We like to count things. Some of us count money, or the gray hairs on our heads, or the number of miles on our cars. When we’re in the gym, in the pool, or on the track or treadmill, we count the reps of our workouts. Personal trainers do this, too. They design workouts based …
The year after I completed my PhD, I was invited to present my dissertation research at the American College of Sports Medicine Annual Conference. It’s an intimidating conference to go to as a graduate student, or even as a newly minted PhD, because in attendance are the top scientists in the world in the interdisciplinary …
While I sit in front of my computer watching the Olympics this week, I’ve been thinking of windows. Windows are pretty awesome. When we are inside, windows enable us to enjoy the beauty of the outside world, and to imagine a life different from what we have on the inside. They allow us to look …
People ask me all the time what workouts they should do to run faster. Well, there’s lots of them. Whether the goal is to get faster or get fitter, here are the 3 best running workouts: VO2max Intervals VO2max is the maximum volume of oxygen your body consumes per minute. So it represents the maximum rate …
If you look up the word guru in the dictionary, you’ll see something that says “A teacher and especially intellectual guide in matters of fundamental concern” “One who is an acknowledged leader or chief proponent” There may as well be a picture of Jillian Michaels or Tracy Anderson in the dictionary, because people look up …
I ran in the Summer Nights Track & Field Series last night in San Diego. 1,500 meters. Came through 800 meters in 2:36, only 1 second shy of my plan. Wanted sub 5 minutes. Finished in 4:58.66. These 43-year-old legs ain’t got the speed they used to have, but I executed the way I wanted …
I used to coach a talented runner who ran the first mile of every race too fast, only to slow down dramatically during the latter segments and end up disappointed with the result. He thought he was better than his workouts and he let his competitive spirit and pre-race adrenaline obscure his knowledge of his …
Irene was very attractive—model-type looks with dark brown eyes, long black hair, long legs, and strong facial features that hinted at her Native American heritage. She went to the gym almost every day and liked to run. When I met her, she was training for a half marathon. So it seemed like she was a …
Social media can be a dangerous thing. It gives people a public voice who would otherwise not have one. Every day I see popular fitness figures posting stuff that is inaccurate or blatantly wrong. Here’s 5 lies you’re being told. Lie #1: You have control over your metabolic rate. Your resting metabolic rate is the …
There’s been a lot of talk and promotion in the fitness industry about high-intensity exercise. If you ask me, most of what is behind this talk is money. If we tell people what they want to hear—“all you need is a few minutes of high-intensity exercise per day”—people are more likely to buy. No one …