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Ground Zero Fitness

56 episodes - English - Latest episode: 8 months ago - ★★★★★ - 18 ratings

Getting started in fitness, especially if you haven’t been in the gym or worked out before, is a daunting task. We developed this podcast to help listeners get strong, stay strong, and enjoy what life has to offer. We discuss the why and how of strength, nutrition, and health, so people can be better versions of themselves, for a lifetime.

Check us out @coachkylechen and @samk_strength on Twitter.

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Episodes

Episode 53 - SAM DOESNT HELP THE ELDERLY?? Training for longevity and how to optimize your health.

September 08, 2023 13:04 - 41 minutes - 23 MB

Sam has a vendetta against helping the elderly put their groceries in their car. Furthermore, he doesn't even help his grandpa with picking things up. Jokes aside, Kyle and Sam discuss why strength training is so beneficial in the long term and how our personal experiences reinforce why we should all be training for a lifetime.

Episode 52 - Beyond the Hype: Spotting False Promises in Fitness Programs

July 26, 2023 13:00 - 35 minutes - 21.6 MB

In this episode of Ground Zero Fitness, Sam and Kyle expose the prevalence of misleading fitness programs and share crucial insights on navigating through the noise to find trustworthy fitness guidance. We uncover red flags to watch out for when evaluating programs that promise unrealistic results or employ questionable methods. Sam and Kyle offer practical tips to help listeners separate fact from fiction, highlight the importance of critical thinking, research, and seeking trusted source...

Episode 51 - Maintaining Momentum When You're Off a Program

July 19, 2023 13:00 - 30 minutes - 19.8 MB

In this episode of Ground Zero Fitness, Sam and Kyle tackle the often overlooked topic of what to do when you find yourself in a training limbo—whether it's taking a break from a structured program or intentionally stepping back from intense strength training. We share practical strategies and insights on how to maintain your fitness momentum even when you're not following a strict routine. Sam and Kyle dive into the importance of mindset shifts and setting new goals during these transiti...

Episode 50!! Unlocking Your Power: Exploring Standards and Benchmarks in Squat, Bench Press, and Deadlift

June 23, 2023 13:00 - 42 minutes - 27.5 MB

Join hosts Sam and Kyle in this episode of Ground Zero Fitness as they dive into the world of powerlifting. We discuss the importance of standards and benchmarks specifically for the squat, bench press, and deadlift (SBD) lifts. Sam and Kyle share insights, experiences, and practical advice on setting realistic goals, improving technique, and overcoming challenges in these lifts. They break down the standards for different experience levels, body weights, and genders, empowering listeners to...

Episode 49 - Barbells and Business: Sam's Lessons from Launching a Gym

June 01, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 42.4 MB

In this episode of "Barbells and Business," join Sam and Kyle as we delve into the inspiring journey of Sam, an ambitious entrepreneur who turned his passion for fitness into a thriving gym business. With a year and a half of experience under his belt, Sam shares valuable lessons learned from the highs and lows of launching and managing his own gym. From finding the perfect location to building a strong brand and attracting dedicated members, Sam reveals the strategic decisions, challenges, ...

Episode 48 - Unveiling our Power Picks: Sam and Kyle's Unique Picks for Compound, Supplemental, and Accessory Lifts Tailored to Your Goals

May 18, 2023 13:00 - 39 minutes - 24.9 MB

In this episode, get ready to unleash your lifting ambitions as Sam and Kyle spill the beans on their all-time favorite exercises. We take you on a journey through the most effective lifts tailored to your specific objectives, breaking them down into three crucial categories: compound, supplemental, and accessory exercises. Discover the lift selections that fuel their fitness passion and learn how these exercises form the cornerstone of a successful training regimen. From building brute str...

Episode 47 - How Much Exercise is Too Much? (For strength gainz)

May 10, 2023 13:09 - 18 minutes - 12 MB

Welcome to the Ground Zero Fitness podcast, where we explore everything related to strength training and fitness. In this episode, titled "How Much Exercise is Too Much?", Sam and Kyle delve into the topic of exercise volume and how much is necessary to build strength. They discuss the minimal requirement of the volume necessary for building strength and provide insights into what happens when you decrease volume but increase strength. Sam brings up an interesting case study of a lifter who...

Episode 46 - Does cardio kill your gains?

May 02, 2023 13:17 - 20 minutes - 13.7 MB

Sam and Kyle discuss the age-old question - does cardio kill your gains? If you are someone who loves lifting weights and building muscle, you might be wondering if cardio is really necessary or if it will hinder your progress. Today, we will explore the science behind this topic and give you the facts you need to make an informed decision.

Episode 45 - Barbells vs. Machines (vs. Dumbbells?)

April 23, 2023 13:00 - 27 minutes - 16.7 MB

A year and 2 months later ... we're back with episode 45! There's been quite a trend on Twitter discussing the benefits of Barbells vs. Machines. Sam and Kyle tackle the discussion and split it into 2 topics: Which comes first, and which one is less injury prone?

Episode 44 - WE'RE BACK + How lifting can be GODLY for you

February 01, 2022 22:23 - 50 minutes - 33.5 MB

We miss you guys. For the past few months, we were working on our own projects. Catch up and get to know what's been going on with us!  Sam and Kyle also talk about how lifting won't solve all your problems, but it cant be used as a snowball effect of self-improvement. P.S., we go down quite the rabbit hole of self-improvement of not only lifting, but life Enjoy!

Episode 43 - How effective are warmups?

October 30, 2021 13:00 - 27 minutes - 17 MB

We're back.  Almost a month later, Sam and Kyle are back with another episode talking about warmups. How important are warmups? Listen in as we discuss our takes and what we've learned over the years. The answer may just shock you ...

Episode 42 - If you're skinny fat, this episode is FOR YOU

September 23, 2021 23:31 - 13 minutes - 8.34 MB

If you're skinny fat, do you cut or bulk? You wanna build muscle AND drop fat at the same time? What should you do? Sam and Kyle give you potential solutions you can take ... Instead of ending up in this endless cycle of little to no progress ever made.

Episode 41 - How to Help Your Family Get In Shape

September 16, 2021 13:00 - 38 minutes - 23.8 MB

Kyle and Sam were both able to successfully impact their families in one way or another, either through getting them to work out or make healthier changes in the kitchen. The both of us discuss the strategies we took, and how you can help your family, significant other, or friends make similar changes to what you may be doing.

Episode 40 - The BEST Thing A Man Can Do For His Diet ... Is Get Married w/ Ingri Pauline

September 09, 2021 13:00 - 57 minutes - 33.4 MB

Ingri Pauline is a strength training coach that teaches women to be tough, without being a victim to the phases of their body. We talk about: - Her background as one of the few women to serve & train in the US Navy Special Operations EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal)  - Training prenatal and postpartum clients - How women should train around their cycles - Misconceptions with training for women Check out her socials: https://twitter.com/IngriPauline https://ingripauline.ck.page/48207...

Episode 39 - Broscience vs. Medical Practices w/ Seth Moldenhauer

September 06, 2021 13:00 - 1 hour - 80.5 MB

Sam and Kyle sit down with Seth Moldenhauer, a personal trainer that also happens to be a Nurse. He had a sports background of playing hockey, had hip surgery at the age of 17, and was still able to deadlift 500+ pounds. We talk about topics surrounding: - Broscience vs. Medical Practices - Filling the gap between the two industries - Importance of training and habits impacting his relationships - Deadlifts Enjoy!

Episode 38 - Strength is THE Virtue with Jeff Putnam - Founder of Rugged Legacy

July 30, 2021 14:00 - 1 hour - 58 MB

Father of 9 Kids. Writer of 2 books. Podcaster. Business Consultant. Founder of Rugged Legacy Grooming Supply Company. 3X Bodyweight deadlifter. Jeff clearly has a lot on his plate.  Learn his story and the importance of his training in this episode! Twitter: @Rugged_Legacy 

Episode 37 - Strength is THE Virtue with Jeff Putnam - Founder of Rugged Legacy

July 30, 2021 14:00 - 1 hour - 58 MB

Father of 9 Kids. Writer of 2 books. Podcaster. Business Consultant. Founder of Rugged Legacy Grooming Supply Company. 3X Bodyweight deadlifter. Jeff clearly has a lot on his plate.  Learn his story and the importance of his training in this episode! Twitter: @Rugged_Legacy 

Episode 37 - Compounding Your Bank Account and Your Health w/ Kolin aka "Decade Investor"

July 27, 2021 15:50 - 50 minutes - 47.1 MB

Sam and Kyle sit down with Kolin, better now on Twitter as "Decade investor". We discuss his marathon training and health prioritization and how it has impacted mindset towards investing and wealth. 

Ep. 36 - Deadlifts and Slammies with Everyday Workout Man - Thane Taylor

July 17, 2021 20:58 - 1 hour - 85.7 MB

A conversation between three buddies. We discuss Thane's ED Workout Man beginning, his unconventional style of training, deadlifts, and the gains he has seen since committing to getting stronger. Sam, Kyle, and Thane have been interacting together on Twitter for over a year now, so be prepared for a multitude of inside jokes you likely won't understand!

Episode 35 - Why Nutrition and Training is an Art Form, w/ Jerry Teixeira

June 25, 2021 13:00 - 2 hours - 116 MB

Jerry Teixeira is a 42-year old father that's lean, mean, and a jacked machine. He comes from a background of being in the military, becoming obese at 27, worked towards being the healthiest version of himself at 42 years old, and helps teach others how to get jacked at home. We talk about the science and art behind training and nutrition, problems with society's eating habits, the longevity aspect of a healthy lifestyle, and how to optimize your nutrition for a long life. Buckle up, this i...

Episode 34 - The Key Missing Ingredient for Training ... EFFORT

June 17, 2021 13:00 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MB

We might hurt feelings with this episode. If you've been working out for years and haven't seen as much progress as you'd like ... This might be for you.  Majority of people who are working out have never done progressive overload properly. What do we mean by that? Listen in.

Episode 33 - From Depressed & Broken to Lean & Strong w/ Guest Matias Page (@Hormetik)

June 11, 2021 13:00 - 56 minutes - 51.2 MB

Matias was in a really dark place. He had moved to Los Angeles from Argentina to pursue his filming career and had gone broke. He lost purpose, drive, and found himself depressed with a magnum in his drawer. Over the course of 7 years he had reprogrammed his mind & body to go from depressed & broken to lean & strong. We discuss topics around getting out of a dark place, strategies to build for a better future, being skinny fat (or as Matias calls it, normal weight obesity), blaming the sod...

Episode 32 - Is "Organic" Good For You?

June 03, 2021 05:21 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MB

We see it more and more these days. Organic peanut butter cups. Organic freshly squeeze juice. Organic nutri-grain bars.  The question lies ... Does slapping the term "organic" in front of a food make it healthy? Sam and Kyle discuss their takes and what YOU should watch out for ... Haven't checked out Avalon yet? Find it @ www.avalonsignup.com

Episode 31 - The WORST Beginner Mistakes that Sam & Kyle made, that you SHOULDN'T

May 21, 2021 20:22 - 51 minutes - 48.1 MB

A big problem with beginners working out is paralysis by analysis. This leads to a ton of information to guess & check to see what works, impatience, and problems finding consistency with working out.  Sam & Kyle discuss topics like: - Consistency - Program Hopping - More does NOT always mean better - Not eating enough protein - Thinking of "new ideas" too often - EMBRACING being a beginner As long as some replies from followers on Twitter. I'd HIGHLY suggest listening to us elabora...

Episode 30 - Expectations vs. Reality: What you see in the media isn't always true

May 13, 2021 13:00 - 22 minutes - 14.8 MB

A big issue with society is the amount of misinformation that spreads. You see it all the time in Men's/Women's Health magazines, your favourite athletes, or even from other trainers. Sam and Kyle talk about how much weight you can REALISTICALLY lose, how much muscle you can REALISTICALLY build, and better measures for the normal person than taking extremes. Find us on Twitter @coachkylechen and @samk_strength If you haven't visited Avalon yet, check it out here: http://avaloncommunity.net/

Episode 29 - Lifting vs. Cardio: What should I be doing to get in shape?

May 06, 2021 13:00 - 14 minutes - 9.35 MB

The age-old question ... You're trying to get in shape, but you don't know WHAT to do. Should I be performing cardio first, or lifting? Sam and Kyle dissect this question and give you a better idea of what's more beneficial for YOU. Listen in and take notes, because this is the most important step for your fitness journey.  Find us on Twitter @coachkylechen and @samk_strength Also if you haven't yet, check out Avalon! http://avaloncommunity.net/

Ep. 27 - THE DEADLIFT: IN ALL OF ITS HEAVENLY GLORY

April 15, 2021 17:28 - 48 minutes - 44.5 MB

Why should you deadlift? Sam and Kyle discuss the who, where, how, why, and when of Twitter's favorite exercise: THE DEADLIFT. Sam discusses how deadlifts changed his life as well as the 5-step deadlift process that anyone can use to deadlift correctly in minutes!

Ep. 26 - EAT AND TRAIN VS. DIET AND EXERCISE

April 08, 2021 13:00 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MB

Sam and Kyle discuss the alarming difference between trainees who take the mind set of "eating and training" over "dieting and exercising". A very important distinction for someone just gettting into fitness to understand. 

Ep. 25 - THE BIGGEST LOSER: Why crash dieting and insane training plans go wrong.

April 02, 2021 02:10 - 30 minutes - 27.8 MB

Sam and Kyle discuss the daily plan of the "Biggest Loser" contestant who lost over 200lbs before gaining a big portion the weight back. A big problem in the fitness industry is crash dieting to rapidly lose weight and doing endless cardio. People will see success, but they didn't change any of their habits which leads them back to the place they came from without learning anything from it. 

Episode 24 - Why Muscle is King, The Golden Body Fat %, and Why Fasted Cardio is BS with Oliver Anwar

March 27, 2021 07:05 - 1 hour - 39.7 MB

On today’s episode of Ground Zero Fitness, we’ve got an extremely special guest. Touted as the #1 body transformation coach for professionals & executives, ex-corporate worker, and the dude with probably the biggest chest and lats you’ll ever see, welcome Oliver Anwar. Guest co-host Francis Melia (@CoachFHM) joins us on the show as Sam has been busy with spring baseball. Kyle (@coachkylechen) and Francis talk with Oliver Anwar (@roanwar) about the importance of eating a balanced diet, why m...

Ep. 23 - Should I be going COLD TURKEY? Do I have an addiction?

March 18, 2021 13:00 - 35 minutes - 30.5 MB

In this episode of Ground Zero Fitness, Sam and Kyle discuss whether you should either go Cold Turkey or take things in moderation. The conversation ends up in an interesting place as it becomes a therapy session for Sam as he realizes his addiction to caffeine. Listen to this episode to understand how you should start making changes in your life, and what you should go cold turkey in vs. taking changes with moderation. Follow us @coachkylechen and @samk_strength on Twitter!

AVALON: A COMMUNITY UNLIKE ANYTHING ELSE

March 16, 2021 13:00 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MB

Announcing our latest project: AVALON. We are building an incredibly special community unlike anything else that we want all of our listeners to be a part of! The ability to create an online accountability group truly has no borders and unlimited potential for our members.  Tune in to get the run down of what the group offers.  Sam And Kyle sit down with their new partners, Francis Melia, Ty Todt, and Vilson to discuss our new community we are building that we want YOU to be a part of. 

Ep. 22 - TOP 10 BEST TIPS FOR FAT LOSS AND SUSTAINABLE LIFESTYLE

March 11, 2021 19:10 - 41 minutes - 33.5 MB

Kyle walks us through his top 10 best tips for fat loss and how to sustain it. Applying these 10 tips while understanding that your journey is a lifetime process will set you down the path to where you want to go! 

Ep. 21 - Optimal Rep Ranges For You

March 04, 2021 15:00 - 22 minutes - 19.4 MB

Sam and Kyle discuss optimal rep ranges for beginners and what those mean from a strength and muscle building stand point. They also chat about what types of accessory lifts you should be doing in addition to compound lifts and the rep ranges involved in those!

Ep. 20 - BROSCIENCE: A Casual Discussion

February 25, 2021 15:34 - 34 minutes - 29.1 MB

Listen up, you might just learn something about the best science in the world: Broscience. Sam posted a question on Twitter saying: "Drop Your Top Broscience Tip". This lead to lots of colorful replies. Some good. Some bad. Some ugly. Sam and Kyle discuss the replies and whether or not they are valid and helpful for a beginner in this casual episode of Ground Zero Fitness Podcast!

Ep. 19 - Realistic Expectations for Fat Loss

February 18, 2021 14:00 - 13 minutes - 5.44 MB

In this episode, Sam and Kyle discuss what is actually realistic when it comes to fat loss. Lots of online "gurus" advertise clients dropping "30lbs in 1 month" and we explain why this is highly unlikely and they are lying about clients progress. They also talk about how to set yourself up in a deficit, when to weigh and measure yourself, and the possibility that while you may be losing fat, your scale may still be lying to you about what is going on!

Ep. 18 - Getting Sh*t Done: Fitness, Habits, and Business ft. Tell Fisher

February 11, 2021 13:00 - 59 minutes - 45.3 MB

In this episode we sit down with Tell Fisher of Kings Barbell in Dayton, Ohio to discuss fitness, business, building habits, gym culture and surrounding yourself with the right people. You can find Tell on Twitter and Instagram: @tellquint Get involved in his online coaching: kingsbarbell.carrd.co

Ep. 17 - PAIN MANAGEMENT: How To Overcome the Inevitable Aches and Pains of Training

February 04, 2021 14:00 - 26 minutes - 22.6 MB

You are not fragile. Your body is strong and resilient. In this episode Sam and Kyle discuss how to effectively manage injury, pain, and aches when training. Sam walks through his 4 step process to managing pain that allows you to keep training by focusing on what you CAN do. 

Ep. 16 - The FitFathers: No Bullshit Approach to Fitness and Family with Shane Fitzgerald and Rob W. James

January 28, 2021 14:00 - 59 minutes - 44.5 MB

We sat down with the FitFathers: Rob W. James and Shane Fitzgerald to discuss their fitness journeys and how it lead to coaching. Both are busy fathers who have figured out how to balance fitness and family. We get to hear how they find time to train, what that training looks like, and how they have kickstarted healthy habits within their families. This is a great one for any parent struggling with ways to keep yourself and your family healthy and strong! You can find Shane on Twitter at @F...

Ep. 15 - IMPORTANT DECISION: How To Pick The Right Gym

January 21, 2021 14:00 - 18 minutes - 16.1 MB

Sam and Kyle discuss their take on what makes a good gym and why making the right decision is important for your fitness goals. Different types of gyms are discussed: Some are bashed on, while others are commended. This decision should come down to the environment you want commit to and how serious you are about your goals. 

Ep. 14 - MUSCLE SORENESS. Is it good, or bad?

January 14, 2021 15:00 - 18 minutes - 16.2 MB

Sam and Kyle talk about what muscle soreness is, whether you should be training for if it’s a byproduct of intense training, how long you should feel sore for, and what to do in order to reduce muscle soreness. Tune into this episode of Ground Zero Fitness Podcast to learn how to rest, recover, and combat soreness!

Ep. 13 - The BEST Equipment For At-Home Workouts

January 07, 2021 14:00 - 17 minutes - 14.5 MB

Sam and Kyle talk about how to the most bang-for-your-buck equipment & HOW TO work out at home. We touch on two different scenarios:  1. The ones who don't have much space to work with 2. The ones looking to build a gym in their garages Listen in as we talk about how you can use: Resistance Bands Pull-up Bars Dip Bars Backpacks Adjustable Dumbbells Calisthenics Exercise variations to raise resistance curve Enjoy!

Ep. 12 - IT IS OKAY TO BE A RESOLUTIONER

January 04, 2021 14:18 - 23 minutes - 20.9 MB

We want you to successfully achieve your New Years fitness and lifestyle goals. What is your why, and why is it something you haven’t started yet? Quantitative vs. Qualitative goals How todays Resolution could be a powerful daily habit 5-10 years from now How to break down your lofty new years goals How to get into an Accountability Group How to negotiate with family members

Ep. 11 - Gym Etiquette 101 and Battling Gym Intimidation for New Years Resolutioners

December 31, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 55.5 MB

GYM ETIQUETTE. If you’re new to the gym, there are a lot of things that beginners don’t know. What do I wear to the gym? What do I bring to the gym? How do I ask for equipment? How do I USE the equipment? How do I ask for a spot? Sam and Kyle answer all these questions in an information OVERLOADED episode. This is a great episode to listen to if you have just joined or are thinking about joining the gym!

Ep. 10 - Brick By Brick with Guest, Coach Francis Melia

December 24, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 68.5 MB

Sam and Kyle sit down with Coach Francis Melia, a personal trainer and competitive powerlifter from Liverpool, England. Have fun understanding his "Scouse" accent. We discuss his journey into getting big and strong from being a younger man with "man boobs". He discusses his own "flail zone" where he didn't know what he was doing, similar to other beginners, to getting smart with his training to where he is now. He also talks about his Twitter Famous body recomposition on how he bulked up to ...

How to CONTROL YOUR SPLURGE during the Holiday Season

December 18, 2020 14:00 - 19 minutes - 19.1 MB

Sam and Kyle talk about how the holiday season is a tough time for people trying to maintain their weight. You celebrate multiple times and have feasts throughout the weeks that seemingly have no end. We discuss topics like: - The bulk mentality vs. strategically eating mentality - Eating more of the good stuff, less of the bad -  Why building proper eating habits BEFORE the splurge makes it 10x easier Enjoy the holidays! Check us out on Twitter! Find Kyle at @iamkylecee  Find Sam at ...

Ep. 9 - Conquering Fitness and Habits with Body Transformation Coach, Marcus Rice

December 17, 2020 14:00 - 56 minutes - 52.8 MB

Kyle and Sam chat with Marcus Rice, Conquer Training and Fitness. He has built himself a substantial Instagram following that has allowed him to successfully coach 100’s of busy professionals. He has a B.S in exercise science and tons of in-person and online personal training experience. He also is probably one of the most low-key Jacked individuals in the fitness Twitter realm. We discuss his his journey from an athlete into the online personal training realm. He gives us insight into how h...

Ep. 8 - Faith, Family, and Fitness With Guest, #1 Ranked Girl Dad, Ty Todt

December 10, 2020 14:00 - 52 minutes - 48.9 MB

Sam and Kyle sit down with Ty Todt, former online-poker player who spent much of his twenties living the life many people dream of: making large amounts of money online, partying, traveling, expensive cars and houses. It wasn't until after a divorce in his mid-20's that he realized he wasn't full-filled. He talks about his transition from that realization to his current relationship with his wife. He discusses how the relationship almost failed, and how he was able to pull himself out using a...

Ep. 7 - HOW TO STOP EATING LIKE A CHILD

December 03, 2020 14:43 - 36 minutes - 34.3 MB

Sam and Kyle discuss solutions building proper nutrition habits and how to navigate the processed food pandemic, price sensitivity, and family influence.   Sam gives a rant on his systematic approach that listeners can use to stop eating like a child and start eating like an adult using 7 simple steps.  Follow us on Twitter: @samk_strength @iamkylecee

Ep. 6 - Fuzzy vs Attainable Goals: Why you are FAILING to reach your goals

November 26, 2020 14:17 - 16 minutes - 15.8 MB

Sam and Kyle talk about the importance of goal setting, how to break down goals, and how to readjust when needed. They also discuss how to build SYSTEMS to achieve your goals instead of just shooting for an arbitrary goal with no plan.  Follow us on Twitter: @samk_strength @iamkylecee

Twitter Mentions

@ingripauline 1 Episode
@jerryteixeira 1 Episode