This episode of RAW with Marty Gallagher, J.P. Brice, and Jim Steel continues the deep dive into strength history, blending meet-day coaching insights with equipment choices that stand up to heavy training. We discuss foundational tools—Olympic bars, urethane dumbbells, kettlebells, bumper plates—and how to structure barbell cycles while using light conditioning to aid recovery. You’ll hear practical guidance on opener selection, bar speed, and building a dependable training environment at home or in a commercial setting. Listen to the full episode and explore the complete episode page and resources here: https://www.ironcompany.com/podcast?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=summary&utm_campaign=raw_ep66
ABOUT THIS EPISODE — A history-forward conversation that ties classic coaching decisions and reporting to practical programming, equipment selection, and facility setup for safer, more repeatable lifting.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How meet-handling principles inform weekly programming and attempt selection.
Where easy cardio fits to support recovery without dulling bar speed.
Equipment priorities for a stable, confidence-building training setup.
Simple ways to make technique more repeatable from session to session.
KEY TOPICS
Openers, bar speed checks, and selecting thirds based on real-time feedback.
Balancing barbell priority with brief kettlebell or cycling sessions.
Choosing durable free weights, Olympic bars, and flooring solutions.
QUICK ANSWERS
Q: How should lifters pick openers and thirds?
A: Open with a weight you can triple on a normal day; set the third by bar speed and technique on the second, not by a preplanned number.
Q: What cardio supports strength without excess fatigue?
A: Short, easy-to-moderate bouts (bike, row, swings) on non-max days to boost blood flow and recovery while preserving top-end power.
Q: What gear upgrades improve consistency first?
A: A rigid platform or mats, a dependable Olympic bar, and well-matched plates—these stabilize setup and keep bar path predictable.
SHOP THE EPISODE
IRON COMPANY Urethane Bumper Plates
https://www.ironcompany.com/urethane-bumper-plates-iron-company-ic-ubpc?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep66
IRON COMPANY Urethane Hex Dumbbells
https://www.ironcompany.com/urethane-hex-dumbbells-iron-company-ic-u-hex?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep66
IRON COMPANY Premium Powder Coated Kettlebells
https://www.ironcompany.com/premium-powder-coated-kettlebells-iron-company-ic-ppck?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep66
North American Made 1,500 lb Capacity Olympic Bar
https://www.ironcompany.com/north-american-made-1500-lb-capacity-olympic-bar?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep66
Regupol AktivLok Economy Interlocking Rubber Puzzle Tiles
https://www.ironcompany.com/regupol-aktivlok-economy-interlocking-rubber-puzzle-tiles?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep66
FULL EPISODE LIST & RESOURCES
https://www.ironcompany.com/podcast?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=notes&utm_campaign=raw_ep66