The Human Kinetics Podcast

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 roles as the editors of the fourth edition, Dr. Haff and Dr. Triplett detail updates including overtraining, mental health, female athlete considerations, and the evolution of the text from the very first edition. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Fifth Edition https://ecs.page.link/ut3nB About the NSCA The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) is the world's leading organization in the field of sport conditioning. Drawing on the resources and expertise of the most recognized professionals in strength training and conditioning, sport science, performance research, education, and sports medicine, the NSCA is the world's trusted source of knowledge and training guidelines for coaches and athletes. The NSCA provides the crucial link between the lab and the field. G. Gregory Haff, PhD, CSCS, *D, FNSCA G. Gregory Haff, PhD, is a professor of strength and conditioning based in Australia. He has published more than 280 articles, centering his research on performance effects in the areas of strength-training methodologies, performance testing, training theory, and nutritional supplementation. Haff is a past president of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and a senior associate editor for the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. In 2021, he received the NSCA Impact Award for his significant contributions to the strength and conditioning profession. Additionally, in 2014, he was the United Kingdom Strength and Conditioning Association (UKSCA) Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year for Education and Research and the 2011 NSCA William J. Kraemer Outstanding Sport Scientist Award winner. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist with distinction (CSCS, *D), a UKSCA-accredited strength and conditioning coach (ASCC), and an accredited Australian Strength and Conditioning Association level 2 strength and conditioning coach. Additionally, Haff is a national-level weightlifting coach in the United States and Australia. He serves as a consultant for numerous sporting bodies, including teams in the Australian Football League, Australian Rugby Union, Australian Basketball Association, and National Football League. N. Travis Triplett, PhD, CSCS, *D, FNSCA N. Travis Triplett, PhD, is a professor and program director in the department of kinesiology at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. She is a past president of the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and is the current vice chair of the board of directors for the NSCA's Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE). She was the 2025 winner of the Boyd Epley Award for NSCA Lifetime Contributions as well as the 2010 NSCA William J. Kraemer Outstanding Sport Scientist Award winner. She has served on two panels for NASA, one of which was for developing resistance exercise countermeasures to microgravity environments for the International Space Station. She was a sport physiology research assistant at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Dr. Triplett is a certified strength and conditioning specialist with distinction (CSCS, *D) as well as a USA Weightlifting club coach.

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, neurophysiological implications, and his newly released, Complete Guide to Foam Rolling, Second Edition. Complete Guide to Foam Rolling, Second Edition https://ecs.page.link/ectfs Kyle Stull, DHSc, LMT, CSCS, NASM-CPT, CES, PES Kyle Stull is an adjunct professor for Concordia University Chicago, American Public University, and Austin Community College. He was previously a senior master trainer and director of research at TriggerPoint, which helped establish foam rolling as a recognized industry standard. He has 20 years of experience in personal training, corrective exercise, and manual therapy. As a member of the Fascia Research Society and the International Academy of Orthopedic Medicine, he is committed to being at the forefront of industry developments and maintaining the highest standards in his practice by incorporating the latest research into his work.

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 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.

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 Best Physique Workouts, he enlisted the help of 20 additional trainers and coaches to share what has worked for them and their clients. 100 Best Physique Workouts https://ecs.page.link/FMzcA Gareth Sapstead, CSCS Gareth Sapstead is the founder of Team EPT Coaching as well as EPT Lab Fitness and Performance Gym. He delivers both worldwide and in-person coaching, driving lasting transformation, strength, and resilience. Sapstead has worked with Olympians, world champions, and countless clients in pursuit of their ultimate body shape. He is an author, writer, and international speaker whose work has been featured in The New York Times, Muscle & Fitness, Men's Fitness, and Men's Health. Sapstead has a master's degree in strength and conditioning science and a bachelor's degree in sports and exercise science. He also holds the NSCA CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) certification. Sapstead can be reached on Instagram (@thefitnessmaverick), at his website (www.thefitnessmaverick.com), or by email ([email protected]).

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 change. 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.

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 International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. It can also be found in the Human Kinetics Journals Understanding Mental Fatigue Across the Men's Basketball Season: A Mixed-Method Study Sansone, P., Ciaccioni, S., Polverari, D., Carcia-Calvo, T., and Russell, S. (2026). Understanding mental fatigue across the men's basketball season: A mixed-methods study. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12: 274-282. https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijspp/21/2/article-p274.xml 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.

"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 strength. Additional Resources Science and Development of Muscular Strength https://ecs.page.link/t49Fw Scientific Foundations and Practical Applications of Periodization https://ecs.page.link/LXe7K Research Study: Scaling -- Which methods best predict performance? Comfort, P., and Pearson, SJ. (2014). Scaling – Which methods best predict performance? Journal of Strength Training and Conditioning Research, 28; 1565-1572. 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.

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 study published in the Human Kinetics Journals and the Journal of Physical Activity and Health. Associations of Sleep Duration, Quality, and Timing with Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors Among High School Students Johnson, K., Billmyer, E., Kaja, S., and Widome, R. (2025). Associations of sleep duration, quality, and timing with physical activity and sedentary behaviors among high school students. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 1-8. 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.

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, 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.