The Human Kinetics Podcast

Dr. Matthew S. Ibrahim, a strength and conditioning coach, author, and founder of Athletic Performance University, shares insights on training like a pro throughout life. He emphasizes the importance of making training enjoyable and translating competitive goals into daily life. Ibrahim argues that everyone can embody athleticism, focusing on essential elements like strength and agility. He also discusses the benefits of plyometrics and progressive overload, while offering advice on rebuilding confidence post-injury and using specific goals to stay accountable.

Mike Boyle, a renowned strength and conditioning coach, shares his extensive experience from coaching the Boston Bruins to founding his own training business. He discusses how coaching has evolved, focusing on athlete safety and functional training. Boyle delves into the critical role of mastering fundamentals and how small improvements can drastically enhance performance. He also highlights essential resources for aspiring trainers, emphasizing the value of continuous learning in creating effective training programs.

The Rubber Band Method has a cool name, but what is it, and how does it work? In this episode, Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher and Certified Massage Therapist Kiara Armstrong explains what the Rubber Band Method is, why she developed it, and how it works. She dives into her journey in becoming a yoga teacher, and talks about her book, Hands-On Yoga Assists. Hands-On Yoga Assists https://ecs.page.link/CsTSJ Kiara Armstrong, e-RYT 500, CMT, YACEP Kiara Armstrong first started practicing yoga in 2002. It played a central role in her personal journey to overcome mental and physical illness, and in 201, she began her first 200-hour yoga teacher training before beginning to teach in 2011. Five years later, she began leading 200-hour yoga teacher trainings and has since taught continuing education programs, including 300-hour yoga teacher trainings.  In addition to being an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher with 500 hours of training, Kiara is also a Certified Massage Therapist, which is the highest level of accreditation in her state of California. She is also a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider, and developer of the Rubber Band Method.    

Timothy Suchomel, PhD, is an associate professor at the University of Pittsburgh and a leading expert in strength and power development. He dives into the intricate definitions of strength, comparing absolute and relative measures, and emphasizes the importance of context in athletic performance. Suchomel critiques traditional sport-specific training and introduces advanced training methods like accentuated eccentric loading. He also discusses a new publication on strength training mechanisms, offering valuable insights for athletes and coaches alike.

You train consistently and put in the effort you need to succeed. But are you training appropriately for your sport or intended goal? In this episode, NSCA certified trainer Aaron Patterson breaks down the three energy systems our bodies use to produce the energy needed for specific activities. Understanding the difference between the three will help you better prepare success in your sport.   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 11 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 in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise and Sport Psychology to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. 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. Additional resources Scientific Foundations and Practical Applications of Periodization https://ecs.page.link/LXe7K NSCA Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning, Fourth Edition https://ecs.page.link/X8euc Training and Conditioning Young Athletes https://ecs.page.link/H7QnY

They explore why power matters for daily life and aging, not just sport. They define power as strength plus speed and explain how it declines faster than strength. Practical progressions and exercises for older adults and athletes are discussed. Safety, mobility, intent, and alternatives to Olympic lifts get attention. They highlight how power training preserves independence and reduces fall risk.

Discover the essential role of strength training in achieving performance and longevity. The hosts discuss how maintaining muscle mass can enhance independence as we age. They share insights on maximal and speed strength tailored for various athletic goals. Personal stories underscore the importance of engaging in sprinting, especially for adults over 30, while unpacking various training methodologies. A balanced fitness approach that integrates strength, endurance, and power is highlighted as the key to lasting health and improved overall performance.

Regardless of if you are an athlete training for improved performance or realize the benefits of training to age gracefully, setting goals for your journey will help you stay on track. In this second episode of the series, Training for Performance and Longevity, certified trainers Aaron Patterson and Frank Eyeson explain not only how to set goals, but the importance of setting the right type of goals to set yourself up for 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 11 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 in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise and Sport Psychology to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. 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.

Whether you are training for performance or longevity, there are certain factors you should consider when planning your journey. In this episode, certified trainers Aaron Patterson and Frank Eyeson introduce a series of upcoming episodes discussing a variety of topics including goal setting, strength, power development, and more, the importance of each topic as it relates to training for either performance or longevity, and the crossover between both goals.   Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, CSAC, CTPS Aaron 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 11 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 in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise and Sport Psychology to become a Certified Mental Performance Consultant. 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 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.

Did you know that 30.7 percent of adults are considered overweight and 42 percent have obesity? Roughly 48 percent of men and 61 percent of women in the United States have reported they desire to lose weight. But what is the best exercise method to use when training for fat loss? In this episode, NSCA certified trainer Aaron Patterson, M.S., discusses training for fat loss and explores what the research says about the topic.   Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, CTPS, CSAC 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 the Human Kinetics Podcast. Certified through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), Aaron has over 11 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). In addition, he is a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (in training) helping athletes improve their mental performance. 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. Additional Resources Strength Training for Fat Loss, Second Edition https://ecs.page.link/B7zQc Metabolic Training https://ecs.page.link/MvHw9  Human Kinetics https://ecs.page.link/is5vj