Avoid Fitness Plateaus, Overtraining & Mis-Timed Performance Peaks

More from Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin All episodes →

1. 

   E12 · 12 Feb 2025 · 3 hr 4 min

   Dr. Tommy Wood: Enhancing Brain Performance & Preventing Dementia

   In this episode, my guest is Dr. Thomas Wood, a UK-trained M.D. with a Ph.D. in physiology and neuroscience. He is a professor of pediatrics and neuroscience at the University of Washington. We discuss how both physical and mental challenges can enhance cognitive function in the short and long term. We also examine the crucial roles of nutrition, sleep, and other lifestyle factors in supporting overall brain health. Additionally, we explore the potential benefits of supplementation with creatine, caffeine, and certain vitamins and their impact on mental performance or recovery from traumatic…

2. 

   E11 · 5 Feb 2025 · 2 hr 14 min

   How to Boost Your Metabolism & Burn Fat

   In this episode, I discuss science-supported methods to boost metabolism and maintain sustainable fat loss. I explain the key components of total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and why some people seem to stay naturally lean with little effort. Using the three I’s—Investigate, Interpret, and Intervene—I explain how to assess your metabolism and make changes to improve it. I describe various behavioral, exercise, nutrition, and supplement-based approaches to enhance metabolism in both the short and long term. I also explain how factors such as age, gender, and body composition impact…

3. 

   E10 · 14 Aug 2024 · 1 hr 42 min

   Nutrition to Support Brain Health & Offset Brain Injuries

   In this episode, I discuss nutrition and supplementation to reduce the risk of brain injury and enhance brain performance and long-term health. Most brain injuries, including traumatic brain injury (TBIs) and concussion, are not from sports and are actually quite common in non-athletes. I explain what happens in the brain when a TBI occurs and discuss science-supported nutrients to reduce the risk of brain injury, minimize symptoms, and improve recovery. Summarizing both research and clinical studies, I explain the neuroprotective effects of specific nutrients, including creatine…

4. 

   E9 · 7 Aug 2024 · 2 hr 23 min

   How to Use & Interpret Blood Tests for High Performance

   In this episode, I discuss blood testing for athletic performance. I explain how performance-based blood testing differs from medical or disease-based blood panels and the pros and cons of blood testing for performance. I explain how to choose specific blood markers based on your performance goals, scenario, and situation. I also discuss the timing, frequency, and preparation for blood tests to increase the accuracy and validity of results. I explain how to contextualize blood test results, interpret reference ranges, and account for the natural variability of blood markers. I also discuss…

5. 

   E8 · 31 Jul 2024 · 1 hr 43 min

   Genetic Testing for Sports Performance

   In this episode, I discuss genetic testing for sports and athletic performance. I describe the history of sports genomics and the search for genes that determine strength, endurance, and other performance markers. I explain how to interpret genetic test results, including how many genes determine a trait, the relative influence of a single gene, and the likelihood that a genetic variant produces noticeable performance effects. I discuss the ethical issues and current limitations of using genetic testing for athletic talent identification. I explain whether your genetic profile can help…

6. 

   E6 · 17 Jul 2024 · 1 hr 49 min

   How Lactate & Metabolism Influence Performance

   In this episode, I discuss lactate (or “lactic acid”) and its essential roles in metabolism and athletic performance. Lactate is commonly misinterpreted as the waste product responsible for muscle soreness and exercise fatigue. However, I explain why it is produced, how lactate positively affects multiple organ systems, and its critical function in metabolism and as a signaling molecule. I explain the concept of metabolic flexibility and how lactate helps cells effectively transition between energy sources (carbs vs. fats). I describe why lactate is essential for mitochondrial health and how…

7. 

   E5 · 10 Jul 2024 · 2 hr 3 min

   How to Enhance Performance With Better Sleep

   In this episode, I explain how sleep optimization produces a competitive advantage and the many tools available for improving sleep to maximize athletic performance. I explain how sufficient, high-quality sleep enhances speed, accuracy, reaction time, and competition performance and aids in injury recovery. I also describe why most athletes suffer from chronic suboptimal sleep, the athlete’s sleep paradox, the biochemical reason athletes need more sleep, and the most common sleep disorders affecting athletes. I explain the importance of optimizing three areas for sleep: duration, quality,…

8. 

   E4 · 3 Jul 2024 · 2 hr 2 min

   Build Muscle Size, Strength & Power With Science-Backed Programs

   In this episode, I explain protocols to build muscle hypertrophy (muscle size) and maximize strength and power for athletic performance, health, and longevity. I describe two science-supported programs developed by strength and performance experts that are appropriate for both men and women, no matter the sport or training level background. I discuss the key training concepts of strength-based programs, including progressive overload, intensity, Prilepin’s chart, autoregulation, block periodization, and how to train in multiple planes for well-rounded adaptations and injury prevention. I…

9. 

   E3 · 26 Jun 2024 · 1 hr 23 min

   How to Improve Your VO2 Max & Build Endurance

   In this episode, I explain practical applications for improving your VO2 max and endurance in order to prevent disease, promote longevity, and optimize overall health and performance. I also explain the training fundamentals and methods to consider when developing an endurance training program, such as general conditioning, warm-ups/cool-downs, tissue tolerance and recovery, injury prevention, and maximizing training time. I describe two endurance training programs suitable for individuals of all training levels: Metamorphosis, designed to improve VO2 max, and Faster in 50, a fifty-day…

10. 

    E2 · 19 Jun 2024 · 1 hr 55 min

    Why Muscle Matters & How to Build It

    In this episode, I discuss the essential role of skeletal muscle in health and performance. I explain what skeletal muscle is made of, how it works, and its role as an integral organ system for physical and mental health. I explain how to focus on skeletal muscle quantity (total muscle) and muscle quality (functionality, speed, power, strength) to ensure you function and perform at the highest levels. I explain the difference between slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers and why skeletal muscle is uniquely adaptable to exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle factors. I also explain why resistance…