
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.
Latest episodes

Oct 23, 2020 • 1h 23min
The Progress Theory Roundtable 001: Which sports man/woman is the Greatest Of All Time?
Introducing the new Progress Theory Roundtable series!!Each Progress Theory Roundtable will discuss a brand new topic set out at the start of the episode. These topics are meant to be subjective and challenging, allowing for different opinions to be shared. These topics can range from sport event reviews, contrasting styles of training, different sporting philosophies, and approaches to training & coaching.In 001, @thepricep @daryl_green_ and @m.tyler_pt discuss who is the greatest sportsman or women of all time, and form their own Mt Rushmore of G.O.A.T's. Here they discuss the following:- What qualities, both physical and mental, create the GOAT- What separates the GOAT's selected for their respective Mt Rushmore and those that did not make the cut?- What is a sporting Icon?- Are we aware of our own bias when selecting who is the GOAT?- Which GOAT got selected more than all the others?Who would be on your Mt Rushmore of the G.O.A.T?Join the journey#progresstheory

Oct 12, 2020 • 1h 1min
The new challenge: What is the interference effect?
The Progress Theory Podcast is back for season 2 with a new challenge!!!
Want a good engine, lift heavy and not suck at both? With the rise in functional fitness and many athletes taking on their own challenges after Coronavirus got most of the events cancelled, we decided to cover how it is possible to train for both strength and endurance.
In Episode 2.1 follow @thepricep and @dg.coaching as they detail the next challenge: Increase strength in their chosen lifts while training for a 4 hour marathon. All in 11 weeks.
The cover the following topics:
- What is concurrent training? Is concurrent training more common than we think?
- Why has it been previously perceived that you couldn't train for strength and endurance at the same time?
- Who is Professor Robert Hickson and how did his seminal research in 1980 start the idea that strength and endurance shouldn't be trained together?
- After critiquing his research what answers do we find?
- What is the interference effect? Does an understanding of the molecular pathways which regulate strength and endurance adaptations help explain why endurance training may inhibit protein synthesis after resistance training?
- Which factors affect how powerful the interference effect is? can we structure training so we can reduce the interference effect and maximise Endurance and strength training simultaneously?
Hope you enjoy the episode. Like and subscribe to our podcast and join the journey. What are your experiences with concurrent training?

Sep 25, 2020 • 1h 5min
The 5/10km Re-Test
Welcome to Episode 1.4 - The 5/10km Re-Test - of the Progress Theory Podcast. It's here, check in to see how the 5/10km sub20/40 minute challenge went.
In this episode @freddiereadhead and @thepricep discuss their 5/10km re-test results and reflect on how training for the challenge went. Topics include:
- Recapping the training strategy for this challenge (The 6 day cycle, polarised training)
- How constant changes due to covid restrictions effected training
- The choice of training plan and maintaining a work/training balance
- If we had longer than 8 weeks how much more do we think we could improve?
- What we've learnt from this experience
- How reflection is the key to making better future training decisions
- How we want everyone to join in with this journey. Let us know your challenge
That's season 1 done. Check in next time for season 2 where Progress Theory goes up a notch. Big plans ahead.

Sep 1, 2020 • 1h 8min
S&C and running performance
Check out episode 1.3 where Freddie and Phil discuss their S&C training leading up to the 5/10km in sub 20/40 minute challenge.
The boys could have discussed so many points in this episode. Instead, they focused on key areas which formed the principles they followed when programming S&C. Topics include:
- How important is S&C in running?
- How S&C training was structured around a 6 day running training microcycle
- How strong do you need to be to be a good runner?
- What is the difference between ballistic and plyometric exercises?
- Is running a plyometric exercise?
As always, like & subscribe to our channel. Please leave a review and send us a message about your training journey.
#progresstheory

Aug 4, 2020 • 1h 10min
Running programming for 5km/10km
Check out Episode 1.2 of the Progress Theory podcast as @freddiereadhead and @thepricep discuss how they developed their running programme for their 5km/10km sub 20/40 challenge. The episode starts with the boys reflecting on the first 2 weeks of training, how they have found the programme so far. Then they get stuck into how the programme was developed.This episode covers:- Phil guides us through why he chose a 6 day training cycle over a typical 7 day training week- How Pareto's law provides the basis of balancing a programme made up of slow, long runs, intervals and tempo runs.- Polarised training, a structure involving a balance of shorter, faster sessions and longer, slower sessions, is discussed.- How running volume and intensity changes over the 8 weeks leading up to the re-test.- How having an understanding of your programme and the scientific principles behind it helps training with intent.Check it out. Like and subscribe to the Progress Theory Podcast.

Jul 23, 2020 • 1h
5km/10km the determinants of endurance performance
Check the latest Progress Theory podcast as @freddiereadhead and @thepricep set out their first challenge. In this episode:
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• Freddie and Phil lay down the rules for the challenge.
• Discuss the determinants of endurance performance. What makes some endurance runners better than others?
• Introduce potential training zones based on understanding how the body utilises different energy systems.
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Follow their journey as they train for this challenge. Want to improve your 5km and 10km? Get involved and join in.

Jul 15, 2020 • 1h 13min
Ep 1 Pilot - Stairway to the Stratosphere
Welcome to episode 1 of the Progress Theory Podcast.
In this episode, Freddie Readhead and Dr Phil Price reflect on Freddie's 'Stairway to the Stratosphere' challenge, where Freddie ascended and descended his staircase 3,846 times, the equivalent height of sea level to Earth's the stratosphere (10 vertical kilometres). Freddie and Phil discuss how this challenge came about and how it eventually lead them to start up the 'Progress Theory Podcast'. We believe that with the right knowledge, preparation and mindset, you are able to take on any challenge, regardless of what discipline, format, distance, time or prior experience. Fundamentally, it's about creating a culture of small wins, marginal gains and consistent progress towards a specific goal.
In our first episode we discuss Freddie's training programme and cover topics such as:
* Strategy - How Freddie broke down the number of flights of stairs needed per hour to reach The Stratosphere in a 48 hour window.
*Problem Solving - How Freddie used the training climbs for the challenge to identify areas which could potential cause problems.
*Training Methods - How Freddie used a gradual approach to his training, hoping to expose his body to the stresses and physical demands of climbing stairs for long periods of time.
* Strength and Conditioning - How Phil programmed Freddie's strength training to focus on developing key physical qualities necessary for the climb.
* Reflection - What would Freddie change about his preparation for the climb and overall thoughts about the climb itself.
Check it out, like and subscribe.
Progress Theory.