Synapse Performance Podcast

In this episode, David is joined by Bryce Lewis. Byrce is an elite level powerlifter, having won silver in the IPF world championships in 2017 in the -105kg class. 

 

Bryce is also an experienced coach and founder of The Strength Athlete, a premium coaching and education service. 

 

Bryce displays a perfect blend of research knowledge and practical experience.

 

David & Bryce discuss:

 

Q1. What type of cues should we use in coaching?

 

Q2. How important is communication as a coach?

 

Q3. What methods of goal setting & visualization can be beneficial to performance?

 

And much more...

For full show-notes: www.hpascience.com/episode54

 

In this episode, David is joined by the founder of Reactive Training Systems, Mike Tuchscherer. Mike is an elite level powerlifter having achieved gold medal wins in both the world games and IPF world championships, 8 USA national championships and setting multiple IPF world records.

 

Reactive Training Systems offer elite level powerlifting coaching and education for coaching. Mike’s meticulous approach to coaching has led many of his athletes to outstanding success on the world stage.

 

Reactive Training Systems are a progressive company and continually innovating through in-house research projects.

For full show-notes see: www.hpascience.com/episode53

In this episode, David answers some of the common questions submitted by you, the listeners!

 

David discusses;

 

Topic 1: Weight training belts

 

What is the effect of belts on performance?

 

Are they of benefit to a bodybuilder?

 

Do they alter muscle activation?

 

What are the common mistakes people make with belts?

 

 

Topic 2: Knee sleeves

 

What is the current level of evidence?

 

What may be the mechanism by which they benefit performance?

 

 

Topic 3: Body weight fluctuations

 

Why is weight loss, fat loss , and weight cutting very different?

 

What causes bodyweight fluctuations?

 

How can we manipulate these factors to benefit in a weight cut?

 

What common refueling mistakes do people make following weigh-ins?

 

Full show notes at: www.hpascience.com/episode52

 

 

In this episode, David is joined by Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky. Dr. Tarnopolsky is a professor in McMaster University and leads a research team with the primary focus on neuromuscular and neurometabolic diseases and rehabilitation.

The overall goal of their research program is to discover and evaluate therapies that will enhance muscle function in people with acquired and genetic neuromuscular diseases and mitochondrial dysfunction. They have a particular interest in the potential for exercise, pharmacological and nutraceutical interventions to enhance muscle function and improve muscle mass. Their program spans the research disciplines from cell culture all the way to small-scale clinical trials.

 

In this episode David & Dr. Tarnopolsky discuss;

 

What are microvesicles & exosomes?

 

What are the potential applications of exosomes in:

 

Clinical settings and disease?

Exercise physiology

 

By what mechanisms do we believe exosomes are exerting their effect?

 

What is the potential future research into the area of exosomes going to look like? 

 

For full show notes see: www.hpascience.com/episode51

In this episode, David is joined by Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum. Jordan is an experienced strength coach who is currently finishing up his medical degree. In addition to a laundry list of credentials, Jordan is also an elite powerlifter who has held one of the top 20 totals of all-time.

 

Dr. Feigenbaum’s professional qualifications include:

 

 

• Eastern Virginia Medical School - Doctor of Medicine (2016)
• Saint Louis University School of Medicine - Masters of Anatomy and Physiology (2012)
• Truman State University - Bachelor of Science in Biology (2008)
• Starting Strength - Starting Strength Coach and Seminar Staff Member (2012-Present)
• National Strength and Conditioning Association - Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (2008 - Present)
• United States of America Weightlifting- Club Coach (2009-Present)
• American College of Sports Medicine - Health and Fitness Specialist (2008-Present)
• CrossFit - Level 1 Instructor (2009-Present)

 

David & Jordan discuss:

 

What rate of injuries occur in competitive powerlifting?

 

Is powerlifting damaging to the heart?

 

How does powerlifting compare to other sports in terms of risk?

 

What impact does weight training have on bone health?

 

What impact does weight training have on longevity?

 

How should we alter training for an elderly population? How hard should we push elderly clients?

How to maximise efficiency? 

And a lot of interesting tangents…

 

Full show notes available at: www.hpascience.com/episode50

In this episode, David is joined by Danny Lennon of Sigma Nutrition. Danny has a formal scientific background in academia, completing a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences at University College Cork. During this time Danny researched vitamin D, directly under the world-renowned researcher Professor Kevin Cashman.

 

In addition to that research, Danny took classes in biochemistry, clinical nutrition, micronutrient interactions and physiology. Previous to this Danny also completed a BSc. Degree in biology and physics education and spent a year teaching these subjects.

 

As well as producing media content, Danny also works as a performance nutritionist to professional MMA fighters, professional boxers and competitive powerlifters. He has consulted several teams in a number of sports. He also has an online coaching service that helps a wide array of clients with nutrition related issues.

 

In this episode, David & Danny discuss:

 

Are artificial sweeteners a cause of weight gain?

 

Are artificial sweeteners bad for our health or gut microbiota?

 

Is gluten something that should be excluded from our diets?

In this episode, David is joined by Danny Lennon of Sigma Nutrition. Danny has a formal scientific background in academia, completing a master’s degree (MSc.) in Nutritional Sciences at University College Cork. During this time Danny researched vitamin D, directly under the world-renowned researcher Professor Kevin Cashman.

In addition to that research, Danny took classes in biochemistry, clinical nutrition, micronutrient interactions and physiology. Previous to this Danny also completed a BSc. Degree in biology and physics education and spent a year teaching these subjects.

As well as producing media content, Danny also works as a performance nutritionist to professional MMA fighters, professional boxers and competitive powerlifters. He has consulted several teams in a number of sports. He also has an online coaching service that helps a wide array of clients with nutrition related issues.

In this episode, David & Danny discuss:

 

How to know when body-fat levels are too high that a diet is required? 

 

How to diet while minimizing  performance decrement?

 

How to implement an aggressive diet?

 

How to decide whether a weight-cut is appropriate?

 

How to implement a weight-cut for same day weigh-ins?

 

For full show notes see: www.hpascience.com/episode48

In this episode, David answers a listeners question regarding research.

 

David covers;

 

Topic 1: Research in the obese and elderly

 

Why does so much research focus on elderly and obese populations rather than trained and elite athletes?

 

Topic 2: Trained versus untrained populations in research

 

Why are the majority of studies conducted in untrained populations rather than elite athletes?

For full show notes see: www.hpascience.com/episode47

Topic 1: Expectations vs. reality of owning a gym or online fitness business

 

Q1. Do the expectations of owning a business match the reality?

 

Q2. What unexpected issues arise in the setting up of such a business?

 

Q3. What is the best way to resolve conflict with employees, who are also friends?

 

Q4. How important is it surround yourself with people you trust & can delegate to?

 

 

Topic 2: Building a positive training environment

 

Q5. How do we build a positive training environment?

 

Q6. What unexpected roles do coaches often play?

 

For full show notes: www.hpascience.com/episode46

Episode 45 - Jordan Syatt – Dogmatic Fitness Trends, Nutritional Tracking, Increasing Your Social Media Following & Networking in Your Industry

 

In this episode, David is joined by Jordan Syatt.  Jordan has been a world record level powerlifter and is currently a coach based out of New York city. Jordan has gained huge exposure as personal trainer to Gary Vaynerchuck and has engineered his social media to accumulate a large and influential following.

 

David & Jordan discuss:

 

Topic 1: Dogmatic fitness trends

 

Q2. What are the emerging fitness trends that could be damaging or dangerous for the industry or for people?

 

Q3. Is calorie and macro tracking essential for anyone trying to lose weight / gain muscle?

 

Q4. What are some tips for making tracking easier? 

 

Topic 2: Individualised approach to training clients & assessing bias. 

 

Q5. What screening/assessment systems does Jordan use for clients?

 

Q6. What questions must we keep in mind when programming for someone?

 

Topic 3: Social Media - Instagram & Networking

 

Q8. How important has social media been to the growth of Jordan’s business?

 

Q9. What are the common mistakes made by fitness professionals who are trying to grow their Instagram accounts? 

 

Q.10 What tips / advice should be people know when trying to build their Instagram accounts?

 

Q11. What is the best way to network / collaborate with people in your industry?

 

For full show notes see:

www.hpascience.com/episode45