The Science (and Myths) of Health Tech: VO2 Max, Wearables & Longevity with Dr. Todd Schroeder

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Todd Schroeder. USC professor, exercise physiologist, and co-founder of K2 Sciences, to explore what actually works when it comes to health and fitness technology. From wearables and VO2 max testing to EMG studies and AI-powered motion tracking, Dr. Schroeder breaks down the science behind the trends and shares what decades of clinical research really say.

We cover what health tech matters (and which don’t), how to think critically about the data you're getting, and what role tech should play in your health journey. Plus, we get into the realities of muscle loss, why sleep is your most underrated training tool, and how innovation is reshaping physical therapy.

This episode will help you cut through the noise and think more critically about the role of technology in your health.

Timestamps:

00:00 Intro

02:01 Meet Dr. Todd Schroeder

06:35 Founding K2 Sciences: Bridging Research and Innovation

10:10 How Technology & Data Is Reshaping Our Rehab & Training

12:20 Wearables, Tracking Data and Smarter Coaching

15:32 The Importance of Baseline Data for Rehab Professionals

17:40 Overrated vs. Underrated Begins

18:03 Fitness Trackers & Smartwatches: Accurate or Overhyped?

18:44 VO2 Max Testing for Non-Athletes: Necessary or Not?

22:05 Zone 2 Training vs. HIIT: How to Train Smarter

25:00 Three Sets of 10: Still the Gold Standard?

29:10 Clinician’s Eye vs. Motion Capture: What’s Better?

33:33 EMG Studies: Valuable or Overrated?

36:25 Can Motion Tracking Technology Replace Physical Therapy?

44:30 How AI Can Gamify Exercise

46:25 Sleep Trackers: How Accurate Are They Really?

50:02 Should Everyone Use a Glucose Monitor?

54:00 Handheld Body Fat Tools: Are They Reliable?

56:56 Cardio vs Strength Training As You Age

58:23 Minimal Effective Dose: How Much Exercise Is Enough?

01:02:25 Testosterone, Recovery, and Injury Rehab Insights

01:06:00 Lessons from Endurance Training & Triathlons

01:10:13 Nutrition and Sleep vs. Working Out: What's More Important for Health?

01:13:53 AI in the Exercise Space: Influence on Coaching 

01:14:43 Women's Health, Recovery, and the Menstrual Cycle Myths

01:19:35 Final Thoughts: How Tech, Recovery, and Exercise are Evolving

 

Contact Dr. Schroeder:

Email: Todd@MK2lab.com or eschroed@usc.edu

K2Sciences.com

MK2Lab.com

@MK2LAB