Beast over Burden powered by Barbell Logic
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Join expert voices from Barbell Logic and others from the world of strength for resources to help you get strong for life. Get coaching options and more educational content at barbell-logic.com.
Episodes
- Strength Training for Busy Dads: Nick Hammer on Fitness, Fatherhood & Staying Strong
Busy dads do not need a perfect schedule to get strong. They need a realistic plan they can actually follow. In this episode of Beast Over Burden, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson talk with guest Nick Hammer about strength training for busy da…
- Recovery for Strength Training: Why More Work Isn't Always the Answer
Recovery for strength training is one of the biggest factors in whether you actually adapt to hard work in the gym. In this Beast over Burden legacy episode, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson talk through the stress-recovery-adaptation cycle an…
- Strength Training Over 50: How to Train Around a Busy, Unpredictable Schedule with John Eckford
Strength training over 50 can feel nearly impossible when life is busy and unpredictable. Work schedules change, sleep gets disrupted, and responsibilities pile up. Many people assume they need a perfect routine to make progress—but the re…
- Why Walking 10,000 Steps a Day Matters More Than You Think
Walking 10,000 steps a day may be one of the simplest ways to improve health, recovery, conditioning, and consistency. In this Beast over Burden legacy episode, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson discuss why walking matters for lifters. Andrew s…
- Lifting in Your 50s and 60s: Marty Curran on Strength, Recovery, and Competing for the Long Haul
What does lifting in your 50s and 60s actually look like after a full decade under the bar? In this episode of Beast Over Burden's Lifting for the Long Haul series, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson sit down with Marty Curran—Barbell Logic clie…
- Strength Training for Life: How One Client Stayed Consistent for 7 Years with Seth Hible
Seth Hible shares his seven-year journey of consistent strength training with Beast over Burden, highlighting adaptability over perfection. The discussion covers managing training through travel, military service, and family life, and how…
- Strength Training for Golfers: Build Power, Increase Distance, and Train for the Long Haul with Jimmy Wisinski
This episode features Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson speaking with PGA golf coach Jimmy Wisinski about the benefits of strength training for golfers. They explore how lifting weights can increase club head speed and distance, and discuss eff…
- Barbell Training for Longevity: Strength as Medicine for Aging Well with Dr. Jonathon Sullivan
In this episode, Dr. Jonathon Sullivan explains how barbell training can serve as medicine for aging well, combating physical decline often misattributed to age. The discussion covers strength
- Lifting for the Long Haul: How Strength Training Evolves Across Decades of Life
This episode introduces the "Lifting for the Long Haul" series, featuring Barbell Logic clients and coaches who have maintained strength training across decades. It explores how training adapts to life changes like aging, injuries, and fam…
- Why Strength Training Makes Athletes Faster
This episode of Beast Over Burden features Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson explaining how strength training enhances athletic speed and power. They examine research comparing strength training to other methods and detail the science connectin…
- Stop Dieting, Start Eating Real Food: Losing 30 Pounds Without the Diet Cycle
For decades, Jenny Hicks felt like she was always on a diet. Like many people, she tried everything—low carb plans, restrictive programs, packaged diet foods, and extreme calorie cuts. The weight would come off for a while, but it always c…
- Sustainable Fat Loss through Nutrition Coaching with Jeremiah Wicken
Sustainable fat loss isn't about perfect macro tracking, crash dieting, or extreme restriction. It's about building habits you can actually maintain when life gets busy. In this episode of Beast Over Burden, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson si…
- GLP-1 Food Noise and Strength Training: One Client's Path to Real Health
GLP-1 medications are changing how many people approach weight loss, diabetes, and appetite regulation. But medication alone is rarely the whole solution. In this episode of Beast Over Burden, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson talk with Barbell…
- Why Simple Nutrition Habits Beat Complicated Diets
Nutrition can feel confusing when every new diet promises a different solution. In this episode of Beast Over Burden, Niki Sims talks with Barbell Logic Director of Nutrition Brittany Snyder about why lasting progress rarely comes from com…
- Nutrition for Lifters: A New Beast Over Burden Series
Nutrition advice is everywhere, but much of it isn't designed for people who train. Diet trends often focus on quick weight loss or restrictive rules, leaving many people stuck in a cycle of starting and stopping new plans that never seem…
- Understanding Fitness Trade-Offs: Why There's No Perfect Workout or Diet
Is there a perfect workout or diet? In this episode of Beast Over Burden, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson explore the reality of fitness trade-offs and why every training and nutrition decision comes with pros and cons. From coaching vs AI to…
- Stop Overthinking Fitness: Habits, Metrics & What Actually Works with Philip Pape
Stop overthinking fitness and start focusing on what actually works. In this episode of Beast Over Burden, Niki Sims talks with Philip Pape of Wits & Weights about feedback loops, identity, biofeedback, and why most people should ignore bi…
- Why People Quit Their Fitness Goals (And How to Stop)
Every year starts the same way: new goals, new motivation, and a fresh commitment to fitness. But within a few months, many people feel like they're starting over again. If you've ever wondered why people quit their fitness goals, this epi…
- Make Training Fit Your Real Life: Adaptation Through Strength Training
What does it actually mean to get stronger? In this episode of Beast Over Burden, Nikki and Andrew break down adaptation through strength training—how lifting builds muscle, bone density, and resilience over time, and why the real goal isn…
- Resilience through Resistance Training: Harder to Kill, Faster to Heal
When it comes to long-term health and fitness, most people focus on performance or appearance. But one of the most important benefits of strength training has nothing to do with how you look. It's resilience. In this episode of Beast Over…
- Accountability for Strength Training: Do What You Said You'd Do
When it comes to fitness, most people don't fail because they lack information — they fail because they don't follow through. In this episode of the C.L.A.R.A. series, Andrew Jackson and Niki Sims break down why accountability for strength…
- Strength Training for Longevity: Train Now So You Don't Become a Burden Later
When you're young, longevity doesn't feel urgent. Strength training is about PRs, aesthetics, or stress relief. But as life speeds up—and as you watch parents and peers lose independence—the real value of training becomes clear. In Episode…
- Keep Showing Up: Why Consistency is the Real Strength
Consistency is the foundation of strength training—but it's also the hardest part. In the first episode of the C.L.A.R.A. series, Andrew and Niki break down why strength training consistency matters more than motivation, outcomes, or perfe…
- Deadlift Meet at 40: Niki Sims, a Rough Taper, and What She Learned
In this episode of Beast Over Burden, hosts Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson unpack how GLP-1 medications, TRT, and peptides are changing the coaching landscape—and what that means for strength training. Drawing from years of hands-on coaching…
- GLP-1s, TRT, and Training: What Lifters & Coaches Need to Know
GLP-1 medications, TRT, and peptides are becoming common—but they don't change the rules of strength training. Learn how GLP-1s and strength training work together to preserve muscle, manage recovery, and train intelligently for long-term…
- Train Anyway: Consistency Blueprint for Strength & Fitness in Busy Seasons
In this episode of Beast Over Burden, Niki Sims sits down with Barbell Logic coach Nikki Burman to unpack what it really looks like to train anyway—to stay consistent in strength and fitness through pregnancy, toddlers, homeschooling, depl…
- From Pain to Power: A Strength Training Transformation Story with Mac & Gil
In this inspiring strength training transformation story, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson sit down with Coach Mac McGregor and his longtime client, Gillespie Ferguson, to explore one of the most powerful journeys ever shared on Beast Over Bur…
- Strength Training for Moms: Nikki's Journey through Pregnancy, Postpartum, & Unstoppable Consistency
In this inspiring episode, Nikki Sims and Andrew Jackson sit down with two of Barbell Logic's most recognizable names: Nikki Berman (Director of Client Experience) and Coach Bekah Creek (PT and longtime BLOC coach). Together, they dive dee…
- Strength Training for Couples: Kayleigh's & Jeff's Journey Through Weight Loss, Burnout, & Renewal
In this inspiring Beast Over Burden episode, Nikki Sims and Andrew Jackson sit down with Kayleigh and Jeff to explore strength training for couples, overcoming burnout, building sustainable routines, and transforming body composition with…
- Lifting Through Setbacks: How Scott Came Back Stronger Through Injury & Loss
Life doesn't stop for your training — but your training can help you survive life. In this episode, we sit down with Scott & Coach Jamal to explore what it really looks like to keep lifting through setbacks while raising kids, grieving a p…
- Lifting Through Chemo: Motherhood, Strength, and Beating Breast Cancer
When Elizabeth Blair began lifting postpartum, she had no idea that strength training would one day become one of her most important tools in fighting cancer. In this powerful episode, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson sit down with coach Nikki…
- Do You Really Need a Coach? Why Guidance Beats AI & Templates Every Time
Even with all the AI training apps and free workout programs out there, real coaching still matters. In this episode of Barbell Logic: Beast Over Burden, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson explain why coaching remains essential for lifters who t…
- Can Women Do Pull-Ups? (Yes.) How to Get Your First Chin-Up + The Protein Milk Trend
Can women do pull-ups? Yes—absolutely. In this standalone Beast Over Burden episode, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson break down the controversy around new pull-up standards and use it as a springboard to tackle one of the most common fitness…
- Why You Don't Need a Gym to Get Strong: Linda & Chrissy's Coaching Story
Stronger at any age: discover why you don't need a gym to get strong. Linda's story proves that with the right coaching and consistency, you can build strength, health, and confidence at home—no matter your age or equipment. You don't need…
- Stronger at 70: Linda's Story of Scoliosis, Osteoporosis & Smart Strength Coaching (with Chrissy)
In this episode of The Coaching Advantage: Real Stories of Strength & Nutrition, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson sit down with Barbell Logic coach Chrissy and her client Linda to share how consistent coaching transforms life at every age. Lin…
- Why We Coach: How Strength & Nutrition Coaching Transform Everyday Life
Struggling to turn your training into lasting results? In this kickoff to The Coaching Advantage series, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson share their personal journeys, why they coach every day, and how strength and nutrition coaching transfor…
- Find Your Why: Reigniting Strength Training When Motivation Fades
Feeling stuck under the barbell? This Strength With Purpose episode dives into how to find your why so you can train with consistency and purpose even when motivation fades, life gets messy, or the excitement of chasing PRs wears off. Nikk…
- Getting Back into Lifting: How to Rebuild Strength After Time Off
Taking a break from lifting can feel like you've lost it all—but most lifters bounce back faster than they expect. In this episode of Strength With Purpose, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson share the exact steps for getting back into lifting w…
- How to Grow Your Glutes: Proven Exercises for Strength, Size & Shape
In this episode of Strength With Purpose: Goals-Driven Training & Exercise, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson unpack everything you need to know about how to grow your glutes. From hip thrust mechanics to Bulgarian split squats, glute kickbacks…
- How to Get Stronger and Lose Weight: Live Coaching Q&A
In this live Q&A, we unpack one of the most challenging fitness goals: how to get stronger and lose weight at the same time. You'll hear practical advice on balancing training, diet, and recovery while cutting fat without losing hard-earne…
- Ready to Compete? How to Train, Peak, and Dominate a Lifting Meet
Ready to compete? In this episode of our Strength With Purpose series, Barbell Logic coaches Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson break down how to train and prepare for a powerlifting meet—from setting your timeline and peaking properly to managi…
- From Pool to Peaks: How to Adapt Strength Training for Any Goal
Your training should match your goals — but what happens when those goals go beyond PRs? In this episode of Beast Over Burden, we show you how to adapt strength training for any goal, whether that means balancing swim workouts with barbell…
- How to Train When Life Hits the Fan (Literally): Diarrhea, Stress & Other Disasters
What do you do when real life punches your training plan in the gut—literally? In this final episode of the Training Oh No's series, coaches Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson talk through some of the most awkward and frustrating interruptions l…
- Metrics Are Killing Your Motivation: How to Reclaim Your Drive
❗ Metrics Are Killing Your Motivation—Here's Why We all want to believe more data leads to better results. But the opposite is often true: metrics can make us feel like we're failing, especially when the numbers don't reflect how hard we'r…
- Training Hard But Not Seeing Results? Here's What You're Missing
Training hard but not seeing results? You might be missing the real reasons your progress is stalled. In this episode of Beast Over Burden, Niki and Andrew break down how inconsistent sleep, stress, and misaligned habits are secretly holdi…
- My Training Plan Got Destroyed: How to Adapt a Workout Plan
Missed a training session—or a whole week? Life happens. In this episode of Training Oh No's, Niki and Andrew break down how to adapt a workout plan when your schedule gets wrecked. Whether you're dealing with travel, illness, stress, or p…
- No One Cares About My Training: How to Stay Motivated When No One's Watching
Feeling like no one cares about your training anymore? You're not alone. In this episode of Training Oh No's, Niki and Andrew explore how to stay consistent, motivated, and proud of your training—even when no one else is watching, asking,…
- Too Tired to Train? What to Do When Sleep and Stress Derail Your Workout
Sleep-deprived? Burned out? Dragging yourself to the gym with zero energy? In this episode of Training Oh No's, coaches Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson break down what to do when you're too tired to train. You'll learn how to recognize recove…
- Do You Really Need to Power Clean? Rethinking Explosive Lifts for Lifters Who Train for Life
Do you really need to power clean to be strong and explosive? For most lifters training for longevity, hypertrophy, and health—not competition—the answer might surprise you. In this episode of Beast Over Burden, part of the Rethinking the…
- Is the Overhead Press Worth It? Rebuilding the Most Skipped Lift
Is the overhead press worth it for most lifters? In this episode of Beast Over Burden, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson take a hard look at the most skipped lift in strength training: the overhead press. They break down why it's often abandone…