Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
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

Friday Jun 20, 2025
Friday Jun 20, 2025
Good racing doesn't just happen. It's a skill that must be honed with training and hard work. In this episode, former Olympic marathoner and current elite running coach of Team New Balance Boston, Mark Coogan, along with Runner's World contributing writer and author Scott Douglas discuss what it takes to run your best race, how to stay healthy both physically and mentally, and have a successful running career. Mark and Scott are the co-authors of Personal Best Running.
Personal Best Running: Coach Coogan's Strategies for the Mile to the Marathon https://ecs.page.link/s3GWR
Mark Coogan
Mark Coogan is the coach of Team New Balance Boston, an elite distance running team that sent three athletes to the 2021 Olympics. He was previously the distance running coach at Dartmouth College and also coached at Tufts University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Phillips Exeter Academy. Among the athletes Coogan has coached are Olympians Elle St. Pierre, who holds the U.S. indoor records for the 1-mile and 2-mile races and is a world champion silver medalist; Heather MacLean, the 2022 U.S. indoor 1,500-meter champion; and Abbey D'Agostino Cooper, whose seven NCAA titles make her the most decorated distance runner in Ivy League history.
Before becoming an elite coach, Cooganwas a professional runner from 1988 to 2004. He was on the 1996 U.S. Olympic marathon team, won the silver medal in the marathon at the 1995 Pan American Games, represented the United States in the 5,000-meter race in the 1995 World Track and Field Championships, and ran in seven World Cross Country Championships. he had unique range, ranking in the top 10 in the United States in the mile, steeplechase, 5k, 10k, and marathon during his career. he was also the first Massachusetts native to run a mile in less than 4 minutes.
Scott Douglas
Scott Douglas is a contributing writer for Runner's World and the author or coauthor of several well-known running books, including Advanced Marathoning, Running is My Therapy, and the New York Times best sellers Meb for Mortals and 26 Marathons. His writing on fitness and health has appeared in The Atlantic, Washington Post, Slate, and Outside.
Full Video on YouTube https://ecs.page.link/P8B1L

Friday Jun 13, 2025
Friday Jun 13, 2025
There is a general misconception on what exactly metabolic training is and what benefits can be gained from performing metabolic training. Is it only for fat loss? Can an individual gain muscle while doing metabolic training? In this episode, trainers and fitness professionals, John Graham and Michael Barnes, answered those questions and more. Learn what metabolic training is, who can use it, and how to implement metabolic training into your workouts regardless of your specific goals.
Metabolic Training: The Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate Workout https://ecs.page.link/MvHw9
John Graham, MS, ACSM EP-C, CSCS*D, RSCC*D, FNSCA
John Graham has enjoyed an accomplished 40-year career in the health, fitness, and strength and conditioning industry. He has served in many roles with the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), including as the board vice president, secretary/treasurer, and chair for the certification committee, conference committee chair, and nominations committee. He also holds leadership positions with American Council on Exercise (ACE) and Medical Fitness Association (MFA). From 2012 to 2015, he was a member of the industry advisory panel for the American Council on Exercise (ACE). He currently serves as associate editor of NSCA's Strength and Conditioning Journal.
Graham is a senior network administrator in lifestyle health and wellness, medical fitness, fitness and sports performance at St. Luke's University Health Network in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and he is a senior contributor at SportsEdTV. Graham has authored or contributed to local, regional, and national peer-reviewed and popular publications on chronic conditions and disorders, health, fitness, and sports conditioning. He has given local, regional, national, and international presentations--including at Perform Better, NSCA, ACSM, and MFA.
His contributions to fitness and sports performance have resulted in recognition by many organizations, including ACE, MFA, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and NSCA. He has served as an adjunct professor at Cedar Crest College, The College of New Jersey, and DeSales University.
Michael Barnes, MEd, CSCS*D, NSCA-CPT*D
Michael Barnes brings over25 years of experience to the strength and conditioning and fitness industry. He is the president and owner of Infinity Personal Training and Fitness in Colorado Springs, Colorado. His previous experience includes working in Division I athletics, working in the National Football League with the San Francisco 49ers, and serving as the director of education for the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA).
Barnes is an author, speaker, subject matter expert, industry consultant, and practitioner. He holds three of the most respected professional certifications in the industry as well as a master's degree in exercise science.
Barnes has presented to coaches, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts with organizations such as Major League Baseball, NSCA, USA Triathlon, USA Rugby, the World Class Athlete Program of the U.S. Army, NCAA, U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, USA Judo, and the U.S. Association of Deaf and Blind Athletes. He has traveled the world to educate, train, and interact with leaders in the fitness industry in Japan, Australia, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, Greece, and Denmark.
Watch the video on YouTube https://ecs.page.link/Zniyb
Human Kinetics https://ecs.page.link/is5vj

Friday Jun 06, 2025
Friday Jun 06, 2025
With so many tools at our disposal to improve fitness, it should be easy to get in a great workout. But what do you do if that equipment isn't available? In this episode, veteran personal trainer Brad Kolowich, Jr. breaks down how to train with the most powerful tool we have available at all times: your own bodyweight. Brad discusses why he chose personal training as a career, the many benefits of bodyweight training, and his experience training top athletes and celebrities like WWE's Cody Rhodes and actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen.
The Bodyweight Blueprint https://ecs.page.link/xwo49
Brad Kolowich, Jr., ACE-CPT, ACE-FNS
Brad Kolowich, Jr. is an Atlanta-based certified personal trainer, founder of KoloFit Personal Training Studio, and co-author of Fitter Faster: The Smart Way to Get In Shape in Just Minutes a Day. He is recognized for his work with business professionals, world-class athletes, fitness competitors, TV personalities, and some of Hollywood's most notable celebrities. He is highly sought after worldwide by actors, actresses, and production companies for his ability to quickly prepare talent for the physical and aesthetic requirements of movies and television series. His work with actor Yahya Abdul-Mateen II has been featured in Men's Health (Aquaman/Aquaman 2) and Men's Journal (Watchmen). Other notable clients include Tyler Perry, Alicia Silverstone, Luke Evans, Rose Byrne, and Cody and Brandi Rhodes. Kolowich was recognized as one of the Best of Atlanta Personal Trainers by the Atlanta Award Program in 2016, 2019, 2021, and 2022. In 2022, he was named one of the 10 Most Inspiring Business Leaders to Watch in 2022 by Tycoon Success business magazine. KoloFit Personal Training Studio was selected as the Best Personal Training Studio in Atlanta in 2020 by GHP News, 2021 Fitness Studio of the Year by Corporate LiveWire Innovacation and Excellence Awards, 2021 Best 1-to-1 Personal Fitness Studio in the United States by Acquisition International Business Excellence Awards, and the 2021 Best Fitness and Nutrition Facility by the North America Business Elite Awards. Kolowich is a regular guest on national television programs, including on the Weather Channel as well as CNN's HLN, CBS Atlanta's Better Mornings, and FOX Atlanta's Good Day Atlanta.
Full Video https://youtu.be/EclitXGZtpk
Human Kinetics https://ecs.page.link/is5vj

Friday May 30, 2025
Friday May 30, 2025
Somewhere in the corner of your gym is the "Land of Misfit Toys" that seems to be forgotten. The collection sparked interest from certified trainers David Otey and Joe Drake, and they realized there was a lot they could do with the funny-looking barbell holder known as the landmine. After some exploration, they decided to share their knowledge and experience with others, ultimately resulting in the Complete Guide to Landmine Training. In this episode, David and Joe discuss their experience using and training others with the landmine. They detail nuances they have discovered using the landmine, benefits compared to other implements, and their favorite exercises. Learn more by following them Instagram, and in their book, Complete Guide to Landmine Training.
Complete Guide to Landmine Training https://ecs.page.link/6D1vM
David Otey, CSCS David Otey is an experienced trainer who has worked with everyone from professional athletes to special population clients dealing with cancer, cerebral palsy, neurological deficits, and joint disorders. He was Equinox's Fitness Manager of the Year for 2015 and is an internationally recognized writer, having written for T Nation, Men's Health, Muscle & Fitness, Onnit Fitness & Nutrition, Weight Watchers, NSCA, and more. He is the author of 90-Day Transformation Challenge: Abs by Men's Health and serves as an advisor for the magazine.
Instagram: @davidoteyfit
Joe Drake, ACSM-CEP, NASM-CES, CSCS, NSCA-CPT,*D Joe Drake is an experienced international educator and coach with more than 15 years experience in the fitness industry. He is the cofounder and CEO of Axiom Fitness Academy, a hands-on fitness education company offering certification courses, continuing education, and mentorship for aspiring fitness professionals. Drake has worked in nearly every aspect of the fitness industry and has served as a consultant for major industry brands such as Technogym in bringing new products to the market.
Instagram: @coachjoedrake
Human Kinetics https://ecs.page.link/is5vj

Friday May 23, 2025
Friday May 23, 2025
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and unfortunately mental illness impacts all of us, either directly or indirectly. One in five adults and one in six kids have a mental health condition, and 50 percent of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14. In this episode, NSCA Certified Personal Trainer and Mental Performance Consultant Aaron Patterson and NASM Certified Personal Trainer Frank Eyeson discuss mental health and how exercise can improve symptoms related to anxiety and depression.
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). 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.
Frank Eyeson, M.S., 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.

Friday May 16, 2025
Friday May 16, 2025
We have been told the benefits of exercise and physical activity, but let's be honest, life sometimes gets in the way of our plans. Even with good intentions, you might find that your time is limited. In this episode, we introduce the newest member of the Human Kinetics team, Frank Eyeson, as he joins NSCA-Certified Personal Trainer Aaron Patterson to discuss the realities of busy schedules and the importance of staying on task. Learn how Aaron and Frank find ways to stay active and train despite limited time, and how you can do the same.
Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT, CWPC, 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). 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.
Frank Eyeson, M.S., 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.

Friday May 09, 2025
Friday May 09, 2025
We are always looking for the best way to train. For athletes, it can seem overwhelming. What is the best way to train for strength, power, and build capacity? The field is continually evolving, but one way to see the response you need is contrast training. In this episode, NSCA certified trainer and sport performance coach Aaron Patterson explains what contrast training is, how you can benefit from this type of training, and how to implement it into your programming.
Aaron Patterson, M.S., NSCA-CPT
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, Trainer Talk episodes, Author Talk interviews and Learning with Human Kinetics.
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) educated through the International Tennis Performance Association (iTPA) and Kovacs Institute. 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, 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
Human Kinetics Journals https://ecs.page.link/swHVD

Friday May 02, 2025
Friday May 02, 2025
Bill Foran has had an accomplished career. As a NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, he worked his way up from the high school level, to the collegiate ranks, and eventually was hired on as the first strength and conditioning coach of the Miami Heat. In this episode, Coach Foran discusses his career, strength training for basketball players, and NBCSA's Complete Conditioning for Basketball.
Complete Conditioning for Basketball https://ecs.page.link/nikbe
Bill Foran, MS, CSCS, RSCC*E
Bill Foran has been with the Miami Heat since the organization was founded in 1988. In his first 29 seasons, Foran was the team's head strength and conditioning coach. After that, he served as a strength and conditioning consultant for the team as his son, Eric, assumed his previous role with the club. His many accolades include being named 2009 Co-NBA Strength Coach of the Year and 2017 NSCA Professional Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year. In 2014, he was inducted into the USA Strength and Conditioning Coaches Hall of Fame. In 2021, he was the first recipient of the Bill Foran Lifetime Achievement Award for the NBSCA, an award that was named in his honor.
Human Kinetics https://ecs.page.link/is5vj

Friday Apr 25, 2025
Friday Apr 25, 2025
The first step in building anything is to start with a solid foundation. The body is no different. Setting yourself up for long-term success means building a foundation through a safe and effective strength training program. In this episode, strength coach and athletic trainer John Flagg explains the importance of finding the right program for your fitness level and goals, how to reduce injury risk, and how to train around injuries when they occur. He detailed all of this in his book, Foundational Strength: The Basics for Starting Training.
Foundational Strength https://ecs.page.link/XjLps
John Flagg
John Flagg is a strength coach, athletic trainer, competitive powerlifter, and author. He is also the owner of Rebuild Stronger, an online coaching company that helps powerlifting, weightlifting, and strongman athletes return from injury and overcome training plateaus. he has helped thousands of athletes recover from injuries while also developing elite athletes preparing for national and international levels of competition. John currently coaches nearly 100 athletes, both online and in person and is the cohost of the Rebuild Stronger podcast, covering all things related to strength training and health.
Human Kinetics https://ecs.page.link/is5vj