The Science of Fitness Podcast

Join us for an insightful and dynamic episode as we sit down with Dr. Jonathon Weakley, a distinguished lecturer at Australian Catholic University and an associate research fellow at Leeds Beckett University. With a PhD and post-doctorate experience working alongside the Rugby Football Union, Dr. Weakley brings a wealth of knowledge to the table, particularly in the areas of strength and power development, youth and team sports, and the application of velocity-based training.

In this episode, we dive into the core principles of effective strength and power training, exploring how velocity-based training stands out from traditional methods. Dr. Weakley shares invaluable insights on tailoring strength programs for youth athletes and highlights critical considerations for team sports conditioning. We also delve into his fascinating research on female athletes, discussing how hormonal cycles influence training and debunking common myths about female strength training.

Dr. Weakley supervises several PhD students and consults for professional sports teams and technology companies, also sheds light on how technological innovations are transforming the landscape of sports science. From the latest advancements to practical advice for aspiring athletes, exercise scientists, and physiotherapists, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

Tune in to hear about Dr. Weakley's ongoing research projects, including his work on the female athlete, and gain valuable advice on optimizing training for peak performance. Whether you're an athlete looking to enhance your strength and conditioning, a coach seeking to stay updated with the latest trends, or a researcher aiming to make a mark in sports science, this episode is for you.

Episode Highlights:

• Rapid Fire "Do's and Don'ts" for strength and conditioning
• Key principles and benefits of velocity-based training
• Adapting training programs for youth athletes and team sports
• Hormonal influences on female athlete training
• The role of technology in modern sports science
• Psychological aspects of high performance
• Advice for aspiring athletes, exercise scientists, and physiotherapists

Don't miss this chance to learn from one of the leading experts in the field. Listen now and take your understanding of strength and conditioning to the next level!

We have our first SOF Sprint episode. A bitesize version of the podcast where we keep things short and sharp.
In this episode, we are talking all things content when it comes to running a gym and marketing yourself in a noisy world social media these days.
Content has taken the world by storm and everything can be 'content' these days. In the world of gyms and fitness, content is so important. These days, your social media feeds are filled with influencers all producing different types of content to grab your attention.
We discuss what works and what doesn't and everything in between.
If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a rating.

WELCOME TO EPISODE THREE!
In this episode, Matt and Joe discuss the importance of community within a gym setting and how underrated it is in terms of the success of the business. From people staying long term and seeing great improvements over time.
A community that goes through tough times together is one that grows stronger and closer and that is what we want to try and emulate through our gym community.

What happens when life's challenges redirect your entire career path? Brandon Marangeli's journey from architecture to becoming a fixture in our fitness community illuminates how adversity can unveil our true calling.
Brandon takes us back to the soccer field where an undiagnosed ACL injury—one he remarkably played through for two years—eventually led him away from architecture and into the world of exercise science. This pivotal moment didn't just change his career trajectory; it ignited a passion for helping others move better and understand their bodies.
As our conversation unfolds, we explore how fitness testing and data collection have evolved over the years. Brandon shares valuable insights into why the initial excitement around performance metrics often wanes for long-term gym members, leading us to reimagine how we integrate assessments into our programming. Rather than creating high-pressure testing environments, we've learned to weave evaluation opportunities naturally throughout training cycles, allowing members to showcase their abilities when they're truly ready.
The most captivating segment delves into Brandon's extraordinary endurance journey—from casual 5km bike rides to completing multiple Ironman competitions and a 50km ultra-marathon. His philosophy of "making small ripples first" serves as a powerful reminder that monumental achievements begin with humble first steps. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by ambitious fitness goals, Brandon's methodical progression offers a masterclass in patience and persistence.
We also tackle the growing challenge of data saturation in today's fitness landscape. With wearables tracking every metric imaginable, many find themselves drowning in numbers rather than focusing on consistent fundamentals. Brandon unpacks how this affects different demographics, particularly noting how priorities shift as members move through different life stages with careers and families.
Whether you're a running enthusiast curious about preventing injuries, a fitness professional interested in effective testing methods, or simply someone seeking motivation to start your own fitness journey, this conversation delivers practical wisdom alongside thought-provoking perspectives on what truly constitutes success in our physical endeavors.