The Human Kinetics Podcast

The argument can be made that training looks pretty similar between male and female athletes. While the general programming might look similar, there are considerations that should be made when training female athletes. In this episode, NSCA certified trainer Aaron Patterson discusses factors to consider such as increased injury risk and impacts of the menstrual cycle on training and performance. 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 12 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. Aaron coaches high performers on mental aspects of their sport performance to build confidence, reduce anxiety, regulate their emotions, and more.   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.  

Body transformation is the goal of nearly every individual who picks up a weight or invests hours in an exercise program, whether that is gaining strength, building muscle, or getting lean. Gareth Sapstead has spent his career spanning over two decades helping competitors and general population clients sculpt their ultimate body shape. In this episode, he dives into what it takes to build muscle, get lean, and work toward your ideal body transformation. As the editor of his newest release, 100 Best Physique Workouts, he enlisted the help of 20 additional trainers and coaches to share what has worked for them and their clients. 100 Best Physique Workouts https://ecs.page.link/FMzcA Gareth Sapstead, CSCS Gareth Sapstead is the founder of Team EPT Coaching as well as EPT Lab Fitness and Performance Gym. He delivers both worldwide and in-person coaching, driving lasting transformation, strength, and resilience. Sapstead has worked with Olympians, world champions, and countless clients in pursuit of their ultimate body shape. He is an author, writer, and international speaker whose work has been featured in The New York Times, Muscle & Fitness, Men's Fitness, and Men's Health. Sapstead has a master's degree in strength and conditioning science and a bachelor's degree in sports and exercise science. He also holds the NSCA CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) certification. Sapstead can be reached on Instagram (@thefitnessmaverick), at his website (www.thefitnessmaverick.com), or by email (getmefit@thefitnessmaverick.com).

It's time to move on. At some point in your life, you have probably heard the phrase, whether it is in reference to a job, a relationship, or in this case, a workout plan. In this episode, certified trainers Aaron Patterson and Frank Eyeson discuss how to know when it is time to move on from your current workout plan. You might get bored with your workouts. Maybe you've started to plateau. Or, perhaps you have new goals. Regardless of your situation, there are signs that hint it is time for a change.   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 12 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 CMPC, Aaron coaches high performers on mental aspects of their sport performance to build confidence, reduce anxiety, regulate their emotions, and more.   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.

We monitor how athletes are doing physically. We can assess if they need more recovery time, or if they are ready to push through. But we don't give much attention to how mental fatigue can impact play throughout the season. In this episode, NSCA certified trainer and Mental Performance Consultant Aaron Patterson takes a look into the impacts of mental fatigue and how it can impact an athlete. This perspective is viewed through the scope of a recent research article published in the International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance. It can also be found in the Human Kinetics Journals   Understanding Mental Fatigue Across the Men's Basketball Season: A Mixed-Method Study Sansone, P., Ciaccioni, S., Polverari, D., Carcia-Calvo, T., and Russell, S. (2026). Understanding mental fatigue across the men's basketball season: A mixed-methods study. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 12: 274-282. https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijspp/21/2/article-p274.xml   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 12 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 CMPC, Aaron coaches high performers on mental aspects of their sport performance to build confidence, reduce anxiety, regulate their emotions, and more.   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.  

"How much can you bench, bro?" It's a question that pops up every now in then in gyms and among friends in a casual conversation. It's a way to compare ourselves to others and see exactly how we stack up. The bigger question is, does it matter? There are many nuances that go into the strength conversation, and in this episode, NSCA certified trainer Aaron Patterson discusses the difference between absolute and relative strength, and why those factors should be taken into account when discussing strength.   Additional Resources Science and Development of Muscular Strength https://ecs.page.link/t49Fw Scientific Foundations and Practical Applications of Periodization https://ecs.page.link/LXe7K Research Study: Scaling -- Which methods best predict performance? Comfort, P., and Pearson, SJ. (2014). Scaling – Which methods best predict performance? Journal of Strength Training and Conditioning Research, 28; 1565-1572.     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 12 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 CMPC, Aaron coaches high performers on mental aspects of their sport performance to build confidence, reduce anxiety, regulate their emotions, and more.   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.  

We know that physical activity can impact sleep habits, but how do sleep habits impact physical activity? Does more sleep mean less time awake lead to less physical activity? Similarly, does more time awake lead to more physical activity? In this episode, NSCA certified trainer and mental performance consultant Aaron Patterson explores the relationship of sleep habits among high school students and how they impact physical activity. The information in this episode is based on a 2025 research study published in the Human Kinetics Journals and the Journal of Physical Activity and Health. Associations of Sleep Duration, Quality, and Timing with Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors Among High School Students Johnson, K., Billmyer, E., Kaja, S., and Widome, R. (2025). Associations of sleep duration, quality, and timing with physical activity and sedentary behaviors among high school students. Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 1-8.   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 12 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 CMPC, Aaron coaches high performers on mental aspects of their sport performance to build confidence, reduce anxiety, regulate their emotions, and more.   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.  

They tackle why starting a training plan feels intimidating and how good intentions often stall. Myths like “get in shape before joining” and “no pain, no gain” are debunked. Practical topics cover short effective workouts, full-body routines for beginners, push/pull/lower progressions, carries for real-life strength, and ways to reduce gym intimidation.

Behavior change is tough. You've made the decision that change is needed in some aspect of your life, but there are challenges that pop up along the way. In this episode, NSCA certified trainer and Mental Performance Consultant Aaron Patterson discusses the importance of goal setting and behavior change in exercise adherence. He highlights the challenges individuals face in maintaining that change and explores psychological factors that influence these behaviors including self-efficacy, social support, and realistic goal setting in achieving long-term success.   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 12 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 CMPC, Aaron coaches high performers on mental aspects of their sport performance to build confidence, reduce anxiety, regulate their emotions, and more.   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.

Dance research is an ever-growing field with many avenues for researchers to consider. In this episode, Dr. Ali Duffy discusses her journey in dance and academia, and the importance of research in the field of dance. She explains various research methodologies and approaches and highlights the significance of community engaged research.  Research in Dance https://ecs.page.link/7ZHSa  Ali Duffy, PhD, MFA Ali Duffy is associate head of dance at Texas Tech University and is a President's Excellence in Teaching professor and graduate director. She is the artistic director of Flatlands Dance Theatre and codirector of the International Parenting and Dance Network. She holds a doctorate from Texas Women's University, a master's degree from University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a bachelor's degree from UNC at Charlotte, a graduate certificate in women's and gender studies from Texas Tech University, and a professional certificate in online education from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Duffy's writing has recently been published in Research in Dance Education; Journal of Dance Education; Journal of Arts Management, Law, and Society; Journal of Dance Medicine and Science, and Dance Education in Practice. Her recent books include Dancing Motherhood, Careers in Dance, and Meet the Dance makers. Forthcoming books include Pandemic Motherhood: Exploring the COVID-19 Pandemic Through Engaged and Applied Arts, Parenting and Dance: Interdisciplinary and International Perspectives, and Women in Dance: Choices, Obstacles, and the Question of Motherhood. Dr. Duffy has been invited for artistic presentations and residencies at Queen's University Belfast, Valdosta State University, the University of South Florida, Lindenwood University, Colorado Mesa University, Virginia Tech, University of Detroit, UNC at Charlotte, UNC at Greensboro, Austin Dance Festival, and COCO Dance Festival. Her artistic and scholarly research has been supported by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Mid-America Arts Alliance.

Youth sports are more competitive than ever, and the rise in popularity and competitiveness will likely only continue to increase. But have you ever considered the disparity in talent, even within the same age group? In this episode, NSCA certified trainer and sport performance coach Aaron Patterson discusses the impact of Relative Age Effects and Biological Maturity through the lens of a recent research article titled The Influence of Relative Age and Biological Maturity on Youth Weightlifting Performance.   Citation Morris, S., Oliver, J., Radnor, J., Hill, M., Haff, G., and Lloyd, R., (2025). The influence of relative age and biological maturity on youth weightlifting performance. Pediatric Exercise Science, 38:1; 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1123/pes.2024-0083 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 12 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 CMPC, Aaron coaches high performers on mental aspects of their sport performance to build confidence, reduce anxiety, regulate their emotions, and more.   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.