#442 Alex Effer - Biomechanics 101

#442 Alex Effer - Biomechanics 101

Author: Andrew Coates February 12, 2026 Duration: 57:35

Alex Effer is a clinical exercise physiologist and biomechanics educator.


Instead of getting your biomechanics education from TikTok, this episode brings one of the industry’s most thoughtful teachers to break down what actually matters - and what doesn’t - when it comes to understanding how your body moves.


THIS EPISODE COVERS:


How much a basic understanding of biomechanics actually matters for the average gym-goer


The most valuable bio mechanical concepts that can immediately improve training


Why understanding your centre of mass changes how you lift


What “corrective exercises” are supposed to be - and why they often don’t do what people think


Why terms like “compensations” and “imbalances” can be red flags


Common boogeyman concepts people unnecessarily worry about in training


How joint position interacts with the nervous system


Practical ways to apply biomechanics without overcomplicating things


And much more


Instagram: @alex.effer


CHAPTERS


01:40 The Importance of Biomechanics

05:43 Understanding Center of Mass

11:54 Rib Cage and Pelvis Orientation

18:48 Pathologizing Movement Patterns

30:24 Understanding Joint Position and Nervous System

31:27 The Role of Biomechanics in Exercise

31:55 Practical Applications and Techniques

34:38 Debunking Corrective Exercise Myths

44:26 Effective Warmup Strategies

46:57 Case Study: Powerlifter with SI Joint Pain

49:45 The Importance of Proper Exercise Selection

55:25 Where to Find More Content

56:55 Final Thoughts and Call to Action


SUPPORT THE SHOW


If this episode helped simplify biomechanics and cut through confusion, you can support the show by:


Subscribing and checking out more episodes


Sharing it on social media (tag me — I will respond)


Sending it to someone stuck in “corrective exercise” paralysis


FOLLOW ANDREW COATES


Instagram: @andrewcoatesfitness

https://www.andrewcoatesfitness.com


PARTNERS AND RESOURCES


RP Strength App (use code COATESRP)

https://www.rpstrength.com/coates


Just Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10 percent off)

https://justbitememeals.com/


MacrosFirst – FREE Premium Trial

Download MacrosFirst

During setup, answer: How did you hear about us?

Type: ANDREW


KNKG Bags (15 percent off)

https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676


Versa Gripps (discount link)

https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoates


TRAINHEROIC – FREE 90 Day Trial (2 steps)

Go to: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfree


Reply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com

) and let them know Andrew sent you


Andrew Coates hosts Lift Free And Diet Hard, a conversation grounded in the belief that strength and wellness are built on more than just routines. This podcast moves beyond quick fixes to examine the principles and personal stories that shape a sustainable, intentional life. You’ll hear from a variety of inspiring guests who share not only their expertise but also the real-world challenges and triumphs they’ve faced. The discussions naturally weave together the science of fitness with the practicalities of daily choices, offering a nuanced look at what it means to truly care for your physical and mental health. Each episode is designed to provide actionable insights you can use to navigate your own path, fostering resilience and confidence whether you're in the gym or the kitchen. By focusing on informed decision-making over dogma, the Lift Free And Diet Hard podcast becomes a resource for anyone looking to cut through the noise of wellness culture. Andrew facilitates these explorations with a focus on empowerment, ensuring every conversation adds a layer of understanding to the complex journey of building a strong, healthy life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Lift Free And Diet Hard with Andrew Coates
Podcast Episodes
#402 Jaclyn Phillips - The Unseen Mental Health Battle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:35
Jaclyn Phillips is the Head Coach of Team Strong Girls and a vocal mental health advocate. Jaclyn joins me to share her wisdom and thoughts on:-How someone can on the surface seem like they live a charmed life but deal w…
#401 Abby Langer - Scorched Earth On Nutritional Pseudoscience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:03
Abby Langer is one of the best resources for combatting the lunacy we see online and backs it up as a dietician with years of experience. Abby joins me to share her thoughts on:-the negative reaction to Serena Williams u…
#400 Holly Baxter - Muscle Building: Volume, Frequency, and Intensity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:28
Holly Baxter is a prominent evidence based coach and research communicator with a Masters in Dietetics, all while being a competitive IFBB Pro.Holly joins me to deep dive into research and practical application of:-Do we…
#399 Dan Go - Getting Healthy in Your 40’s and Beyond [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:15
Dan Go is a fitness coach for entrepreneurs who’s build a massive media presence with actionable advice while ignoring the combativeness of the fitness industry. Dan guests to share his wisdom on:-What you need to focus…
#396 Hattie Boydle - What’s The Story You’re Telling Yourself? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:10
Hattie Boydle is a world champion competitor plus coach and educator. Hattie joins the podcast to share her wisdom on:-Challenging our narratives and stories about why believe and do what we do-Why women can build muscle…
#393 Michael Boyle - Should Young Athletes Specialize Early? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:00
Michael Boyle is the founder of Mike Boyle’s Strength and Conditioning, author, and a pioneer and icon of strength and conditioning.Mike generously guests to share his wisdom and experience about:-Should kids specialize…