Ever wondered why so many experts urge you to “lift heavy” even as you age? Are you secretly worried you’ll get injured, or that it’s too late to start?
In this episode, host Stacey Roberts sits down with Wisconsin Sports Performance founder, Stephen Linzmeier, a coach with a game-changing approach to building lifelong strength and resilience.
You’ll discover the most common mistakes people make when starting (or restarting) heavy lifting, how it’s not just about muscle but true power and confidence, and why injury prevention is the foundation you can’t skip. Hear real-life breakthroughs from a 70-year-old client deadlifting 200 pounds, to how setbacks fueled personal and athletic transformation.
Don’t wait: Tune in now to discover proven ways to move, feel, and live better before pain or fear hold you back. This episode unpacks actionable solutions and mindset shifts you won’t find anywhere else.
Timestamped Highlights
[00:00:00] – The “ice slip” test: why power matters, especially in Wisconsin winters
[00:02:22] – How a small-town athlete learned real strength after being cut
[00:05:14] – From dream school setback to embracing a purpose-driven path
[00:09:14] – Why women benefit deeply from strength training—the hamburger analogy revealed
[00:16:28] – Meet Carla, age 70, deadlifting 200 lbs and redefining limits
[00:20:52] – The silent risk: losing muscle power as we age (and what to do about it)
[00:24:14] – Two injury-proof exercises to ignite your comeback—no weights needed
[00:26:42] – Flexibility, fear, and why a supportive coach makes all the difference
About The Guest
Meet Stephen Linzmeier, the mastermind behind Wisconsin Sports Performance, a one-of-a-kind gym that caters to athletes of all ages and adults looking to achieve their fitness goals. As a former collegiate strength coach, Stephen brings his vast knowledge and cutting-edge training techniques to his clients to provide them with the results they desire.
What sets Wisconsin Sports Performance apart is its ability to create a fun and engaging environment that athletes will want to return to. For athletes ages 12 and up, their program focuses on increasing strength, power, speed, and agility, and includes weekly testing of vertical and 20-yard dash. Meanwhile, for adults, the program is a combination of circuit training and strength training that helps them lose inches fast.
But who is Stephen Linzmeier, and how did he become the powerhouse behind this incredible gym? Born and raised in Manitowoc, WI, Stephen realized he could get paid to train athletes while in high school. He went on to earn his Exercise and Sports Science degree from UW-L and worked as an assistant strength coach at Butler University and the University of Indianapolis.
In 2014, Lincoln Memorial University in TN chose Stephen to start up their strength program and lead 12 athletic programs, a ride he describes as fun, as the Men's basketball team won 4 conference championships and went to back-to-back Final 4s. He then took the strength coach position at Brookfield East, where he helped football and women's swimming win a state title. This led to the opening of Wisconsin Sports Performance on December 1st, 2021, a dream that had been burning within Stephen for a long time.
Stephen's favorite part of his job is seeing athletes and adults achieve goals they never thought possible while building a love for the weight room. To connect with Stephen and learn more about Wisconsin Sports Performance, you can follow them on Instagram @WISportsPerformance, visit their website at wisconsinsportsperformance.com, or call/text (414) 409-8707 or email
[email protected].
In summary, Wisconsin Sports Performance is the gym you've been searching for if you're an athlete looking to increase your strength, power, speed, and agility or an adult looking to lose inches fast. With Stephen Linzmeier at the helm, you can rest assured that you'll be in the hands of a true fitness expert who is passionate about helping his clients achieve their goals.
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Mentioned Resources:
YouTube - Wisconsin Sports Performance
Split squat, iso hold, and TRX bodyweight exercises
PNF stretching techniques
Butler University
Lincoln Memorial University
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Road America
Gearbox
Valders High School
Important Links
Pain-Free Formula Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-pain-free-formula/id1802518411
Free eBooks - https://newyouhealthandwellness.com/ebooks
Biomechanics: When Movement Matters
Heal Your Gut, Heal Your Pain - The Gut Joint Axis: A Missing Link to Joint and Muscle Health
Hormones: A Missing Piece in Pain Relief
Stacey’s Book on Amazon - https://www.amazon.ca/Pain-Free-Formula-Solving-Injections/dp/0998183717
New You Health and Wellness Website - https://newyouhealthandwellness.com
About the Host
Stacey Roberts, PT, MBA, MSN, RN, is an Amazon bestselling author, physical therapist, registered nurse, and functional medicine specialist with 30+ years of experience. She founded...
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