2025 Year in Review: Real Talk on Content Growth, Gym Ownership & What’s Next

Education, Podcast, Success, Update, VideoLeave a comment

Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym recaps the 2025 year across YouTube, the THIRST More Podcast, Instagram, and online coaching, sharing real analytics, business challenges, and what is changing heading into 2026. From hitting YouTube monetization and growing to 6,000 subscribers to navigating a gym relocation due to eminent domain, this post covers the full story behind a year of growth and hard lessons for a working strength coach and small gym owner. If you are a strength athlete, powerlifter, wrestler, or coach looking for honest insights from someone in the trenches, this is the recap worth reading.

5 Biggest Training Myths DEBUNKED

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

Discover the five biggest strength training myths that prevent people from achieving real results, from the misconception that heavy lifting is dangerous to the belief that more training always means better gains. Learn the science-backed truth about weightlifting safety, optimal training frequency, and exercise selection from a strength coach with 16 years of experience. This comprehensive guide debunks common fitness misinformation and provides actionable strategies for safer, more effective strength training.

1RM Testing For Athletes – Is It Worth It?

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

Discover whether one rep max testing truly improves athletic performance in this comprehensive strength coach’s guide to maximum strength assessment for high school and collegiate athletes. Learn proper testing protocols, alternative assessment methods, and how to connect strength gains to key performance indicators like speed, power, and agility. This evidence-based approach helps coaches implement safe, effective strength testing that actually transfers to better sport performance.