167: Rethinking strength, innovating exercise choice and movement patterns with Tim Stevenson

In this episode of the Supporting Champions Podcast, Steve Ingham is joined by Tim Stevenson – a seasoned strength and conditioning coach – to explore the complex mechanics of the shoulder, injury prevention, and how to build resilient, high-performing athletes. Drawing from over 16 years of experience and his work with elite performers like Charlotte Henshaw, Tim shares a philosophy that moves beyond traditional training—focusing instead on dynamic stability, movement quality, and control-based strength.

Tim sheds light on why the shoulder is such a vulnerable joint, and how athletes can strengthen it not just through brute force, but through mobility, variation, and intentional movement. We explore how rehabilitation should be integrated with performance training, and how a holistic approach is essential for long-term fitness, injury resilience, and sustained enjoyment in sport.

🔍 Key Takeaways

✅ The shoulder’s complexity requires dynamic, not just isolated, strength.

✅ Rehab and S&C shouldn’t be separate—they must be integrated.

✅ Varied movement patterns and calisthenics build “bulletproof” shoulders.

✅ Strength is the armour—but control and awareness are the strategy.

✅ Movement quality matters more than just lifting heavy.

 

📌 Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tim Stevenson and His Journey

03:05 The Complexity of Shoulder Injuries

05:47 Rehabilitation vs. Strength Training for Shoulders

09:14 Case Study: Charlotte Henshaw’s Journey

11:58 Dynamic Stability in Shoulder Training

14:57 Rethinking Traditional Strength Methods

17:48 Building Bulletproof Shoulders

21:00 Integrating Rehab with S&C

24:05 The Role of External Rotation

26:59 Exploring Training Alternatives

38:33 The Importance of Shoulder Mechanics

41:05 Integrating Control-Based Movements

42:30 Exploring Athleticism and Strength

44:41 Functional Performance Goals

46:38 Movement vs. Strength

48:56 Long-Term Fitness Philosophy

53:33 Variety and Longevity in Training

54:58 Practical Training Recommendations

01:01:17 Mobility Integration

01:04:22 Cross-Training for Shoulder Health

01:07:10 Final Thoughts

🎧 Whether you’re an athlete, coach, physio, or simply someone looking to future-proof your training, this episode with Tim Stevenson offers a compelling look into the science and practice of building strong, mobile, and resilient shoulders.

🔗 Learn more about Tim’s work at: https://www.dynamicshoulders.com/

🎓 Use code SC10 for 10% off all Supporting Champions Courses: https://www.supportingchampions.co.uk/onlinecourse/#courses

#StrengthTraining #ShoulderHealth #Rehabilitation #InjuryPrevention #AthleteDevelopment #SupportingChampions #DynamicStability #MobilityTraining