Author: Bryan Coward

Amateur cyclist and outdoor junky.

Metabolic Adaptations in Endurance Athletes: How GLP-1, Insulin, and Other Hormones Impact Performance and Recovery

by Bryan Coward, posted in Diet, Training Tips

Metabolism and Endurance Performance Endurance training induces profound metabolic adaptations that enhance an athlete’s ability to sustain prolonged efforts. Hormones like GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), insulin, cortisol, and leptin play critical roles in regulating energy balance, glucose metabolism, fat utilization, and recovery. Understanding how these hormones interact can help athletes optimize their training, nutrition, and recovery … Continue reading Metabolic Adaptations in Endurance Athletes: How GLP-1, Insulin, and Other Hormones Impact Performance and Recovery

GLP-1 Drugs and Endurance Athletes: Mechanisms, Doping Concerns, and Performance Implications

by Bryan Coward, posted in Diet, Research Review

What Are GLP-1 Drugs? Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza), have gained attention for their ability to regulate blood sugar, promote weight loss, and potentially influence athletic performance. Originally developed to treat Type 2 diabetes, these drugs mimic the effects of the natural GLP-1 hormone, which plays … Continue reading GLP-1 Drugs and Endurance Athletes: Mechanisms, Doping Concerns, and Performance Implications

Healthy Flour Alternatives: A Guide to Nutritious Baking

by Bryan Coward, posted in Diet

For those looking to make their baked goods healthier, choosing the right flour alternative can make a big difference. Traditional all-purpose flour is refined and lacks many nutrients, while alternative flours offer unique health benefits and flavors. In this guide, we’ll break down popular flour substitutes, their nutritional advantages, and tips for using them effectively … Continue reading Healthy Flour Alternatives: A Guide to Nutritious Baking

Endurance Athletics and Alcohol: How Drinking Impacts Performance and Recovery

by Bryan Coward, posted in Diet

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Athletes should consult with a healthcare professional regarding alcohol consumption and its effects on training and performance. Alcohol and Endurance Training: A Complicated Relationship For many endurance athletes, enjoying an occasional drink is part of social life or a way to unwind … Continue reading Endurance Athletics and Alcohol: How Drinking Impacts Performance and Recovery

Optimal Body Fat Percentage in Endurance Sports

by Bryan Coward, posted in off season training, Uncategorized

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Any significant changes to training, nutrition, or body composition should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Understanding Body Composition in Endurance Sports For endurance athletes, body composition plays a crucial role in performance. Unlike strength athletes who may benefit from increased muscle … Continue reading Optimal Body Fat Percentage in Endurance Sports

Optimizing Body Composition for Endurance Success

by Bryan Coward, posted in off season training

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Any significant changes to training, nutrition, or body composition should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Why Body Composition Matters for Endurance Athletes Body composition—the ratio of muscle, fat, and other tissues in your body—plays a crucial role in endurance sports. While … Continue reading Optimizing Body Composition for Endurance Success

Top 5 Fitness Types for Cyclists

by Bryan Coward, posted in Training Tips, Uncategorized

Cycling requires a mix of endurance, power, speed, and technical skill. Key fitness components include endurance fitness, aerobic power, anaerobic capacity, muscular strength, and neuromuscular coordination. A structured training plan blending various workouts enhances overall performance, allowing cyclists to improve endurance, power, and efficiency for different riding challenges.

The Role of Stimulants in Endurance Exercise: Risks and Benefits

by Bryan Coward, posted in Diet, Nutrition, Training Tips

The Explosion of Pre-Workout Products In recent years, the market for pre-workout supplements has exploded. Athletes of all disciplines, from strength training to endurance sports, are turning to these products for an extra boost before training sessions. Pre-workout formulas often contain a blend of stimulants and other performance-enhancing compounds designed to increase energy, focus, and … Continue reading The Role of Stimulants in Endurance Exercise: Risks and Benefits

Getting Back on the Horse: Rebuilding Your Endurance Habit After a Break

by Bryan Coward, posted in Training Tips

Every endurance athlete, whether a seasoned marathoner, triathlete, or weekend warrior, has faced setbacks. Life happens—injuries, illness, work, family, or just a loss of motivation can derail your routine. One skipped session turns into a week, then a month, and before you know it, you’re staring at your running shoes like they’re strangers. The good … Continue reading Getting Back on the Horse: Rebuilding Your Endurance Habit After a Break

Speed – Your Top-End Potential

by Bryan Coward, posted in Training Tips

Endurance sports benefit significantly from speed training, which enhances efficiency, strengthens finishing kicks, and prevents injuries. Contrary to popular belief, all endurance athletes can improve performance by developing top-end speed. Incorporating speed-focused workouts fosters better force production, muscle recruitment, and lactate clearance, ultimately leading to improved results in long-distance events.