In this episode, we pressure-test Apple’s new claim of “the best heart rate accuracy in a wearable” by looking at their new white paper, comparing their to existing science and clarifying why heart rate data accuracy is important for everyone.

References to papers discussed:

Apple 2026: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.apple.com/health/pdf/Heart_Rate_Accuracy_Study_2026.pdf

Paluch 2024: https://apcz.umk.pl/QS/article/view/55350

In this episode, we review what we've covered in the past few weeks, and what we have coming next. We take a step back to ask how science should be used in coaching, training, and exercise prescription. Our main topic is the 117-page study that discovers how all kinds of shoes affect the way women run.

In this episode, we discuss muscular endurance training protocols, a coaching feud, and how fast muscles de-train strength, according to some new research.

The evolving coaching landscape, the 80/20 rule of training, distinguishing training and overtraining, and the new science that puts an asterisk of the benefits of mitochondrial density.

Key Topics

Mitochondria and their role in energy production

The 80-20 rule in endurance training

Overtraining and its effects on mitochondria

New research on mitochondrial function and location

Impact of training load on metabolic health

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the episode and main topics

02:09 The evolving role of coaches and athlete-led training

03:51 The 80-20 rule in endurance training and its flexibility

05:51 Mitochondria's role in energy production and performance

07:57 Study design: training protocol and muscle sampling

08:53 Findings: effects of intense training on mitochondrial density and function

10:06 Implications of mitochondrial dysfunction for health and performance

10:57 Recovery, mitochondrial health, and training strategies

11:58 Key takeaways and practical advice for athletes

12:59 Closing thoughts and listener engagement

In this episode of AKP, we cover the new science of advanced running shoe technology, and whether or not it can revolutionize trail running like it has for road and track racing.

In this episode, we introduce the Ascent Kinetics Podcast by explaining the purpose of the show and diving into our first topic: fitness apps and fitness scores. We cover how "Fitness" in apps like TrainingPeaks and Strava are calculated, what they miss, and how we can do better.