Dr. Stephen Seiler

Dr. Stephen Seiler

Professor in Sport Science, University of Agder
Dr. Stephen Seiler is an exercise physiologist and one of the world’s leading minds in the science of cycling.

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After growing up in the U.S. and earning his doctoral degree from the University of Texas at Austin, Stephen Seiler, Ph.D., FACSM, has lived and worked in Norway for over 20 years as a university teacher, researcher, and leader. He is past Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation and past Dean of the Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences at the University of Agder in Kristiansand, Norway. Currently, Dr. Seiler is Professor in Sport Science at the same institution.

While anchored in an academic environment, Dr. Seiler has also served as research consultant and scientific advisor for a research foundation, sports teams, a regional hospital, and the Norwegian Olympic Federation. From 2014 to 2019, Dr. Seiler served on the Executive Board of the European College of Sport Science, where he founded the Elite Sport Performance Special Interest Group in 2014.

Over the last 15 years, Dr. Seiler has become internationally known for his research publications and lectures related to the organization of endurance training and intensity distribution. This work has included both descriptive and experimental approaches, investigating cyclists, rowers, cross-country skiers, orienteers, and distance runners. His work has influenced and catalyzed international research around training intensity distribution and the “polarized training model.”

Dr. Seiler has published over 100 peer-reviewed publications and written over 100 popular science articles related to exercise physiology and the training process. He has also given scientific lectures across Europe, the United States, China, South Africa, and Australia. He is also a founding editorial board member of the International Journal of Sport Physiology and Performance.

Featured

Cycling Interval Training Pathway - Fast Talk Labs

Cycling Interval Training Pathway

Interval workouts are a fundamental part of any endurance training program. Learn exactly what intervals are, why they are so important, and how to properly execute interval workouts with the help of Sebastian Weber, Neal Henderson, and Dr. Stephen Seiler.
Chris Case, Dr. Stephen Cheung, et. al.

Latest

External Load vs. Internal Response

External Load versus Internal Response

Load, stress, strain—they're terms we hear a lot in sports science, but what do they mean? Your internal response to external load will change as you become fitter and more durable. Dr. Stephen Seiler explains all.
Dr. Stephen Seiler

How to Measure Intensity Distribution

Is 80/20 really the best mix of intensities? And what's the best way to categorize training? Dr. Seiler has a simple method to get you started.
Dr. Stephen Seiler and Rob Pickels
science vs. practice

Polarized Training Science vs. Practice

Scientists have worked closely with athletes and coaches to define the polarized model and explain how it works. Who leads the way? Dr. Seiler talks about the scientific process playing out in valuable ways in both research and the real world.
Dr. Stephen Seiler and Rob Pickels
overreaching polarized training

How Polarized Training Can Save You From Overreaching

It can be very easy to train at a moderate intensity all the time, which can be a surefire way to land in an overreached state. Polarized training can help prevent that—and in this video, Dr. Seiler explains how.
Dr. Stephen Seiler and Rob Pickels
athlete-needs-to-rethink-training

Do You Need to Rethink Your Training?

Intensity can be a slippery slope for endurance athletes—there is a temptation to push harder and longer. The real recipe for performance might entail some new priorities.
Dr. Stephen Seiler

Polarize Your Training Stress

Dr. Stephen Seiler explains why polarized training is a winning strategy for the long game of endurance sports. By balancing the stress of training, athletes see bigger gains over time.
Dr. Stephen Seiler and Rob Pickels
Cyclists using polarized training

Polarized Training Pathway

World-class athletes have proven just how effective low-intensity training can be when combined with a small (but mighty) dose of high-intensity work. In collaboration with Dr. Stephen Seiler, Fast Talk Labs has put together everything you need to know on the topic of polarized training.
Dr. Stephen Seiler and Trevor Connor

Dr. Stephen Seiler on Breathing, Beer, and Heart Rate

Dr. Stephen Seiler is a fount of knowledge. We filled our brains with so much new info from him while recording Episode 200 that we have dedicated this episode to sharing every last nugget. Dr. Seiler shares new info on his current research that involves new tools, breathing techniques, heart rate variability, and... beer!
Fast Talk Episode 206
Advanced Performance Data Analysis

Advanced Performance Data Analysis Pathway

This Pathway moves past the basics into advanced endurance analytics. Follow this Pathway to navigate complex training data so you can make more informed decisions about your training.
Chris Case, Dr. Andy Pruitt, EdD, et. al.

Fast Talk Bids Our Heart-Felt Farewell to Chris Case

Chris Case is leaving Fast Talk! For his final episode, we gather some of his close cycling friends to discuss Chris and his epic rides, his parting wisdom, and what has made him a special part of Fast Talk.
Fast Talk Episode 204