Karyn Esser

Professor Karyn Esser, a leading expert in muscle physiology and circadian rhythms at the University of Florida, shares fascinating insights into how our muscles operate on their own internal clocks. She discusses the importance of muscle strength for aging well and how exercise timing can impact muscle performance. Professor Esser reveals that afternoon workouts may be optimal due to peak strength and gene expression. The conversation also touches on strategies like time-restricted eating to enhance muscle health and metabolic function as we age.

Links:  Episode page with extra resources Subscribe to PREMIUM Receive our free weekly emails Learn more about Sigma Nutrition Radio About this Episode: The field of circadian biology has long been associated with regulating diurnal physiological processes, notably the sleep-wake cycle. However, recent advances have unveiled a broader role for circadian clocks across various tissues, including skeletal muscle. Within this context, the investigation of circadian clocks within the skeletal muscle milieu has emerged as a frontier of scientific inquiry. These intrinsic timekeeping mechanisms exhibit multifaceted regulatory capacities beyond mere temporal synchronization. This episode delves into the implications of “circadian clocks” operating within skeletal muscle tissue, with the esteemed Prof. Karyn Esser as this week’s guest. Her pioneering work has been instrumental in understanding the interplay between circadian rhythmicity and muscular physiology.

Professor Karyn Esser, a leading expert in muscle strength and circadian rhythms at the University of Florida, sheds light on how our muscle strength varies throughout the day. Discover why late afternoons, particularly around 4 to 5 PM, are prime times for peak performance. Delving into the interplay of circadian rhythms and gene expression, she explains how timing can enhance muscle recovery and exercise efficiency. Karyn also discusses the impact of aging on these rhythms and suggests strategies for maintaining optimal muscle health.