Training Science Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Professor Arne Güllich to unpack one of the most talked about sports science papers in years, recently published in Science. Drawing from data on more than 30,000 high performers across sport, music, chess, and science, the conversation challenges the belief that early dominance and early specialization are the keys to elite success.Arne breaks down the now viral performance trajectory figure, explores why most world class adults were not standout juniors, and explains what truly separates those who peak at the highest level from those who plateau. The discussion moves from theory to practice as Paul reflects on his role as a parent of a 15 year old swimmer, asking the questions many parents and coaches are quietly wrestling with.This episode is essential listening for anyone involved in youth sport, talent development, or long term athlete health and performance.References:https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adt7790_____________________ Today’s speakers:Prof Paul Laursen  https://www.paullaursen.com/   Prof Arne Güllich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arne-g%C3%BCllich-4438a7376/_____________________ 

In this episode, Dr. Martin Buchheit is joined by Dr. Scott Frey, a neuroscientist and founder of Cerebral Performance, to explore how brain science can improve athletic performance. The conversation focuses on central fatigue and why cognitive load can meaningfully reduce physical output, decision making quality, and error recovery in sport.Scott explains why athletes often taper the body but rarely taper the brain, and shares practical ways to reduce mental load in the lead up to competition. They also discuss how cognitive testing, mood and motivation ratings, and HRV can be combined to monitor central fatigue, plus how cognitive training can be integrated into gym work or interval sessions to build fatigue resistance when it matters most.____________________________Today’s speakers:Dr Martin Buchheit https://martin-buchheit.net/Dr. Scott Frey https://cerebralperformance.com/

Stephan Nüsser, a performance physiologist and founder of SNDC in Germany, dives into the world of lactate testing and endurance training. He reveals how lactate can personalize training, defines true Zone 2 intensity, and discusses its physiological implications. Stephan emphasizes integrating carb-optimized nutrition with metabolic flexibility for optimal performance. He also shares insights on interval training, the critical role of lactate as a fuel and signaling molecule, and practical applications for athletes looking to boost their endurance and training outcomes.

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 engaging discussion, João Ribeiro, Head of Performance at SC Braga, shares insights into elite football's neuromuscular load monitoring. He explains how his team combines GPS data, wellness metrics, and low-frequency fatigue testing with Myocene to make informed decisions during busy fixture periods. A unique focus is placed on passive objective testing's reliability compared to maximal tests. João also highlights the importance of player communication and adaptability in implementing these advanced systems for optimal performance and injury prevention.

Anthony Turner, a strength and conditioning coach and biomechanics expert, joins Prof Paul Laursen to explore the critical role of strength training in athletic performance. They discuss how Newton's laws of motion impact endurance sports, emphasizing that strength is as vital as VO₂max for running economy and performance. Turner highlights the connection between maximum strength, impulse, and running efficiency, advocating for a structured strength progression. The conversation also covers how strength training enhances tissue resilience and reduces injury risk, making it essential for athletes across various sports.

Dr. Andrea Zignoli, AI modeling lead at Athletica and sport science researcher, dives into the revolutionary role of AI in endurance training. He discusses his recent publications on AI agents and HRV readiness monitoring, exploring how AI can enhance athlete decision-making by interpreting training data. The conversation also covers the concept of 'Sport Science 3.0,' where AI supplements human coaching, and the significance of sentiment analysis as an internal load signal. Zignoli emphasizes the importance of ethically integrating AI into sports science.

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/_____________________ 

Michael Gerhardy, an exercise scientist and PhD researcher, joins Prof Paul Laursen to explore the complexities of neuromuscular fatigue. They delve into how strength and endurance training compete within the body, discussing the critical importance of session order for optimal adaptation. Michael shares insights from his research, revealing that high neuromuscular demand can hinder performance, while low demand fosters improvement. They propose practical methods for monitoring fatigue using innovative tools, with future ambitions for real-time adjustments in training.