Sound Sports Performance and Training LLC

09/14/2026

What a weekend of learning, application, and preparation.

Over two full days at Seattle University, we brought together aspiring strength and conditioning professionals for the NSCA CSCS Exam Prep Clinic—two days dedicated to bridging the gap between knowing the material and being able to apply it as a strength and conditioning professional.

Day 1: Scientific Foundations
We spent the first day diving into the science behind strength and conditioning, including:
• Anatomy & Physiology
• Bioenergetics & Metabolism
• Neuroendocrinology
• Biomechanics
• Training Adaptations
• Sport Psychology
• Nutrition

The goal wasn't simply to memorize information. It was to understand the why behind the training process and how these concepts influence athletic performance.

Day 2: Practical/Applied
Day two brought the science into practice.
We covered:
• Program Design & Periodization
• Program Implementation
• Exercise Technique
• Movement Preparation
• Energy Systems & Recovery
• Resistance Training & Free Weights
• Alternative & Non-Traditional Training Methods
• Plyometrics
• Speed & Agility
• Organization & Administration

We also revisited Scientific Foundations questions and spent time connecting concepts to the real-world decisions coaches make every day.
The CSCS is a challenging exam because it requires more than recalling information—it requires candidates to apply and analyze what they know. That's exactly why the practical application component of this clinic is so important.
As Max put it:
“It’s a hard exam, but beatable.”
That mindset matters.

Preparation isn't about knowing everything. It's about understanding the material, identifying your gaps, practicing application, and continuing to put in the work.

Thank you to everyone who showed up ready to learn, ask questions, challenge themselves, and become better coaches.
And to everyone sitting for the CSCS exam soon:
Good luck! Trust your preparation, stay disciplined, and go earn it.

StrengthCoach FutureCSCS SportsPerformance Seattle StrengthAndConditioningCoach

09/10/2026

I'm super stoked about this! First published article for the NSCA Entrepreneur Special Interest Group!

🏋🏾‍♂️ Thinking About Opening a Gym or Training Facility? Read This First.

Opening a brick-and-mortar training facility is about much more than having great coaching and quality equipment. It requires thoughtful planning, financial strategy, and a clear understanding of the community you want to serve.

In our latest NSCA Performance Training Quarterly article, the NSCA Entrepreneur SIG breaks down 10 key considerations for opening a successful gym or training facility:

1️⃣ Location
2️⃣ Square footage
3️⃣ Lease terms
4️⃣ Base rent + NNN costs
5️⃣ Tenant improvements & buildout
6️⃣ Zoning
7️⃣ Parking
8️⃣ Signage
9️⃣ Equipment & operating expenses
🔟 Marketing & advertising

The biggest takeaway?

Your success starts long before you open the doors.

Research your market. Understand your numbers. Negotiate wisely. Plan for the unexpected. And most importantly, build a facility that becomes more than a place to work out—it becomes a valued part of the community.

As fitness professionals, we’re trained to coach people. But building a sustainable business requires us to develop a second skill set: entrepreneurship.

I'm proud to have co-authored this article with fellow NSCA Entrepreneur SIG leaders and industry professionals.

📖 “Ten Things to Consider When Opening a Brick-and-Mortar Gym or Training Facility”

If you're thinking about opening your own facility—or already have one—this is worth a read.

FitnessEntrepreneur PersonalTraining GymOwnership SportsPerformance StrengthCoach FitnessIndustry SmallBusiness Entrepreneur

09/02/2026

08/12/2026

Life is a mixture of push and pull. Knowing when to go forward or pull back. What are you pushing forward or out of your life today? Whats pulling you back?

Either way, go train! See you at the facility!

07/21/2026

📢Hot topic alert: teaching technical lifting such as cleans and snatches can be more work than value provided, but in a smaller group, it becomes more manageable. At Sound Sports Performance and Training, we work with youth athletes in a smaller setting to really be able to focus on teaching the basics, build confidence, and developed athletic abilities. DM us to find out how we can help your young athlete thrive in the weightroom, the field, pitch, or court.

07/17/2026

There hasn't been a lot of people or leaders I would run through a wall for when asked, but Dr. Jay Dawes surely is one of them. The newly elected President of the National Strength and Conditioning Association, Dr Dawes fully had my vote, and I am egar to work under his term.

Thanks for being a normal guy while still pushing the industry forward.

07/14/2026

I saw a quote one time that said something along the lines of, "if you ain't training in the summer, you ain't winning state in the fall". Not a problem for these athletes. Coach Maddie got our Freshman First group out here putting in work for the upcoming high school season!