The Hybrid Lab with Dr. Alyssa Olenick

Latest Episodes:

EP 80: TLM Coaches Chat ATL Hyrox Apr 23, 2025

Show notes

Want to take your hyrox training to the next level? Get our free HYROX ACCELERATOR series here -- https://doc-lyss-fitness.myflodesk.com/hyrox-accelerator-yt

Note: I think there was some audio issues here we will fix for next time!

Join the coaches of The Lyss Method as they break down their game plan for Hyrox ATL! In this conversation, they discuss their race day strategy, training adjustments, and how they’re approaching the race different from DC. From pacing, training, tapering and mental prep techniques and team dynamics, get an inside look at how experienced coaches tackle the day. Whether you’re racing solo or with a partner, their insights will help you refine your own approach.

00:00 Introduction to the Atlanta High Rocks Race

02:09 Coaches and Their Racing Plans

04:57 Corey and Devin's Race Strategy

09:12 Noah and Nick's Goals for the Race

13:21 Jake's Race Preparation and Goals

17:11 Discussion on Race Times and Expectations

18:14 Betting Strategies and Performance Goals

20:06 Training Insights and Personal Goals

22:43 Race Strategy and Team Dynamics

25:06 Event-Specific Training and Preparation

29:50 Strength Training and Conditioning

32:05 Pacing and Race Execution

41:24 Pacing Strategies for Races

42:20 Doubles vs. Solo Racing Dynamics

43:34 Managing Race Intensity and Recovery

46:27 Experiences with Race Challenges

48:12 Communication and Motivation in Team Events

50:46 Tapering Strategies for High-Intensity Events

01:01:03 Final Thoughts on Race Preparation

EP 79: Fasted Training for Women: Helpful Hack or Hormonal Havoc? Apr 16, 2025

Show notes

Get my fast and fed guide here, use code FEDPOD for 15% off -- https://doclyssfitness.com/fed-fast/

In this episode of The Hybrid Lab, Dr. Alyssa Olenick dives deep into the controversial topic of fasted training for women—is it helpful, harmful, or somewhere in between?

After nearly turning this into an Instagram post, Alyssa realized the conversation needed more than a quick swipe-through. So she's unpacking the nuance—why it's not as simple as "good" or "bad," who might benefit from fasted workouts, and who may want to steer clear.

Expect a thoughtful, science-backed breakdown of:

What fasted training actually is
How it may impact female physiology and hormones
Common myths vs. what the research really shows
Why context, individual goals, and lifestyle matter most

If you’ve ever felt confused, frustrated, or curious about whether fasted workouts are right for you, this episode is for you.

🎧 Hit play, keep an open mind, and let’s put down the pitchforks.

00:00 Introduction to the Hybrid Lab Podcast

00:30 Fasted Training Controversy

02:26 Defining Fasted Exercise

04:20 Female Metabolism and Fasted Training

10:00 Body Composition Effects of Fasted Training

16:28 Hormonal Impacts of Fasted Training

28:51 Understanding Exercise Guidelines and Activity Levels

37:48 Fasted Training: Risks and Recommendations

42:50 Navigating Menopause and Exercise

51:45 Final Thoughts on Nutrition and Training

EP79: The Hybrid Lab - New Name, Same Lyss. The podcast rebrand and why I did it. Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

🎙 Welcome to The Hybrid Lab (formerly The Messy Middle Podcast)

In this exciting reintroduction episode, Dr. Alyssa Olenick shares the why behind the rebrand from The Messy Middle to The Hybrid Lab. She reflects on the podcast’s evolution—from its PhD-era roots with co-host Kate to its new focus on hybrid training, female physiology, and evidence-based coaching.

Alyssa dives into:

Why nuance will always be at the heart of her content
How her brand has shifted to focus on hybrid athletes, runners who lift, and lifters who run
Her journey from PhD student to expert in hybrid training and exercise science
A sneak peek into upcoming episode topics like fasting and female training
The move to more real-time, organic podcasting with live video recordings
Why this space still matters for busy women who want to learn and apply real science to their training

Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the pod, this episode sets the stage for what’s next: deeper conversations, expert insights, and a continued commitment to science-backed, real-world applicable training info.

🔬 Welcome to The Hybrid Lab—where science meets sweat.
📲 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and share the show if you’re loving the new vibe!

EP 78: DC HYROX Recap, TLM Coaches Chat. Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

Save $20 off your first month, run plan or multi month membership with code 20SPRING now through 4/11/2025.

In this episode of the Messy Middle Podcast, Alyssa Olenick and the TLM coaches recap their exhilarating experience at the HYROX weekend in DC. They discuss their individual races, training insights, and the camaraderie of competing as a team.

Trevor shares his solo race experience, highlighting his performance and areas for improvement, while Carly and Dani reflect on their doubles race, emphasizing the importance of communication and strategy. The conversation is filled with tips for aspiring racers and insights into the training methods that helped them succeed. In this conversation, the participants discuss their experiences and strategies related to HYROX training and racing.

They explore the importance of embracing discomfort in training, the differences between solo and doubles racing, and how to effectively pace during events. The discussion also highlights the distinctions between HYROX and CrossFit, as well as reflections on recent races and preparations for future competitions.

Topics Covered:

⏩ Hyrox race breakdown – What to expect

⏩ Best training strategies for strength + endurance

⏩ The difference between HYROX and CrossFit and why you need to run MORE>

⏩ What NOT to do when preparing for Hyrox

⏩ Q&A – Answering the most common Hyrox questions

🔔 Subscribe for more fitness, race prep, and performance training tips!

🤘🏻 TRAIN WITH ME HERE → https://www.thelyssmethod.com/programs

🤘🏻 FOLLOW ME ON IG → https://www.instagram.com/doclyssfitness/

🤘🏻 LEARN MORE + FREE RESOURCES → https://doclyssfitness.com/

00:00 DC HYROX Weekend Recap

02:19 Trevor's Solo Race Insights

13:43 Carly and Dani's Doubles Experience

23:01 Strength Training for HYROX Preparation

24:51 The Importance of Baseline Fitness

26:57 Strategies for Event Pacing

29:41 Reflections on Race Strategy

33:23 The Balance of Strength and Endurance

36:52 Navigating the High Rocks Experience

39:04 Doubles vs. Solos: Which to Choose?

44:36 Understanding HYROX vs. CrossFit

49:57 Endurance Background and Pacing Strategies

52:54 Integrating CrossFit with High Rocks Training

54:51 Preparing for HYROX: Building a Strong Foundation

56:31 Race Reflections and Performance Analysis

01:01:56 Pacing Techniques and Race Strategy

01:10:11 Future Training Plans and Goals

Episode 77: DC HYROX Coaches Chat: Strategy, Training & Pre-Race Feelings Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

Use code 20SPRING to save $20 off your first month, run plan or multi-month membership with TLM now through 4/11/2025.

🔥 Join the coaches of The Lyss Method as they recap the DC HYROX weekend, their races, what worked and what didn't, and answer your questions on racing and training for your first hyrox race.

From pacing and mental prep to sled push techniques and team dynamics, get an inside look at how experienced coaches tackled the competition. Whether you’re racing solo or with a partner, their insights will help you refine your own approach.

🎧 Tune In to hear how The Lyss Method coaches are approaching their Hyrox DC race!💪

Topics Covered:

⏩ Hyrox race breakdown – What to expect

⏩ Best training strategies for strength + endurance

⏩ How hyrox is different from crossfit, and why you need to run more

⏩ What NOT to do when preparing for Hyrox

⏩ Q&A – Answering the most common Hyrox questions

🔔 Subscribe for more fitness, race prep, and performance training tips!

🤘🏻 TRAIN WITH ME HERE → https://www.thelyssmethod.com/programs

🤘🏻 FOLLOW ME ON IG → https://www.instagram.com/doclyssfitness/

🤘🏻 LEARN MORE + FREE RESOURCES → https://doclyssfitness.com/

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Coaches’ Hyrox Journey

02:17 How They’re Training and Preparing

11:18 Developing a Race Day Strategy

18:59 Mastering Burpees and Staying Efficient

27:51 Event-Specific Training Adjustments

32:41 Team Dynamics and Communication

45:18 Sled Push and Pull Game Plan

46:17 Farmer's Carry and Grip Strategy

55:55 Wall Balls: Managing Fatigue and Breathing

01:01:23 Rox Zone Approach and Mental Prep

01:19:01 Last-Minute Adjustments and Recovery

Episode 76: The macro tracking approach you've never heard of till now Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

In this podcast, Dr. Lyss introduces a simple, game-changing approach to macro tracking - focusing on flexibility and intuition over rigid numbers. Learn how setting macronutrient ranges and minimums (instead of strict targets) can make tracking feel more natural and sustainable!

Dr. Lyss also shares key tips on listening to your body’s hunger signals, adjusting tracking during holidays and travel, and how the MacroFactor app can help you stay on track without stressing about perfection.

⏰ Time Stamps:

0:00 - Introduction

1:50 - My personal approach

6:00 - MacroFactor app

7:25 - Setting minimums/ranges

12:25 - Listening to hunger/body

17:25 - Tracking holidays/traveling/dining out

23:40 - Ebb and flows of lifestyle nutrition

26:00 - History of tracking and maintenance

29:00 - Benefit and intention of tracking

32:20 - Wrap up

⭐️Follow Alyssa on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/doclyssfitness/

⭐️Follow The Lyss Method on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/thelyssmethod/

🤘🏻Train with us in The Lyss Method where we do ‘hybrid’ training on YOUR terms.

We offer lifting, running and cardio programs for every fitness level and schedule.

→ https://doclyssfitness.com/the-lyss-method

🏃🏻‍♀️ Learn more about the science of running, lifting or hybrid training.

→ ENDURE RUNNING EBOOK: https://bit.ly/3mRee7u

→ HYBRID ‘HOW TO’ EBOOK: https://bit.ly/3JCsIly

→ TRAIN LIFTING EBOOK: https://bit.ly/32KiC1q

🧡 Shop my favorite supplements, gear, skincare and products here. → https://doclyssfitness.com/products-i-love

Episode 75: Where to start with your health and fitness. Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

What really are "the basics" and how do we implement them in our busy lives? Where should we start? What should we prioritize? In this video/podcast, I break down the 3 main pillar basics of health & fitness that I think will get you started on your journey. ⏰ Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:50 - Training 2:07 - Exercise guidelines & recommendations 5:05 - Nutrition 5:20 - Moderate/high protein 6:15 - Plants/fiber 7:40 - Other considerations 9:40 - Lifestyle 9:50 - Sleep/sleep hygiene 11:55 - General daily activity 12:50 - That's it! 14:20 - Develop that foundation

⭐️ Follow Alyssa on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/doclyssfitness/ ⭐️ Follow The Lyss Method on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thelyssmethod/ ⭐️ Doc Lyss’s Website https://doclyssfitness.com/ 🤘🏻 Train with us in The Lyss Method where we do ‘hybrid’ training on YOUR terms. We offer lifting, running and cardio programs for every fitness level and schedule. → https://www.thelyssmethod.com/ 🏃🏻‍♀️ Learn more about the science of running, lifting or hybrid training. → ENDURE RUNNING EBOOK: https://doclyssfitness.com/running/ → HYBRID ‘HOW TO’ EBOOK: https://doclyssfitness.com/hybrid/ → TRAIN LIFTING EBOOK: https://doclyssfitness.com/training/ → ZONES MINI GUIDE: https://doclyssfitness.com/zones-mini-guide/ → FED & FAST MINI GUIDE: https://doclyssfitness.com/fed-fast/ 🧡 Shop my favorite supplements, gear, skincare and products here. → https://doclyssfitness.com/products-i-love/

Episode 74: Why you should maintain more miles in your off season. Nov 13, 2024

Show notes

Do you stop running all together after a race? Or struggle when getting back into running after extended time off? In this podcast, I explain why you may need to maintain more miles in your off season and share examples for each race distance!

🎥 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/UYjpXDcuTbY

⏰ Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:55 - Common mistake 1:28 - Baseline mileage defined 1:57 - TLM base build programs 2:45 - The pre-race training 3:45 - Tough love/reality 6:00 - The why(s) 6:35 - Connective tissue deconditioning 9:15 - The caveat 9:40 - Running base scenarios 10:05 - 5K example 11:35 - 10K example 12:45 - Half marathon example 14:08 - Marathon/ultra example 16:40 - Base building importance 18:30 - General rule of thumb 20:50 - Wrap up/recap ⭐️ Follow Alyssa on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/doclyssfitness/ ⭐️ Follow The Lyss Method on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thelyssmethod/ ⭐️ Doc Lyss’s Website https://doclyssfitness.com/ 🤘🏻 Train with us in The Lyss Method where we do ‘hybrid’ training on YOUR terms. We offer lifting, running and cardio programs for every fitness level and schedule. → https://www.thelyssmethod.com/ 🏃🏻‍♀️ Learn more about the science of running, lifting or hybrid training. → ENDURE RUNNING EBOOK: https://doclyssfitness.com/running/ → HYBRID ‘HOW TO’ EBOOK: https://doclyssfitness.com/hybrid/ → TRAIN LIFTING EBOOK: https://doclyssfitness.com/training/ → ZONES MINI GUIDE: https://doclyssfitness.com/zones-mini-guide/ → FED & FAST MINI GUIDE: https://doclyssfitness.com/fed-fast/ 🧡 Shop my favorite supplements, gear, skincare and products here. → https://doclyssfitness.com/products-i-love/

Episode 73: Exercise training for menopause with Dr. Alyssa Olenick. Nov 08, 2024

Show notes

As an Exercise Scientist, I often hear lots of misinformation around training and menopause. I wanted to sit down and share overall general recommendations I have to hopefully make it less confusing, the science behind menopause/the transition, and realistic things you can focus on. 💪

🎥 Watch on YouTube. → https://bit.ly/3FTKDSr

🎥 Are you lifting heavy enough? → https://youtu.be/l8Wlj-hwkL4 🎥 How to choose your weights. → https://youtu.be/BbT4XGUwGXs 🎥 Getting the most from training at-home. → https://youtu.be/n0vQU5633vo

⏰ Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 0:24 - Disclaimer 1:07 - Menopause transition 3:20 - Body composition changes 6:00 - Loss of muscle tissue 7:25 - Metabolic changes 9:09 - Reduced recoverability 9:30 - Sleep quality, nutrition, exercise 10:55 - 3 training/exercise focuses 11:33 - Strength training 16:25 - Plyometrics 19:12 - Exercise intensity 25:45 - Easy cardio 27:40 - Daily movement/activity 29:50 - Recap & recommendations ⭐️ Follow Alyssa on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/doclyssfitness/ ⭐️ Follow The Lyss Method on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thelyssmethod/ ⭐️ Doc Lyss’s Website https://doclyssfitness.com/ 🤘🏻 Train with us in The Lyss Method where we do ‘hybrid’ training on YOUR terms. We offer lifting, running and cardio programs for every fitness level and schedule. → https://www.thelyssmethod.com/ 🏃🏻‍♀️ Learn more about the science of running, lifting or hybrid training. → ENDURE RUNNING EBOOK: https://doclyssfitness.com/running/ → HYBRID ‘HOW TO’ EBOOK: https://doclyssfitness.com/hybrid/ → TRAIN LIFTING EBOOK: https://doclyssfitness.com/training/ → ZONES MINI GUIDE: https://doclyssfitness.com/zones-mini-guide/ → FED & FAST MINI GUIDE: https://doclyssfitness.com/fed-fast/ 🧡 Shop my favorite supplements, gear, skincare and products here. → https://doclyssfitness.com/products-i-love/

Episode 72: How I trained all year to run 100 miles. Oct 31, 2024

Show notes

Grab a coffee and sit down with me while I recap how I trained all year to run 100 miles and answer some of y'alls questions!

⚡️ Road to 100 Miler Series: https://bit.ly/40sbKRD ⚡️ Return to Ultra Series: https://bit.ly/3FO3eAX ⚡️ How to run your first 50k: https://bit.ly/48vh4G3 ⚡️ 100 Miler Gear Prep: https://bit.ly/3C74bG4

⏰ Time Stamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:03 - When I started/chose 3:05 - Training recap timeline 22:30 - What are you looking forward to post race? 24:30 - What is your recovery process? 28:30 - Tips for taper? 30:40 - What has the last 10 months taught you? 32:40 - How are you going to carb load? 35:10 - How do you reintroduce running after? 36:20 - How do you get into running this distance? 38:10 - How to choose peak mileage? 39:05 - Most/least important aspects of training 41:00 - Is a 100k necessary before 100 miles? 43:00 - What made things a "bad" day? 44:10 - Any favorite training runs? 44:40 - Anything you needed to change? 46:50 - Did you plan travel/training in advance? 47:44 - Multiple shoes? 48:50 - Do you still use Liquid IV? 49:50 - What do you think about? 50:50 - Are there aid stations? 51:03 - 200 miler? 51:30 - Feet issues? Shoes? 52:09 - Prevent chaffing? 52:10 - Best and worth part of training? 53:02 - Prefer solo or friend runs? 53:10 - How did your macros change? 53:45 - How do you comprehend 100 miles? 54:10 - Signs you're ready for 100 miles after 50? 55:07 - Did getting Kona change your training? 55:29 - Did you figure out your own training plan? 56:08 - Intrinsic or extrinsic factors? 56:30 - Who is your support on race day? 56:40 - Combat negative self-talk? 57:05 - How did you figure our nutrition? 57:10 - How did you choose your race? 57:40 - Best mantra? 58:20 - Wrap up ⭐️ Follow Alyssa on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/doclyssfitness/ ⭐️ Follow The Lyss Method on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thelyssmethod/ ⭐️ Doc Lyss’s Website https://doclyssfitness.com/ 🤘🏻 Train with us in The Lyss Method where we do ‘hybrid’ training on YOUR terms. We offer lifting, running and cardio programs for every fitness level and schedule. → https://www.thelyssmethod.com/ 🏃🏻‍♀️ Learn more about the science of running, lifting or hybrid training. → ENDURE RUNNING EBOOK: https://doclyssfitness.com/running/ → HYBRID ‘HOW TO’ EBOOK: https://doclyssfitness.com/hybrid/ → TRAIN LIFTING EBOOK: https://doclyssfitness.com/training/ → ZONES MINI GUIDE: https://doclyssfitness.com/zones-mini-guide/ → FED & FAST MINI GUIDE: https://doclyssfitness.com/fed-fast/ 🧡 Shop my favorite supplements, gear, skincare and products here. → https://doclyssfitness.com/products-i-love/

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