
Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin
This is Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin.I'm Dr. Andy Galpin, a professor and director of the Human Performance Center at Parker University.With this podcast, my goal is to help you better understand and maximize your own physical and mental performance, leveraging my two decades of experience with elite performers, including Olympians and world champions across numerous sports. The goal is to cover a range of tools, technologies, and strategies designed to help everyone—from beginners to record-breaks, and everyone in between.I’ll use a format that I call the "3 I's.” For every topic, we'll explore how to 1) Investigate (measure it), 2) Interpret (determine what’s bad, ok, good, or even elite!), and 3) Intervene (implement changes). This framework will guide our discussions on both the science and actionable insights—the do’s and don’ts. In the upcoming episodes of Season 2, we'll dive into topics such as how metabolism and metabolic rate truly work, how to maximize brain function and health, what sports nutrition looks like in the world’s best athletes, how to improve bone health and accelerate healing, the science of strength training for kids, and much more. While not all of us are elite athletes—myself included—there are countless lessons and tools we can learn from those performing at the highest levels. And remember, as legendary coach Bill Bowerman stated, "If you have a body, you are an athlete." If you're not already, I hope you'll consider starting to train and recover like one.
Latest episodes

995 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 2h 14min
How to Boost Your Metabolism & Burn Fat
Discover evidence-based methods to boost metabolism and promote sustainable fat loss. Learn about the components of total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and how factors like age and body composition influence metabolic rates. Explore the roles of Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) and protein intake in enhancing calorie burn. Dive into practical strategies involving sleep, spicy foods, and high-quality supplements aimed at improving overall metabolic health and well-being.

215 snips
Aug 14, 2024 • 1h 42min
Nutrition to Support Brain Health & Offset Brain Injuries
Discover how nutrition plays a vital role in brain health and recovery from injuries like TBIs. Learn about the surprising prevalence of brain injuries outside of sports. Explore how specific nutrients, including creatine, omega-3s, and vitamins, can enhance cognitive function and aid recovery. Hear insights from research on the powerful benefits of BCAAs, magnesium, and blueberries. Plus, find out optimal dosages and dietary sources to support your brain over time.

422 snips
Aug 7, 2024 • 2h 23min
How to Use & Interpret Blood Tests for High Performance
Explore the transformative potential of blood testing for athletic performance. Discover how to select the right blood markers tailored to your personal goals. Learn about the timing and preparation needed for accurate results. Delve into the significance of interpreting reference ranges and natural variability. Uncover ways to enhance your results through targeted nutrition and training. This engaging discussion equips listeners with the tools to optimize health and performance by mastering the art of blood analysis.

136 snips
Jul 31, 2024 • 1h 43min
Genetic Testing for Sports Performance
Delve into the fascinating world of genetic testing and its impact on athletic performance. Discover how genes like ACTN3 and ACE influence strength and endurance. Explore the ethical dilemmas of gene doping and the future of sports genomics. Learn how personalized training and nutrition plans, based on your genetic profile, can enhance performance. Understand the importance of interpreting genetic data accurately and the limitations of current testing technologies in developing athletic potential.

346 snips
Jul 24, 2024 • 2h 6min
Avoid Fitness Plateaus, Overtraining & Mis-Timed Performance Peaks
Discover essential insights into overcoming training plateaus and avoiding overtraining. Learn about the molecular reasons behind fitness plateaus and effective recovery strategies. Explore the concept of peaking and when to taper your training for optimal performance. Understand the risks associated with overtraining and the biomarkers to monitor your health. Enhance your training with tips on sleep quality and nutrition to track your performance progress, helping both athletes and fitness enthusiasts reach their goals.

364 snips
Jul 17, 2024 • 1h 49min
How Lactate & Metabolism Influence Performance
Dive into the fascinating world of lactate, where misconceptions are debunked and its crucial role in metabolism and athletic performance is revealed. Discover how lactate aids in energy transition between carbs and fats, supports mitochondrial health, and influences exercise fatigue. Gain insights into the connections between lactate levels, training intensity, and overall performance, along with practical tips for leveraging this knowledge to enhance athletic capabilities. Get ready to rethink what you thought you knew about this powerful molecule!

539 snips
Jul 10, 2024 • 2h 3min
How to Enhance Performance With Better Sleep
Discover how optimizing sleep can boost athletic performance, enhancing speed and reaction times while aiding recovery. Learn about the athlete’s sleep paradox and why many struggle with suboptimal sleep. Explore innovative strategies like sleep banking and the three I's approach to improving sleep. Delve into personalized sleep strategies tailored for individual needs and the impact of sleep consistency on performance. This insightful discussion unveils crucial tools for training and competition readiness.

715 snips
Jul 3, 2024 • 2h 2min
Build Muscle Size, Strength & Power With Science-Backed Programs
Delve into science-backed protocols for building muscle size and strength. Discover how muscle mass plays a vital role in health and longevity, especially as we age. Learn about essential training concepts, like progressive overload and block periodization, to enhance athletic performance. The discussion includes actionable strategies for both beginners and advanced athletes. Plus, uncover the importance of balanced nutrition and recovery in optimizing training results. Get ready to elevate your strength game!

480 snips
Jun 26, 2024 • 1h 23min
How to Improve Your VO2 Max & Build Endurance
Discover practical strategies to boost your VO2 max and enhance endurance for better health and performance. Explore tailored training programs like Metamorphosis and Faster in 50, designed for various fitness levels. Learn about essential phases of marathon training, strength training integration, and how to structure effective schedules. Emphasis on injury prevention and recovery is key for optimizing results. Maximize your training time while assessing your progress to achieve your goals.

836 snips
Jun 19, 2024 • 1h 55min
Why Muscle Matters & How to Build It
Discover the crucial role of skeletal muscle in health, performance, and longevity. Explore the differences between slow- and fast-twitch fibers, and why resistance training is essential for aging well. Learn how muscle is more than just movement; it interacts with vital organ systems and influences mental health. Understand the balance of muscle quantity and quality, and why strength doesn't always correlate with size. Plus, explore practical insights to enhance muscle function and longevity.