Episode
#046 - Alex Hutchinson - Endure; Finding The Limits Of Human Performance
1:13:56
Published: Mon Jan 07 2019
Description
Alex Hutchinson is a journalist, athlete and author of "Endure: Mind, Body, and the Curiously Elastic Limits of Human Performance". What makes some of us quit while others can continue? Just how much of human performance is dictated by the mind and how much by the body? These are fundamental questions which all of us have contemplated, today we find the answers. Alex takes us through the fascinating research that went into his book. I was blown away by the insights as he breaks down the components that make up "endurance" and gives us some fantastic tools to improve our own. More Things: Follow Alex on Twitter - https://twitter.com/sweatscience Endure The Book - http://amzn.eu/d/f19Ihzf Check out everything I recommend from books to products and help support the podcast at no extra cost to you by shopping through this link - https://www.amazon.co.uk/shop/modernwisdom - Get in touch. Join the discussion with me and other like minded listeners in the episode comments on the MW YouTube Channel or message me... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/ModernWisdomPodcast Email: https://www.chriswillx.com/contact
Chapters
Endurance can be both mental and physical, whether it's pushing through an unpleasant pace while running a marathon or studying for an exam.
00:00 - 07:25 (07:25)
Summary
Endurance can be both mental and physical, whether it's pushing through an unpleasant pace while running a marathon or studying for an exam. The struggle to continue is fundamentally the same, no matter the context.
Episode#046 - Alex Hutchinson - Endure; Finding The Limits Of Human Performance
PodcastModern Wisdom
Despite the progress made in the 20th century understanding the mechanics of the human body as a machine, the brain still plays a critical role in setting our physical limits, making it impossible to fully understand the workings of the human body just by understanding its parts.
07:25 - 17:32 (10:06)
Summary
Despite the progress made in the 20th century understanding the mechanics of the human body as a machine, the brain still plays a critical role in setting our physical limits, making it impossible to fully understand the workings of the human body just by understanding its parts.
Episode#046 - Alex Hutchinson - Endure; Finding The Limits Of Human Performance
PodcastModern Wisdom
Chemicals in the brain can alter our muscle force and flexibility of the safety circuitry can help us have bursts of strength in moments of life-threatening situations such as lifting a car to save someone.
17:32 - 25:43 (08:10)
Summary
Chemicals in the brain can alter our muscle force and flexibility of the safety circuitry can help us have bursts of strength in moments of life-threatening situations such as lifting a car to save someone.
Episode#046 - Alex Hutchinson - Endure; Finding The Limits Of Human Performance
PodcastModern Wisdom
Mental strength may give an extra 10-20% improvement in physical performance but won't necessarily overcome the limitations of a smaller stature or lack of muscle mass in comparison to bigger, stronger individuals.
25:43 - 31:12 (05:28)
Summary
Mental strength may give an extra 10-20% improvement in physical performance but won't necessarily overcome the limitations of a smaller stature or lack of muscle mass in comparison to bigger, stronger individuals. Breaking up longer physical tasks into smaller segments can also be helpful for achieving goals.
Episode#046 - Alex Hutchinson - Endure; Finding The Limits Of Human Performance
PodcastModern Wisdom
There are ways of directly manipulating the brain that alter your perception of effort and improving your performance without changing anything below the neck.
31:12 - 38:56 (07:44)
Summary
There are ways of directly manipulating the brain that alter your perception of effort and improving your performance without changing anything below the neck.
Episode#046 - Alex Hutchinson - Endure; Finding The Limits Of Human Performance
PodcastModern Wisdom
Proper hydration and fueling during exercise are crucial for optimal performance, as without it, the body will start to feel the effects of dehydration and lack of nutrients, even if it's not yet failing.
38:56 - 43:40 (04:44)
Summary
Proper hydration and fueling during exercise are crucial for optimal performance, as without it, the body will start to feel the effects of dehydration and lack of nutrients, even if it's not yet failing. These effects can make exercise feel harder and can force the body to slow down to prevent further damage.
Episode#046 - Alex Hutchinson - Endure; Finding The Limits Of Human Performance
PodcastModern Wisdom
Athletes do not have a magical way of avoiding pain, but they do gradually get better at handling it through distraction and focusing on the informational value of the pain, rather than the emotional response.
43:40 - 49:25 (05:44)
Summary
Athletes do not have a magical way of avoiding pain, but they do gradually get better at handling it through distraction and focusing on the informational value of the pain, rather than the emotional response. Improved pain management can positively impact athletic performance and daily life situations.
Episode#046 - Alex Hutchinson - Endure; Finding The Limits Of Human Performance
PodcastModern Wisdom
Pain, specifically muscular pain and leg burn, can pose significant challenges to athletic performance, and understanding how to manage and work through pain is a critical component of skill progression as an athlete.
49:25 - 56:25 (06:59)
Summary
Pain, specifically muscular pain and leg burn, can pose significant challenges to athletic performance, and understanding how to manage and work through pain is a critical component of skill progression as an athlete.
Episode#046 - Alex Hutchinson - Endure; Finding The Limits Of Human Performance
PodcastModern Wisdom
Studies have shown that motivational self-talk can significantly improve endurance performance.
56:25 - 1:03:53 (07:28)
Summary
Studies have shown that motivational self-talk can significantly improve endurance performance. This can be especially helpful for those who do not have a coach to provide such training, and who struggle with negative thoughts during challenging events like a marathon.
Episode#046 - Alex Hutchinson - Endure; Finding The Limits Of Human Performance
PodcastModern Wisdom
Journalist, Ed Caesar, shares the story of Eliud Kipchoge's quest to break the 2-hour marathon barrier and the multi-million dollar project that supported him in the effort.
1:03:53 - 1:13:18 (09:25)
Summary
Journalist, Ed Caesar, shares the story of Eliud Kipchoge's quest to break the 2-hour marathon barrier and the multi-million dollar project that supported him in the effort.
Episode#046 - Alex Hutchinson - Endure; Finding The Limits Of Human Performance
PodcastModern Wisdom
Alex Hutchinson, a scientist and journalist, discusses his website, how you can find him on Twitter, and where to find his recent articles and interesting posts.
1:13:18 - 1:13:43 (00:24)
Summary
Alex Hutchinson, a scientist and journalist, discusses his website, how you can find him on Twitter, and where to find his recent articles and interesting posts.