"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.

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.

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.

Behavior change is tough. You've made the decision that change is needed in some aspect of your life, but there are challenges that pop up along the way. In this episode, NSCA certified trainer and Mental Performance Consultant Aaron Patterson discusses the importance of goal setting and behavior change in exercise adherence. He highlights the challenges individuals face in maintaining that change and explores psychological factors that influence these behaviors including self-efficacy, social support, and realistic goal setting in achieving long-term success.

Dance research is an ever-growing field with many avenues for researchers to consider. In this episode, Dr. Ali Duffy discusses her journey in dance and academia, and the importance of research in the field of dance. She explains various research methodologies and approaches and highlights the significance of community engaged research. 

Research in Dance https://ecs.page.link/7ZHSa 

Ali Duffy, PhD, MFA

Ali Duffy is associate head of dance at Texas Tech University and is a President's Excellence in Teaching professor and graduate director. She is the artistic director of Flatlands Dance Theatre and codirector of the International Parenting and Dance Network. She holds a doctorate from Texas Women's University, a master's degree from University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a bachelor's degree from UNC at Charlotte, a graduate certificate in women's and gender studies from Texas Tech University, and a professional certificate in online education from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

Duffy's writing has recently been published in Research in Dance Education; Journal of Dance Education; Journal of Arts Management, Law, and Society; Journal of Dance Medicine and Science, and Dance Education in Practice. Her recent books include Dancing Motherhood, Careers in Dance, and Meet the Dance makers. Forthcoming books include Pandemic Motherhood: Exploring the COVID-19 Pandemic Through Engaged and Applied Arts, Parenting and Dance: Interdisciplinary and International Perspectives, and Women in Dance: Choices, Obstacles, and the Question of Motherhood.

Dr. Duffy has been invited for artistic presentations and residencies at Queen's University Belfast, Valdosta State University, the University of South Florida, Lindenwood University, Colorado Mesa University, Virginia Tech, University of Detroit, UNC at Charlotte, UNC at Greensboro, Austin Dance Festival, and COCO Dance Festival. Her artistic and scholarly research has been supported by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Mid-America Arts Alliance.

Youth sports are more competitive than ever, and the rise in popularity and competitiveness will likely only continue to increase. But have you ever considered the disparity in talent, even within the same age group? In this episode, NSCA certified trainer and sport performance coach Aaron Patterson discusses the impact of Relative Age Effects and Biological Maturity through the lens of a recent research article titled The Influence of Relative Age and Biological Maturity on Youth Weightlifting Performance.

Citation

Morris, S., Oliver, J., Radnor, J., Hill, M., Haff, G., and Lloyd, R., (2025). The influence of relative age and biological maturity on youth weightlifting performance. Pediatric Exercise Science, 38:1; 1-9.

https://doi.org/10.1123/pes.2024-0083

Congratulations! You have set new goals and are excited to move forward with your new plan. This means the work is beginning and the inevitable challenges awaiting. The saying, "If it were easy, everyone would do it," is pretty accurate because the hard part isn't necessarily setting goals but following through with them. In this episode, certified trainers Aaron Patterson and Frank Eyeson have a conversation about building sustainable habits so you can stay on track and achieve your goals.

Can caffeine change the game? We have heard that caffeine can, in fact, improve performance whether that is through research or personal experience. In this episode, NSCA certified trainer Aaron Patterson walks you through a meta-analysis published in 2024 that looks into the effects of acute caffeine intake on specific performance in intermittent sports. It can be found in the Human Kinetics Journals.

Can Caffeine Change the Game? Effects of Acute Caffeine Intake on Specific Performance in Intermittent Sports During Competition: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis https://ecs.page.link/FKJZJ

The calendar shouldn’t dictate when you set new goals, but with the new year, it is top of mind for many people. As you prepare for these changes, ask yourself if you are setting the right type of goals. In this episode, NSCA certified trainer and Mental Performance Consultant Aaron Patterson discusses the three types of goals you should consider, and why goal setting works.