Michelle Pohle - Strength and Endurance Training

07/23/2026

There isn't one "best" training method for hybrid athletes. There's only the right tool for the athlete in their current training phase. Here are a few of the most common types of strength training I use, and why they work:

The conjugate method is my choice when an athlete needs to build maximum strength while staying explosive and durable. By rotating movement patterns and training multiple qualities year-round, we can keep making progress without beating the body into the ground. I use this for tactical athletes, OCR racers, or hybrid competitors who need strength that carries over without sacrificing conditioning.

French contrast will improve rate of force development by pairing heavy strength work with explosive movements. If an athlete needs to sprint faster, jump higher, accelerate better, or simply become more powerful without adding unnecessary volume, this is where I lean. It's an incredible tool for field sport athletes, DEKA competitors, and anyone who needs explosive power.

Then there's the Norwegian method, which is personal favorite. This is where endurance performance takes center stage. Instead of chasing exhaustion, we use controlled threshold work to accumulate a massive amount of quality training while managing fatigue. For HYROX athletes, distance runners, military athletes, or anyone whose success depends on sustaining a high output for a long time, it's one of the most effective approaches available.

The mistake is thinking these methods compete with each other. They don't. Great coaching often cycles between these and understands physiology well enough to know when each one belongs. The strongest hybrid athletes aren't built by following trends. They're built by applying the right method at the right time.

07/22/2026

I’m offering a FREE 30-minute video assessment for hybrid athletes of ALL legs.

Send me 3-5 videos before the call, and we’ll break down your movement together. You’ll get specific coaching cues, drills, and corrections you can apply immediately. After you’ve practiced the changes, send 3-5 follow-up videos back for additional feedback so we can see what improved and what still needs work.

This isn’t a generic consultation. It’s a focused coaching session designed to help you move better, run better, and lift better.

What you’ll get:
Form analysis for running or lifting
Personalized coaching cues specific to your movement
Simple and actionable corrective drills
Follow-up feedback after you practice

Message me to get scheduled ASAP!

07/20/2026

Hybrid athletes don't do just one sport, and it is important to know how to train for what you want to do. These are just a few examples of the most popular competitions out there, but I have hybrid athletes who are combining OCR with Powerlifting, rock climbing with mountain biking, and so on. This post could be an entire book if I was focused enough to write it.

Every discipline rewards a different combination of engine, strength, durability, skill, and pacing strategy. The athletes who improve the fastest are the ones who stop training for "fitness" in general and start training for the exact demands of the sport in front of them.

I look at your sport, your physiology and your goals, then build a program that develops the qualities that actually move the needle for your performance.

Run your race.

Lift what matters.

Dominate your discipline.

01/03/2026

I wrote this blog post for anyone who isnt sure how to train for HYROX (or DEKA) or how long it will take. Check it out, and don't hesitate to comment below or message me with any questions.

Keep being awesome!

One of the most common questions athletes ask when they first look at a HYROX race is: “How long do I need to train for this?” The honest answer is that it depends on what you already bring to the table. HYROX isn’t just a long run with some weights, and it isn’t a strength event with a bit ...

11/05/2025

Hey everyone! I've been busy since starting a second coaching job with Blacklisted HQ, and I am absolutely thrilled to share my first blog to go up on the website. If you like to compete, this will be gold for you. Check it out, and let me know if you have questions:

https://www.blacklistedhq.com/post/how-to-stay-pain-free-or-get-out-of-pain-during-the-qualifiers

10/16/2025

For women stepping into hybrid training, the biggest fear is often this: “If I start running more, will I lose my hard-earned muscle?” Good news: you can absolutely get stronger and faster. You just need the right strategy. Balancing barbell training with running isn’t about doing more; it’s about training smarter. Let’s break down how to do it. 1. Understand the Competing Demands…...

For women stepping into hybrid training, the biggest fear is often this: “If I start running more, will I lose my hard-earned muscle?” Good news: you can absolutely get stronger and faster. You jus…

10/10/2025

Stuck on your lift? Struggling with technique?

DM me your video and I'll give you some tips to help you move forward.

09/22/2025

✨ Monday Performance Tip ✨

Struggling with shoulder or trap tightness during lifts? Try this simple fix: before your workout, spend 2–3 minutes doing banded shoulder distractions. It opens up space in the joint, reduces tension, and helps you move better under load.

💪 Strong shoulders = better pressing, pulling, AND posture.

👉 What’s your go-to shoulder mobility move? Drop it below so we can all steal each other’s favorites! ⬇

09/17/2025

If you’ve been feeling like your shoulders are always up by your ears or your traps constantly ache, you’re not alone. As a coach, I’ve been seeing more and more athletes and everyday movers struggle with upper trap and shoulder tension. It doesn’t matter if you’re a CrossFitter, HYROX competitor, military athlete, or weekend runner, this problem shows up everywhere....

If you’ve been feeling like your shoulders are always up by your ears or your traps constantly ache, you’re not alone. As a coach, I’ve been seeing more and more athletes and everyday movers strugg…

09/11/2025

Here’s a simple Pose Method running tip that instantly makes running feel easier:

👉 Think “fall, don’t push.”

Instead of trying to drive yourself forward with your legs, lean your whole body slightly forward from the ankles (not the waist). Gravity will do the work, you just need to pull your foot up under your hips and let the next step happen naturally.

💡 Cue to try:

Imagine you’re about to fall on your face, but you catch yourself by pulling your foot up.

Keep your stride short and light, like you’re running quietly on hot coals.

This reduces pounding on your joints, saves energy, and keeps you flowing instead of fighting the ground.

Have questions about your form? Send me a DM!