Fitness Industry Trends: What’s Actually Science vs. What’s Just Marketing

Coaching, Education, Personal Training, Podcast, Sports Performance, Update, VideoLeave a comment

Every year the fitness industry rolls out new “revolutionary” trends, but separating real science from marketing hype takes a clear evaluation framework. In this comprehensive breakdown, THIRST Gym owner and strength coach Brandon Smitley analyzes the biggest fitness trends of 2026 across velocity based training, blood flow restriction, zone 2 cardio, HRV wearables, biohacking protocols, and more, identifying what’s legitimate, what’s overhyped, and what’s complete nonsense. Learn how to filter fitness trends through peer-reviewed research, effect size, and cost-benefit analysis to make smarter training, nutrition, and recovery decisions.

What Is Conjugate Training?

Coaching, Education, Personal Training, Powerlifting, Sports Performance, Update, VideoLeave a comment

Discover the powerful principles behind conjugate and concurrent training methods that have revolutionized athletic development and strength programming. This comprehensive guide breaks down the three fundamental pillars of the conjugate system—max effort, dynamic effort, and repetition methods—while explaining how to implement them effectively for both athletes and strength enthusiasts. Whether you’re a coach looking to optimize your athletes’ performance or a lifter seeking to enhance your training methodology, this in-depth exploration provides practical strategies for programming success.