In this episode, we chat with Chris Colucci to explore the pivotal role of writing in the fitness industry. Chris shares his journey from personal training to becoming an associate editor at Testosterone Nation (T-Nation) and later, Breaking Muscle. Chris discusses the importance of writing skills for fitness professionals, covering topics such as structuring articles, targeting specific audiences, and the critical role of clear communication devoid of jargon. Chris also provides guidance on the evolving landscape of written content in the digital age, including the implications of AI-generated text. Finally, Chris delves into his new venture with former guest Shane McLean called The Wright Spotters, where he and Shane aim to help fitness professionals refine their writing skills.

[3:40] The importance of writing in fitness and career development

[5:51] Debunking myths about writing

[10:25] The skill of writing: tips and insights

[23:18] Writing for different audiences

[31:46] Understanding target audiences

[38:59] Self-assessment and knowing when to publish

[41:10] Conveying complex information simply

[49:23] The impact of AI on writing

Chris Colucci is a career fitness professional. He was a personal trainer for almost a decade and his clients ran the gamut from competitive athletes to 80-year-old retirees. Over time, he transitioned from wearing the shirt that said “Trainer” to wearing the hat that said “Editor.” In his editorial roles at websites including T-Nation and Breaking Muscle, he fine-tuned training and nutrition articles from PhDs, RDs, DPTs, CSCSs, and some of the most prominent coaches of the last 20 years. His hands-on experience as a trainer allows him to work not just from a grammatical perspective, but from the point of view of a fitness professional whose readers include potential clients.

If you are interested in working with Chris, visit The Write Spotters website. You can also follow Chris on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

You can get 25% off top supplement brands like Thorne, Designs for Health, and Nordic Naturals by creating a free account on FullScript.com.

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How can understanding energy systems revolutionize your training methods? In this episode, Evan Peikon, an exercise physiologist and computational biologist who has worked with professional athletes, sports teams, and military special operations, joins to shed light on advances in our understanding of energy systems and what it means for training.

We start by reviewing traditional energy system models and introducing a more integrated approach that reflects recent advancements in research and technology, helping to clear up confusion caused by differing terminology among coaches. Evan unpacks contemporary bioenergetics and redefines training approaches by highlighting the rapid and simultaneous processes of ATP breakdown, phosphocreatine restoration, and glycogen breakdown.

Evan highlights the role of data science in professional sports, where teams use various performance and physiological metrics to enhance athlete performance. With insights from wearable technology that measures multiple physiological variables, coaches can make data-driven decisions to tailor an athlete's conditioning based on their individual limitations.

Time Stamps:

[9:24] How technology innovation is impacting sports performance training

[11:39] The role of energy systems in tissue healing

[17:15] Reevaluating the traditional view of energy systems and application to training

[27:26] A contemporary model of bioenergetics

[35:51] Cardiovascular adaptations to training and identifying athlete limitations

[47:05] Valid assessment of an athlete's conditioning and application to team sports

[54:06] Using physiological data for training program optimization

Evan Peikon is a physiologist, computational biologist, and entrepreneur. He spent seven years working with professional athletes, teams, and military special operations as a physiologist and data analyst before stepping away to focus on his startup company, NNOXX, where he is a co-founder and chief bioscientist.

Evan holds a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary biology from Stony Brook University, a master's degree in medical physiology and pharmacology from the University of Florida College of Medicine, and a graduate certificate in applied data science. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in bioinformatics and computational biology at George Mason University.

You can follow Evan on LinkedIn and Instagram, and sign up for his newsletter, On Human Performance.

Get 25% off top supplement brands like Thorne, Designs for Health, and Nordic Naturals by creating a free account on FullScript.com.

To stay up to date on episodes and guests, follow The Performance Connection Podcast on Instagram!

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This episode aims to unpack the multifaceted role of cannabis in human and sport performance. Joining the show is Kirsten Thornhill, who brings insight from both personal and professional experiences.

Kirsten sets the stage by sharing her unique path to cannabis research and insights gained from her dissertation on cannabis use among active adults. She explains the evolving landscape of cannabis legality and its implications for athletes and consumers alike. Kirsten shares the complex relationship between cannabis use and exercise as she's learned the various ways athletes are incorporating cannabis into their training routines, from performance enhancement to pain management. Importantly, we dissect the therapeutic potential of CBD in contrast to its psychoactive counterpart, THC.

The episode wraps up with a candid discussion on the necessity of credible cannabis education for both medical professionals and consumers. Kirsten emphasizes the crucial role of self-education and consultation with healthcare providers.

Time Stamps:

[6:21] Understanding cannabis research and terminology

[11:35] Legality and standardization in cannabis use

[27:25] THC use and its psychological effects

[31:47] Cannabis use for pain management

[37:53] Determining cannabis dosage for therapeutic effects

[49:24] The potential role of cannabis in managing anxiety

[55:43] The need for cannabis education in athletic performance

Dr. Kirsten Thornhill is a seasoned physiology researcher and earned her PhD from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions, where her dissertation centered on the use of cannabis among active adults for both performance enhancement and recovery. Her ability to translate complex research findings into accessible, layman's terms has not only fueled her career but also made her a valuable resource for companies, athletes, and active individuals navigating the intricacies of cannabis dosing and legal concerns.

Kirsten's research journey began in the realm of exercise physiology. There, Kirsten was involved in conducting physiological tests and identifying the physical limitations of endurance performers. This foundation led her to a multifaceted role as a research assistant in the health, medical, and rehabilitation lab, where she engaged with occupational therapists, physical therapists, sports practitioners, and athletic trainers to explore preventative methods for recovery and performance, as well as the implementation of wearable technologies for assessment and diagnostic purposes.

You can connect with and follow Kirsten on LinkedIn.

Get 25% off top supplement brands like Thorne, Designs for Health, and Nordic Naturals by creating a free account on FullScript.com.

To stay up to date on episodes and guests, follow The Performance Connection Podcast on Instagram!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.