EPISODE 43 – "Unplugged": How To Evolve From Technology to Upgrade Fitness & Performance w/ Dr. Andy Galpin
In this episode, Dr. Bubbs sits down with expert Dr. Andy Galpin, Professor at the Center for Sport Performance at California State University-Fullerton to talk benefits and pitfalls of wearable technology, when technology can help clients and athletes and when it can hinder progess, key markers of longevity and healthy ageing that most doctors don’t know, why you can’t just outsource your training (or your health) and why it’s important to “feel small” every once in a while. Terrific insights from one of the best in the business.
"Lay-Ups" In This Episode
- By 2020, the global market for fitness-focused apps and devices is expected to grow to over 30$ billion.
- Wearables technology can be very supportive for behavior change in the short-term.
- Wearable tech has limitations; accuracy, inability to assess context, lack of personalization, dependency, etc.
"Performance Hacks" In This Episode
- Key markers for longevity include grip strength, leg strength, lean muscle and VO2 max.
- Gamification works in the short-term, 50% of people who buy wearables stop using them after 6 months. Apps are best for early motivation and calibration.
- The “Blue Dot” – there is tremendous value in “feeling small” every once in awhile.
Coffee Talk
Andy’s “no-routine” routine – Rising at 4am + flexible morning routine (may or may not include coffee).
About Dr. Andy Galpin
Dr. Galpin is a Professor at the Center for Sport Performance at California State University, Fullerton and is the Director of the Biochemistry and Molecular Exercise Physiology Lab. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in Exercise Physiology, Strength and Conditioning, Exercise Program Design, and Sports Nutrition, among others. His research utilizes the muscle biopsy procedure to analyze muscle at the single-cell level in response to high intensity/power/force exercise. Essentially, his research uses highly sophisticated measurements and laboratory techniques to answer practical questions like: How does muscle adapt at the cellular level to interval training vs. strength training? What cellular aspects of muscle allow some athletes, like elite CrossFitters or mixed martial artists to be simultaneously strong and highly conditioned? He has over 100 scientific articles and international presentations and has helped his numerous amateur and elite/Olympic-level NFL, weightlifting, MLB, NBA, and UFC athletes.