In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, I am joined again by Coach Michelle Simmons where we discuss the importance of breathing and how it affects physiology and performance. Michelle shares her personal experience of using breathwork to manage anxiety and improve athletic performance. We emphasize the significance of diaphragmatic breathing and its impact on posture, mindset, and oxygen delivery. The conversation also touches on the limitations of breathing incorrectly and the benefits of practicing breath control during high-intensity efforts. We highlight the need for athletes to be aware of their breathing and its potential to optimize performance. I share my personal experience of switching from mouth breathing to nose breathing during low intensity training. While there is limited scientific research on the topic, we speculate that nose breathing may stimulate the vagus nerve and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, leading to a more relaxed state and better performance. They also discuss the adaptability of the pulmonary system and the need for further research in this area.

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Coach Aaron Geiser and I answer questions about strength training for endurance athletes, adjusting training zones for different sports, choosing a reputable laboratory for physiological testing, developing FTP with limited training time, and the differences between zone two training and double threshold days. We discuss the importance of individualizing strength training based on an athlete's goals, limitations, and weaknesses. We also explore the differences in training zones and thresholds between running and cycling, highlighting the impact of gravity and body weight on the stress and exertion of each activity. In this conversation, we cover adjusting heart rate zones for different activities, the importance of training at the right intensity, the benefits of physiological testing, and how to improve FTP with limited training time. Overall, we emphasize the importance of individualization and understanding one's goals and context when designing a training plan.

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dave Schell and I discuss the merits and limitations of internal and external variables in endurance training. We explore metrics such as heart rate, lactate, ventilation variables, SMO2, speed, and power. We emphasize the importance of measuring both internal and external variables to understand your physiology and performance. We also discuss the role of perceived exertion and the need for calibration between subjective and objective measurements. Overall, we highlight the value of monitoring and tracking variables to optimize training and improve performance.

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, continuing guest host Aaron Geiser and I answer listener questions and discuss various topics related to endurance training. We cover the benefits and timing of cold water immersion, the duration of zone two training for masters athletes, and the role of genetics in performance for masters athletes. We emphasize the importance of individualized training, consistency, and progressive overload in improving endurance over time. In this episode, we discuss nutrition and recovery for aging athletes, important blood markers to track, and the best home test protocol for athletes with just a power meter and a heart rate monitor.

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dr. Robert Jacobs and I discuss the use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in endurance training. We explore the application of Moxy Monitor, a near-infrared spectroscopy device (NIRS), for physiological testing and monitoring. We cover topics such as the limitations of models and training plans, the use Moxy Monitor for coaches and athletes. We also touch on the recent controversies in college football and share our thoughts on the Michigan Football's National Championship performance. We discuss the benefits of indoor training, the challenges of FTP testing, and the future of physiological monitoring. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the role of coaches in the AI era and the importance of adaptability and human connection in the face of advancing technology.

In this episode of fast Physiology on the Critical Oxygen Podcast, Dave Schell and I discuss the benefits of heat training for overall endurance performance in hot, humid environments. We explain how heat training affects the body's physiology and the cardiovascular system. We also provide a heat training protocol and strategies for implementing heat training. We discuss the adaptations that occur from heat training, such as increased plasma volume and improved sweating. The limitations of heat training and the importance of proper hydration and iron levels are also addressed. We explore the potential benefits of extended heat training protocols and its impact on altitude performance. We conclude by emphasizing the importance of individualization and monitoring blood chemistry when engaging in heat training.

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, I am joined by Lee Throckmorton, founder and CEO of Kaizen Groundworks, to discuss tactical athlete preparation for individuals in public safety. We explore the importance of blending strength and endurance training for optimal performance in the tactical space. We also discuss the historical context of tactical athlete training and how it has shifted over time. The conversation highlights the need for a more generalized approach to training and the value of assessing and evaluating athletes to tailor their training programs. We emphasize the importance of individualized coaching, pushing lactate thresholds, and incorporating lower intensity training. The discussion also touches on stress management, sleep, and nutrition as crucial factors for overall well-being and performance.

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, I am joined by Coach Aaron Geyser where we discuss how to stay healthy during training and the importance of consistency and recovery. We emphasize the need to prevent sickness by analyzing lifestyle factors and managing stress. If sickness does occur, we recommend taking a conservative approach to returning to training, focusing on easy workouts and monitoring heart rate and HRV. We also highlight the importance of making informed decisions and seeking input from coaches or trusted individuals.

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dr. Marco Altini and I discuss heart rate variability (HRV) and its applications in optimizing physiology and athletic performance. HRV is a measure of the variation in heartbeats over time and is influenced by the autonomic nervous system's response to stress. Dr. Altini emphasizes the importance of measuring HRV consistently and understanding individual baseline values and trends. He recommends measuring HRV every day if possible, but at least three to five times per week. When choosing an HRV device, it is important to consider the accuracy and reliability of the measurements. Dr. Altini also highlights the significance of stability and resilience in HRV, rather than focusing solely on higher values. Finally, we discuss strategies for improving HRV, including prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and making lifestyle modifications.

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen Podcast, I am joined again by Dave Schell for another episode of Fast Physiology. In this episode we discuss how to maximize performance and race in high altitude environments. We explore the effects of altitude on performance, individual variability in altitude response, and the reduction in maximal sustainable effort. We also discuss the duration of adaptation to altitude, the adjustment period at altitude, and marginal gains from altitude training. Practical approaches to altitude training, including intermittent exposure and the live high, train low method, are explored. We emphasize the importance of respecting altitude but not fearing it and provide race strategies for altitude.