Why Muscle Matters & How to Build It

In this episode, I discuss the essential role of skeletal muscle in health and performance. I explain what skeletal muscle is made of, how it works, and its role as an integral organ system for physical and mental health. I explain how to focus on skeletal muscle quantity (total muscle) and muscle quality (functionality, speed, power, strength) to ensure you function and perform at the highest levels.
I explain the difference between slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers and why skeletal muscle is uniquely adaptable to exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle factors. I also explain why resistance training becomes increasingly critical for healthy aging and disease prevention.
I explain how to use the "Three Is" of investigate, interpret, and intervene to determine if you have enough muscle, if it's functioning well, and protocols to improve muscle quality and quantity. Listeners of this episode will understand why skeletal muscle is so essential to care for and how to enhance muscle quantity and quality to optimize physiology, performance, and longevity.
Access the full show notes for this episode, including referenced articles and additional resources, at performpodcast.com.
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Timestamps
00:00:00 Skeletal Muscle
00:04:06 Sponsors: Absolute Rest & Momentous
00:07:20 Quantity & Quality; Organ System; Health & Performance
00:12:58 Plasticity, “Look Good, Feel Good, Play Good”; Muscle Types
00:15:46 What is Muscle?, Muscle Fibers, Tendon
00:21:37 Muscle Fiber Number, Hyperplasia, Anabolic Steroids, Age
00:24:03 Myonuclei & Adaptability
00:26:27 Muscle Fiber Types, Variable Muscle Functions
00:32:24 Fiber Type & Lifestyle Factors
00:34:54 Sponsors: David Protein & AG1
00:37:37 Age & Muscle Loss, Slow vs. Fast-Twitch Fibers; Motor Units
00:46:36 Muscle Size vs. Muscle Strength, Quantity vs. Quality
00:50:56 Investigate: Muscle Quantity, Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI)
00:56:21 FFMI, Elite Athletes, Muscle Mass
01:00:59 Muscle Asymmetry; Too Much Muscle Possible?
01:03:49 Interpret: Muscle Mass, FFMI Calculations & Percentiles
01:09:28 Tool: Intervene - Increase Muscle Mass, 72-Hour Rule
01:15:27 Sponsors: Maui Nui & Renaissance Periodization
01:17:51 Investigate: Muscle Quality & 4 Movement Principles
01:23:34 Muscle Quality & 3 Performance Principles
01:26:42 Interpret: Muscle Speed, Age
01:32:45 Muscle Power, Vertical Jump, Broad Jump
01:36:17 Muscle Strength, Powerlifting Elite, Bench Press, Leg Press, Grip Strength
01:44:05 Increasing Strength, Improve Health & Longevity
01:46:44 Tool: Intervene - Improve Muscle Quality, 4 Training Principles, 3-to-5 Rule
01:53:56 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media
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