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

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

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. He also serves on the editorial boards of many publications, including Sports Medicine, AGE, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, and the Journal of Applied Physiology. Dr. Loenneke’s study focuses on the adaptations of skeletal muscles to exercise in the presence of blood flow limitations. His latest study has provided answers to numerous critical methodological and safety problems about the use of blood flow restriction. Loenneke is the director of the Laboratory of Applied Physiology Kevser Ermin and his research group focuses on skeletal muscle adaptations to exercise with and without blo

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 Superstar of the Year Slammy Award winner (2009 and 2010). Outside of wrestling, Cena has released the rap album “You Can't See Me” which debuted at #15 on the US Billboard 200 chart, and starred in the feature films The Marine (2006), 12 Rounds (2009), and Legendary (2010). Cena has also made appearances on television shows including Manhunt, Deal or No Deal, MADtv, Saturday Night Live, Punk'd, and Psych. Cena was also a contestant on Fast Cars and Superstars: The Gillette Young Guns Celebrity Race, where he made it to the final round before being eliminated, placing third in the overall competiti

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

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 every week on her podcast, Better! With Dr. Stephanie. Work with RAPID Health Optimization Links: Dr. Stephanie Estima on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

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

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 Links: Dr. Mike Lane on LinkedIn Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

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  

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