The Progress Theory

The Progress Theory

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The Progress Theory episodes

  • The Importance Of Protein For Hybrid Training - Dr Tyler Churchward-Venne

    Hello and welcome to The Progress Theory where we discuss how to implement scientific principles to optimise human performance. In this episode, we have Dr Tyler Churchward-Venne, Assistant Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and physical education at McGill University

    There is a lot of training involved in a hybrid programme, so in order to make sure we are recovering between sessions to reduce the negative effects of residual fatigue or reduced protein synthesis, we need to make sure our nutrition is optimised. In this episode, Dr Churchward-Venne and I discuss why protein is so important for a hybrid athlete, what the difference is between myofibrillar and mitochondrial protein synthesis, and what the best protein sources are for improving recovery and aiding athletic performance.

    But before we get to the show I want to thank our sponsors, who the show would not be possible without.

    I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to my production partner, KULT Media. 


    KULT Media has been instrumental in the development & success of the progress theory. 


    They have created brand guides, comprehensive podcast strategies, enhanced the podcast production, developed custom workflows for me and edited & mixed all of the video, audio and social media content. 


    Their simple Coach, Create & Collaborate process has saved me 100’s hours in podcast production, resolved countless technical issues and consistently help me to improve my podcasting game. 


    So if you want to establish and engage your audience, or are ready to launch your own podcast head to www.kult.media to learn more. 



    Thank you to HMN24 – fuelling human potential and optimising everyday human performance and well-being. 


    First of all – HMN24 is not a sports supplement company. I’ve seen sport supplements be used as a method to improve performance in the gym and at a certain sport. However, these supplements, like a pre-workout, are often used on top of a lifestyle which does not provide the foundation needed for optimal performance. There’s no point taking pre-workout supplements if your sleep, hydration, and nutrition is an unstructured mess. I’m convinced that a large percentage of injuries are often caused, not because training was poor, but because a poor lifestyle foundation increased the athlete’s susceptibility to injury. Sports supplements are often used to plaster the cracks in poor lifestyle habits, which only causes more future problems. 


    And this is where HMN24 is different. The product range at HMN24 not only helps improve your foundation; it optimises it. The HMN24 products are designed to fit around your circadian rhythms, from the moment you wake up, to key moments in the day when you need optimal focus, to getting the best sleep at night, there’s a product to optimise each phase of the day.


    I can’t recommend enough the “live on form’ pack, consisting of the products Rise, flow and pre-sleep. Rise is for the morning and is my absolute favourite. It tastes amazing. Rise contains caffeine for increased morning alertness (though not a huge amount of caffeine, which is sooo much better for avoiding gastro-intestinal distress), electrolytes from coconut and watermelon powder to increase hydration after the previous night’s sleep, and B-vitamins, to ensure you ready to win the morning. I’m not a fan of long-winded morning routines. I wake up, have my Rise with ice, and get straight to writing, and I’ve seen such an improvement in getting into deep work.


    By the time 2pm comes around the effects of caffeine from Rise has worn off, but I don’t want to take more caffeine because that’s going to interrupt getting to sleep later on. This is where Flow is perfect. It’s a caffeine-free nootropic, perfect for improving alertness and concentration during that mid-afternoon slump. And finally, I take pre-sleep just before bed, which is a comprehensive night-time complex, formulated to help support well-being and fortify the body against the fatigue and stress that come with leading a performance-driven lifestyle. 


    I can’t recommend these products enough they are a game changer for human performance. And also, while you’re at their website hmn24.com check out there plant protein, which is incredible for smoothies post-training, and their website includes articles and an awesome podcast for those wanting to learn more about human performance. You can even check out the episode I did with them, I thoroughly enjoyed that chat I had with Phi Learney, Co-founder of HMN24, and it has led to an awesome collaboration with HMN24 supporting The Progress Theory. If you want a 10% discount on all HMN24 products either head to their website via the links in the Instagram bios of @theProgresstheory or my personal Instagram @drphilprice or use the code PHILPRICE at checkout.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • 1:02 - Introduction
    • 2:00 - Insects as a protein source
    • 4:38 - Insect protein in the market and in our culture
    • 9:45 - An introduction to Dr Tyler Chruchward-Venne
    • 12:21 - Going into the field of protein metabolism and hybrid training
    • 16:33 - What are high-quality proteins?
    • 21:10 - What is a low-quality course of protein?
    • 24:26 - The importance of leucine
    • 27:34 - Can more protein reduce the molecular interference effect?
    • 32:09 - The differences between myofibrillar and mitochondrial protein synthesis?
    • 34:35 - Carbohydrates for hybrid athletes
    • 37:37 - Acute studies measuring protein synthesis
    • 46:27 - Protein Recommendations for hybrid training

    As always, follow and subscribe to The Progress Theory on Instagram and Youtube, and check out all of our other episodes.

    FOLLOW OUR PODCAST
    Follow our Host / Guest

    @theprogresstheory

    @thepricep

    @ChurchwardVenne


    Explore these Resources or Items Mentioned in the Show

    HMN24 plant protein - Discount at checkout


    Dr Tyler Churchward-Venne research


    Other researchers mentioned in the episode

    Professor Luke Van Loon

    Professor Stuart Phillips

    Professor Keith Baar

    Dr Will Apro


    For all our other episodes and to get in touch, please visit www.theprogresstheory.com.


    Thanks for listening!

    All rights reserved. © The Progress Theory & KULT Media LTD 2025

    52 min
  • The Physiology Of Hybrid Performance & Crossfit Athletes - Evan Peikon

    Hello and welcome to The Progress Theory where we discuss how to implement scientific principles to optimise human performance. In this episode, we have Sports Physiologist & Bioscientist, Evan Peikon.

    What does the physiology of a hybrid athlete look like? We can understand the physiology of individual strength and endurance sports, and through this series of the Progress Theory, we also know how strength training can have a positive effect on, for example, running performance through improved running economy. But physiologically, can the two co-exist? In this episode, Evan and I discuss the role of the cardiovascular system for hybrid training, the effect of muscle size on endurance performance, and have a go at predicting how far hybrid performance can go.

    But before we get to the show I want to thank our sponsors, who the show would not be possible without.

    I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to my production partner, KULT Media. 


    KULT Media has been instrumental in the development & success of the progress theory. 


    They have created brand guides, comprehensive podcast strategies, enhanced the podcast production, developed custom workflows for me and edited & mixed all of the video, audio and social media content. 


    Their simple Coach, Create & Collaborate process has saved me 100’s hours in podcast production, resolved countless technical issues and consistently help me to improve my podcasting game. 


    So if you want to establish and engage your audience, or are ready to launch your own podcast head to www.kult.media to learn more. 



    Thank you to HMN24 – fuelling human potential and optimising everyday human performance and well-being. 


    First of all – HMN24 is not a sports supplement company. I’ve seen sport supplements be used as a method to improve performance in the gym and at a certain sport. However, these supplements, like a pre-workout, are often used on top of a lifestyle which does not provide the foundation needed for optimal performance. There’s no point taking pre-workout supplements if your sleep, hydration, and nutrition is an unstructured mess. I’m convinced that a large percentage of injuries are often caused, not because training was poor, but because a poor lifestyle foundation increased the athlete’s susceptibility to injury. Sports supplements are often used to plaster the cracks in poor lifestyle habits, which only causes more future problems. 


    And this is where HMN24 is different. The product range at HMN24 not only helps improve your foundation; it optimises it. The HMN24 products are designed to fit around your circadian rhythms, from the moment you wake up, to key moments in the day when you need optimal focus, to getting the best sleep at night, there’s a product to optimise each phase of the day.


    I can’t recommend enough the “live on form’ pack, consisting of the products Rise, flow and pre-sleep. Rise is for the morning and is my absolute favourite. It tastes amazing. Rise contains caffeine for increased morning alertness (though not a huge amount of caffeine, which is sooo much better for avoiding gastro-intestinal distress), electrolytes from coconut and watermelon powder to increase hydration after the previous night’s sleep, and B-vitamins, to ensure you ready to win the morning. I’m not a fan of long-winded morning routines. I wake up, have my Rise with ice, and get straight to writing, and I’ve seen such an improvement in getting into deep work.


    By the time 2pm comes around the effects of caffeine from Rise has worn off, but I don’t want to take more caffeine because that’s going to interrupt getting to sleep later on. This is where Flow is perfect. It’s a caffeine-free nootropic, perfect for improving alertness and concentration during that mid-afternoon slump. And finally, I take pre-sleep just before bed, which is a comprehensive night-time complex, formulated to help support well-being and fortify the body against the fatigue and stress that come with leading a performance-driven lifestyle. 


    I can’t recommend these products enough they are a game changer for human performance. And also, while you’re at their website hmn24.com check out there plant protein, which is incredible for smoothies post-training, and their website includes articles and an awesome podcast for those wanting to learn more about human performance. You can even check out the episode I did with them, I thoroughly enjoyed that chat I had with Phi Learney, Co-founder of HMN24, and it has led to an awesome collaboration with HMN24 supporting The Progress Theory. If you want a 10% discount on all HMN24 products either head to their website via the links in the Instagram bios of @theProgresstheory or my personal Instagram @drphilprice or use the code PHILPRICE at checkout.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • 1:11 - Introduction
    • 3:52 - Working at Crossfit Think Tank
    • 5:20 - The Crossfit athlete, mitochondrial density and the dilation of blood vessels
    • 9:21 - Arterial blood pressure and cardiac output
    • 13:10 - The influence of genetics
    • 15:30 - The difference between Crossfit athletes and Hybrid athletes
    • 18:32 - Physiological ceilings
    • 20:56 - VO2max in elite CrossFit athletes
    • 23:28 - Critical metabolic rate, muscle relations and respiratory endurance
    • 29:11 - The use of NIRS
    • 32:57 - Body position, skeletal muscle pump and gene expression.
    • 40:07 - The development of exercise science
    • 43:16 - Hybrid training advice for coaches
    • 46:28 - Understanding recovery/aerobic base training
    • 52:49 - What’s the future potential for the hybrid athlete?
    • 1:00:25 - Can being elite in one sport affect being a good hybrid athlete?


    Follow and subscribe to The Progress Theory on Instagram and Youtube, and check out all of our other episodes.

    FOLLOW OUR PODCAST
    Follow our Host / Guest

    @theprogresstheory

    @thepricep

    @evan_peikon


    Explore these Resources or Items Mentioned in the Show

    In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

    Evan Peikon - Medium

    Consultation with Evan - Crossfit think tank

    Emergence performance substack


    For all our other episodes and to get in touch, please visit www.theprogresstheory.com.


    Thanks for listening!

    All rights reserved. © The Progress Theory & KULT Media LTD 2025

    1 hr 10 min
  • The Effect Of Hybrid Training On Endurance Performance - Dr Kenji Doma

    Hello and welcome to The Progress Theory where we discuss how to implement scientific principles to optimise human performance. In this episode, we have Dr Kenji Doma, Senior Sport and Exercise Science Lecturer at James Cook University.

    Usually, whenever people think of the interference effect during hybrid training they think about how endurance training inhibits the strength and hypertrophy adaptations from strength training. The research support for strength training enhancing endurance performance is quite clear, but are there examples of how strength training can negatively affect endurance performance? In this episode, Dr Doma and Dr Phil Price discuss the mechanisms which can inhibit endurance performance and adaptation during hybrid training, how we can programme to avoid this, and what the common mistakes people make when hybrid training.

    But before we get to the show I want to thank our sponsors, who the show would not be possible without.

    I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to my production partner, KULT Media. 


    KULT Media has been instrumental in the development & success of the progress theory. 


    They have created brand guides, comprehensive podcast strategies, enhanced the podcast production, developed custom workflows for me and edited & mixed all of the video, audio and social media content. 


    Their simple Coach, Create & Collaborate process has saved me 100’s hours in podcast production, resolved countless technical issues and consistently help me to improve my podcasting game. 


    So if you want to establish and engage your audience, or are ready to launch your own podcast head to www.kult.media to learn more. 



    Thank you to HMN24 – fuelling human potential and optimising everyday human performance and well-being. 


    First of all – HMN24 is not a sports supplement company. I’ve seen sport supplements be used as a method to improve performance in the gym and at a certain sport. However, these supplements, like a pre-workout, are often used on top of a lifestyle which does not provide the foundation needed for optimal performance. There’s no point taking pre-workout supplements if your sleep, hydration, and nutrition is an unstructured mess. I’m convinced that a large percentage of injuries are often caused, not because training was poor, but because a poor lifestyle foundation increased the athlete’s susceptibility to injury. Sports supplements are often used to plaster the cracks in poor lifestyle habits, which only causes more future problems. 


    And this is where HMN24 is different. The product range at HMN24 not only helps improve your foundation; it optimises it. The HMN24 products are designed to fit around your circadian rhythms, from the moment you wake up, to key moments in the day when you need optimal focus, to getting the best sleep at night, there’s a product to optimise each phase of the day.


    I can’t recommend enough the “live on form’ pack, consisting of the products Rise, flow and pre-sleep. Rise is for the morning and is my absolute favourite. It tastes amazing. Rise contains caffeine for increased morning alertness (though not a huge amount of caffeine, which is sooo much better for avoiding gastro-intestinal distress), electrolytes from coconut and watermelon powder to increase hydration after the previous night’s sleep, and B-vitamins, to ensure you ready to win the morning. I’m not a fan of long-winded morning routines. I wake up, have my Rise with ice, and get straight to writing, and I’ve seen such an improvement in getting into deep work.


    By the time 2pm comes around the effects of caffeine from Rise has worn off, but I don’t want to take more caffeine because that’s going to interrupt getting to sleep later on. This is where Flow is perfect. It’s a caffeine-free nootropic, perfect for improving alertness and concentration during that mid-afternoon slump. And finally, I take pre-sleep just before bed, which is a comprehensive night-time complex, formulated to help support well-being and fortify the body against the fatigue and stress that come with leading a performance-driven lifestyle. 


    I can’t recommend these products enough they are a game changer for human performance. And also, while you’re at their website hmn24.com check out there plant protein, which is incredible for smoothies post-training, and their website includes articles and an awesome podcast for those wanting to learn more about human performance. You can even check out the episode I did with them, I thoroughly enjoyed that chat I had with Phi Learney, Co-founder of HMN24, and it has led to an awesome collaboration with HMN24 supporting The Progress Theory. If you want a 10% discount on all HMN24 products either head to their website via the links in the Instagram bios of @theProgresstheory or my personal Instagram @drphilprice or use the code PHILPRICE at checkout.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • 1:08 - Introduction
    • 9:51 - Neurological factors of the interference effect
    • 13:01 - The role of DOMS in the interference effect
    • 21:30 - A decrease in endurance performance depends on the intensity required for that session
    • 26:02 - What resistance training variables to manipulate
    • 28:29 - Organising your hybrid training throughout the week
    • 42:50 - The use of pre-fatigue
    • 48:02 - Is sub-optimal progress not a bad thing?
    • 52:50 - Training for weightlifting and an Iron man distance triathlon

    FOLLOW OUR PODCASTFollow our Host / Guest

    @theprogresstheory

    @thepricep

    @kenji_doma


    Explore these Resources or Items Mentioned in the Show

    In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

    Dr Kenji Doma research profile

    Other researchers

    Professor Kazunori Nosaka

    Professor Trevor chen

    Dr Dean Burt



    For all our other episodes and to get in touch, please visit www.theprogresstheory.com.


    Thanks for listening!

    All rights reserved. © The Progress Theory & KULT Media LTD 2025

    1 hr 1 min
  • The Molecular Physiology Of Hybrid Training - Professor Keith Baar

    Hello and welcome to The Progress Theory where we discuss how to implement scientific principles to optimise human performance. In this episode we have Dr Keith Baar, Professor of Molecular exercise physiology at the University of California.

    But before we get to the show I want to thank our sponsors, who the show would not be possible without.

    I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to my production partner, KULT Media. 


    KULT Media has been instrumental in the development & success of the progress theory. 


    They have created brand guides, comprehensive podcast strategies, enhanced the podcast production, developed custom workflows for me and edited & mixed all of the video, audio and social media content. 


    Their simple Coach, Create & Collaborate process has saved me 100’s hours in podcast production, resolved countless technical issues and consistently help me to improve my podcasting game. 


    So if you want to establish and engage your audience, or are ready to launch your own podcast head to www.kult.media to learn more. 



    Thank you to HMN24 – fuelling human potential and optimising everyday human performance and well-being. 


    First of all – HMN24 is not a sports supplement company. I’ve seen sport supplements be used as a method to improve performance in the gym and at a certain sport. However, these supplements, like a pre-workout, are often used on top of a lifestyle which does not provide the foundation needed for optimal performance. There’s no point taking pre-workout supplements if your sleep, hydration, and nutrition is an unstructured mess. I’m convinced that a large percentage of injuries are often caused, not because training was poor, but because a poor lifestyle foundation increased the athlete’s susceptibility to injury. Sports supplements are often used to plaster the cracks in poor lifestyle habits, which only causes more future problems. 


    And this is where HMN24 is different. The product range at HMN24 not only helps improve your foundation; it optimises it. The HMN24 products are designed to fit around your circadian rhythms, from the moment you wake up, to key moments in the day when you need optimal focus, to getting the best sleep at night, there’s a product to optimise each phase of the day.


    I can’t recommend enough the “live on form’ pack, consisting of the products Rise, flow and pre-sleep. Rise is for the morning and is my absolute favourite. It tastes amazing. Rise contains caffeine for increased morning alertness (though not a huge amount of caffeine, which is sooo much better for avoiding gastro-intestinal distress), electrolytes from coconut and watermelon powder to increase hydration after the previous night’s sleep, and B-vitamins, to ensure you ready to win the morning. I’m not a fan of long-winded morning routines. I wake up, have my Rise with ice, and get straight to writing, and I’ve seen such an improvement in getting into deep work.


    By the time 2pm comes around the effects of caffeine from Rise has worn off, but I don’t want to take more caffeine because that’s going to interrupt getting to sleep later on. This is where Flow is perfect. It’s a caffeine-free nootropic, perfect for improving alertness and concentration during that mid-afternoon slump. And finally, I take pre-sleep just before bed, which is a comprehensive night-time complex, formulated to help support well-being and fortify the body against the fatigue and stress that come with leading a performance-driven lifestyle. 


    I can’t recommend these products enough they are a game changer for human performance. And also, while you’re at their website hmn24.com check out there plant protein, which is incredible for smoothies post-training, and their website includes articles and an awesome podcast for those wanting to learn more about human performance. You can even check out the episode I did with them, I thoroughly enjoyed that chat I had with Phi Learney, Co-founder of HMN24, and it has led to an awesome collaboration with HMN24 supporting The Progress Theory. If you want a 10% discount on all HMN24 products either head to their website via the links in the Instagram bios of @theProgresstheory or my personal Instagram @drphilprice or use the code PHILPRICE at checkout.

    One of the mechanisms for the interference effect when hybrid training is molecular signalling theory. When activated by endurance exercise the AMPK pathway may inhibit the mTOR pathway, inhibiting strength and hypertrophy adaptations. But what does this all mean? In this episode, Professor Baar and Dr Phil Price discuss how these molecular pathways get activated, why endurance training might inhibit strength training adaptations, and how we can change our programming to reduce this.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • 1:14 - Introduction
    • 6:03 - What is mTORC1 and AMPK?
    • 10:43 - Factors which activate mTORC1 and AMPK
    • 14:55 - The importance of leucine
    • 18:35 - How long mTORC1 and AMPK stay activated poster exercise
    • 21:53 - Molecular breaks
    • 25:08 - Difference between rats and human studies on concurrent training
    • 31:23 - Untrained vs trained
    • 36:48 - Practical recommendations for hybrid athletes

    FOLLOW OUR PODCASTFollow our Host / Guest

    @theprogresstheory

    @thepricep

    @MuscleScience


    Explore these Resources or Items Mentioned in the Show

    In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:


    Professor Keith Baar Research


    Other researchers

    Professor William Apro

    Professor Eva Blomstrand

    Professor Dave Bishop

    Professor Hickson’s first study



    For all our other episodes and to get in touch, please visit www.theprogresstheory.com.


    Thanks for listening!

    All rights reserved. © The Progress Theory & KULT Media LTD 2025

    51 min
  • The Neuromuscular Physiology Of Strength & Power - Dr Matt Buckthorpe

    Hello and welcome to The Progress Theory where we discuss how to implement scientific principles to optimise human performance. On this episode we have S&C and physiology lecturer, Dr Matt Buckthorpe, to discuss the physiological adaptations to muscle from strength and power training.

    But before we get to the show I want to thank our sponsors, who the show would not be possible without.

    I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to my production partner, KULT Media. 


    KULT Media has been instrumental in the development & success of the progress theory. 


    They have created brand guides, comprehensive podcast strategies, enhanced the podcast production, developed custom workflows for me and edited & mixed all of the video, audio and social media content. 


    Their simple Coach, Create & Collaborate process has saved me 100’s hours in podcast production, resolved countless technical issues and consistently help me to improve my podcasting game. 


    So if you want to establish and engage your audience, or are ready to launch your own podcast head to www.kult.media to learn more. 



    Thank you to HMN24 – fuelling human potential and optimising everyday human performance and well-being. 


    First of all – HMN24 is not a sports supplement company. I’ve seen sport supplements be used as a method to improve performance in the gym and at a certain sport. However, these supplements, like a pre-workout, are often used on top of a lifestyle which does not provide the foundation needed for optimal performance. There’s no point taking pre-workout supplements if your sleep, hydration, and nutrition is an unstructured mess. I’m convinced that a large percentage of injuries are often caused, not because training was poor, but because a poor lifestyle foundation increased the athlete’s susceptibility to injury. Sports supplements are often used to plaster the cracks in poor lifestyle habits, which only causes more future problems. 


    And this is where HMN24 is different. The product range at HMN24 not only helps improve your foundation; it optimises it. The HMN24 products are designed to fit around your circadian rhythms, from the moment you wake up, to key moments in the day when you need optimal focus, to getting the best sleep at night, there’s a product to optimise each phase of the day.


    I can’t recommend enough the “live on form’ pack, consisting of the products Rise, flow and pre-sleep. Rise is for the morning and is my absolute favourite. It tastes amazing. Rise contains caffeine for increased morning alertness (though not a huge amount of caffeine, which is sooo much better for avoiding gastro-intestinal distress), electrolytes from coconut and watermelon powder to increase hydration after the previous night’s sleep, and B-vitamins, to ensure you ready to win the morning. I’m not a fan of long-winded morning routines. I wake up, have my Rise with ice, and get straight to writing, and I’ve seen such an improvement in getting into deep work.


    By the time 2pm comes around the effects of caffeine from Rise has worn off, but I don’t want to take more caffeine because that’s going to interrupt getting to sleep later on. This is where Flow is perfect. It’s a caffeine-free nootropic, perfect for improving alertness and concentration during that mid-afternoon slump. And finally, I take pre-sleep just before bed, which is a comprehensive night-time complex, formulated to help support well-being and fortify the body against the fatigue and stress that come with leading a performance-driven lifestyle. 


    I can’t recommend these products enough they are a game changer for human performance. And also, while you’re at their website hmn24.com check out there plant protein, which is incredible for smoothies post-training, and their website includes articles and an awesome podcast for those wanting to learn more about human performance. You can even check out the episode I did with them, I thoroughly enjoyed that chat I had with Phi Learney, Co-founder of HMN24, and it has led to an awesome collaboration with HMN24 supporting The Progress Theory. If you want a 10% discount on all HMN24 products either head to their website via the links in the Instagram bios of @theProgresstheory or my personal Instagram @drphilprice or use the code PHILPRICE at checkout.

    To fully understand what training we need to prescribe to achieve our goals we need to understand what happens at the neuromuscular level. How does the body adapt to the stress of resistance training? This is why I’ve asked Matt to come onto the Progress Theory. In this episode we discuss muscle fibre composition, compare the different adaptations caused by strength and power training, and if we all have an adaptive strength ceiling.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • 1:01 - Introduction
    • 4:04 - Adaptations to strength training
    • 7:58 - How the muscle respond to a progressive resistance training programme
    • 11:14 - Novice lifters, and difficulty of increasing strength over time
    • 13:37 - Our genetic ceiling for strength
    • 16:50 - The physiology of training hypertrophy before strength
    • 19:45 - Strength at different speeds
    • 23:43 - Training affecting muscle fibre size and type
    • 27:44 - Strength adaptations to tendon
    • 31:38 - Strength genetics


    FOLLOW OUR PODCASTFollow our Host / Guest

    @theprogresstheory

    @thepricep

    @m_buckthorpe


    Explore these Resources or Items Mentioned in the Show

    In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

    Matt Buckthorpe research gate


    For all our other episodes and to get in touch, please visit www.theprogresstheory.com.


    Thanks for listening!

    All rights reserved. © The Progress Theory & KULT Media LTD 2025

    45 min
  • Using RPE For Endurance Training - Dr Shaun McLaren

    Hello and welcome to The Progress Theory where we discuss how to implement scientific principles to optimise human performance. In this episode we have Dr Shaun McLaren, S&C coach and Sport Scientist for the Newcastle Falcons, and teaching fellow in Sport and Exercise physiology at Durham University.

    But before we get to the show I want to thank our sponsors, who the show would not be possible without.

    I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to my production partner, KULT Media. 


    KULT Media has been instrumental in the development & success of the progress theory. 


    They have created brand guides, comprehensive podcast strategies, enhanced the podcast production, developed custom workflows for me and edited & mixed all of the video, audio and social media content. 


    Their simple Coach, Create & Collaborate process has saved me 100’s hours in podcast production, resolved countless technical issues and consistently help me to improve my podcasting game. 


    So if you want to establish and engage your audience, or are ready to launch your own podcast head to www.kult.media to learn more. 



    Thank you to HMN24 – fuelling human potential and optimising everyday human performance and well-being. 


    First of all – HMN24 is not a sports supplement company. I’ve seen sport supplements be used as a method to improve performance in the gym and at a certain sport. However, these supplements, like a pre-workout, are often used on top of a lifestyle which does not provide the foundation needed for optimal performance. There’s no point taking pre-workout supplements if your sleep, hydration, and nutrition is an unstructured mess. I’m convinced that a large percentage of injuries are often caused, not because training was poor, but because a poor lifestyle foundation increased the athlete’s susceptibility to injury. Sports supplements are often used to plaster the cracks in poor lifestyle habits, which only causes more future problems. 


    And this is where HMN24 is different. The product range at HMN24 not only helps improve your foundation; it optimises it. The HMN24 products are designed to fit around your circadian rhythms, from the moment you wake up, to key moments in the day when you need optimal focus, to getting the best sleep at night, there’s a product to optimise each phase of the day.


    I can’t recommend enough the “live on form’ pack, consisting of the products Rise, flow and pre-sleep. Rise is for the morning and is my absolute favourite. It tastes amazing. Rise contains caffeine for increased morning alertness (though not a huge amount of caffeine, which is sooo much better for avoiding gastro-intestinal distress), electrolytes from coconut and watermelon powder to increase hydration after the previous night’s sleep, and B-vitamins, to ensure you ready to win the morning. I’m not a fan of long-winded morning routines. I wake up, have my Rise with ice, and get straight to writing, and I’ve seen such an improvement in getting into deep work.


    By the time 2pm comes around the effects of caffeine from Rise has worn off, but I don’t want to take more caffeine because that’s going to interrupt getting to sleep later on. This is where Flow is perfect. It’s a caffeine-free nootropic, perfect for improving alertness and concentration during that mid-afternoon slump. And finally, I take pre-sleep just before bed, which is a comprehensive night-time complex, formulated to help support well-being and fortify the body against the fatigue and stress that come with leading a performance-driven lifestyle. 


    I can’t recommend these products enough they are a game changer for human performance. And also, while you’re at their website hmn24.com check out there plant protein, which is incredible for smoothies post-training, and their website includes articles and an awesome podcast for those wanting to learn more about human performance. You can even check out the episode I did with them, I thoroughly enjoyed that chat I had with Phi Learney, Co-founder of HMN24, and it has led to an awesome collaboration with HMN24 supporting The Progress Theory. If you want a 10% discount on all HMN24 products either head to their website via the links in the Instagram bios of @theProgresstheory or my personal Instagram @drphilprice or use the code PHILPRICE at checkout.

    We’ve covered the use of RPE in strength training in this series of the Progress Theory, but how can it be used for Endurance training? Do we use RPE as an intensity variable that athletes have to aim for during interval work, or do we use it reflectively post-session? In this episode, Shaun and I discuss how to use RPE, how using RPE can take some time to get used to, and if we could use RPE across both strength and endurance training in a hybrid programme


    In this episode, we discuss:

    • 1:15 - Introduction
    • 6:13 - How Shaun got into RPE research
    • 13:24 - Factors which affect the perception of effort
    • 17:00 - Psychological factors
    • 23:49 - Outside factors influencing training performance
    • 29:10 - Objective vs subjective data
    • 39:10 - What is the perception of effort?
    • 47:35 - RPE drift and use in tempo runs
    • 52:00 - Recommendations for using RPE for endurance
    • 1:02:26 - Shaun’s Contact details


    FOLLOW OUR PODCASTFollow our Host / Guest

    @theprogresstheory

    @thepricep

    @Shaun_McLaren1



    Explore these Resources or Items Mentioned in the Show

    In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

    Shaun McLaren research profile

    Newcastle falcons

    Teeside university

    Durahm university


    For all our other episodes and to get in touch, please visit www.theprogresstheory.com.


    Thanks for listening!

    All rights reserved. © The Progress Theory & KULT Media LTD 2025

    1 hr 6 min
  • Mid Season Review: 3 Key Learnings For Hybrid Training

    Hello and welcome to The Progress Theory where we discuss how to implement scientific principles to optimise human performance. I am Dr Phil Price and in today's episode, we have the season 5 review where I will be reflecting on the last 5 episodes of the Progress Theory and pull together what key scientific principles or training ideas have really stood out to me and led me to implement them into my own training. I like these episodes as they highlight the key aim of this podcast: discussing the science and correctly implementing new ideas into your training programme or your everyday life. This season on hybrid training has been amazing and it’s made me realise just how much I enjoy podcasting. This season has allowed me to really delve deep into a training topic that I’m really passionate about and not only has it changed my ideas towards training but has identified areas that we don’t fully understand and that need further research. Hopefully, I can answer these questions through student and collaborative projects at St Mary’s University. If you have any ideas of your own please do not hesitate to contact me. You never know where these hybrid ideas may lead.

    Which of the season episodes has been your favourite so far? We started off with a group of episodes focusing on hybrid training with great athletes such as Daryl Green and Fergus Crawley, and looked into the concurrent training research with Dr Matt Lee. Then we focused on strength with Dr Pak, Coach Mike Tuscherer and GB weightlifter Sarah Davies. Then we went for endurance with Professor Louis Passfield, Mindset with Dr Carla Meijen, training intensity distribution with The Conditioning Consultant Nathan Heaney, and finally S&C for swimmers with Andy Elkins. All amazing episodes, each one giving practical advice while explaining the science behind their methods. I’m going to cheat and say I don’t have a favourite episode as each episode has played a significant role in my development as a scientist, athlete and coach, and they’ve all provided info on the book I’m writing (more on that later). However, I’m still going to pose the question to you, which has been your favourite episode? Let us know on instagram @theprogresstheory  


    But before we get to the show I want to thank our sponsors, who the show would not be possible without.

    I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to my production partner, KULT Media. 


    KULT Media has been instrumental in the development & success of the progress theory. 


    They have created brand guides, comprehensive podcast strategies, enhanced the podcast production, developed custom workflows for me and edited & mixed all of the video, audio and social media content. 


    Their simple Coach, Create & Collaborate process has saved me 100’s hours in podcast production, resolved countless technical issues and consistently help me to improve my podcasting game. 


    So if you want to establish and engage your audience, or are ready to launch your own podcast head to www.kult.media to learn more. 



    Thank you to HMN24 – fuelling human potential and optimising everyday human performance and well-being. 


    First of all – HMN24 is not a sports supplement company. I’ve seen sport supplements be used as a method to improve performance in the gym and at a certain sport. However, these supplements, like a pre-workout, are often used on top of a lifestyle which does not provide the foundation needed for optimal performance. There’s no point taking pre-workout supplements if your sleep, hydration, and nutrition is an unstructured mess. I’m convinced that a large percentage of injuries are often caused, not because training was poor, but because a poor lifestyle foundation increased the athlete’s susceptibility to injury. Sports supplements are often used to plaster the cracks in poor lifestyle habits, which only causes more future problems. 


    And this is where HMN24 is different. The product range at HMN24 not only helps improve your foundation; it optimises it. The HMN24 products are designed to fit around your circadian rhythms, from the moment you wake up, to key moments in the day when you need optimal focus, to getting the best sleep at night, there’s a product to optimise each phase of the day.


    I can’t recommend enough the “live on form’ pack, consisting of the products Rise, flow and pre-sleep. Rise is for the morning and is my absolute favourite. It tastes amazing. Rise contains caffeine for increased morning alertness (though not a huge amount of caffeine, which is sooo much better for avoiding gastro-intestinal distress), electrolytes from coconut and watermelon powder to increase hydration after the previous night’s sleep, and B-vitamins, to ensure you ready to win the morning. I’m not a fan of long-winded morning routines. I wake up, have my Rise with ice, and get straight to writing, and I’ve seen such an improvement in getting into deep work.


    By the time 2pm comes around the effects of caffeine from Rise has worn off, but I don’t want to take more caffeine because that’s going to interrupt getting to sleep later on. This is where Flow is perfect. It’s a caffeine-free nootropic, perfect for improving alertness and concentration during that mid-afternoon slump. And finally, I take pre-sleep just before bed, which is a comprehensive night-time complex, formulated to help support well-being and fortify the body against the fatigue and stress that come with leading a performance-driven lifestyle. 


    I can’t recommend these products enough they are a game changer for human performance. And also, while you’re at their website hmn24.com check out there plant protein, which is incredible for smoothies post-training, and their website includes articles and an awesome podcast for those wanting to learn more about human performance. You can even check out the episode I did with them, I thoroughly enjoyed that chat I had with Phi Learney, Co-founder of HMN24, and it has led to an awesome collaboration with HMN24 supporting The Progress Theory. If you want a 10% discount on all HMN24 products either head to their website via the links in the Instagram bios of @theProgresstheory or my personal Instagram @drphilprice or use the code PHILPRICE at checkout.


    Right, for my reflection. First of all, I really enjoyed discussing hybrid programming with Fergus Crawley. A great guy, athlete, all-round top bloke. I really agreed with how he incorporates his hybrid challenges into his overall programming. Lots of athletes will train up to a challenge and then recover the following week, usually in some form of deload. Now, this is a fine approach but do we need to do this for every big challenge? Can’t these challenges be viewed as part of a long-term training programme? Fergus talks about consolidating stressors, working to develop specific adaptations which transfer to hybrid performance rather than working specifically to a sport. This, to me, makes quite a lot of sense for a hybrid athlete, especially as the hybrid challenge often changes. For example, one year you may be training for a functional fitness competition, and the next you're working to improve your powerlifting total while training for a half iron man distance triathlon. You can either view this as training for two separate sports in two separate years, or you’re training to get both stronger and fitter over the 2 years and you're just displaying this strength and fitness in two different ways. Your training may end up slightly more generic, only becoming more sports-specific nearer the challenge or competition as you learn to apply your strength and fitness in different training modalities. This stops us training for a challenge and then thinking…what’s next. The challenges just become a part of your main long-term goals i.e to get as strong and fit as possible. It stops the weeks of misguided and directionless training after these events, which you label a deload. If you’re a good athlete you should be able to recover pretty quickly, so the hybrid challenge or event you choose to do should form part of a larger training programme, not act as a peak.


    OK, second reflection. I enjoyed discussing collecting data and understanding our athletes with powerlifting coach Mike Tuchscherer. In our episode, we discussed how long you’d programme a training block for and how different athletes react to training differently. For example, I may programme a double in the back squat at an RPE of 8 for 8 weeks in one of the sessions. Each week is the same but the loads may be different as the athlete progresses. Athlete 1 may increase their load each week quite linearly, reaching a plateau of sorts around weeks 7 & 8. Athlete 2 may plateau at week 2, and continue the programme until suddenly around week 6 or 7 see a sudden surge in loads lifted. These two athletes had the same programme but clearly progressed very differently. Should we know how athletes progress like this to help inform future programming decisions? This is where Mike and I discussed the importance of tracking data and monitoring training loads as much as possible. Most of it may seem unnecessary and doesn’t lead you to make any immediate decisions as a coach, but having all this data tells a story of how your athlete reacts to different training programmes and stimuli. Say you had an athlete that responds differently to the bench press compared to the back squat? How are you going to know this? You can only know this by monitoring their training and allowing data collected to tell this story about the athlete. Their training past should give clues on what their training future should look like.


    Finally, for all those interested in mindset out there, I wanted to discuss motivation and my episode with Sports Psychologist Dr Carla Meijen. In the episode, we discussed the factors which can influence psychological endurance performance: motivation, duration, pain and pacing. All of these offer a different dimension to reflect on your mindset towards endurance performance, but motivation stuck out to me. I think this is because, to me, motivation seems to come and go. At times you can be super motivated and everything is going well, and then something happens in everyday life and motivation is completely rocked. I also think this is why people like listening to podcasts on mindset because it gives them motivation. So how can we maintain motivation? Well, Carla discussed the difference between quality over quantity. If motivation can be so easy to come by but doesn’t last very long, maybe we should be more reflective and understand where our true motivations come from. Motivation should be focused on what satisfies you most and what you believe is going to make you a better person. More internally focused motivations seem to be more sustainable. Enjoying the process of self-development is a more sustainable motivation than wanting to train because you saw someone on social media train and you feel you need to compete with them. Internal over external. Now, this may seem obvious and nothing you haven’t heard before, but Carla describes how we need to be more aware and reflective to ensure we are fueled by good, sustainable motivations and not poor unsustainable motivations. We need to be better at being aware of when poor motivations might be driving us forward as that could have negative consequences long-term.


    So I end my reflection on the first half of season 5 of the Progress theory by highlighting the importance of reflection. I really hope these episodes have helped inform your ideas for your own hybrid training. Please keep a lookout over the coming months for information I shall be releasing about the book I am writing on Hybrid training. I’m currently getting as many ideas down on paper as possible and I hope to be completing some hybrid challenges of my own which I’ll also be documenting in the book. I'm just waiting for a confirmation and then I’ll be able to reveal much more. Let’s just say I hope to do something that I’ve never been able to do before and the last time I tried it I ended up needing ACL surgery. The aim is to release the book for Christmas as it’ll be the perfect gift for anyone who’s into hybrid training and human performance.


    Before I go a huge thank you to our Sponsors HMN24 and the Strength Coach Nause. If you’re serious about Hybrid training check the links in our Instagram account for money off supplements and training programmes. And also, our producers Kult Media, this podcast wouldn’t be possible without them. If you want to start your own podcast and need help head to @kult.media and send them a message.


    That’s it, go and train and we’ll see you in the next episode


    For all our other episodes and to get in touch, please visit www.theprogresstheory.com.


    Thanks for listening!

    All rights reserved. © The Progress Theory & KULT Media LTD 2025

    11 min
  • Strength & Conditioning for Swimming Performance - Andy Elkins

    Hello and welcome to The Progress Theory where we discuss how to implement scientific principles to optimise human performance. In this episode, we have the English Institute of Sport S&C coach for the GB swimming team, Andy Elkins.

    In sports such as running and rowing, you’re always pushing away from something, such as the ground or the rowing machine in those examples, and therefore the movement patterns are quite similar. Swimming, however, is completely different as you’re suspended in water and you’re kicking and pulling to move through the water. So how do you physically prepare for this? What training can you do? In this episode, Andy and I discuss the importance of hitting the right positions of your stroke before loading through those positions, the land-based determinants of swimming performance, and tips on what S&C training you can do to improve your swimming.


    But before we get to the show I want to thank our sponsors, who the show would not be possible without.

    I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to my production partner, KULT Media. 


    KULT Media has been instrumental in the development & success of the progress theory. 


    They have created brand guides, comprehensive podcast strategies, enhanced the podcast production, developed custom workflows for me and edited & mixed all of the video, audio and social media content. 


    Their simple Coach, Create & Collaborate process has saved me 100’s hours in podcast production, resolved countless technical issues and consistently help me to improve my podcasting game. 


    So if you want to establish and engage your audience, or are ready to launch your own podcast head to www.kult.media to learn more. 



    Thank you to HMN24 – fuelling human potential and optimising everyday human performance and well-being. 


    First of all – HMN24 is not a sports supplement company. I’ve seen sport supplements be used as a method to improve performance in the gym and at a certain sport. However, these supplements, like a pre-workout, are often used on top of a lifestyle which does not provide the foundation needed for optimal performance. There’s no point taking pre-workout supplements if your sleep, hydration, and nutrition is an unstructured mess. I’m convinced that a large percentage of injuries are often caused, not because training was poor, but because a poor lifestyle foundation increased the athlete’s susceptibility to injury. Sports supplements are often used to plaster the cracks in poor lifestyle habits, which only causes more future problems. 


    And this is where HMN24 is different. The product range at HMN24 not only helps improve your foundation; it optimises it. The HMN24 products are designed to fit around your circadian rhythms, from the moment you wake up, to key moments in the day when you need optimal focus, to getting the best sleep at night, there’s a product to optimise each phase of the day.


    I can’t recommend enough the “live on form’ pack, consisting of the products Rise, flow and pre-sleep. Rise is for the morning and is my absolute favourite. It tastes amazing. Rise contains caffeine for increased morning alertness (though not a huge amount of caffeine, which is sooo much better for avoiding gastro-intestinal distress), electrolytes from coconut and watermelon powder to increase hydration after the previous night’s sleep, and B-vitamins, to ensure you ready to win the morning. I’m not a fan of long-winded morning routines. I wake up, have my Rise with ice, and get straight to writing, and I’ve seen such an improvement in getting into deep work.


    By the time 2pm comes around the effects of caffeine from Rise has worn off, but I don’t want to take more caffeine because that’s going to interrupt getting to sleep later on. This is where Flow is perfect. It’s a caffeine-free nootropic, perfect for improving alertness and concentration during that mid-afternoon slump. And finally, I take pre-sleep just before bed, which is a comprehensive night-time complex, formulated to help support well-being and fortify the body against the fatigue and stress that come with leading a performance-driven lifestyle. 


    I can’t recommend these products enough they are a game changer for human performance. And also, while you’re at their website hmn24.com check out there plant protein, which is incredible for smoothies post-training, and their website includes articles and an awesome podcast for those wanting to learn more about human performance. You can even check out the episode I did with them, I thoroughly enjoyed that chat I had with Phi Learney, Co-founder of HMN24, and it has led to an awesome collaboration with HMN24 supporting The Progress Theory. If you want a 10% discount on all HMN24 products either head to their website via the links in the Instagram bios of @theProgresstheory or my personal Instagram @drphilprice or use the code PHILPRICE at checkout.


    In this episode, we discuss:

    • 1:06 - Introduction and GB swimming and the Tokyo Olympics
    • 04:59 - Andy’s role at the EIS and his S&C career
    • 12:00 - A typical day/week for an elite swimming athlete
    • 14:20 - weekly swimming volume of a GB swimmer
    • 17:50 - Key performances indicators for swimming performance
    • 20:26 - Auto-regulating S&C sessions throughout the week
    • 23:00 - general vs localised fatigue
    • 26:11 - Gym exercises and transfer to training
    • 31:39 - Local muscle tissue conditioning sessions
    • 35:53 - Research in land-based metrics for swimming
    • 47:00 - Shoulder screening
    • 50:35 - Contact details

    FOLLOW OUR PODCAST
    Follow our Host / Guest

    @theprogresstheory

    @thepricep

    @Viktus_perform


    Explore these Resources or Items Mentioned in the Show

    GB swimming

    EIS

    Gloucester rugby


    For all our other episodes and to get in touch, please visit www.theprogresstheory.com.


    Thanks for listening!

    All rights reserved. © The Progress Theory & KULT Media LTD 2025

    49 min
  • Endurance Training Intensity Distribution For Hybrid Athlete Performance - Nathan Heaney

    In this episode, we have the S&C coach and the Head of Athlete Performance and Development at Xavier College, Nathan Heaney, also known as the Conditioning Consultant.

    More athletes are becoming familiar with training programmes based on training zones. You may have heard of 80/20 running where the aim is to do 80% of your running training in the easy zone, and 20% in the intense zone. But is it as simple as making your easy runs easy and your hard runs hard? What defines these training zones? In this episode, Nathan and I discuss how to use heart rate data to guide your training zones, what the difference is between a 3 zone and a 5 zone training model, and is it possible to use ratings of perceived exertion to help guide training these zones, too.

    But before we get to the show I want to thank our sponsors, who the show would not be possible without.

    I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to my production partner, KULT Media. 


    KULT Media has been instrumental in the development & success of the progress theory. 


    They have created brand guides, comprehensive podcast strategies, enhanced the podcast production, developed custom workflows for me and edited & mixed all of the video, audio and social media content. 


    Their simple Coach, Create & Collaborate process has saved me 100’s hours in podcast production, resolved countless technical issues and consistently help me to improve my podcasting game. 


    So if you want to establish and engage your audience, or are ready to launch your own podcast head to www.kult.media to learn more. 



    Thank you to HMN24 – fuelling human potential and optimising everyday human performance and well-being. 


    First of all – HMN24 is not a sports supplement company. I’ve seen sport supplements be used as a method to improve performance in the gym and at a certain sport. However, these supplements, like a pre-workout, are often used on top of a lifestyle which does not provide the foundation needed for optimal performance. There’s no point taking pre-workout supplements if your sleep, hydration, and nutrition is an unstructured mess. I’m convinced that a large percentage of injuries are often caused, not because training was poor, but because a poor lifestyle foundation increased the athlete’s susceptibility to injury. Sports supplements are often used to plaster the cracks in poor lifestyle habits, which only causes more future problems. 


    And this is where HMN24 is different. The product range at HMN24 not only helps improve your foundation; it optimises it. The HMN24 products are designed to fit around your circadian rhythms, from the moment you wake up, to key moments in the day when you need optimal focus, to getting the best sleep at night, there’s a product to optimise each phase of the day.


    I can’t recommend enough the “live on form’ pack, consisting of the products Rise, flow and pre-sleep. Rise is for the morning and is my absolute favourite. It tastes amazing. Rise contains caffeine for increased morning alertness (though not a huge amount of caffeine, which is sooo much better for avoiding gastro-intestinal distress), electrolytes from coconut and watermelon powder to increase hydration after the previous night’s sleep, and B-vitamins, to ensure you ready to win the morning. I’m not a fan of long-winded morning routines. I wake up, have my Rise with ice, and get straight to writing, and I’ve seen such an improvement in getting into deep work.


    By the time 2pm comes around the effects of caffeine from Rise has worn off, but I don’t want to take more caffeine because that’s going to interrupt getting to sleep later on. This is where Flow is perfect. It’s a caffeine-free nootropic, perfect for improving alertness and concentration during that mid-afternoon slump. And finally, I take pre-sleep just before bed, which is a comprehensive night-time complex, formulated to help support well-being and fortify the body against the fatigue and stress that come with leading a performance-driven lifestyle. 


    I can’t recommend these products enough they are a game changer for human performance. And also, while you’re at their website hmn24.com check out there plant protein, which is incredible for smoothies post-training, and their website includes articles and an awesome podcast for those wanting to learn more about human performance. You can even check out the episode I did with them, I thoroughly enjoyed that chat I had with Phi Learney, Co-founder of HMN24, and it has led to an awesome collaboration with HMN24 supporting The Progress Theory. If you want a 10% discount on all HMN24 products either head to their website via the links in the Instagram bios of @theProgresstheory or my personal Instagram @drphilprice or use the code PHILPRICE at checkout.


    In this episode, we discuss:

    • 1:10 - Introduction to Nathan Heaney and the start of his work in training intensity domains
    • 9:00 - Training intensity during defined
    • 11:09 - What happens when runners' unintentionally run in the wrong intensity zone
    • 17:24 - External factors influencing athlete’s training intensity
    • 23:23 - The different intensity distribution models and why is polarised training so popular
    • 29:34 - The Threshold model
    • 30:22 - Programme flexibility between models due to training goals
    • 35:58 - defining your intensity zones
    • 38:36 - tips and tests for determining training zones
    • 43:49 - Creating interval sessions
    • 47:56 - The use of RPE for endurance training


    FOLLOW OUR PODCASTFollow our Host / Guest

    @theprogresstheory

    @thepricep

    @theconditioningconsultant


    Explore these Resources or Items Mentioned in the Show

    The Conditioning Consultant website

    Online lecture on Training Intensity Distribution


    For all our other episodes and to get in touch, please visit www.theprogresstheory.com.


    Thanks for listening!

    All rights reserved. © The Progress Theory & KULT Media LTD 2025

    59 min
  • How To Optimise Your Mindset For Endurance Performance - Dr Carla Meijen

    In this episode, we have Dr Carla Meijen, lecturer and researcher in sports psychology at St Mary’s University.

    One thing that has always stood out to me about elite performers, the best of the best, is their psychological resilience. Whatever happens during a race or their approach during their training and preparation, they have the ability to remain focused on the main goal and not talk themselves out of winning. In this episode, Carla and I discuss the main psychological determinants of endurance performance, different self-talk strategies during races, and how developing a clear variety of goals can help you move between racing strategies when the unexpected occurs.

    But before we get to the show I want to thank our sponsors, who the show would not be possible without.

    I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to my production partner, KULT Media. 


    KULT Media has been instrumental in the development & success of the progress theory. 


    They have created brand guides, comprehensive podcast strategies, enhanced the podcast production, developed custom workflows for me and edited & mixed all of the video, audio and social media content. 


    Their simple Coach, Create & Collaborate process has saved me 100’s hours in podcast production, resolved countless technical issues and consistently help me to improve my podcasting game. 


    So if you want to establish and engage your audience, or are ready to launch your own podcast head to www.kult.media to learn more. 



    Thank you to HMN24 – fuelling human potential and optimising everyday human performance and well-being. 


    First of all – HMN24 is not a sports supplement company. I’ve seen sport supplements be used as a method to improve performance in the gym and at a certain sport. However, these supplements, like a pre-workout, are often used on top of a lifestyle which does not provide the foundation needed for optimal performance. There’s no point taking pre-workout supplements if your sleep, hydration, and nutrition is an unstructured mess. I’m convinced that a large percentage of injuries are often caused, not because training was poor, but because a poor lifestyle foundation increased the athlete’s susceptibility to injury. Sports supplements are often used to plaster the cracks in poor lifestyle habits, which only causes more future problems. 


    And this is where HMN24 is different. The product range at HMN24 not only helps improve your foundation; it optimises it. The HMN24 products are designed to fit around your circadian rhythms, from the moment you wake up, to key moments in the day when you need optimal focus, to getting the best sleep at night, there’s a product to optimise each phase of the day.


    I can’t recommend enough the “live on form’ pack, consisting of the products Rise, flow and pre-sleep. Rise is for the morning and is my absolute favourite. It tastes amazing. Rise contains caffeine for increased morning alertness (though not a huge amount of caffeine, which is sooo much better for avoiding gastro-intestinal distress), electrolytes from coconut and watermelon powder to increase hydration after the previous night’s sleep, and B-vitamins, to ensure you ready to win the morning. I’m not a fan of long-winded morning routines. I wake up, have my Rise with ice, and get straight to writing, and I’ve seen such an improvement in getting into deep work.


    By the time 2pm comes around the effects of caffeine from Rise has worn off, but I don’t want to take more caffeine because that’s going to interrupt getting to sleep later on. This is where Flow is perfect. It’s a caffeine-free nootropic, perfect for improving alertness and concentration during that mid-afternoon slump. And finally, I take pre-sleep just before bed, which is a comprehensive night-time complex, formulated to help support well-being and fortify the body against the fatigue and stress that come with leading a performance-driven lifestyle. 


    I can’t recommend these products enough they are a game changer for human performance. And also, while you’re at their website hmn24.com check out there plant protein, which is incredible for smoothies post-training, and their website includes articles and an awesome podcast for those wanting to learn more about human performance. You can even check out the episode I did with them, I thoroughly enjoyed that chat I had with Phi Learney, Co-founder of HMN24, and it has led to an awesome collaboration with HMN24 supporting The Progress Theory. If you want a 10% discount on all HMN24 products either head to their website via the links in the Instagram bios of @theProgresstheory or my personal Instagram @drphilprice or use the code PHILPRICE at checkout.


    In this episode, we discuss:

    • 1:07 - The psychological factors which make up endurance performance
    • 6:00 - The importance of motivation
    • 14:20 - Self-talk
    • 20:14 - Goal setting and goal flexibility
    • 22:20 - The RESIST programme
    • 25:40 - Strategies for improving self-talk
    • 28:44 - Programming difficult sessions to test the self-talk strategies.
    • 32:03 - The ability to stay present and re-focus
    • 38:02 - How endurance psychology is multifactorial
    • 41:55 - Race anxiety from past poor performances
    • 48:15 - Tips to improve psychological endurance performance


    FOLLOW OUR PODCAST
    Follow our Host / Guest

    @theprogresstheory

    @thepricep

    @CarlaMeijen


    Explore these Resources or Items Mentioned in the Show

    In this episode, we mentioned the following resources:

    Carla’s Personal website:

    Carla’s Book - Endurance performance in sport

    RESIST website


    For all our other episodes and to get in touch, please visit www.theprogresstheory.com.


    Thanks for listening!

    All rights reserved. © The Progress Theory & KULT Media LTD 2025

    52 min

About The Progress Theory

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to The Progress Theory.