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

Louisa leverages her experience as a neurophysiologist and professional triathlete to not only teach but inspire your audience to perform like an athlete. By using science-driven data from EEG scans, labs tests and cognitive assessments, Louisa has a first class ticket inside the brain of elite NBA, MLB and NFL stars as well as Wall Street’s biggest Hedge funds and portfolio managers. 9 years ago, Louisa was training to go to the Olympics (representing Australia in the triathlon), when she was hit by a car and suffered seemingly insurmountable injuries. Desperate to accelerate her recovery, Louisa integrated brain training into her physiology regime and was able to make a near-miraculous recovery to not only go to the Auckland World Championship series, but place 13th in the triathlon.  Louisa has since helped so many elite performers become the top 1% in their field by leveraging neuroscience, exercise physiology, and biomedical services. Louisa has successfully given her signature talk “Perform like an athl

Dr. Brager is a subject matter expert in behavioral genetics, sleep, and biological rhythms research. She is passionate about discovering new factors that promote resilience in extreme environments, particularly for military personnel. She also serves on the NCAA task force for mental health and sleep, contributing to the first edition of the NCAA student-athlete mental health handbook. She is author of Meathead: Unraveling the Athletic Brain, which debunks the myth of the ‘dumb jock’ and serves as a performance manual for functional athletes. Outside of the laboratory, Allison was a two-time CrossFit Games (team) athlete, a two-time CrossFit Regionals (individual) athlete, and a four-year varsity NCAA Division I athlete in track and field. Dr. Brager has an Sc.B. in Psychology from Brown University and a Ph.D. in Physiology from Kent State University. Allison Brager on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram  

Coach PJ Nestler, the Director of Performance at XPT and Fitlab. Is a human performance specialist with over a decade of experience preparing top athletes for competition. His life mission is to help athletes and coaches realize their true potential.  With a passion for sports and a commitment to excellence, PJ has become a leader in sports performance training. He has trained dozens of athletes from the NFL, NHL and MLB and has worked extensively with over 100 fighters, including multiple Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champions and Top 10 ranked UFC fighters.  Through the application of his progressive training philosophy and unique approach to every situation, Coach PJ continues to raise the bar for fitness professionals. He has emerged as a sought-after expert in human performance and trainer education. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have him on the XPT team, as the new Director of Performance! Coach PJ Nestler on Instagram  Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson 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 ben

Greg has over a decade of experience under the bar and a M.A. in exercise and sports science. He’s held three all-time world records in powerlifting in the 220lb and 242lb classes. He’s trained hundreds of athletes and regular folks, both online and in-person. He’s written for many of the major magazines and websites in the fitness industry, including Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, Bodybuilding.com, T-Nation, and Schwarzenegger.com. Furthermore, he’s had the opportunity to work with and learn from numerous record holders, champion athletes, and collegiate and professional strength and conditioning coaches   Greg Nuckols on Instagram  Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner 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

Brad Schoenfeld, PhD, CSCS, CSPS, FNSCA, is an internationally renowned fitness expert and widely regarded as one of the leading authorities on body composition training (muscle development and fat loss). He is a lifetime drug-free bodybuilder, and has won numerous natural bodybuilding titles. Brad earned his masters degree in kinesiology/exercise science from the University of Texas at Permian Basin and his PhD at Rocky Mountain University where his dissertation focused on elucidating the mechanisms of muscle hypertrophy and their application to resistance training. He has published over 300 peer-reviewed research articles on exercise and sports nutrition, as well as editing multiple textbooks and authoring several textbook chapters. He acts as the Assistant Editor-in-Chief for the NSCA’s Strength and Conditioning Journal, as well as serving on the editorial advisory board for numerous peer-reviewed exercise- and nutrition-related journals. Brad is widely regarded as a „trainer of trainers.“ He is a tenured

Sam Miller has more than a decade of experience as a health, fitness, and nutrition coach.  His programs help coaches and health professionals improve their clients’ results.  A popular online educator, podcast host, and mentor, he consistently offers simple, strategic methods for transformation and translates complex concepts into leverage for any health and fitness goal. His workshops, classes, and specialization programs have served over 2,500 coaches worldwide. He has been a featured speaker for companies like LinkedIn and a content contributor for industry titans such as Barbell Shrugged, Muscle Intelligence, T-Nation, Elite FTS, and more.  He is a certified nutritionist and licensed, board-certified health practitioner who holds a master’s degree from North Carolina State University and a Bachelor of Science from Elon University. To learn more about RAPID Health Optimization, please visit https://rapidhealthreport.com to see a free lab, lifestyle, and performance analysis from Dr. Andy Galpin and Dan Ga

Adam Bornstein is a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning writer and editor. He is the founder of Born Fitness and Pen Name Consulting, and the co-founder of The Pump with Arnold Schwarzenegger. For the past 20 years, Bornstein has been “the trusted voice in health” as the Fitness and Nutrition editor for Men’s Health, Editorial Director at LIVESTRONG.com, and a columnist for SHAPE, Men’s Fitness, and Muscle & Fitness.  Bornstein has worked as a nutrition advisor for LeBron James, Cindy Crawford, Lindsey Vonn, and Arnold Schwarzenegger. He’s the former Chief Nutrition Officer at Ladder and former Vice President of Nutrition for FitOn. His work has been featured in dozens of publications, including The New York Times, Fast Company, ESPN, and GQ, and he’s appeared on Good Morning America, The Today Show, E! News, and The Cheddar. He lives in Denver with his wife and two sons. His latest book “You Can’t Screw This Up” can be purchased at https://www.cantscrewthisup.com   To learn more, please g

In today's fast-paced world, optimizing our health and performance has become paramount. Sleep, recovery, and performance are integral aspects of our well-being, and understanding and improving them is crucial. This is where the Ōura Ring comes into play. This revolutionary wearable technology aims to unlock your potential by providing insights and data to enhance your sleep, recovery, and overall performance. In this article, we will delve into the goal of the Ōura Ring, explore its functionalities, and uncover how it can help you track and improve your sleep, recovery, and performance.   The Goal of the Ōura Ring The Ōura Ring is designed with a clear objective in mind: to empower individuals to take charge of their well-being and unleash their full potential. By combining cutting-edge technology and scientific principles, the ring provides personalized data and insights, enabling users to make informed decisions and optimize their sleep, recovery, and performance.   Understanding the Ōura Ring At first gla

Welcome to another episode of Barbell Shrugged! In this episode, we will be diving into the topic of cortisol and the stress response system. First, we will discuss the stress response system and how it works. Our bodies have a built-in response to stress, known as the fight or flight response. This response is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system and triggers the release of hormones like cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. Next, we will talk about the function of cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone that is released in response to stress and has several important functions in the body. It helps to regulate blood sugar levels, suppress the immune system, and aid in the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. We will also discuss why many people struggle to adapt to stress. Chronic stress can lead to an overactive stress response system, which can cause the body to release too much cortisol. This can lead to negative effects on the body, including weight gain, decreased immune function, and an i

Bryan Krahn is a fitness expert, writer, and online coach based in Canada. He has been involved in the fitness industry for over 20 years and has contributed to various fitness magazines such as Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Muscle & Fitness, and T-Nation. He is known for his evidence-based approach to training and nutrition, and for his ability to simplify complex concepts for his clients and readers.  Bryan Krahn has a degree in kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario and has also earned several certifications in fitness and nutrition, including Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) and Precision Nutrition Level 1 Coach. He has used his education and experience to help countless people achieve their fitness goals through his coaching and writing. Krahn's writing covers a variety of topics related to fitness, including training, nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle. His articles and blog posts are widely read an

Welcome to the Barbell Shrugged Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the NSCA's position paper on Olympic weightlifting for sport performance. Olympic weightlifting is a complex sport that requires a high level of skill, strength, power, and speed. It has become increasingly popular among athletes and coaches as a training tool to improve sport-specific performance. The NSCA's position paper provides a comprehensive overview of the scientific evidence on the benefits and risks of Olympic weightlifting for sport performance. The authors discuss the biomechanics of Olympic weightlifting, which involve the snatch and the clean and jerk, and emphasize the importance of proper form and coaching. The paper reviews the evidence on the benefits of Olympic weightlifting, including improvements in strength, power, speed, and jump performance. The authors also note that Olympic weightlifting can improve bone density, which is especially important for female athletes who are at higher risk of osteoporosis. However, the

In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged we dig in to developing strength using bands, eccentrics, isometrics, and velocity. In this episode, we'll discuss the benefits of each of these methods and how to incorporate them into your training routine. First, let's start with bands. Using resistance bands can be a great way to add variety to your workouts and challenge your muscles in new ways. Bands provide a form of accommodating resistance, meaning that the resistance increases as you approach the end of the movement. This makes them great for exercises such as squats, bench presses, and deadlifts. By adding bands, you can increase the resistance at the top of the movement, which can help to build strength and power. Next up, let's talk about eccentrics. Eccentric training involves focusing on the lowering portion of an exercise. This can be a very effective way to build strength and muscle mass. Eccentric training can be performed with bodyweight exercises or with weights. By emphasizing the eccentric portion

In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged we chat with Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to discuss training, nutrition, and supplementation considerations during menopause. Menopause is a natural transition in a woman's life, but it can come with many changes to the body, including hormonal fluctuations, changes in metabolism, and changes to bone density. In this podcast, we'll be discussing exercise, nutrition, and training tips for women in different stages of menopause. Exercise and nutrition myths and misconceptions for women in different stages of menopause Supporting the body through exercise and nutrition during menopause The importance of strength training and weight-bearing exercises for bone health during menopause Strategies for managing weight and maintaining overall health during menopause The role of nutrition in supporting bone health during menopause, including specific nutrients to focus on. Menopause is a natural transition in a woman's life,

In today’s episode of Barbell Shrugged Dr. Andy Galpin discuss the importance of hydration for both exercise performance and overall health. He covers how much water you need to drink, the role of electrolytes, and how certain foods can contribute to hydration levels. He also provides tips for staying hydrated before, during, and after exercise, and discusses the potential dangers of drinking too much water. Finally, they touch on the impact of alcohol and caffeine on hydration levels. Key Takeaways: Hydration is important for both exercise performance and overall health. The amount of water you need to drink depends on a variety of factors, including body size, activity level, and the climate you live in. Drinking too much water can actually be harmful, leading to a condition called hyponatremia. Electrolytes (such as sodium and potassium) play an important role in hydration, and it's important to replenish them during exercise. Certain foods (such as fruits and vegetables) can also contrib

Ryan Fischer is a highly accomplished athlete and fitness professional, known for his dedication to helping people achieve their health and fitness goals. He is the founder of Chalk Performance Training, a popular fitness studio located in Newport Beach, CA, where he trains and coaches a wide range of clients, from beginners to elite athletes. Ryan began competing in CrossFit competitions, quickly rising through the ranks to become one of the top athletes in the sport. He has competed in CrossFit, finishing in the top 10 and earning a reputation as one of the most skilled and versatile athletes in the field.   In addition to his competitive success, Ryan is also a highly sought-after coach and trainer. He has worked with athletes at all levels, from beginners to Olympians, helping them to improve their strength, endurance, and overall fitness. He is known for his innovative and effective training methods, which focus on functional movements and high-intensity workouts that are designed to improve performance

Dr. Sean Pastuch is a chiropractor, coach, and entrepreneur who is known for his work in the fitness and health industry. He is the founder and CEO of Active Life Rx, which is a company that provides fitness and health coaching services. Dr. Pastuch's mission is to help people move without pain and reach their full potential in fitness and life. He has worked with professional athletes, coaches, and everyday people to help them overcome injuries, improve their movement quality, and achieve their fitness goals. In addition to his work with Active Life Rx, Dr. Pastuch is also the author of the book "The Active Life," which provides a step-by-step guide to achieving a pain-free, high-performing body. He is also a speaker and has given presentations on fitness, health, and performance at various conferences and events. To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthreport.com   Connect with our guests: Dr. Sean Pastuch on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

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

In Today’s Episode of Barbell Shrugged, we’ll be exploring the science behind this natural bodily function and answering some of the most common questions people have about farting. First off, we'll be asking the question: What causes flatulence, and why do some people produce more gas than others? Our bodies produce gas during the process of digestion, and certain foods can contribute to excessive gas production. Additionally, factors like stress and digestive disorders can also impact the amount of gas we produce. Next, we'll be exploring the question: Is it normal to fart a lot, or could excessive flatulence be a sign of an underlying health issue? While some amount of farting is normal, excessive flatulence could be a symptom of a digestive disorder. Moving on, we'll be discussing the question: Can certain foods or drinks cause more flatulence than others, and if so, which ones? Yes, certain foods like beans, broccoli, and dairy products can contribute to excessive gas production. Additionally, carbonated