If you're a strength and conditioning nerd like me, you've probably spent way too much time reading research, scouring the internet, and debating with colleagues about the perfect sets, reps, and training programs.

Because if we're being honest, most people don't actually love working out. And if someone says they do... they're probably a bonafide psychopath, so proceed with caution.

What we all love is the result. Feeling stronger. Having more energy. Moving better. Looking better. That's the fun part.

With that said, we're always trying to optimize things for you to get the biggest bang for your training buck.

I mean, if you're going to show up and put in the effort, let's make the most of it.

Every parent wants to give their child the best opportunity to succeed.

So when they watch elite athletes, it's natural to think:

"If this is what the best in the world are doing, shouldn't Johnny be doing the same?"

That's exactly where youth sports have gone.

And in many ways, it’s exactly where they’ve gone wrong.

I Hate Cliché Fitness Advice

You know the kind.

The stuff you read in every Yahoo Health article around the holidays.

"Eat before you go to the party so you don't overindulge."

Yeah, right. Just so I can eat before the party and then eat again at the party?

Or my personal favorite:

"Get shredded in 4 weeks!"

There really isn't.

Teenage athletes today are playing on club teams, school teams, and layering private lessons on top of all of it.

Just 15 years ago, summer was the universal offseason.

Athletes with big goals would spend the summer in the gym four days per week, train three days per week during the rest of their offseason, and continue lifting twice per week during the season.

Today?

Most athletes train in the gym twice per week at best during the summer and offseason, and many take the entire sports season off from strength training altogether.

The problem is that there isn't much true "off" time anymore.

If you live in North County San Diego, you're probably active.

You surf.

You hike.

You chase your kids around soccer fields.

You might squeeze in a yoga class.

Maybe you hit the gym once or twice a week.

You go for a run when you're feeling motivated.

From the outside, it looks like you're doing everything right.

But here's the strange part.