Mike Boyle- The Worst Exercises for Adults

·30 min·3 clips

Mike Boyle calls the back squat the dumbest exercise for adults, with RDL and hip thrust close behind.

["The episode begins with host Anthony Renner introducing the topic of worst exercises for adults, referencing Mike Boyle's recent social media posts.", "Renner sets up the discussion by noting Boyle's guideline of using 80% of max for eight to nine reps for safety in adult programming.", "He questions why this logic doesn't apply to back squats, considering trainers might have more time to coach clients properly.", "Boyle responds by emphasizing that the back squat is risky because it only takes one bad rep to cause injury, and most people squat poorly.", "He explains that nine out of ten people on Instagram do not squat well, attributing this to mechanical issues in the population.", "Boyle prefers goblet squats for squat patterning, as they promote thoracic extension and core activation, switching to unilateral exercises like split squats at around 50% body weight.", "He argues that unilateral training is more functional for adults, aligning with goals like longevity and daily life activities.", "When asked about Romanian deadlifts, Boyle ranks them as the second dumbest exercise, with hip thrusts as third, questioning their bilateral nature.", "He references Vern Gambetta and Gary Gray's insights on function, suggesting heavy bilateral strength may be anti-athletic beyond a point.", "Renner brings up timed sprinting, and Boyle agrees it might be the number one dumbest thing for adults, citing high stress and injury risks.", "Boyle shares anecdotes about athletes getting hurt during 40-yard dashes and critiques the 'run from a lion' argument for adult sprinting.", "The conversation shifts to Boyle's views on success, where he previously emphasized writing and speaking but now highlights social media presence.", "He discusses how Instagram has become a key platform for education and influence, despite backlash from some followers.", "Boyle notes that his controversial opinions, such as on the back squat, still generate anger after 17 years, but he engages with the platform to stay relevant.", "He mentions strategies like posting daily one-minute videos to improve engagement and learn what topics resonate.", "Renner references past events like the Functional Strength Coach seminar where Boyle's views first gained widespread attention.", "The episode includes a pre-recorded segment from Pete Dupuy on business strategies, focusing on the difference between gym attendance and retention.", "Dupuy explains that real retention involves clients feeling ownership and community, not just showing up.", "The episode concludes with Renner thanking Boyle and promoting upcoming events like the MBSC Spring Seminar.", "Throughout, Boyle maintains that his recommendations are based on training large numbers of clients and observing real-world effects."]

As heard by us

A candid, practical case for choosing adult training goals before loading familiar lifts.

The episode frames adult exercise selection around purpose, then questions what happens when familiar lifts start acting like goals on their own.

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Why you'd press play

You want to know when a squat variation has stopped serving the adult in front of you.

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