Injuries can be huge setbacks for competitive athletes. Everyone has a certain window of time in which they can play their best. Time out of competition is time lost that can’t be recovered. For some, they can end a career. The question dovetails well with episode 46’s discussion of workload management, but obviously that’s not the whole story. Dr. Ramsey Nijem gives us insight from his doctoral thesis, as well as his work with professional athletes. There are some great takeaways for coaches, athletes…and even powerlifters. Here are some of our thoughts: What lifestyle factors outside of training might lead to injury? Does drinking or drug use make injuries more likely? How are outcomes and training effects different? Does it help get stronger period, or does it matter how strength is incorporated? How much is controllable? We kick off the conversation by wondering if 25 should just be the legal age for everything? Dr. Nijem earned his Doctorate of Science in Human and Sport Performance as well as Health Promotion and Wellness in 2018. He has published research in top scientific journals in strength and conditioning and is currently investigating injury risk in NBA athletes. He earned his B.S. from UC Santa Barbara and M.S. from Cal State *Fullerton’s Center for Sport Performance (where he studied with Dr. Andy Galpin). After several years as head Performance and Strength Coach for the Sacramento Kings NBA franchise, he recently became the Men’s Basketball Director of Sport Performance for the University of Kansas (KU Jayhawks), one of the top Division 1 college basketball programs. You can find him on Instagram @dr.ramsey.nijem Subscribe for updates about our new gym (Third Street Barbell) and apparel line at 3sb.co! Local memberships and international fresh fits! Hosted by Mike Farr (@silentmikke) and Jim McDonald (@thejimmcd). Produced by Jim McDonald Production assistance by Connor O’Neal @connoroneal. Theme by Aaron Moore. Branding by Joseph Manzo.