Sage Burgener - The Cult of Rec Podcast, Episode 13

Listen On:

In the latest episode of the Cult of Rec podcast, host Nathan Morris sits down with Sage Burgener, an accomplished strength and conditioning coach, weightlifting expert, and long-distance runner. With over 30 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting and nearly two decades of coaching, Sage shares her unique journey and insights into the world of fitness.

A Legacy in Weightlifting

Sage Burgener’s introduction to weightlifting was far from ordinary. Growing up in a family deeply entrenched in the sport, she recalls, "I was surrounded by it because we would have people come in from all over the world, world champions come and train." Her father’s two-car garage served as a training ground for athletes from around the globe, and young Sage, the youngest of four siblings, was always in the mix. "I don't ever remember it not being a part of my life, which is really cool," she reflects.

This early exposure laid the foundation for a lifelong passion. Inspired by her oldest brother Casey, a successful Olympic weightlifter, Sage followed a similar path, transferring high schools to train more intensively and aiming for collegiate weightlifting programs.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

Nathan and Sage discuss the evolution of weightlifting training methodologies. Sage, once a traditional weightlifter who avoided cardio, experienced a significant shift in her approach after meeting her coach, Charlie McEvoy. "He really changed my whole kind of perspective and methodology surrounding fitness," she says.

Sage was initially resistant to running, fearing it would hinder her strength gains. However, her coach encouraged her to start with just a mile a day. To her surprise, she found that integrating running improved her overall athleticism without compromising her strength. "I PR'd my back squat after a long run, which was wild," she recalls.

Ultra Running: A New Challenge

Sage’s journey into ultra running began with curiosity and a desire to push her limits. "I'm all about trying to master the art of suffering," she explains. Her foray into the sport was not without challenges, including a DNF (Did Not Finish) in her first 100-mile race. However, this experience fueled her determination to improve and inspired the creation of a new training program.

Sage and her boyfriend, Charlie, who recently recovered from cancer, developed the Ultra Strength program. This innovative approach combines strength and conditioning with running to prepare athletes for ultra-distance events. "We know the benefit to the stimulus that heavy loading on the body can do for you in terms of durability," Sage emphasizes.

Bad Bitch Camps: Empowering Women

One of Sage's most notable contributions to the fitness community is her Bad Bitch Camps. These three-day fitness retreats focus on Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, and overall athletic development. "I'm trying to change their perspective or their standard for what they're capable of doing in one single day of training," Sage explains.

The camps offer participants an intensive, immersive experience, complete with a Q&A session with Sage's father, Mike Burgener, a renowned weightlifting coach. "People just get to throw down, even though they're tired, even though their bodies are sore and exhausted," she says.

Looking Ahead

Sage's professional and personal goals are dynamic and evolving. She is dedicated to expanding the reach of her Ultra Strength program and exploring new opportunities to integrate strength training with endurance sports. "All of my passions are starting to get a little bit more focused into one thing," she shares.

As the episode concludes, Nathan expresses his gratitude, highlighting the impact Sage and her family have had on the fitness community. "We love BUBS Naturals and are so thankful for your amazing, clean, quality products," Sage adds, underscoring the mutual appreciation between the podcast and its guests.

Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on the Cult of Rec podcast, available on all major podcast platforms and YouTube.