The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses neuroscience: how our brain and its connections with the organs of our body control our perceptions, our behaviors, and our health. We also discuss existing and emerging tools for measuring and changing how our nervous system works. Dr. Andrew Huberman is a tenured Professor of Neurobiology and Ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine. His laboratory studies neural regeneration, neuroplasticity, and brain states such as stress, focus, fear, and optimal performance. For more than 20 years, Dr. Huberman has consistently published original research findings and review articles in top-level peer-reviewed journals, including Nature, Science, Cell, Neuron, and Current Biology. He is a regular member of several National Institutes of Health review panels and a Fellow of the McKnight Foundation and the Pew Charitable Trusts. Dr. Huberman regularly consults for technology development companies, professional athletic organizations, and various units of U.S. and Canadian Special Operations.
Essentials: Build Muscle Size, Increase Strength & Improve Recovery
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I discuss how to build muscle strength and size (hypertrophy) and cover key training principles to enhance athletic performance and offset age-related muscle decline.
I explain how the nervous system drives muscle movement, the key differences between training for hypertrophy or strength, and resistance training protocols to build muscle for performance and healthy aging. Additionally, I discuss tools for assessing recovery and the role of key nutrients—such as creatine and electrolytes—in supporting muscle development and performance. This episode provides actionable, science-backed strategies to enhance movement, preserve strength with age, and boost energy levels.
Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.
Timestamps
00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Muscle
00:02:02 Muscle & Nervous System
00:03:24 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & LMNT
00:06:03 Strength & Aging, Henneman's Size Principle, Use Heavy Weights?
00:10:09 3 Stimuli, Muscle Strength vs Muscle Growth (Hypertrophy)
00:12:11 Tool: Resistance Training Protocol, Increase Muscle Strength
00:15:55 Sponsor: AG1
00:17:50 Tool: Advanced Resistance Training & Volume; Speed, Rest
00:21:12 Testing for Recovery, Heart Rate Variability, Grip Strength
00:24:29 Sponsor: Function
00:26:16 Testing for Recovery, Carbon Dioxide Tolerance
00:29:20 Ice Bath Timing; NSAIDs & Exercise
00:30:34 Salt & Electrolytes; Creatine; Leucine