In episode 368 of The Physical Performance Show, the podcast enters a new era as accredited exercise physiologist Huw Darnell joins as co-host alongside Brad Beer. With over a decade of experience in the endurance sports industry, Huw brings a fresh perspective to the show, sharing his journey from a sport-obsessed youth through injury setbacks to becoming a leading strength and conditioning coach for runners and triathletes.
This episode explores Huw’s personal and professional evolution, including the pivotal injuries that shaped his approach to athlete rehabilitation and performance. Huw and Brad discuss the importance of psychological support for injured athletes, the barriers endurance athletes face in adopting strength and conditioning, and practical strategies for integrating effective training into busy schedules.
Listeners are introduced to a new show format, Uncovering Injuries, which will feature deep dives into common endurance sports injuries from both physiotherapy and exercise physiology perspectives. The episode is rich with actionable advice, including Huw’s “four pillars of performance”—movement, recovery, mindset, and nutrition—and a weekly physical challenge encouraging barefoot training to build foot strength.
Listen in as we delve into the following
“Set clear expectations and embrace group thinking”
“Ask good questions and relay understanding”
“Develop a robust, subjective assessment process.”
Learn more at huwdarnell.com.au
Follow Huw on Instagram: @huwdarnell
0:00 – Start
00:25 – Introduction of Huw Darnell as co-host and the evolution of the show
01:36 – Hugh Darnell’s background, passion for endurance sports, and content creation
03:07 – Announcement of the new “Huw Uncovering Injuries” episode format
05:52 – Huw’s personal injury story and how it shaped his rehab philosophy
10:49 – Transition to working with endurance athletes and triathletes
13:28 – Building therapeutic alliances and the psychological impact of injury
16:56 – Top tips for supporting the psychology of injured athletes
21:26 – Strength and conditioning for endurance athletes: barriers and misconceptions
26:49 – Communication strategies between athletes, coaches, and practitioners
30:30 – The importance of objective data in athlete progress and buy-in
31:20 – Three essential conditioning exercises for triathletes
35:18 – Balancing movement correction and skill development in training
41:14 – Fitting strength and conditioning into busy schedules (micro-dosing)
44:29 – Periodisation of strength and conditioning through the season
47:23 – Tapering strength and conditioning before key races
50:06 – Huw’s “four pillars of performance” advice
50:59 – Weekly physical challenge: barefoot training for foot strength
55:42 – Finish
Ali Day – Episode 1 and 300 of The Physical Performance Show
Ellie Salthouse – World Triathlete
Clayton Fettell – Endurance Coach
Ellie Hoitink – Triathlete
For questions and comments about this Episode Send to the Show Host @Brad_Beer (Twitter) or @brad_beer(Instagram)
POGO Physio Telehealth Consultations believe that everyone deserves access to complete and remarkable physiotherapy services.
Our goal is to get you back to your Physical Best. Find out more about telehealth consultations and book online.
