

The Progress Theory
The Progress Theory
Welcome to The Progress Theory.
Our purpose is to teach and discuss scientific principles to show how we can enhance and optimise human performance.
We will deliver you interviews with world-class experts (or legends as we prefer to call them), exciting real-world application of Sport Science and will explore some of the common myths and misconceptions in Health & Wellbeing.
We want all of our listeners to develop the skills to implement the knowledge they obtain from the show into their everyday lives.
These skills can be applied towards improving sporting performance and conquering physical challenges, or it can be in developing a better quality of life.
Our purpose is to teach and discuss scientific principles to show how we can enhance and optimise human performance.
We will deliver you interviews with world-class experts (or legends as we prefer to call them), exciting real-world application of Sport Science and will explore some of the common myths and misconceptions in Health & Wellbeing.
We want all of our listeners to develop the skills to implement the knowledge they obtain from the show into their everyday lives.
These skills can be applied towards improving sporting performance and conquering physical challenges, or it can be in developing a better quality of life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 11, 2025 • 59min
Maximise performance using NIRS with Jem Arnold
Welcome to another episode of The Progress Theory, where we explore the latest scientific principles to help you optimise your performance. In this episode, Dr Phil Price sits down with Jem Arnold—a physiologist, physiotherapist, and PhD candidate at the University of British Columbia with a fascinating dual focus on high-performance sport and clinical research. Jem’s work dives deep into individual responses to training and the use of Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), a cutting-edge wearable technology that measures muscle oxygenation both in the lab and out in the real world.In this episode, Jem breaks down what NIRS is, how it works, and why its ability to capture local muscle oxygenation is so useful for endurance athletes, hybrid competitors, and anyone interested in interpreting the body’s signals during exercise. Drawing from both his research and personal experience with vascular conditions affecting elite cyclists, Jem shares insights on programming, individual variability, and how blending subjective feedback with objective tech can revolutionise our approach to training.Whether you’re curious about the next frontier of monitoring tools, want to understand performance plateaus, or just love to geek out on physiology, you’ll find plenty to stimulate your thinking in this conversation. As always, don’t forget to follow The Progress Theory for more episodes and resources. Let’s dive in!In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Introduction05:17 Iliac Artery Compression in Athletes09:03 From Clinic to Laboratory Journey11:28 Cyclists' Arterial Strain Issue13:58 Rare Condition in Endurance Cyclists18:28 Quadricep Oxygenation and Flow Limitation22:04 Compensation and Performance in Athletes27:01 Understanding Metabolic Demands in Exercise30:33 Metabolic Limitations in Athletic Performance33:10 Steep Deoxygenation: Overexertion Warning37:05 Device-Specific Trends in Oxygen Measurement40:04 Assessing Athletes' Functional Oxygen Range44:04 From Data to Actionable Insight49:04 "Assessing Power and SMO2 Balance"52:53 Selective Use of Training Gadgets56:04 Incremental Training Feedback Process58:06 Inconsistent Data Interpretation Challenges01:00:48 Blogs: Informal Idea SharingTakeawaysNIRS for Real-World Monitoring: Wearable NIRS devices provide invaluable real-time insight into local muscle oxygenation, allowing coaches and athletes to better understand individual physiological responses during both training and competition.Individual Variability is Key: Jem emphasised that group-level sports science research doesn’t always translate directly to individual athletes. NIRS can help tailor interventions and programming by capturing each athlete’s unique response, especially when combined with subjective reports.Practical Application Requires Context: Having all the gadgets is great, but Jem highlighted the importance of integrating NIRS data with athlete sensations, performance metrics, and expert guidance. It’s about turning data into tailored, actionable information—don’t let the numbers overwhelm the athlete or the process!FOLLOW OUR PODCASTFollow our Host / Guest@theprogresstheory@drphilprice@jem arnoldSpare cycles blogMoxyTrain RedArtinisFor all our other episodes and to get in touch, please visit www.theprogresstheory.com.Thanks for listening! This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. KULT Media 2023 Mentioned in this episode:Progress Theory NewsletterThe Progress Theory newsletter. If you want the latest information and recommendations on how to optimise your physical and mental performance, then subscribe to the free Progress Theory newsletter on Substack today.
Click the link in the show notes and subscribe to get the best information on human performance sent straight to your email.
https://theprogresstheory.substack.com/
Sign up today.SubstackPodcast Produced By KULT MediaBefore we wrap up, I want to give a shout-out and my thanks to my production partner, Kult Media. If you are thinking of launching a podcast or want to grow your audience, head to www.kult.media to get started today.
Kult MediaThe Science of Hybrid TrainingIt was originally thought that you could not effectively train for both strength and endurance at the same time because they required different adaptations which were not compatible with each other. It was claimed that ‘an interference effect’, blunted the adaptations for strength if you simultaneously trained for endurance.
However, recent developments in sports which require both strength and endurance have really challenged this idea, with hybrid athletes producing impressive performances in both strength and endurance sports together. This had led scientists, coaches, and athletes to rethink what is humanly possible and suggests the interference effect is not as influential as originally thought.
But what is a hybrid athlete? What is the ‘interference effect’? And how can we maximize our training to improve at the same time our strength and endurance performance?
In this book, Dr Phil Price provides insight into the misconceptions surrounding strength and endurance training by distilling the past 50 years of research and drawing on the conversations he had with great scientists, coaches, and athletes on The Progress Theory podcast. This book is essential reading for hybrid athletes and coaches who are looking to understand the key training variables and their effect on the simultaneous development of strength and endurance performance.Book

Aug 4, 2025 • 36min
How Can Growth Mindset Transform Your Performance? with Claire Bennett
Hello, and welcome to The Progress Theory where we discuss scientific principles for optimising human performance. In this episode, we are joined by former GB fencer and now mindset and performance coach, Claire Bennett. Now mindset is such an important part of the elite performer. We're so focused on achieving a particular goal that we often lose sight of what's important, which can lead to resentment and sometimes poor performance. In this episode, Claire talks about her experience at the top level of fencing and how she's utilised all of that experience to start her mindset and performance coach business, Perform, be happy. In this episode, we discuss:0:50 - Introduction02:48 - Transitioning from a full time athlete career09:20 - Athlete self-care and self-appreciation 12:02 - Negative perfectionism and practise15:41 - Overcoming negative perfectionism17:20 - Growth Mindset and Getting outside your comfort zone24:12 - Anxiety in different professions28:18 - Insecurity32:28 - Practical recommendations from a performance coachTakeaways🔹 Purposeful Practice Over Perfection: It's not about doing more, it's about doing it right. Focus on quality, not quantity. Perfect practice, rather than just practice, leads to top performance.🔹 Growth Mindset is Key: In any high-performing environment, whether you're an athlete or a musician, adopting a growth mindset can turn fear and self-doubt into opportunities for growth.🔹 Embrace Challenges as Opportunities: Reframe fears and pressures by seeing them as chances to learn and grow. Shift from "I have to" to "I get to" and watch how it transforms your outlook.FOLLOW OUR PODCASTFollow our Host / Guest@theprogresstheory@drphilprice@performbehappySinging ChallengeFor all our other episodes and to get in touch, please visit www.theprogresstheory.com.Thanks for listening! This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. KULT Media 2023 Mentioned in this episode:Progress Theory NewsletterThe Progress Theory newsletter. If you want the latest information and recommendations on how to optimise your physical and mental performance, then subscribe to the free Progress Theory newsletter on Substack today.
Click the link in the show notes and subscribe to get the best information on human performance sent straight to your email.
https://theprogresstheory.substack.com/
Sign up today.SubstackPodcast Produced By KULT MediaBefore we wrap up, I want to give a shout-out and my thanks to my production partner, Kult Media. If you are thinking of launching a podcast or want to grow your audience, head to www.kult.media to get started today.
Kult MediaThe Science of Hybrid TrainingIt was originally thought that you could not effectively train for both strength and endurance at the same time because they required different adaptations which were not compatible with each other. It was claimed that ‘an interference effect’, blunted the adaptations for strength if you simultaneously trained for endurance.
However, recent developments in sports which require both strength and endurance have really challenged this idea, with hybrid athletes producing impressive performances in both strength and endurance sports together. This had led scientists, coaches, and athletes to rethink what is humanly possible and suggests the interference effect is not as influential as originally thought.
But what is a hybrid athlete? What is the ‘interference effect’? And how can we maximize our training to improve at the same time our strength and endurance performance?
In this book, Dr Phil Price provides insight into the misconceptions surrounding strength and endurance training by distilling the past 50 years of research and drawing on the conversations he had with great scientists, coaches, and athletes on The Progress Theory podcast. This book is essential reading for hybrid athletes and coaches who are looking to understand the key training variables and their effect on the simultaneous development of strength and endurance performance.Book

Jul 28, 2025 • 53min
Unlock Peak Performance with Plyometrics with Matt McInnes-Watson
Hello and welcome to the Progress Theory where we discuss scientific principles for optimising human performance. In this episode, we're joined by plyometric expert Matt McInnis-Watson. Now I don't know if you've noticed, but you quite often hear of a new world record being broken in a number of different sports, say, weightlifting or quite often in running. I'm always hearing of a new world record in, say, 5k, 10k, etcetera, etcetera. But you rarely hear of a world record being broken in a jump event such as the long jump or triple jump or high jump. I mean, Jonathan Edwards' world record in the triple jump has been going since 1995. So what needs to happen in jump training and the culture within jump training to see an improvement in jump sports? That's why I contacted Matt. And if you have any interest in improving jump performance, this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss:1:02 - Introduction3:35 - The importance of Plyometrics in today’s society and longevity8:35 - Issues with plyometric research13:44 - People get the plyometric definition wrong - still16:12 - different types of plyometrics 20:27 - Why are jump world records rare?25:57 - Strength specificity30:25 - What needs to change?35:10 - Which jump sports will see the biggest changes over the next few years?39:08 - Power athlete vs speed athlete44:13 - The importance of supramaximal50:37 - Plyometric recommendationsTakeaways🔹 Plyometrics for Health Longevity: Plyometrics aren't just for athletes. They play a crucial role in maintaining reactive strength, which is vital for reducing injury risks, especially as we age. Matt highlighted how integrating plyometrics can aid in preserving dynamic capacity, thus enhancing long-term health.🔹 The Science and Research of Plyometrics: It was fascinating to hear about Matt's critique of current plyometric research. He underscored the need for clearer definitions and proper visual documentation in studies to better understand plyometric movements and their implications for training.🔹 Training for Future Success: A pivotal point was the shifting focus towards speed training in events like high jump and triple jump. By restructuring training to incorporate more dynamic and reflexive elements rather than solely focusing on strength, we can push the boundaries of human performance in these fields.FOLLOW OUR PODCASTFollow our Host / Guest@theprogresstheory@drphilpricePlus Plyos: Change the way you moveMatt McInnes Watson | The Plyo Guy (@mcinneswatson) - InstagramFor all our other episodes and to get in touch, please visit www.theprogresstheory.com.Thanks for listening! This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. KULT Media 2023 Mentioned in this episode:Podcast Produced By KULT MediaBefore we wrap up, I want to give a shout-out and my thanks to my production partner, Kult Media. If you are thinking of launching a podcast or want to grow your audience, head to www.kult.media to get started today.
Kult MediaThe Science of Hybrid TrainingIt was originally thought that you could not effectively train for both strength and endurance at the same time because they required different adaptations which were not compatible with each other. It was claimed that ‘an interference effect’, blunted the adaptations for strength if you simultaneously trained for endurance.
However, recent developments in sports which require both strength and endurance have really challenged this idea, with hybrid athletes producing impressive performances in both strength and endurance sports together. This had led scientists, coaches, and athletes to rethink what is humanly possible and suggests the interference effect is not as influential as originally thought.
But what is a hybrid athlete? What is the ‘interference effect’? And how can we maximize our training to improve at the same time our strength and endurance performance?
In this book, Dr Phil Price provides insight into the misconceptions surrounding strength and endurance training by distilling the past 50 years of research and drawing on the conversations he had with great scientists, coaches, and athletes on The Progress Theory podcast. This book is essential reading for hybrid athletes and coaches who are looking to understand the key training variables and their effect on the simultaneous development of strength and endurance performance.BookProgress Theory NewsletterThe Progress Theory newsletter. If you want the latest information and recommendations on how to optimise your physical and mental performance, then subscribe to the free Progress Theory newsletter on Substack today.
Click the link in the show notes and subscribe to get the best information on human performance sent straight to your email.
https://theprogresstheory.substack.com/
Sign up today.Substack

Jul 21, 2025 • 44min
Unlock Your Hybrid Athlete Potential with hybrid coach Ollie Russell
Ollie Russell, a hybrid athlete and S&C coach, transitions from the Leicester Tigers rugby academy to tackling grueling challenges like High Rocks and Ironmans. He shares insights on the balance between strength and endurance in hybrid training, and the significance of a supportive community in achieving fitness goals. Ollie emphasizes the importance of mindset in overcoming fears and unlocking potential, while detailing strategies that blend structured training with diverse athletic experiences to enhance performance.

9 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 41min
Is the Interference Effect a Myth? with Dr Tom Jones
In this episode of The Progress Theory, host Dr Phil Price invites physiologist and researcher Dr Tom Jones from Northumbria University to discuss the intricacies of concurrent training. They delve into the concept of the interference effect—a phenomenon where endurance training can attenuate strength gains—and explore how various training modalities, intensities, and volumes can be manipulated to minimize this effect. Dr Jones shares insights from his varied research experience across different sports, including his work with the Newcastle United Academy and the Swedish Winter Sports Research Center. The conversation touches on the real-world application of concurrent training principles, crucial mistakes to avoid, and the latest scientific understanding of acute molecular signalling. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or fitness enthusiast, this episode offers valuable knowledge on optimising concurrent training for peak performance. Join us for a deep dive into the science of training with Dr Tom Jones on The Progress Theory!In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Introduction03:51 Sports Research Journey Across Nations08:46 "Concurrent Training Challenge in Football"10:49 Concurrent Training: "It Depends" Dilemma13:00 Aerobic Volume Limits Strength Gains16:12 Interference Effect in Concurrent Training19:56 mTOR and AMPK in Concurrent Training25:53 Diet Control and Cycling Research28:23 Aerobic Training's Interference on Strength33:04 Managing Fatigue in Training Sessions35:58 Understanding Technical Training Challenges38:51 Concurrent Training Strategy OverviewTakeaways🔹 Volume Matters: The greater the volume of aerobic training, the more likely it is to interfere with strength development. Understanding and managing training volumes are crucial for avoiding this interference effect.🔹 Fatigue Management: Concurrent training requires careful programming. Avoiding residual fatigue from aerobic workouts can help optimise strength and power training sessions.🔹 Effective Communication: A lack of appreciation for the physical demands of technical skills sessions can lead to common programming mistakes. Ensuring technical coaches understand these demands is vital for coherent training weeks aligned with specific mesocycle goals.FOLLOW OUR PODCASTFollow our Host / Guest@theprogresstheory@drphilprice@Thomas_W_JonesTom Jones on ResearchGateNorthumbria UniversityNewcastle United AcademyAspire AcademySwedish Winter Sports Research CenterFor all our other episodes and to get in touch, please visit www.theprogresstheory.com.Thanks for listening! This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. KULT Media 2023 Mentioned in this episode:The Science of Hybrid TrainingIt was originally thought that you could not effectively train for both strength and endurance at the same time because they required different adaptations which were not compatible with each other. It was claimed that ‘an interference effect’, blunted the adaptations for strength if you simultaneously trained for endurance.
However, recent developments in sports which require both strength and endurance have really challenged this idea, with hybrid athletes producing impressive performances in both strength and endurance sports together. This had led scientists, coaches, and athletes to rethink what is humanly possible and suggests the interference effect is not as influential as originally thought.
But what is a hybrid athlete? What is the ‘interference effect’? And how can we maximize our training to improve at the same time our strength and endurance performance?
In this book, Dr Phil Price provides insight into the misconceptions surrounding strength and endurance training by distilling the past 50 years of research and drawing on the conversations he had with great scientists, coaches, and athletes on The Progress Theory podcast. This book is essential reading for hybrid athletes and coaches who are looking to understand the key training variables and their effect on the simultaneous development of strength and endurance performance.BookPodcast Produced By KULT MediaBefore we wrap up, I want to give a shout-out and my thanks to my production partner, Kult Media. If you are thinking of launching a podcast or want to grow your audience, head to www.kult.media to get started today.
Kult MediaProgress Theory NewsletterThe Progress Theory newsletter. If you want the latest information and recommendations on how to optimise your physical and mental performance, then subscribe to the free Progress Theory newsletter on Substack today.
Click the link in the show notes and subscribe to get the best information on human performance sent straight to your email.
https://theprogresstheory.substack.com/
Sign up today.Substack

4 snips
Jul 7, 2025 • 39min
Maximise Performance By Managing Fatigue with Dr Callum Brownstein
Hello, and welcome to The Progress Theory, where we discuss scientific principles for optimising human performance. In this episode, we are joined by a physiologist from Newcastle University, Dr. Callum Brownstein. Now managing and recovering from fatigue is so important for the success of a training programme and sporting performance. So if it's that important, we really should understand the mechanisms behind fatigue. And on top of that, we need to understand how different sports, different training modalities, different training intensities, and different training volumes all influence the type of mechanisms behind fatigue.In this episode, we discuss:0:53 - Introduction8:34 - The difference between central and peripheral fatigue12:15 - Determining the type of fatigue16:42 - Fatigue differences between running and cycling21:29 - Recoverability from different fatigue23:42 - Training session order based on fatigue 26:13 - Intensity and volume on fatigue30:47 - Practical recommendations for training33:41 - Organising a training week35:32 - Pre-fatigue trainingTakeawaysUnderstanding Fatigue: Central vs. Peripheral – Dr. Brownstein explains the vital differences between central fatigue (nervous system-related) and peripheral fatigue (muscle-related) and how these mechanisms influence exercise performance.Exercise Modality Matters: Discover how cycling and running affect fatigue differently. While both sports show similar levels of muscle fatigue, cycling often results in more peripheral fatigue, whereas running tends to cause more central fatigue.Training Intensity: Keep Easy Days Easy – Emphasising the importance of staying disciplined with your exercise intensity, Dr. Brownstein highlights that crossing certain intensity thresholds can significantly compound fatigue, urging the importance of proper recovery.FOLLOW OUR PODCASTFollow our Host / Guest@theprogresstheory@drphilpriceCallum G Brownstein (@CGBrownstein) / X@CGBrownsteinNewcastle UniversityDavid Bishop - Google ScholarFor all our other episodes and to get in touch, please visit www.theprogresstheory.com.Thanks for listening! This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. KULT Media 2023 Mentioned in this episode:Progress Theory NewsletterThe Progress Theory newsletter. If you want the latest information and recommendations on how to optimise your physical and mental performance, then subscribe to the free Progress Theory newsletter on Substack today.
Click the link in the show notes and subscribe to get the best information on human performance sent straight to your email.
https://theprogresstheory.substack.com/
Sign up today.SubstackPodcast Produced By KULT MediaBefore we wrap up, I want to give a shout-out and my thanks to my production partner, Kult Media. If you are thinking of launching a podcast or want to grow your audience, head to www.kult.media to get started today.
Kult MediaThe Science of Hybrid TrainingIt was originally thought that you could not effectively train for both strength and endurance at the same time because they required different adaptations which were not compatible with each other. It was claimed that ‘an interference effect’, blunted the adaptations for strength if you simultaneously trained for endurance.
However, recent developments in sports which require both strength and endurance have really challenged this idea, with hybrid athletes producing impressive performances in both strength and endurance sports together. This had led scientists, coaches, and athletes to rethink what is humanly possible and suggests the interference effect is not as influential as originally thought.
But what is a hybrid athlete? What is the ‘interference effect’? And how can we maximize our training to improve at the same time our strength and endurance performance?
In this book, Dr Phil Price provides insight into the misconceptions surrounding strength and endurance training by distilling the past 50 years of research and drawing on the conversations he had with great scientists, coaches, and athletes on The Progress Theory podcast. This book is essential reading for hybrid athletes and coaches who are looking to understand the key training variables and their effect on the simultaneous development of strength and endurance performance.Book

Jun 30, 2025 • 39min
How To Become An Astronaut! with Dr Meganne Christian
Welcome to another inspiring episode of The Progress Theory, where host Dr Phil Price dives into the science behind human performance and achievement. In today’s episode, Phil sits down with Dr Meganne Christian, a UK astronaut and European Space Agency reserve astronaut, whose unconventional journey is as fascinating as it is motivating.From her roots in the UK and Australia, through her career as a material scientist, to a transformative year spent in Antarctic darkness and isolation, Meganne’s story is a testament to pushing personal and professional boundaries. Together, Phil and Meganne explore the pivotal experiences and mindset that led her to conquer the notoriously challenging ESA astronaut selection process—revealing the surprising mix of technical skills, resilience, teamwork, and honest self-reflection required to thrive.With tales of Antarctic survival, candid insights into what space agencies really look for, and practical advice for anyone dreaming of venturing into space or tackling life’s most demanding challenges, this episode offers an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes of human exploration at its most extreme. Whether you’re an aspiring astronaut, a science enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a push to go after your own “impossible” goal, there’s something here for you.So, strap in as we journey from the Antarctic ice to the stars and uncover what it really takes to reach new heights—both on this planet and beyond.In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Introduction05:12 Isolation's Psychological Challenge08:50 Embracing the Learning Curve09:55 Self-Reflection in Extreme Environments15:30 Astronauts' Challenging Tasks in Space19:12 Job Application Process Overview22:25 ESA Selection Panel Interview Summary24:19 Testing Fears: Memory Test Challenge28:47 "Building Experience for Selection"31:59 UK Astronauts and Space Station Fitness34:04 Getting Involved in Space Projects38:22 Lunar Peaceful Cooperation ProposalTakeawaysEmbrace Diverse Experience: The ESA values not just academic achievement but a proven ability to thrive in extreme and varied environments. My time in Antarctica challenged me physically and mentally and helped me develop resilience, teamwork, and adaptability—skills crucial for future astronauts.Pursue What You Love: There’s no single path to becoming an astronaut. Success lies in excelling at what excites you—whether that’s engineering, science, or field research. Loving what you do not only builds expertise but also nurtures the enthusiasm agencies look for.Seize Opportunities—Big and Small: From responding to unexpected emails offering unique roles to keeping an eye out for space sector projects, sometimes the most unexpected opportunities set you on the path to your goals. Be ready to put yourself forward, even when you’re unsure!FOLLOW OUR PODCASTFollow our Host / Guest@theprogresstheory@drphilprice@astro_meganneResources MentionedEuropean Space AgencyUK Space AgencyInternational Space StationConcordia StationInternational Antarctic CenterFor all our other episodes and to get in touch, please visit www.theprogresstheory.com.Thanks for listening! This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. KULT Media 2023 Mentioned in this episode:Progress Theory NewsletterThe Progress Theory newsletter. If you want the latest information and recommendations on how to optimise your physical and mental performance, then subscribe to the free Progress Theory newsletter on Substack today.
Click the link in the show notes and subscribe to get the best information on human performance sent straight to your email.
https://theprogresstheory.substack.com/
Sign up today.SubstackPodcast Produced By KULT MediaBefore we wrap up, I want to give a shout-out and my thanks to my production partner, Kult Media. If you are thinking of launching a podcast or want to grow your audience, head to www.kult.media to get started today.
Kult MediaThe Science of Hybrid TrainingIt was originally thought that you could not effectively train for both strength and endurance at the same time because they required different adaptations which were not compatible with each other. It was claimed that ‘an interference effect’, blunted the adaptations for strength if you simultaneously trained for endurance.
However, recent developments in sports which require both strength and endurance have really challenged this idea, with hybrid athletes producing impressive performances in both strength and endurance sports together. This had led scientists, coaches, and athletes to rethink what is humanly possible and suggests the interference effect is not as influential as originally thought.
But what is a hybrid athlete? What is the ‘interference effect’? And how can we maximize our training to improve at the same time our strength and endurance performance?
In this book, Dr Phil Price provides insight into the misconceptions surrounding strength and endurance training by distilling the past 50 years of research and drawing on the conversations he had with great scientists, coaches, and athletes on The Progress Theory podcast. This book is essential reading for hybrid athletes and coaches who are looking to understand the key training variables and their effect on the simultaneous development of strength and endurance performance.Book

Jun 16, 2025 • 59min
How To Reach The Elite Crossfit Level with David Shorunke
David Shorunke, a top UK elite CrossFit athlete, shares his journey and training insights. He discusses the unique challenges taller athletes face in competition, including the unfair judging during semifinals. David emphasizes the importance of recovery, sleep, and a balanced lifestyle for success. He also highlights the need for enjoyment in training, arguing that's key to long-term motivation. With candid reflections on disappointments and adaptations, his philosophy inspires aspiring athletes to embrace both discipline and fun in their fitness journey.

Jun 9, 2025 • 54min
What Role Does Creativity Play in Elite Sport? with Tom Farrow
Tom Farrow, an S&C coach at Arete Performance, discusses the crucial role of creativity in elite sports. He explores how creative approaches and street sports foster authentic problem-solving skills. Farrow emphasizes the balance between chaos and order in coaching, highlighting the importance of understanding athletes' personalities for better connections. The conversation also touches on the significance of fostering a supportive team culture and leveraging literature to enhance creativity and mastery in sports.

Jun 2, 2025 • 48min
Master Your SkiErg Performance For Hyrox & Crossfit with Louisa Sondergaard
In this episode of The Progress Theory, host Dr Phil Price welcomes CrossFit coach and athlete Louise Sondergaard to dive into the world of ergometer training, focusing on the vital yet often overlooked skill development in using ergs, particularly the SkiErg and rower, to enhance athletic performance. Having first discovered Louise through the Upside Strength podcast with Sean Seale, Dr Phil was intrigued by her passionate discourse on integrating skill learning into erg training within CrossFit and functional fitness, drawing parallels with the detailed technique analysis used in weightlifting. Louise shares insights from her journey as a CrossFit Level 3 coach and her transition from a finance career to coaching full time, with impressive accomplishments like setting world records on the SkiErg during lockdown. Together, they explore the nuances of erg training, the cultural shift towards recognising its significance in the fitness community, and practical advice for athletes eager to optimise their erg techniques. Whether you're a novice or seasoned athlete, this episode is packed with valuable strategies to elevate your rowing and skiing skill sets and, ultimately, your overall performance.In this episode, we discuss:00:00 Introduction03:28 Enhancing Monostructural Conditioning Techniques08:59 CrossFit Skill Development Challenges11:28 Coaching Machines: Overcoming Technique Gaps14:46 Rowing vs. Flashy Gym Techniques19:29 Erg Training: Technique and Intervals20:38 Optimising Aerobic Training Methods25:39 Upper and Lower Body Training Balance27:28 Upper Body Skiing Challenges31:54 Transitioning Athletes Struggle in CrossFit37:03 "Ski Erg Skills and Technique"38:35 Microdosing Technique for Athletes43:13 Polarised Training Routine Explained45:50 Online and Custom Fitness ProgrammesTakeawaysTechnique Matters: Just like in weightlifting, enhancing your technique on ERGs can lead to better performance. It's about more than just going hard; it's about mastering the skill.Complementary Training: Incorporating ERG workouts with other conditioning work can create a well-rounded fitness regime. Using various machines strategically can help manage fatigue and improve overall efficiency.Continuous Learning: Coaches need to expand their knowledge base on ERG techniques to effectively incorporate them into training programs. There’s always room to grow and improve!FOLLOW OUR PODCASTFollow our Host / Guest@theprogresstheory@drphilpriceLouise Sondergaard (@louisa_sondergaard) - InstagramResources MentionedUpside Strength podcastConcept 2 CrossFit HyroxSkiErg world records (five kilometers and six kilometers)For all our other episodes and to get in touch, please visit www.theprogresstheory.com.Thanks for listening! This podcast is hosted by Captivate, try it yourself for free. KULT Media 2023 Mentioned in this episode:The Science of Hybrid TrainingIt was originally thought that you could not effectively train for both strength and endurance at the same time because they required different adaptations which were not compatible with each other. It was claimed that ‘an interference effect’, blunted the adaptations for strength if you simultaneously trained for endurance.
However, recent developments in sports which require both strength and endurance have really challenged this idea, with hybrid athletes producing impressive performances in both strength and endurance sports together. This had led scientists, coaches, and athletes to rethink what is humanly possible and suggests the interference effect is not as influential as originally thought.
But what is a hybrid athlete? What is the ‘interference effect’? And how can we maximize our training to improve at the same time our strength and endurance performance?
In this book, Dr Phil Price provides insight into the misconceptions surrounding strength and endurance training by distilling the past 50 years of research and drawing on the conversations he had with great scientists, coaches, and athletes on The Progress Theory podcast. This book is essential reading for hybrid athletes and coaches who are looking to understand the key training variables and their effect on the simultaneous development of strength and endurance performance.BookProgress Theory NewsletterThe Progress Theory newsletter. If you want the latest information and recommendations on how to optimise your physical and mental performance, then subscribe to the free Progress Theory newsletter on Substack today.
Click the link in the show notes and subscribe to get the best information on human performance sent straight to your email.
https://theprogresstheory.substack.com/
Sign up today.SubstackPodcast Produced By KULT MediaBefore we wrap up, I want to give a shout-out and my thanks to my production partner, Kult Media. If you are thinking of launching a podcast or want to grow your audience, head to www.kult.media to get started today.
Kult Media