The Human Kinetics Podcast

Human Kinetics
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Daily

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.

  1. 5d ago

    Do weighted vests enhance sprint training?

    Do weighted vests enhance sprint training, or is it simply a fad or myth within the training world? There are multiple ways to train athletes to improve their sport performance. A recent research study looked into the impact of using weighted vests in sprint training, specifically among youth baseball players. In this episode, Aaron Patterson breaks down this particular research study to share what the authors found.   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, strength and conditioning, and sport performance including exercise technique videos, author interviews, and podcast episodes. Certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Aaron has over 12 years of experience as a personal trainer and sport performance coach. He holds specialty certifications as a Certified Weightlifting Performance Coach (CWPC), Certified Speed and Agility Coach (CSAC), and Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS).   Training primarily middle school and high school athletes, Aaron recognized the growing need for athletes to also work on their mental performance. It was then that he pursued his master's degree in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise and Sport Psychology to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. Aaron coaches high performers on mental aspects of their sport performance to build confidence, reduce anxiety, regulate their emotions, and more.   As a track and field coach specializing in jumps and sprints, Aaron is also a Certified American Sport Education Program Coach, and is a member of the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Aaron completed his Master of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise and Sport Psychology, from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

  2. Aug 7

    Keys to unlocking your best triathlon, with Alison Freeman

    Do you compete in triathlons? Maybe you haven't prepped for your first race, but you've decided it is a challenge you are willing to take.  Triathlete, writer, and coach Alison Freeman has your next steps planned out for you, and she explains in this episode what it takes to prep for your first, or next, triathlon. You can learn more in her book, Unlocking Triathlon: Training Plans and Coaching Support for a Confident Race Day. The book is now available for pre-order.   Unlocking Triathlon: Training Plans and Coaching Support for a Confident Race Day https://monkeylink.co/896770 Alison Freeman Alison Freeman is a triathlete, writer, and USA Triathlon Level III Coach, and was the 2025 USA Triathlon Coach Educator of the Year. She specializes in guiding beginner and intermediate athletes through their first triatlon experiences. She has completed nearly 40 triathlons, including six Ironman events and 15 half-distance events, and has qualified for USA Triathlon Nationals five times. In 2021, she finished fourth in her age group at Ironman Texas. As cofounder and principal coach at NYX Endurance, Freeman coaches athletes to their first finish lines at sprint-, Olympic, half-, and full-distance races. She also leads beginner triathlon clinics in Boulder, Colorado, and developed an online course, The Ultimate Guide to Your First Triathlon, through NYX Endurance. Outside of coaching, Freeman is a frequent contributor to Triathlete.com, where she has written over 50 articles on training, skill development, and the athlete mindset. Her articles emphasize clear and practical instruction, and her writing uses a supportive and accessible tone. Freeman holds a BSE degree from Princeton University and an MBA degree from the University of California, Berkeley.

  3. Jul 31

    Heart Rate Variability and its impact on peak performance, with Dr. Sylvain Laborde and Dr. Emma Mosley

    What is Heart Rate Variability? There are many factors we consider when it comes to assessing our physiology and training for peak performance. In this episode, Dr. Sylvain Laborde and Dr. Emma Mosley define Heart Rate Variability and why it matters, including the science behind monitoring, influential lifestyle factors, and how we can use it to optimize training. Learn more in their recently released, co-authored book, Heart Rate Variability: Science and Strategies for Peak Performance. The book is co-authored along with Marco Altini and Dan Plews.   Heart Rate Variability: Science and Strategies for Peak Performance https://monkeylink.co/cfe12a   Sylvain Laborde, PhD Dr. Sylvain Laborde is a renowned associate professor in sport psychology at the prestigious German Sport University Cologne, Europe's largest sports institution, where he founded the HRV-Performance Psychophysiology Lab (www.hrv-laborde.com). He holds two doctorates (in sport science and psychology) and has dedicated the past 18 years to exploring HRV and the noninvasive stimulation of the vagus nerve in athletes. Regarded as a global authority on HRV and author of more than 150 peer-reviewed scientific research papers, Dr. Laborde has captivated audiences with his compelling insights and innovative ideas. As an awarded-winning speaker, he has shared his expertise in five languages (French, English, German, Spanish, and Italian) in numerous keynote addresses, talks, and workshops across over 20 countries, reaching Olympic committees, national coaches, and elite athletes alike. Dr. Laborde's groundbreaking Vagal Tank Theory, elaborated with his co-author Emma Mosley, translates complex research findings into practical applications for everyday life. The applications of his work focus on noninvasive vagus nerve stimulation to improve performance and self-regulation abilities of athletes using techniques such as slow-paced breathing and the diving reflex. With his approach, he has empowered countless individuals to harness the power of HRV for improve performance and well-being. His research is featured regularly on international TV, in the press, on the radio, and in podcasts. In this book, Dr. Laborde embarks on a new mission to provide athletes, coaches, and performance seekers with the first comprehensive guide to monitoring and enhancing HRV. This groundbreaking book is a testament to his relentless pursuit of knowledge and his unwavering commitment to improving lives through the science of performance optimization.   Emma Mosley, PhD Dr. Emma Mosley is a senior lecturer in sport and exercise psychology in the faculty of allied health and exercise sciences at Bournemouth University. Dr. Mosley holds the Accredited Sport and Exercise Scientist certification from the Chartered Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (CASES) and the Chartered Scientist credential from the Science Council. She has a doctorate in HRV and performance under pressure and has studied HRV for over a decade. She is a leading researcher within HRV and, together with Sylvain Laborde, she has paved the way for robust HRV research within psychophysiology as well as sport and exercise psychology. Dr. Mosley has published milestone papers within this field, including a highly cited methodological paper on Vagal Tank Theory written with Sylvain Laborde, and a systematic review surrounding the use of HRV in sport and exercise psychology. Her research has evolved to explore the applied domain, and she has published multiple papers examining HRV interventions in elite athletic populations. Dr. Mosley has worked in elite sport (e.g., Formula 3) and with the International Biathlon Union on a funded HRV project. She has also worked within the corporate sector, delivering HRV-informed breathing sessions to high-performing teams. She is deeply passionate about making HRV accessible and understandable for all.

  4. Jul 24

    Cueing and coaching resistance training exercises, with Dr. Lauren Tapp and Dr. Josh Wludyga

    You may know how to do exercises correctly, but do you know how to coach them effectively? Dr. Lauren Tapp and Dr. Josh Wludyga, co-authors of Exercises for Resistance Training, realized as they were coming up in the industry that something was missing from their experience. They were taught how to do the exercises they needed to teach clients, but they didn't have the resources they needed to effectively coach the exercises. In this episode, the duo discusses their experiences with cueing and coaching exercises, and give advice to other professionals on how to effectively communicate with clients.  Exercises for Resistance Training https://monkeylink.co/9fb2bc   Lauren R. Tapp, PhD, CSCS, EP-C Lauren Tapp is a highly accomplished educator, researcher, and leader in the field of exercise science and human performance. With a doctorate in integrative exercise physiology from Temple University and over two decades of professional experience, she has built a career defined by academic innovation, student-centered teaching, and applied research in health, performance, and wellness. Currently serving as department chair of exercise science and physical education at Georgia Gwinnett College, Tapp has guided program development, curriculum design, and faculty leadership. Since joining the college in 2011, she has progressed from assistant professor to professor and now department chair, while spearheading new courses in exercise science, strength and conditioning, and applied nutrition. Her teaching portfolio reflects a balance of foundational sciences and applied practice, preparing students for careers in health, fitness, and rehabilitation. Tapp's academic career is built on a foundation of diverse experience as a practitioner. In her current teaching role at Georgia Gwinnett College, she brings her experience as an exercise physiologist and strength coach into the classroom. Her appointments in clinical hospital settings, collegiate strength and conditioning, and community health and fitness enable her to bridge the gap between classroom concepts and real-world application. Her scholarship and professional contributions include co-authoring textbooks such as Exercise Physiology and Testing (2017), peer-reviewed research on resistance training and whole-body vibration, and multiple presentations at regional and national conferences. She has mentored over 30 undergraduate students and has also contributed as a grant team member for initiatives in inclusive STEM education and as an external reviewer for academic journals. In addition to her PhD (Temple University), Tapp earned her undergraduate and Master's degree from Florida State University (Exercise Physiology/Nutrition). Her professional certifications include Certified Exercise Physiologist (American College of Sports Medicine), CISSN-Certified Sports Nutritionist, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (National Strength and Conditioning Association), and USA Weightlifting Level 1 Coach, underscoring her expertise in bridging academic knowledge with applied performance training. Joshua Wludyga, DSc, CSCS, *D Joshua Wludyga is an accomplished educator, researcher, and practitioner in exercise science, health promotion, and strength and conditioning. With more than two decades of experience spanning higher education, clinical practice, and athletic performance, he has built a career dedicated to advancing human health, wellness, and performance across diverse populations. Currently an associate professor of exercise science at Georgia Gwinnett College, Wludyga teachers courses on anatomy and physiology, health behavior change, nutrition, and strength and conditioning, while mentoring undergraduate research projects that have been showcased at institutional symposiums. He has played a pivotal role in curriculum development, program assessment, and committee leadership, earning nominations for Outstanding Teaching and Faculty Service awards. Wludyga's scholarly work includes peer-reviewed publications on resistance training and health outcomes as well as research exploring exercise knowledge and behavior among former athletes. His professional journey also includes leadership roles in corporate wellness, exercise physiology for oncology patients, and strength and conditioning coaching for athletes and special populations. As director of the National Personal Training Institute in Tempe, Arizona, he designed and delivered a comprehensive 500-hour curriculum that prepared future fitness professionals. Recognized for excellence in teaching and student success, he received the Distinguished Faculty award from Bryan University and was named Outstanding Master Scholar, Teacher, and Leader at Arizona State University. He holds the Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist credential (with distinction) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and maintains active membership in both the NSCA and American College of Sports Medicine.

  5. Jul 17

    Strongman training and how to incorporate it into your own plan, with Heidi Campo and Chris Slater

    What do you think of when you hear "strongman" training? For some, it means watching the biggest and strongest men and women in the world lift atlas stones, pull trucks, and press logs overhead. For others, like Heidi Campo and Chris Slater, it means getting in the mix with training and competing. From training in Iceland with the best in the world, to making the transition from bodybuilding to strongman, Heidi and Chris share stories of their journey in the sport and give insight into how you can incorporate this style of training into your own training plan.   Strongman Training for Strength and Performance https://monkeylink.co/623849   Chris Slater, MEd, CSCS Chris Slater is a teacher at Foley High School in Alabama as well as a wrestling coach and flag football coach. He has been teaching and coaching for over 15 years. Slater took a break from teaching in the high school setting to be a gym owner, personal trainer, and strength coach at Alabama Strength before returning to high school coaching and teaching. He has also been an independent professional trainer at Results Gym in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and at Fairhope Fitness in Fairhope Alabama. In addition to his dual roles coaching and teaching, Slater was the Alabama state chair for Strongman Corporation and now is the Alabama cochair for United States Strongman. Slater has also served as chair of the NSCA Strongman Special Interest Group. Slater was a collegiate wrestler, competing for four seasons at Eastern Michigan University. Since his time competing on the mat, he has been heavily involved in strength training and is still active in the sport of strongman with competing and with promoting events.   Heidi Campo, MS, CSCS, *D, NSCA-CPT*D Heidi Campo is a strength and conditioning professional, researcher, and former gym owner with nearly two decades of experience in the private sector. She has worked as a coach since 2005 and previously owned a strength-focused gym in Salt Lake City, Utah, with a particular emphasis on strongman and other strength sports. Campo's passion for strongman deepened in 2015 when she spent a winter in Iceland training at Jakabol Gym, known as the Nest of Giants, under four-time World's Strongest Man Magnus Ver Magnusson. in 2020, she founded the NSCA Strongman Special Interest Group and has remained actively involved in its development. As the former Utah chair for Strongman Corporation, Campo developed a deep appreciation for how strongman training can positively shape individuals, teams, and local communities through shared challenge, discipline, and purpose.

  6. Jul 10

    Are you wasting your time in the gym?, with Aaron Patterson and Frank Eyeson

    Are you wasting your time in the gym? It's a legitimate question, and one that should be considered. This is especially true if you aren't seeing the results you desire. From avoiding distractions to training in your minimum effective dose, Aaron and Frank discuss effective training that doesn't waste your time.   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, strength and conditioning, and sport performance including exercise technique videos, author interviews, and podcast episodes. Certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Aaron has over 12 years of experience as a personal trainer and sport performance coach. He holds specialty certifications as a Certified Weightlifting Performance Coach (CWPC), Certified Speed and Agility Coach (CSAC), and Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS).   Training primarily middle school and high school athletes, Aaron recognized the growing need for athletes to also work on their mental performance. It was then that he pursued his master's degree in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise and Sport Psychology to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. As a CMPC, Aaron coaches high performers on mental aspects of their sport performance to build confidence, reduce anxiety, regulate their emotions, and more.   As a track and field coach specializing in jumps and sprints, Aaron is also a Certified American Sport Education Program Coach, and is a member of the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Aaron completed his Master of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise and Sport Psychology, from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.   Frank Eyeson, MS, NASM-CPT, CWC, CNC Frank Eyeson provides informative and educational content for Human Kinetics in the areas of health and fitness, including exercise technique videos and podcast episodes. As a marketing and social media manager, Frank also develops strategic campaigns that connect audiences with trusted, evidence-based resources to help them move better, train smarter, and live healthier.   With over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry, Frank is a certified personal trainer, wellness coach, and nutrition coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). He holds a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Western Illinois University and a master's degree in Strategic Brand Communication from the University of Illinois. Frank’s content resonates with health-conscious individuals and fitness professionals alike, bridging the gap between expert knowledge and real-world application. On the Human Kinetics podcast, he brings a grounded, audience-first voice to conversations covering everything fitness—from strength training, recovery, and sport performance to nutrition, mental health, injury prevention, and overall wellness. He is passionate about making fitness education accessible, sustainable, and rooted in science. Outside of the gym and work, Frank enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, traveling, and relaxing with a good show.

  7. Jul 3

    Training the Brain: How to improve brain health, with Ryan Glatt and Aimee Nicotera

    We train our bodies for performance and longevity, but with so much focus on the physical aspects, little attention has been given to our brain health. In this episode, Ryan Glatt and Aimee Nicotera, co-authors of Brain Health and Exercise, explore the benefits and importance of training our brain.    Brain Health and Exercise: A Professional's Guide to Dual-Tasking Techniques and Programming https://monkeylink.co/cf0cf9   Ryan Glatt, MSc, CPT, MES, NBC-HWC Ryan Glatt is a certified personal trainer and a board-certified health and wellness coach with over a decade of experience. He focuses his exercise and health coaching strategies on brain health, personalizing lifestyle interventions for individuals with brain and cognitive health goals. Glatt has studied at Amen Clinics, the BrainFirst Institute, the Neuroscience Academy, and the Academy for Brain Health and Performance. He has a master's of applied neuroscience from King's College of London and is currently enrolled in a PhD program in leadership, with a minor in gerontology, through Concordia University of Chicago. Glatt is a senior brain health coach and the director of the FitBrain program at Pacific Neuroscience Institute. As the developer of the program, he combines brain and body training (also called dual-task training) through "serious exergaming" (purposeful, goal-oriented games that involve physical movement), which utilizes innovative technologies to train cognitive and physical skills simultaneously. His passion for "games for good" has continued into the realm of brain health, and he actively consults for several technology companies in clinical exergaming, gamified rehabilitation, and dual-task training. He also has a passion for continued education; he developed the first comprehensive course on brain health and exercise for health and fitness professionals, the Brain Health Trainer course, which is distributed by the American Council on Exercise (ACE). He is an experienced international speaker on the topic of brain health and exercise and enjoys educating professionals in a variety of settings.   Aimee Nicotera, MS, ACSM-EP, ACE-GFI, AFAA, PFT, AHHPS Level 3, AFAA GFI Aimee Nicotera is an international fitness presenter, owner of her own personal training business and virtual fitness studio, with over 30 years experience. She has served in roles such as health coach, high school health educator, corporate wellness advisor, and fitness director. With extensive experience creating and developing group fitness programs and consulting, researching, and writing for fitness companies - including Spartan, Life Time, and MOSSA - she is always exploring ways to create innovative fitness and wellness experiences. Nicotera holds a bachelor's degree in nutrition science, a master's degree in health education, and numerous certifications, including ACSM's Exercise Physiologist certification, ACE's Group Fitness Instructor certification, and AFAA's Personal Fitness Trainer credential. She holds the Institute of Motion's Level 3 Applied Health and Human Performance Specialist credential, and she is creator of the fitness DVD series 2x2 Conditioning and Take 20! as well as the E5 Collective, a science-based brain and body fitness format. She is a Master Trainer for Core Health & Fitness and co-lead for their CoreFit Cycle program powered by Schwinn. Aimee is the 2024 IDEA World Fitness Instructor of the Year. As a board member of Youth Athletic Foundation, Aimee is actively involved in promoting and supporting local youth in Cape Cod, MA and surrounding areas, to embrace active lifestyles.

  8. Jun 26

    Effects of sprint interval training before and after practice for basketball players

    Speed training, and specifically sprint interval training, is essential for performance improvements among basketball players. For coaches, the question becomes the timing of speed training. Should it be done at the beginning of practice, or after basketball-specific training? In this episode we breakdown a recently published research study exploring the effects of speed training before and after practice. Which order do you think is best? Sequencing Effects of Sprint Interval Training Applied Before or After Regular Basketball Training on Sex-Specific Physical Performance Adaptations in Young Athletes Tian, L., Jie, C., and Guo, H. (2025). Sequencing effects of sprint interval training applied before or after regular basketball training on sex-specific physical performance adaptations in young athletes. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 20; 1654-1664.     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, strength and conditioning, and sport performance including exercise technique videos, author interviews, and podcast episodes. Certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Aaron has over 12 years of experience as a personal trainer and sport performance coach. He holds specialty certifications as a Certified Weightlifting Performance Coach (CWPC), Certified Speed and Agility Coach (CSAC), and Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS).   Training primarily middle school and high school athletes, Aaron recognized the growing need for athletes to also work on their mental performance. It was then that he pursued his master's degree in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise and Sport Psychology to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. As a CMPC, Aaron coaches high performers on mental aspects of their sport performance to build confidence, reduce anxiety, regulate their emotions, and more.   As a track and field coach specializing in jumps and sprints, Aaron is also a Certified American Sport Education Program Coach, and is a member of the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Aaron completed his Master of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise and Sport Psychology, from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

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About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Human Kinetics
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Human Kinetics Podcast