Barbell Shrugged

Content Creator / Podcast / Show / Fitness / Martial Arts

New episode every Wednesday! Join the Barbell Shrugged crew in conversations about fitness, training, and frequent interviews w/ CrossFit Ga

by Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dr. Mike Lane

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About Barbell Shrugged

New episode every Wednesday! Join the Barbell Shrugged crew in conversations about fitness, training, and frequent interviews w/ CrossFit Games athletes!

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Episodes

New episodes usually drop on Wednesdays.200 episodes

Oct 28, 2026 · 46 min

869 - Power Training for Masters Athletes

Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dr. Mike Lane break down power training for masters athletes and why staying strong doesn't automatically mean staying explosive. They discuss the age-related loss of fast-twitch muscle fibers, the demands that jumping and sprinting place on connective tissue, and why returning to explosive training requires a gradual progression. From jump rope and basic hops to hill sprints, box…
Oct 23, 2026 · 40 min

868 - Training for MMA and BJJ

Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dr. Mike Lane break down strength and conditioning for MMA and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, with a heavy emphasis on speed and power endurance. Doug shares lessons from his own fighting and coaching experience, including how he structures heavy bag intervals and a simple way to progress fight-specific conditioning. The crew covers aerobic fitness, recovery between rounds, and why your…
Oct 7, 2026 · 48 min

867 - Elite Athletes and Special Ops w/ Robb Rogers

In this episode, veteran strength coach Robb Rogers joins Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane to explore what decades of coaching collegiate athletes, professional teams, and military operators can teach us about building lasting performance. From the St. Louis Blues to special warfare, Robb explains what elite performers share, how tactical demands change the training equation, and why trust and…
Oct 1, 2026 · 1 hr 7 min

866 - The Godfather of Velocity-Based Training w/ Dr. Bryan Mann

I've been a fan of velocity-based training since I first experimented with it in 2005. After three four-week blocks, I hit PRs across my weightlifting and powerlifting lifts while really enjoying the training itself. It felt like I was running sprints in the weight room. Full speed, not to failure, full rest. Fun and effective. The work felt easier on my body, yet I felt faster and more explosive than I had before.…
Sep 23, 2026 · 1 hr 7 min

865 - Built to Last: Strength, Recovery, and Return to Performance w/ Brian Newman

This week on Barbell Shrugged, Brian Newman joins Doug Larson and Dr. Mike Lane to talk about getting stronger, recovering from hard training, and staying healthy enough to keep doing what you love. Brian spent years working in professional baseball and now serves as Director of Health, Performance, and Safety for Fort Worth Fire. He explains how he trains firefighters who don't have an off-season and might get…

The archive: 195 older episodes

Sep 16, 2026 864 - Strength and Conditioning Industry Pioneer w/ Dr. Andy Fry
This week on Barbell Shrugged, we welcome Dr. Andy Fry to the show. Dr. Fry is a pioneer and legend in the world of strength and conditioning and someone who helped shape my career long before this podcast existed. He served as an advisor and mentor to both me and Dr. Andy Galpin during our early years at the University of Memphis. He's one of the most impressive scientists in the industry, with approximately 300…
Sep 9, 2026 863 - From Competitor to Recreational Athlete w/ Gini Grimsley
Former Division I and professional basketball player Gini Grimsley joins Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane to discuss one of the hardest transitions in fitness: going from competitive athlete to normal life without losing the identity, structure, and physical capability that sports provided. Gini explains why former athletes often struggle to stop comparing themselves to their younger selves—and how the…
Sep 2, 2026 862 - Coaching Behavior Change w/ Cody McBroom
Cody McBroom joins Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane to break down what separates a list of exercises from real coaching. As a strength coach, online coaching business owner, and host of the Choose Hard podcast, Cody works with "advanced general population" clients who have tried to train and diet but still cannot connect the dots. The crew gets practical about why many people fail to progress: they…
Aug 26, 2026 861 - From Paralympian to 10-Time CrossFit Games Champion w/ Thomas Miazga
In this episode, 10-time CrossFit Games champion Thomas Miazga joins Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane to share the extraordinary path that took him from a childhood shaped by cerebral palsy to the Paralympic Games, elite adaptive CrossFit competition, and beyond. Tom reflects on discovering freedom and athletic identity in the water, qualifying for the 2008 Beijing Paralympics just 18 months after…
Aug 19, 2026 860 - Live More, Hurt Less w/ Dr. Sean Pastuch
Dr. Sean Pastuch sits down with Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane to talk about what he's learned the hard way about chronic pain, discipline and how to get back to training pain free. Pulling from his new book *Live More, Hurt Less*, Sean breaks down why so many lifters end up organizing their entire life around avoiding pain, and how that strategy inevitably makes training less fun than it used to…
Aug 12, 2026 859 - Blood Flow Restriction with Dr. Michael MacPherson
In this episode of Barbell Shrugged, blood flow restriction specialist Dr. Michael MacPherson joins Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane to break down how BFR training can be used for far more than post-injury rehabilitation. Michael explains how strategically restricting blood flow creates a hypoxic environment that increases type II muscle fiber recruitment, metabolic stress, and cellular…
Aug 5, 2026 858 - Training Police Officers
In this episode, Doug Larson joins Coach Travis Mash and Dr. Mike Lane to break down what it takes to build a scalable strength and conditioning program for police officers. Mash shares his new partnership with the Winston-Salem Police Department, beginning with a six-week, 15-person pilot designed to refine onboarding, testing, training, and ongoing monitoring before expanding to roughly 600 officers and support…
Jul 22, 2026 857 - The Protein Blueprint
In this episode, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane break down everything athletes need to know about protein: what it does, how much you actually need, and how to make it work in the real world. They dismantle the myth that the body can only use 30–35 grams per meal, explain why protein needs should scale with lean body mass and training goals, and show how distributing protein across three or four…
Jul 15, 2026 Metabolic Adaptation w/ Dr. Eric Trexler, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dr. Mike Lane #856
Dr. Eric Trexler returns to Barbell Shrugged to break down one of the most misunderstood subjects in fitness: how the body adapts to dieting, exercise, and energy restriction. Eric, a Duke University researcher with a PhD in Human Movement Science, joins Doug Larson, Dr. Mike Lane, and Coach Travis Mash to explain the constrained energy expenditure model, why cardio does not always produce the linear calorie burn…
Jul 8, 2026 Nutrition For Jiu-Jitsu w/ Alex Maclin, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dr. Mike Lane #855
In this episode, OG Barbell Shrugged crew member Alex Maclin joins Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane to talk nutrition for jiu-jitsu, combat sports, and high-performance training. Alex shares his evolution from overweight beginner to Olympic weightlifter, nutrition coach, and four-stripe brown belt, explaining how his personal nutrition shifted from fat loss to strength, aesthetics, and now athletic…
Jul 1, 2026 Training For Aesthetics w/Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dr. Mike Lane #854
In this episode, Doug Larson, Dr. Mike Lane, and Coach Travis Mash break down the real-world science of training for aesthetics: getting leaner, building muscle, and looking better without losing sight of performance, health, and longevity. Mike opens with a wild DEXA scan story about breast implants and body composition testing, explaining how implants can skew lean mass and bone density numbers. The takeaway is…
Jun 17, 2026 Scientific Research and CrossFit Workouts w/ Dr. Gerald Mangine, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dr. Mike Lane #853
For years, one of the biggest criticisms of CrossFit has been that, Given every workout is different, it's difficult to measure and track training stress in a meaningful way. Dr. Jerry Mangine joins Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Mike Lane to discuss a decade of research aimed at solving that problem. Jerry breaks down how his team analyzed every CrossFit Open workout ever performed, developed equations to quantify…
Jun 10, 2026 Peptides w/ Dr. Kyle Gillett, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dr. Mike Lane #852
Peptides have exploded in popularity over the last few years, but separating legitimate science from marketing hype has become increasingly difficult. In this episode, Dr. Kyle Gillett joins Doug Larson, Dr. Mike Lane, and Coach Travis Mash for a deep dive into the world of peptides, growth hormone secretagogues, GLP-1 medications, and emerging therapies that may shape the future of performance, recovery, body…
Jun 3, 2026 Training Tactical Athletes w/ Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dr. Mike Lane #851
In this episode, Doug Larson, Dr. Mike Lane, and Coach Travis Mash break down what it actually means to train tactical athletes such as police officers, firefighters, military personnel, SWAT teams, cadets, and first responders who may be called into high-stress physical situations at any time. The conversation starts with the Enhanced Games and the reality of performance-enhancing drugs in sport, then quickly…
May 27, 2026 How to Train Hard Without Breaking Down with Mike Robertson, Doug Larson, Dr. Mike Lane and Coach Travis Mash #850
In this episode, strength coach, educator, and IFAST co-founder Mike Robertson joins Doug Larson, Dr. Mike Lane, and Coach Travis Mash to talk about how serious lifters and athletes can train hard without destroying their bodies in the process. Mike shares his path from early T-Nation contributor to gym owner and longtime coach, explaining how his background in biomechanics shaped the way he evaluates movement,…
May 20, 2026 How We Use Athlete Monitoring to Train Smarter w/ Doug Larson, Dr. Mike Lane and Coach Travis Mash #849
In this episode, Doug Larson, Dr. Mike Lane, and Coach Travis Mash break down athlete monitoring, readiness testing, and how coaches can use simple data to make better training decisions. Travis explains how his master's thesis used daily depth jumps, subjective questionnaires, and warm-up performance to track fatigue and readiness in weightlifters. The big lesson: testing only works when you minimize variables,…
May 13, 2026 Cardio For Strength Athletes w/ Doug Larson, Dr. Mike Lane and Coach Travis Mash #848
In this episode, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane break down cardio for strength athletes, especially lifters who have spent years chasing numbers in the gym but have not deliberately trained their heart, lungs, and work capacity. The big idea is simple: the less time you have, the more intensity matters; the more time you have, the more room you have for lower-intensity zone 2 work. Doug explains…
May 6, 2026 The Psychology of Self-Sabotage w/ Dr. Ben Steel, Doug Larson, Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #847
In this episode, Dr. Ben Steel joins Doug Larson and Dr. Mike Lane to break down the psychology of self-sabotage, performance anxiety, and why high performers often get in their own way. Ben shares his background as a former wrestler, certified mental performance consultant, and mental health counselor, explaining how his own experience with pre-performance anxiety led him into sports psychology. The conversation…
Apr 29, 2026 Training for Power with Velocity Based Training w/Doug Larson, Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #846
In this episode, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane explain why velocity-based training is a powerful tool for athletes who want to perform better without constantly feeling beat up. Instead of relying on grinders and fatigue-heavy sessions, they show how training with speed and intent can help athletes become more explosive, more efficient, and more prepared for sport. The big picture benefit is…
Apr 22, 2026 550 Mile Races w/ Cody Taylor, Doug Larson, Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #845
Cody Taylor went from living out of a van on a music tour, signed to a major label and playing after Def Leppard, to setting unsupported fastest known times on 550-mile wilderness trails no one had ever completed without a support crew. He didn't start running until 2020. By 2023 he was finishing 100-milers. By 2024 he was carrying a 53-pound pack through 650 kilometers of Quebec backcountry alone, filtering water…
Apr 15, 2026 How AI Is Changing Nutrition Coaching with Rami Alhamad with Doug Larson, Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #844
In this episode, Doug Larson and Dr. Mike Lane sit down with Rami Alhamad, founder of Alma and former creator of Push, to explore how AI is changing nutrition coaching and performance tracking. Rami shares his background in engineering, strength training, and startup building, including the journey of creating Push, the velocity-based training platform later acquired by Whoop. The conversation covers how that…
Apr 8, 2026 The Performance Pyramid: What Actually Drives Results with Doug Larson, Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #843
In this episode, Doug Larson, Dr. Mike Lane, and Coach Travis Mash break down the performance pyramid: a simple way to organize the biggest drivers of strength, muscle, and performance. At the base are the non-negotiables: training, nutrition, and sleep. The crew opens by challenging the idea that tiny programming details or trendy methods can outrun poor fundamentals, using the old Colorado Experiment and the…
Apr 1, 2026 Benefits of Single Joint Exercises with Doug Larson, Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #842
In this episode, Doug Larson, Dr. Mike Lane, and Coach Travis Mash flip the usual strength conversation on its head and make the case for single joint training. Instead of focusing only on squats, deadlifts, cleans, and presses, they explain when movements like leg curls, calf raises, lateral raises, curls, triceps work, and hip isolation drills become incredibly valuable. The core idea is simple: compound lifts…
Mar 25, 2026 The 20-Rep Squat Method with Scott Charland, Doug Larson, Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #841
In this episode, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane sit down with longtime strength coach Scott Charland to unpack what it really takes to build athletes and build a sustainable career in strength and conditioning. Scott shares his path from collegiate strength coach to leading one of the most unusual and impressive sports performance models in the country at Parkview Sports Medicine, where a team of…
Mar 18, 2026 Culture, Buy-in and Stronger Athletes with Jeremy Carlson, Doug Larson, Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #840
In this episode of Barbell Shrugged, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane sit down with Center College strength coach Jeremy Carlson to unpack how he built a high-functioning strength and conditioning culture at a small Division III school with limited staff, limited time, and one shared weight room. Jeremy explains how he went from being a former soccer player and CrossFit gym manager to launching Center's…
Mar 11, 2026 Performance Brain Health Part 2 with Dr. Tommy Wood, Doug Larson, Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #839
In this episode, Dr. Tommy Wood returns to Barbell Shrugged for part two of a deep conversation on brain health, cognitive decline, and the daily habits that shape long-term mental performance. Joined by Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane, Tommy unpacks why oral health matters far more than most people realize, explaining how gum disease, oral bacteria, and chronic inflammation may contribute not only to…
Mar 4, 2026 Bodyweight Supplement Dosing: Creatine, Caffeine, Beta-Alanine and More with Doug Larson, Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #838
In this episode, Doug Larson sits down with Coach Travis Mash and Dr. Mike Lane to challenge the "one-size-fits-all" approach to supplement dosing. They break down why most labels are effectively written for an average-sized person, and why that matters when you're 100 pounds soaking wet, or a 300-pound lineman. Using real stories (like a 450 mg caffeine pre-workout for a small athlete and the classic "I couldn't…
Feb 25, 2026 Fat Free Mass Index Explained: A Better Body Comp Metric for Athletes with Dr. Andrew Jagim, Doug Larson, Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #837
In this episode, Doug Larson, Dr. Mike Lane, and Coach Travis Mash sit down with Dr. Andrew Jagim, Director of Sports Medicine Research for the Mayo Clinic Health System, to talk about what actually works for building stronger, more resilient young athletes. Andrew shares how his applied research feeds directly back into real-world coaching, especially for under-resourced D3 athletes, and why the best youth…
Feb 18, 2026 The Power of Heavy Carries: Grip, Core, and Conditioning with Doug Larson, Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #836
In this episode, Doug Larson sits down with Dr. Mike Lane and Coach Travis Mash to break down one of the most effective tools in strength and conditioning: heavy carries. From farmer's walks and yoke carries to unilateral overhead and bottoms-up kettlebell variations, they explore why these simple movements deliver massive returns. The group discusses programming strategies, including time and load progressions,…
Feb 11, 2026 Root Cause Health: The End of Symptom Chasing with Dr. Stephen Cabral, Doug Larson, Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #835
In this episode, Dr. Stephen Cabral joins Doug Larson and Dr. Mike Lane to break down how he went from a decade-long "idiopathic illness" in his teens to building one of the biggest health education platforms in the space, including more than 3,600 daily podcast episodes. Cabral shares the turning points in his own recovery: years of heavy antibiotic exposure, chronic stress, gut dysbiosis (candida, H. pylori,…
Feb 4, 2026 Deadlifting Through The Decades with Doug Larson Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #834
In this episode of Barbell Shrugged, Doug Larson, Travis Mash (powerlifting world champion), and Dr. Michael Lane break down how to deadlift across the entire lifespan, from kids learning to hinge to lifters in their 40s, 50s, and beyond chasing strength without paying for it later. They start with youth training principles that actually work: keep it simple, keep it safe, and keep it fun. Kettlebell deadlifts and…
Jan 28, 2026 The Forever Strong Playbook with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, Doug Larson Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #833
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon returns to Barbell Shrugged with Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane to lay out a simple case: muscle is the missing centerpiece of modern health care. Our culture's weight loss obsession has distracted us from the bigger problem, under-muscled, metabolically unhealthy people aging into frailty. Drawing from her training in nutritional sciences and geriatrics, Gabrielle explains why…
Jan 21, 2026 Performance Brain Health - Part 1 with Dr. Tommy Wood, Doug Larson Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #832
In this episode of Barbell Shrugged, Doug Larson is joined by longtime co-host Travis Mash and new co-host Dr. Mike Lane for a return visit from one of the show's most popular guests, Dr. Tommy Wood. Tommy breaks down the core thesis of his new book, The Stimulated Mind (releasing March 24), which uses dementia prevention as the headline but is really about boosting cognition at every stage of life. The crew sets…
Jan 16, 2026 Pain-Free Performance with Dr. John Rusin, Doug Larson Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #831
In this episode of Barbell Shrugged, Doug Larson is joined by longtime co-host Travis Mash and new co-host Michael Lane as they welcome back John Rusin for his first appearance on the show in five years. The conversation opens with a candid transition moment for the podcast, acknowledging Anders Varner's departure and setting the stage for a new chapter of Barbell Shrugged. From there, the crew dives straight into…
Jan 7, 2026 Our New Co-Host Deadlifts 700lbs with Doug Larson, Travis Mash & Dr. Mike Lane #830
In this episode of Barbell Shrugged, Doug Larson and Travis Mash officially welcome Dr. Mike Lane as the show's new co-host. Mike shares his full origin story, from growing up a sports-loving kid in St. Louis, to discovering strength and conditioning in college, to earning his PhD and becoming a professor of exercise physiology. Along the way, he reflects on the mentors who shaped his thinking, including time spent…
Dec 31, 2025 How Circadian Rhythms Shape Strength, Recovery, and Health with Dr. Karen Esser #829
In this episode, Dr. Karen Esser Professor and Chair of the Department of Physiology and Aging at the University of Florida joins the crew to break down one of the most overlooked performance variables in human physiology: circadian timing. After a career spent studying muscle adaptation, Dr. Esser shifted her research toward the molecular clocks inside our tissues, uncovering how every cell in the body keeps its…
Dec 17, 2025 Menopause, Weight Gain and Hormones with Fat Loss Expert Dr. Bill Campbell #828
In this episode, Dr. Bill Campbell returns to the show to discuss a major pivot in his research from building muscle and optimizing fat loss to understanding menopause and its effects on women's body composition. After watching his wife struggle through a severe perimenopause transition that resisted every traditional fat loss strategy, Campbell uncovered a massive blind spot in the scientific literature: almost no…
Dec 10, 2025 Black Root Recovery: The Multi‑Modality Recovery Sauna Built for Veterans, Athletes, and High Performers #827
Former Marine and general contractor Andrew Kavanaugh joins the crew to share the origin story of Black Root Recovery, a company he founded after watching too many of his fellow Marines struggle physically, mentally, and emotionally after returning home. What started as a personal quest to rebuild his health led to a 90-pound weight loss, the elimination of sleep apnea and nightmares, and a profound shift in…
Dec 3, 2025 Ben Johns - The Most Dominant Pickleball Athlete In The World #826
In this episode, the world's #1 pickleball player, Ben Johns, joins Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane to unpack what it really takes to stay at the top of one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet. Ben walks through the insane travel schedule, the perpetual in-season demands, and the growing physical toll of a sport played in deep athletic stances, high-velocity lateral movements, and…
Nov 26, 2025 MRI-based Muscle Analysis with Dr. Doug Goldstein #825
In this episode, the Barbell Shrugged crew explores how next-generation MRI muscle analysis is transforming the way high-performing athletes train, recover, and prevent injury. Dr. Doug Goldstein walks Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash through Doug Larson's full Springbok Analytics scan a 3D "digital twin" of his musculoskeletal system that reveals muscle volume, asymmetries, and tissue quality with a…
Nov 19, 2025 Precision Muscle Analysis with Matt Brown of Springbok Analytics #824
In this episode, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash sit down with Matt Brown, Director of Business Development at Springbok Analytics, to explore the cutting edge world of MRI based muscle analysis. Matt breaks down the origins of Springbok, how the company grew from a university research lab solving cerebral palsy surgical problems into one of the most advanced muscle segmentation platforms on the planet,…
Nov 12, 2025 Measuring Muscle Mass Percentage with Dr. Chris Perry, Anders Varner, Travis Mash and Doug Larson #823
In this week's episode of Barbell Shrugged, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, and Dr. Chris Perry dive deep into the real science of muscle mass, why it's the single most important tissue in the human body and what happens when you don't have enough of it. They cover everything from how muscle mass impacts disease risk, hormone balance, metabolism, and injury prevention to why being "under-muscled" may…
Nov 5, 2025 Rebuilding Strength and Purpose, Travis Mash's Path Back to the Platform w/ Anders Varner, Travis Mash and Doug Larson #822
In this episode, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash sit down for a story that is equal parts comeback and evolution. After a hip replacement and years away from competition, Mash, now over 50 years old, stepped back onto the powerlifting platform to go nine for nine and set new age group world records. He breaks down how he rebuilt his body, balanced strength with health, and used velocity-based training…
Oct 29, 2025 The Science of Sleep and Recovery w/ Dr. Allison Brager, Anders Varner, Travis Mash and Doug Larson #821
In this episode, neuroscientist and U.S. Army sleep expert Dr. Allison Brager joins Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash to explore the real science behind sleep, recovery, and wearable technology. They discuss which devices actually deliver useful data, such as the Oura Ring for sleep tracking and Garmin for cardiovascular measurements, and why being consistent with one tool is more important than chasing…
Oct 22, 2025 Gym Culture w/ Kenny Santucci, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #820
With over a decade of experience, Kenny Santucci has made himself a known as one of New York City's top trainers and a thought leader in the health and wellness industry. Brand ambassador for Michelob Ultra and Fitaid, Technogym Master Trainer, host of the Fitaid Morning Show, Michelob Ultra MOVEMENT Fitness Festival, Model Beach Volleyball, and more, Santucci has established himself as a force within the fitness…
Oct 15, 2025 Useful Fitness Standards w/ Dr. Mike Lane, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #819
In this episode, the team breaks down what it means to build and maintain essential fitness, the baseline level of strength, endurance, and resilience every person should strive for. They discuss how to train efficiently using the minimum effective dose, balancing work, family, and recovery while still progressing. The conversation covers the principles behind durable fitness, how to set meaningful performance…
Oct 8, 2025 Addiction, Recovery and Building a Life of Value w/ Tim Riley, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #818
Tim Riley is Director of Sports Performance at Kollective in Austin, TX where he trains athletes at the pro, collegiate, and high school level. Most notably, Riley currently oversees and conducts strength and conditioning sessions for NFL, NBA, PLL & AVP athletes. The NFL off-season program at Kollective is one the largest and most respected programs in the country. Riley is also the head strength and conditioning…
Oct 1, 2025 Melanoma, Jungle Gyms, and Strength Tech w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #817
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged, Anders, Doug, and Travis dive into Coach Travis' recent melanoma diagnosis, how he found out about it, and his recent surgery to eliminate it. We also dive into Anders' quest to build a gym in the middle of the woods where he plans on lifting giant trees and the latest in strength tech with Travis Mash. Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health Optimization Links: Anders Varner on…
Sep 24, 2025 Four Levers of Physiological Flexibility w/ Dr. Michael T. Nelson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #816
Dr. Mike T. Nelson has spent 18 years of his life learning how the human body works, specifically focusing on how to properly condition it to burn fat and become stronger, more flexible, and healthier. He's has a PhD in Exercise Physiology, a BA in Natural Science, and an MS in Biomechanics. He's an adjunct professor and a member of the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr. Nelson has been called in to share his…
Sep 17, 2025 Four Pillars of Anti-Aging w/ Blair LaCorte, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #815
Blair LaCorte is the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging—the world's first biomedical research institution dedicated solely to understanding aging and age-related diseases, and the largest independent scientific institute in the Bay Area. A seasoned leader and strategist, Blair has a track record of transforming companies across five industries, leveraging his expertise…
Sep 10, 2025 The Path to IFBB Pro w/ Aaron Starker, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #814
Aaron Straker is a N.A.S.N. Licensed Primary Sports Nutritionist. He prefers a pragmatic approach to nutrition that focuses on simple food selection, the importance of nutrient density, and the importance of objectivity in dieting and reporting. Today on Barbell Shrugged we dive into Straker's path to becoming and IFBB Pro. From injury, setbacks, discipline, and his transparent usage of performance enhancing drugs.…
Sep 5, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Brain Health] Science and Strategies for Optimizing Brain Health w/ Dan Garner, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash
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…
Sep 3, 2025 How to Eliminate Back Pain w/ Dr. Melissa Capurro, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #813
Melissa is a performance physical therapist and is heavily involved in the CrossFit space as a healthcare provider, as well as an athlete. Melissa grew up in the Metropolitan New York area, but now resides in the Tampa Bay area. Upon graduating from PT school, Melissa started working in an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy practice, but was unsatisfied with what she was able to achieve there and the level of…
Aug 29, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Blood Work] High Performance Blood Chemistry w/ Dan Garner, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged Dan Garner dives into how you can start to analyze your yearly bloodwork for performance. Standard blood tests can be ordered around the globe, in every country, and are the gold standard for understanding basic health. The normal reference ranges, however, are not giving you the answers you are looking for when it come to optimizing your health and performance. In this…
Aug 27, 2025 Hard Truths from a Lifetime of Training w/ Bryan Boorstein, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #812
Bryan Boorstein has 24 years of training and over 13 years of coaching experience. A 3-time CrossFit Regional athlete and CrossFit Games coach, Bryan holds a Bachelor of Science from JMU (2006) and certifications in CrossFit L-2 and Mobility. As the owner and founder of Evolved Training Systems and Paragon Training Methods, he's a trusted name in fitness. Bryan's been featured on ESPN Radio and numerous podcasts,…
Aug 22, 2025 Physiology Friday: The Rhythm of Rest: Unlocking Sleep Potential Naturally w/ Dr. Chris Perry, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash
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…
Aug 20, 2025 The Truth About Energy Drinks w/ Flavia Pereira, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #811
Flavia is a passionate CISSN nutrition coach, full-time Exercise & Sport Science faculty member, and beach volleyball strength & nutrition coach. She has been teaching and coaching for the past 18 years. She graduated with a B.S. and M.S. in Kinesiology - Exercise Science and is pursuing her Ph.D. in Health & Human Performance. Flavia is part of the Rapid Health Optimization team as a nutritionist and a research…
Aug 15, 2025 Physiology Friday: How to Build a Killer Cardiovascular System w/ Dr. Mike T. Nelson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis sit down with Anders coach, Dr. Mike T. Nelson. For those that have followed the show, you know Anders has been in pursuit of running a sub-6 minute mile at the age of 40. Dr. Nelson is the coach Anders hired to help with that goal. In this episode the crew walks through program design, initial intake, and execution of how to build…
Aug 13, 2025 When to Make Changes to Your Training w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #810
The crew breaks down how to know when it's time to pivot your training. From bodybuilding and Olympic lifting to CrossFit, strongman, and martial arts, they share what decades under the bar have taught them about adapting for longevity, avoiding injury, and keeping fitness enjoyable. In this episode, you will learn: How to recognize when your training is no longer serving you Safer alternatives to Olympic lifts for…
Aug 8, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Immune System] Why Optimal Nutrition Starts with the Immune System w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: What is the immune system Why the immune system is responsible for building muscle How gut health impacts the immune system Understanding recovery and its impact on the immune system How to optimize your immune system for performance Visit https://rapidhealthoptimization.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on…
Aug 6, 2025 Protein and Amino Acids to Become Combat Ready w/ Dr Jess Gwin, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #809
Dr. Jess Gwin is a PhD in Nutritional Science and post-doctoral fellowship focused on muscle physiology and protein metabolism. Researcher in protein/essential amino acids (EAAs) nutrition, muscle preservation, and energy deficiency. Advocate for using data-driven nutrition to extend health span and performance. Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health Optimization Links: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on…
Aug 1, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Blood Sugar] The Most Optimal Way to Control Blood Sugar w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: What to look for in lab work about your glucose levels What Doctors will not tell you about your glucose levels How to know if you are pre-pre-diabetic Why normal range for your glucose levels could be a bad thing How to regulate blood glucose and why it is important Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan…
Jul 25, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Gut Health] The Epicenter of Health Optimization w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: Why the gut is so important for optimal health. What causes poor gut health and how to avoid it How important is a stool sample to find potential hidden stressors What your poop can tell you about your health Ways to improve gut health https://rapidhealthoptimization.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram…
Jul 23, 2025 SORINEX: LEGENDARY STRENGTH TRAINING W/ BERT SORIN, ANDERS VARNER, DOUG LARSON, AND COACH TRAVIS MASH BARBELL SHRUGGED #592
Bert and his wonderful wife Lesley are the proud parents of three children. Bert and his family, a family rooted in strength, have been entrenched in the human performance world for as far back as he can remember. Growing up with a barbell in his hand has been pivotal in charting the course of his life and leading him to become a 4-time Division 1 All-American Track and Field (Hammer and 35 lb. Weight Throw),…
Jul 16, 2025 How Travis Mash Got a 6-Pack at 50 Years Old w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #807
The home team is back again and Travis Mash has been posting too many shirtless selfies with all the abs for us not address the nutrition, fitness, and training programs he is up to. Tons of insight into getting back to the basics, simplifying, and making it all work while keeping family at the center of it all. Enjoy. Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health Optimization Links: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on…
Jul 11, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Physique Transformation] How Hormones Help Build Muscle and Burn Fat w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: The relationship between testosterone and cortisol The relationship between calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients Why micronutrients matter for achieving a lean physique Optimal hormone ratios for physique transformation How does menstrual cycle affect performance Understanding gut health and it's affects on physique Stabilizing hormones as a sign of health Visit…
Jul 9, 2025 Clockwork Cognition: Engineering the 24-Hour Human for Peak Performance in the Digital-AI Era w/ Dr. Chis Perry, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #806
Dr. Christopher A. Perry, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo, 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.…
Jul 4, 2025 Physiology Friday: How Your Cardiovascular System Improves Metabolic Health w/ Dr. Nathan Jenkins, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash
Dr. Nathan Jenkins is the new labs analyst for RAPID Health Optimization. He was previously a tenured professor of exercise science, and has worked for many years as a nutrition coach with over 1000 clients to date. Dr. Jenkins blends evidence-based practices and real-world experience, with academic expertise in lifestyle modification for chronic disease prevention, and a passion for helping clients optimize body…
Jul 2, 2025 Legacy Beyond Labels: Leonard Marshall on Wealth, Purpose, and Life Post-Competition with Leonard Marshall. Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #805
Leonard Marshall is the oldest of seven children from the rural town of Franklin, Louisiana. Hegraduated from Franklin High School in 1979 and attended Louisiana State University (LSU). Heattended LSU from 1979 until he was drafted from LSU in the spring of 1983. Leonard Marshall was coached by legendary LSU coaches Jerry Stovall and Pete Jenkins. Leonard Marshall played in the NFL for 12 seasons. He was drafted in…
Jun 27, 2025 Physiology Friday: Sleep's Role in Cellular and Metabolic Health w/ Dr. Chris Perry, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash
Dr. Christopher A. Perry, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University at Buffalo, 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.…
Jun 25, 2025 Spine Surgery Preparation, Recovery, and Metal Allergy Testing w/ Dr. Mitch Reiter, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #804
Dr. Mitchell Reiter is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in spinal surgery who has been in practice in New Jersey managing patients with spinal disorders for more than 20 years. Dr. Reiter is one of those rare individuals that always knew that he wanted to be a physician. Straight out of high school he entered the prestigious accelerated six-year combined B.S./M.D. Honors Program in…
Jun 20, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Hormone Dysfunction] Birth Control, TRT, HRT, and Toxicity w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: How Birth Control can reduce testosterone by 70% Birth controls affects on your physique How to pick the right birth control What are drug induced nutrient depletions How to best handle menopause and andropause What happens when you do not have a cycle for 5+ years What is wrong with TRT and HRT How heavy metal and toxicity affect your hormones Visit…
Jun 18, 2025 Cardio and Competition for Mature Meatheads w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #803
In todays Episode of Barbell Shrugged, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash dive into Mash partnership with Sorinex and the success of Spring Cleaning in April. In addition, Mash is going back to the platform in powerlifting and the team discussed the differences in training and mindset competing in their 40's and 50' vs their 20's. And finally, the deep dive into getting out of the gym, intelligently…
Jun 13, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Caloric Ranges] How to Eat More Food Without Gaining Weight w/ Zach Moore, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash
Zach Moore is a highly sought after nutrition and exercise coach who has personally coached over 1000 clients. His clientele have ranged from top level professional athletes and physique competitors to health enthusiasts of all ages. Moore has worked with some of the most well known companies in the industry including Precision Nutrition, Nourish Balance Thrive, Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (named one…
Jun 11, 2025 The Future of Personalized Medicine w/ Shaun Noorian, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #802
In 2009, Shaun Noorian founded Empower Pharmacy driven by a personal journey. Diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, Noorian discovered the life-changing benefits of compounded medicine. Empower was born from his desire to share this positive impact with others, with a mission to produce innovative medications that help people live healthier, happier lives, addressing the many challenges within the healthcare…
Jun 6, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Mental Health] A 6 Step Approach Connecting Mind, Body, and Nutrition w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged we cover: A framework for understanding mental health and physiology The relationship between the mind and the body How physiology follows psychology How to turn your thoughts into character traits How come prescriptions and medications can make mental health worse How sleep is the gateway to improving mental health Blood sugar management and how it affects mood Why broad…
Jun 4, 2025 Fertility and Men's Reproductive Health w/ Drew Manning, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #801
Dr. Justin Houman is a board-certified urologist and fellowship-trained Men's Sexual and Reproductive Health specialist whose practice is focused on male fertility, erectile dysfunction, sexual performance, testosterone management, Peyronie's Disease, vasectomy reversals, and vasectomies. As a minimally-invasive microscopic surgeon, he specializes in microsurgical varicocelectomies, vasectomy reversals, sperm…
May 30, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Constipation] A Five Step System for Perfect Poops w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged: Why adding water can help eliminate constipation Why "more fiber" may not be the answer to better bowels. Which magnesium supplement is optimal for reducing constipation. Why you need to buy a squatty potty for your best pooping position. How exercise improves motility. Why coffee and caffeine are important to morning movement The best natural stool bulkers Stool Softeners…
May 28, 2025 FIT2FAT2FIT to Optimal Health w/ Drew Manning, Anders Varner, Doug Larson and Travis Mash #800
Drew Manning is The NY Times Best Selling Author of the book, Fit2Fat2Fit, and creator of the hit TV show, Fit To Fat To Fit on A&E. He's been featured on many TV shows such as Dr. Oz, The Tonight Show, CNN, The View, GMA and many more. With over 1 million social media followers, Drew continues on his mission to reshape the fitness industry with an empathy first approach helping people with not only their physical…
May 23, 2025 Physiology Friday: [THYROID] Function, Dysfunction, Brain Chemistry, and Autoimmunity w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged: The Thyroid's impact on weight gain What is the function of the thyroid What causes thyroid dysfunction The relationship between hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and thyroid Thyroids role in autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's and Grave's disease How gut health affects the thyroid How Vitamin A regulates the thyroid Parathyroid and thyroid connection How birth control can…
May 21, 2025 Aligning Actions with a Purpose Driven Life w/ Chris Hoppe, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #799
Chris Hoppe has spent nearly two decades immersed in the world of coaching — from CrossFit and personal training to recovery support, breathwork, and behavioral health. His approach blends performance and presence, helping clients not just optimize their bodies, but reconnect to their lives in a deeper, more meaningful way. Chris has guided people at every stage of transformation — from their first day sober to the…
May 16, 2025 Physiology Friday: [LIBIDO] The Biochemistry of Improving Your Sex Drive w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: The internal mechanisms that create your sex drive. How psychological, hormonal, and functional dysfunction impacts sex drive. The biochemistry of boners The nervous system's response to sexual arousal The psychology of porn addiction Supplementation that can improve your sex drive Impacts of chronic fatigue on sex drive How estrogen and testosterone influence…
May 14, 2025 The Truth About GLP-1 Medications w/ Dr. Garrett Butler, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #798
Garrett Butler, MD. Husband, father, son, friend, and family doc in rural WV. Undergraduate in Physics from Johns Hopkins University. Undergraduate in Molecular and Cell Biology from Towson University. MD from West Virginia University School of Medicine. Family Medicine residency at WVU SOM. Hospitalist at Vandalia Health Davis Medical Center. Outpatient family physician at Vandalia Health Broaddus Family Care.…
May 9, 2025 Physiology Friday: [NUTRITION 101] The Exact Calories, Macros, and Micronutrients to Fuel Performance and Optimize Health w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: How to determine total calories for your goals Why maintenance calories are important for body composition and health Why calories determine the size of your body Understanding energy balance and finding your activity multiplier How to properly increase and decrease your caloric intake to reach your goals Macronutrient breakdown for aesthetics and performance…
May 7, 2025 Flexible Cardio for People that Hate Cardio w/ Dr. Michael T. Nelson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #797
Dr. Mike T. Nelson has spent 18 years of his life learning how the human body works, specifically focusing on how to properly condition it to burn fat and become stronger, more flexible, and healthier. He's been called in to share his techniques with top government agencies, universities and colleges, fitness organizations and fanatics. The techniques he's developed, and the results Mike gets for his clients have…
Apr 30, 2025 Barefoot Revolution w/ Mark Sisson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #796
Mark Sisson, widely regarded as the forefather of the Primal/Paleo lifestyle movement, is an innovator and trendsetter in the health and fitness world. He has written several best-selling books and a number-one-ranked blog promoting ancestral living. Mark founded Primal Kitchen foods to introduce healthful options for condiments and sauces to the marketplace for the first time. The brand grew quickly, was acquired…
Apr 23, 2025 Muscle Analytics for Human Performance w/ Dr. Doug Goldstein, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #795
Founder, Altitude Performance & Measured Motion Former two‑sport collegiate athlete turned board‑certified orthopedic specialist, Dr. Goldstein blends lab‑grade muscle science with hands‑on care. After earning his DPT from the University of Colorado and completing both an orthopedic residency and fellowship, he launched Altitude Performance, a concierge practice devoted to sport‑specific rehab and performance…
Apr 18, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Inflammation] The Surprising Link Between Nutrition, Muscle, and Inflammation w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: What is inflammation why does your body have it How inflammation can improve performance The difference between Good and Bad inflammation Proper ways to reduce inflammation What is Chronic vs. Acute Inflammation Work with RAPID Health Optimization Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram
Apr 16, 2025 Living Alcohol Free w/ James Swanwick, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #794
Swanwick has worked as a print, TV and radio journalist. He began his career in 1993 as a reporter at The Courier-Mail in Brisbane, Australia. In 1996, Swanwick won the Queensland Media Award for his interview and exposé on Pauline Hanson, one of Australia's most publicized and controversial political figures. Swanwick moved to London in 1999 where he reported for Sky Sports. In 2003, he moved to Los Angeles where…
Apr 11, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Cholesterol] How to Read Bloodwork for Lipids, Triglycerides, and Fatty Acids w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
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…
Apr 9, 2025 Building the Endurance Athlete w/ Javier Pineda, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #793
Javier Pineda, endurance coach at RAPID Health Optimization and founder of Endurance Cartel, empowers athletes and professionals to master strength and stamina. With ten Ironman triathlons and two Ironman 70.3 races under his belt, he's a CHEK Practitioner with top-tier certifications and insights from various mentors across his career. At DBC Fitness in Miami, he's trained pros, executives, and competitors to hit…
Apr 4, 2025 Physiology Friday: Managing Stress and Performance for Tactical Populations w/ Dr. Mike Lane, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash
Mike Lane is a professor at eastern Kentucky university teaching in the parks, recreation, exercise, and sports science on the graduate and undergraduate level. His phd is in exercise physiology with an emphasis in muscle physiology. Currently he works with a variety of sports and tactical athletes and performs research tracking those athletes and their performance over time. Work with RAPID Health Optimization…
Apr 2, 2025 Heart Attack Awareness for Fit People w/ Joel Jamieson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #792
Joel Jamieson is widely considered one of the world's foremost authorities on strength and conditioning for combat sports, having trained many of the sports best athletes since 2004. He is the author of the bestselling book Ultimate MMA Conditioning and is a contributing writer to several top magazines and a frequent guest speaker at conferences and seminars all over the world. Joel has worked with and consulted…
Mar 28, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Recovery] How to Build a Resilient Physiology w/ Anders Varner Doug Larson, and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
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…
Mar 26, 2025 Rowing for Fitness, Strength, and Sport w/ Shane Farmer, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #791
Shane Farmer is the founder of Dark Horse Rowing. He's a rower, a 4X CrossFit Games athlete, former gym owner, Concept2 Master Instructor and has made his career de-mystifying rowing for non-rowers. He's married with two kids and has 13 chickens and an orchard. He loves soil regeneration, permaculture, and testing himself regularly at new and interesting forms of fitness. Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health…
Mar 21, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Body Transformation] Simple Strategies to Getting Shredded w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dan Garner
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…
Mar 19, 2025 Pain Free Performance at All Ages w/ Dr. Melissa Capurro, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #790
Melissa is a performance physical therapist and is heavily involved in the CrossFit space as a healthcare provider, as well as an athlete. Melissa grew up in the Metropolitan New York area, but now resides in the Tampa Bay area. Upon graduating from PT school, Melissa started working in an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy practice, but was unsatisfied with what she was able to achieve there and the level of…
Mar 14, 2025 Physiology Friday: How to Build a Killer Cardiovascular System w/ Dr. Mike T. Nelson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis sit down with Anders coach, Dr. Mike T. Nelson. For those that have followed the show, you know Anders has been in pursuit of running a sub-6 minute mile at the age of 40. Dr. Nelson is the coach Anders hired to help with that goal. In this episode the crew walks through program design, initial intake, and execution of how to build…
Mar 12, 2025 Building the Best Pilots in the World w/ Zachary Carson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #789
Zachary Carson is a highly experienced Aerospace Physiology Officer with a deep understanding of human factors and risk mitigation in high-stakes operational environments. His expertise lies in optimizing human performance within complex aerospace systems. As a subject matter expert, Carson specializes in identifying and addressing the unique challenges faced by operators of advanced Major Weapons Systems. Carson…
Mar 7, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Optimal vs. Normal Health] Why Normal Reference Ranges Will Not Lead You to Optimal Health w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner
In this Episode: 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…
Mar 5, 2025 Building a Fitness Franchise w/ Brandon Cullen, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #788
Born into an entrepreneurial family in Ontario, Canada, Brandon Cullen was raised with a front-row seat to hard work and high expectations. Pushed by his father to excel both in life and on the ice, Brandon's grit landed him a spot in the New York Rangers' minor league system. But when a career-ending concussion shattered his hockey dreams, everything he'd worked for disappeared overnight. Instead of calling it…
Feb 28, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Psoriasis] A 3-Step System to Find Root Cause, Relief, and Symptom Management w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dan Garner
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…
Feb 26, 2025 Building a Homestead Nursing Home and Finding the Right Primary Care Physician w/ Dr. Garrett Butler, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #787
Garrett Butler, MD, is a devoted family man and physician serving rural West Virginia as a husband, father, son, and friend. With a strong academic foundation, he earned undergraduate degrees in Physics from Johns Hopkins University and Molecular and Cell Biology from Towson University, followed by an MD and Family Medicine residency from West Virginia University School of Medicine. He's a busy healthcare…
Feb 21, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Brain Health] Science and Strategies for Optimizing Brain Health w/ Dan Garner, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash
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…
Feb 19, 2025 [Caloric Ranges] How to Eat More Food Without Gaining Weight w/ Zach Moore, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #786
Zach Moore is a highly sought after nutrition and exercise coach who has personally coached over 1000 clients. His clientele have ranged from top level professional athletes and physique competitors to health enthusiasts of all ages. Moore has worked with some of the most well known companies in the industry including Precision Nutrition, Nourish Balance Thrive, Indianapolis Fitness and Sports Training (named one…
Feb 14, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Liver Health] Verified Assessment, Optimization + Protocol Design
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…
Feb 12, 2025 Tracking and Optimizing Metabolic Fitness w/ Dr. Kamellia Dimitrova, MD, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #785
Dr. Kamellia Dimitrova, MD, is a pioneering physician, researcher, and innovator in metabolic health and longevity. With over 30 years of experience in mainstream medicine, including a background in cardiac surgery and clinical research, she has dedicated her career to transforming health outcomes through data-driven precision interventions. As the founder and CEO of Quantum Heart Inc., Dr. Dimitrova leads the…
Feb 7, 2025 Physiology Friday: Metabolic Flexibility and Micronutrients w/ Dr. Mike T Nelson
Dr. Mike T. Nelson has spent 18 years of his life learning how the human body works, specifically focusing on how to properly condition it to burn fat and become stronger, more flexible, and healthier. He's has a PhD in Exercise Physiology, a BA in Natural Science, and an MS in Biomechanics. He's an adjunct professor and a member of the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr. Nelson has been called in to share his…
Feb 5, 2025 [Health Anxiety] Addressing the Underlying Fears of Injury and Aging w/ Emily Hightower, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #784
As an Educator and Coach at SH/FT, Emily Hightower leverages her expertise in the neurophysiology of trauma and resilience to help clients master their stress response and improve their quality of life. By combining over 25 years of experience as a breathing expert, yoga teacher, river guide, and wilderness EMT, Emily empowers high performers to disrupt limits, align with nature, and heal their bodies and minds.…
Jan 31, 2025 Physiology Friday: [L-Carnitine] Protocols to Improve Heart Health, Performance, and Turn Fat into Energy w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dan Garner
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…
Jan 29, 2025 How Your Cardiovascular System Improves Metabolic Health w/ Dr. Nathan Jenkins, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #783
Dr. Nathan Jenkins is the new labs analyst for RAPID Health Optimization. He was previously a tenured professor of exercise science, and has worked for many years as a nutrition coach with over 1000 clients to date. Dr. Jenkins blends evidence-based practices and real-world experience, with academic expertise in lifestyle modification for chronic disease prevention, and a passion for helping clients optimize body…
Jan 24, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Oura Ring] Science Based Solutions to Improving Sleep with Dr. Mike Nelson
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…
Jan 22, 2025 Science Backed Supplements for High Performance w/ Coach Flavia Pereira, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #782
Flavia is a passionate CISSN nutrition coach, full-time Exercise & Sport Science faculty member, and beach volleyball strength & nutrition coach. She has been teaching and coaching for the past 18 years. She graduated with a B.S. and M.S. in Kinesiology - Exercise Science and is pursuing her Ph.D. in Health & Human Performance. Flavia is part of the Rapid Health Optimization team as a nutritionist and a research…
Jan 17, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Blood Work] High Performance Blood Chemistry
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged Dan Garner dives into how you can start to analyze your yearly bloodwork for performance. Standard blood tests can be ordered around the globe, in every country, and are the gold standard for understanding basic health. The normal reference ranges, however, are not giving you the answers you are looking for when it come to optimizing your health and performance. In this…
Jan 15, 2025 The Path to Optimizing Health and Performance w/ Dr. Baseer Kahn, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #781
Born and raised in Canada, Dr. Baseer Khan received his MD from the University of Toronto where he was honored to have received the Sigmung Vaile Award for Top Surgeon in his graduating class and received several research awards during his training. He went on to complete subspecialty training in Glaucoma and Advanced Anterior Segment Surgery. As an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto and international…
Jan 10, 2025 Physiology Friday: [Chronotype] The One Thing More Important than Getting 8 Hours of Sleep w/ Dr. Chris Perry, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash
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…
Jan 8, 2025 Blood Flow Restriction Training w/Dr. Jeremy Loenneke, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #780
Dr. Jeremy Loenneke received his Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology from the University of Oklahoma, where he was mentored by Dr. Michael Bemben. Dr. Loenneke previously received his Master's degree in Nutrition and Exercise Science from Southeast Missouri State University, where he was mentored by Dr. Joe Pujol. Dr. Loenneke is a member of the American Physiological Society and the American College of Sports Medicine.…
Jan 1, 2025 Hustle, Loyalty, Respect w/ John Cena, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #779
John Cena is an actor, rapper, and recently retired professional wrestler. In WWE, Cena has won 17 championships in total, including 10 World Titles. In addition, Cena has also won the WWE United States Championship three times, and is a four-time Tag Team Champion, having held the World Tag Team Championship twice, and the WWE Tag Team Championship twice. Cena also won the 2008 Royal Rumble match and is a two-time…
Dec 25, 2024 The Rhythm of Rest: Unlocking Sleep Potential Naturally w/ Dr. Chris Perry, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #778
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…
Dec 18, 2024 [Women's Health] Menstrual Cycles and Menopause w/ Dr. Stephanie Estima, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #777
Dr. Stephanie Estima is a doctor of chiropractic with a special interest in metabolism, body composition, functional neurology, and female physiology. She's been featured on Thrive Global, of the Huffington Post, has over 3.5 million article reads on Medium.com , and has helped thousands of women lose weight, regulate hormones, and get off medications with her signature program, The Estima Diet. You can hear her…
Dec 13, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Immune System] Why Optimal Nutrition Starts with the Immune System w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: What is the immune system Why the immune system is responsible for building muscle How gut health impacts the immune system Understanding recovery and its impact on the immune system How to optimize your immune system for performance Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram
Dec 13, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Immune System] Why Optimal Nutrition Starts with the Immune System w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: What is the immune system Why the immune system is responsible for building muscle How gut health impacts the immune system Understanding recovery and its impact on the immune system How to optimize your immune system for performance Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram
Dec 11, 2024 Managing Stress and Performance for Tactical Populations w/ Dr. Mike Lane, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #776
Mike Lane is a professor at eastern Kentucky university teaching in the parks, recreation, exercise, and sports science on the graduate and undergraduate level. His phd is in exercise physiology with an emphasis in muscle physiology. Currently he works with a variety of sports and tactical athletes and performs research tracking those athletes and their performance over time. Work with RAPID Health Optimization…
Dec 6, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Bloodwork] What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You About Your Bloodwork w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: Why blood chemistry is trusted world wide What tests should you get when doing blood work What are hidden markers your doctor may not be seeing How often should you get bloodwork Performance, health, and longevity through bloodwork testing Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram
Dec 4, 2024 Training Updates, Goals, and Surgery Prep w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #775
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged, it's all the homies talking about getting strong. Coach Travis Mash just wrote his one millionth training program for himself as he continues his journey to be the most well rounded ex-strongest man in the world. We also dig into training around past injuries, finding the right exercises, setting goals, and how to use strength training to prepare for surgery. Work with RAPID…
Nov 29, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Immune System] The Single System In Charge of Building Muscle, Losing Fat, and Reducing Stress w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: Why the immune system matters Immune system and stress Immune system and fat loss Immune system muscle building How to Optimize Your Immune System Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram
Nov 27, 2024 Metabolic Flexibility w/ Dr. Michael T. Nelson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #774
Dr. Michael T. Nelson is a research-fueled nutrition and fitness educator. Dr. Mike spent 18 years of his university life learning how the human body works, specifically focusing on how to properly condition it to burn fat and become stronger, more flexible, and healthier. Dr. Nelson has a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, a BA in Natural Science, and an MS in Biomechanics. He is also an adjunct professor and a member…
Nov 22, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Inflammation] The Surprising Link Between Nutrition, Muscle, and Inflammation w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: What is inflammation why does your body have it How inflammation can improve performance The difference between Good and Bad inflammation Proper ways to reduce inflammation What is Chronic vs. Acute Inflammation Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram
Nov 20, 2024 Sports Nutrition and Performance Enhancement w/ Dr. Jose Antonio, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Flavia Pereira #773
Dr. Antonio is Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, an academic nonprofit dedicated to the science and application of sports nutrition and supplementation. In addition, he is the Co-founder and Vice President of the Society for Neurosports, an academic nonprofit with a focus on sports neuroscience. Dr. Antonio earned his PhD and completed a post-doctoral research…
Nov 15, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Optimal Bodyweight] How to Live Lean Without Bodyweight Fluctuations w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: Why maintaining a healthy bodyweight is so hard Why health is the key ingredient to maintaining a healthy weight The myth that you cannot build muscle and lose fat the same time The importance of feeding your lean body The mental and emotional benefits of maintaining a health weight Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on…
Nov 13, 2024 The Future of Human Performance Technology w/ Dr. Andy Galpin, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #772
Andy Galpin, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Human Performance Center at Parker University. He is the Co-Director of the Center for Sport Performance and Founder/Director of the Biochemistry and Molecular Exercise Physiology Laboratory. He is a Human Performance scientist with a PhD in Human Bioenergetics and over 100 peer-reviewed publications and presentations. Dr. Galpin has worked with elite athletes…
Nov 8, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Gut Health] The Epicenter of Health Optimization w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: Why the gut is so important for optimal health. What causes poor gut health and how to avoid it How important is a stool sample to find potential hidden stressors What your poop can tell you about your health Ways to improve gut health Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram
Nov 6, 2024 Cortisol, Mold Exposure, and Gut Health w/ Lacey Dunn, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash #771
Lacey Dunn is a functional medicine dietitian with a fiery passion for helping women feel and look their very best! People call her their "Hormone Fairy Godmother" as my one mission in life is to help women go from surviving to thriving. Dunn has an obsession for all things hormones, thyroid, gut, and metabolism. Aka - a nerd. Dunn says her job is to help people like you to reclaim their health, hormones, and…
Nov 1, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Hydration] Salt, Water, Magnesium and Health Optimization w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: The optimal amount of water you need to drink in a day. The role of salt in optimal hydration Why your drinking a ton of water and still dehydrated Why dehydration is killing your progress in the gym Proper hydration and supplementation protocol Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram
Oct 30, 2024 How to Naturally Increase Testosterone by 300% w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash, Dan Garner, and Dr. Andy Galpin
This week on Barbell Shrugged we are throwing it back to the first show where we met Dan Garner. We take the deep dive into strategies for naturally boosting testosterone levels. Key topics discussed include the importance of creating a comprehensive health profile with blood work, stool, urine, and saliva, which together offer a full picture of an individual's hormonal and metabolic state. By identifying…
Oct 25, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Cortisol] The Science and Function of the Stress Hormone w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: Understanding the stress response system What is the function of cortisol Why you struggle adapting to stress The myth of adrenal fatigue The difference between chronic and acute stress on your physiology Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram
Oct 23, 2024 How to Regain Speed and Power to Build Athleticism w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #770
On this episode of Barbell Shrugged, we're diving into the keys for regaining speed and power—whether you're coming off an injury, a long layoff, or just looking to level up your performance. Speed and power are foundational for athleticism, and they require a smart approach to rebuild. We'll explore the science behind explosiveness, focusing on neural adaptations, muscle fiber recruitment, and how to maximize your…
Oct 18, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Micronutrients] Why Calories and Macros Are Not Enough for Health Optimization w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In this episode of Barbell Shrugged: Why micronutrients are the base of all chemical and hormonal reactions in the body Why micronutrients are responsible for total health and how good you feel Why micronutrients are overlooked and how this is detrimental to your health How do you know you are getting optimal micronutrients in your diet What your health is missing if you only track your macros Connect with our…
Oct 16, 2024 Practical Differences in Weight Training for Strength or Hypertrophy w/ Dr. Allan Bacon, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #769
Dr. Allan Bacon holds a Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland. He is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a certified nutritionist & physique/bodybuilding coach, a certified coach for USA Powerlifting, and has formulated professionally for industry-leading dietary supplement companies for over 15 years. You can find Allan's written works in Muscle &…
Oct 11, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Testosterone] How to Naturally Optimize Testosterone Without Drugs, Doctors, and Destructive Diets w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: The role of testosterone in health and performance How micronutrient deficiencies can lead to sub-optimal testosterone levels How excess body fat turns testosterone into estrogen The relationship between cortisol and testosterone Practical advice on how to optimize your testosterone levels Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis…
Oct 9, 2024 The Midlife Male w/ Greg Schienman, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #768
Serial Entrepreneur - Greg Scheinman has had not one but two seven-figure exits. He is a former partner at Insgroup, acquired by BRP (NASDAQ) and the founder and former CEO of Team Baby Entertainment, acquired by Michael Eisner of Disney. He was also the founder and CEO of ROW Studios, producer of two successful feature films, and advisor to multiple CPG brands. He is now the Founder & Face of Midlife Male, the…
Oct 2, 2024 Travis Mash Joins the Rapid Health and Performance Team w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #767
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged we introduce our newest coach at RAPID Health Optimization, the one and only, Travis Mash. Travis Mash's first appearance on Barbell Shrugged dates back 8 years ago. He became a co-host in 2019. And finally, we have found the right opportunity to unite forces and we are fired up. Mash will lead strength and conditioning coaching for our professional athletes, utilizing decades…
Sep 27, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Physique Transformation] How Hormones Help Build Muscle and Burn Fat w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: The relationship between testosterone and cortisol The relationship between calories, macronutrients, and micronutrients Why micronutrients matter for achieving a lean physique Optimal hormone ratios for physique transformation How does menstrual cycle affect performance Understanding gut health and it's affects on physique Stabilizing hormones as a sign of health Connect with…
Sep 25, 2024 [Muscle Medicine] Fueling Your Body For Optimal Health w/ Julia Mitchell, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #766
Julia Mitchell is a functional nutritionist, bison rancher, and mother of two boys. She combines expertise in Muscle-Centric Medicine®, regenerative agriculture, nutrient density, and food quality to provide personalized nutrition and wellness solutions. She is passionate about helping individuals achieve optimal health, which involves sourcing and consuming the highest quality food, including grass-fed animal…
Sep 18, 2024 [Physiology First] A Curriculum for Mental and Physical Health w/ David Bidler, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #765
David Bidler is the President of Physiology First-an organization dedicated to teaching the science of health and human potential to youth and families around the world. Through partnerships with schools, free programs for youth, and the online Physiology First University platform David and his team are dedicated to creating a revolution in health education for the next generation. Physiology First built their…
Sep 13, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Hormone Dysfunction] Birth Control, TRT, HRT, and Toxicity w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Coach Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In this Episode of Barbell Shrugged: How Birth Control can reduce testosterone by 70% Birth controls affects on your physique How to pick the right birth control What are drug induced nutrient depletions How to best handle menopause and andropause What happens when you do not have a cycle for 5+ years What is wrong with TRT and HRT How heavy metal and toxicity affect your hormones Connect with our guests: Anders…
Sep 11, 2024 [Supplements] Separating Science from Snake Oil w/ Mike Matthews, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #764
Mike Matthews is a certified personal trainer and bestselling author of Bigger Leaner Stronger, Thinner Leaner Stronger, and Muscle for Life, as well as the founder of the #1 brand of all-natural sports supplements, Legion. His simple and science-based approach to building muscle, losing fat, and getting healthy has helped tens of thousands of people build their best body ever, and his work has been featured in…
Sep 6, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Mental Health] A 6 Step Approach Connecting Mind, Body, and Nutrition w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged we cover: A framework for understanding mental health and physiology The relationship between the mind and the body How physiology follows psychology How to turn your thoughts into character traits How come prescriptions and medications can make mental health worse How sleep is the gateway to improving mental health Blood sugar management and how it affects mood Why broad…
Sep 4, 2024 [Sleep] Stress, Psychedelics, and Brain Health w/ Dr. Kirk Parsley, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #763
Kirk Parsley served as an Undersea Medical Officer at Naval Special Warfare Group One from June 2009 to January 2013. While there, he led the development and supervised the group's first Sports Medicine Rehabilitation center. He is a former SEAL, and received his Medical Degree from Bethesda, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS) in 2004. He interned in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Balboa Naval…
Aug 30, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Constipation] A Five Step System for Perfect Poops w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged: Why adding water can help eliminate constipation Why "more fiber" may not be the answer to better bowels. Which magnesium supplement is optimal for reducing constipation. Why you need to buy a squatty potty for your best pooping position. How exercise improves motility. Why coffee and caffeine are important to morning movement The best natural stool bulkers Stool Softeners…
Aug 28, 2024 [Ice Baths] Using Cold to Improve Metabolic Resilience w/ Dr. Thomas Seager, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #762
Thomas P Seager is an associate professor in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment at Arizona State University. Seager leads research teams working at the boundaries of engineering and social science to understand innovation for resilient infrastructure systems, including the life-cycle environmental consequences of emerging energy technologies, novel approaches to teamwork and…
Aug 23, 2024 Physiology Friday: [THYROID] Function, Dysfunction, Brain Chemistry, and Autoimmunity w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged: The Thyroid's impact on weight gain What is the function of the thyroid What causes thyroid dysfunction The relationship between hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and thyroid Thyroids role in autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's and Grave's disease How gut health affects the thyroid How Vitamin A regulates the thyroid Parathyroid and thyroid connection How birth control can…
Aug 21, 2024 [Amino Acids] Leucine's Role in Muscle and Metabolism w/ Dr. Donald Layman, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #761
Dr. Donald Layman is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Food Science & Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Fellow of the American Society for Nutrition. Dr. Layman served on the faculty at the University of Illinois from 1977 – 2012. Dr. Layman has been a leader in research about protein, nutrition for athletic performance, obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular health. Dr.…
Aug 16, 2024 Physiology Friday: [LIBIDO] The Biochemistry of Improving Your Sex Drive w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: The internal mechanisms that create your sex drive. How psychological, hormonal, and functional dysfunction impacts sex drive. The biochemistry of boners The nervous system's response to sexual arousal The psychology of porn addiction Supplementation that can improve your sex drive Impacts of chronic fatigue on sex drive How estrogen and testosterone influence…
Aug 14, 2024 [Parker University] Higher Education for Human Performance: w/ Dr. William Morgan, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #760
Chiropractor to Congress, Supreme Court, and the White House, Parker University's Seventh President, Active Texas Chiropractic Association Member, and proud Texan Dr. Morgan has a long history of serving in military healthcare. At age 17, he joined the Navy and served with a Marine Recon company as a special operations technician hospital corpsman. During that time, he qualified in parachuting, military diving,…
Aug 9, 2024 Physiology Friday: [NUTRITION 101] The Exact Calories, Macros, and Micronutrients to Fuel Performance and Optimize Health w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: How to determine total calories for your goals Why maintenance calories are important for body composition and health Why calories determine the size of your body Understanding energy balance and finding your activity multiplier How to properly increase and decrease your caloric intake to reach your goals Macronutrient breakdown for aesthetics and performance…
Aug 7, 2024 Why Your Physiology Loves Going Back to the Basics w/ Sam Miller, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #759
Sam Miller is an Amazon Best-Selling Author and has more than 15 years of experience as a health, fitness, and nutrition coach. 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 5,000+ coaches…
Aug 2, 2024 Physiology Friday: [TRT] Natural Testosterone Support Without the Shots, Pellets, Creams, and Gels w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged you will learn: When is the right time to talk to your doctor about TRT Why lower testosterone can be a good thing When is TRT the right decision DHEA and additional androgenic options Recommended dosing if you want to take TRT How gut health affects testosterone efficiency How environmental pollutants and toxicity affect total testosterone levels Is Clomid a healthy…
Jul 31, 2024 [PED's] In Defense of Doping w/ Dr. Alexander Hutchinson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #758
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.…
Jul 26, 2024 Physiology Friday: [ENERGY] Why You Do Not Have It and How to Get Tons of It w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
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…
Jul 24, 2024 [The Enhanced Games] Redefining Athletic Boundaries w/ Dr. Guillermo Escalante, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #757
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.…
Jul 19, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Testosterone + Gut Health] How to Avoid TRT by Healing Your Gut w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
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…
Jul 17, 2024 [HIIT] A Minimalist Approach to Building Muscle and Vo2Max w/ Dr. Martin Gibala, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #756
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…
Jul 12, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Cholesterol] How to Read Bloodwork for Lipids, Triglycerides, and Fatty Acids w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
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…
Jul 10, 2024 The Mission After: Finding Purpose After Military Service w/ Michael Bledsoe, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #755
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…
Jul 5, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Recovery] How to Build a Resilient Physiology w/ Anders Varner Doug Larson, and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
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…
Jul 3, 2024 The Roll of Skill Development for Improving Fitness and Longevity w/ Jordan Syatt, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #754
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…
Jun 28, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Body Transformation] Simple Strategies to Getting Shredded w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dan Garner Barbell Shrugged
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…
Jun 26, 2024 Sleep's Role in Cellular and Metabolic Health w/ Dr. Chris Perry, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #753
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…
Jun 21, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Optimal vs. Normal Health] Why Normal Reference Ranges Will Not Lead You to Optimal Health w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Dan Garner
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…
Jun 19, 2024 A Doctor's Journey to Optimizing Health and Performance w/ Dr. Mark Farmer, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson #752
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…
Jun 14, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Psoriasis] A 3-Step System to Find Root Cause, Relief, and Symptom Management w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dan Garner
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…
Jun 12, 2024 [Muscle Plasticity] How to Build More Muscle, Faster w/ Dr. Christopher Fry, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson #751
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…
Jun 7, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Brain Health] Science and Strategies for Optimizing Brain Health w/ Dan Garner, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash
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…
Jun 5, 2024 Speed, Strength and Power Development w/ Dr. Tim Suchomel, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson #750
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…
May 31, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Liver] A Deep Dive into Health, Biomarkers, and Optimization w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dan Garner
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…
May 29, 2024 Redefining Education to Build Leaders w/ Matt Beaudreau, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson #749
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…
May 24, 2024 Physiology Friday: [L-Carnitine] Protocols to Improve Heart Health, Performance, and Turn Fat into Energy w/ Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Dan Garner
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…
May 22, 2024 How Lifting Weights Affects Your Genetics w/ Dr. Kevin Murach, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson #748
Kevin A. Murach, Ph.D., received his undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned the Ronald Hyatt Scholarship in Exercise Science. After graduating, Dr. Murach completed a master's degree in Exercise Physiology at James Madison University at Harrisonburg, Virginia, then earned his Ph.D. in Human Bioenergetics from the Ball State Human Performance Laboratory in Muncie,…
May 17, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Oura Ring] How to Track, Measure, & Optimize Sleep w/ Dan Garner, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson
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…
May 17, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Oura Ring] How to Track, Measure, & Optimize Sleep w/ Dan Garner, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson
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…
May 15, 2024 Foundations, Milestones, and Growth for Youth Development w/ Dr. Matt Otteman, DC, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson #747
Dr. Matt Otteman, DC, is the co-owner of KinActive Kids, a globally renowned pediatric intensive clinic that combines physical therapy and chiropractic care to help children reach developmental milestones. As a chiropractor and former Major League Baseball player for the Seattle Mariners, Dr. Otteman combines his sports-focused foundation of the human body into a unique treatment style to help children increase…
May 10, 2024 Physiology Friday: [Bloodwork] High Performance Blood Chemistry w/ Dan Garner, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged Dan Garner dives into how you can start to analyze your yearly bloodwork for performance. Standard blood tests can be ordered around the globe, in every country, and are the gold standard for understanding basic health. The normal reference ranges, however, are not giving you the answers you are looking for when it come to optimizing your health and performance. In this…
May 8, 2024 [Women's Health] Reproductive Function, Birth Control and Pharmaceutical Steroid Hormones w/Viktoria Felkar, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson #746
Victoria Felkar is a doctoral candidate conducting interdisciplinary research on women's health, reproductive function, and pharmaceutical steroid hormones. With a unique background in both the hard sciences and humanities, her work offers a novel and critical perspective into the use of drugs for health and performance purposes within the female athlete population. Victoria's research has achieved international…
May 1, 2024 [Circadian Biology] The Science of Sunshine, Sleep, and Circadian Rhythm w/ Dr Alexis Cowan, PhD, Anders Varner, and Doug Larson #745
Dr. Alexis Cowan received her PhD in molecular biology from Princeton University, specializing in the metabolic effects of nutritional and exercise interventions. She is currently a post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Pennsylvania studying microbiome-diet interactions in both health and disease (i.e., cancer). Alexis is passionate about health and wellness at a visceral level. Her healing journey led…
Apr 24, 2024 Food Systems, Protein and Amino Acids w/ Peter Ballerstedt, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #744
Peter Ballerstedt is a prominent figure in the fields of forage agronomy, ruminant nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. With a background in forage production and utilization, Ballerstedt has dedicated his career to promoting the importance of forage-based agriculture in supporting healthy ecosystems and livestock production systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy from the University of Kentucky, a…
Apr 17, 2024 [Longevity] How to Train for Health and Performance for the Rest of Your Life w/ Dan Garner, Andy Galpin, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dan Garner #743
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash dive into periodization models and a framework for longevity through the lens of health and performance. Longevity is a common goal. Unfortunately, it is impossible to define. How do you know if you are doing it right? Do you have to wait 40 years to find out all the at effort gave you 10 extra days? Longevity is great what…
Apr 10, 2024 [Testosterone] How to Naturally Increase Testosterone by 300% w/ Dan Garner, Andy Galpin, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dan Garner #742
Dan Garner is a co-founder of RAPID Health Optimization which offers high-level, personalized online health and performance coaching for world class results. His coaching resume is second to none having worked with dozens of professional athletes, CEO's, and Investors. Within his clientele he has worked with three superbowl champions, two UFC title winners, an Olympic gold medialist, two Olympic bronze medalists,…
Apr 3, 2024 [Neuropsychiatry] A Root Cause Approach to Rebuilding Brain, Body and Mind w/ Dr. Michael Miletic, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dan Garner #741
Dr. Michael Miletic is a former Olympic athlete and a prominent physician specializing in clinical neuroscience and metabolic medicine. Dr. Miletic evaluates the brain, mind, and body and brings the latest science and evidence-based treatments to optimize your health. Specializing in athletes, executives, and adolescents looking to reach their full potential. Dr. Miletic's comprehensive training and evidence-based…
Mar 27, 2024 Breaking Mr. Olympia w/ 7x Mr. Olympia Winner Phil Heath, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dan Garner #740
Phil Heath is a renowned American bodybuilder. He gained widespread recognition in the world of professional bodybuilding, particularly for his impressive physique and numerous accolades. Heath's journey into bodybuilding began during his college years at the University of Denver, where he initially pursued basketball. However, he soon redirected his focus towards bodybuilding and started competing in NPC (National…
Mar 20, 2024 [Nervous System] Methods for Understanding and Improving Physiological Stress w/ Dr. Chris Perry, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #739
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…
Mar 14, 2024 [Heart Rate Recovery] How to Measure Recovery During Your Workout w/Bryan Boorstein, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #738
In today's episode of Barbell Shrugged, Bryan Boorstein is back to discuss Heart Rate Recovery. Heart rate recovery refers to the rate at which a person's heart rate decreases after a period of exercise. It is a crucial indicator of cardiovascular fitness and overall health. After intense physical activity, a healthy individual's heart rate should gradually return to its resting rate within a certain timeframe.…
Mar 6, 2024 Getting Fast and Strong: Weightlifting, Sprinting, and Improving Athleticism w/Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #737
In this episode, Doug Larson, Travis Mash and Anders Varner catch up on the Olympic trials, international weightlifting meets, and Anders' pursuit of a 6-minute mile. Coach Travis Mash has been out for a couple weeks as he has traveled the world for international weightlifting meets leading up to the USA Olympic Qualifiers for weightlifting. We initially discuss Anders' pursuit of the 6-minute mile, with training…
Feb 28, 2024 [DEXA Scans] How to Test, Analyze, and Optimize Body Composition w/ Alan Kenny, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #736
Alan Kenny is a performance nutritionist with over 10 years experience supporting teams, athletes and executives to optimize their health. Holding a degree in Exercise Science and a Masters in Sports Nutrition, Alan has also lectured at University level in Ireland and currently heads a performance lab in an executive medical clinic in Vancouver, Canada. His work here is focused on optimizing health over a person's…
Feb 21, 2024 [Stress Resilience] Navigating Injury and Anxiety w/ Emily Hightower, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash #735
As an Educator and Coach at SH/FT, Emily Hightower leverages her expertise in the neurophysiology of trauma and resilience to help clients master their stress response and improve their quality of life. By combining over 25 years of experience as a breathing expert, yoga teacher, river guide, and wilderness EMT, Emily empowers high performers to disrupt limits, align with nature, and heal their bodies and minds.…

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Page updated October 30, 2026.

Barbell Shrugged

About Barbell Shrugged

Episodes

869 - Power Training for Masters Athletes

868 - Training for MMA and BJJ

867 - Elite Athletes and Special Ops w/ Robb Rogers

866 - The Godfather of Velocity-Based Training w/ Dr. Bryan Mann

865 - Built to Last: Strength, Recovery, and Return to Performance w/ Brian Newman

More podcasts and shows