Research Hub - Presented by Matrix

Join Dr. Karlie Intlekofer and Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple as they explore the myths and facts about women's physiology, hormone impacts, and resistance training across different life stages. They emphasize the importance of personalized, consistent training over hormone-based protocols and discuss how aging and menopause influence physical health. Key topics: - Hormonal influence on training outcom...

Steve Barrett talks with Kris Walter, Director at Princeton Club, about where fitness clubs are heading and what keeps members coming back. Their conversation covers the rise of fitness racing, the role of AI in coaching and the importance of building community through better programming. Listen to the full conversation to hear Kris share lessons from 30 years in fitness and his view on the future...

Muscle health is becoming one of the biggest conversations in fitness, aging and long-term health. In this session from the HFA Show 2026, Dr. Karlie Intlekofer looks at why strength, power, muscle mass and muscle endurance matter, especially as physical capacity starts to decline more quickly after age 40. She also breaks down the gap between what members say they want and what their training hab...

Dr. Karlie Intlekofer is joined by Matrix Master Trainer, triathlete, and endurance coach Amanda Almond to examine the role of strength training in improving performance and durability. Drawing from both research and Amanda’s hands-on experience coaching women and busy clients, the conversation offers practical strategies for integrating strength into endurance-focused programs.

What does modern coaching really look like? Steve Barrett sits down with Professor Ian Jeffreys, President of the NSCA, to explore the evolving role of strength and conditioning, the balance between science and coaching experience, and why performance can’t be defined by metrics alone.

In this Dutch-language episode of the Research Hub Podcast, Brice van der Elzen sits down with Olympic Strength & Conditioning coach Jorden Bres to explore what high-performance sport can teach coaches, trainers, and gym operators. With experience preparing athletes for five Olympic Games across sports like judo, gymnastics, and speed skating, Jorden shares practical insights that apply far be...

Dr. Karlie Intlekofer is joined by Eric Helms, PhD, CSCS, AccredSpNut, to unpack how coaches can better personalize strength training and help clients train at the right level of effort. Dr. Helms is a sport science and nutrition researcher, science communicator and coach. He is co-director of the Sports Research Institute New Zealand at Auckland University of Technology and co-founder of MASS Res...

Strength training works best when progression and coaching go hand in hand. Dr. Karlie Intlekofer is joined by Antonio Squillante, Ph. D, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology at PLNU and member of the NSCA Board of Directors, to break down how muscles adapt to training over time. The conversation covers strength, muscle growth and eccentric training, along with why presence on the gym floor matters...

Indoor cycling has taken a hit since COVID, but it is far from done. In this episode of the Research Hub podcast, Becky Jalbert takes a clear look at where indoor cycling stands today and where it is heading next. They cover participation trends, instructor shortages and how clubs are adjusting their cycling programs to meet changing member needs. The conversation looks at why cycling still matter...

Listen to Becky Jalbert break down key fitness trends and member expectations through a practical lens. They cover functional training, wearables and recovery, along with how these areas influence programming and engagement across the industry. Becky shares clear insight from her product and coaching background. They also outline what different member groups expect and how teams can adapt to meet...

Zone 2 training is one of the most promoted approaches on social media. It is presented as the best way to improve endurance, burn fat and support mitochondrial health. This episode examines what the research actually shows. Dr. Karlie Intlekofer will be joined by Dr. Brendon Gurd and Kristi Storoschuk from Queen’s University to share evidence on exercise intensity, highlight where Zone 2 is effec...

Sprint training done right can trigger powerful, lasting change and Sprint 8 proves it. Steve Barrett, Global Director of Fitness Programming at Matrix Fitness, teams up with Douglas Lawson, Facility Operator at Lawson Street Gym, to unpack the concept of sprint intensity, particularly focusing on the Sprint 8 methodology. They discuss the differences between sprint intensity and traditional HIIT,...

Dr. Karlie Intlekofer and Dr. Nina Crowley discuss the evolving landscape of fitness and health, emphasizing the importance of personalized communication between fitness professionals and their clients. They explore misconceptions surrounding body composition, the significance of functional health over aesthetic goals, and the role of technology in tracking progress. The discussion highlights the...

Listen to Dr. Karlie Intlekofer and Dr. Nina Crowley as they discuss the critical communication gap between fitness professionals and their members. They explore the importance of behavior change, creating inclusive environments, and the need for a member-centered approach in fitness. Dr. Crowley shares her journey in nutrition and psychology, emphasizing the significance of understanding individu...

Stay tuned to learn how Matrix Master Trainers Chad Yarvitz and Rick Muhr examine the lasting impact of group training through the lens of connection, trust and community. Drawing from decades of leadership in coaching and club operations, they reflect on how group training environments foster resilience, personal growth, and deep member engagement. Their conversation explores the value of shared...

In this very first episode of the Research Hub series, Dr. Karlie Intlekofer engages with Matt Lesperance, a gold medalist in wheelchair basketball, to discuss the importance of inclusivity in fitness. They explore the evolution of adaptive fitness, the barriers faced by adaptive athletes in traditional gyms, and the need for better training and knowledge among fitness professionals. The conversat...