Shuttle Systems Interview with Mike Boyle
Thought I’d share an interview I did for Shuttle Systems
Team Shuttle: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
Coach Boyle: I’m a strength coach, a writer, and an educator. I am the strength and conditioning coach for Ice Hockey at Boston University as well as the owner of Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning with two facilities outside of Boston, MA. Recently Mens Health named us one of the top 10 gyms in the US.
What fascinates you right now?
I’m fascinated by how little we know. I’ve been questioning everything lately. How to get bigger, how to get stronger, how to get in shape. I think the questions far outnumber the answers.
You had a run-in with the NSCA – what’s the permanent solution to that problem?
I don’t know if there is a solution. I can’t get a straight answer. I hear I am unqualified, that I was uninvited. I think the real solution is full disclosure. I’d like to know what happened, who was behind it and why was it done.
I think you’ve described yourself as “old school”. What are some trends you see in sports that you wish would stop – or go back to the way it was in the good ol’ days?
Number one, early specialization. Everyone wants the next Tiger Woods or Maria Sharapova. Kids should be kids first and foremost, not little science projects for parents. Next would be all the AAU, ODP etc. This is just an outgrowth of the early specialization thing. Kids need time to become athletes. Just because they are smart we don’t send them to med school at 10.
Who are you learning from? Who’s doing some really cool stuff right now?
Good question. Lots of people. Alwyn Cosgrove always makes me think as does Gray Cook. The Perform Better tour has some of the best thinkers on the planet. I’m reading more about the mind, Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin, and Nutrition stuff by Michael Pollan.
Who is the best athlete you’ve ever worked with – and why?
If you want Biggest Heart and Greatest Drive I might have to go with Chris Drury, captain of the NY Rangers. Jay Pandolfo of the New Jersey Devils is also in the same category as is Mike Grier of the Buffalo Sabres.
Most talented is interesting. There have been so many. Ray Bourque, Nomar Garciaparra, Mia Hamm, Marcellus Wiley. Keith Tkachuk and Tony Amonte established themselves as two of the greatest players in US Hockey history, Bill Guerin is still playing on a line with Sydney Crosby at 39. Too tough to call.
What’s your best piece of advice to someone just starting out in the profession?
No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.
If you were forced to make a different career choice – what would you be?
I’d probably be a carpenter. I love working on houses.
With all the demands on your time – how do you maintain balance in your life?
One I have a great wife. Two, I’m learning to say no more. Three, I work while everyone else is asleep.
For the record: One year from today you will have accomplished – what?
I will have streamlined my life. I’m trying to be able to spend more time with my kids.
At the end of your career, where do you want to say that you made your “Dent in the Universe”?
I hope I will have trained and influenced those who will take my place. When I see my “kids”, the people I have coached and mentored do such great things, I know I have a legacy. I hope that is the way that Al Vermeil, Johnnie Parker, Rusty Jones and Mike Woicek feel about me.
One more…. How do you use your Shuttle MVP? Any tips or suggestions on how to get the most out of your machine?
We use the Shuttle MVP for power development and rehab across a broad range of clients. You guys already have a great video on your site that shows how we use it.
Be sure to check out the video of the new MBSC Winchester Facility.
Michael Boyle's Strengthcoach.com Blog 
July 7, 2012 at 7:11 am
how COOL!
July 6, 2012 at 4:56 pm
Carpentry is actually my hobby. My wife and I have bought and fixed up at least 20 homes in our 25+ years together.
July 6, 2012 at 4:07 pm
So, since you like working on making bodies move better and look better and feel better, why not apply it to fixing up a home? I can very much see you in the carpenter role. Perhaps you should write an article comparing the two (or have you done that already and I just haven’t clicked on it yet?) Inquiring minds want to know…
July 15, 2010 at 11:45 am
In that case, I’m impressed at your carpentry skills….I had no idea…
July 15, 2010 at 11:03 am
I like buying them, fixing them up and then moving out.
July 15, 2010 at 10:08 am
I didn’t know you liked working on houses…I thought you just liked moving from house to house!!! HA!!!
July 14, 2010 at 3:09 am
I like that you’re into some of Pollan’s nutrition stuff Mike. Good that that info is permeating into the S & C world a bit more.
I’d highly recommend Mark Sisson (The Primal Blueprint), too.