The Judd Lienhard Podcast

Training pain vs. injury. Building muscle after 40. TRT. Mobility. HRV. Explosiveness as you age.In this Q&A episode of The Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd answers some of the most common (and most misunderstood) questions around training, recovery, and performance after 40.If you’ve ever questioned whether you should push through discomfort or back off, or wondered how aging actually affects strength, power, and recovery, this episode is for you.Judd breaks down how to distinguish normal training pain from real injury signals, why loss of power and strength inhibition are red flags you shouldn’t ignore, and how most injuries build slowly long before something “goes wrong.” He explains how smarter training adjustments help you continue progressing instead of ending up sidelined.The conversation also covers muscle growth after 40, explosiveness and power development, mobility versus flexibility, HRV and wearable data, and an honest discussion on testosterone, TRT, and hormone optimization.This episode is for anyone who wants to train hard, stay athletic, and make smarter decisions as they get older, without wrecking their body in the process.Episode Chapters / Timestamps00:00 Training Pain vs. Injury — When to Push or Shut It Down03:54 Building Muscle After 40 — What Actually Changes06:30 Early Warning Signs That Lead to Major Injuries07:45 Can You Still Build Explosiveness After 40?09:40 Power vs. Strength vs. Endurance as You Age11:15 Dead-Stop Training & Ballistic Movements13:05 HRV, Sleep & Wearable Data15:47 Mobility vs. Flexibility20:15 Testosterone, TRT & Hormone Optimization26:30 Natural Ways to Optimize Testosterone30:10 Estrogen, Mood, Sleep & PerformanceAbout the ShowThe Judd Lienhard Podcast focuses on strength, discipline, and athletic development for real life. Hosted by performance coach and former Army Ranger Judd Lienhard, the show breaks down training, mindset, and performance.New episodes drop on Tuesdays. Q&A episodes drop on Thursdays.Follow Judd Lienhard:📲 Instagram: @juddlienhard📺 YouTube: youtube.com/@juddlienhard  Train with Judd: juddlienhard.com This episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

If you’re training hard but unsure whether high volume or low volume training actually builds more strength and muscle, this episode is for you.Judd Lienhard breaks down the long-running debate around training volume, intensity, and frequency, explaining what science and real-world coaching experience actually show—and how to apply it to your own training.👉 Try Judd’s training app free for 7 days and train with the same principles discussed in this episode: strength, athleticism, and long-term progress.You’ll learn:The difference between training for strength vs. hypertrophyWhy training to failure is often misunderstoodHow volume, intensity, and frequency really affect resultsWhy compound lifts to failure can hold athletes backThe minimal effective dose vs. optimal volume for muscle growthHow training age, recovery, and lifestyle change what works bestJudd also explains why elite systems—from old-school bodybuilding to extreme Olympic weightlifting models—show what the body can adapt to, but why smarter programming wins long-term.If you’re deciding between high-volume or low-volume training, this episode will help you train with clarity, confidence, and purpose—without wasting time in the gym.Train with Judd Lienhard Free 7-Day Trial: juddlienhard.com Instagram: @juddlienhard YouTube: Judd Lienhard This episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

Discover the best times to train, emphasizing lifestyle over hormones. Uncover why mobility and stability should precede heavy lifting. Learn about chronic lower-back issues and effective corrective strategies. Understand the nuances between conventional and unconventional exercises for optimal strength. Dive into practical tips for fat loss over 40, including stress management and recovery. Explore the advantages of trap-bar deadlifts and the role of lifting belts. Plus, Judd shares his personal definition of success, beyond just fitness.

Tim Riley, a performance coach with a track record of working with Olympians and elite athletes, delves into hybrid athletes and the complexities of training. He breaks down the nuances of Olympic lifts, discussing their benefits versus alternatives. The conversation touches on the evolution of CrossFit culture and the importance of context in functional training. Tim also shares his personal experiences with TRT, the stigma around it, and critiques the current fitness dogmas, challenging listeners to rethink their approach to athletic development.

In a lively Q&A, various training questions are tackled, highlighting the fusion of cycling and strength work. Discover how Zercher squats can enhance mobility and robustness. Joint pain issues are addressed with science-backed remedies like isometrics and balance work. Learn how to train wisely when sick, balancing movement with rest. Judd shares insights on foot mechanics and gait to build strength and proper form. Plus, find the best strategies for selecting effective training programs and the value of Arnold presses!

What does functional fitness actually mean—and how do you know if your training is truly functional? In this episode, performance coach Judd Lienhard breaks down one of the most overused and misunderstood concepts in the fitness industry.Judd explains what “functionality” really is, why most definitions miss the mark, and how to determine which exercises actually carry over to strength, movement, and real-world capability. He explores why flashy or “functional-looking” movements often fail, why no exercise is inherently functional or nonfunctional, and how to design training that supports the way you live, perform, and move.You’ll learn:How to determine whether an exercise is functional for your goalsWhy the “it must look functional” mentality leads people astrayThe difference between training strength vs. endurance (and why it matters)Why lunges often build more real-world capability than maxing out squatsHow isolating muscles can sometimes be the most functional choiceWhy aesthetics still matter for long-term capability and resilienceUltimately, real functional fitness is individualized, purpose-driven, and built around the demands of your actual life—not trends, internet dogma, or theoretical scenarios. Judd gives you a clear, practical framework for building training that makes you stronger, more capable, and more athletic.Train with JuddStart your 7-day free trial of Judd’s fitness app — the exclusive home of MASS Method programming for movement, athleticism, strength, and speed. https://www.juddlienhard.comAbout the ShowThe Judd Lienhard Podcast explores what it means to Always Be An Athlete — in mind, body, and life. Hosted by former Army Ranger, college linebacker, and performance coach Judd Lienhard.New episodes every Tuesday at 5a CST.Follow JuddInstagram: instagram.com/juddlienhard/YouTube: youtube.com/@juddlienhard This episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

In this Q&A session, Judd Lienhard breaks down your most requested training topics—from youth athletic development and play-based strength foundations, to hypertrophy work for athletes, BJJ conditioning, smart recovery strategies, and practical muscle-building nutrition. If you want to train smarter, stay athletic for life, and avoid the noise of overly complicated fitness advice, this episode delivers clear, actionable answers.Topics CoveredChild training and play-based strength foundationsTransitioning from athlete-style training to general performanceHypertrophy for athletes: what helps and what doesn’tNutrition for muscle gain: protein, carbs, and timingRecovery and intensity managementWhen band and isometric days actually make senseStrength and conditioning for BJJ athletesJudd’s favorite old-school liftsTimestamps 0:17 – Child training: strength, athleticism & play-based learning 2:46 – Transitioning from athlete training to “normal” training 4:18 – Hypertrophy for athletes: benefits & limitations 5:45 – Nutrition for muscle gain: protein, carbs & timing 7:54 – Recovery strategies: intensity vs difficulty 10:41 – Band + isometric days: when they make sense 11:48 – Strength & conditioning for BJJ athletes 14:25 – Judd’s favorite old-school liftsAbout the Judd Lienhard Podcast The Judd Lienhard Podcast explores strength, discipline, and athletic development for real life. Hosted by Judd Lienhard—Army Ranger, performance coach, and creator of the MASS Method—the show breaks down training, mindset, and human performance without the fluff. Full-length episodes release every Tuesday at 5 a.m. CST, and Q&A episodes release Thursdays at 5 a.m. CST.Follow Judd Lienhard Instagram: @juddlienhard YouTube: @juddlienhard Judd's Fitness App (7-day free trial): https://www.juddlienhard.com/This episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

In this episode, Judd sits down with Peloton instructor and hybrid athlete Logan Aldridge to explore what it really means to maintain an athlete mindset through injury, adversity, and unexpected setbacks. Logan lost his arm at 13 in a traumatic accident—but what makes his story powerful isn’t the injury, it’s the mindset he built because of it.Judd and Logan break down the practical mental skills athletes use to stay grounded and keep progressing when training gets disrupted. You’ll learn how Logan rebuilt his confidence, questioned his limiting beliefs, took action before conditions were perfect, created momentum during rehab, and turned a disadvantage into a genuine advantage.Whether you're working through an injury, struggling with motivation, or navigating a tough season of life, this conversation gives you the tools to move forward with clarity, intention, and confidence.Connect with JuddBuild strength, athleticism, and discipline—every season of life—with Judd’s daily training programs:👉 Judd Lienhard Training App: https://www.juddlienhard.com/ 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juddlienhard/ 👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@juddlienhardConnect with Logan Aldridge👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loganaldridge 👉 Website: https://www.loganaldridge.com👉 Peloton: Search "Logan Aldridge" on the Peloton platform This episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

Strength training Q&A with Judd Lienhard. In this episode, Judd breaks down common misconceptions around training intensity, deloads, creatine, peptides, gender-specific programming, and why inmates build muscle despite poor nutrition. Direct answers, with real exercise science and practical takeaways.What Judd covers: • How inmates get strong with limited food quality • When deload weeks matter—and when they don’t • Whether any exercises should be gender-specific • Creatine: benefits, safety, myths, and proper dosing • An overview of peptides like BPC-157, TB-500, and MOTS-C • Judd’s recommended reading listKey ideas: • The training stimulus drives adaptation more than perfect nutrition. • General strength and power work transfers better than most people think. • Deloads are only effective when you’ve actually been pushing hard. • Women do not need separate training systems—the fundamentals apply to everyone. • Creatine is one of the safest, most researched supplements available, and peptides may support recovery depending on individual context.Judd's Top Fitness Book Recommendations:- Triphasic Training by Cal Deitz- Supertraining by Mel Siff & Yuri Verkhoshansky- Charlie Francis Training System by Charlie Francis- Becoming a Supple Leopard by Kelly Starrett - Breathing for Warriors by Dr. Belisa Vranich & Brian Sabin- The 4-Hour Body by Tim FerrissGeneral (Non-Fitness) Books Judd Loves:- Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari- The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathan Haidt- The Rebel by Albert Camus- Tried by War: Abraham Lincoln as Commander in Chief by James McPherson - Rick Atkinson’s WWII Trilogy:   1. An Army at Dawn   2. The Day of Battle   3. The Guns at Last Light- Crusade: The Untold Story of the Persian Gulf War by Rick Atkinson- Ian Toll’s Pacific War Trilogy:   1. Pacific Crucible   2. The Conquering Tide   3. Twilight of the GodsSome of the product links above are affiliate links, which means Judd may earn a small commission if you make a purchase—at no additional cost to you.About the Judd Lienhard Podcast: The show focuses on strength, discipline, and athletic development for real life. Judd breaks down training, mindset, and performance through both long-form episodes and rapid-fire Q&A minis.This episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

Judd sits down with Trevor Millar, co-founder of AMBIO Life Sciences — the Ibogaine clinic where Judd received treatment through VETS (Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions), founded by Marcus and Amber Capone and featured in the film In Waves and War.If you learned about VETS or Ibogaine through In Waves and War, this episode breaks down exactly how the treatment works and why so many veterans, operators, and first responders are seeking it out.Judd and Trevor dive into:• Judd’s Ibogaine and 5-MeO-DMT experience • How AMBIO treats PTSD, combat trauma, depression, addiction, and TBI • The Stanford study showing Ibogaine reversing traumatic brain injury • Why Navy SEALs, Rangers, and Special Forces are turning to this option • What the Ibogaine experience actually feels like • Why Ibogaine has a 40–60% success rate for opioid addiction • The safety protocols AMBIO uses • The push to legalize Ibogaine in the United States • The real story behind In Waves and WarWhether you’re a veteran, athlete, or someone managing trauma, PTSD, depression, or TBI, this conversation may offer insight into a life-changing path toward healing.About AMBIO: AMBIO is a fully medically supervised Ibogaine clinic treating PTSD, TBI, depression, anxiety, addiction, and chronic emotional patterns. Learn more: https://www.ambio.life AMBIO's IG: @ambiolifesciences Trevor Millar's IG: @psychedelic_providerJudd’s Links Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juddlienhardTraining & Merch: https://www.juddlienhard.comResources VETS: https://vetsolutions.orgVeteran Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1) This episode is brought to you by LMNT. Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits. Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥