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

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 Health Optimization Links: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram  

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  

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 of the American College of Sports Medicine. He has been called in to share his techniques with top government agencies, athletes at the top of their game, and now you. The techniques he has developed and the results he has gotten for his clients have been featured in international magazines, in scientific publications, and on websites across the globe. Work with RAPID Health Optimization Links: Work with Dr. Mike Dr. Mike’s Flex Diet Course Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

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  

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 fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. He has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers as well as 15 books. His current areas of research include: dietary supplements (e.g., creatine, protein, etc.), sports neuroscience and human performance. He is currently a Professor at the Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Florida and serves on the Advisory Board of Forbes Health. - www.sportsnutritionsociety.org Work with RAPID Health Optimization Links: Dr. Jose Antonio on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Flavia Pereira on Instagram

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 Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

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 (including All-Star, All-Pro, MVP, Cy Young, Olympic Gold medalists, Major winners, World titlist/ contenders, etc.) across the UFC, MLB, NBA, PGA, NFL, Boxing, Olympics, and Military/Special Forces, and more. He is also a Co-founder of Vitality Blueprint, Absolute Rest, BioMolecular Athlete, and RAPID Health & Performance.   Work with RAPID Health Optimization Links: Dr. Andy Galpin Website Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

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

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 become the master of their own bodies. I am committed to help my clients take their life back into their control. As a functional medicine dietitian, Dunn is passionate about helping women because she has been in the trenches of hormonal chaos herself. Before discovering functional medicine, she was burnt out. Her hypothyroidism and cortisol issues left her suffering with chronic fatigue, random weight gain, hair loss, anxiety, and depression. Dunn had primary ammennrohea until age 25 (aka no menstrual cycle), and was left frustrated and confused. Her years of bodybuilding and weight training were no lon

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

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 micronutrient deficiencies and other physiological markers, these health professionals aim to address factors that directly impact testosterone production and overall vitality. The hosts discuss how maintaining a healthy body composition is crucial, as excess body fat can convert testosterone into estrogen, which impacts hormone balance. Additionally, managing stress levels and lowering cortisol—known to inhibit testosterone production—is emphasized. The episode also delves into how specific dietary adjustments and targeted supplements can help, along with psychological factors like confidence, which can pos

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

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 fast-twitch capabilities. We’ll break down the importance of proper recovery, which is often overlooked but critical for regaining speed. You’ll learn about the best exercises to activate your central nervous system and enhance your power output, including plyometrics, sprints, and Olympic lifts. The podcast will cover progressive programming, designed to gradually increase intensity without overloading your body. We’ll also talk about mindset, discussing how to stay patient during the process and the role of consistency in your training. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just trying to get back

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 guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

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 & Fitness, Sci-Fit, the Alan Aragon Research Review, The Personal Trainer Development Center, and more. His practice focuses on helping working adults master their physique, performance, mindset, and habits for lifelong, sustainable results. Work with RAPID Health Optimization Links: Work with Dr. Allan Bacon MauiAthletics.com Dr. Allan Bacon on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram  

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 Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

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 premier digital media platform for middle aged men and the brands that want to reach them. Investor & Brand Ambassador - Greg is an investor in Huron, LMNT, Hone Health, MUDITA and Dish Society, and a brand ambassador for Rhone, Athletic Greens, Sunlighten Saunas, The Cold Plunge, HYDROW, CLIMBR and InsideTracker. Podcaster & Writer - Greg’s podcast The Midlife Male includes interviews with some of the world’s top performers, and is one of the most highly rated podcasts in the world. His weekly Midlife Male Newsletter has earned over 10,000 subscribers. Trusted Coach - Greg has coached more

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 of experience with players across the NFL, Team USA, UFC, and Boxing. Game on. Work with RAPID Health Optimization Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

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 our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

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 proteins and other foods that improve body composition and longevity while building soil and improving land quality. Alongside her husband, she raises grass-fed bison in Alberta, practicing and promoting regenerative practices and land stewardship Work with RAPID Health Optimization Work with Julia: Website Follow Julia on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram