All Things ABC

We're back with the first episode of the All Things ABC Podcast of 2026. After Noel talks to Niamh & Seán about all the updates in ABC since our last podcast, we bring you the recording of Seán Kinane's Non-Negotiables of Performance Optimisation talk in Clane last night.
We're looking forward to seeing all our ABC Gym members in the Glenroyal on Saturday, March 21st for a Members Social Night
27:40 Introduction to Health Matters and Performance Testing with Sean Kinnane
20:42 Understanding Performance Optimisation
33:46 The Science of Energy Systems
36:35 Aerobic vs. Anaerobic Training
39:51 The Importance of Carbohydrates in Training
42:41 Balancing Aerobic and Anaerobic Workloads
55:55 The Consequences of Overtraining
48:52 Strategies for Effective Training
51:56 The Role of Nutrition in Performance
54:58 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
62:41 Understanding Aerobic and Anaerobic Training
66:29 The Importance of Training Blocks
69:33 The Benefits of Aerobic Conditioning
71:49 VO2 Testing and Metabolic Insights
78:52 Health and Longevity Through Training
82:35 The Role of Nutrition in Performance
The last 15 or so minutes of this talk was a Q&A with the audience. The audience was not mic'd up, so it will be hard to hear some of the questions, but we believe the answers from Seán will still provide valuable insight into training

In this episode of the All Things ABC podcast, hosts Noel, Niamh & Seán are joined by Nutritionist Matty Nagle to discuss various aspects of nutrition, including how dietary needs change with age, the myths surrounding detox diets, and the importance of protein intake. 
They emphasise the significance of hydration, meal planning, and understanding food labels to make informed nutritional choices. The conversation also touches on balancing performance and fat loss goals, particularly for those preparing for events like Tryka & Battle Cancer. 
Overall, the episode provides practical advice for listeners looking to improve their nutrition and health in the new year, emphasising the importance of strategic planning for fitness goals, gradual habit building, and meaningful goals. 
They explore the transition from fat loss to performance, the role of portion control, and the impact of nutrition timing on overall health. 
The discussion also touches on the influence of social media on dietary choices, the challenges of menopause, and the critical role of hydration in maintaining energy levels.
00:00 Welcome Matty Nagle
02:58 Detox Myths and January Resets
05:46 Setting Realistic Nutrition Goals
08:52 Importance of Water and Protein Intake
11:53 Understanding Protein Needs
14:50 Reading Food Labels for Protein
17:53 Debunking Food Myths: The Sandwich Debate
18:48 Navigating Ready Meals: Convenience vs. Quality
19:45 Understanding Processed Foods: Fear-Mongering in Nutrition
21:39 Balancing Performance and Nutrition: Goals for January
23:44 Strategic Nutrition Planning: Preparing for Events
25:39 Mindset and Goal Setting: The Key to Success
27:31 Sustainable Change: Building Habits Over Time
29:28 From Fat Loss to Performance: Shifting Nutrition Strategies
35:02 Understanding Portion Control and Caloric Fears
38:01 The Importance of Nutrition Timing
39:54 The Role of Sleep and Recovery
42:07 Navigating Menopause and Nutrition
47:22 Social Media's Impact on Nutrition
48:44 Key Habits for Better Nutrition

In this episode of the All Things ABC podcast, Dr. John Rusin discusses the importance of pain management in fitness, defining performance as health, and the significance of movement systems. He emphasises the need for effective training systems, the qualities of a great coach, and the shift towards longevity in fitness. 
The conversation also touches on the rise of hybrid athletes and the balance needed in training for competitions like Hyrox. John shares insights on breathing and bracing techniques and how to engage clients in a long-term fitness journey.
Be sure to check out more details on his certification:
painfreetraining.com
And whether you are a gym goer or a coach in the field, his new book, Pain-Free Performance: Move Better, Train Smarter, and Build an Unbreakable Body is a must have! Available now on Amazon.

00:00 Introduction to Pain Free Performance
03:35 The Pain Epidemic in Fitness
05:50 Redefining Performance as Health
08:31 The Importance of Movement Systems
10:45 Establishing Effective Training Systems
14:50 Qualities of a Successful Coach
18:00 Bridging the Gap Between General Fitness and Elite Performance
19:51 Introduction and Context of Training in Ireland
21:09 The Rise of Hybrid Athlete Training
22:53 Balancing High Rocks Training with General Principles
24:51 The Importance of Breathing and Bracing in Lifting
27:07 Breathing Techniques for Different Populations
32:08 Mindset Shift Towards Longevity in Training
43:17 Certification and Resources for Coaches

On this episode of the All Things ABC Podcast, we learn about the new Live Better Perform Programme as well as  how to best critique our individual lifestyle performance goals and nutrition preferences before considering supplementation.
Jamie, our ABC Head of Nutrition, joins Niamh and Sean for this episode as he delves into the intricate world of supplements. He explains the critical distinction between functional foods and traditional supplements, emphasising the importance of food-first approaches while acknowledging the practical need for supplementation. Jamie discusses essential nutrient considerations, highlights the evidence-based efficacy of five key performance supplements, and outlines strategic fuelling protocols for optimal athletic performance. 
Get ready for a deep dive into prioritising nutrition, understanding supplementation, and crafting individualised performance strategies. 
The trio also discuss hydration, energy intake, and the timing of nutrient consumption tailored for athletes and enthusiasts preparing for events like Hyrox

00:56 Understanding Supplementation
01:55 Debate on Functional Foods
03:56 ABC Nutrition Pyramid
07:33 Health-Based Supplements
10:04 Performance-Based Supplements
17:56 Creatine: Benefits and Usage
26:21 Beta-Alanine and Sodium Bicarbonate
29:53 Sodium Bicarbonate and Gastric Issues
31:05 Nitrates and Their Benefits
32:02 Caffeine and Its Effects
33:20 Fuelling Strategies for Events
35:58 Carbohydrate Loading Techniques
46:53 Hydration Strategies
52:59 Live Better Perform Programme
The Live Better Programme returns for ABC Members on Monday, September 15th with spaces limited in each location

Noel, Niamh & Sean are back with another episode of the All Things ABC Podcast. 
After Noel puts his breathwork to use, dealing with the traffic before recording the episode, the guys discuss:
- Best ways to ramp up your working sets for lifting in the gym as Niamh trains for Athx
- Why Noel chose the monkey bars as his challenge
- The importance of the 300m Ski Challenge in the ABC Athlete sessions and what it's really helping you with
- Sustainable Health & Fitness - and what happens when you do it the WRONG way
- Why Strength Training is the Fountain of Youth
- Not Adapting to Change but Driving It
- Training With Purpose
And much more