Join strength and conditioning coaches Craig Turner and Justin Rey as they dive into the world of training, performance, and the latest trends in high-performance sport. In each episode, they share actionable insights, discuss effective programming and exercises, and break down real-world scientific applications of training in sport. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, get ready for a mix of practical advice, casual conversations, and no-nonsense discussions about all things training and fitness. Tune in for your weekly dose of Reps and Real Talk!
Summary
In this episode, Craig Turner and Justin Rey delve into the importance of hamstring training, discussing various exercises, their benefits, and how to effectively integrate them into athletic training programs. They explore the Nordic hamstring curl, RDLs, glute ham raises, and more, emphasizing the significance of eccentric training and injury prevention in sports. The conversation highlights the need for a balanced approach to hamstring conditioning, considering both strength and injury risk.
Takeaways
Hamstrings are crucial in any sport for performance and injury prevention.
The Romanian Deadlift (RDL) is a favorite hamstring exercise for many athletes.
Nordic hamstring curls are highly researched and effective for eccentric strength.
Hamstring strains, while rare, can occur and need to be conditioned for.
Progressive overload is essential in hamstring training to ensure strength gains.
Different hamstring exercises target various parts of the muscle group.
Eccentric training is vital for reducing injury risk in athletes.
Integrating multiple hamstring exercises can enhance overall strength and performance.
Glute ham raises can be beneficial for athletes with lower back concerns.
A well-rounded hamstring program should include a mix of exercises and focus on both strength and injury prevention.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Hamstring Training
02:45 Favorite Hamstring Exercises
05:23 Nordic Hamstring Curls: Benefits and Challenges
08:13 The Importance of Hamstring Conditioning in Sports
10:41 Progressions and Variations of Hamstring Exercises
13:23 Understanding Proximal vs Distal Hamstring Training
16:03 Exploring Additional Hamstring Exercises
18:37 The Role of Glute Ham Raises
21:08 Prone vs Seated Hamstring Curls
23:45 Conclusion and Wrap-Up
DONT FORGET!!
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🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_
👤 Craig: @thesciencebasedlifter
👤 Justin: @jrey.strength
Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.
#repsandrealtalk #strengthandconditioning #strengthcoaching #basketball
2 Oct 2025
Reps & Real Rant: Should Athletes Train Like Bodybuilders?
Summary
In this conversation, Craig Turner and Justin Rey discuss (rant about) the misconceptions surrounding bodybuilding training and its application to athletes. They explore the principles of bodybuilding that can enhance athletic performance, the structure of effective workout programs, and the balance between volume and intensity in training. The discussion emphasizes the importance of training to failure and the need for athletes to adapt their training to their specific sports requirements.
Takeaways:
Bodybuilding training misconceptions often revolve around volume.
Athletes should use bodybuilding principles without aiming to look like bodybuilders.
Training to failure can be beneficial for athletes.
Volume in training can be a double-edged sword; it must be balanced with intensity.
Exercise selection is crucial for effective athlete training programs.
Plyometrics are essential for athletes but not for bodybuilders.
Understanding the relationship between size and strength is key.
Individualization in programming is important for athlete development.
Using failure as a proxy can simplify tracking progress.
Volume can be strategically included in training without overtraining.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Episode Format
00:37 Rant on Bodybuilding Training for Athletes
05:23 Designing a Total Body Workout for Athletes
11:11 Principles of Training to Failure
16:19 Volume and Its Role in Training
21:01 Summary Statements
DONT FORGET!!
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🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_
👤 Craig: @thesciencebasedlifter
👤 Justin: @jrey.strength
Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.
#repsandrealtalk #strengthandconditioning #strengthcoaching #basketball
2 Sept 2025
Bodybuilding Basketball
This conversation explores the intricacies of training basketball athletes, focusing on hypertrophy, programming, and the importance of nutrition. The speakers discuss the dynamics of in-person training, the balance between intensity and volume, and the misconceptions surrounding hypertrophy training. They emphasize the need for adaptability in training programs to meet the demands of collegiate athletics and the significance of maintaining muscle mass during the season.
DONT FORGET!!
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If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️
📲 Follow us on Instagram:
🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_
👤 Craig: @thesciencebasedlifter
👤 Justin: @jrey.strength
Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.
#repsandrealtalk #strengthandconditioning #strengthcoaching #basketball
15 Aug 2025
The 3 B's of S&C
In this episode, hosts Craig Turner (@thesciencebasedlifter) and Justin Rey (@jrey.strength) delve into the challenges of burnout in the coaching profession, particularly in strength and conditioning. They discuss the three B's of career progression in S&C: burnout, bitterness, and becoming better. The dialogue explores the financial strains faced by coaches, the impact of winning and losing on mental health, and the importance of mentorship and communication. They emphasize the need for coaches to share their wins and foster a supportive community, while also reflecting on their personal journeys and the evolution of their passions.
DONT FORGET!!
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If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️
📲 Follow us on Instagram:
🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_
👤 Craig: @thesciencebasedlifter
👤 Justin: @jrey.strength
Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.
#repsandrealtalk #strengthandconditioning #strengthcoaching #basketball
10 Aug 2025
INSTAGRAMBLE (REPS & IG REEL TALK)
In this episode, hosts Craig Turner and Justin Ray discuss various training techniques and analyze unique exercise videos they've encountered online. They share insights on off-season training, innovative equipment, and advanced exercises for athletes, while also evaluating complex movement patterns and plyometric drills. The conversation emphasizes the importance of core training, rotational movements, and the application of these techniques in real-world athletic scenarios.
We want to thank each creator for their videos here!
DONT FORGET!!
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🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_
👤 Craig: @thesciencebasedlifter
👤 Justin: @jrey.strength
Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.
1 Aug 2025
Necessary Equipment in S&C
In this episode, both Justin (@jrey.strength) and Craig (@thesciencebasedlifter) discuss the essentials of strength training with minimal equipment. They explore the versatility of dumbbells, the role of machines, and the importance of recovery tools. The conversation also covers what equipment to bring while traveling and the significance of programming for athletes. The hosts share their personal preferences and insights on various training tools, emphasizing the need for adaptability in strength and conditioning coaching.
REAL TALK:
🏋️ Minimal equipment can still yield effective training results.
🏋️♂️ Dumbbells are versatile and essential for various exercises.
🛠️ Machines can complement free weights but should be chosen wisely.
✈️ Traveling coaches should prioritize lightweight and multifunctional equipment.
🌀 Resistance bands are great for mobility and strength training on the go.
💆♂️ Recovery tools like BFR and vibrating foam rollers are the future.
🔁 Programming should focus on full-body workouts for better engagement in atheltes.
🏋️♀️ Barbells, especially fat grip bars, can improve grip strength and potentially overall performance.
🔄 Jump ropes are excellent for conditioning and coordination a travel essential.
DONT FORGET!!
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If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️
📲 Follow us on Instagram:
🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_
👤 Craig: @thesciencebasedlifter
👤 Justin: @jrey.strength
Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.
25 Jul 2025
An S&C Journey In Hoops
In this conversation, Cliff Spiller (@cliffspillercscs), the Director of Strength and Conditioning for Men's Basketball at the University of Oregon, shares his extensive experience in the basketball and strength conditioning fields. He discusses the transition from professional to college basketball, the importance of developing professional habits in athletes, and the challenges of adapting to new roster dynamics in college sports. Cliff emphasizes the significance of individualized training programs, the impact of the NIL landscape, and the necessity of building strong relationships with athletes. He also provides valuable advice for aspiring strength coaches and shares insights from his new project, Elite Basketball Insights (https://www.elitebasketballinsights.com/ (https://www.elitebasketballinsights.com/)).
REAL TALK:
🏀 Navigating the transition from professional to college basketball requires different coaching strategies to the same approach.
💼 Developing professional habits in athletes is crucial for their success no matter the level.
🧠 Individualized training programs are essential for athlete development - but how much individualization is necessary.
💰 The NIL landscape has changed the dynamics of college sports significantly.
🤝 Building relationships with athletes enhances their training experience - but what's the best approach?
🩺 Screening and assessment techniques are vital for understanding athlete needs.
⚖️ The integration of traditional and modern training methods is necessary for optimal performance - learn how..
DONT FORGET!!
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If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️
📲 Follow us on Instagram:
🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_
👤 Craig: @thesciencebasedlifter
👤 Justin: @jrey.strength
Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.
18 Jul 2025
Programs & Peeves
In this episode, Craig Turner and Justin Ray discuss their personal training philosophies, the adjustments they make in their programs, and their pet peeves in both public gyms and basketball weight rooms.
They emphasize the importance of gym etiquette, respect for others, and the significance of nutrition and recovery strategies in achieving fitness goals. The conversation also touches on the challenges of maintaining focus in a gym environment and the need for effective communication among athletes and coaches.
REAL TALK:💪 Your training programs should always fit your individual goals and needs.
😴 Rest and recovery are crucial part often overlooked even by coaches
🤝 Gym etiquette is essential for a respectful environment.
🥗 Nutrition plays a significant role in training success.
📊 Tracking calories can provide valuable insights into eating habits.
🗣️ Communication is key in a team training environment.
⏰ Respecting others' time in the gym is important.
📵 Using phones in the gym can be distracting and counterproductive.
🌟 Creating a positive training atmosphere benefits everyone.
🎧 Engaging with listeners can enhance the podcast experience.
DONT FORGET!!
👉 Rate, Subscribe, and Follow for More!
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️
📲 Follow us on Instagram:
🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_
👤 Craig: @thesciencebasedlifter
👤 Justin: @jrey.strength
Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.
11 Jul 2025
The Best Chest Selection
Where do you place your chest exercises in your library?
Start it (means it has to be in the program)
Sixth Man (its in your rotation but not an essential piece - bring it out when you need it to impact)
Bench it (these don't get used and see no love)
In this conversation, hosts Craig Turner (@CTSPORTSCIENCE) and Justin Rey (@JREY.STRENGTH) delve into various chest exercises, discussing their personal favorites, the effectiveness of different techniques, and the importance of fitting the right exercises to the individual.
They explore the cambered bar bench press, dumbbell variations, push-ups, and machine training, while also addressing the limitations of certain exercises like the decline bench press (that may end up being benched - literally).
The discussion emphasizes the significance of stability and proper form in achieving optimal results for both bodybuilding and athletic performance in basketball.
THE REAK TALK:
💪 The cambered bar bench press as the best conventional chest press?
🏀 Dumbbell bench press gives more degrees of freedom — perfect for athletes
🧠 Does the mind-muscle connection enhance workout effectiveness?
✊ Push-ups can be a valuable exercise for basketball players — if done right
⚠️ Decline bench press — the deadliest chest press?
🎯 Cable flys can target the chest more effectively than presses!
🧱 Stability in exercises is crucial for performance, muscle growth, and decreasing risk
🔥 Guillotine press is a unique variation worth trying (at least in your warm-up)
🔄 Incorporating variety in chest training can lead to better results than one "optimal" exercise
DONT FORGET!!
👉 Rate, Subscribe, and Follow for More!
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode of Reps and Real Talk! 💪🎙️
📲 Follow us on Instagram:
🎧 Podcast: @repsandrealtalk_
👤 Craig: @ctsportscience
👤 Justin: @jrey.strength
Thanks for supporting the show — where every rep comes with a story.
3 Jul 2025
Supporting Hoopers w/ Nate Melendez
Strength and conditioning coach Nate Melendez discusses supporting basketball athletes by building relationships, leveraging social media, and adapting to the changing coaching landscape in this interview episode.
27 Jun 2025
Squat Talk - Best & Worst
Hosts Craig Turner and Justin Rey discuss various squat exercises, including back squats, hack squats, and pistol squats, for basketball performance, evaluating their benefits and risks.
20 Jun 2025
Programming Methods (Using Subjectives To Enhance Your Program?)
Hosts Craig Turner and Justin Rey examine subjective strength training methodologies like RIR and RPE, revealing practical applications and challenges in college basketball training, while adapting to individual athlete needs.
13 Jun 2025
The Role of Mentorship in S&C w/ Merv Lumba
Sports performance coach Merv Lumba discusses the vital role of mentorship in strength and conditioning with hosts Craig Turner and Justin Rey, highlighting relationship building and authenticity in this interview.
6 Jun 2025
Overrated S&C Methods
Craig Turner and J.Rey explore controversial strength and conditioning methods, such as Olympic lifts and eccentric training, for basketball, highlighting athlete safety and performance enhancement in this interview episode.
30 May 2025
Let's Talk Nil w/ Safet Kastrat
La Salle Men's Basketball GM and Assistant Coach Safet Kastrat joins hosts Craig and Justin to examine how NIL deals are reshaping college basketball recruitment and creating new challenges for mid-major programs in this interview.
23 May 2025
Navigating Social Media in S&C
Craig Turner and Justin Ray explore social media's impact on strength and conditioning, discussing its evolution, professional use, and content balance, offering insights for coaches building an online presence in this interview.
23 May 2025
Making Money In S&C
Craig Turner and Justin Rey tackle the complexities of salary expectations for strength and conditioning coaches, highlighting networking and adaptability as key factors for career advancement in this interview episode.
23 May 2025
The Journey
Hosts Justin Rey and Craig Turner explore their strength and conditioning journeys, highlighting the value of internships, networking, and adaptability for aspiring coaches in this episode.
Who has been a guest on Reps and Real Talk
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Nate Melendez
Merv Lumba
Safet Kastrat
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
15 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 52 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
85
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
51
Contact Reps and Real Talk
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