Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin

• Dr. Bret Contreras: How to Build Bigger Glutes & Legs

  My guest is Dr. Bret Contreras, PhD, CSCS, a leading expert in glute training. We cover key strategies for maximizing glute growth, explore the anatomy and function of the glutes, and break down effective exercises like the hip thrust. We discuss how to structure training programs based on individual goals, the importance of prioritizing recovery, and common mistakes that hinder progress. Additionally, we examine how physiological differences in women’s training should inform program design. Finally, we explore the importance of staying adaptable to evolving scientific research and optimizing training methods for better results. Whether or not glute development is your primary focus, this conversation provides actionable insights for achieving consistent progress in strength training. Read the full episode show notes at performpodcast.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/perform Momentous: https://www.livemomentous.com/perform Parker University: https://parkerseminars.com David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/perform Timestamps 00:00:00 Bret Contreras 00:02:10 Women vs Men Training Goals, Glutes 00:11:51 Glute Development & Women, Training Goals 00:18:51 Sponsor: Momentous 00:20:30 Booty by Bret, Glutes 00:28:10 Hip Thrust Exercise Development, Skorcher 00:38:22 Hip Thrust Popularization, Bench Press Evolution 00:47:03 Sponsor: Parker University 00:48:30 Tool: Hip Thrust vs Glute Bridge; Women vs Men Lockout Strength 00:57:19 Glute Anatomy 01:05:06 Training Glutes, Recovery, Tool: Rule of Thirds 01:13:08 Tool: 4 Exercise Categories & Variation; Recovery 01:20:51 Sponsor: AG1 01:22:32 Rotating Focus, Periodization, StrongLifting Program 01:30:32 Monthly Rotating Exercise Focus, Abductor vs Adductor 01:40:31 Tool: Rule of Thirds 01:41:32 Common Mistakes, Personal Trainers, Prioritization, Protein, Effort 01:51:52 Sponsor: David Protein 01:53:18 Common Training Mistakes 01:56:20 Individualization, Passive vs Active Muscle Stimulation, Long- vs Short-Length 02:07:19 Tool: Training Checkpoints; Muscle Engagement During Exercise 02:15:37 Men vs Women Recovery, Hormones, Physiological Differences, Menstrual Cycles 02:28:01 Training Glutes vs Other Muscles, Deltoids, Hamstrings 02:41:12 Hip Thrust & Research, Tempo, Sprint Speed, Range of Motion 02:55:18 Pivoting with New Research, Changing Training Program 03:00:11 Hip Thrust Limitations, Equipment, Functional Performance Transfer, Back 03:09:55 Personalized Goals & Rule of Thirds, Modifications 03:15:12 Training Glutes Without Legs 03:21:08 Recap, Bret’s Projects & Links 03:27:22 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Perform Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures

  --------  

  3:28:58
• Dr. Tommy Wood: Enhancing Brain Performance & Preventing Dementia

  In this episode, my guest is Dr. Thomas Wood, a UK-trained M.D. with a Ph.D. in physiology and neuroscience. He is a professor of pediatrics and neuroscience at the University of Washington. We discuss how both physical and mental challenges can enhance cognitive function in the short and long term. We also examine the crucial roles of nutrition, sleep, and other lifestyle factors in supporting overall brain health. Additionally, we explore the potential benefits of supplementation with creatine, caffeine, and certain vitamins and their impact on mental performance or recovery from traumatic brain injury (TBI). We explain the mechanisms by which different types of exercise—resistance, aerobic, and high-intensity training—positively affect brain health and longevity. We also discuss various behavioral approaches to combat brain fog and prevent age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. This conversation explores many practical steps anyone can take to improve brain health, regardless of age or background. Read the full episode show notes at performpodcast.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Renaissance Periodization: https://rpstrength.com/perform Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman Timestamps 00:00:00 Tommy Wood 00:02:31 Cognitive Performance & Brain Health, Structure & Function 00:08:12 Brain Function & Stimulus, Brain Volume 00:12:13 Improve Cognitive Function, Skill Development 00:15:22 Sponsor: AG1 00:17:03 Skills, Near- vs Far-Transfer 00:20:13 Assess Short-Term Cognitive Health, Tool: Blood Test; Nutritional Status 00:27:19 Long-Term Brain Health; Tool: Cognitively-Demanding Tasks, Dance, Novelty 00:35:00 Task-Switching, Kids vs Adults 00:41:20 Sponsor: LMNT 00:42:42 Brain Training?, Virtual Reality 00:47:22 Nutrition, Processed Foods; Supplementation, Creatine, Caffeine, Alpha-GPC 00:55:02 Supplements & Trade-Offs, Subjective Effects, Sleep 01:00:55 Brain Fog, Subjective Cognitive Decline 01:04:34 Three ‘S’ Model & Cognitive Health, Brain Fog 01:10:47 Recap: Improve Cognitive Function & Reduce Brain Fog; Hydration 01:13:33 Sponsor: Renaissance Periodization 01:14:38 Vision Assessment, Tool: Vision Training 01:21:54 Vitamin A, Antioxidants, Supplement Use 01:24:39 Creatine, Caffeine & Sleep Deficits; Methylation, Homocysteine, B Vitamins 01:35:30 Cognitive Function & Creatine Benefits; What is Methylation?, Epigenetics 01:39:50 Creatine & Short-Term Energy, Lactate 01:45:45 Sponsor: Momentous 01:47:12 What is a Concussion?, Egg Analogy 01:51:26 Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Lactate & Ketones 01:54:43 TBI, Inflammation, Metabolic Changes, Mitochondria 02:00:40 Acute Treatment & TBIs; Testing for TBI, Cognitive Tests, EEG Technology 02:08:58 Calcium Supplementation?, Vitamin D, Magnesium 02:13:18 Dementia & Late-Onset Alzheimer’s, Prevention? Reversal?, Tool: Modifiable Risk Factors 02:19:08 Education & Peak Cognitive Function, Dementia, Stimulating Job 02:25:59 Sensory Inputs & Dementia, Tool: Being in Nature 02:28:44 Exercise & Dementia, Tool: Resistance & High Intensity Training 02:35:50 Tool: Designing Exercise Protocol for Brain Health 02:39:15 Muscle Strength, Cognitive Function & Overall Brain Health, Mechanism 02:44:49 White Matter, Exercise, Energetic Processes 02:49:39 Alzheimer’s Disease, Tau, Amyloids, Markers of Brain Aging 02:55:40 Recap; Tommy’s Projects & Links 03:01:50 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Perform Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures

  --------  

  3:03:32
• How to Boost Your Metabolism & Burn Fat

  In this episode, I discuss science-supported methods to boost metabolism and maintain sustainable fat loss. I explain the key components of total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and why some people seem to stay naturally lean with little effort. Using the three I’s—Investigate, Interpret, and Intervene—I explain how to assess your metabolism and make changes to improve it. I describe various behavioral, exercise, nutrition, and supplement-based approaches to enhance metabolism in both the short and long term. I also explain how factors such as age, gender, and body composition impact metabolism and discuss the underlying mechanisms, helping you better evaluate products that claim to “speed up metabolism.” Even if fat loss isn’t your goal, increasing metabolism offers numerous health and longevity benefits for people of all ages and fitness levels. The full show notes for this episode are available at performpodcast.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/perform Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Parker University: https://parkerseminars.com Timestamps 00:00:00 Boost Your Metabolism 00:04:08 Fat Loss, Long-Term Metabolic Health 00:08:27 Speed Up Metabolism?, Driving Analogy 00:11:32 Body Composition, Fat, Muscle; Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) 00:14:37 4 Components of TDEE 00:19:07 Sponsor: Momentous  00:20:46 Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (EAT), Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) 00:25:17 Thermal Effect of Food (TEF); Fat vs Carbohydrates vs Proteins 00:31:11 Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) vs Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) 00:35:06 Investigate: RMR & BMR; Lab Tests, Wearables, Prediction Equation 00:42:29 Sponsors: LMNT, Parker University 00:45:18 Investigate: NEAT & EAT, Wearables, Heart Rate Monitors 00:47:35 Interpret: RMR, Age, Controllable vs Uncontrollable Factors, Tool: RMR Table 00:54:17 Intervene: TDEE Acute vs Chronic Factors 00:57:23 Acute Changes, EAT, Endurance, Strength & High-Intensity Interval Training, EPOC 01:06:09 NEAT, Standing & Treadmill Desks, Walks 01:09:20 TEF, Calories, Tool: Increase Protein Proportion 01:13:48 Sponsor: AG1 01:15:29 RMR: Spicy Foods; Water Intake; Air Temperature 01:25:22 RMR: Caffeine, Nicotine, Green Tea, Thermo-Regulators Stimulants 01:31:13 RMR: Quality Sleep; Tools: Protein, Walks, Naps 01:35:49 Does Age Impact Metabolism?, Muscle Mass 01:37:18 Chronic Changes, TEF & Gut Microbiome; NEAT, EAT 01:43:05 RMR: Sleep, Body Weight, Metabolic Dysfunction 01:49:29 RMR: Fish Oil; Muscle Mass 01:53:42 RMR: Exercise, Strength & Mixed Training; Eat More 01:57:53 Losing Weight & Effect on TDEE, Plateaus 02:00:35 Summary, Tool: Combining Approaches 02:12:14 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Perform Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures

  --------  

  2:13:38
• Nutrition to Support Brain Health & Offset Brain Injuries

  In this episode, I discuss nutrition and supplementation to reduce the risk of brain injury and enhance brain performance and long-term health. Most brain injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBIs) and concussion, are not from sports and are actually quite common in non-athletes. I explain what happens in the brain when a TBI occurs and discuss science-supported nutrients to reduce the risk of brain injury, minimize symptoms, and improve recovery.  Summarizing both research and clinical studies, I explain the neuroprotective effects of specific nutrients, including creatine monohydrate, fish oil (DHA and EPA), vitamin B2 (riboflavin), choline, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), magnesium, and anthocyanins. I also describe the recommended dosages, frequency, timing, and potential adverse effects and provide options for supplementation and whole-food sources.  Listeners of all ages and backgrounds will benefit from understanding which nutrients can support acute brain injury and natural age-related cognitive decline. Access the full show notes for this episode at performpodcast.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform  Continuum: https://continuum.club/perform  Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/perform Maui Nui Venison: https://mauinuivenison.com/perform  David Protein: https://davidprotein.com/perform  Timestamps 00:00:00 Brain Health & Injury 00:03:58 Sponsors: LMNT & Continuum 00:07:08 Nutrition & Supplements for Brain Injury  00:11:36 Brain Injury Categories, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Concussion 00:16:01 Brain Injury Pathophysiology 00:21:08 Burst Capillaries, Initial TBI Response 00:28:55 Delayed TBI Response, Neuroinflammation 00:33:11 Sponsors: Momentous & Maui Nui 00:35:44 Creatine Monohydrate; Second Impact Syndrome 00:40:44 Strength of Evidence Scale, Creatine 00:46:07 Creatine Doses, Frequency, Adverse Issues; Food Sources 00:52:14 Sponsors: AG1 & David Protein 00:54:57 Fish Oil, DHA, EPA 00:59:30 EPA & DHA Dosage, Timing, Adverse Issues; Food Sources; Omega-3 Index 01:03:38 Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B 01:07:49 Riboflavin Dosages, Timing; Food Sources 01:10:17 Choline 01:17:29 Choline Supplements & Food Sources, Alpha GPC, Dosage 01:20:22 Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs), Sleep 01:23:56 BCAAs Dosage, Whole Food Sources 01:26:54 Magnesium 01:30:12 Magnesium Dosage, Timing, Supplements, Adverse Issue; Food Sources 01:32:01 Blueberry Anthocyanins 01:34:20 Anthocyanins Dosage; Food Sources 01:36:09 Caffeine & Brain Injury Recovery 01:37:42 Perform Episodes, Perform Newsletter, Acknowledgements 01:40:11 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media Disclaimer & Disclosures

  --------  

  1:41:52
• How to Use & Interpret Blood Tests for High Performance

  In this episode, I discuss blood testing for athletic performance. I explain how performance-based blood testing differs from medical or disease-based blood panels and the pros and cons of blood testing for performance.   I explain how to choose specific blood markers based on your performance goals, scenario, and situation. I also discuss the timing, frequency, and preparation for blood tests to increase the accuracy and validity of results. I explain how to contextualize blood test results, interpret reference ranges, and account for the natural variability of blood markers. I also discuss how to improve blood test results through nutrition, behaviors, training, or supplementation. Listeners of this episode will understand how to determine appropriate blood markers for yourself or your client based on specific training goals and how to interpret blood results so you can look, feel, and perform at your best. Access the full show notes for this episode at performpodcast.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/perform Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/perform Vitality Blueprint: https://vitalityblueprint.com/perform Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Renaissance Periodization: https://rpstrength.com/perform  Timestamps 00:00:00 Blood Testing, Albumin, MCV 00:03:05 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & Vitality Blueprint 00:05:55 Blood Testing for Performance 00:09:24 Cons of Blood Work 00:13:39 Pros of Blood Work 00:19:30 Investigate: Blood Panels for General Health, CBC, CMP 00:25:14 Blood Panels for Performance; Bodybuilding, Protein Turnover 00:32:08 Sponsors: Momentous & LMNT 00:35:21 Albumin, Hydration, Inflammation 00:38:50 Endurance Training, Iron 00:46:33 Essential Vitamins & Minerals: Zinc, Chromium, Magnesium, B12 00:50:52 Sodium, Potassium 00:56:48 Energy & Fatigue, Blood Glucose 01:02:39 Sponsors: AG1 & Renaissance Periodization 01:05:18 Tool: Getting Good Blood Data, 48-Hour Rule, Timing, Hydration 01:12:55 Sensitive vs. Resilient Markers; Blood Test Consistency, Testosterone 01:19:41 Interpret: References Ranges, Blood Glucose, Homocysteine 01:28:44 Context & Interpretation, Strength vs. Endurance 01:34:13 Sleep Apnea, Hemoglobin, Endurance Training 01:37:33 Medical vs. Performance Blood Markers, Blood Volume, Creatinine 01:46:18 ALT, AST, Athlete’s Paradox 01:49:05 Optimal for What?, Context & Blood Markers 01:56:35 Tool: Analytical, Diurnal & Biological Variability 02:01:39 Patterns & Categories: Hydration, Inflammation 02:09:01 Intervene: Big Solutions, Direct Markers vs. Systemic Solutions 02:20:57 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Perform Newsletter, Social Media Disclaimer & Disclosures

  --------  

  2:22:34

More Health & Wellness podcasts

Trending Health & Wellness podcasts

About Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin