Built to Last: Muscle, Longevity, and Training Smarter | Dr. Andy Galpin | The Metabolic Link Ep. 76

12 snips

Sep 16, 2025

Dr. Andy Galpin, a human performance scientist with a PhD in Human Bioenergetics, dives into the vital role of muscle as metabolic armor. He discusses the synergy between muscle mass, cardio fitness, and bone density in promoting longevity. Listeners learn when fasted training benefits women, how kids can safely engage in resistance training, and myths about strength training. Galpin also shares personalized strategies for recovery and emphasizes the importance of tailored approaches for women, particularly concerning hormonal influences and metabolic health.

Ask episode

AI Snips

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

INSIGHT

Muscle Quantity Isn’t The Problem

There is no evidence that having more muscle itself is harmful to longevity.
Risks come from the methods used to gain muscle, not muscle mass per se.

ADVICE

Do Both Strength And Cardio

Combine resistance training and aerobic work across your life for best metabolic health.
Focus on both high-force activities and regular low-level activity rather than only one mode.

ADVICE

Test, Then Tailor Women's Training

Individualize women's training based on measured data, not blanket rules about fasting or timing.
Test hormones and track symptoms before changing programming around cycle phases.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Get the app

Muscle isn’t just about strength or performance — it’s metabolic armor. In this episode of The Metabolic Link, Dr. Andy Galpin sits down with hosts Victoria Field and Dr. Dominic D’Agostino to show how muscle, cardio fitness, and bone density work together to protect against decline and extend healthspan. From women’s training and recovery practices to kids in the weight room, Dr. Galpin translates decades of research into practical strategies anyone can use.

Big questions Dr. Galpin helps answer:

How does muscle mass protect against metabolic decline and early mortality?
What’s the safest, most effective on-ramp to rebuild bone density and explosiveness after 40?
When is fasted training useful for women, and when is it counterproductive?
How early can kids start resistance training — and what should it look like?
Which recovery practices are underrated (free) versus overrated (pricey)?

Dr. Andy Galpin is a tenured full professor and human performance scientist with a PhD in Human Bioenergetics and an MS in Human Movement Sciences. He previously ran the Center for Sport Performance and the Biochemistry & Molecular Exercise Physiology Lab at Cal State Fullerton, and now serves as Executive Director of the Human Performance Center at Parker University. He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications, coaches elite athletes across the UFC, NBA, MLB, NFL, Olympics, and special forces, and is the host of the Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin podcast, where he shares insights from two decades of working with world-class performers.

Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:

✅Genova Connect – Get 15% off any test kit with code METABOLICLINK here!

✅ Branch Basics - Get 15% off your Premium Starter Kit here

✅ iRestore - Get a huge discount on the iRestore Illumina Face Mask when you use the code METABOLICLINK here

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!

Find us on social:

Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.