Marquis Johnson, M.A., CSCS, SCCC, is an Assistant Performance Coach for the Minnesota Vikings, entering his fifth season with the team and sixth in the NFL. Marquis plays a key role in the Vikings strength staff receiving a stamp of approval when the NFL Players Association released the results of its free agency report cards during each of the past three offseasons (2023-25). When he’s not working with the team, Marquis is also an avid runner who has completed numerous full and half marathons. Submit your questions below for Marquis by Friday, November 21. He’ll be on throughout the week to respond to your questions!

Hi everyone! My name is Veronica Hindle and I’m a Scientist and Registered Dietitian at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute (GSSI), where we focus on helping athletes optimize their health and performance through research, innovation, education and service in hydration and nutrition science. I got a chance to sit down with Ke'alohi Filkins from ASPDA to discuss my career and the importance of research credibility. Research is key to the work we do at GSSI, so be sure to check out the latest ASPDA Student Newsletter below where I share my tips for assessing credibility. ASPDA Student Newsletter Fall 2025.pdf What do you look for when evaluating research?

Hi @aramil - For any inquiries related to Gatorade products, refrigerators, or other matters previously managed by your Gatorade representative, please reach out to us directly at GatoradeGForcePartner@Pepsico.com . You will receive an automated confirmation upon sending your message, and a member of our team will follow up within 48 hours to assist you. Thanks!

On 9/17/2025 at 8:29 AM, Tobiowotomo said: Hi all, Over the course of my career, taking continuing educaition courses has been a staple for my growth. I would love to here what courses you've all taken that have made the most impact on your clinical acumen. Great question! Here are some powerful options to consider that have made a massive impact on my journey thus far... Anatomy / Palpation / Manual Skills - Functional Range Systems (Spina), Active Release Techniques (Leahy) Human Movement Assessment & Treatment System - Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (Kolar), Postural Restoration Institute (Hruska), Unified Health & Performance Continuum Model (Hartman) Communication / Leadership - Game Changer Experience (Bandison), Landmark Worldwide (Erhard) On 9/17/2025 at 8:29 AM, Tobiowotomo said: Hi all, Over the course of my career, taking continuing educaition courses has been a staple for my growth. I would love to here what courses you've all taken that have made the most impact on your clinical acumen.

What are some emerging processes to condense all the objective assessment data being gathered during pre-participation screening into a meaningful and digestible report?

My coworkers and I have very much made an effort to integrate the use of AI into our daily (or maybe weekly) lives. As the theme of this forum suggests, the biggest success we have had is within monotonous but necessary operational tasks. Schedules and charts that outline responsibilities, maintenance check-ins, etc. However, we have also begun to explore more ways to use it with excessive injury history, documentation, imaging reports, etc. For instance--instead of taking hours upon hours to comb through physicals and other new documentation every year, we have asked our data secure AI platform to summarize this de-identified information for us and place in a nice, organized chart. Some things to consider: De-identify and Double Check: As AI continues to develop, always make sure to double check your AI application's work and results. There are still countless examples of completely wrong results and assumptions made by different AI platforms. Also, it should be noted that even if you're using a secure AI platform or application, all private health information and protected data should absolutely be somehow de-identified prior to submitting. Utilize A Consistent Queuing Format: I believe the absolute most important aspect of utilizing AI is queuing it properly. Force the application or platform to ask you follow-up questions to gain more context on how it can help. I like to start my tasks by giving some context, stating what I need done, and then telling the platform to ask me three more questions after each response so it can gain more context and refine the process or task.

Great topic @JordanAllen . Although just about everyone knows hydration is incredibly important and influential on recovery and injury prevention--it's always still a challenge to get athletes to properly rehydrate after activity. @eliseharren makes a great point on how overlooked it is as well. Here's what I've found in my experience: Accessibility: I have found that always doing my absolute best to make fluids as accessible as possible for athletes is the best way to encourage athletes to rehydrate. Whether it's standing outside (or even inside) the locker room waiting to hand them a cold Gatorade, pre-filled water bottle with their favorite gatorlyte electrolyte blend, or anything else, I always make it a priority to make sure there is the least amount of "excuses" or obstacles standing in their way towards rehydration. Another priority is making sure the training room, locker room, and sideline are always completely stocked and ready. Visual/Objective Measures: Any type of visual or objective aid in describing the level of someone's hydration is always helpful. What is their weight after practices/games? Can you convince them to return the next day at their pre-season (or healthy/goal) weight? Are their urine color charts above urinals and toilets in your locker room? There are also some tools that will detect salivary osmolality and give an instant objective hydration measurement as well. Asking athletes directly--Do you feel hydrated? : I know this might sound like a weird question for most athletes to answer, but it forces most players to rethink--did I actually put an effort in to rehydration after yesterday's game? Did I consciously fill my water bottle or weigh myself this morning? Getting the conversation started always helps somehow.

When an athlete is looking for help with recovery, what should we do? The keys to improved recovery are rest (if possible), hydration, proper nutrition, and increasing blood flow. While all of these are good, sometimes too much isn't a good thing. Hydrating with water and Gatorade support tissue repair and keeping muscles hydrated. Consuming adequate protein provide the building blocks for muscle tissue and carbohydrates help with energy and replenishing glycogen stores. Increasing blood with light exercise, such as walking or light bike riding can also aid in recovery. No one is better than the other as all are important keys to recovery.

On 12/21/2024 at 2:02 PM, ConnorAgnew said: I am an avid reader and love to find new books that can help with my career. What are some books that you have read that have influenced your career and how you work with your athletes? Personally, my two favorite books have been "It Takes What It Takes" by Trevor Moawad and Andy Staples and "Deep Work" by Cal Newport. "It Takes What It Takes" lays out the concept of neutral thinking (not getting too high with highs and too low with the lows) and how it can be applied to athletes. It has proven to be invaluable in my conversations with athletes and I will even have some of my athletes read it with me to help their mental games. "Deep Work" dives into how to get the most out of your work day and complete large projects in quick fashion without having to over-exert yourself. I have modeled my work habits after Cal Newports suggestions and I feel it has drastically increased my productivity. I'm excited to dive into the books y'all recommend! Reading is how I spend the majority of my time outside of work. Beyond being an escape from the daily grind, I love reading books I can apply to my work and use to improve my relationships with athletes. The most influential book I have read recently is "Start with Why" by Simon Sinek. It is a great self help book for leaders but also is applicable to daily decision making.

Here’s a surprising fact: being awake for 17 hours straight can impair your performance as much as having a blood alcohol level of 0.05% — and after 24 hours , it’s equivalent to 0.10%, which is legally drunk in most states. We often recognize the risks of alcohol on reaction time and decision-making, but fatigue can be just as dangerous — especially for athletes, coaches, and professionals who pride themselves on pushing through. Sleep loss affects coordination, focus, and recovery, and it raises the risk of errors and injury. The takeaway: recovery is not optional. Prioritizing sleep protects both performance and safety. Consistent schedules, short restorative naps when truly needed, and respecting the body’s limits are part of smart training, not weakness. How do you help your athletes (or yourself) protect sleep when schedules get demanding? Share what’s worked in your programs or routines. Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, MD Neurologist | Sleep and Performance Expert | University of Pittsburgh