5 Fitness Questions Every Athlete (and Former Athlete) Should Know the Answer To
From training on the road to handling knee pain, shoulder tweaks, late-night carb choices, and recovery tools like Normatec boots—this post breaks down practical, athlete-tested answers to real training questions, blending science with the former-athlete mindset.
One of my favorite things about coaching is answering real questions from athletes, former athletes, and everyday lifters. The ones that don’t always get straightforward answers. Today, I want to share five that keep popping up—and my perspective from years of coaching and being in the trenches.
Welcome to a detailed Former Athlete Society Q&A. This episode answers five questions I hear repeatedly from people transitioning from competitive sport to performance-focused life:
- How to train effectively while traveling
- Conditioning options if running hurts your knees
- Shoulder pain during pressing
- Whether carbs at night mess with your sleep
- And if Normatec boots are worth the hype
Here’s what I'm covering...
1. Training on the Road
Travel doesn’t have to derail your training. With a hip circle, jump rope, and foam roller, you can create a full session anywhere. The lesson? Consistency is about adaptability, not perfect conditions.
2. Running & Knee Pain
If concrete is beating up your knees, don’t force it. Swap in cycling, rowing, swimming, or incline walking. Conditioning isn’t just about suffering—it’s about smart, sustainable effort.
3. Shoulder Pain Pressing
Pressing pain often signals tendon irritation. Instead of pushing through, change the exercise, manage the volume, and support tendon health with eccentric loading and recovery. Former athletes know this: ignoring pain just makes the comeback longer.
4. Carbs at Night
High-GI carbs at dinner can spike blood sugar and mess with your sleep rhythm. Choose slower-digesting carbs, pair them with protein, and think about fueling for recovery, not just energy.
5. Normatec Boots
Pneumatic compression is a cool tool, and for $5 at your gym, it’s worth trying. Science says results are mixed, but if you feel fresher, that’s still a win. Sometimes recovery is about ritual as much as physiology.
Final Thought
Whether you’re still competing or living life as a former athlete, the mindset is the same: stay adaptable, train smart, and protect your longevity.
All of These Questions were Answered!
During our LIVE YouTube Q&A Session but you MUST be a member to access the exclusive behind the scenes content and information!
Join the Society to WatchWant to talk more? Join the Former Athlete Society at AdamRingler.com to submit questions and get early access to future Q&As. Drop your follow-up question in the Society thread and we’ll make the next session even more practical.