The Science of Fitness Podcast

The wellness and longevity market has exploded, with luxury facilities charging upwards of $500 weekly for comprehensive health services. But beneath the polished veneer of infrared saunas and cold plunges lies a crucial question: are these investments worth it, or are we overlooking the fundamentals?

As facility owners who've witnessed the industry's evolution first-hand, we've observed a parallel development of high-quality practitioners working alongside aesthetically beautiful but sometimes substance-lacking wellness spaces. The Australian fitness landscape offers a unique perspective, as our strength and conditioning professionals typically develop comprehensive skill sets rather than hyper-specialisation, bringing elite athletic approaches to...

Discover how the Science of Fitness Women's Health Program is transforming female wellness through education, community, and personalised approaches. What began as a focused intervention for pelvic health has blossomed into a comprehensive framework that addresses women's wellbeing across all life stages.

Dr. Meg Doohan and exercise physiologist Emily Adams share the powerful evolution of their program, which brings together women from ages 17 to 50+ in an environment where knowledge flows freely and barriers to discussing female health dissolve. The magic happens when generations connect – younger participants gain wisdom from those with lived experience, while older women express bo...

Two housemates, Sofie and Sophie, accidentally created a fitness phenomenon when they started inviting friends to join their morning runs in Brisbane. What began as casual 5k jogs with a dozen friends in early 2023 transformed into SoSo's Run Club—now drawing hundreds of participants and disrupting the traditional running scene with their community-first approach.

The turning point came when they posted a TikTok suggesting people trade dating apps for run clubs to find potential partners. The video went viral, and attendance skyrocketed from 40 to over 100 people overnight. But what kept runners coming back wasn't just the possibility of...

What separates exceptional fitness equipment from merely functional gear? According to Niall Wogan, founder and CEO of Verve Fitness, it's the perfect blend of stunning aesthetics, rock-solid functionality, and customer service that actually cares.

In this fascinating conversation, Niall shares his global entrepreneurial journey that spans continents—from Ireland to South Africa to Los Angeles and finally Australia's Gold Coast. With refreshing candour, he reveals how Verve was born from a simple observation: gym owners were stuck choosing between low-quality equipment with poor service or premium gear delivered with arrogance. The market needed someone to do the si...

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 test...

The fitness landscape is constantly evolving, with trends rising and falling at lightning speed. In this inaugural episode of our new "SOF Monthly" series, we dive into two significant movements capturing attention right now: the hybrid athlete phenomenon and the growing focus on menopausal women's fitness.

What exactly constitutes a hybrid athlete? We break down this increasingly popular approach to fitness that balances strength training, running capacity, and high-intensity work. It's not about excelling in any single domain but maintaining competency across multiple disciplines. We explore why this resonates with so many people who've grown bored with...

Step into the world of sports nutrition with this captivating episode featuring Sally Anderson, an expert sports dietitian with extensive experience working in sports such as diving, ballet, and tennis. Specialising in optimising health and performance in adolescent and young adult athletes, Sally brings a wealth of knowledge to help athletes navigate the complexities of nutrition.

In our conversation, we peel back the layers of dietary practices that athletes often grapple with, from misconceptions about carbohydrates to the profound impact body image has on meal choices. Drawing from her background as a competitive lightweight rower and seasoned...

Dr. Priyanka Naidu's transformative journey from grappling with social anxiety to becoming a celebrated psychology expert is nothing short of inspiring. Picture this: the very challenges that once held her back became the cornerstone of her professional path. You'll gain insights into how Dr. Naidu used her experiences to not only conquer her fears but also help others do the same, teaching us that personality traits aren't fixed but can be evolved through performance psychology and self-awareness.

We dive into the powerful intersection of personal growth and public speaking, where Dr. Naidu reflects on family influences and...

Join the owners of SOF, Kieran Maguire & Joey Agresta in this episode as they dive into 10 lessons learned in 10 years in the fitness industry. 

Unlock the secrets to building a thriving fitness business with us as we celebrate a decade of growth in the industry. Alongside my co-host Joey Agresta, we share our journey of forging genuine connections within the community and how these relationships have become the backbone of our success. Discover how participating in classes and embracing authenticity has helped us and can help you build a lasting bond with clients, moving beyond just busy s...

Ever wondered how your mental and physical health are intertwined, or how understanding female hormones can empower your everyday life? Join us for a captivating conversation with Paula Hindle, a leading figure in women's health and physiotherapy, as she reveals her journey from the world of high-level basketball to becoming a pioneer in evidence-based women's health practices. Paula shares her professional evolution, detailing the shift from exercise science to a holistic approach in physiotherapy, influenced by her diverse experiences in orthopedics and cardiac health. Her insights shed light on the dynamic nature of physiotherapy and its crucial role in...

The Power of Physical Activity in Healthcare with Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall

Associate Professor Sjaan Gomersall takes us on a captivating journey from the world of ballet dancing to becoming an influential figure in physiotherapy and health promotion. As the Associate Director and Principal Research Fellow at the Health and Wellbeing Centre for Research Innovation—cofounded with The University of Queensland and Health and Wellbeing Queensland—Sjaan has dedicated her career to integrating physical activity into healthcare. She is also an Associate Professor in Physiotherapy at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Q...

What if understanding your menstrual cycle could optimise your fitness journey? Join us as we uncover the world of women's health and exercise physiology with Emily Adams, a passionate advocate and recent graduate in the field. Emily's journey from an inactive lifestyle to embracing strength training offers inspiration and practical insights, especially for those new to exercise. She shares how her experience in an aged care facility and the influence of a dedicated physiotherapist led her to pursue this fulfilling career. Emily emphasises the importance of group fitness as a supportive entry point into the world of exercise, drawing...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Jo Famosa, a seasoned expert in health and wellness, as we explore the transformative power of integrating traditional and modern healing practices. Jo shares her personal journey through various modalities, including remedial therapy, acupuncture, Ayurveda, and neuroscience, to illuminate the profound connection between physical treatments and mental well-being. Discover how her work with athletes inspired a holistic approach that addresses the underlying causes of chronic health issues, emphasizing the blend of Eastern practices and neurostrategies.

We promise you'll gain valuable insights into managing chronic inflammation and toxification from both Ayurvedic...

Damian Fitzpatrick, a former New South Wales Waratahs rugby player turned entrepreneur, joins us to share his remarkable journey from the field to founding Pillar Performance. Damian opens up about how his battle with sports injuries sparked the idea for his niche performance nutrition brand, now a staple for over 90% of professional teams in Australia. His transition from tackling opponents to tackling business challenges offers a unique perspective on the intersection of athleticism and entrepreneurship.

This episode isn't just about Damian's journey; it's a masterclass in navigating the global supplement market and the hurdles that come with...

Ever wondered what it takes to merge a passion for sports with a career in physiotherapy? Join us as Sam Sykes, our new head of rehab, shares his thrilling journey from the football fields of the UK to the world of sports and musculoskeletal physiotherapy. Discover how his personal experiences with sports injuries fueled his ambition to revolutionize treatment methodologies by prioritizing root causes over symptomatic relief. Our rapid-fire questions with Sam reveal his unique preferences and insights into the field, offering a captivating glance into his professional mindset.

Explore the shifting tides of physiotherapy practice with...

Discover the unique journey of our newest team member, Matthew Drew, as he transitions from South Africa to Australia and brings a fresh perspective to the Science of Fitness podcast. With an impressive background in CrossFit and exercise physiology, Matty shares insights from his experiences in Durban and Ballina. We dive into the cultural exchanges and explore how CrossFit can evolve by integrating principles from exercise physiology, emphasizing strength and conditioning.

Join us as we navigate the nuanced differences between CrossFit as a sport and exercise physiology as a scientific discipline. We explore the importance of balancing...

Unlock the secrets to high performance by tuning into our latest episode, where we reveal how mastering the connection between physical health and career success can transform your professional journey. By adopting the Elevate program’s five pillars of high performance, you'll learn practical strategies for maintaining physical and mental clarity, preventing injuries, and ensuring long-term career success. Our motto, "don't let your career kill you; kill your career instead," serves as a wake-up call to prioritize well-being over work stress. We dive into techniques that balance pushing your fitness limits with injury prevention, empowering you to create a sustainable pa...

What if you could unlock the secrets to staying fit and healthy well into your later years? Join us on the Science of Fitness podcast as we unravel the fitness longevity checklist - a blueprint designed to enhance your life beyond 50. We delve into the fundamental elements that contribute to healthy aging, such as grip strength, ankle range of motion, aerobic fitness, and compound strength. Discover why grip strength is not just about firm handshakes but a key predictor of overall wellness. We share practical exercises like pulling and hanging activities that can boost not only your muscle health but...

Embark on a transformative fitness journey with us as we reveal a foolproof five-point checklist to sift through the multitude of group fitness programs vying for your attention. Ever wondered if a fitness class is truly worth your time and effort? We provide the blueprint to distinguish top-tier programs from those that might leave you more injured than inspired. Tune in to learn how to identify programs that prioritize safety, regular assessments, and effective planning, ultimately leading to superior results and a more rewarding fitness experience. 

Discover the critical importance of personalizing your fitness routine for success, c...

What role does networking play in building a successful career in strength and conditioning? Join us on the Science of Fitness podcast as we welcome our newest recruit, Darius Reese, who shares his inspiring journey into the world of strength and conditioning. 

Originally hailing from the United States, Darius was driven by a deep desire to help his younger brother excel in sports, which led him on a path that included studying kinesiology at San Jose State University and a pivotal internship at Portland State. Darius's story is one of determination and resourcefulness, navigating unpaid internships and l...

Can early sporting experiences shape future champions? Discover how Charlotte Caslick's journey from touch football to Rugby Sevens Olympic stardom was sparked by the 2000 Olympics and fuelled by her supportive family and school environment. In this episode, Charlotte shares how her multi-sport background and initial aspirations in social work formed a foundation that would eventually lead her to a professional rugby career. Her story is a testament to the transformational power of sports, perseverance, and community.

Charlotte discusses the importance of cross-training and how playing various sports like hockey and cricket enhanced her vision, coordination, and reflexes...

What role does empathy play in treating eating disorders, and how can personal journeys shape professional expertise? On this episode of the Science of Fitness podcast, we welcome Dr. Kim Hurst, a leading expert in eating disorders, to explore these compelling questions. Dr. Hurst offers invaluable insights from her extensive work at Robina Private on the Gold Coast, where she heads a multifaceted eating disorder service. Her approach integrates both inpatient and outpatient care, featuring pioneering treatments for binge eating and holistic therapeutic programs. This episode is rich with detailed discussions on how Rubina Private addresses the intricacies of...

Ever wondered how life's unexpected twists can shape a meaningful career and personal journey? Our guest, Will Stubbs, shares his remarkable transformation from a university dropout to a pioneering mental health advocate. Discover how his upbringing with a creative mother and a tech-savvy, entrepreneurial father laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. Learn about the early personal challenges that ignited Will's passion for mental well-being, leading to the creation of a non-profit and the groundbreaking "Soften the F**k Up" campaign. This episode is filled with inspiring stories of resilience and the drive to change traditional masculinity norms.
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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...

On the next episode of the Science Of Fitness podcast Women's health & Pelvic Floor Physiotherapist Brooke Dobo is behind the mic talking all things pelvic floor and women's health across the spectrum of a females life. A subject that requires a holistic approach, Women's health is a fast improving thanks to passionate practitioners such as Brooke.

Topics covered include: 
- Young female pelvic health
- Pain during your period
- Pelvic Floor exercise 
- Pelvic health in menopausal women 
- Pre & Postpartum pelvic health

Brooke's wealth of knowledge and experience in...

In Episode 6 of The Solo Series, host Kieran Maguire sits down to answer your questions on all things health, fitness and business. 

Responding to questions left via our instagram pages, Kieran discusses topics including: 
- Exercise science internships pro's & con's
- Nutrition around training
- Managing training load
- Improving training output 
- Tendon related injuries

This is the first of many Q&A sessions so be sure to follow us on instagram/subscribe to our mailing list to get your chance to submit a question for our next Q&A. ...

A new series that we'll be running on our podcast channels, 'The Solo Series' is about a range of topics that our team is particularly interested in, passionate about or researching.

For episode 4 of The Solo Series, podcast host Kieran Maguire wraps up the 4-part approach into longevity in training and exercise, including programming for robustness, injury prevention and rehabilitation, along with the first critical stages of a exercise program when longevity is the priority.

The main topic of this episode is neurological down regulation (NDR). NDR is a critical part of training and performance...

We've got another heavyweight hitter of an episode today with @samukerevi_. Samu has risen through the ranks of professional rugby union in Australia, with dominant stints as a Queensland Red and Wallaby along with his current time at Japanese Rugby League One club Uruyasu D-Rocks. During the off-season he's a quiet but very familiar face at our SOF HQ location in Brisbane, eager to get stuck into group fitness classes and train alongside our community.

Samu is a firm believer in discipline over motivation, and highlights the importance of young athletes creating a training environment that pushes...

A special episode of the Science Of Fitness Podcast, host Kieran Maguire sits down with long term SOF client Jess Lette to discuss her story. 

Jess was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer for the second time and underwent  a radical hysterectomy and is currently receiving chemo treatment.
This episode's aim is to share the complexities of women's health and to encourage all women to take control and feel empowered to do something about their health.  

Topics discussed include: 
- Exercise as a tool for pelvic pain
- Building physical confidence 
- Liste...

We're back in business on The SOF Podcast with a bunch of exciting episodes coming up and for this week, host Kieran Maguire sits down with our very own @gabsimpson.  A club legend at the Queensland Firebirds, Gabs helped lead the team to successive premierships in 2015 and 2016 along with reaching the pinnacle of professional netball in Australia as a vice-captain for the Australian Diamonds.

Along the way, she's somehow managed to squeeze in finishing an entire physiotherapy degree, joining the SOF team at the start of 2024 to begin a new career post-sport as a practising physiotherapist.

A new series that we'll be running on our podcast channels, 'The Solo Series' is about a range of topics that our team is particularly interested in, passionate about or researching.

For episode 4 of The Solo Series, podcast host Kieran Maguire wraps up a 3-part journey into longevity in training and exercise, including programming for robustness, injury prevention and rehabilitation, along with the first critical stages of a exercise program when longevity is the priority.

Part two of the new series that we'll be running on our podcast channels, 'The Solo Series' is about a range of topics that our team is particularly interested in, passionate about or researching.

For episode 3 of The Solo Series, podcast host Kieran Maguire continues to dive into all things longevity in training and exercise, including programming for robustness, injury prevention and rehabilitation, along with the first critical stages of a exercise program when longevity is the priority.

This episode particularly focuses on strength and its place in programming for longevity as well as the...

The first in a new series that we'll be running on our podcast channels, 'The Solo Series' is all about a range of topics that our team is particularly interested in, passionate about or researching.

For episode 2 of The Solo Series, podcast host Kieran Maguire dives into all things longevity in training and exercise, including programming for robustness, injury prevention and rehabilitation, along with the first critical stages of a exercise program when longevity is the priority.

Another cracking episode from the booth this week as host Kieran Maguire sits down with practising dietician and social media maestro Sophie Rindfleish @healthybodhealthymind. As an online dietician and co-founder of the hugely popular Brisbane run club known as @sosos_runclub, Sophie's not one to shy away from a busy schedule as she balances clients, career, social life and training for her very first half-marathon later this year (she hates running gels and will likely tell you about it).

Leveraging the powerful reach of social media, she's grown a significant following for her gentle and nurturing approach...

On today's episode, host Kieran Maguire sits down with Science of Fitness Co-Director and owner Joseph Agresta to chat about the evolution of our Strength class.

Strength has been a core part of our class offerings since 2017, and since it's inception has evolved from 'a group of 5 lads doing PT' to a training program designed to introduce our members to a range of weightlifting techniques while increasing their overall strength in periodised training blocks.

Kieran and Joe discuss the lessons learnt from constantly tweaking and improving the class, the importance of training with weights and...

On this week's episode, host Kieran Maguire sits down with one of the smoothest voices and sharpest minds at Science of Fitness (Head of Programming Rory Tims) to discuss how we program our group fitness.
Topics on this episode include: 
- Sport & Exercise science 101 for programming 
- How SOF structure the strength & conditioning elements of their group fitness program
- How you should be considering your personalised strength programming 
If you're new to exercise or hoping to get more from your training this episode is a must! 

Settle in for a massive episode this week as host Kieran Maguire sits down with sports dietician Eliza Freney. Eliza's impressive career has taken her across Australia and the world with multiple elite sporting codes; she's been a nutrition consultant for the Penrith Panthers, a sports dietician for Cricket Australia, the Wallabies performance dietician and now the National Head of Performance Nutrition for Rugby Australia.

Eliza's extensive qualifications include:

In today's e...

The first in a new series that we'll be running on our podcast channels, 'The Solo Series' is all about a range of topics that our team is particularly interested in, passionate about or researching.

For episode 1, podcast host Kieran Maguire dives all things running for our upcoming Running Mechanics workshops in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast.

Welcome to The Science of Fitness Podcast.

In this episode, host Kieran Maguire sits down with co-founder and co-director of TH7 Recovery Labs, Tom Harvey. TH7 is one of Australia's leading businesses in the recovery space, offering evidence-based recovery protocols in world-class facilities that cater to not just elite athletes but also everyday people looking to take ownership over their health and wellbeing through effective recovery tools.

Key topics discussed include: 

Welcome to The Science of Fitness Podcast.

In this episode, host Kieran Maguire sits down with SOF Head of Performance Rehab and Head Physio Jacob Lawrence. The month of March marks the 12-month anniversary of our Platinum facility being in operation, so we wanted to take the opportunity to discuss key learnings from Platinum's first year of business and the impact that it's had on the management of sporting-related injuries and rehab.

Key topics discussed include: