Megan grew up physically active, playing on numerous sports teams, particularly soccer and rugby throughout high school and university. During her undergraduate studies, health and fitness developed into a much more integral part of Megan’s lifestyle, becoming involved in Powerlifting. Since 2007, she has gone on to win multiple National titles in the Canadian Powerlifting Union (CPU), and has competed at the International level.

From there, her love of strength and conditioning has influenced Megan’s career path into academics, where she received her Masters of Science in Physical Education and Recreation from the University of Alberta, specializing in squat biomechanics. Megan is currently continuing her studies as a Doctoral candidate in Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa, and works with the Bruyere Research Institute at the Elisabeth Bruyere Hospital. Her current research thesis is now directed towards geriatric rehabilitation for maintaining functional independence and fall prevention in older adults through improved muscle function. Always finding new ways to challenge herself both physically and mentally, Megan has also most recently has stepped into the competitive figure stream.

Megan has been a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (C.S.C.S.) since 2011, having previously worked with varsity level athletes. She applies both her powerlifting and Olympic weightlifting techniques into developing training programs for improved strength, explosiveness for sport performance. Megan also focuses on proper execution of movement techniques, addressing neuromusculoskeletal issues that may cause pain or discomfort during exercise.

In this podcast, Megan and I discussed Front squats vs Back squats

Some of the topics we discuss are:

1.Based on your structure, is there anything that may decide if you are better built to front squat compared to back squat?

2.If you are a powerlifter, can strength in the front squat convert to strength in the back squats and vice versa?

3. Is there a difference in muscle activation between the two lifts?

4.For someone who has hypertrophy goals for the quads, would front squats be a better exercise to select?

5.What are typical mistakes that people do in the front squats and what are things one should focus on? Low wrist mobility is often a complain that many people have for example.

6. When it comes to squat depth, you often hear people not using a full range of motion and don’t go to parallel because it keeps the “tension” on the muscle. What does the research show when it comes to using a full range of motion to maximize hypertrophy and strength?

Alberto Nunez first stepped on a competitive stage in 2007, and then the very next year he earned his pro status in virtually every major natural organization. While Alberto Nunez is relatively new to the sport of competitive bodybuilding, he has played a vital role in promoting the natural movement. His contributions as a coach, athlete, and an author have helped propel some of the growth the sport has seen over the last decade. Despite all this success Nunez claims his most successful accolade comes in the fact that he gets to be called Coach Nunez. “My biggest thrill is that I was lucky enough to be one of the founders of Team 3DMJ. I can honestly say we as a team have changed this sport we love for the better. Everyday I am thankful that I get to be part of this movement, alongside Coach Helms, Loomis, Alberts and Valdez.”

http://www.3dmusclejourney.com

In this podcast, Alberto and I discussed the following topics:

1.For people that might not know what are we talking about when we say peak week, could you briefly explain?

2. What are the biggest mistakes you see people do during peak week?

3.Compared to the pre-contest diet as a whole, how much can you potentially benefit from manipulating sodium, water and carbohydrate during the last week?

4.What are things you absolutely should not do the last week before stepping on stage?

5. What are your general recommendations when it comes to training, cardio, nutrition (carbohydrate, water, sodium) during peak week?

Nick Tumminello is known as the "Trainer of Trainers." He's the owner of Performance University, which provides practical education for fitness professionals worldwide. Nick has worked with a variety of clients from NFL athletes to professional MMA fighters, bodybuilders & figure models to exercise enthusiasts, and currently trains a select group of clients in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He is also a fitness expert for ReebokONE, has produced 15 DVDs, and is a regular contributor to several major fitness magazines. Check out Nick's products, seminar schedule, and blog at www.nicktumminello.com.

In this podcast, Nick and I discussed evidence based practice and critical thinking.

Some of the topics we discuss:

1.What is evidence based practice all about?

2.What are some of the issues that are observed in the fitness industry today?

3.Do trainers need the science when they know what works for their clients?

4.How do you learn to filter thru what is solid information and what is not?

Eric Trexler is a PhD student at UNC Chapel Hill, with a research focus on how exercise and nutrition affect metabolism, performance, and body composition. Eric comes from a background in natural bodybuilding, powerlifting, and strength coaching, and currently holds certifications in sports nutrition (CISSN) and strength and conditioning (CSCS). Eric completed his undergraduate degree at The Ohio State University, and his master’s degree at UNC Chapel Hill. Eric serves as a reviewer for multiple academic journals and has written numerous lay press and peer reviewed articles related to physique and performance enhancement.

Websites:

https://www.facebook.com/eric.trexler

https://twitter.com/erictrexler

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?t...[auth]

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/...

In this podcast, Eric and I discussed the following topics

1.What does caffeine actually do in the body?

2. Caffeine is a very popular substance to use for increased performance. Is there any difference if you ingest caffeine from liquids like coffee etc. or from supplements?

3. What seems to be the optimal dosage to ingest caffeine pre workout and how long is the half-life?

4. Can you develop a tolerance for caffeine if you chronically consume it?

5. For many years, there has been a lot of talk about caffeine potentially lowering the effect of creatine. You recently did a study looking at this. Could you explain what the aim of the study was, how it was designed, what the results where and what practical implications this study has?

Brad is a PhD trained exercise physiologist who specializes in molecular mechanisms of disease and how diet and exercise effect those mechanisms. He also works as a nutrition coach and educator. He runs Science Driven Nutrition which strives to bring the science of nutrition to the public in a consumable format

http://sciencedrivennutrition.com

In this podcast, Brad and I discussed peri workout nutrition.

Some of the topics we cover are:

1. What is peri-workout nutrition and what got people interested in this topic?

2. How important is nutrient timing and is there an anabolic window?

3. Are there any supplements that you might benefit from pre, intra or post workout?

4. What’s your practical recommendations for peri workout nutrition for resistance training?

Dr. Mike T. Nelson has spent 18 years of his life learning how the human body works, specifically focusing on how to properly condition it to burn fat and become stronger, more flexible, and healthier.

He's has a PhD in Exercise Physiology, a BA in Natural Science, and an MS in Biomechanics.

He's an adjunct professor and a member of the American College of Sports Medicine.

http://miketnelson.com/index.html

In this podcast, Mike and I discussed HRV (Heart rate variability)

Some of the topics we covered where:

1.How is the nervous system effected by stress both from training and everyday life?

2.What is HRV?

3.How to you use it in regards to your training and what devices can you use?

4.What role does cortisol have on stress and the nervous system?

5.Adequate sleep, solid nutrition and managing your stress levels are obviously things that can help, but do you have any other recommendations that can help improve recovery?

Andrew holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Arizona State University, where he also carried out biomechanics research. In addition to research at ASU, Andrew has also worked as a research assistant under Bret Contreras, Brad Schoenfeld, and in the Motion Analysis Laboratory at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He has published numerous peer-reviewed articles, in fields of neuromuscular physiology, biomechanics, and pain neurophysiology. Andrew will begin pursuing his Master of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University in September 2016.

Make sure to check out Andrew on Twitter where he tweets a lot about exercise and biomechanics: @avigotsky

In this podcast, Andrew and I discussed foam rolling. Some of the topics we covered where:

1.The purpose of foam rolling

2.Foam rollings effect on the fascia

3.Foam rolling and performance

We also talked about Andrews recent study on foam rolling.

Therese Fostervold Mathisen has a master’s degree in sports nutrition from The Norwegian School of Sport Sciences and Loughborough University (UK). She also has a bachelor degree in exercise physiology

Therese runs her own business, Thema Nutrition, where she provides services such as nutrition counseling, courses and lectures. She also writes articles for various websites and magazines.

From 2013 she has been a PhD student at The Norwegian School of Sport Scienses researching the effect of physical activity in the treatment of eating disorders.

Therese has also competed in both Athletic Fitness and powerlifting winning several gold, silver and bronze medals. 

Check out Thereses website: Thema Nutrition and she is also active on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram and Researchgate

http://themanutrition.no

https://www.facebook.com/ThemaNutrition/?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/TFMathisen

https://no.linkedin.com/in/therese-f-mathisen-646ab759

https://www.instagram.com/theresefm/

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Therese_Mathisen

Also check out her site about her research (Norwegian).

http://nihfakt.blogspot.no

In this podcast, Therese and I discussed eating disorders. Some of the questions we discussed where:

1.Approximately how many athletes suffer from some sort of eating disorder and what type of eating disorders are common to see among athletes?

2.Why is it that athletes and especially females are more prone to develop eating disorders?

3.We often hear about the female athlete triad, but its become more common to talk about Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) as males also seems to be effected. Could you explain a little about this?

4.Could you explain what effect this can have on both performance and general health?

5.For someone working with athletes, what are signs one should look after that can indicate that the athlete is suffering from an eating disorder and what should you do and not do to try to help the athlete as this is obviously a complex issue to work with?

Darryn S. Willoughby is a Professor of health, human performance and recreation and directs Baylor University's Exercise and Biochemical Nutrition Laboratory. He studies molecular physiology and biochemistry of exercise and nutrition, cellular and molecular physiology of muscle, exercises and sport nutrition, neuromuscular exercise physiology and strength training and sport conditioning.

After receiving his bachelor's degree in health and fitness from Tarleton State University in 1986, he earned his master of education degree there in 1989. He earned his doctoral degree in neuromuscular exercise physiology and biochemistry from Texas A&M University in 1993.

Prof. Willoughby specifically researches the effects of training and nutritional intervention on the physiological, biochemical and molecular mechanisms regulating skeletal muscle strength, hypertrophy and atrophy in athletes. He has published articles on his findings in Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism and Journal of Medicinal Food.

Prof. Willoughby is a certified sport nutritionist, exercise physiologist, nutrition specialist and strength and conditioning specialist. He is a fellow of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, the American Society of Exercise Physiologists and the American College of Sports Medicine. He has been on the Baylor faculty since 2002. He is also a GBO professional bodybuilder competing at the master's level.

In this podcast, Prof. Willoughby and I discussed creatine. Some of the topics we discussed where:

1.What is creatine?

​

2. What are the advantages to supplement with creatine on performance?

3. Are there any benefits to general health?

4. What is the best form of creatine?

5.Dosage, timing, loading and absorption. 

6.We also discussed creatine supplementation and satellite cells.

Thomas Bjørnsen is a PhD student at the University of Agder focusing on skeletal muscle adaptions to blood flow restricted resistance exercise. He is also a lecture at the University of Agder in Norway where he teaches on various topics within sport science including exercise physiology, neuromuscular physiology and biomechanics.

For the last 10 years, Thomas has worked with athletes mainly focusing on strength athletes and Head of Strength and Power Training at the Southern Norwegian Olympic Training Center The Norwegian Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sport

Follow him on twitter: @thomasbjornsen

In this podcast, Thomas and I discussed blood flow restriction training (BFR)

Some of the topics that we covered where:

1.What is BFR training?

2. What does the research shown in regards to BFR?

3. How do you perform BFR?

4. How do you implement it in your training program?