Coaching Different Body Types: Dr. Lon Kilgore on Anatomy and Technique

Strength Coach Collective

Dr. Lon Kilgore explains why "perfect technique" doesn't exist—and what actually matters for strength development.
In this episode of the "Strength Coach Collective" podcast, host Kenny Markwardt sits down with Kilgore, author of "Anatomy Without a Scalpel" and veteran strength coach with over 50 years of experience.
Lon shares lessons from his decades in coaching, as well as his experiences as a professor and an athlete who’s still competing into his 60s.
He explains the importance of coaching cues that clients can understand, how to balance technique with loading, and how human variation in limb length and body type should influence training technique.
He also discusses strategies for improving VO2 max and what Masters athletes can teach coaches about strength development.
Whether you’re a young coach looking for clarity or a veteran searching for new insights, Lon’s stories and experience offer practical wisdom you can use immediately in your coaching.
Whether you're coaching beginners or elite athletes, this episode offers practical insights on individualizing technique and programming based on real-world evidence.
Links
Strength Coach Collective
0:47 - Using terminology people understand
12:11 - Better coaching cues
17:06 - Strength versus technique
38:54 - Improving VO2 max
45:36 - Age and training volume