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.

Log in or join now for access to 70+ Dr. Seiler articles, lectures, webinars, and interviews.

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.

Latest: Page 3

Fast Talk Podcast Episode 195 Favorite Moments of 2021

Favorite Moments of 2021

We revisit our favorite Fast Talk conversations from 2021 with a variety of fascinating guests.

Fast Talk Podcast Episode 195
A cyclist rides a bicycle near Boulder Reservoir in Niwot with trees and Haystack Mountain

Cycling Base Training Pathway

The concept of base training has been a part of endurance training for decades. Laying a foundation of fitness early in the season sets the stage for success later on. With the help of Joe Friel, Dr. Stephen Seiler, and Dr. Andy Pruitt, we explore the how and why of this fundamental aspect of endurance training.

Chris Case, Dr. Andy Pruitt, EdD, et. al.
A group of athletes rests in a gym after a workout and uses NormaTec boots to aid recovery

Recovery Pathway

It’s often undervalued, and sometimes altogether ignored; but it shouldn’t be. Recovery from workouts is as important to the training process as the workouts themselves. With the help of Dr. Stephen Seiler, Dr. Shona Halson, Dr. Andy Pruitt, and many others, we examine this critical but often neglected component of exercise physiology.

Chris Case, Dr. Andy Pruitt, EdD, et. al.
triathlete racing in the heat

Exercise in the Heat Pathway

Endurance athletes inevitably face the challenges imposed by training and racing in the heat. How do our bodies respond, and what are ways that we can best prepare? Learn how to beat the heat with advice from Dr. Stephen Cheung, Dr. Stephen Seiler, and a range of experts and coaches.

Chris Case, Dr. Stephen Cheung, et. al.
Simple Guide to Basic Endurance Sports Training Data

Basic Performance Data Analysis Pathway

Analyzing your training is a critical aspect of improving fitness. With the help of Dr. Stephen Seiler, Colby Pearce, Julie Young, and many others, we explore how and why to monitor and analyze data, and explore different approaches to interpreting and managing your workout data.

Chris Case, Dr. Stephen Seiler, et. al.
Competitive road cyclists doing cycling interval workouts from the Fast Talk Labs Cycling Interval Training Pathway

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.
Jonas Abrahamsen Zwift indoor cycling workout ride

How Long Is Too Long on Zwift?

Dr. Stephen Seiler analyzes a 13-plus-hour Zwift ride by Jonas Abrahamsen of the Uno-X Pro Cycling Team from Norway.

Dr. Stephen Seiler