Training Science Podcast

In this end of year catch up, Prof Paul Laursen and Dr. Martin Buchheit reflect on the biggest lessons, debates, and breakthroughs from the past 12 months in training science. They share updates from the front lines of rehab and high performance work, unpack what is changing fast in sports science 3.0, and discuss how AI and better monitoring frameworks are reshaping how athletes and coaches make decisions. The episode wraps with their most downloaded podcast highlights of the year and a look ahead at what 2026 may bring.

In this episode of the Training Science Podcast, Dr. Martin Buchheit is joined by João Ribeiro, Head of Performance, to explore how elite football clubs monitor neuromuscular load and fatigue in real-world conditions.Building on their previous discussion around injury prevention and microcycle design, this conversation shifts focus to the response side of the monitoring equation—how athletes adapt to training and competition. João explains how his department integrates GPS data, wellness metrics, creatine kinase (CK), and low-frequency neuromuscular fatigue testing using Myocene to support daily decision-making, particularly during congested fixture periods.They discuss why passive, objective measures are essential when players cannot reliably perform maximal tests, how data is interpreted at the individual athlete level, and how monitoring is used to inform training availability rather than game selection.The episode also highlights feasibility, staff and coach alignment, and player buy-in as critical factors for successfully implementing advanced monitoring systems in applied football environments.ReferencesMyocene: https://www.myocene.com/Today's speakersDr. Martin Buchheit: https://martin-buchheit.net/João Ribeiro: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jo%C3%A3o-ribeiro-86997955

In this episode of the Training Science Podcast, Prof Paul Laursen sits down with Professor Anthony Turner to unpack the fundamental laws that underpin performance in every sport, from explosive team games to marathon running and cycling. Instead of debating opinions or trends, Anthony brings everything back to first principles: Newton's laws of motion, impulse, force, and the biomechanics of movement.Using endurance running as the main example, the conversation explores why strength training is just as essential as VO₂max and threshold for performance and economy. Ant explains how maximum strength and rate of force development shape running economy, ground contact time, stretch-shortening cycle efficiency, and ultimately time to exhaustion. They then extend these concepts to running, cycling, and long-term robustness.Listeners will also learn how to progress strength logically: from movement quality and symmetry, to heavy lifting, to power work and plyometrics, all while staying healthy and reducing injury risk. Whether you coach team sports, work with endurance athletes, or train yourself, this episode will change the way you think about strength training, biomechanics, and sport performance.Perfect for anyone interested in strength and conditioning, running economy, endurance performance, injury prevention, and applied sport science.References:https://thefitnessformula.training/_____________________ Today's speakers:Prof Paul Laursen  https://www.paullaursen.com/   Anthony Turner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-turner-62073788/_____________________ 

In this episode of the Training Science Podcast, Prof. Paul Laursen sits down with Athletica's AI modeling lead, Dr. Andrea Zignoli, to break down how artificial intelligence is transforming endurance training. Fresh off publishing three major SPSR papers, Andrea explains the evolution of AI systems inside Athletica — from agent-based modeling, to AI-assisted HRV readiness monitoring, to the use of sentiment as a new internal load signal.Paul and Andrea explore how structured “AI agent” architectures and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems allow large language models to move beyond basic chatbot behavior and become powerful tools for interpreting training data, detecting patterns, and supporting smarter athlete decision-making. They also look ahead at “Sport Science 3.0,” a future where coaching remains deeply human but is amplified by AI that can read files, interpret readiness, understand emotional states, and contextualize performance.Whether you're a coach, athlete, sport scientist, or tech-minded performance professional, this episode offers a clear look at how AI is already shaping modern training — and what's coming next.References:https://tiscourse.vercel.app/abouthttps://sportperfsci.com/the-computational-paths-of-knowledge-in-ai-coaching/https://sportperfsci.com/sports-science-3-0-series-ai-assisted-hrv-monitoring-enhancing-training-load-response-and-decision-making/https://sportperfsci.com/signatures-of-fatigue-transformer-based-sentiment-analysis-for-internal-load-monitoring/_____________________ Today's speakers:Prof Paul Laursen  https://www.paullaursen.com/   Dr. Andrea Zignoli: https://andreazignoli.github.io/ _____________________ 

In this episode of the Training Science Podcast, host Dr. Paul Laursen sits down with neuroscientist and performance expert Dr. Tommy Wood to explore the science behind The Stimulated Mind, Tommy's groundbreaking approach to optimizing brain health and cognitive performance.They dive into the key pillars of a thriving brain: environment, nutrition, metabolic health, sleep, and exercise. From the neonatal ICU to Formula 1 racing, Dr. Wood connects how our environment, movement, and mindset shape cognitive longevity and peak performance. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or simply striving to think and feel better, this conversation will help you unlock the full potential of your mind and body.References:Substack: https://www.betterbrain.fitness/The Stimulated Mind by Dr. Tommy Wood: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/751292/the-stimulated-mind-by-dr-tommy-wood/_____________________ Today's speakers:Prof Paul Laursen  https://www.paullaursen.com/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtommywood/_____________________ 

In this episode of the Training Science Podcast, Dr. Martin Buchheit sits down with performance coach and founder of 292Performance, Dr. Benjamin Rosenblatt, formerly the Head of Strength & Conditioning for the England national football team. Together, they explore the real engine behind athlete development: motivation, buy-in, and meaningful relationships.Ben shares the story behind his transition from leading England's physical performance program to building a high-impact, athlete-centered company that now supports elite performers across Europe. The conversation dives into his evidence-based methods for driving player engagement, the role of autonomy and competition in training, and how to manage different personalities, from mavericks to rising talent.Whether you work in elite football, academy settings, physical preparation, or high-performance environments, this episode offers practical frameworks, coaching wisdom, and behind-the-scenes stories you won't hear anywhere else.Perfect for coaches, sport scientists, physiotherapists, and anyone interested in performance coaching, athlete motivation, high-performance team culture, and player development._____________________ Today's speakers:Dr Martin Buchheit https://martin-buchheit.net/    Dr Benjamin Rosenblatt https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-benjamin-rosenblatt-03342514/_____________________ 

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⚡ EVOLVING COACHING for MODERN ATHLETES: INSIGHTS with JONAS DODOO

Top Episode Replay:Motivation comes from LOVING

How do we individualize athlete development in chaotic, high-contact sports like rugby and basketball? Dr. Carmen Colomer shares her science-backed system for unlocking performance

BREATH TO PERFORM – SCIENCE‑BACKED TOOLS FOR FASTER RUNNING Dr Eric Harbour didn't start with pace — he started with RESPIRATORY LIMITERS In this lung‑expanding episode of The Training Science Podcast, Paul & Eric translate cutting‑edge breathing research into everyday coaching gold: When your LUNGS, not your LEGS, hit the wall — spotting respiratory choke‑points  Nasal vs. mouth breathing — why, when & how to switch gears  Locomotor‑respiratory coupling (LRC) — syncing steps and breaths for efficiency  CO₂‑tolerance drills & apnea sets — building calm under metabolic fire  The “Breath Tools” framework — practical progressions you can use tomorrow—#TrainingSciencePodcast #HIITScience #AthleticaAI #BreathingScience #BreathTools #RunningPerformance #NasalBreathing #CO2Tolerance #LocomotorRespiratoryCoupling #EnduranceTraining #SportsScience #DataDrivenTraining #CoachingScience #CriticalThinking #ScienceMeetsSportToday's speakers:Prof. Paul Laursen – https://www.paullaursen.com/Dr Eric Harbour – https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericharbour/Reference discussed:Harbour et al. “Breath Tools: A synthesis of evidence‑based breathing strategies to enhance human running.” Frontiers in Physiology (2022). https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2022.813243/full

Top Episode Replay What is the MINIMAL amount of carbs

Top Episode ReplayFrom a technology nerd, sailor and entrepreneur, to coaching the world's fastest triathletes and chasing sub 7 hours for the Ironman distance - that's just the start of our next guest's bio!In this episode, we hear from leading Norwegian coach, Olav Aleksander Bu. Olav goes into great detail into his unique personal upbringing and background in technology, farming, sport and entrepreneurship and how he combined this experience alongside the development of a TEAM culture that has put the Norwegian program at the forefront of triathlon. There is so much to absorb in this EXTRA LONG 2 hour episode, especially after coming off Kristian Blummenfelt's recent win at the St. George Ironman World Championships. The conversation includes detailed insight into different types of training for the Norwegian triple powerhouse that is dominating triathlon currently. In the 21st episode of The Training Science Podcast, Paul and Olav have an in-depth conversation into how an athletes' profile can be very different from one athlete to the next, and therefore requires a highly individualized approach (that changes over time!). They also go into the evolution of high-end exercise science methods for chasing long-term improvements, as well as the relentless application of “the right” technology for the athletes.Fancy TRIATHLON and would like to implement sophisticated HIIT like Olav and his team? ➡️➡️ https://hiit-science.thinkific.com/bundles/science-application-of-hiit-triathlon ⬅️⬅️➡️➡️ https://athletica.ai/ ⬅️⬅️_____________________ Today's speakers:Prof. Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/ Olav Alexander Bu https://www.linkedin.com/in/olav-bu/ _____________________ 

Top Episode Replay:Designing HIIT workouts isn't just about the session you put down on paper.You need to first know the important basics of WHY you are doing them, and this relates critically to the CONTEXT! The impact of TIME ⏱️, INTENSITY

Thomas Losnegard from Olympiatoppen reveals why a small country can produce massive results in elite sport

⚽ SPORTS SCIENCE in ELITE FOOTBALL – Building TRUST with DATA

TOP EPISODE REPLAY:What is the MEANING & ROLE of RUNNING

⚙️ METHODOLOGY OVER TECH – Smart TRAINING with Limited RESOURCES

Top Episode Replay 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, Triathlete extraordinair Alistair Brownlee

Get OUTSIDE your COMFORT and EXPERTISE zone

You are FIT! BUT are you HEALTHY

It takes A LOT to get precise information for MOVEMENT QUALITY - don't get bogged down in your own bias

It takes A LOT to get precise information for MOVEMENT QUALITY - don't get bogged down in your own bias

DELAYING on-pitch rehab for BETTER

Simulate, train & PRACTICE with all

ECCENTRIC training is SO MUCH MORE than just lifting heavy weights!Marcin Lipski wants you to understand ECCENTRIC muscle actions are VERY different from their concentric counterparts. Plus, there are HEAPS of decelerations in practice. Yet, we have not approached it in a UNIQUE and ECCENTRIC-ONLY way in training. Try it!In the 147th episode of The Training Science Podcast, Paul & Marcin discuss:

Just be BIG, heavy

WHAT is the problem you are dealing with? Like, EXACTLY

You need to be PRACTICALLY