

Ep 163 - Optimize Training Outcomes with Heart Rate Training Expert Jesse N. Thomas MS, CSCS
How to optimize training outcomes through heart rate training
Jesse N. Thomas MS CSCS, a self-confessed science geek, is one of the industry’s leading heart rate training experts.
Jesse has dedicated his life to helping athletes train for success. He has spent decades applying the vast array of knowledge gained from years of studying for multiple degrees in kinesiology and exercise physiology to helping coaches, instructors and athletes optimize training outcomes through the delivery of insight and education.
In this episode, Jesse discusses the merits of heart rate training and the important role of the coach in teasing out optimal performance from individuals training in a group setting. He also explores how heart rate monitoring can flag negative training outcomes and the necessity of applying training strategies that drive a specific outcome.
This is an episode not to miss for anyone looking to get the most out of their heart rate training
For more information visit https://escapefitness.com/podcast
Video Version – https://youtu.be/xr6qxyFnmRY
Jesse N.Thomas MS, CSCS, has dedicated a lifetime to competitive sports. His coaching has helped high performance athletes all around the world to improve physical performance and increase mental strength.
Jesse studied for and achieved multiple degrees in kinesiology and exercise physiology, applying education to teach the importance of energy management and seeing the bigger picture of performance.
With years of experience developing master training teams around the world for globally recognised brands such as UFC, ICG and Life Fitness, he's now sharing this information in his book, The Ultimate Heart Rate Training Guide and has established himself as one of the world’s leading authorities in Heart Rate training.
Fitness Deconstructed is an exercise and fitness educational resource aimed at coaches, athletes, trainers and fitness minded individuals keen to enhance their understanding of Kinesiology and Exercise Physiology in order to optimize training practices.
Jesse also works with a diverse portfolio of international fitness brands – from equipment manufacturers - including MyZone and Life Fitness to commercial fitness operators, developing product and equipment specific training programs delivered via written content, presentations and workshops.
Through Fitness Deconstructed, Jesse has developed leadership and competencies of thousands of athletes, trainers and coaches around the world. Today, Jesse continues to fulfil his ambition to effect positive change through education and practical application. His passion is Heart Rate training and his book: ‘The Ultimate Heart Rate Training Guide’ is available now via Amazon.
Visit www.fitnessdeconstructed.com to find out more about Jesse’ coaching, education and content creation.
Episode highlights -
- Why it was important to improve the accessibility and availability of heart rate training education
- Most commercial fitness operators could get more out of their heart rate training equipment and programming if coaches and instructors were better informed
- Training outcomes can be achieved in a multitude of different ways. Understanding cardiovascular dynamics and how the heart goes into cardiac remodeling when demand is placed on it will determine the effectiveness of the training application on the outcome.
- How controlling training variables and applying consistency will lead to the attainment of goals in the shortest possible time frame
- How heart rate monitoring can be a useful indicator of the effectiveness of recovery strategies.
- Varying intensity - the ‘rollercoaster of diversity’ is the key to performance success whether training for an event or training for life
- Why questions have been asked about the accuracy of Karvonen’s 1950s heart rate training zone equations and what this has means now for the application of heart rate training zones in populations where a maximal heart rate test is not appropriate
- How training at an intensity as low as 68% maximum heart rate (in MyZone’s Blue Zone) can still be classified as High Intensity Interval Training
- How the overtraining effect impacts heart rate
- How steady state and HIIT training effects the neurological capacity of the heart
- How the type of training undertaken translates into performance outcomes. Defining what you want the outcomes to be will determine the make up of your training regime. Individuals are the product of their training
- The importance of personalized warm up prescription to effective training
- If training for life, what is the ultimate mix of weight being shifted and time allocated to training
- How regular interval training differ from HIIT training
- How the ability of a coach to offer modifications impacts the effectiveness of training for individuals working out in a group setting
- The role of education in helping participants to train smarter
- Choosing the right heart rate monitor for your training requirements?
- Most cardio equipment has a fat burning metric. How legitimate is this as an indication of the training effect
- How inconsistencies in heart rate behavior can be indicative of underlying health issues
Join Matthew Januszek in conversation with Jesse N. Thomas