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Head Coach Eric Williamson

Combining science and personalised coaching for long-term results

 

Hi, I’m Eric Williamson, PhD.

Founder and head coach at Unlocked Fitness and Nutrition.

 

Fitness and health are the centre of my life—I’m constantly striving to understand how each change to our lifestyle affects our body, mind, and performance.

Thorough, independent research is the only way to learn what works and what doesn’t. My background in science and extensive knowledge enables me to help you achieve your goals, without sacrificing eating delicious foods or spending time with friends and family.

 

At 19 years old, I launched into the world of sport and exercise nutrition. Studying two undergrad degrees at the same time to gain a BA in Kinesiology and BSc in Nutrition and Dietetics at Western University (making the honour roll each year). To become a registered dietitian, I completed an internship working in all areas of dietetics, including learning sports nutrition with Jen Sygo, the dietitian for multiple Olympic teams and now also for the NBA team, the Toronto Raptors.

 

Continuing my studies, I did my MSc and then completed my PhD in the area of exercise nutrition and metabolism at the University of Toronto. My entire academic career was 12 years!

 

During this time, I also became:

  • a Level 2 Certified Health and Wellness Coach through Precision Nutrition,

  • a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist,

  • and a Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics.

 

In 2013, during the fourth year of my undergrad studies, I started coaching clients and then in 2015 launched Unlocked Fitness and Nutrition.

 

Unlike many other coaches, I’m not satisfied with knowing just enough, I’ve been driven to master the field of fitness and health every day since 2010. I’m an avid reader of scientific literature to keep up with cutting-edge research and delve into personal development books to understand how we can improve our wellbeing, mindset, and the efficiency at which we accomplish our dreams.

 

After reading research in the realm of exercise and nutrition, my favourite way to unwind is spending time with my girlfriend (Jen), my cat (Friday), and my dog (Summer). And as a fit foodie, I’m often finding fun ways to be active and trying new foods with family and friends on weekends.

 

I also enjoy personally experimenting with different diets and exercise programs. I’ve gained invaluable experience in doing so, as well as in competing in physique competitions, powerlifting, running, obstacle course races, and a whole lot more.

 

Now, through Unlocked Fitness and Nutrition I use everything I’ve learned to help you achieve your fitness and nutrition goals.

Why did I start Unlocked Fitness and Nutrition?

 

To unite the areas of coaching, physiology, and dietetic practice. I saw a gap in the industry. No one was providing a service beyond consultations, macronutrient targets, or cookie-cutter one-size-fits-all programs.

 

Unlocked is not only there for the “what” to do but also for “how” and “why”. The system I created (and then developed with the help of my team) guides you through each transition to the next level, tracks your progress, and educates you with the knowledge needed to sustain your results.

 

My top priority is giving you access to coaches who have vast experience and are well-educated, including myself, creating the opportunity for you to unlock your potential.

 

Unlocked is built around a team focus and that includes you.

 

When it comes to your body, you’re the expert and we’re the experts in nutrition, metabolism, and habit development. We use a non-judgmental approach with gentle accountability to create effective nutrition and safe guidance to maintain a positive relationship with food and your body.

 

Unlocked is for every fitness goal.

Whether you’re a nutrition scientist or you’ve never heard of macronutrients, we make sure the most complicated of concepts are easy for everyone to understand. It doesn’t matter if you’re an athlete, a regular gym-goer or you’re a total newbie to working out—you’ll receive the highest level of coaching and nutrition knowledge.

Track Record

Qualifications
Team clients
Research publications
In the media

Recognized for contributions to the field of sports nutrition as a junior scientist as the winner of the Gatorade Sport Science Institute and The American College of Sports Medicine Young Investigator Award.

  • MSc and PhD in Exercise Nutrition and Metabolism

  • Registered Dietitian (RD)

  • Certified Specialist in Sports Dietetics (CSSD)

  • Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)

I’ve had the privilege of working with some exceptional teams over the past 7 years.

  • The OHL’s Oshawa Generals

  • The University of Toronto’s Men’s Varsity Basketball team

  • Hannah McKeand’s Ultra-Endurance Polar Expedition Training Company

  • HealthOne Medical and Wellness Centre

  • Hynes Performance Powerlifting and Strength Coaching

  • Dr. Greg Wells’ Global Health Consulting Firm

  • NYAC’s Novice to International Swimming Club

 


Participating in prestigious research throughout my career has been a major highlight. I’ve been involved with many publications as a researcher in well-controlled influential studies. We’ve studied everything from molecular regulation of metabolic pathways to physical performance.

A Muscle-Centric Perspective on Intermittent Fasting: A Suboptimal Dietary Strategy for Supporting Muscle Protein Remodelling and Muscle Mass? Front Nutr (2021)

 

Interrupting prolonged sitting with repeated chair stands or short walks reduces postprandial insulinemia in healthy adults. J Appl Physiol (2021)

Protein Intake to Maximize Whole-Body Anabolism during Postexercise Recovery in Resistance-Trained Men with High Habitual Intakes is Severalfold Greater than the Current Recommended Dietary Allowance. J Nutr (2019).
 

Low-Carbohydrate Training Increases Protein Requirements of Endurance Athletes. Med Sci Sports Exerc (2019).
 

Protein to Maximize Whole-Body Anabolism in Resistance-trained Females after Exercise. Med Sci Sports Exerc (2019).
 

The Effect of Dietary Protein on Protein Metabolism and Performance in Endurance-trained Males. Med Sci Sports Exerc (2019).
 

Whey Protein Supplementation Enhances Whole Body Protein Metabolism and Recovery of Performance after Resistance Exercise: A Double-blind Crossover Study. The FASEB Journal (2017).
 

Nutritional implications for ultra-endurance walking and running events. Extrem Physiol Med (2016).​
 

Engineering physiology' to understand the post-exercise biochemical milieu: mixing it up with anabolic hormones. J Physiol (2016).

Consultant for the Legendary Life Podcast with Ted Ryce

 

Consultant for Abbey’s Kitchen YouTube Channel with Abbey Sharp

 

Canfitpro Magazine
“Increase Weight Loss with NEAT”

 

Runner’s World

“Want to Run a Faster 5K? Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Protein”

 

At Unlocked Fitness and Nutrition, we’re here to cut through the confusion and contradictory information in the fitness and nutrition space. Together we’ll get you feeling confident, healthy and in control— knowing what works best for you to unlock your fitness potential!

Endorsements

J_Sygo.jpeg
Jen Sygo
RD, MSc, CSSD

jennifersygo.com

Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist,
Toronto Raptors, Athletics Canada, Gymnastics Canada, Cleveland Clinic Canada

 

Author: "Unmasking Superfoods"

Eric is a pleasure to work with and is extremely well qualified in the area of wellness and performance nutrition. The lab where he did his PhD conducts phenomenal research and his background in academia, research, teaching and practice make him a well-rounded individual for any pursuit in sport and exercise nutrition. Eric has a grasp on both the physiology and the psychology involved in nutrition coaching. I have always enjoyed having him as a part of my team. 

Greg_Wells-Feb2019-2.webp
Greg Wells, PhD

drgregwells.com

Researcher at the Hospital for Sick Children, Performance Physiologist, International Speaker

Bestselling Author: 

  • "Superbodies: Peak Performance Secrets From the World’s Best Athletes"

  • "The Ripple Effect: Sleep Better, Eat Better, Move Better, Think Better"

  • "The Focus Effect: Change Your Work, Change Your Life"

  • "Rest, Refocus, Recharge: A guide for Optimizing Your Life"
     

App: viiv.io

Eric assists me with finding the science and evidence behind some of my content. His resourcefulness in knowing where to go for reliable information and research on topics in nutrition for fitness and health is outstanding. He’s friendly, easy to talk to and great at interpreting research into actionable takeaways. I love talking science with Eric and coming up with ways to distill complex concepts into easy-to-follow explanations for my audience.

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Abbey Sharp
RD

abbeyskitchen.com

YouTube Star, TV and media personality
 

Author: “The Mindful Glow Cookbook: Radiant Recipes for Being the Healthiest, Happiest You”

Eric was an intern of mine in 2015 and ever since then, I knew his passion for the field was going to make him an excellent sports dietitian. He is now one of my go-to referrals when I'm too busy with my clients or I think Eric would be a better fit. He has a very strong academic background and a great understanding of science which is critical in our field. I'm always excited to catch up with Eric because he's constantly making big strides in his career.

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