The Youth Travel Sports Reality Check: A Guide for Coaches AND Parents

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

Youth travel sports are producing more overuse injuries, early burnout, and athletic dropout than ever before — and the research makes clear that early single-sport specialization is a primary driver. In this post, strength coach Brandon Smitley of THIRST Gym breaks down what the science actually says about youth athletic development, long-term athlete development (LTAD), and how coaches and parents can work together to make better decisions for young athletes within the travel sports system. Whether you’re a parent investing in club sports or a coach training youth athletes, this is the data-driven framework you need to hear.

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.