The Human Kinetics Podcast

The science of training athletes is ever evolving. Sport scientists are continually developing new ways to assist athletes in optimizing their abilities, and the world of sport and nutritional supplements plays a role. Dr. Lonnie Lowery and Registered Dietician Kim Mueller have built their careers on helping athletes train for peak performance in safe and efficient ways. The co-authors of Dietary Supplements in Sport Performance cut through the noise of the nutritional supplement world with evidenced-based solutions and answers to common questions. In this episode, the duo discussed the truth about supplements, what to look for in trusted sources, and what they recommend when supplementing an athlete's diet. Dietary Supplements in Sport Performance https://ecs.page.link/8YPY3 Lonnie Lowery, PhD, LD (ret), FISSN Dr. Lonnie Lowery is the president of Nutrition, Exercise & Wellness (NEW) Associates. He has a long history of supporting scientific research and product development for adult and sport nutrition products across the food and dietary supplement industries. He also has 25 years of experience as a professor of nutrition and exercise physiology, led a Division I university sport nutrition program, and was a finalist in multiple regional bodybuilding competitions. Lowery has researched uncommon lipids and physical stress, very-high-protein diets, and, most recently, bioactive compounds in coffee. This work has resulted in provisional patents, national and international presentations, scientific and popular media articles, books, and book chapters; he was coeditor of the book Dietary Protein and Resistance Exercise. Lowery is a member of the American Society for Nutrition and the Institute of Food Technologists. He is also a past president of the American Society of Exercise Physiology and is a fellow of the International Society of Sports Nutrition and the Institute of Sports Nutrition. Lonnie earned his first two graduate degrees (MA, PhD) in exercise physiology from Kent State University and later obtained his MS in nutrition/dietetics from the same institution.   Kimberly Mueller, RD, CSSD Kimberly Mueller is a registered dietician and board-certified specialist in sport dietetics with a master's degree in exercise physiology. She has been providing custom menu planning and nutrition coaching to active individuals worldwide for over 25 years through her company, Fuel Factor Nutrition Coaching. She uses her own practical sport experiences and knowledge of nutrition science to help fellow athletes achieve optimal health and peak fitness performance. Mueller's passion for customized nutrition also led her to help develop and launch Infinit Nutrition, a company that creates custom blends of ingredients to address the performance and health goals of recreational and professional athletes, including those competing in such prestigious events as the Tour de France and the Formula 500 Championship. She is well known for her nutrition clinics and as a contributor to books such as The Performance Zone, The Woman Triathlete, Triathlon Revolution, Racing Weight, and The New Rules of Marathon and Half Marathon Nutrition. She is also the coauthor of The Athlete's Guide to Sport Supplements.

You work hard to study anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and other topics within the kinesiology field. Ultimately, you earn your certification and jump into the fitness world ready to change lives. But what's next? Dr. Barbara Bushman has spent her career educating students and fitness professionals on how to better communicate with clients, properly assess and program for them, and set them on the right path to find their own success. In this episode, Dr. Bushman discusses what it takes to have a successful career as a fitness professional. Learn more in her book, Fitness Professionals Handbook, Eighth Edition.   Fitness Professionals Handbook, Eighth Edition https://ecs.page.link/CLwLU   Barbara Bushman, PhD, FACSM Barbara Bushman earned her bachelor's degree from Grand Valley State University and her doctorate from University of Toledo. In 1995, she joined the faculty at Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield; the university changed its name to Missouri State University in 2005. During her 27 years at Missouri State, she taught a wide variety of courses, both undergraduate and graduate, including anatomy, physiology, exercise physiology, sports conditioning, research methods, and health appraisal and exercise testing. She retired as a full professor in 2022 and is currently a faculty emeritus. Dr. Bushman is a fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and holds four ACSM certifications (Personal Trainer, Exercise Physiologist, Clinical Exercise Physiologist, and Program Director) in addition to the Exercise is Medicine credential. She has been very active within ACSM, serving ono the Membership Committee; Certification and Registry. Women, Sport, and Physical Activity Strategic Health Initiative; and Media Referral Network, among others. Within the Central States Chapter of ACSM she has served as president and secretary-treasurer and has served on several committees.  Dr. Bushman has been involved in numerous book projects, including being the lead author of ACSM's Action Plan for Menopause; associate editor of ACSM's Resources for the Personal Trainer, Third Edition; senior editor of ACSM's Resources for the Personal Trainer, Fourth Edition; and editor of ACSM's Complete Guide to Fitness and Health, First Edition, and ACSM's Complete Guide to Fitness and Health, Second Edition. She has been an associate editor of ACSM's Health and Fitness Journal since 2011 and writes the "Wouldn't You Like to Know" column, which covers a wide range of topics of interest to fitness professionals. Over her lifetime, Dr. Bushman has maintained a regular exercise program; she enjoys running, cycling, and resistance training. Leisure pursuits include hiking, open-water kayaking, and more recently, woodworking. She and her husband enjoy walks with their two German shepherds, who have been her faithful office companions during the work on Fitness Professionals Handbook, Eighth Edition.

What is cortisol? Is it good? Is it bad? There are a lot of misconceptions about cortisol and how it impacts our bodies. In this episode, certified trainers Aaron Patterson and Frank Eyeson dive into the topic to discuss why it is good for our bodies, but how it can be detrimental to our goals.   Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, CSAC, CTPS  Aaron provides informative and educational content for Human Kinetics in the areas of health, fitness, strength and conditioning, and sport performance including exercise technique videos, author interviews, and podcast episodes. Certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Aaron has over 11 years of experience as a personal trainer and sport performance coach. He holds specialty certifications as a Certified Weightlifting Performance Coach (CWPC), Certified Speed and Agility Coach (CSAC), and Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS). Training primarily middle school and high school athletes, Aaron recognized the growing need for athletes to also work on their mental performance. It was then that he pursued his Master's degree in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise and Sport Psychology to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. As a track and field coach specializing in jumps and sprints, Aaron is also a Certified American Sport Education Program Coach, and is a member of the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Aaron completed his Master of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise and Sport Psychology, from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.   Frank Eyeson, MS, NASM-CPT, CWC, CNC, Frank Eyeson provides informative and educational content for Human Kinetics in the areas of health and fitness, including exercise technique videos and podcast episodes. As a marketing and social media manager, Frank also develops strategic campaigns that connect audiences with trusted, evidence-based resources to help them move better, train smarter, and live healthier. With over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry, Frank is a certified personal trainer, wellness coach, and nutrition coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). He holds a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Western Illinois University and a master's degree in Strategic Brand Communication from the University of Illinois. Frank’s content resonates with health-conscious individuals and fitness professionals alike, bridging the gap between expert knowledge and real-world application. On the Human Kinetics podcast, he brings a grounded, audience-first voice to conversations covering everything fitness—from strength training, recovery, and sport performance to nutrition, mental health, injury prevention, and overall wellness. He is passionate about making fitness education accessible, sustainable, and rooted in science. Outside of the gym and work, Frank enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, traveling, and relaxing with a good show.

Coaching is a profession that spans multiple industries. We traditionally might think of it in terms of sport coaching or training, but it can also include business, life, or most other types of consulting. Dr. James Gavin, author of Foundations of Professional Coaching, is a licensed psychologist as well as a Master Certified Coach. He has been studying the field of coaching for over 18 years, and in this episode, he shares what he has learned over the years about what it takes to be successful in the profession of coaching.   Foundations of Professional Coaching https://ecs.page.link/yQmX5 James Gavin, PhD, MCC James Gavin has designed coach training programs for health, wellness, and fitness professionals since 1998. He is a full professor in the department of applied human sciences and the director of the Centre for Human Relations and Community Studies at Concordia University in Montreal. He is also a licensed psychologist in the Province of Quebec.   Over the past 18 years, Gavin has become keenly involved in studies and professional pursuits related to the new field of professional coaching. He has been recognized as a Master Certified Coach (MCC) by the International Coaching Federation and an Integral Master Coach (IMC) by Integral Coaching Canada. He codirects and instructs his Concordia-based coach certification program. Gavin has coached and consulted with a wide range of organizations in North America and is deeply committed to understanding the somatic aspects of human development. He is a strong advocate of somatic awareness and practice in coach training. Through his studies, Gavin has developed a unique model for matching personality with sport and fitness choices. This model has been widely adopted as a unique process for promoting psychological growth. He is engaged in research on coaching issues and enjoys rich coaching experiences with individual and organizational clients. His long-term interests in the practices of aikido, iaido, meditation, and yoga inform his life's work.    

When is the last time you did an eccentric exercise? If you're like most, these exercises don't regularly make it into the training plan. In this episode, NSCA certified trainer Aaron Patterson explains what eccentric training is and how it could be a gamechanger for you by including it in your training.   Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, CSAC, CTPS  Aaron provides informative and educational content for Human Kinetics in the areas of health, fitness, strength and conditioning, and sport performance including exercise technique videos, author interviews, and podcast episodes. Certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Aaron has over 11 years of experience as a personal trainer and sport performance coach. He holds specialty certifications as a Certified Weightlifting Performance Coach (CWPC), Certified Speed and Agility Coach (CSAC), and Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS). Training primarily middle school and high school athletes, Aaron recognized the growing need for athletes to also work on their mental performance. It was then that he pursued his Master's degree in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise and Sport Psychology to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. As a track and field coach specializing in jumps and sprints, Aaron is also a Certified American Sport Education Program Coach, and is a member of the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Aaron completed his Master of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise and Sport Psychology, from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

Have you ever seen someone in the gym standing motionless like a statue? It's possible they could be in deep thought, but most often they are doing an isometric exercise. What is an isometric exercise? What are the benefits? In this episode, NSCA certified trainer Aaron Patterson explains what isometric training is, what the research says about it, and why you should incorporate it into your training plan.   Additional Resources NSCA's Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Fourth Edition https://ecs.page.link/X8euc Low Back Disorders, Fourth Edition https://ecs.page.link/QWBPk Science and Development of Muscular Strength https://ecs.page.link/t49Fw The Complete Guide to Strength Training Methods https://ecs.page.link/C9kww Human Kinetics Journals https://ecs.page.link/swHVD   Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, CSAC, CTPS Aaron provides informative and educational content for Human Kinetics in the areas of health, fitness, strength and conditioning, sport performance, and sport psychology including exercise technique videos, author interviews, and podcast episodes. Certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Aaron has over 11 years of experience as a personal trainer and sport performance coach. He holds specialty certifications as a Certified Weightlifting Performance Coach (CWPC), Certified Speed and Agility Coach (CSAC), and Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS). Training primarily middle school and high school athletes, Aaron recognized the growing need for athletes to also work on their mental performance. It was then that he pursued his Master's degree in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise and Sport Psychology to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. As a track and field coach specializing in jumps and sprints, Aaron is also a Certified American Sport Education Program Coach, and is a member of the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Aaron completed his Master of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise and Sport Psychology, from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

As a toddler, you might have memories of taking your first steps. If not, your family likely has pictures or videos of the event. It's a pretty big deal at first, and then it becomes routine. While it might be second nature to many of us, the benefits go far beyond using it as a normal activity of daily living. Former race walk champion, registered kinesiologist and clinical exercise physiologist Sarah Zahab knows the important role walking can play in our lives. In this episode, the author of Walk Your Way Fit, joined the conversation to talk about the many benefits of adding walking to your exercise plan. Walk Your Way Fit https://ecs.page.link/a1VGP Sarah Zahab Sarah Zahab is a registered kinesiologist, clinical exercise physiologist, and group fitness instructor with over 25 years of full-time fitness industry experience. She studied human kinetics at the University of Ottawa and graduated with honors (magna cum laude) with a bachelor of health sciences degree and a minor in biology. Zahab is constantly continuing her education with various courses, workshops, and conferences and regularly reviews journals and evidence-based research from multiple sources. A former international fitness competitor, Zahab was fortunate to represent Canada at the Ms. Fitness World competition four times, placing in the top 20 for three of those competitions (2004, 2005, and 2007). She has been a nationally ranked race walker and is the 2012 and 2014 winner of the Ontario race walk championships (5,000 meters) as well as the 2016 winner of the Canadian Indoor National Championship (3,000 meters). She enjoys leading walking groups and regularly partakes in a vigorous walking regimen herself. A dancer from the age of three, she also has a background in competitive dance (jazz, tap, and hip-hop) as well as an extensive background in ballet and Middle Eastern dance. Zahab presents fitness workshops at conferences in Canada and internationally. She is passionate about elevating health care practitioners' knowledge and skills to help the general population improve overall health and wellness. She is often sought out to present, and she draws record numbers of delegates to her sessions. She was awarded the Canfitpro Canadian Presenter of the Year Award in 2023. Zahab is the owner of Continuum Fitness & Movement Performance, a multidisciplinary clinic in Ottawa that has assisted 12 athletes in successfully participating in the Olympic Games. She is a former fitness expert for the CTV Morning Live television show (Ottawa), where she provided expert advice to their large viewing audience for over 10 years. She has also authored articles featured in various publications.

Injuries happen. Some are preventable while others might occur regardless of how much we prepare. In this episode, certified trainers Aaron Patterson and Frank Eyeson discuss the difference between acute and chronic injuries, why injuries occur, and what we can do to prevent or reduce the risk. Additional Resources Rock Solid Resilience https://ecs.page.link/De8S9  Training and Conditioning Young Athletes, Second Edition https://ecs.page.link/H7QnY Sport Injury Prevention Anatomy https://ecs.page.link/HVvUg Biomechanics of Injury, Third Edition https://ecs.page.link/UoaAD Sport First Aid, Sixth Edition https://ecs.page.link/DPGXe   Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, CSAC, CTPS  Aaron provides informative and educational content for Human Kinetics in the areas of health, fitness, strength and conditioning, and sport performance including exercise technique videos, author interviews, and podcast episodes. Certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Aaron has over 11 years of experience as a personal trainer and sport performance coach. He holds specialty certifications as a Certified Weightlifting Performance Coach (CWPC), Certified Speed and Agility Coach (CSAC), and Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS). Training primarily middle school and high school athletes, Aaron recognized the growing need for athletes to also work on their mental performance. It was then that he pursued his Master's degree in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise and Sport Psychology to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. As a track and field coach specializing in jumps and sprints, Aaron is also a Certified American Sport Education Program Coach, and is a member of the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Aaron completed his Master of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise and Sport Psychology, from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.   Frank Eyeson, MS, NASM-CPT, CWC, CNC, Frank Eyeson provides informative and educational content for Human Kinetics in the areas of health and fitness, including exercise technique videos and podcast episodes. As a marketing and social media manager, Frank also develops strategic campaigns that connect audiences with trusted, evidence-based resources to help them move better, train smarter, and live healthier. With over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry, Frank is a certified personal trainer, wellness coach, and nutrition coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). He holds a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Western Illinois University and a master's degree in Strategic Brand Communication from the University of Illinois. Frank’s content resonates with health-conscious individuals and fitness professionals alike, bridging the gap between expert knowledge and real-world application. On the Human Kinetics podcast, he brings a grounded, audience-first voice to conversations covering everything fitness—from strength training, recovery, and sport performance to nutrition, mental health, injury prevention, and overall wellness. He is passionate about making fitness education accessible, sustainable, and rooted in science. Outside of the gym and work, Frank enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, traveling, and relaxing with a good show.  

Strength, power, and maybe even hypertrophy. We train them all, and each for our own valid reasons. But what about balance and stability? Those two components are often taken for granted but they are vital in both sport and activities of daily living. In this episode, certified trainers Aaron Patterson and Frank Eyeson discuss what it means to train for balance and stability, and why it is important.   Additional Resources High Performance Training for Sports Developing the Core, Second Edition  Able Bodies Balance Training https://ecs.page.link/ZhDZS   Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, CSAC, CTPS  Aaron provides informative and educational content for Human Kinetics in the areas of health, fitness, strength and conditioning, and sport performance including exercise technique videos, author interviews, and podcast episodes. Certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Aaron has over 11 years of experience as a personal trainer and sport performance coach. He holds specialty certifications as a Certified Weightlifting Performance Coach (CWPC), Certified Speed and Agility Coach (CSAC), and Certified Tennis Performance Specialist (CTPS). Training primarily middle school and high school athletes, Aaron recognized the growing need for athletes to also work on their mental performance. It was then that he pursued his Master's degree in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise and Sport Psychology to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. As a track and field coach specializing in jumps and sprints, Aaron is also a Certified American Sport Education Program Coach, and is a member of the National High School Strength Coaches Association (NHSSCA), the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), and the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP). Aaron completed his Master of Science in Kinesiology, Exercise and Sport Psychology, from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.   Frank Eyeson, MS, NASM-CPT, CWC,CNC, Frank Eyeson provides informative and educational content for Human Kinetics in the areas of health and fitness, including exercise technique videos and podcast episodes. As a marketing and social media manager, Frank also develops strategic campaigns that connect audiences with trusted, evidence-based resources to help them move better, train smarter, and live healthier. With over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry, Frank is a certified personal trainer, wellness coach, and nutrition coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). He holds a bachelor's degree in Kinesiology from Western Illinois University and a master's degree in Strategic Brand Communication from the University of Illinois. Frank’s content resonates with health-conscious individuals and fitness professionals alike, bridging the gap between expert knowledge and real-world application. On the Human Kinetics podcast, he brings a grounded, audience-first voice to conversations covering everything fitness—from strength training, recovery, and sport performance to nutrition, mental health, injury prevention, and overall wellness. He is passionate about making fitness education accessible, sustainable, and rooted in science. Outside of the gym and work, Frank enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, traveling, and relaxing with a good show.  

Dr. Matthew S. Ibrahim, a strength and conditioning coach, author, and founder of Athletic Performance University, shares insights on training like a pro throughout life. He emphasizes the importance of making training enjoyable and translating competitive goals into daily life. Ibrahim argues that everyone can embody athleticism, focusing on essential elements like strength and agility. He also discusses the benefits of plyometrics and progressive overload, while offering advice on rebuilding confidence post-injury and using specific goals to stay accountable.