The Discover Strength Podcast

What’s the difference between living long and living well? In this episode of the Discover Strength Podcast, CEO and exercise physiologist Luke Carlson dives into the critical distinction between longevity and healthy aging—and how strength training plays a foundational role in both.Luke breaks down what the latest research says about the lifestyle factors that actually impact healthspan, including resistance training, cardiorespiratory fitness, and nutrition. He also challenges some of today’s most popular longevity trends—from extreme Zone 2 cardio to endless bloodwork—to refocus the conversation on what’s evidence-based, practical, and proven to work.You’ll learn: Why VO2 max and muscle mass are two of the strongest predictors of mortalityThe overlooked power of resistance training in aging wellHow to align your fitness goals with actual health outcomes—not fadsWhy Discover Strength’s training model supports both performance and long-term healthIf you’re chasing longevity, this episode will help you cut through the noise and build a strategy that lasts.Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any location across the United States. You can schedule your free Introductory Workout HERE !

In this compelling discussion, Discover Strength CEO Luke Carlson is joined by world-renowned exercise researcher Dr. James Fisher to unpack the growing global recognition of resistance training as medicine.Fresh off the Health & Fitness Association European Congress in Amsterdam, Luke and Dr. Fisher explore the clinical power of strength training—from reversing chronic disease to transforming how healthcare systems could view fitness professionals.You’ll learn: Why resistance training is the most potent tool for healthspan and longevityHow myokines turn muscle into the body's largest endocrine organThe case for a minimal effective dose—and why less can be moreWhat needs to change for healthcare and fitness to finally integrate Why the best program isn’t the most advanced—it’s the one you’ll stick with for lifeThis episode bridges science and practice, offering evidence-backed insights on how we can reshape exercise into a true medical intervention. “If strength training were a pill, every doctor would prescribe it.” — Tune in to hear why.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 shares how putting simplicity at the center of your life—from your business to your workouts—can transform your results.Drawing inspiration from Essentialism by Greg McKeown, Insanely Simple by Ken Segall, and The One Thing by Gary Keller, Luke explores how a minimalist mindset leads to greater clarity, deeper focus, and measurable outcomes.You’ll learn: How Apple’s obsession with simplicity mirrors Discover Strength’s training modelWhy strength training twice per week for 30 minutes is the most effective, efficient form of exerciseHow to apply first-principles thinking to your work, workouts, and lifeWhy “doing less, but better” is the key to long-term success in health and businessIf you're overwhelmed by complexity or tired of overtraining, this episode will show you why simplifying is the ultimate strategy.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, Discover Strength CEO and Exercise Physiologist Luke Carlson unpacks a newly published review paper in the journal Physical Education and Sports, Studies and Research titled “A Critical Analysis of the Disconnection Between Science and Practice in Weight Training.”Drawing from a systematic review of 47 studies, Luke reveals a troubling truth: most fitness professionals, physical therapists, and even coaches lack up-to-date knowledge on resistance training, perpetuating myths and misinformation.You’ll learn:Why the life-changing benefits of resistance training—cardiometabolic health, reduced mortality, injury prevention, improved mental health—are still under-communicated.How social media and industry culture drive misinformation about what actually works.Why Discover Strength exists: to lead a movement in evidence-based resistance training.Luke shares personal reflections on his early passion for science and the founding purpose of Discover Strength—to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world fitness practice.This episode will challenge you to think more critically, become a smarter fitness consumer, and help spread the truth about what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to exercise.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 Luke Carlson breaks down the rise of popular fitness trends—like walking with a weighted vest, cold plunging, Zone 2 cardio, yoga, and Pilates—and asks the critical question every smart fitness consumer should start with: “What is your objective?”Luke explores how trends gain momentum through podcast influencers, social media, and industry supply chains—often without evidence of efficacy. He explains the difference between mechanistic science (what should work) and real-world evidence (what does work), urging listeners to anchor their fitness decisions in outcomes, not hype.You’ll learn: Why weighted vests probably won’t help bone density or fat loss The science (and limits) behind cold plunges and inflammation Whether Pilates or yoga truly deliver on toning, flexibility, or mindfulness How to filter trends through the lens of scientific efficacy and personal goalsIf you're a time-conscious, evidence-seeking exerciser—or simply confused by the ever-changing fitness landscape—this episode will help you cut through the noise.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 Luke Carlson is joined by Dr. James Fisher, a globally recognized exercise scientist, to explore what happens in our bodies from the very first weeks of resistance training through years of disciplined effort. They break down the neurological adaptations that drive early strength gains, the morphological changes that come later, and what advanced trainees can do to keep progressing. You'll learn about muscle architecture, sarcomere genesis, the myth of continuous muscle growth, and how to use advanced techniques like breakdown sets, eccentric overload, supersets, and lengthened partials to maximize hypertrophy and strength—no matter your training age. This is a masterclass in evidence-based resistance training you won’t want to miss.Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any location across the United States. You can schedule your free Introductory Workout HERE !

What do Steve Jobs and your next strength workout have in common? In this episode, Discover Strength CEO and exercise physiologist Luke Carlson tells the surprising story of how a freshman-year paper on high-intensity training (HIT) led to an unforgettable analogy: HIT is the Apple of strength training.Luke explores how HIT—rooted in evidence-based, efficient, and safe exercise—shares the same ethos of simplicity, sophistication, and innovation that defined Apple under Steve Jobs. He breaks down the foundational tenets of HIT, from training to failure and controlled eccentric movements, to training less frequently but with more focus—all backed by decades of scientific literature.If you're a Discover Strength client, you're already training in this smarter, research-backed way. But as Luke reveals, most of the fitness world is still stuck in outdated thinking.🔬 Whether you’re a trainer, leader, or someone looking to optimize your workouts, this episode reinforces why Discover Strength’s approach is not just different—it’s better.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 interviews Dr. Brendon Gurd of Queen's University to unpack one of the biggest fitness buzzwords of the last five years: Zone 2 training.Dr. Gurd breaks down his recently published paper in Sports Medicine, titled “Much Ado About Zone 2”, and reveals what the current science says about the efficacy of Zone 2 training for improving mitochondrial function and cardiorespiratory fitness.Listeners will gain clarity on:What Zone 2 actually means in exercise physiologyWhy the 80/20 training model may be misunderstoodHow Zone 2 compares to high-intensity training for mitochondrial adaptationThe myth of the “fat-burning zone”Practical cardio recommendations for busy people who want maximum results in minimal timeWhether you're a biohacker, fitness enthusiast, or strength training purist, this episode will reshape how you think about cardio—and how to integrate it intelligently alongside resistance training.Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any location across the United States. You can schedule your free Introductory Workout HERE !

What separates a good strength training session from a great one? In this episode of the Discover Strength Podcast, CEO Luke Carlson is joined by three of the brand’s most experienced exercise physiologists—Rick Regnell, Kayla Ezuck, and Taylor Melvin—for a candid conversation rooted in over 100,000 training sessions.They break down the habits and mindset traits that expert trainers notice—and deeply respect—in high-performing clients. From mastering form under fatigue to communicating clearly and showing up with consistency, this episode is packed with insight for anyone serious about getting more from their strength training.Whether you're a Discover Strength client, a fitness professional, or simply someone committed to training smart, this conversation will elevate your understanding of what it means to truly be coachable.Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any location across the United States. You can schedule your free Introductory Workout HERE !

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 !