Dr. Andy Galpin defines performance broadly, encompassing both physical and mental aspects. It includes goals like being more focused, having more energy, making better decisions, feeling less pain, or excelling in sports. He emphasizes that performance is about achieving what individuals want from their bodies and minds, whether they are elite athletes or everyday people.
Performance anchors are non-specific stressors that drain the system and hinder physiological adaptation. Dr. Galpin focuses on removing these anchors, such as poor sleep, micronutrient deficiencies, or mental stress, to create room for specific stressors like exercise that drive desired changes. This approach ensures the body can handle stress effectively without maladaptation.
Dr. Galpin categorizes individuals as 'cooks' or 'bakers' based on their approach to structure. Bakers prefer precision, detailed plans, and strict systems, while cooks thrive on flexibility and creativity. Understanding this distinction helps tailor coaching strategies to ensure long-term success and consistency in achieving health and fitness goals.
NEAT, or non-exercise activity thermogenesis, refers to the calories burned through everyday movements like fidgeting, pacing, or standing. Dr. Galpin highlights that NEAT often contributes more to daily caloric expenditure than structured exercise. It’s a critical factor in weight management, especially during caloric restriction, as it tends to decrease when energy intake is low.
Dr. Galpin addresses women’s concerns by focusing on their specific goals—look, feel, and perform. He provides education through research and examples, showing that strength training can be tailored to avoid unwanted muscle growth while achieving desired outcomes. Trust and customization are key, ensuring clients feel empowered and confident in their fitness journey.
Exercise snacks are short bursts of physical activity throughout the day, separate from structured workouts. Dr. Galpin emphasizes their importance in maintaining overall physical activity levels, especially for individuals who sit for long periods. They complement structured exercise and contribute to better health outcomes by increasing daily movement.
**Ep. 165: **How do you define peak performance? Today Dr. Andy Galpin, world renowned human performance scientist, joins us to explore what it means to optimize your body and mind - whether you’re an elite athlete or just starting your health journey. We discuss how to remove performance anchors, the surprising overlap between athlete and non-athlete needs, and why systems and sustainability matter more than perfection. This episode is so packed with insights that we split it into two parts. This episode is so packed with insights that we split it into two parts—don’t miss part one now and stay tuned for part two this Thursday!
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Topics Discussed
00:00 Introduction
01:06: Welcome
03:21: What interests you most about performance and optimization?
05:32: Coaching program
10:39: Training recommendations for athletes and general population
12:30: Goals for their athletes
15:23: Can you lose fat, gain muscle without suffering?
17:53: No unrealistic expectations
22:17: Cooks and bakers analogy
26:40: Advice for someone starting fitness journey
29:54: Optimal time of day for training?
31:36: Schedule for fighters
33:01: Training in the evening
35:14: Exercise snacks
37:20: Fidgeting
39:00 N.E.A.T (Non-exercise activity thermogenesis)
41:30: Figure skater’s training and diet
42:34: Equestrian as client
43:56: Advice for women who want muscle, but are afraid of weight training