The Human Kinetics Podcast features interviews with Human Kinetics authors and industry leaders, engaging discussions on the most relevant topics in the fitness, strength and conditioning, and coaching education.
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Are you overtraining or overreaching? It's a valid question that needs to be considered whenever we see fatigue or a decrease in performance. The two are often confused, so in this episode, certified trainers Aaron Patterson and Frank Eyeson explore the topic to explain similarities and differences, why you should avoid overtraining, and how sometimes overreaching is intentional. Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, CSAC, CTPS Aaron Patterson provides informative and educational content for Hu...
The science behind strength and conditioning is always evolving, so in order to keep professionals informed on the latest research, that means the foundational resource for the industry needs to be updated. In this episode, Dr. Greg Haff and Dr. Travis Triplett, editors of Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Fifth Edition, discuss key additions and updates to the newest edition. With the perspective as professors, coaches, researchers, and frequent contributors, including their rol...
Foam rolling has become an industry standard as part of physical preparation and recovery. It has become a useful tool within the training and competition protocol, but the question is, are we using it correctly? In this episode, professor, personal trainer, and former TriggerPoint Director of Research Kyle Stull explains the dispels misconceptions and the biggest benefit of foam rolling, and it's probably not what you are thinking. Listen along as he discusses myofacial release, neurophysiologi...
The argument can be made that training looks pretty similar between male and female athletes. While the general programming might look similar, there are considerations that should be made when training female athletes. In this episode, NSCA certified trainer Aaron Patterson discusses factors to consider such as increased injury risk and impacts of the menstrual cycle on training and performance. Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, CSAC, CTPS Aaron Patterson provides informative and education...
Body transformation is the goal of nearly every individual who picks up a weight or invests hours in an exercise program, whether that is gaining strength, building muscle, or getting lean. Gareth Sapstead has spent his career spanning over two decades helping competitors and general population clients sculpt their ultimate body shape. In this episode, he dives into what it takes to build muscle, get lean, and work toward your ideal body transformation. As the editor of his newest release, 100 B...
It's time to move on. At some point in your life, you have probably heard the phrase, whether it is in reference to a job, a relationship, or in this case, a workout plan. In this episode, certified trainers Aaron Patterson and Frank Eyeson discuss how to know when it is time to move on from your current workout plan. You might get bored with your workouts. Maybe you've started to plateau. Or, perhaps you have new goals. Regardless of your situation, there are signs that hint it is time for a ch...
We monitor how athletes are doing physically. We can assess if they need more recovery time, or if they are ready to push through. But we don't give much attention to how mental fatigue can impact play throughout the season. In this episode, NSCA certified trainer and Mental Performance Consultant Aaron Patterson takes a look into the impacts of mental fatigue and how it can impact an athlete. This perspective is viewed through the scope of a recent research article published in the Internationa...
"How much can you bench, bro?" It's a question that pops up every now in then in gyms and among friends in a casual conversation. It's a way to compare ourselves to others and see exactly how we stack up. The bigger question is, does it matter? There are many nuances that go into the strength conversation, and in this episode, NSCA certified trainer Aaron Patterson discusses the difference between absolute and relative strength, and why those factors should be taken into account when discussing ...
We know that physical activity can impact sleep habits, but how do sleep habits impact physical activity? Does more sleep mean less time awake lead to less physical activity? Similarly, does more time awake lead to more physical activity? In this episode, NSCA certified trainer and mental performance consultant Aaron Patterson explores the relationship of sleep habits among high school students and how they impact physical activity. The information in this episode is based on a 2025 research stu...
Setting goals is only part of the process. You have to commit to behavior change in order to follow through with the plan. It isn't always easy, though, to start something new. In this episode, certified trainers Aaron Patterson and Frank Eyeson talk about myths, misconceptions, and challenges of starting a new training program. Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, CSAC, CTPS Aaron Patterson provides informative and educational content for Human Kinetics in the areas of health, fitness, streng...
Behavior change is tough. You've made the decision that change is needed in some aspect of your life, but there are challenges that pop up along the way. In this episode, NSCA certified trainer and Mental Performance Consultant Aaron Patterson discusses the importance of goal setting and behavior change in exercise adherence. He highlights the challenges individuals face in maintaining that change and explores psychological factors that influence these behaviors including self-efficacy, social s...
Dance research is an ever-growing field with many avenues for researchers to consider. In this episode, Dr. Ali Duffy discusses her journey in dance and academia, and the importance of research in the field of dance. She explains various research methodologies and approaches and highlights the significance of community engaged research. Research in Dance https://ecs.page.link/7ZHSa Ali Duffy, PhD, MFA Ali Duffy is associate head of dance at Texas Tech University and is a President's Excellence i...
Youth sports are more competitive than ever, and the rise in popularity and competitiveness will likely only continue to increase. But have you ever considered the disparity in talent, even within the same age group? In this episode, NSCA certified trainer and sport performance coach Aaron Patterson discusses the impact of Relative Age Effects and Biological Maturity through the lens of a recent research article titled The Influence of Relative Age and Biological Maturity on Youth Weightlifting ...
Congratulations! You have set new goals and are excited to move forward with your new plan. This means the work is beginning and the inevitable challenges awaiting. The saying, "If it were easy, everyone would do it," is pretty accurate because the hard part isn't necessarily setting goals but following through with them. In this episode, certified trainers Aaron Patterson and Frank Eyeson have a conversation about building sustainable habits so you can stay on track and achieve your goals. Aaro...
Can caffeine change the game? We have heard that caffeine can, in fact, improve performance whether that is through research or personal experience. In this episode, NSCA certified trainer Aaron Patterson walks you through a meta-analysis published in 2024 that looks into the effects of acute caffeine intake on specific performance in intermittent sports. It can be found in the Human Kinetics Journals. Can Caffeine Change the Game? Effects of Acute Caffeine Intake on Specific Performance in Inte...
The calendar shouldn’t dictate when you set new goals, but with the new year, it is top of mind for many people. As you prepare for these changes, ask yourself if you are setting the right type of goals. In this episode, NSCA certified trainer and Mental Performance Consultant Aaron Patterson discusses the three types of goals you should consider, and why goal setting works. Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, CSAC, CTPS Aaron Patterson provides informative and educational content for Human K...
Busy times often mean stressful and anxious moments. When your schedule is full, life can seem overwhelming. It is in those moments when stress management plays a key role in staying present and reducing acute anxiety. In this episode, Certified Mental Performance Consultant Aaron Patterson and certified personal trainer Frank Eyeson discuss stress management, the importance of physical and mental recovering, and how to work through the chaos of busy seasons. Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWP...
We know the benefits of strength training as we age, but what about specifically for parents? In this episode, trainer, author, and parent Betina Gozo discusses the importance of strength training as a parent of young kids, and tips for staying consistent with training during a busy season. Get more tips and insight in her book, Women's Muscle and Strength. Women's Muscle & Strength https://ecs.page.link/AQj4X Betina Gozo Shimonek Betina Gozo Shimonek has over a decade of experience as a cer...
When Samantha Wood began her career, she was interested in physical therapy and using methods to help individuals recover from injury. While working with a pro basketball team, she learned that Pilates was one of those methods that could help bring athletes and gen pop clients back to health in a safe and efficient way. She believed in it so much that she wrote a book about it. In this episode, she discusses how she brought the world of Pilates and rehab together, and how others can benefit from...
Have you ever heard an athlete say they wish they were slower? Quite the opposite. Speed can be a difference-maker for an athlete, and could be the difference between making a play or winning a game. But what is speed and is it the same for every sport? In this episode, NSCA certified trainer and Certified Speed and Agility Coach Aaron Patterson takes a dive into the topic of speed development, what it means to be fast, and the similarities and differences in training for speed based on sport. A...
Sarcopenia. Osteoporosis, Chronic disease related to aging. There are multiple reason to continue gaining strength and building muscle as we age. Whether you want to look and feel healthy, or combat the effects of sarcopenia and osteoporosis, Chad Landers is here to help. In this episode, the 2018 NSCA Personal Trainer of the Year discusses the importance and benefits of building strength and muscle after age 50, and explains how to do it. He even throws in some 80s references for the Gen X crow...
Kettlebells are a versatile tool to use in training, especially for athletes. Dr. Michael Hartle, author of Kettlebell Strength Training Anatomy, joined NSCA certified trainer Aaron Patterson to discuss kettlebell training and how it can be used to enhance athletic performance. Kettlebell Strength Training Anatomy https://ecs.page.link/S4T56 Dr. Michael Hartle Dr. Michael Hartle is a full-time chiropractic physician. He is also certified as a nutritionist (DACBN), chiropractic sports physician (...
What is periodization? There are misconceptions about what periodization is, and debates about if it is needed in today's training world. In this episode, certified trainers Aaron Patterson and Frank Eyeson dive into the topic to define periodization, distinguish it from programming, and discuss the value of using it when structuring your overall plan. Additional Resources NSCA Essentials of Personal Training, Third Edition https://ecs.page.link/mGTnY NSCA Essentials of Strength Training and Con...
Athletes and non-athletes alike have individual goals to look better, feel better, and get stronger. Somewhere within those goals is usually the desire to build muscle or get toned. Regardless of the phrasing you choose, the goal is the same: training for hypertrophy. In this episode, NSCA certified trainer Aaron Patterson digs into the research and other trusted sources to explain what hypertrophy is and how to train to get the best results. Additional Resources NSCA Essentials of Strength Trai...
In this episode, Dr. Lonnie Lowery and Registered Dietitian Kim Mueller delve into the complex world of sports nutrition and supplementation. They share personal journeys into the field, emphasizing the importance of science literacy and distinguishing expert advice from social media influence. The discussion highlights the unique nutritional considerations for female and aging athletes, the fundamentals to prioritize before supplements, and the safety and benefits of popular options like creatine and caffeine. Listeners will gain valuable insights into choosing safe, effective supplements and interpreting scientific information.
You work hard to study anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and other topics within the kinesiology field. Ultimately, you earn your certification and jump into the fitness world ready to change lives. But what's next? Dr. Barbara Bushman has spent her career educating students and fitness professionals on how to better communicate with clients, properly assess and program for them, and set them on the right path to find their own success. In this episode, Dr. Bushman discusses what it takes to ha...
What is cortisol? Is it good? Is it bad? There are a lot of misconceptions about cortisol and how it impacts our bodies. In this episode, certified trainers Aaron Patterson and Frank Eyeson dive into the topic to discuss why it is good for our bodies, but how it can be detrimental to our goals. Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, CSAC, CTPS Aaron provides informative and educational content for Human Kinetics in the areas of health, fitness, strength and conditioning, and sport performance in...
Coaching is a profession that spans multiple industries. We traditionally might think of it in terms of sport coaching or training, but it can also include business, life, or most other types of consulting. Dr. James Gavin, author of Foundations of Professional Coaching, is a licensed psychologist as well as a Master Certified Coach. He has been studying the field of coaching for over 18 years, and in this episode, he shares what he has learned over the years about what it takes to be successful...
When is the last time you did an eccentric exercise? If you're like most, these exercises don't regularly make it into the training plan. In this episode, NSCA certified trainer Aaron Patterson explains what eccentric training is and how it could be a gamechanger for you by including it in your training. Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, CSAC, CTPS Aaron provides informative and educational content for Human Kinetics in the areas of health, fitness, strength and conditioning, and sport perf...
Have you ever seen someone in the gym standing motionless like a statue? It's possible they could be in deep thought, but most often they are doing an isometric exercise. What is an isometric exercise? What are the benefits? In this episode, NSCA certified trainer Aaron Patterson explains what isometric training is, what the research says about it, and why you should incorporate it into your training plan. Additional Resources NSCA's Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Fourth Editi...
