Paul Laursen | AI and Coaching: The Future of Individualized Training

In this episode, Dr. Paul Laursen joins to give his take and perspective on applying artificial intelligence to coaching and training. Paul shares his journey from Olympic hopeful to sports scientist, revealing how his pursuit of understanding optimal training led him to the intersection of AI and coaching.

The conversation dives deep into how AI can solve one of coaching's biggest challenges: truly individualizing training programs at scale. Paul explains how his company Athletica uses machine learning to analyze athlete data and create personalized training plans based on individual physiological profiles. He introduces the concept of "twitchy" versus "diesel" athletes and explains how understanding these differences can revolutionize training prescription.

For coaches working with limited resources, Paul provides practical strategies for implementing these concepts without expensive technology, including simple assessments like the anaerobic speed reserve ratio. This episode is essential listening for any coach looking to optimize their athletes' training while avoiding the pitfalls of one-size-fits-all programming.

Time Stamps

[3:00] - The HIIT Science BookDiscussion of the monumental task of creating a textbook that bridges science and practical application of HIIT across 20 sports.

[9:00] - Introduction to AI in CoachingPaul explains his early fascination with training technology and how overwhelming athlete data led to developing Athletica's AI platform.

[15:00] - Training AI Models and Avoiding "Garbage In, Garbage Out"Deep dive into how valid input data is essential for AI predictions and the importance of building on established sports science principles.

[24:00] - Individualization: Twitchy vs Diesel AthletesExploration of how slow-twitch versus fast-twitch muscle fiber composition affects training tolerance, recovery, and optimal programming.

[38:00] - Practical Application: Training the Right Energy SystemPaul reveals how 10-second on/20-second off intervals can achieve VO2max while preserving explosiveness in power athletes.

[41:00] - Solutions for Resource-Limited CoachesPractical strategies for implementing individualized training using simple assessments like 40-yard dash and mile run times.

[47:00] - Resources and Closing ThoughtsInformation on accessing HIIT Science courses, the Athletica platform, and future directions for AI in coaching.

Guest Bio

Dr. Paul Laursen is a world-renowned sports scientist and endurance coach with over 20 years of experience in high-performance sport. Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Paul completed his Bachelor's and Master's degrees at UBC before earning his PhD in Australia, where he spent two decades working with elite athletes. His research focuses on optimizing training adaptations, particularly through high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

Paul served as the lead physiologist for the New Zealand Olympic team through the London and Rio Olympic cycles, applying cutting-edge science to help athletes achieve peak performance. He is the co-author of The Science and Application of High Intensity Interval Training, a comprehensive textbook that bridges the gap between research and practical application of HIIT across multiple sports.

Currently, Paul is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence in coaching through his company Athletica, which uses machine learning to create individualized training programs for endurance athletes. The platform analyzes data from wearable devices to optimize training loads and recovery, making elite-level coaching insights accessible to athletes at all levels.

Resources Mentioned

• HIIT Science Book: hiitscience.com
• Athletica Platform: athletica.ai

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