Today on the Podcast, we talk to the inventor, founder, and president of The Iron Neck, Mike Jolly. From athlete to entrepreneur, we delve into the foundations of his company, and the science behind functional sports training.
In 2012, after losing teammates at UCLA to CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), a progressive degenerative disease which afflicts the brain of people who have suffered repeated concussions and traumatic brain injuries, Mike wanted to focus on finding preventive measures for CTE, which led to his work on the research of concussions.
“This is why I invented The Iron Neck. Not to get rich, not to get money. I invented the Iron Neck to protect brains.” – Mike Jolly
After a research study surfaced that studied 7500 High School student-athletes and found that 1 pound of neck strength increase decreased the risk of concussions by 5%, Mike invented the Iron Neck. In just a month and a half of targeted training, the device can increase strength up to 25%.
But not everyone was on board with the device in the beginning. Mike goes on to tell us about the skepticism he faced while introducing his device at the Collegiate Strength and Conditioning Coaches Association Strength Show in 2012, and the rise of its use in programs across the country.
Mike also shares his thoughts and ideas on the future of innovative thinking in Sports strength training, and where the emphasis of playing smarter, not stronger will impact the health of athletes in the years to come.
Some states have already made neck strength training mandatory in athletic programs, and Mike Jolly has been pivotal in shaping these training programs across the country.
For more information on Iron Neck after listening to the podcast, visit Mike’s website at http://www.iron-neck.com/
