The Discover Strength Podcast

Can you build muscle and lose fat in your late 60s or 70s—even after years of consistent training?In this episode of the Discover Strength Podcast, CEO and exercise physiologist Luke Carlson walks listeners through the real-life body composition journey of his own mother, who began strength training in her 50s and continued into her mid-70s. Using 8 years of Bod Pod data, Luke unpacks how she gained over 6 pounds of lean muscle and lost 12 pounds of fat.This example provides a a powerful, evidence-based case for what consistent resistance training, adequate protein intake, and creatine supplementation can do for your fitness journey. You’ll learn: Why building muscle later in life is possible despite being more difficult, how Bod Pod tests reveal deeper insights than a scale ever could, and why a consistent strength training routine can aid in muscle growth at older ages.This is a data-rich look at how aging doesn't have to mean decline.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, Luke Carlson sits down with Ulrich Dempfle, CEO and co-founder of Carol Bike, to discuss how Reduced Exertion High-Intensity Interval Training (REHIT) is transforming the world of cardio. Built on cutting-edge scientific research, REHIT protocols deliver remarkable improvements in VO2 max and metabolic health with workouts as short as 5 minutes.Ulrich explains how Carol Bike was designed from the ground up using lab-validated protocols and integrated AI to create an efficient, automated workout that eliminates excuses like lack of time and complexity. They explore the science behind the two 20-second sprint model, how it compares to traditional cardio and HIIT, and why shorter, more intense efforts may be more effective for both longevity and adherence.Learn more about CAROL and the most efficient workout.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 a powerhouse panel including Discover Strength leaders and Dr. James Fisher for a roundtable discussion straight from the Strength Forum in Orlando, Florida.The Strength Forum is a small, annual conference hosted by Discover Strength that brings together like-minded resistance exercise practitioners, physicians, and researchers from around the world to explore all aspects of evidence-based resistance training.Together, the panel shares their top takeaways from this intimate, high-level event—including the acute and chronic benefits of resistance training, the real-world value of 3x3 and 4x4 training protocols, pain desensitization strategies, return-to-exercise considerations, and the legacies of pioneers like Arthur Jones and Casey Viator.Whether you're a trainer, clinician, or someone who simply wants to train smarter, this episode delivers science-backed insights to help you elevate your understanding and application of resistance exercise.Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any location across the United States. You can schedule your free Introductory Workout HERE !

Can your workout make you a better leader?In this episode of the Discover Strength Podcast, CEO and exercise physiologist Luke Carlson explores the science and psychology behind the powerful connection between physical training and leadership performance.Drawing from published research and real-world leadership examples—from John D. Rockefeller to Jerry Seinfeld—Luke makes the case that consistent, high-effort exercise isn’t just good for your health, it’s a foundational habit for mental clarity, resilience, decision-making, and leading effectively under pressure.You’ll learn: Why physical training enhances cognitive performance and stress managementHow great leaders across industries prioritize fitness as a non-negotiable habit The link between deliberate practice in training and high-performance leadershipWhether you’re leading a team or company, this episode will challenge how you think about the role of exercise in your leadership effectiveness.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 is joined by longtime client Dr. Brian Davis to discuss his journey to increasing lean muscle, losing fat, getting stronger, and pursuing healthy aging.With over 10 years of training at Discover Strength, Dr. Davis shares how pairing evidence-based strength training with a GLP-1 allowed him to lose significant weight without sacrificing muscle or metabolic health. He reflects on the mindset, consistency, and simple workout structure that helped him stay strong and resilient through the highs and lows of life.This real-world success story is packed with insights for anyone navigating body change, modern weight loss interventions, and the science of healthy aging.Discover Strength offers free Introductory Workouts at any location across the United States. You can schedule your free Introductory Workout HERE !

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 !