
Unlocking Potential: The Power of Constraints in Coaching and Training
From Science of Running by Steve Magness
June 2, 2026 · 45 min
About this episode
The episode discusses how manipulating constraints in coaching can enhance athlete performance by addressing their primary bottlenecks.
The episode focuses on constraints in coaching: manipulating training and environment to drive physical and psychological adaptation by identifying and widening an athlete’s primary bottleneck. David Epstein recounts Sheila Taormina learning the Theory of Constraints in college, shifting from aerobic volume to strength/power, making the Olympic team, winning relay gold, and later competing across four…
People in this episode
Host: Steve Magness
Guest: David Epstein
Topics covered
- coaching
- training
- constraints
- athlete development
- physical adaptation
- psychological adaptation
Keywords
- constraints
- coaching
- training
- athlete
- adaptation
- strength
- power
- Olympic team
- relay gold
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