Beast over Burden powered by Barbell Logic

Tired of fitness fads, celebrity workout programs, and quick fixes? Are you struggling to meet your fitness and health goals? We ditch one-size-fits-all plans and focus on sustainable, effective strategies that fit seamlessly into your busy life. This podcast is for real people—busy professionals, middle-aged moms, and anyone tired of gimmicks—seeking practical tools to transform their fitness and health journey. Here’s what you’ll discover in this fitness and health podcast: -Simple, hard-hitting approaches to deliver real results without overwhelming your schedule. -Nutrition strategies that are realistic, enjoyable, and actually work. -Mindset shifts to overcome plateaus and build lifelong health habits. -The benefits of strength training and why hiring a professional coach can change the game. Fitness is a journey, not a destination. Join us as we dive into the lifestyle of strength training, sustainable nutrition, and mindset mastery. We’re here to help you take control of your health, achieve your goals, and live a stronger, healthier, and more fulfilling life. The power is in your hands—take the first step today. We’ve got your back.

Strength Training for Moms: Nikki’s Journey through Pregnancy, Postpartum, & Unstoppable Consistency 11/25/2025

Strength Training for Moms: Nikki’s Journey through Pregnancy, Postpartum, & Unstoppable Consistency In this inspiring episode, Nikki Sims and Andrew Jackson sit down with two of Barbell Logic’s most recognizable names: Nikki Berman (Director of Client Experience) and Coach Bekah Creek (PT and longtime BLOC coach). Together, they dive deep into what strength training for moms really looks like—during pregnancy, postpartum, deployments, sleepless nights, and every chaotic season in between. Nikki shares the full arc of her journey: from chasing “skinny” through extreme dieting and cardio, to discovering barbell training, to becoming a mother of four and finding her strongest, most capable self along the way. Her candid stories—including training through nausea, the realities of relaxin, managing back-to-back pregnancies, and an unexpected home birth—offer a rare, empowering look at motherhood through the lens of strength. Coach Bekah walks through the coaching side: how to modify programming for pregnant or postpartum clients, when to push, when to pull back, and why the marathon mindset of “something is better than nothing” can be transformational for busy moms. Together, they illustrate how strength training can anchor a woman through the most demanding phases of life. Whether you’re a mother, a future mother, a coach working with pregnant/postpartum clients, or simply someone looking for hope and consistency, this conversation highlights the resilience and adaptability that define strength training for moms. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why strength matters so much for pregnant and postpartum women How to modify training through each trimester The surprising benefits of tonnage-based and RPE-based programming How to navigate fatigue, nausea, sleep deprivation, and childcare Why “all or nothing” breaks moms—and how to replace it with a sustainable mindset The physical and emotional realities of postpartum recovery How coaching support changes everything for new moms The story behind Nikki’s unplanned, fast home birth Why taking up space—not shrinking—is the real goal How strength training helps moms show up better for their kids and themselves PS: Get early access to Black Friday Sales > - Save 50% on Online Coaching and Nutrition - Save up to 50% on the Barbell Academy - Gift Strength and get a bonus month Connect with the hosts Connect with the show Or email /episode/index/show/barbelllogic/id/39133180

Strength Training for Couples: Kayleigh’s & Jeff’s Journey Through Weight Loss, Burnout, & Renewal 11/18/2025

Strength Training for Couples: Kayleigh’s & Jeff’s Journey Through Weight Loss, Burnout, & Renewal In this inspiring Beast Over Burden episode, Nikki Sims and Andrew Jackson sit down with Kayleigh and Jeff to explore strength training for couples, overcoming burnout, building sustainable routines, and transforming body composition with intention and patience. What This Episode Is About When Kayleigh and Jeff started lifting together, they didn’t just change their strength — they changed their lives. What began with a difficult vacation photo became a powerful journey of discipline, weight loss, personal growth, and deep partnership. Today, they train together four days per week in their garage, navigate nutrition together, problem-solve injuries, and continue to grow stronger as individuals and as a team. Whether you lift with your spouse, want to lift with your spouse, or simply want to build more consistency in your own training, this episode offers real-life insight into what it takes to create sustainable, long-term change. Key Topics Covered How Kayleigh went from intimidated by barbells to topping the leaderboard at her gym Why weight loss required lifestyle change—not just training The power of a simple daily checklist Jeff’s early strength training background and how he introduced Kayleigh to lifting Why many couples struggle training together—and how these two made it work Navigating burnout, under-recovery, and shifting priorities Training through shoulder pain and building the patience to modify training Sustainable weight loss strategies, including eating the same meals, tracking, and taking breaks Why “strength training for couples” works only when each partner maintains ownership of their own journey Using constraints to simplify nutrition and decision-making The importance of deliberate maintenance phases during long cuts Building a family culture of fitness, sustainability, and consistency Why You Should Listen If you’re navigating motivation challenges, recovery issues, weight loss plateaus, training with a spouse, or simply trying to build better habits, this conversation gives you a grounded, honest look at what it truly takes to change your life—slowly, consistently, and together. PS - IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TAKING ONLINE COACHING FOR A TEST RUN, Connect with the hosts Connect with the show Or email /episode/index/show/barbelllogic/id/39056780

Lifting Through Setbacks: How Scott Came Back Stronger Through Injury & Loss 11/11/2025

Lifting Through Chemo: Motherhood, Strength, and Beating Breast Cancer 11/04/2025

Do You Really Need a Coach? Why Guidance Beats AI & Templates Every Time 10/28/2025

Do You Really Need a Coach? Why Guidance Beats AI & Templates Every Time Even with all the AI training apps and free workout programs out there, real coaching still matters. In this episode of Barbell Logic: Beast Over Burden, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson explain why coaching remains essential for lifters who train for strength, health, and longevity. They explore how personalized feedback, accountability, and real human judgment can never be replaced by algorithms or templates. Through a live Q&A, they answer listener questions about core strength, nutrition, joint pain, and mindset—and show how consistent, adaptable coaching leads to lasting results. You’ll learn why a good coach helps you navigate life’s changing variables, how to train smarter as you age, and how to stay consistent in both your workouts and your nutrition. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter, this conversation will remind you that you don’t need to compete to need a coach. Coaching isn’t just for elite athletes—it’s for anyone who wants clarity, consistency, and confidence in their training. Strength for life isn’t built through perfect programs; it’s built through guided progress and real accountability. What You’ll Learn In this live strength and nutrition Q&A, you’ll discover: Why AI and free training templates can’t replace a coach. How to build stronger core stability through barbell movements. A simple meal plan built around real food (and sandwiches). How to train around joint pain without giving up progress. The difference between group and one-on-one coaching—and which might fit you best. How coaching can transform not only your training, but your life outside the gym. PS - IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TAKING ONLINE COACHING FOR A TEST RUN, Connect with the hosts Connect with the show Or email 👉 Try online strength coaching FREE for one month at barbell-logic.com with discount code LIVE4FREE. /episode/index/show/barbelllogic/id/38780295

Can Women Do Pull-Ups? (Yes.) How to Get Your First Chin-Up + The Protein Milk Trend 10/21/2025

Why You Don’t Need a Gym to Get Strong: Linda & Chrissy’s Coaching Story 10/14/2025

Why You Don’t Need a Gym to Get Strong: Linda & Chrissy’s Coaching Story Stronger at any age: discover why you don’t need a gym to get strong. Linda’s story proves that with the right coaching and consistency, you can build strength, health, and confidence at home—no matter your age or equipment. You don’t need a gym to get strong. In this episode of The Coaching Advantage: Real Stories of Strength & Nutrition, Niki and Andrew reflect on the powerful journey of Linda, a 70-year-old lifter who transformed her health with the guidance of Barbell Logic coach Chrissy. From overcoming intimidation and training at home with nothing but bodyweight, to building a simple home gym, battling osteopenia, and learning to shift her mindset around progress, Linda’s story proves that strength training is for everyone—at any age, with any level of equipment. You’ll learn how coaching adapts to your unique situation, why building strength is the best defense against aging, and how even small, consistent efforts can add up to lasting health and independence. Whether you’re starting late, training at home, or just wondering if strength training is worth it, this episode shows why you don’t need a gym to build the confidence, resilience, and vitality you want for life. Timestamps 0:00 – Why you don’t need a gym to get strong 1:30 – Gym intimidation and the hidden barriers for older lifters 4:50 – Training at home: starting with nothing and building over time 9:00 – Strength training vs. osteopenia and aging 13:00 – Redefining progress: from PRs to preparing for life What You’ll Learn Why you don’t need a gym to begin strength training How online coaching can empower people at any age Practical ways to train at home with minimal equipment The role of strength training in aging and bone health How creative coaching adapts principles to real lives Hashtags #StrengthTraining #HomeWorkouts #Longevity #FitnessPodcast #YouDontNeedAGym #BarbellLogic #HealthyAging #StrengthForLife PS - IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TAKING ONLINE COACHING FOR A TEST RUN, Connect with the hosts Connect with the show Or email /episode/index/show/barbelllogic/id/38518175

Stronger at 70: Linda’s Story of Scoliosis, Osteoporosis & Smart Strength Coaching (with Chrissy) 10/07/2025

Why We Coach: How Strength & Nutrition Coaching Transform Everyday Life 09/30/2025

Why We Coach: How Strength & Nutrition Coaching Transform Everyday Life Struggling to turn your training into lasting results? In this kickoff to The Coaching Advantage series, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson share their personal journeys, why they coach every day, and how strength and nutrition coaching transform everyday life. From breaking through plateaus to reclaiming health and longevity, this conversation shows why coaching matters for everyday lifters who want more than just numbers on the bar. What You’ll Learn Why Niki and Andrew became coaches — and what keeps them motivated after years of daily coaching. The “magic moments” when coaching clicks and creates lasting transformation. How strength and nutrition coaching transform everyday life, from reduced pain to renewed confidence. Why progress isn’t linear and how coaching helps lifters push through plateaus. The unique benefits of long-term online coaching relationships for accountability and results. What to expect from this new interview series with real coaches and clients. Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome to Beast Over Burden and the new interview series. 2:15 – Why we coach: the deeper meaning behind daily coaching. 4:50 – Niki’s start in CrossFit and how it led to strength coaching. 7:20 – Andrew’s roots in sports, family coaching influence, and the transformative power of strength training. 12:50 – Coaching vs. corporate work: why helping lifters feels more rewarding. 16:20 – Client stories: from grim outlooks to renewed visions of the future. 20:00 – How lifters respond to setbacks and learn resilience through coaching. 23:40 – The long-term benefits of online coaching relationships. 25:40 – What’s next in this interview series: coaches and clients share real journeys. Hashtags #StrengthTraining #NutritionCoaching #FitnessPodcast #Longevity #Hypertrophy #EverydayLifters #BarbellTraining #QualityOfLife PS - IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TAKING ONLINE COACHING FOR A TEST RUN, Connect with the hosts Connect with the show Or email /episode/index/show/barbelllogic/id/38344210

Find Your Why: Reigniting Strength Training When Motivation Fades 09/23/2025

Find Your Why: Reigniting Strength Training When Motivation Fades Feeling stuck under the barbell? This Strength With Purpose episode dives into how to find your why so you can train with consistency and purpose even when motivation fades, life gets messy, or the excitement of chasing PRs wears off. Nikki Sims and Andrew Jackson share how to punch the clock with minimum-viable sessions, bring variety into your training without losing progress, and lean on coaching and community to reignite purpose for the long haul. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How to recognize when your training motivation has dipped—and what that really means. Practical strategies to find your why and keep training consistent. The power of “minimum-viable” workouts that hold strength and muscle through busy or stressful seasons. Why variety (hypertrophy, machines, exercise swaps) can renew purpose without derailing goals. When to talk to a coach, remove “buzzkill” lifts, and reset your program with smart structure. Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome to Beast Over Burden: why lifters lose motivation 1:00 – Feeling stuck and the importance of purpose in training 3:00 – Recognizing ruts: apathy, boredom, and hidden signals 5:00 – Faith over hype: trusting you’ll feel better after training 7:00 – Punch-the-clock sessions: how to define your minimum-viable workout 12:00 – Travel, schedules, and training through life chaos 16:00 – Buzzkill lifts and how to swap them guilt-free 20:00 – Variety with purpose: hypertrophy, machines, and refreshing programs 24:00 – Coaching consults and the value of real-time feedback 26:00 – Closing thoughts: how to find your why again Hashtags #StrengthWithPurpose #FindYourWhy #StrengthTraining #LongevityFitness #Hypertrophy #StrengthForLife #BarbellLogic #BeastOverBurden PS - IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TAKING ONLINE COACHING FOR A TEST RUN, Connect with the hosts Connect with the show Or email /episode/index/show/barbelllogic/id/38262640

Getting Back into Lifting: How to Rebuild Strength After Time Off 09/16/2025

How to Grow Your Glutes: Proven Exercises for Strength, Size & Shape 09/09/2025

How to Get Stronger and Lose Weight: Live Coaching Q&A 09/02/2025

Ready to Compete? How to Train, Peak, and Dominate a Lifting Meet 08/26/2025

Ready to Compete? How to Train, Peak, and Dominate a Lifting Meet Ready to compete? In this episode of our Strength With Purpose series, Barbell Logic coaches Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson break down how to train and prepare for a powerlifting meet—from setting your timeline and peaking properly to managing stress, rules, travel, and equipment. You’ll learn how meet prep differs from general strength training, how to avoid common first-time mistakes, and how to approach meet day with clarity and confidence. Whether you're chasing a PR or simply want to step on the platform, this episode is packed with actionable coaching advice for lifters who care about health, strength, longevity, and competing with purpose. ✅ What You’ll Learn How to shift from general strength training to powerlifting competition prep Ideal meet prep timelines (why 6 months is best—but 6 weeks can work) How to peak and taper each lift for maximum results What to expect from rules, weigh-ins, and meet-day logistics How to manage life stress, travel, and realistic expectations The role of strategy, openers, handlers, and pacing on meet day ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: caffeine-free Squirt, dead rats, and deadlifts 02:30 – Ready to compete? Why competition training is different 04:00 – Ideal meet prep timelines: 6 months, 6 weeks, or 6 days 08:00 – Peaking and tapering: testing what works for you 11:00 – Niki’s meet prep: chasing PRs, real-life planning, and equipment updates 16:00 – Weight class strategy: to cut or not to cut? 20:00 – The importance of heavy singles in competition prep 24:00 – Managing fatigue, volume, and travel while training 30:00 – Meet day 101: weigh-ins, warmups, and avoiding burnout 34:00 – Powerlifting vs. weightlifting meet formats explained 37:00 – Attempt selection strategies: 9-for-9 or PR-focused? 39:00 – Final thoughts and where to get coaching help 🧭 Ready to Compete? Begin with the Platform in Mind If you’re ready to compete, the first thing to change is your mindset. Training for a competition isn’t just lifting—it’s lifting with a deadline, under pressure, and by the rules. Lifters who thrive on the platform know that every part of training—from volume and intensity to rest and nutrition—starts to serve one date: meet day. Whether you're still running linear progression or already an intermediate lifter, your training will need to evolve. You’ll shift toward heavier singles, greater specificity, and timed peaks. This episode outlines exactly how and when that shift should happen. 🕰️ The Power of a 6-Month Prep Window Niki and Andrew both agree: six months is the sweet spot for powerlifting prep. This longer runway allows lifters to test peaking strategies, experiment with taper timelines, and handle unexpected life events without derailing progress. But not everyone has six months. So what then? If you're just a few weeks out, don’t panic. You can still prepare—but you’ll need to prioritize heavy singles, reduce volume carefully, and avoid overreaching. Lifters often underestimate how long it takes to recover from stress and fatigue, especially with the deadlift. Learning what your body needs is part of the journey. 🛠️ Equipment, Rules, and Platform Psychology Meet day isn’t the same as gym day. From calibrated plates that feel heavier to pause benches and strict command timing, the competition platform demands precision. Practicing those standards ahead of time is essential. You’ll also need to adjust mentally. Lifters often forget that judges are watching every move. You’ll be lifting in a singlet, in front of a crowd, following a cadence you don’t control. That pressure is real—but manageable—with preparation. Niki shares her own prep experience, from choosing gear to learning the rulebook to re-learning how to lift for a judged audience. ✈️ When Real Life Doesn’t Care About Your Meet Let’s be real: most lifters have jobs, families, and stress that don’t disappear during meet prep. Niki’s own prep includes four major trips—including one during peak week. So how do you keep training? By staying flexible. You don’t need perfection to make progress. Plan around travel. Prioritize sleep. Adjust volume where needed. If you’re in a stressful phase of life, it's okay to shift timelines. The point of training with purpose isn’t to chase flawless execution—it’s to pursue meaningful strength in the midst of real life. 🎯 Meet Day Strategy & Performance The biggest mistake new lifters make? Thinking they’ll just “figure it out” on meet day. From weigh-ins and warmups to food, rest, and timing—there’s a lot to manage. And you can’t just lift when you feel good. You lift when the platform calls your name. That’s why attempt selection and pacing matter. Do you want to go 9-for-9? Hit a lifetime PR? Treat your opener as your last warm-up? Each strategy has trade-offs. A good handler or coach can help. So can a solid plan built around realistic expectations. Meet day success starts long before your first lift—it starts the moment you ask, “Am I ready to compete?” 🔖 Hashtags (Podcast App Optimized) #ReadyToCompete #StrengthTraining #PowerliftingMeet #StrengthWithPurpose #MeetDayTips #LiftingForLife #BarbellLogic #FitnessCoaching #PowerliftingPrep #CompeteWithConfidence PS - IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TAKING ONLINE COACHING FOR A TEST RUN, Connect with the hosts Connect with the show Or email /episode/index/show/barbelllogic/id/37900090

From Pool to Peaks: How to Adapt Strength Training for Any Goal 08/19/2025

How to Train When Life Hits the Fan (Literally): Diarrhea, Stress & Other Disasters 08/12/2025

How to Train When Life Hits the Fan (Literally): Diarrhea, Stress & Other Disasters What do you do when real life punches your training plan in the gut—literally? In this final episode of the Training Oh No’s series, coaches Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson talk through some of the most awkward and frustrating interruptions lifters face: getting sick, diarrhea mid-session, travel, emotional stress, and total routine breakdowns. You’ll learn practical ways to handle training when you're sick, stressed, or just overwhelmed by life. They cover how to adjust (or skip) workouts without guilt, how to bounce back smarter, and how to keep a long-term mindset even when short-term chaos hits. Whether you lift for longevity, health, hypertrophy, or sanity—this episode helps you train smarter when things go sideways. 🧠 KEY TAKEAWAYS What to do when illness (like stomach issues) strikes mid-training Why skipping a workout doesn’t equal failure How to adjust your mindset and goals when life gets messy Training strategies during travel, stress, or emotional overload When lifting helps your mental health—and when it doesn’t ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 🟢 0:00 – Intro & overview of life-disrupting training problems 💩 1:24 – “So, I had diarrhea…”: Training and stomach issues 🧠 6:42 – Illness, mental health, and knowing when to rest 🧳 11:08 – Travel, stress, and life throwing off your routine 🏋️ 15:52 – Can you still train when you’re a mess? 🛑 19:01 – Emotional stress vs. physical stress 🌀 23:28 – Rethinking consistency: Grace over guilt 🚀 26:48 – Final thoughts: Ending the Training Oh No’s series 🔖 HASHTAGS #StrengthTraining #TrainingProblems #FitnessForLife #TrainSmart #LifeHappens #FitnessOver40 #RealLifeLifting #BarbellTraining #WorkoutInterruptions #DiarrheaAndDumbbells PS - IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TAKING ONLINE COACHING FOR A TEST RUN, Connect with the hosts Connect with the show Or email /episode/index/show/barbelllogic/id/37694635

Metrics Are Killing Your Motivation: How to Reclaim Your Drive 08/05/2025

Training Hard But Not Seeing Results? Here’s What You’re Missing 07/29/2025

My Training Plan Got Destroyed: How to Adapt a Workout Plan 07/22/2025

No One Cares About My Training: How to Stay Motivated When No One’s Watching 07/15/2025

Too Tired to Train? What to Do When Sleep and Stress Derail Your Workout 07/08/2025

Do You Really Need to Power Clean? Rethinking Explosive Lifts for Lifters Who Train for Life 07/01/2025

Is the Overhead Press Worth It? Rebuilding the Most Skipped Lift 06/24/2025

Does the Deadlift Still Matter? How to Make It Work for Your Life 06/17/2025

Does the Deadlift Still Matter? How to Make It Work for Your Life Does the deadlift still matter in your training? If you’ve ever felt beat up by barbell pulls or unsure how to keep deadlifting as your goals and body evolve, this episode is for you. Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson unpack how the deadlift should serve you—not wear you down. From trap bars to kettlebells, from smart programming to pain management, this is a no-nonsense guide to making the deadlift work for life—not just your PR sheet. 🎧 This is part of the Rethinking the Big Lifts series—where we challenge conventional thinking to build training that’s smarter, sustainable, and aligned with what matters most. ✅ What You’ll Learn Why the deadlift is more than just a max-effort pull from the floor When it’s time to modify—or skip—the conventional deadlift The benefits of trap bar and other variations How to manage fatigue and avoid overtraining What to do when the deadlift causes pain or stress How to deadlift for longevity, not just numbers ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro: Does the deadlift still matter? 01:58 – What is the deadlift really for? 04:30 – Trap bars, kettlebells, and why they’re not cheating 08:45 – Programming the deadlift without burning out 13:10 – When to modify, reduce, or skip barbell deadlifts 16:35 – If it hurts: programming fixes vs. ego traps 20:30 – Long-term lessons: deadlifting for life, not just PRs 🏷 Hashtags #deadlifttraining #beastoverburden #rethinkingthebiglifts #barbelllogic #trapbardeadlift #strengthtrainingpodcast #longevityfitness #smarttraining #trainforlife #strengthoverego #liftingafter40 #backfriendlydeadlift #functionalstrength #barbelltraining #fitnesspodcastforlifters #customtraining #deadliftpainfix #liftinglongevity #coachedstrength #strengththatlasts PS - IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN TAKING ONLINE COACHING FOR A TEST RUN, Connect with the hosts Connect with the show Or email /episode/index/show/barbelllogic/id/36955690

Is the Bench Press Overrated? Rethinking Its Role in Your Training 06/10/2025

What is a Squat? How it Evolves with You for Life 06/03/2025

You’re Training Hard, But Are You Progressing?: Why Doing Everything Might Be Slowing You Down 05/27/2025

The Perfect Program Won't Save You: Train Smarter, Not Harder 05/20/2025

Overcoming the 3 Big Training Pitfalls: Snacking, All-or-Nothing Thinking, & Weak Boundaries 05/13/2025

From Frustrated to Free: A Realistic Guide to Long-Term Strength 05/06/2025

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