
Training Science Podcast
Your hosts of the Training Science Podcast, Martin Buchheit and Paul Laursen, take a weekly deep dive into the real world application of training science in the trenches.
Latest episodes

Apr 4, 2025 • 50min
PART 2: Workout Reserve and the Future of AI Coaching - with Dr Andrea Zignoli & Prof. Paul Laursen
💥 Dr. Andrea Zignoli wants you to understand that Workout Reserve is not just another performance metric—it’s a breakthrough in how we track and interpret what athletes can actually do in real time.In Part 2 of this deep-dive on the Training Science Podcast, Andrea and Paul explore why traditional models like W′ fall short, and how Workout Reserve offers a more flexible, mechanical (not physiological) way to understand athlete capability. Plus, they tackle the future of AI coaching—how RAG-AI and Large Language Models are reshaping how athletes and coaches engage with data.📊 Why Workout Reserve works when W′ doesn’t⚙️ How mechanical models sidestep physiological guesswork⏱️ Real-time fatigue, durability, and “limiting tau” explained🧠 The future of AI coaching: RAG-AI, LLMs, and agents in training platforms— #WorkoutReserve #TrainingScience #AIinSports #EnduranceTraining #PerformanceModelling #Durability #SportsScience #AthleticaAI #WPrime #RealTimeTraining #AIcoaching #Cycling #Running_____________________ Today’s speakers:Prof. Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/ Dr. Andrea Zignoli https://andreazignoli.github.io/ _____________________

Mar 29, 2025 • 1h 6min
Modelling First: Building Smarter Endurance Training - with Dr Andrea Zignoli & Prof. Paul Laursen
💥 AI in COACHING & TRAINING – Revolutionizing Performance 🚀Dr. Andrea Zignoli wants you to understand that before AI can be useful in coaching and training, modelling must come first.In Episode 157 of The Training Science Podcast, Andrea returns to unpack how models like Critical Power, Banister TRIMP, and HRV response curves provide the structure AI needs to make smart, adaptable decisions. This is the foundation of Athletica’s AI-driven training—and why it matters now more than ever.🔍 Why “modelling first” beats black-box AI every time📊 Building with science: CP, TRIMP, MMP, and structured periodization🧠 How natural language AI (LLMs) are reshaping coach-athlete data interaction🧭 The GPS analogy that explains it all— #ModelFirst #AIinSports #TrainingScience #EnduranceTraining #AthleticaAI #WorkoutReserve #CriticalPower #HRV #BanisterModel #AIinCoaching #PerformanceMonitoring #Cycling #Running_____________________ Today’s speakers:Prof. Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/ Dr. Andrea Zignoli https://andreazignoli.github.io/ _____________________

Mar 21, 2025 • 1h 14min
Microdosing, Rehab, Neuropriming, Neurocognitive Training and More! – With Bram Swinnen & Dr. Martin Buchheit
🏋️♂️ REHAB. PERFORMANCE. NEUROCOGNITION. 🧠⚡Bram Swinnen @xxx knows that training isn’t just about movement—it’s about QUALITY, INTENSITY & ADAPTATION 🔥!In the latest episode of The Training Science Podcast, Martin @mart1buch & Bram dive into:🔬 Why ECCENTRIC TRAINING is a POWERFUL base for performance; 📊 The role of VELOCITY LOSS THRESHOLDS in training & rehab; 🧠 How NEUROCOGNITIVE TRAINING can enhance decision-making; ⚖️ The impact of MICRODOSING & load management on athlete progression!

Mar 14, 2025 • 1h 7min
HYROX Solved?! The HYBRID Athlete Puzzles Becomes Clearer?! - with Dr Dan Plews & Dr Martin Buchheit
🏋️♂️ STRENGTH ⚡ ENDURANCE 🏃♂️—FINDING THE BALANCE!Training for HYROX and hybrid sports? Dr Dan Plews wants you to understand that you CAN become TOO STRONG or TOO ENDURANCE-FOCUSED. The key? OPTIMIZING your training mix 🔥!In the latest episode of The Training Science Podcast, Martin @mart1buch & Dan @theplews dive into: ⚖️ The ART of balancing STRENGTH & ENDURANCE for peak performance; 📊 Monitoring training responses to avoid neuromuscular fatigue; 🔥 How training SPECIFICITY impacts HYROX & hybrid events!“You have to have a bit of a mix.” 🎯#trainingsciencepodcast #hiitscience #highrocks #endurancetraining #strengthtraining #hybridathlete #coachingstrategies #performanceoptimization #sportsscience #heartvariability #trainingmonitoring #zone2training #athleticperformance_____________________ Today’s speakers:Dr Martin Buchheit https://martin-buchheit.net/ Dr Dan Plews https://www.endureiq.com/

5 snips
Mar 8, 2025 • 1h 42min
How to MAXIMIZE Submaximal Testing - with Dr Shaun McLaren & Dr Martin Buchheit
🚀 MONITOR. MEASURE. ADAPT. 💪🏉Dr Shaun McLaren @Shaun_McLaren1 knows that tracking TRAINING LOAD and SUBMAXIMAL TESTING isn’t just about numbers—it’s about OPTIMIZING ATHLETE PERFORMANCE 📊🔥!In the latest episode of The Training Science Podcast, Martin @mart1buch & Shaun dive into:📉 Why the SIMPLEST metrics often provide the BEST insights;⚖️ BALANCING training load & training effects for peak performance;|❤️🔥 HEART RATE variability & why it’s NOT just about aerobic fitness;🎯 How GAME-BASED assessments can replace traditional fitness tests!“The game IS the test.”—#trainingsciencepodcast #hiitscience #sportsperformance #rugbyfitness #submaximaltesting #athletemonitoring #coachingstrategies #performanceassessment #heartvariability #strengthandconditioning #fitnessmonitoring #cardiovascularfitness #trainingoptimization #gamebasedtraining #sportsscience_____________________ Today’s speakers:Dr Martin Buchheit https://martin-buchheit.net/ Dr Shaun McLaren https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunmclaren1 _____________________

Mar 1, 2025 • 1h 22min
The Drive Beyond Trophies: Become the Practitioner of the Future- With Dave Carolan & Dr Martin Buchheit
Get OUTSIDE your COMFORT and EXPERTISE zone 💥!Dave Carolan wants you to understand that it is essential to not “just” be a specialist, but you also need to be GENERALIST! Help out, LEARN more, and contribute as much as you can 🙏!In the 153rd episode of The Training Science Podcast, Martin & Dave discuss:🌟 MARKETING yourself in the NEW world of sports careers;🔎🌐 Spezialisation VS broad knowledg VS high-end education;🔥 Career INFLATION: what is it, and how can you LEVERAGE it;_____________________ Today’s speakers:Dr Martin Buchheit https://martin-buchheit.net/ Dave Carolan https://www.linkedin.com/in/davecarolan/_____________________

Feb 21, 2025 • 1h 25min
How Low Can You Drop Your Carbs? - With Dr Philip Prins & Prof Paul Laursen
You are FIT! BUT are you HEALTHY 🤔?!Dr Philip Prins wants you to understand that there is MORE ❤️ than “just” performance in being an athlete. In the LONG-TERM you NEED to consider your metabolic health, which THEN will transfer into more performance improvements. You might not get there this quarter or year, but you will in the long run 💯!In the 152nd episode of The Training Science Podcast, Paul & Philip discuss:❌🍞 Why high performance with low carbohydrates IS possible;🦾 How MANY carbs you might ACTUALLY need during your event?😎 Blood glucose, muscle glycogen, liver glycogen & MORE mechanisms!_____________________Today’s speakers:Prof. Paul Laursen https://www.paullaursen.com/ Dr. Philip Prins https://www.gcc.edu/Home/Academics/Faculty-Directory/Faculty-Detail/philip-prins _____________________ References:Philip’s research:https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=EWWs0r0AAAAJ&hl=en Low carb high fat +10g/h carbs during exercise = GOOD! : https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpcell.00583.2024 _____________________

Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 12min
Masterclass in Leveraging Your Athlete’s Fibre Types - With Prof. Wim Derave & Dr Martin Buchheit
It takes A LOT to get precise information for MOVEMENT QUALITY - don’t get bogged down in your own bias 🙅🏻 !Dr Enda King wants you to understand that kinetic and kinematic analysis, as well as motor control training is an ITERATIVE 🔄 process that requires a MULTI-disciplinary approach. Make sure to avoid getting too “focused”!In the 150th episode of The Training Science Podcast, Martin & Enda discuss:🔥 Why you should APPLY biomechanical analysis in YOUR practice;👀 And why you need to COMBINE that analysis with further on-field assessments;🤔 Thinking about when you MISS something in screening & monitoring - what TO DO next?_____________________ Today’s speakers:Dr Martin Buchheit https://martin-buchheit.net/ Dr Enda King https://www.linkedin.com/in/endaking/ _____________________

9 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 1min
There Is So Much You Could Be Missing in Your Rehab Process - With Dr Enda King & Dr Martin Buchheit
It takes A LOT to get precise information for MOVEMENT QUALITY - don’t get bogged down in your own bias 🙅🏻 !Dr Enda King wants you to understand that kinetic and kinematic analysis, as well as motor control training is an ITERATIVE 🔄 process that requires a MULTI-disciplinary approach. Make sure to avoid getting too “focused”!In the 150th episode of The Training Science Podcast, Martin & Enda discuss:🔥 Why you should APPLY biomechanical analysis in YOUR practice;👀 And why you need to COMBINE that analysis with further on-field assessments;🤔 Thinking about when you MISS something in screening & monitoring - what TO DO next?_____________________ Today’s speakers:Dr Martin Buchheit https://martin-buchheit.net/ Dr Enda King https://www.linkedin.com/in/endaking/ _____________________

Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 25min
How to Master End-Stage ACL Rehab - With Fillipo Picinini & Dr Martin Buchheit
DELAYING on-pitch rehab for BETTER 🤩 on-pitch rehab?!Fillipo Picinini wants you to understand that a DETAILED & specific 🎯 movement RELEARNING programme that starts EARLY in ACL rehab can help INCREASE 🔝 the load that a player can tolerate on the pitch once they get to it - which might be slightly later. In the 149th episode of The Training Science Podcast, Martin & Fillipo discuss:🦵🏼 the nitty gritty of ACL rehabilitation; 💎 How to ASSESS movement quality & your BRAIN relearning movements;🚀 Football-specific reconditioning in late stage ON PITCH rehabilitation and retraining!_____________________ Today’s speakers:Dr Martin Buchheit https://martin-buchheit.net/ Fillipo Picinini https://www.linkedin.com/in/filippo-picinini-bsc-hons-msc-ms-b03432b0/
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