The mindbodygreen Podcast

658: The most efficient path to better cardio | sports scientist Fraser Thurlow, Ph.D.

July 12, 2026·53 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

"When it comes to high-intensity interval training work, quality is much more important than quantity,” says Fraser Thurlow, Ph.D.  Thurlow is a high-performance coach, researcher, and lecturer with over a decade of experience helping people improve their fitness and performance. He holds a PhD in Human Performance, has published extensively on training, and has lectured at leading Australian universities in sport and exercise science. His work focuses on translating science into practical, evidence-based strategies that improve health, fitness, and athletic performance. 00:00 - How to actually raise your VO2 max 05:26 - Long vs short interval training 09:00 - Heart rate vs. perceived exertion 11:13 - Accurately monitoring heart rate  13:12 - The sprint interval training protocol 19:07 - A sample weekly plan 23:58 - Working exercise into the day-to-day 28:24 - Making the most out of supersets 31:58 - VO2 max mistakes 34:32 - How to train for HYROX 39:17 - Foot strength & barefoot lifting 43:37 - Overrated & underrated fitness 45:35 - Fraser's sprint research 50:40 - VO2 max vs. muscle for longevity Referenced in the episode:  For more about Thurlow & his personal training, visit: https://stan.store/drthurlow  Jan Helgerud sprint study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17414804/  Vollaard analysis of VO2 max studies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28079707/  We hope you enjoy this episode, and feel free to watch the full video on YouTube! Whether it's an article or podcast, we want to know what we can do to help here at mindbodygreen. Let us know at: podcast@mindbodygreen.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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