Scott Shetler

Health/Fitness/Sport Performance Coach and Owner, Extreme Performance Training Systems

Scott Shetler is a seasoned strength and conditioning coach with over 27 years of experience in the fitness industry, owning and operating Extreme Performance Training Systems in the Atlanta area. Holding a degree in Health and Physical Education, he is certified as an NSCA-CPT, Westside Barbell Special Strengths Coach, World Kettlebell Club Master Trainer, and Taijiquan instructor. Shetler has trained athletes across diverse sports including MMA, powerlifting, football, BJJ, boxing, and more, from beginners to professionals, as well as fitness enthusiasts focused on longevity and healthspan. His philosophy emphasizes building a strong general fitness base, progressive overload with compound lifts, optimal training over maximal, and prioritizing recovery. A lifelong vegan driven by ethical animal welfare concerns, Shetler co-authored 'Eat Plants, Lift Iron' with hip-hop artist Stic of Dead Prez, documenting a 20-pound muscle gain on a plant-based diet. He has authored several books like 'Kettlebell Conditioning for MMA,' produced training DVDs, and contributed to publications such as Fight! Magazine and Physique MMA. Recently appointed Health & Fitness Advisor for the Educated Choices Program, Shetler blends strength training with martial arts like Taijiquan and BJJ, advocating internal motivation, practical nutrition with whole plants, and sustainable habits. His approach counters fitness industry hype, focusing on results through customized coaching, technique analysis, and client progress over selfies. Operating from Norcross, GA, he offers in-person and online coaching, sharing knowledge via Substack and YouTube to empower self-improvement.

Key Insights from Scott Shetler

'Never train minimally, never train maximally, train optimally.'

— Scott Shetler on Optimal Training

Build a huge general fitness base before chasing max lifts.

— Scott Shetler on GPP Foundation

Results are your best form of marketing; focus on client progress.

— Scott Shetler on Coaching Business

Eat to get bigger if you want to get stronger; earn the right to cut weight.

— Scott Shetler on Plant-Based Strength

Notable Quotes from Scott Shetler

"Supporting people in building strong, healthy habits has been my passion for years." [Educated Choices](https://www.ecprogram.org/post/educated-choices-program-welcomes-scott-shetler-as-new-health-and-fitness-advisor)

— Scott Shetler

"If you are not recovering, you are not progressing." [Athlegan](https://www.athlegan.com/athletes/scott-shetler)

— Scott Shetler

Frequently Asked Questions about Scott Shetler

How can beginners start strength training effectively?

Establish clear goals and track progress with indicator lifts and body composition. Build a broad general physical preparation (GPP) base: develop aerobic capacity, gain muscle mass, improve mobility and flexibility, and master technique in key lifts like squats, deadlifts, and presses. Avoid jumping straight to max efforts; progressive overload on compound movements yields sustainable gains. Nutrition is key—eat surplus calories from whole plant foods to support growth. Partner with training buddies for accountability over generic programs, and seek coaches offering video analysis for technique refinement. [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sshetler), [Athlegan Interview](https://www.athlegan.com/athletes/scott-shetler)

What makes plant-based diets compatible with heavy strength training?

Proven by Shetler's work with Stic.Man (gained 20lbs muscle in 2.5 months vegan, netting 14lbs post-cut at lower body fat), vegan strength relies on whole foods like lentils, oats, greens smoothies, beans, rice, and fruits. Supplement B12, D3, DHA, creatine, and glucosamine as needed. Focus on calorie surplus, protein from plants (e.g., pea protein), and balance—enjoy occasional treats. Ethical veganism fueled Shetler's advocacy, authoring plant-based performance books donating proceeds to animal welfare. Training adapts: heavy compounds, sled work, kettlebells support power without animal products. [Eat Plants Lift Iron](https://www.ecprogram.org/post/educated-choices-program-welcomes-scott-shetler-as-new-health-and-fitness-advisor), [Athlegan](https://www.athlegan.com/athletes/scott-shetler)

How to structure training for combat sports athletes?

Combine 2-3 strength sessions (max/dynamic effort lower body, accessories like sled drags, carries, hypers, presses) with 3-5 cardio workouts weekly, alongside sport practice. Cornerstone lifts: deadlifts, good mornings, belt squats, hip hinges. Emphasize neck/grip, trunk work, jumps for explosiveness. Gradually increase volume; mandate recovery days with active restoration like qigong. Sled dragging is the top tool for combatives. Shetler trains MMA, BJJ, boxing pros this way at his facility shared with Nucleus BJJ. [Substack About](https://strengthandhealth.substack.com/p/about-scott), [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/sshetler)

Red flags when hiring an online strength coach?

Avoid Instagram-only coaches posting more selfies than client testimonials/results. Demand customized programs (not cookie-cutter apps like Sheiko), video technique feedback, and references from similar-goal clients. Legit coaches have websites, focus on progress, and build long-term relationships. Training partners often outperform solo programs. Shetler's 20+ years emphasize results-driven coaching at EPTS. [Athlegan Interview](https://www.athlegan.com/athletes/scott-shetler), [EPTS](https://www.eptsgym.com)

Scott Shetler — Areas of Expertise

  • Strength Training
  • Plant-Based Nutrition
  • Combat Sports Conditioning
  • Kettlebell Training
  • Longevity Fitness
  • Vegan Muscle Building
  • Strength trainer / coach who 'picks up heavy things and puts them down'; joining the show

Scott Shetler — Show Appearances

  • Mornings in the Lab (2025-04-09)

Scott Shetler — Signal Brief

Signal Score: 6/100

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