Barbell Medicine Podcast

Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum dives into crucial topics about health and performance. He replaces arbitrary body fat percentages with BMI and waist circumference for fat loss decisions. The discussion covers safe heavy barbell training for older men, debunking testosterone myths related to strength gains. Strategies for losing weight while maintaining strength are shared, emphasizing high protein and modest deficits. Lastly, he critiques the carnivore diet, highlighting risks from excess saturated fat and low fiber.

Explore the ongoing deadlift debate as experts compare sumo and conventional techniques, revealing insights from world record data. Discover new findings that vigorous exercise dramatically outperforms moderate activity for health benefits. The hosts analyze the effects of semaglutide on muscle during weight loss and discuss China's mandate for influencer credentials in sensitive topics. They also tackle the important issue of lead contamination in protein powders, emphasizing the importance of third-party testing.

An inspiring 80-year-old woman shatters stereotypes by completing the Ironman World Championship, proving that aging doesn't equate to frailty. The podcast delves into a heated debate over a former golfer's attempt to reclaim amateur status, questioning the integrity of competition. Additionally, groundbreaking research shows that fathers can pass on benefits from their exercise habits to their children through genetic mechanisms, emphasizing the importance of paternal health for future generations. Tune in to discover how limits are being redefined in sports, health, and inheritance.

Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum tackles the surprising issue of lead in protein supplements and the need for batch testing. He critiques popular group classes for compromising training quality and stresses that excessive stretching is often counterproductive. In a bold move, he warns against aggressive weight cuts before competitions, suggesting safer strategies instead. The discussion also covers the benefits of isometric exercises for those in pain and highlights the importance of strength training over mobility work for optimal performance.

Dr. Austin Baraki, an internist and clinical educator, joins to unravel a medical mystery involving a 38-year-old man with severe chest pain and shortness of breath. They delve into differential diagnoses for chest pain, focusing on cardiac and pulmonary emergencies. A surprising diagnosis of methemoglobinemia emerges, linked to inhalants. Dr. Baraki clarifies the mechanics of oxygen binding issues, highlighting important diagnostic steps. The conversation wraps with management strategies and a prognosis for this rare condition.

In a lively Q&A, Jordan and Leah tackle everything from training plateaus to running heart rates. They discuss how to adjust training stimulus and the fine line between hypertrophy and strength in accessory work. Tips for adhering to conditioning routines and choosing between volume and intensity for specific goals are shared. They also dive into the impact of ibuprofen on training, how to build lean muscle, and when to modify bench press depth. Plus, insights on dealing with soreness and stalling lifts at any age make for a well-rounded conversation.

Dive into a lively Q&A covering everything from optimal fitness metrics to the complexities of race-based health metrics. Discover whether older adults can truly reverse osteoporosis with exercise alone. Explore the downsides of constant eating and how GLP-1 medications affect fat loss and exercise. Learn effective motivational interviewing techniques for coaches and strategies for handling clients with 'learned helplessness.' Finally, debate the importance of individualized waist circumference cutoffs and the challenges in coaching without overstepping medical boundaries.

This discussion dives into the hot topic of whether cholesterol can be too low, analyzing genetic data and clinical trials. The hosts unravel the notion of psychological inertia, exploring the dread of starting new tasks and offering practical tips to overcome it. They also tackle effective cardio strategies for those with busy schedules, emphasizing high-intensity workouts as the key to maximizing fitness in limited time. Tune in for insights that challenge common beliefs and provide actionable advice!

Dr. Sohee Carpenter, a PhD in Sports Science and evidence-based fitness coach, shares her research on high-intensity circuit training (HICT) vs. traditional strength training. She reveals surprising findings that both methods yield similar strength and muscle growth when effort is matched. Time efficiency plays a big role, with HICT being quicker. Sohee also discusses her experience coaching her 64-year-old mother, emphasizing gradual progress and enjoyment. The episode tackles how personal preferences and logistics should guide training style choices, regardless of misconceptions about resistance training.

Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum dives into the essentials of training volume, intensity, and their impact on muscle growth. He clarifies muscle memory, revealing that previously trained muscles bounce back faster due to lasting adaptations. The discussion covers the safety and effectiveness of popular peptides, alongside a look at the ‘Murph’ workout's risks and benefits. With tips on managing back pain and options for busy trainees, he also tackles the balance between cardio and muscle building—highlighting realistic training sessions and addressing chronic injuries.