The Messy Middle Podcast

In today's solo episode with Doc Lyss herself, she talks all things strength seasons and why you need one! She also covers how to map it out in your yearly schedule and MUCH more. Happy Lifting! 🎧

⏰ Time Stamps:

0:00 - Intro

0:27 - What Are Strength Seasons?

1:40 - How to Implement Proper Sets/Reps

3:03 - Volume and Adaptations

3:35 - Adjusting Running Volume

4:40 - How to Do It

5:18 - Choosing Season Duration

8:10 - Benefits of Muscle

9:00 - Balancing it All

10:00 - Awesome Sponsors

11:40 - What do you ACTUALLY Need?

15:00 - The Goal is to LOAD Properly

17:00 - Intensity Also Matters

18:30 - Increasing Weekly Sets

21:20 - Importance of Nutrition/Fueling and Sleep

24:50 - Measurable Progressive Training (TLM)

⭐️ Follow Alyssa on Instagram

In this solo episode with Doc Lyss, she dives into some of the most common questions about creatine and women she often gets. If you missed our first podcast on creatine -- all things creatine, be sure to go back and listen to that!

In this solo episode with Doc Lyss, she dives into what hybrid training (or concurrent training) truly means and how to take a seasoned approach in YOUR hybrid training to support longevity and your varying goals across the year.

In this solo episode with Doc Lyss, she dives deep into the hot topic discussion of "how many steps do I really need to be getting daily?"

She goes over and breaks down various studies, outlines the current recommended step ranges, covers the health benefits of daily steps (blood glucose, metabolism, etc.), and goes over step count considerations for sedentary vs active individuals!

Hope you learn something new and enjoy.

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You've likely seen an uptick in "cycle syncing" content across social media platforms and may even be confused about what to do/not do.

Well, in this episode, Doc Lyss goes in depth about: the menstrual cycle overview, impacts of our cycles/hormones, performance across the month, lifestyle factors that play a role, nutritional guidance, ways to cater training to YOUR UNIQUE and individual body/needs, tracking metrics, using RPE to train, and MUCH much more.

You won't want to miss this one!

Past Podcast Episodes Referenced: 1. https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/bgalbsbt7yb (Menstrual Cycle Myths) 2. https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/ANpl2vbt7yb (The Big 3 for Females) 3. https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/yZvFvAbt7yb (Mindset/Behavior Change)

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In this solo episode with Doc Lyss, she sits down to talk about some of the biggest complaints she hears when someone is combining lifting and running (hybrid/concurrent training) or adding lifting into their running training/routine which is that they are fatigued, sore, and tired.

Doc Lyss gets into WHY this may be happening and what are some common mistakes that she sees. She walks through what taking a "seasons" approach means and the importance of that approach, how to manage volume, what RPE to focus on, and MUCH more.

Hybrid athletes... you won't want to miss this one!

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The hot topic of the century... COLD EXPOSURE. In this solo episode of the Messy Middle Podcast, Doc Lyss discusses all-things cold exposure in the context of exercise recovery and performance. Additionally, she dives into what the parameters are for "cold exposure", looks deeper into literature, and reviews short-term responses and long term adaptation responses to cold exposure.

You won't want to miss this one!

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In this solo episode with Doc Lyss, she breaks down the common misconception around hybrid (concurrent training) - losing fitness. She explains why this isn't true and what is ACTUALLY happening if you add in a different training modality or start using a different energy system. Doc Lyss also covers the benefits of using RPE for adaptations, what to do when you are starting hybrid training, and the importance of taking a seasoned approach.

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Are you overwhelmed by how MANY protein supplement/powders there are to choose from and available? Do you know what you should *actually* be looking for when choosing a protein supplement? 

In this solo episode with Doc Lyss, she dives deep into what you want to look for when choosing a protein supplement, what protein supplements actually are, and the importance of transparency of labeling to ensure you are getting what you truly need in a supplement!

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In this solo episode with Doc Lyss, she covers ALL things running zones. She dives into what "zones" are, what each zone's pace/intensity looks like, how much time we should be spending training in each zone, and MUCH MUCH more. And of course, she will talk about SCIENCE. While this podcast primarily refers to running, this can be applicable to rowing, cycling, and other forms of cardio & conditioning!

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In this solo episode with Doc Lyss, she dives deep into the information (and myths) on menstrual cycle training and hormones going around the fitness space. While some information is valid — a lot isn't, and the rest loses context on what it means.

Get ready to learn about the recent popular claims, science-based evidence and data, what those claims are, and what we should focus on.

Grab your notebook and enjoy. You won't want to miss this episode!

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In this solo episode with Doc Lyss, she covers ALL THINGS CREATINE. One of the most widely studied and evidence-based supplements. She thoroughly covers what creatine is, if creatine is safe, who should be taking creatine, what kind to take, how much to take and she also answers all of your commonly asked questions! This episode is FULL of information you won't want to miss.

In this episode, Lyss and Laura chat in depth about all things getting outdoors and adventuring. They cover topics like how and why we should be redefining what it means to adventure, fitting adventure into your unique life/schedule, planning trips/hikes/adventures, safety and SO SO MUCH MORE.

In this episode, Lyss and Allison talk about a wide variety of topics and dive deep into graceful industry call-outs backed with calls-to-action. They talk about inclusivity and accessibility to strength training and the importance of a well thought out strength training program. Their conversation continues and they talk about anti-racism work, identity work, showing the f*ck up and everything in between.

In this solo episode with Lyss, she talks about something near and dear to heart (and PhD)... considerations (nutritional) for active females and menstruating individuals while training and living everyday life. Lyss breaks down the 3 biggest considerations she believes are vital to supporting females and menstruating individuals who have performance goals, enjoying training for fun or who are training for a sport/race. These considerations support output, recovery, longevity, overall health and the ability to train hard, get faster and feel GOOD doing so.

In this episode, Em and Lyss discuss the different seasons of nutrition, the importance of each of them from a periodized approach and the varying ways to track macronutrients. They also chat about the importance of understanding each person’s individual need, what works for them based on their lives, where they’ve been, where they want to go and what’s most sustainable & realistic.

Em and Lyss also dive into how internal conversations around living in true alignment with values and behaviors is a way to ensure the life someone truly wants to be lived, is being lived. This is a long episode, but filled with tons of education, good conversation and thought provoking questions!

In this solo episode with Lyss that you won't want to miss, she goes over the (4) biggest hybrid training mistakes and how to avoid making those mistakes in your very own hybrid training! 

► HYBRID eBook: https://bit.ly/3JCsIly 

► ENDURE 5k Prep Plan: https://bit.ly/3qN821t

► 5k Week Aerobic Base Building Challenge: https://bit.ly/3pO5twW

► Hybrid Training Spectrum Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CMhaezbAoad/

► Combine Lift + Running Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CN5TF_Ag4Ts/

► Another Hybrid Training Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CKb3lmxAtPx/

FOLLOW THE MESSY MIDDLE ON SOCIAL:

In this solo episode with Lyss, she talks about her theme for the upcoming year - a year of radical self responsibility - which means getting out of our own way sometimes, taking ownership of our choices (with grace) and taking responsibility for our actions and what we want as outcomes in our lives. You won’t want to miss this one!

In this episode with Dr. Karin Nordin, we talk about setting New Year's goals and why they are positive, long-term sustainable behavior change, re-framing the way we think, tangible things you can do to create these shifts and discipline vs. skill development. We also talk about how and why to embrace failure. You won't want to miss this episode!

Join us this week for our episode with Dr. Mackenzie Minniear. Dr. Mack and she is a PhD, professor and researcher who works at UGA study communication and how family dynamics, race, ethnicity and discrimiation all shape our health and wellbeing. This episode helps debunk some of the common myths around ethnicity and race in health and wellness and the real impact these things can have on health outcomes.

Recommended Resources:

Podcasts: Codeswitch, Rough Translation, Still Processing 

Websites: Psychologybenefits.org/res, http://www.raceconscious.org/ @inliftingcolor

Social:

In this episode with Alex Maclin we cover the basics of how to meet yourself where you are at in your nutrition and fitness. With a brief chat on him leaving his Ph.D. program to pursue a career in fitness and nutrition. Alex helps us walk through his approach to reverse dieting with his clients, what this looks like, who it is for, what it actually is and how you can approach this! If you have been struggling with consistent nutrition for years THIS is the episode for you!

Join us this week as Lyss talks about her approach to nutrition called “Lazy Lyss nutrition”. How she simplifies shopping, making meals & reducing the mental effort of feeding ourselves.

Join us for this episode with Dr. Natasha Barnes of Natasha Barnes Rehab. Dr. Barnes grew up a competitive rock climber till a finger injury caused her to stop. After realizing that climbing on the hurt finger actually helped make it stronger, she reframed her view on rehab and her sport, going on to pursue a Doctor of Chiropractic to help others do the same. Dr. Barnes has since cross dabbled in competitive powerlifting, competing at the national level alongside climbing. She now works with climbers helping them reframe how they view strength training in their climbing routine.

Social:

In this episode with Jasmine Braxton of Strong Flexy Healthy we talk about why she decided to pivot from pre-DPT, to personal trainer, to leaving the floor to help other coaches and trainers elevate the industry. Jasmine has created a system developed to help coaches and trainers with their biggest struggles -- mainly, how to ACTUALLY program for your clients. Join us for this amazing conversation on coaching, programming & how we can work together to change the way others view fitness professionals.

Recommended Resources

Join us this week as Lyss talks about how you can incorporate running into your routine for general health. This episode is for those who want to run for fun, health and without the pressure of racing or training

Join us this week as Lyss talks about how she approaches setting boundaries, why she does it, where she has struggled, what this looks like and how she’s reframed it from being selfish or “mean” vs an act of both self care and way to help make herself better for others.

Join us this week for our episode with Dr. Karin Nordin. A curriculum director at Precision nutrition, PhD in Mindset theory and online coach. Join us in this episode where we talk about all things from how our mindset on behavior is often black and white, how to change the way we view this, and how behavior change actually works. Myth busting ‘mindset coaches’ and how we actually change our behavior. Wrapping it up with curriculum design and how we can educate better in the online space.

Recommended Resources:

Useful Prep Information:

• National park websites for each park.
  
• Info for passes, busses/shuttles, water sources, trail reports, weather reports, trail closings, etc.
  
• Alltrails and/or trailrunproject or hikingproject apps. These app will often have reports on trail conditions, water resources, etc.
  
• Utilize blog & youtube video resources of those who recapture their experience, gear, logistics
  
• Gear rental: REI, your university/college outdoor rec center, or local outdoor store
  

Zion trip details:

• West Rim Trail Zion
  
• Stayed at campsite 8, recommend spots 3-6
  
• Flew into Las Vegas
  
• Stayed in Airbnb in hurricane day before & after
  
• Suggested day hikes: Angels landing, west rim, east rim, observation point, narrows for
  

Gear we used:

• Big Agnes tents
  
• Big Agnes & Mammut 30 degree sleeping bags
  
• Bethany REI pack, Alyssa Gregory (older)
  
• Sleeping pad: Alyssa, z-lite pad. Bethany, Big Agnes.
  
• Shoes: We both wear Altra lone peaks
  
• Poles: Black diamond z pole & ultimate direction poles
  
• Sawyer water filter
  

Posts we referred to:

This episode is a solo episode with Alyssa, co-hosted by Claire Zai. Claire works for/with the highly respected Barbell medicine, has a masters in Biomechanics and works in the research field.  Claire is also an incredibly strong female power lifter and competitive athlete. Both Alyssa and Claire are passionate about good education around female sports and the menstrual cycle. Together Claire and Alyssa take you through the basics of your cycle. How it does or does not your metabolism, strength training and exercise performance. With practical tangible takeaways on ways to actually manage and work with your physiology.

Dan Feldman is a registered dietitian and competitive powerlifter. He works full-time as a nutrition coach for Macros Inc., and owns a Telehealth private practice. In addition to coaching and powerlifting, Dan spends a great deal of time reading and disseminating nutrition research, as well as promoting a positive body image for men.

John Noel is a certified personal trainer, online coach, and professional natural bodybuilder. He has a degree in actuarial science which is rooted in advanced mathematics, predictive modeling, and risk management. John made his messy middle career transition to fitness while keeping his mathematical skills. He’s able to stay objective in making calculated decisions on how to structure and adjust things like caloric intake, macronutrient breakdown, and progressive training to build muscle and lose fat without the need for restrictive diets or extreme workouts programs.

Join Alyssa in this weeks episode as she re-caps her experience running 50 miles in one day across the grand canyon from the south to the north rim AND BACK. Answering your use questions on gear, the experience, her training advice and what she would do differently if she was to do it again. Tune in this week to join Alyssa on yet another crazy trail adventure!

Yusra is a recent graduate of the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and is a writer, blogger, and fierce mental health and minority advocate. Yusra's writing has been featured on sites such as New Grad Physical Therapy, the National Eating Disorders Association, Recovery Warriors, the American Physical Therapy Association Blog, and The Mighty. Yusra hopes that through her writing she will be able to provide honest insight to life as a physical therapist while navigating the beautiful struggles that are mental wellness and social justice.

Yusra is a recent graduate of the Duke Doctor of Physical Therapy Program and is a writer, blogger, and fierce mental health and minority advocate. Yusra's writing has been featured on sites such as New Grad Physical Therapy, the National Eating Disorders Association, Recovery Warriors, the American Physical Therapy Association Blog, and The Mighty. Yusra hopes that through her writing she will be able to provide honest insight to life as a physical therapist while navigating the beautiful struggles that are mental wellness and social justice.

Kate Lyman is a nutrition coach and has been in the fitness industry for nearly a decade. She has a Bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, a Master's degree in Public Health, and is a Certified Health Education Specialist, and combines this educational background with her own experience to help people improve their body composition, performance, and overall health. She shares nutrition education through social media, where she breaks dieting myths and empowers people to make sustainable changes to their diets. Kate believes in good workout buddies, kindness, pink sugar cookies, long hikes, a 9 p.m. bedtime, and sharing evidence-based truth.

Taylor is a physical therapist and strength coach who enjoys working with a wide variety of patients, particularly those whose pain prevents them from doing the activities they love. Through her clinical rotations across the US, she has worked with athletes at all levels of sport, from middle school and high school athletes to NFL players, Olympians, Division I student athletes, and barbell sport athletes. Taylor believes all patients deserve elite level care to reach their goals and is passionate about empowering patients to take ownership of their health through movement. When she’s not in the clinic, Taylor enjoys snowboarding, backpacking, and makes bomb cheesy grits.

Christy Joy Meeks is a living example of health and happiness. She is a wife, mom of five, and creator of #oneminuteofhappy that incorporates movement and mindset. She shares her journey to the messy middle, which is all about falling in love with the body you have.

This episode is a solo episode with Alyssa, co-hosted by Steph Compton, a PhD student study nutrition and metabolism.  Together Steph and Alyssa take you through the basics of your metabolism. From the cellular to whole body level, what it means to have a "good" metabolism, how to "boost it" and how it changes from and during exercise and more.

Links to posts discussed in this episode:

This episode is a solo episode with Alyssa, co-hosted by Steph Compton, a PhD student study nutrition and metabolism.  Together Steph and Alyssa take you through the basics of your metabolism. From the cellular to whole body level, what it means to have a "good" metabolism, how to "boost it" and how it changes from and during exercise and more.

Links to posts discussed in this episode:

Stan Dutton is an unapologetic dog dad, frozen pizza connoisseur, and life-long learner with over 10 years of experience in the fitness industry. He’s built multiple businesses, at 22 he was the owner of a 2,000 square foot training facility valued at over $1,000,000 within just 4 years - after closing his gym, Stan got tired of seeing the best salespeople make the most money through unethical marketing, “Rapid fat loss programs” and crash diets… And he’s working tirelessly to create a world in which coaches gain the knowledge that they should have learned on day one from their certifications - how to inspire meaningful change using the art and science of coaching. Despite nearly dropping out of high school, he found my success in the industry by surrounding himself with the best in the world - and constantly learning. His mission to create Better Coaches starts with his podcast, Better Coaching where he interviews experts across a diverse range of subjects - movement, psychology, nutrition, and business.

Lyss and Kait wrap up season one with a combined rant/chat!  

SOCIAL:

Bethany is a: Life Empowerment Nutritionist. Mountain Biker. Coffee Lover. Trail Runner. Future Book Author. Outdoor Activist. Helping women find freedom via food & exercise, no longer be at war with their bodies, educating them to eat for life and constantly reminding them they hold the power to create a life they are proud to live & to do hard things bravely.

Posts on trail safety from Bethany and Lyss:

Kells is a CPT through ACE and prides herself on educating women on the importance of strength training and letting them know they can be both strong AND snatched.

Alyssa shares her experience from the start line of her 100k, through highs and lows, and too many river crossings to count.

Kait interviews Alyssa on how she prepared, both physically and mentally, for her 100k race.