Strength as a Skill, with Brett Jones

Strength training isn’t just about lifting heavier—it’s about training smarter. Brett Jones, director of education at StrongFirst, rejoins Todd this week on the podcast, sharing his philosophy on strength training as a skill.

Brett dives into the science behind recovery and why effort alone doesn’t equal better results. He also highlights the role of grip strength as a key predictor of longevity and how maintaining muscle mass can impact overall health, including disease recovery. Having gone through cancer treatment himself, Brett emphasizes why being strong before facing a health crisis can be life-changing.

From busting training myths to explaining why testing and training should be separate, this episode offers actionable insights for anyone looking to build long-term strength.

Learn more about Brett and his resources on his website: https://appliedstrength.com/ or follow him on Instagram at @brettjonessfg. 

Get access to Todd's free health resource: https://podtodd.com   

Learn more about Stark at: https://www.stark.health  

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Strength Is a Skill, Not Just Lifting Weights
02:52 The Wheel of Health: A Holistic View of Well-Being
04:46 Introducing Brett Jones & Strong First Training Philosophy
06:11 Common Myths That Hinder Strength Progress
09:19 The Importance of Movement Patterns for Orthopedic Health
15:51 Defining True Strength Training vs. High-Rep Workouts
18:49 The Role of Recovery in Strength Development
26:06 The Psychology of Effort: Why More Isn't Always Better
30:29 Grip Strength as a Marker for Longevity & Overall Strength
36:39 Strength Training & Disease Prevention: What the Research Says
41:56 How to Integrate Kettlebells for Maximum Benefit
45:35 Iron Cardio: Brett's Training Approach for Strength & Endurance
50:00 The Most Effective Training Plan for Busy Schedules

What is Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei?

Welcome to the Health is a Skill podcast with host Todd Vande Hei! Todd is the CEO of Stark, which exists to change the future of health and fitness in the communities they serve. For the last 15 years, Todd has been on a journey to discover what it means to be in a state of peak health. After suffering from a series of seizures and being diagnosed with high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation in his early 30’s, Todd decided it was time to make a change. Those changes fell into one of four categories: lifestyle, exercise, nutrition, and stress management. But the biggest thing Todd learned through it all? Health is a skill. You’re not born with it, like some would like you to believe, and it isn’t acquired by simply buying another product or starting that new diet. Health is something you can create for yourself, and over time it is possible to attain peak health.