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Training, performance, nutrition and recovery—explained practically.
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Nutrition and Recovery


Carbohydrates for Performance: How Much Do You Need and When?
Carbohydrates have had an interesting few decades. For athletes, they have traditionally been viewed as essential fuel. In the wider fitness world, however, carbohydrates have alternately been blamed for fat gain, insulin resistance, poor health and just about every stalled diet imaginable. More recently, performance nutrition has moved in almost the opposite direction, with some endurance athletes consuming remarkably large amounts of carbohydrate during competition. So wher

Jamey Merkel
Oct 311 min read


Energy Balance Explained: How Fat Loss and Muscle Gain Actually Work
Fat loss and muscle gain are often made more complicated than they need to be. One camp will tell you that body composition is simply about calories. Another will argue that hormones, food quality, meal timing or a particular diet matter more. The reality is more nuanced. Energy balance matters. A lot. But your body is not a static calorie calculator, and changes on the scale do not tell you exactly what is happening to body fat, muscle mass or performance. If your goal is to

Jamey Merkel
Sep 38 min read


Protein for Strength, Muscle and Performance: How Much Do You Actually Need?
Updated 24/09/2026 Protein gets a lot of attention in fitness. Some of that attention is justified. Protein provides the amino acids your body uses to repair and remodel tissue, and it plays an important role in supporting muscle growth and adaptation to training. But protein is also surrounded by unnecessary complexity. You do not need to consume enormous amounts. You do not need to drink a shake the moment your workout ends (although it may help). And you do not need to bui

Jamey Merkel
Jun 189 min read


Optimising Macronutrient Ratios for Enhanced Performance
The journey to optimal performance in fitness and life isn't just about the workout you put in. It also heavily relies on proper nutrition, which includes a strategic balance of macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These essential nutrients play crucial roles in your energy levels, recovery, and overall health. Join me to explore the science behind macronutrient ratios and how you can adjust them to boost your fitness results. Understanding Macronutrients Macron

Jamey Merkel
Jun 5, 20254 min read


Top 3 Strategies for a Restful Sleep
In our fast-paced, modern lives, quality sleep is often sacrificed at the altar of productivity and busy schedules. However, the importance of adequate sleep cannot be overstated. The benefits of a good night's sleep include, but are not limited to, achieving peak physical and mental performance, enhanced cognitive function and a strengthened immune system. If you find yourself tossing and turning, struggling to get the rest you need, keep reading for my top three science ba

Jamey Merkel
Apr 18, 20253 min read


Recovery is your superpower: 3 ways to optimise now
Recovering from heavy exercise is essential for maintaining performance, preventing injuries, and promoting overall well-being. Pushing your limits during workouts is important for growth, but equally important is allowing your body to recover. Effective recovery strategies can help you bounce back quicker, reduce muscle soreness, and prepare for your next workout. Here are the top three ways to recover from heavy exercise, backed by scientific research my personal recommenda

Jamey Merkel
Apr 10, 20255 min read
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