In this episode, Kenny Markwardt sits down with Dr. Zach Long—a board-certified sports physical therapist who believes injured athletes should use the gym, not leave it.
Long, aka “The Barbell Physio,” explains when coaches should modify training versus refer out and how trainers can build relationships with the right medical professionals. He also offers practical tips for training athletes through pain and injury.
The pair discuss what separates quality gyms from mediocre ones, from optimal coach-to-athlete ratios to common programming mistakes.
Long also tackles coaching misconceptions such as “never lift overhead” and “don't squat below 90 degrees,” explaining why these myths can cause more harm than good.
Check out the full conversation for actionable strategies you can use to keep your athletes training safely through injuries and setbacks.
Links
Strength Coach Collective
2:46 - Good versus bad gyms
5:18 - Common programming mistakes
21:55 - When should coaches refer out?
33:31 - Preventing injuries for beginners
42:52 - Debunking fitness myths