Sigma Nutrition Radio

Sigma coach Arthur Lynch interviews sport psychology PhD researcher Eoghan McNeill of the University of Limerick on applying evidence-based sports psychology techniques to improve performance, particularly in powerlifting and other self-paced/closed skill sports. Eoghan is a PhD researcher in the PESS department at the Univeristy of Limerick. Eoghan's research examines improving performance in self-paced sports (focusing on golf) through psychology techniques and mental preparation. Eoghan has a MSc. in Sport and Exercise Psychology from Ulster University, Jordanstown (UUJ). Eoghan can be contacted at eoghan.mcneill@ul.ie In This Episode We Discuss: Pre-performance routine and the importance of conscious thought Use of first-person and third-person imagery for performance and skill acquisition Effective self-talk Thought replacement strategy and reframing negative thoughts

Book: 'Making Weight' - The Ultimate Science Based Guide to Cutting Weight for Combat Sports Reid Reale completed a PhD, focusing on weight cutting techniques and body composition of combat sport athletes. This work was carried out in conjunction with the Australian Institute of Sport, where research is combined with helping elite level Olympic athletes. Reid has a master's degree in dietetics and holds Accredited Sports Dietitian and Accredited Practising Dietitian status with Sports Dietitians Australia and the Dietitians Association of Australia respectively. He won first prize in the "Young investigator award" at the 2016 European College of Sports Science annual congress in Vienna, for his presentation 'Rapid weight loss in Olympic combat sports'. In This Episode We Discuss: Why cut weight? Methods used to cut weight The mechanisms by which water loading can potentially be useful in weight cutting Low residue diets and acute weight loss Deciding how much to cut for each sport

Jeff Nippard, a WNBF Pro Drug-Free Bodybuilder and biochemistry grad, dives deep into intuitive eating versus control-based eating for better physique outcomes. He discusses how to listen to internal hunger cues, emphasizing a flexible approach over traditional dieting. Jeff shares insights on mastering body recomposition strategies tailored to different fitness levels, and reflects on the importance of lifestyle choices in fitness journeys. He encourages a positive perspective on life, illustrating how community support and gratitude can enhance well-being.

Dr Jason Gill is a Reader in Exercise and Metabolic Health in the Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences at the University of Glasgow. He leads an active multi-disciplinary research group investigating the effects of exercise and diet on the prevention and management of vascular and metabolic diseases from the molecular to the whole-body level. Major research interests include: why certain population groups (particularly South Asians) appear to be particularly susceptible to the adverse effects of a `Westernised' lifestyle, and how lifestyle interventions can modulate this excess risk; the interactions between physical activity, energy balance, adiposity and disease risk; and the mechanisms by which exercise regulates lipoprotein metabolism. He is a past Chair of the British Association of Sport and Exercise Sciences (BASES) Division of Physical Activity for Health and a member of the development groups for the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) guidelines for the prevention and treatment of obesity and for prevention of cardiovascular disease. Jason is Director of the MSc programme in Sport and Exercise Science & Medicine, and also plays an active role in communicating the science of physical activity, diet, obesity and cardio-metabolic risk to the widest possible audience including a number of appearances on TV documentaries and organisation of Understanding of Science events for the general public. In This Episode We Discuss: Modifiable factors that influence cardio-metabolic disease risk Differences in diabetes and cardio-metabolic disease risk between different ethnic groups Is this increased disease risk a function of ethnicity alone or a mismatch between the environment and that populations evolutionary past? How different BMI values correspond to different levels of risk between ethnic groups Differences in cardiorespiratory fitness levels and capacity for fat oxidation potentially contribute to ethnic differences in the cardio-metabolic risk profile Do we need ethnicity-specific physical activity guidelines? Research questions that remain unanswered

Episode 179: Patterns that I've recognised and traits that are common to the best people in evidence-based nutrition and fitness.

Episode 178: I need your input as a valued listener! I talk through some exciting new plans, ideas and where we as a community should aim to bring this podcast. sigmanutrition.com/input

Chris and Eric Martinez are the founders of Dynamic Duo Training. The twin brothers have the knowledge, the credibility, the passion, the "in the trenches" experience training themselves and clients, and have been mentored under some of the most prestigious coaches in the industry such as Layne Norton, Eric Helms, and Dr. Joe Klemczewski. Chris and Eric are constantly striving to innovate, learn to be better in all areas of life, evolve, and most importantly execute and serve to their clients. They recently authored the book 'The New Era of Fitness'. In This Episode We Discuss: The components that comprise the "new era of fitness" Forming new habits with clients Mentality towards fitness goals Why personal development is important How to improve yourself Lessons learned through experience and education

Eric Trexler is a PhD student at UNC Chapel Hill, under Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan. He has a research focus on how exercise and nutrition affect metabolism, performance, and body composition. Eric comes from a background in natural bodybuilding, powerlifting, and strength coaching, and currently holds certifications in sports nutrition (CISSN) and strength and conditioning (CSCS). Eric completed his undergraduate degree at The Ohio State University, and his master's degree at UNC Chapel Hill. In This Episode We Discuss: Proposed mechanisms of action of citrulline Citrulline malate vs. L-citrulline Nitric oxide "boosters" Why arginine is ineffective Dietary nitrates and nitrate supplementation via beetroot/pomegranate What athletes might this work for? Research on cordyceps supplementation for exercise performance

Klaas Westerterp is Professor of Human Energetics at Maastricht University. His field of expertise is energy metabolism, physical activity, food intake and body composition, and energy balance under controlled conditions and in daily life. He is member of the Editorial Board of the journal Nutrition and Metabolism (London), the European Journal of Applied Physiology, the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and Editor-in-Chief of the Proceedings of the Nutrition Society.

Episode 174: Researcher from Maastrict University, Jorn Trommelen is on the show to discuss his research on the effect of glucose/fructose on carbohydrate oxidation during exercise and the effect of pre-sleep protein on muscle protein balance. Jorn earned his MSc in Nutrition and Health with top honors at Wageningen University & Research Centre. He is now pursuing a PhD in Muscle Metabolism at Maastricht University, at one of the leading laboratories in that field. His research focusses on protein ingestion to optimize post-exercise muscle protein synthesis. In addition, he investigates carbohydrate metabolism during and after exercise. Jorn won several awards for his research including: A Young Investigator Award at the European College of Sport Science Congress in 2015 The GSSI Sport Nutrition Award at the American College of Sports Medicine in 2016 The Gail E. Butterfield Nutrition Travel Award at the American College of Sports Medicine in 2016 A GSSI Nutrition Award at the European College of Sport Science Congress in 2016