In this episode of the Critical Oxygen Podcast, I am joined by Brian McKenzie where we talk about maximizing human potential and shifting physiology through proper breathing. In this episode, we discuss the impact of breathing on various physiological systems and how it can be used as a tool for improving endurance, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being. Brian emphasizes the importance of understanding and controlling breathing patterns during exercise and everyday life. We also...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, I am joined again by Dave Schell where we discuss field tests for determining training zones. We emphasize the importance of understanding the purpose of training zones and the physiological thresholds that bound them. We suggest using simple field tests to estimate zones, such as nose breathing or the talk test for zone 2, and iterative workouts or subjective efforts for threshold and VO2 max zones. We also highlight the need for consistency in...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, I am joined again by Coach Michelle Simmons where we discuss the importance of breathing and how it affects physiology and performance. Michelle shares her personal experience of using breathwork to manage anxiety and improve athletic performance. We emphasize the significance of diaphragmatic breathing and its impact on posture, mindset, and oxygen delivery. The conversation also touches on the limitations of breathing incorrectly and the...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Coach Aaron Geiser and I answer questions about strength training for endurance athletes, adjusting training zones for different sports, choosing a reputable laboratory for physiological testing, developing FTP with limited training time, and the differences between zone two training and double threshold days. We discuss the importance of individualizing strength training based on an athlete's goals, limitations, and weaknesses. We also explore...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dave Schell and I discuss the merits and limitations of internal and external variables in endurance training. We explore metrics such as heart rate, lactate, ventilation variables, SMO2, speed, and power. We emphasize the importance of measuring both internal and external variables to understand your physiology and performance. We also discuss the role of perceived exertion and the need for calibration between subjective and objective...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, continuing guest host Aaron Geiser and I answer listener questions and discuss various topics related to endurance training. We cover the benefits and timing of cold water immersion, the duration of zone two training for masters athletes, and the role of genetics in performance for masters athletes. We emphasize the importance of individualized training, consistency, and progressive overload in improving endurance over time. In this episode, we...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dr. Robert Jacobs and I discuss the use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in endurance training. We explore the application of Moxy Monitor, a near-infrared spectroscopy device (NIRS), for physiological testing and monitoring. We cover topics such as the limitations of models and training plans, the use Moxy Monitor for coaches and athletes. We also touch on the recent controversies in college football and share our thoughts on the...

In this episode of fast Physiology on the Critical Oxygen Podcast, Dave Schell and I discuss the benefits of heat training for overall endurance performance in hot, humid environments. We explain how heat training affects the body's physiology and the cardiovascular system. We also provide a heat training protocol and strategies for implementing heat training. We discuss the adaptations that occur from heat training, such as increased plasma volume and improved sweating. The limitations of...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, I am joined by Lee Throckmorton, founder and CEO of Kaizen Groundworks, to discuss tactical athlete preparation for individuals in public safety. We explore the importance of blending strength and endurance training for optimal performance in the tactical space. We also discuss the historical context of tactical athlete training and how it has shifted over time. The conversation highlights the need for a more generalized approach to training and...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, I am joined by Coach Aaron Geyser where we discuss how to stay healthy during training and the importance of consistency and recovery. We emphasize the need to prevent sickness by analyzing lifestyle factors and managing stress. If sickness does occur, we recommend taking a conservative approach to returning to training, focusing on easy workouts and monitoring heart rate and HRV. We also highlight the importance of making informed decisions and...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dr. Marco Altini and I discuss heart rate variability (HRV) and its applications in optimizing physiology and athletic performance. HRV is a measure of the variation in heartbeats over time and is influenced by the autonomic nervous system's response to stress. Dr. Altini emphasizes the importance of measuring HRV consistently and understanding individual baseline values and trends. He recommends measuring HRV every day if possible, but at least...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen Podcast, I am joined again by Dave Schell for another episode of Fast Physiology. In this episode we discuss how to maximize performance and race in high altitude environments. We explore the effects of altitude on performance, individual variability in altitude response, and the reduction in maximal sustainable effort. We also discuss the duration of adaptation to altitude, the adjustment period at altitude, and marginal gains from altitude training....

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dr. Robert Jacobs and I discuss how our bodies adapt to exercise. We explore the various cellular disturbances that are sensed by specific sensors and translate into intracellular signaling cascades that drive adaptation. The key themes covered include the importance of stress and adaptation, the specificity of exercise adaptations, energetic and mechanical signals, redox balance, decreased partial pressure of oxygen, mechanical tension, and...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Coach Aaron Geiser and I discuss the importance of recovery days and down weeks in training. We emphasize the need for individualized approaches and the importance of listening to your body. We also discuss the impact of motivation on performance and the dangers of pushing through lack of motivation. The conversation highlights the benefits of flexibility in training and the importance of adjusting workouts based on athlete response. Overall,...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, hosts Philip Batterson and Jonah Rosner discuss the importance of fueling for running and the optimal carbohydrate intake for endurance athletes. We share our personal experiences with fueling during training and races, emphasizing the need for proper fueling to support performance and recovery. We discuss the recommended carbohydrate intake for different durations of exercise and the potential benefits of higher carbohydrate intake. We also...

In this episode of Fast Physiology on the Critical Oxygen podcast, I am joined again by Coach Dave Schell where we discuss sweet spot or gray zone training. We start by defining sweet spot training as high zone three to low zone four training, which is has been used to accumulate training stress for time crunched athletes while also improving performance. We explore the history of sweet spot training and its popularity among time-crunched athletes. The conversation also delves into the...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Coach Aaron Geiser and I discuss various recovery tactics beyond sleep and nutrition. We explore the benefits of cold plunge therapy, including improved sleep and mental toughness. Heat therapy, such as saunas and hot baths, may also aid in recovery and heat acclimation. Massage therapy and trigger point therapy are effective in releasing tension and improving blood flow. We also explore recovery tactics that help athletes de-stress and increase...

This episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast explores the adaptation of mitochondria to exercise. I am joined by Dr. Robert Jacobs where we discuss topics such as the variability in measurements, challenges of wet lab work, dispelling the myth of mitochondrial biogenesis, different populations of mitochondria, hypertrophy of slow twitch fibers, the role of AI in education, and the importance of search engine optimization in research. This conversation explores the remodeling and functional...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Aaron and I discuss the importance of recovery for optimizing athletic performance. We emphasize the role of sleep and nutrition in the recovery process, highlighting the need for adequate sleep duration and quality, as well as sufficient protein intake. We hosts also explore individualized recovery strategies and the use of tools such as cold plunges and saunas. we provide practical tips for creating a bedtime routine and optimizing sleep...

This episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast explores the importance of oxygen in human performance. Dr. Robert Jacobs and I explore the role of mitochondria in energy production, the transfer of electrons and protons, and the process of ATP synthesis. The relationship between oxygen and other energy systems, such as phosphocreatine and glycolysis, is also discussed. The episode highlights the need for a balance between mitochondrial volume density and contractile proteins, as well as the...

In this episode of Fast Physiology on the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dave Schell and I discuss the nuances and importance of zone two training. We start with a quick introduction of our new series - Fast Physiology, which is designed to dispel the myths surrounding training trends. We define zone two training as the intensity necessary to build volume over time and emphasize the importance of perceived effort for practical application. We highlight the role of zone two training in supporting...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Coach Aaron Geiser and I discuss how to make indoor training fun. We acknowledge the boredom and monotony of indoor training, especially during the off-season, and share strategies to keep it engaging. We emphasize the importance of variation in cadence, elevation, power, and training modes to stimulate the mind and body. We also discuss the significance of monitoring heart rate and power during indoor training and the potential impact of heat...

In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, I am joined by Jason Fitzgerald, a world class running coach and founder of Strength Running. We discuss the importance of consistency and specificity in training, the balance between easy and hard workouts, and the role of VO2 max in endurance performance. We also highlight the principles of endurance training, including consistency, specificity, and progression. In this conversation, we discuss various aspects of training for endurance...

This episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast explores the concepts of critical power and critical oxygenation. Dr. Robert Jacobs and I discuss the definition and measurement of critical power, including the limitations and variability of the measurement. We also introduce the concept of critical oxygenation and its relationship to critical power. The episode concludes with a discussion on the use of NIRS for measuring critical oxygen! TAKEAWAYS 1) Critical power is a measurement that...