Strength Changes Everything

Did you know strength training can do more for type 2 diabetes than medication ever could? Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher continue their series on the benefits of strength training and reveal how powerful it can be for managing—and even reversing—type 2 diabetes. They break down why excess sugar builds up in the bloodstream, how your muscles play a critical role in blood sugar control, and what kind of training yields real, measurable results—without needing extreme diets. If you—or someone you know—is dealing with type 2 diabetes, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Dr. Fisher defines type 2 diabetes: it’s a condition where the body becomes unresponsive to insulin, leaving glucose floating in the bloodstream instead of being stored and used properly. Dr. Fisher breaks down how insulin resistance begins. When your body stops reacting to insulin’s signal to store sugar, it starts a cascade of health issues that lead to type 2 diabetes. According to Dr. Fisher, over 422 million people worldwide have diabetes, and the disease causes at least 1.5 million deaths every year. Dr. Fisher highlights how diabetes is largely lifestyle-driven. That means many cases are preventable or reversible with the right habits—especially consistent exercise and dietary awareness. Amy poses the big question: Is sugar intake or lack of exercise the real issue? Dr. Fisher explains that both matter—but without regular movement, even a modest diet can lead to sugar overload and poor glucose control. If you're not actively burning glucose through movement, even a “normal” Western diet is likely giving you far more sugar than your body can handle. Strength training is a powerful tool against diabetes. Studies show it reduces waist size, body fat, blood pressure, cholesterol, and most importantly, HbA1C—the key marker of blood sugar control. Amy reminds us that it’s easy to believe you need drugs or extreme diets, but strength training alone can help manage your blood sugar levels. Dr. Fisher outlines the most effective approach to strength training. The best results came from lifting moderate to heavy weights (over 60% of one-rep max) with high effort, two to three times per week. Why intensity matters more than duration. You don’t need long workouts—you need focused, high-effort sessions that push your muscles to adapt and grow stronger. Amy makes an encouraging observation about habit stacking. When people begin exercising, they often naturally start eating better, sleeping more, and making other healthy choices. Dr. Fisher shares results from a large meta-analysis covering 1,100 people. The most impactful programs were progressive—meaning the weight and difficulty increased over time, keeping the body challenged. Why working with a personal trainer or a supervisor can accelerate your progress. Supervised sessions ensure your workouts are safe, structured, and progressively harder. The academic consensus is crystal clear. Strength training helps regulate blood sugar, reduce HbA1C, improve insulin sensitivity, and may even reverse type 2 diabetes in certain cases. Amy offers a compelling reason to start now. Even if you're healthy, strength training provides peace of mind that you’re protecting yourself against future metabolic diseases. Dr. Fisher shares his 80/20 approach to eating. He focuses on clean, whole foods 80% of the time and gives himself the freedom to enjoy things like cookies and chips without guilt the other 20%. Amy reminds us that healthy living isn’t about being flawless—it’s about staying consistent and doing your best most of the time, even if you stumble occasionally.     Mentioned in This Episode: The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions! Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.com     This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

We’ve been told to run, bike, and diet our way to lower cholesterol, but what if the real game changer is strength training? In this episode, Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher unpack the science behind resistance training and why it might be the best exercise to lower cholesterol. They explore what research actually says about lifting weights, LDL reduction, and long-term heart health — and why it might be time to rethink your approach to fitness. Dr. Fisher defines cholesterol--a waxy, hormone-like substance that your body produces and regulates on its own. While it often gets labeled as “bad,” it plays vital roles in hormone production and cell health. Dr. Fisher highlights that what we call “cholesterol” is actually carried in the blood by lipoproteins. LDL (low-density lipoproteins) can clog arteries, while HDL (high-density lipoproteins) helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream. Amy breaks down how LDL is considered the “bad” cholesterol because it can harden and narrow artery walls. In contrast, HDL acts like a cleanup crew, carrying unused cholesterol back to the liver to be broken down or reused. Dr. Fisher discusses a meta-analysis of 69 studies involving over 2,000 people that showed consistent benefits from strength training. Participants saw reductions in total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, along with increases in HDL and adiponectin levels. Amy points out that participants who strength trained saw an average drop in total cholesterol of about 8.5 mg/dL. That’s a significant improvement — and it didn’t require any changes to diet. Dr. Fisher emphasizes that these changes happened independently of calorie restriction or food tracking. Amy and Dr. Fisher explain that the cholesterol-lowering effects of strength training were consistent, whether people trained once, twice, or three times a week. Frequency mattered less than simply doing the work. Dr. Fisher breaks down one individual study in the meta-analysis that used six months of full-body strength training. The results showed reduced fat mass, decreased LDL, and increased HDL — all strong markers of better metabolic health. The cholesterol improvements were not just a side effect of losing weight or fat. The act of strength training alone led to these changes, regardless of body composition. Amy challenges the common belief that cholesterol is only affected by food or medication. The data shows strength training is a powerful, underused tool to shift your numbers naturally. Learn how strength training offers more than just physical benefits — it’s also a stress reliever. Pushing through a high-effort workout helps unload mental baggage, too. Amy and Dr. Fisher explore how dietary choices still matter — and discuss how eggs, red meat, and even wine influence cholesterol levels. They encourage variety and moderation over strict elimination. Dr. Fisher advises people to “eat the rainbow,” meaning to include colorful, nutrient-dense foods in your diet. He cautions that many Western diets are too dominated by fried and processed foods — and lack the diversity our bodies need. Amy and Dr. Fisher conclude that combining smart dietary choices with consistent strength training may be one of the most effective ways to lower cholesterol naturally.     Mentioned in This Episode: The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions! Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.com Previous episode - Why Most People Fail in the Gym (And How Supervision With a Personal Trainer Can Help)     This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

What if lowering your blood pressure didn’t require medication, endless cardio, or drastic lifestyle changes? In this episode, Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher explore the benefits of strength training as an effective, science-backed way to reduce blood pressure. They discuss how lifting affects your heart health, the ideal training intensity for real results, and why even short, infrequent workouts can make a big difference. Tune in to hear how  simple, time-efficient workouts can support heart health, and why it might be the most underrated tool in your fitness routine. Dr. Fisher starts by tackling one of the most overlooked benefits of strength training and why it should be your go-to exercise for blood pressure reduction. High blood pressure is responsible for nearly 7 million deaths every year. And yet, something as simple as strength training for just 20 minutes, twice a week, can have a significant impact on bringing it down. Dr. Fisher breaks down a major meta-analysis involving over 2,300 people with prehypertension. Strength training was shown to be a highly effective standalone therapy for lowering blood pressure with no medication required. Systolic pressure is the force when your heart pumps blood, and diastolic pressure is when your heart relaxes. According to Dr. Fisher, strength training helps reduce both, which makes it a double win for your cardiovascular system. What the research found: Dynamic resistance training not only reduces blood pressure, it performs just as well or even better than aerobic exercise.  The most significant blood pressure drops come from training at moderate to vigorous intensity — about 60% of your one-rep max — proving you don’t need to go heavy to get real results. Dr. Fisher and Amy agree that the earlier you start strength training, the better. It creates a long-term buffer, helping you maintain healthy blood pressure levels well into your later years. According to Amy, if you’re already dealing with high blood pressure or prehypertension, science shows that strength training may actually help you more than traditional aerobic workouts. Why cardio isn’t always the answer. While cardiovascular exercise elevates your heart rate, it also raises systolic blood pressure during the workout. Dr. Fisher’s key exercise tip: Always remember to breathe during strength workouts. Holding your breath — even briefly — can cause your blood pressure to spike unnecessarily. Dr. Fisher highlights how plaque buildup and stiffening arteries make it harder for your blood vessels to respond flexibly. For Amy, keeping blood flowing regularly, you help your arteries retain their elasticity, which is essential for controlling blood pressure as you get older. Amy’s visual analogy on resistance training: Strength training is like sending out street sweepers to keep your inner blood highways clear, preventing buildup and improving how efficiently your system runs.     Mentioned in This Episode: The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions! Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.com     This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

Is bigger always better when it comes to strength training? In this episode, Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher break down the science of muscle growth, revealing why increased size doesn’t always equal increased strength. From neural adaptations to muscle fiber recruitment, they explore what’s really happening inside your body when you train – and why understanding it can transform the way you approach your workouts. Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher talk about increasing muscle size, and when that doesn’t happen. Back in the 1980s, a hypothesis by Digby Sale looked at the two key adaptations most people are interested in when it comes to growing their muscle. Hypertrophy is an increase in muscle size. Dr. Fisher explains that, “When we begin strength training, almost 99% of our adaptations and increases in strength are neural.”  Dr. Fisher goes on to say that at some point our hypertrophic adaptations, or increase in muscle size, will kick in which can lead to an increase of muscle strength as well. Did you know that most people aren’t able to recruit 30% and maybe 90% of their muscle fibres. Dr. Fisher touches upon a project that looked at the different reactions (and results) between people used to exercise and some who typically don’t… “The increase in force and the increase in ability to produce force is a product of our ability to send continued, sustained and higher frequency impulses from our brain to our muscle fibers,” says Dr. Fisher. There are different structures within a muscle: the muscle fascicle, the muscle fiber, and the myofibrils. A 1-2% change in one of them doesn’t equal a change in the whole muscle. Dr. Fisher and Amy go through each muscle structure and its role within strength training and in the muscle growth process. It’s good to note that “myo” refers to muscle, so myofibril, for instance, refers to a fibril within a muscle. Hypertrophy revolves around an increase in size, while hyperplasia has to do with an increase in numbers. There’s some evidence around hyperplasia, though many people still question whether it truly exists. Did you know that somebody that has average size in muscles but is very strong has arguably better muscle quality than somebody who can produce the same amount of force but has much bigger muscles? The conversation touches upon two ways to measure muscle growth, “in vivo” and “in vitro,” as well as muscle architecture, the motivators for wanting to increase the size of one’s muscle, and the pennation angle of our muscles. For Dr. Fisher, strength training is wasted on people that just want bigger muscles, as it’s a superficial acceptance or adaptation to strength training.     Mentioned in This Episode: The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions! Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.com Previous episode - Beyond the Gym: The Role of Protein in Personal and Strength Training Success Previous episode - Evidence-Based Strength Training: Ditching Old Paradigms for Proven Success Identifying the Structural Adaptations That Drive the Mechanical Load-Induced Growth of Skeletal Muscle: A Scoping Review by Kent W. Jorgensen et al. 2020 Lou Ferrigno     This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

Think core training is all about crunches and six-packs? What if the real key to a strong, pain-free core is the muscles you can’t see? Hosts Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher dive deep into the science of core strength, bust common myths, and reveal how personal training can help you target the low back and pelvic muscles that truly support your spine, posture, and overall function. Today’s episode features hosts Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher addressing a listener’s question about the core. Dr. Fisher starts his contribution by discussing the origin of the core, as well as where it’s located and why its role is crucial. Amy points out that, for many people, “core” is synonymous with abdominals - when, in reality, other muscles, including the back, low back, and pelvic floor, are all part of the core. Wondering whether you have weak muscles in your core? If you’ve experienced some degree of low back pain or low back stiffness, then those may be symptoms of a core that needs to be strengthened… “One of the most common reasons for non-specific mechanical low back pain, which accounts for about 80% of back pain, is simply weak lumbar muscles,” says Dr. Fisher. Furthermore, it’s been shown that strengthening the lumbar muscles can reduce back pain. Dr. Fisher explains why the plank isn’t an exercise that can serve as a good assessment of our trunk - or core - muscles. Having a weaker core and the challenge of training low back muscles link back to the so-called deconditioning hypothesis - Dr. Fisher unpacks this further. Paraphrasing Dr. Fisher, Amy stresses how “It’s not very easy to effectively activate and train and strengthen those muscles in the low back with everyday activities.” Dr. Fisher highlights how low back muscles are predominantly type-1 muscle fiber, so they’re not high-force muscles, but rather high-fatigue resistance muscles. Dr. Fisher and Amy go through some workout routines that can help strengthen low back muscles (especially the ones you don’t see). Working in their laboratories with people with low back pain, Dr. Fisher and his colleagues have seen a 200% strength increase over a 10-week training period. Dr. Fisher and Amy talk about why doing a bunch of sit-ups isn’t the right way to obtain six-pack abdominals.     Mentioned in This Episode: The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions! Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.com Previous episode - Beyond the Gym: The Role of Protein in Personal and Strength Training Success Previous episode - Evidence-Based Strength Training: Ditching Old Paradigms for Proven Success     This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

When it comes to your health and to your strength training, more specifically…Do you rely on social media trends or real science for your exercise routine? And how do you know if your workouts are actually safe and effective? Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher break down what “evidence-based strength training” really means, exposing common myths and highlighting why scientific research – and not old paradigms – should drive your fitness decisions. Hosts Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher unpack evidence-based strength training. Dr. Fisher believes that personal trainers should embrace an evidence-based approach, for the fact that people see them as part of the healthcare continuum, just like doctors, dentists, etc. Dr. Fisher explains what “evidence-based” actually means and what it entails. Remember: when it comes to strength training, there’s a lot of misinformation on social media platforms. As Amy points out, hearing someone talk about the benefits they got by training a certain way doesn’t automatically translate into you achieving the exact same result with the same workout. There are a variety of factors that could impact that, such as your varying ability levels, the metabolic competencies of your body, where you are with your joints, and more! Dr. Fisher touches upon the ACL reconstruction surgery he had and how that plays into the topic of evidence-based strength training. “Many institutions rely on evidence-based processes and on scientific research to drive their methodology forward. And strength training is no different at all,” says Dr. Fisher. Amy and Dr. Fisher talk about what evidence-based strength training actually looks like. Did you know that about 90% of exercising injuries are a product of free weight strength training? Training alone or having a supervised strength training session? According to some scientific evidence, supervision shows greater benefits in almost all facets of health, well-being, and physical adaptation compared to unsupervised workouts. The historic thinking and old paradigms that exist have been debunked by more recent science.  And that’s really what evidence-based training is all about: being able to move with the scientific process. Interacting with coaches and asking them key questions is something Dr. Fisher believes anyone should do.     Mentioned in This Episode: The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions! Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.com Previous episode - Why Most People Fail in the Gym (And How Supervision With a Personal Trainer Can Help)     This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

Did you know that what’s on your plate can help you while you’re at the gym? Join hosts Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher as they dive into the vital role of protein in muscle health and strength training. What’s the ideal protein intake you should aim for every day? And where can you get proteins from, in the first place? Whether you’re just starting out or enhancing your regimen, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to optimize your protein intake for maximum personal training and health gains. Hosts Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher begin the conversation by discussing why dietary protein consumption is so important for muscle health. Dr. Fisher explains how dietary habits are more important than your engagement in muscle-building exercise for the fact that, while you may engage in strength training a couple of times a week, you eat every single day. Muscle protein synthesis is the process of muscle regeneration, while muscle protein breakdown is the destruction of muscle protein cells. As we age, we have an elevated muscle protein breakdown compared to our anabolic youth.  To combat the natural breakdown, it’s important to ensure we engage in things that will elevate our muscle protein synthesis.  Dr. Fisher unpacks the concept of amino acids and touches upon essential and non-essential amino acids. When it comes to diets, Dr. Fisher typically advocates for a whole food, less processed, relatively varied diet. Dr. Fisher brings the topic of animal-based and plant-based proteins into the conversation. Remember: the engagement of strength training is the boost to muscle protein synthesis to try and hang on to every ounce of muscle we’ve got – and proteins are going to help to do that. Dr. Fisher goes into the differences between plant-based sources of proteins, animal-based proteins, and supplemental proteins. When it comes to animal-based proteins, grass-fed or free-range poultry or beef are at the top of the list.  For Dr. Fisher, the UK Government's recommendation of 0.75 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight is way too low. Evidence-based studies by Dr. Stuart Phillips, Brad Schoenfeld, and colleagues show that the amount of protein for muscle protein synthesis is between 1.6 and 2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight per day. As far as meal planning and protein intake are concerned, Dr. Fisher suggests being in the region of 32 to 44 grams of protein per meal. Constantly feeling hungry? It may be that you aren’t consuming enough dietary protein to keep you full for long enough between your meals, says Amy. Amy goes into the “blood sugar rollercoaster”. As we age, our muscle protein breakdown increases – meaning that we have a higher need for protein to combat that with more muscle protein synthesis. Dr. Fisher and Amy share some final considerations about the role of protein, especially for those who haven’t paid much attention to their dietary habits or who have just started engaging in strength training.     Mentioned in This Episode: The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions! Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.com Dr. Stuart Phillips Brad Schoenfeld Previous episode - How to Lose Fat Without Muscle Loss: Science-Backed Solutions with Dr. Wayne Westcott     This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

Big Box Gyms: Yay or Nay? And how do they compare to working out with a personal trainer? Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher look at big box gyms and the benefits of working with a personal trainer. You’ll hear about everything from motivation and habit-building to fitness results, and will walk away with clarity on which option to go for to make the most out of your time and exercising efforts. Dr. James Fisher kicks things off by sharing a frightening stat: only about 10% of the population engages in regular strength training. What’s interesting is the fact that only about one-third of people attend big box gyms, meaning that about two-thirds of people don’t actually even attend once per week… Dr. Fisher and some of his colleagues have done some research and have identified a lack of motivation, not being supervised and advised by a personal trainer, and not seeing progress from your workouts, as key factors that lead to that phenomenon. Did you know that 50% of new gym members will stop their membership within the first six months because of non-attendance? True, big box gyms provide you with the space and equipment you need… but if you aren’t already engaged or lack a certain level of understanding and commitment, you won’t attend regularly. To some degree, gyms are reliant upon a degree of non-attendance – if all of their members showed up at the same time, they would have to turn some people away because of maximum occupancy. Dr. Fisher touches upon a couple of big social elements that play a crucial role in the big box gym context. Ask yourself this: “When thinking about the gym, do I go there for the health benefits of exercising or for the social element in that environment?” Amy Hudson talks about the lack of time aspect that’s often part of the equation for many people who are thinking about strength training. Dr. Fisher and Amy discuss how a model like the Exercise Coach Studio’s one differs from big box gyms and helps people succeed. Studies on exercising motivation show that, unlike other groups like people who focus on CrossFit, people engaged in supervised strength training reported higher motivation for things such as ill health avoidance and health-related benefits as key reasons for exercising. Amy lists one of the key motivators for having a personal trainer: it collapses the timeline for you to get where you want to get to. As she points out, getting people to that place of seeing results faster will lead to them being motivated and wanting to continue with exercising regularly. Amy shares a question they often ask their Exercise Coach: “If you and I were sitting here a year from today, what things would have to happen for you to feel very satisfied with your progress?” Amy and Dr. Fisher go into studies in which participants were paid to go to the gym… but were still unsuccessful with exercising regularly. A good reminder from Amy: motivation is hard to keep, and it’s important to stay honest about that.     Mentioned in This Episode: The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions! Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.com     This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.

In this enlightening discussion, Dr. James Fisher, Chief Science Officer of The Exercise Coach and an expert in strength training, teams up with Amy Hudson to unpack the intricacies of VO₂ max and aerobic fitness. They explore how personal training can enhance cardiovascular health while reducing fatigue and disease risk. Dr. Fisher emphasizes the impact of aerobic conditioning on daily life and mental well-being. Discover the crucial connection between resting heart rate and fitness, and learn how combining strength training with interval workouts boosts your overall health.

What’s the secret to an effective workout? More reps? More sweat? More weights? In this episode, Dr. James Fisher and Amy Hudson break down the science behind strength training, revealing why muscle fatigue, not time or reps, is the real key to results. From type-2 muscle fiber recruitment to recovery strategies, what you’ll hear will help you rethink how you train and why less might actually be more. Dr. Fisher and Amy address the “million-dollar question:” What’s the secret to effective exercise? Dr. James Fisher is a fan of questions such as What is the stimulus? – He likes that once we have in mind that the exercise is the stimulus to adaptation, we can just stop blindly going and doing as much as we can. Dr. Fisher and Amy Hudson share the secret of effective exercise: fatiguing the muscle or working it at the right level of intensity. Dr. Fisher touches upon type-1 and type-2 muscle fibers – and why you should want your workouts to recruit type-2 muscle fibers… Amy and Dr. Fisher list a few signs that you may have recruited your type-2 muscle fibers the right way. Dr. Fisher cites some of his research on dissociating effort from discomfort and some interesting findings related to it. Some studies have shown that people who are averaging 6-10 hours of sleep per night will build strength in muscle size quicker than those sleeping an average of less than 6 hours. Remember: the workout is the stimulus; it’s the time after the workout that allows that muscle adaptation. “All the wonderful benefits that strength training delivers happen during those recovery days between your sessions,” says Amy.   Mentioned in This Episode: The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions! Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.com Previous episode - The Truth About Muscle Soreness: Myths, Recovery, and What to Do Next Previous episode - The Truth About Sweating: What It Really Means for Your Exercise Routine     This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.