The Human Kinetics Podcast

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.

Mike Boyle, a renowned strength and conditioning coach, shares his extensive experience from coaching the Boston Bruins to founding his own training business. He discusses how coaching has evolved, focusing on athlete safety and functional training. Boyle delves into the critical role of mastering fundamentals and how small improvements can drastically enhance performance. He also highlights essential resources for aspiring trainers, emphasizing the value of continuous learning in creating effective training programs.

The Rubber Band Method has a cool name, but what is it, and how does it work? In this episode, Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher and Certified Massage Therapist Kiara Armstrong explains what the Rubber Band Method is, why she developed it, and how it works. She dives into her journey in becoming a yoga teacher, and talks about her book, Hands-On Yoga Assists. Hands-On Yoga Assists https://ecs.page.link/CsTSJ Kiara Armstrong, e-RYT 500, CMT, YACEP Kiara Armstrong first started practicing yoga in 2002. It played a central role in her personal journey to overcome mental and physical illness, and in 201, she began her first 200-hour yoga teacher training before beginning to teach in 2011. Five years later, she began leading 200-hour yoga teacher trainings and has since taught continuing education programs, including 300-hour yoga teacher trainings.  In addition to being an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher with 500 hours of training, Kiara is also a Certified Massage Therapist, which is the highest level of accreditation in her state of California. She is also a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider, and developer of the Rubber Band Method.    

Timothy Suchomel, PhD, is an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh and a leading expert in strength and power development. He dives into the intricate definitions of strength, comparing absolute and relative measures, and emphasizes the importance of context in athletic performance. Suchomel critiques traditional sport-specific training and introduces advanced training methods like accentuated eccentric loading. He also discusses a new publication on strength training mechanisms, offering valuable insights for athletes and coaches alike.

You train consistently and put in the effort you need to succeed. But are you training appropriately for your sport or intended goal? In this episode, NSCA certified trainer Aaron Patterson breaks down the three energy systems our bodies use to produce the energy needed for specific activities. Understanding the difference between the three will help you better prepare success in your sport.   Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, CSAC, CTPS Aaron Patterson 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 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. Additional resources Scientific Foundations and Practical Applications of Periodization https://ecs.page.link/LXe7K NSCA Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Fourth Edition https://ecs.page.link/X8euc Training and Conditioning Young Athletes https://ecs.page.link/H7QnY

The training and fitness world focuses on the importance of strength, and with good reason. It is essential to most things we do daily. But what about power? Power is necessary for many things we take for granted, especially as we age. These are things like walking up stairs and opening or closing a car door. In this episode, certified trainers Aaron Patterson and Frank Eyeson continue their series, Training for Performance and Longevity, by discussing the importance of training for power whether you are an athlete or training to live a healthy, productive, and independent life.   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.   Human Kinetics https://ecs.page.link/is5vj 

Discover the essential role of strength training in achieving performance and longevity. The hosts discuss how maintaining muscle mass can enhance independence as we age. They share insights on maximal and speed strength tailored for various athletic goals. Personal stories underscore the importance of engaging in sprinting, especially for adults over 30, while unpacking various training methodologies. A balanced fitness approach that integrates strength, endurance, and power is highlighted as the key to lasting health and improved overall performance.