Wrist vs Heart Rate Monitors

Wrist vs. Chest Heart Rate Monitors – Build Your Engine Episode 4

Wrist vs. Chest Heart Rate Monitors – Build Your Engine Episode 4 In this episode of the Performance Plus Programming Podcast, Zachary Long and Johnny discuss the importance of heart rate monitors in conditioning training, emphasizing the accuracy of chest straps over wrist-based monitors. They explore personal experiences with different devices, the impact of caffeine on performance, and the significance …

Conditioning WODs Fitness Athletes Need to Train

Accessory Conditioning WODs You Need to Train – Build Your Engine Episode 3

Accessory Conditioning WODs You Need to Train Build Your Engine Episode 3 In this episode of the Performance Plus podcast, we discuss the importance of Zone Two cardio for CrossFit athletes, emphasizing its role in building aerobic capacity and improving overall performance. The conversation covers the physiological benefits of training in this zone, including increased mitochondrial density and heart efficiency. …

The Science of Conditioning

How Energy Systems Drive Performance – Build Your Engine Episode 2

How Energy Systems Drive Performance – Build Your Engine Episode 2 In this episode, Zachary Long and Johnny discuss the intricacies of energy systems in fitness, particularly in the context of CrossFit and functional fitness. They explore the three main energy systems—phosphagen, glycolytic, and oxidative—how they function, and their importance in training. The conversation delves into the concept of lactate …

Rethinking Conditioning for Fitness Athletes

Rethinking Conditioning for Fitness Athletes – Build Your Engine Episode 1

Rethinking Conditioning for Fitness Athletes – Build Your Engine Episode 1 In this episode, Zachary Long and Johnny B delve into the complexities of conditioning and endurance training, particularly in the context of CrossFit. They discuss various methods to improve conditioning, the importance of understanding individual strengths and weaknesses, and how energy systems play a crucial role in performance. The …

CrossFit Athlete Injuries

Research on CrossFit Athlete Injuries: What We Need to Know

In this episode of the Performance Plus Podcast, Zachary Long discusses critical insights from two research studies on CrossFit injuries. He highlights the common injury sites, including the shoulder, knee, and lower back, and emphasizes the importance of technique in preventing injuries. The conversation also covers the relationship between training duration, competition level, and injury risk, providing valuable information for …

TRT and Tendon Pain

The Relationship Between TRT and Tendinopathies

In this episode, Zachary Long discusses the implications of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on tendinopathies, drawing from recent research and clinical observations. He highlights the increasing prevalence of TRT prescriptions and its correlation with tendon injuries. The conversation delves into the physiological effects of TRT on muscle mass and strength, as well as strategies to mitigate the risk of tendinopathies …

E44 – How To Goal Set When You Have So Many Goals!

How do you prioritize your goals when you want to improve your snatch, deadlift, handstand, bar muscle-up, and engine simultaneously? Tune into this episode of the Performance Plus Podcast to hear how Coach Pamela Gagnon successfully does this with her athletes. Topics Covered How to goal set What skills are foundational and translate to all other physical skills How to …

E43 – Pamela Gagnon Talks About The New Masters CrossFit Games Changes

If you haven’t heard, CrossFit HQ has significantly changed the upcoming CrossFit Games season. The Master and Adaptive Athletes will now have their own CrossFit Games that are run by Legends and Wheel WOD, respectively. The change has created quite a stir within the community, so we thought it would be fun to get our own Masters Games Legend, Pamela …

Pamela Gagnon

E42 – The Transition from D1 Gymnast to Games Athlete

On episode 42 of the Performance Plus Podcast, Pamela Gagnon joins Coach Johnny B to share what it was like transitioning from a D1 gymnast at Rutgers to a Games athlete.  On the episode, we cover the following topics How Pamela got into competitive fitness  What was the hardest thing (lift, technique, etc) for her, coming from a gymnastic background  …