Barbell Shrugged - Talking Training W/ Crossfit Games Athletes, Strength Coaches & More

Dr. Alexander Hutchison, a prominent figure in fitness and wellness based in Dallas, Texas, stands at the forefront of discussions surrounding doping in sports with the release of his third book, "In Defense of Doping: Reassessing the Level Playing Field." Through this groundbreaking work, Dr. Hutchison offers a thought-provoking reassessment of conventional notions surrounding performance enhancement in athletics. His distinguished academic background includes serving as the Editor-in-Chief for the esteemed Journal of Cellular Physiology, where he continues to shape scholarly discourse on exercise science, nutrition, and immunology. Hutchison's athletic journey is equally impressive, from his collegiate swimming career to his success as a coach, guiding athletes to triumph in Ironman triathlons and prestigious marathons like the Boston Marathon. Drawing upon his firsthand experiences and scholarly insights, Dr. Hutchison can delve into the historical precedents and contemporary realities of performance enhan

In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: Why stimulants and coffee will not solve your energy problems Pros and Cons of “smart” drugs How small efforts of exercise can significantly improve your energy Why exercise is important for energy as you age How morning walks can optimize circadian rhythm and improve energy Melatonin's role in clearing cellular debris and repairing mitochondria Understanding energy systems and how to train them How micronutrient deficiencies effect energy levels   To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Dr. Escalante is currently a Professor of Kinesiology and Assistant Dean for the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, San Bernardino. He is a scholar in the areas of exercise science, sports nutrition, and sports medicine. His research interests include sports nutrition/supplementation, body composition assessment, physique enhancement, and sports injury prevention/rehabilitation. Dr. Escalante has over 75 peer-reviewed publications and abstracts in the fields of exercise science, sports nutrition, sports medicine, and kinesiology. He regularly presents at regional, national, and international conferences on his research and serves as a sports nutrition/exercise science consultant to various companies in the health/fitness/sports supplement space. Additionally, he has served as an expert witness in the areas of sports nutrition and sports medicine. Dr. Escalante has secured over $150,000 of internal funding to support his teaching and research as well as over $5 million in external fund

In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: Understanding the theory of constraints in your physiology Why doctors use testosterone as a catch all for so many symptoms Why TRT is not the answer to low testosterone in your labs Why alcohol can be detrimental to long term gut health and leaky gut How alcohol affects testosterone Why low testosterone is not the root cause of low energy, brain fog, and decreased libido Why testosterone is a system dysfunction and quick fixes will not solve the root cause of the problem To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Dr. Martin Gibala is a professor and the Faculty of Science Research Chair in Integrative Exercise Physiology at McMaster University. His research examines the mechanistic basis of exercise responses and the impacts on health and performance. Dr. Gibala is widely known for his work on high-intensity interval training. He has published over 150 peer-reviewed articles and his work is frequently cited by major media outlets. Dr. Gibala also coauthored a bestselling book on the topic of time-efficient exercise, The One-Minute Workout: Science Shows a Way to Get Fit That’s Smarter, Faster, Shorter.   Dr. Gibala’s Website www.martingibala.com   Dr. Gibala’s Published Research https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-023-01938-6 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36121130/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34669625/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32362039/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31691289/   Work with RAPID Health Optimization Dr. Martin Gibala on X Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coa

In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: What are lipids What is cholesterol The difference between HDL and LDL cholesterol Why there is no such thing as “good” or “bad” cholesterol What are the bloodwork numbers for optimal cholesterol What is the perfect ratio of HDL and LDL Ratios for Triglycerides to HDL for optimal health Mechanisms for regulating cholesterol in the liver Why saturated fats are not bad and how your body uses them Cholesterols role in testosterone production To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

As a seasoned entrepreneur with 16 years under his belt, Bledsoe has dedicated my career to guiding others to enjoy physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. His journey began after serving in the Navy, where I embraced the mission to optimize my own health, relationships and discover a greater purpose. My passion extends beyond profession; as a health maximalist, I thrive in the great outdoors, whether it's hunting, swimming, backpacking, or immersing myself in the vibrant energy of music festivals. My life is a testament to the belief that true growth and fulfillment come from embracing adventure, direct communication, and a principled approach to decision making. These values guide both my personal and professional life, driving a relentless pursuit of health maximization and continuous improvement. I'm committed to empowering veterans to rediscover their purpose, establishing a firm footing in society while maintaining the spirit of adventure that defines us. With a professional yet direct approa

In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: How to define resilience Understanding psychology vs physiological resilience What are the biomarkers of resilience Cortisol wakening response and how it relates to stress response Is balance possible between stress and recovery How much stress can you body handle before physiology begins to break down How resilience builds confidence in getting through hard times How purpose can be the driver of resilience Where resilience will show up in your labs How to differentiate between recovery and resilience To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Elite Powerlifter, Precision Nutrition & Westside Barbell Certified coach, Jordan Syatt is well known as Gary Vaynerchuk's personal trainer. Jordan began Syatt Fitness, his online fitness coaching business, from his dorm at the University of Delaware in 2011 and has become one of the industry's leading experts in strength training, nutrition, and behavioral psychology. One of the only people in the world to deadlift 4x his own body weight, Jordan's work has been featured all over the world including a variety of media publications such as CNN, The Huffington Post, Business Insider, Men's Health, Men's Fitness, and Schwarzenegger.com Work with RAPID Health Optimization Jordan Syatt Podcast Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: Setting goals for physique transformation How long should you plan for a bulk and cut Strategies for building muscle on a bulk How to handle lagging body parts Time frame for cutting weight and getting shredded Being realistic on the amount of fat you truly need to lose Prep cycles for peak week How to maintain muscle mass when depleted To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Dr. Christopher A. Perry, an Assistant Professor at Eastern Kentucky University, began his fitness journey at Penn State University, where he developed a robust background in Strength & Conditioning leading to 17 years in the industry to date. His academic path, leading through a PhD at Arizona State University, deepened his expertise in Exercise Science & Sports, Sleep & Circadian Rhythms, and Nutrition. Chris's current research focuses on sleep, movement analysis, and CO2 tolerance, particularly in tactical populations and collegiate athletes. His work aims to enhance performance, wellness, and longevity health outcomes, demonstrating his commitment to advancing the field of exercise and sports science. Beyond his academic pursuits, Chris is an executive performance coach, weight loss consultant, fitness entrepreneurship mentor, podcast host, and enjoys engaging in coffee culture and movie discussions. Work with RAPID Health Optimization Dr. Christopher Perry on Instagram Anders Varner on Instag

In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: The spectrum of health from sick, to not sick, and to optimal. Optimal is a word thrown around with ease in the healthy space. What does optimal health look and feel like? Why are the current blood markers in a normal range and not optimal? Where are normal reference ranges created? If you want to know optimal ranges, where do you find them? Why are optimal ranges a better reference point than normal ranges? Hope can you be labeled “healthy” by normal ranges but still have underlying issues that go undetected? To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Dr. Mark Farmer, born in London, England, is a distinguished orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and shoulder surgery. After earning his undergraduate and medical degrees from Georgetown University in Washington, DC, he completed his residency at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York, followed by a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Jefferson University in Philadelphia, PA. Now in private practice in Fort Myers, FL, Dr. Farmer is also developing a functional health and optimization program. An avid traveler, skier, and health enthusiast, he enjoys spending time with his wife Joann and their two sons, Oliver and Isaac. Work with RAPID Health Optimization Work With Dr. Mark Farmer Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

What is psoriasis. How is it related to other skin issues like eczema, acne, and Rosacea. What is causing the body to overproduce skin cells as a protective measure. What lab tests likely need to be ordered to see immune disfunction and root causes. Topical treatments that help manage symptoms vs. addressing root cause. Are the skin issues the first sign of future issues if the problem is not resolved? What is the role of gut health in healing skin issues? To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Christopher Fry is an Associate Professor with tenure in the Department of Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition and the Co-Director for the Center for Muscle Biology at the University of Kentucky. Chris completed a B.S. in Biology at Baylor University (2006), Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB, 2011) and postdoctoral training in muscle physiology at the University of Kentucky (2014). Chris’s research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms that regulate skeletal muscle plasticity to establish interventions to maintain strength and function during conditions of muscle wasting. Over the course of his career, he has created a focused research program that bridges targeted mechanistic approaches to clinical translation. Chris's work spans the translational spectrum, from targeted genetic strategies in pre-clinical models to randomized controlled trials. He has competed as an amateur bodybuilder and enjoys working out, traveling, cooking and spending time with his wife a

In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged, we'll be discussing the various factors that impact brain health and exploring strategies for optimizing brain function. First, we'll be discussing the impact of exercise on brain health. Research has shown that regular exercise can help to improve brain function, enhance cognitive performance, and even reduce the risk of certain neurological disorders. We'll also be discussing the types of exercise that are most beneficial for the brain. Next, we'll be exploring the role of nutrition and supplements in promoting brain health. Certain foods and supplements have been shown to improve brain function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. We'll be discussing which foods and supplements are most effective and how to incorporate them into your diet. Stress is another important factor that can impact brain health. Chronic stress has been shown to have negative effects on the brain, including impairing cognitive function and increasing the risk of neurological disorders. We

Timothy J. Suchomel, PhD, CSCS*D, RSCC is an associate professor of exercise science and program director of the Sport Physiology and Performance Coaching master's program at Carroll University. In addition, Dr. Suchomel serves as the director of the Carroll University Sport Performance Institute and as a human performance coach with Carroll athletics. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and registered strength and conditioning coach through the NSCA and level 1 coach through USA Weightlifting. His research interests include strength and power development, weightlifting movements, and athlete monitoring from which he has published 1 book, 12 book chapters, and over 100 peer-reviewed research articles. In 2022, he was selected as the Terry Housh Outstanding Young Investigator of the Year by the NSCA. Work with RAPID Health Optimization Dr. Timothy Suchomel on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged the team digs into liver health, biomarkers, and optimization. The liver is a remarkable organ that performs numerous essential functions necessary for our overall well-being. Maintaining a healthy liver is vital, and understanding the role of biomarkers and optimization can help us achieve that goal. Our lifestyle choices significantly impact liver health. Unhealthy habits such as a processed food-heavy diet, excessive alcohol consumption, sedentary behavior, and chronic stress can damage the liver. On the other hand, adopting a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and moderate alcohol consumption promotes optimal liver function. Biomarkers play a crucial role in assessing liver health. These measurable indicators, including liver enzymes like ALT and AST, bilirubin levels, and imaging techniques like ultrasound and MRI, provide valuable insights into liver function and overall health. By monitoring these biomarkers, healthcare pr

Matt is a life long educator and has a reputation as a provocative thought leader in education and personal development practices. He is a two-time featured TEDx speaker and he was named Corporate Trainer of the Year at Stanford University, having spoken to over 250,000 people. He is Co Founder of Apogee Strong. Apogee is a specialized mentorship program designed specifically to shape young men into better providers and protectors. We emphasize the curation of men who value living a life with servant leadership and personal growth. It is both a physical and online education experience. Work with RAPID Health Optimization Matt Beaudreau on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

L-Carnitine is a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that plays a crucial role in energy metabolism within the human body. It is synthesized in the liver and kidneys from the amino acids lysine and methionine. L-Carnitine is primarily involved in the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the mitochondria, the energy-producing organelles within cells, where they can be oxidized to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the body's main energy currency. Here are some key aspects and functions of L-Carnitine: Energy production: L-Carnitine facilitates the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondria, enabling their breakdown and subsequent conversion into ATP. This process is essential for maintaining energy levels throughout the body. Fat metabolism: By aiding in the utilization of fatty acids as an energy source, L-Carnitine contributes to fat metabolism and can potentially support weight management and fat loss efforts. Exercise performance: L-Carnitine has been studied for its potential benef