Resistance Training Benefits for Brain Health

Louisa Nicola explains muscles release myokines like irisin and lactate that enhance BDNF, synaptogenesis, and cognitive resilience.

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Episode notes

Over the past year on Extend, I've had powerful conversations with experts who all kept pointing back to the same foundation: strength training. So in this episode, I'm bringing together a Best Of compilation featuring key moments from Andy Galpin, Vonda Wright, JJ Virgin, Louisa Nicola, and Kelly and Juliet Starrett to highlight why strength matters far beyond the gym.

This episode explores strength training from every angle that truly impacts longevity. I break down why muscle is a metabolic engine, how bone health shapes aging decades before problems appear, and how strength and movement directly support brain health and cognitive performance. You'll also hear why mobility is a daily practice, not a workout add-on, and how small habits outside the gym often determine how strong, capable, and pain-free you stay over time.

Across these clips, the message is clear: strength training isn't about aesthetics or chasing extremes. It's about building a body and brain that can adapt, recover, and thrive for decades. Whether your goal is longevity, injury prevention, better energy, or aging with confidence, this episode brings together the most important insights to help you train smarter and move better for life.

What We Discuss:

(00:00) JJ Virgin, nutrition and fitness expert, explains why muscle is the foundation of metabolism, strength, and long-term vitality, and how protein intake and smart training support powerful aging.

(00:00) Andy Galpin, human performance scientist, breaks down how personalized training and understanding individual physiology can help you build strength more effectively and recover like a pro athlete.

(00:00) Dr. Vonda Wright, orthopedic surgeon and longevity expert, explores how strength training protects bone density, supports hormones, and reduces fracture risk as we age.

(00:00) Louisa Nicola, neurophysiologist and performance coach, connects strength and movement to brain health, explaining how exercise supports cognition, reduces inflammation, and protects against neurodegeneration.

(00:00) Kelly and Juliet Starrett, movement and mobility experts, share why daily mobility habits matter as much as workouts, and how strength, posture, and movement patterns shape longevity.

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

Pendulum: You can go to pendulumlife.com and use my code EXTEND for 20% off your first membership order.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Vonda Wright

Website: https://www.drvondawright.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drvondawright Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrVondaWright

Learn more about Andy Galpin:

Website: https://www.andygalpin.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drandygalpin/

Learn more about JJ. Virgin: Website: https://jjvirgin.com/Instagram: @jj.virgin