The Discover Strength Podcast

In this pivotal episode, Discover Strength CEO Luke Carlson dives deep into the core purpose and bold 10-year vision that will shape the future of the company—and potentially, the entire fitness industry. Luke unpacks the driving force behind Discover Strength’s mission: to lead a movement in evidence-based exercise, and outlines the newly defined BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal): to become the destination for resistance exercise as medicine by 2035, with 250 studios nationwide.Learn how foundational principles from Jim Collins, Simon Sinek, and classic BHAG examples (like SpaceX, Disney, and Nike) have inspired the long-game strategy behind Discover Strength’s next chapter. Whether you're a fitness entrepreneur, exercise scientist, or simply a passionate advocate for smarter workouts, this episode offers a masterclass in purpose-driven leadership and brand alignment.Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any location across the United States. You can schedule your free Introductory Workout HERE !

Discover Strength CEO and exercise physiologist Luke Carlson takes you behind the scenes of Project Discover—our ongoing effort to advance the science of strength training and lead the movement in evidence-based exercise.In this episode, Luke shares: The history of Discover Strength’s published research and collaborations with Dr. James Fisher and Dr. James Steele. Why our supervised, high-quality training environment is ideal for groundbreaking studies. Highlights from past studies on pre-exhaustion, eccentric training, breakdown sets, virtual training, and lengthened partials. The myth-busting findings from our heavy vs. light weights for fat loss study.Details on our largest study to date—a deep dive into volume (one set vs. three sets) and its impact on muscle growth.If you care about training that’s grounded in science—not fads—this episode shows why Discover Strength is the destination for resistance exercise as medicine.Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any location across the United States. You can schedule your free Introductory Workout HERE !

In this powerful solo episode, Luke Carlson—CEO of Discover Strength shares 20 hard-earned lessons from completing 30 marathons over the past two decades. Blending cutting-edge exercise science with personal experimentation, Luke explores the real factors that drive performance: running economy, durability, strength training, progressive overload, nutrition, body composition, mental fortitude, and more.Listeners will learn:Why strength training is essential for runners—and how it improves late-race performanceHow durability (not VO2 max) may be the best predictor of marathon successThe truth about running and fat loss (spoiler: it's not what you think)The critical role of mantras, mindset, and reference groupsHow tapering, fueling, and data tracking can make or break your race dayWhether you're an endurance athlete, a coach, or someone who loves geeking out on training science, this episode will challenge your assumptions and elevate your approach.Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any location across the United States. You can schedule your free Introductory Workout HERE !

Fitness information overload can confuse anyone. Discover four expert-backed strategies to sift through the noise and identify credible sources. Learn why flashy confidence is a warning sign and why following the fittest person isn't a failsafe approach. Delve into the nuances of scientific credibility and understand how real experts communicate complexity. It's time to arm yourself with the tools to navigate the fitness landscape wisely!

For years, we've been told that losing weight is the key to better health. But what if everything you thought you knew about fitness and fatness is wrong? In this episode, Discover Strength CEO and exercise physiologist Luke Carlson unpacks the science behind the Fit and Fat Paradox — revealing why being aerobically fit and strong matters far more than the number on the scale.You’ll learn:Why fitness (VO2 Max and strength) trumps weight as a predictor of mortalityHow healthcare professionals and even fitness experts fall into anti-fat biasThe surprising role strength training plays in improving both aerobic capacity and longevityWhy resistance training should be the cornerstone of your exercise routine if you're serious about healthAt Discover Strength, we believe busy people don’t have time to waste on exercise that doesn’t work. We deliver 30-minute strength workouts, twice per week, with an expert trainer to help you look and feel your best, in a fraction of the time. Subscribe, share, and discover why evidence-based resistance training is the new medicine.Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any location across the United States. You can schedule your free Introductory Workout HERE !

In this episode of the Discover Strength Podcast, CEO and exercise physiologist Luke Carlson breaks down three powerful "here and now" techniques to immediately improve the quality of your next strength training workout. From eliminating momentum at the start of each rep, to applying maximum effort with proper intent, and maintaining perfect form regardless of how many reps you did last time—these science-backed strategies will elevate every set. Whether you're an elite athlete or training for longevity, these principles apply to you.Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any location across the United States. You can schedule your free Introductory Workout HERE !

On this episode of the Discover Strength Podcast, CEO Luke Carlson is joined by Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple, a leading researcher at McMaster University, to bust the top myths about strength training for women, especially during menopause. They unpack the truth about lifting heavy, the role of estrogen, cortisol misconceptions, and the science behind “cycle syncing.” Dr. Colenso-Semple also shares practical, research-backed guidelines for effective resistance training at any age—and why it doesn’t need to be complicated.Follow Dr. Colenso-Semple on Instagram: @dr.lauren.cs1Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any location across the United States. You can schedule your free Introductory Workout HERE !

In this episode of the Discover Strength Podcast, CEO Luke Carlson is joined by esteemed strength training researcher Dr. James Fisher for a special “10 Questions” conversation. With over 130 scientific publications to his name, Dr. Fisher dives deep into some of the most pressing topics in resistance training today—from the science behind training at long muscle lengths and the most common myths about women and strength training, to the minimal effective dose for strength gains and the role of supervision in maximizing workout outcomes. They also explore Dr. Fisher’s thoughts on optimal training intensity, misconceptions around volume, strength training for older adults, and underappreciated cognitive benefits. This wide-ranging, research-backed discussion is packed with practical insights for fitness professionals and enthusiasts alike.Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any location across the United States. You can schedule your free Introductory Workout HERE !

n this episode, CEO Luke Carlson recaps six powerful insights from the 2025 Discover Strength Summit in Dallas. From expert perspectives on pain management and resistance training for older adults, to hospitality-driven leadership lessons and the fight against health misinformation—this episode is packed with actionable takeaways for fitness professionals and clients alike.Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any location across the United States. You can schedule your free Introductory Workout HERE !

In this episode of the Discover Strength Podcast, CEO and exercise physiologist Luke Carlson dives into groundbreaking new research on how strength training enhances running economy and durability for long-distance runners. Fresh off the Boston Marathon, Luke shares key findings from a study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, explaining why strength training isn't just beneficial—it's essential for maintaining performance late in a race. Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any location across the United States. You can schedule your free Introductory Workout HERE !