, and anyone striving to improve energy, recovery, and long-term health. This conversation is packed with insight and real-world applications for maximizing both performance and durability.

Topics Include:

The importance of viewing health through interconnected systems
How cortisol disrupts multiple systems at once
Gut-brain-immune dysfunction in athletes
What your resting heart rate and HRV reveal about your readiness
Supplements and lifestyle tools to restore balance across the triads
Nutrition strategies to reduce inflammation and improve sleep
Why testosterone might be the wrong place to start
Foundational habits to support resilience and longevity

📲 Connect with Jim: JimLaValle.com | Instagram: @therealjimlavalle

Supporting High Performance

Check out why Metabolic Elite’s Liposomal Tablet delivery system is a game-changer: LPT White Paper

Save 15% using the code ‘neeld15’ at checkout here: Metabolic Elite

A few of my personal go-to’s:

To improve focus, decision making, and coordination: Synapsin
To improve inflammation and recovery: Tetra Cur
To support the immune system and weight management: Viraxall
To improve digestive health: Max 12 Probiotic

Evolving Performance Podcast (Ep5): Key Behaviors of Successful Athletes with Brijesh Patel

In this episode, Brijesh Patel discusses the critical role that leadership, character, and daily habits play in athlete development and long-term success, including:

What coaches are really evaluating during recruiting and playing time decisions
Common behavioral red flags that predict performance and developmental issues
How to develop athletes who can handle adversity and lead themselves and others
Practical strategies for improving mindset, communication, and resilience
What athletes wish they had done differently earlier in their careers
The habits and tools that help players thrive at the professional level

Evolve with Brijesh:

Instagram: @bpatel515
Website: CoachBPatel.com

Supporting High Performance

Check out why Metabolic Elite’s Liposomal Tablet delivery system is a game-changer: LPT White Paper

Save 15% using the code ‘neeld15’ at checkout here: Metabolic Elite

A few of my personal go-to’s:

To improve focus, decision making, and coordination: Synapsin
To improve inflammation and recovery: Tetra Cur
To support the immune system and weight management: Viraxall
To improve digestive health: Max 12 Probiotic