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Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin

Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin

By: Scicomm Media
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This is Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin. I'm Dr. Andy Galpin, a professor and director of the Human Performance Center at Parker University. With this podcast, my goal is to help you better understand and maximize your own physical and mental performance, leveraging my two decades of experience with elite performers, including Olympians and world champions across numerous sports. The goal is to cover a range of tools, technologies, and strategies designed to help everyone—from beginners to record-breaks, and everyone in between. While not all of us are elite athletes—myself included—there are countless lessons and tools we can learn from those performing at the highest levels. And remember, as legendary coach Bill Bowerman stated, "If you have a body, you are an athlete." If you're not already, I hope you'll consider starting to train and recover like one.Copyright © 2024-2026 Perform Productions LLC Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living Science
Episodes
  • How to Build a Strong Core & Abs
    Apr 1 2026
    In this episode, I break down everything you need to know to build a strong core and better-looking abs — and explain why most people are training them wrong. I start by clarifying the difference between "abs" and "core," covering the key muscle groups involved (rectus abdominis, obliques, transverse abdominis, spinal erectors, and more) and debunking the myth that these muscles require uniquely high-rep, high-frequency training. From there, I introduce my "look, feel, and perform" framework to show how training variables — exercise selection, movement patterns versus anti-movement patterns, load, volume, frequency, and progression — should shift depending on your actual goal. I also walk through a five-step progression model and a sample weekly program. This episode is for anyone who has ever felt confused by conflicting advice on core training, whether your goal is aesthetics, low back health, or athletic performance. Show notes: https://www.performpodcast.com/episodes/core-strength Join newsletter: https://www.performpodcast.com/newsletters Sponsors Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/perform David: https://davidprotein.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Timestamps (00:00:00) Core Training Myths (00:04:22) Why We Train Abs Wrong (00:07:27) Abs vs Core Explained (00:11:17) Look Feel Perform Goals (00:15:04) How Core Muscles Work (00:20:26) Stability and Anti Movement (00:24:00) Do Abs Need Daily Training (00:29:12) Spinal Safety and Crunches (00:33:08) Testing Core Strength (00:41:42) Interpreting Test Results (00:47:02) Choosing Core Exercises (00:50:18) Isolation vs compound core (00:52:31) Contraction intensity rules (00:53:23) Size principle explained (00:56:16) Loading the core safely (01:00:14) Core moves by pattern (01:06:35) Program by muscle groups (01:08:01) Abs for aesthetics (01:15:47) Aesthetic programming split (01:18:49) Core for performance (01:21:15) Core for back health (01:24:17) Sample week template (01:29:22) Five step progression (01:35:54) Exercise order priorities (01:36:56) Rapid fire Q and belts (01:42:35) Final wrap and support Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 44 mins
  • Enhance Your Physical & Mental Resilience (HRV, Respiratory Rate, RHR)
    Apr 16 2025
    In this episode, I explain how to increase your control over your nervous system — not just to manage stress, but to recalibrate your autonomic nervous system for long-term physiological resilience and adaptability. This episode goes beyond basic stress management techniques to explore how to fine-tune your nervous system, become more stress tolerant, and use your personal data to know exactly when and how to intervene. Using the three I’s framework — Investigate, Interpret and Intervene — I explain how to assess key physiological markers such as heart rate variability (HRV), respiratory rate and CO₂ tolerance. I also discuss a range of tools and strategies, ranging from free to clinical-grade, that can shift your nervous system acutely (like cold exposure or visual resets) and chronically (such as structured breathwork or exercise). This episode is for anyone looking to actively train their brain and body to improve resilience, adaptability and peak performance. Read the episode show notes at performpodcast.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/perform David: https://davidprotein.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform Momentous: https://www.livemomentous.com/perform Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/perform Timestamps 00:00:00 Controlling Your Nervous System 00:04:59 Nervous System Branches, Recalibrate Autonomic Nervous System 00:09:46 Sponsors: AG1 & David Protein 00:12:30 Read & Regulate, Highway Analogy, Resilience 00:18:35 Investigate: Performance-Based Tests, Psychology & Physiological Markers 00:24:07 Heart Rate Variability (HRV), Genes & Lifestyle, Age, Health & Resilience 00:36:22 Sponsors: LMNT & Momentous 00:39:23 Tool: Measuring HRV 00:41:46 Respiratory Rate, CO2 Tolerance Test 00:45:37 Metabolism & Respiration, Chronic Hyperventilation, Overbreathing 00:53:46 Tool: Measuring Respiratory Rate 00:54:48 Interpret: HRV Scores, Device Variability, Standard Deviation 01:00:48 HRV Stability, Sleep Schedule, Alcohol, Exercise & Meal Frequency 01:04:34 Sponsor: Eight Sleep 01:05:56 HRV Data & When to Intervene, Acute vs Chronic, Training 01:09:16 Interpret: Respiratory Rate, Overbreathing & Breathing Problems 01:15:53 Intervention: Acute Changes, 4x4 Matrix 01:17:50 Acute & Chronic Categories; Cold Water Immersion 01:21:50 Acute Actions, Visual Resets, Valsalva Maneuver, Vagal Nerve Stimulators 01:28:09 Chronic Actions, Desensitization, Timing for Results 01:32:57 Exercise, High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) 01:34:57 Breathwork, Tool: Reduce Stress & Anxiety with Breathwork 01:42:47 Internal Biofeedback, Meditation, Cold Exposure, Gear 1 Walking 01:48:55 External Biofeedback, Weight Belt 01:52:26 Resonant Breathing, HRV Biofeedback; Haptic Biofeedback 02:00:28 Supplements, Omega-3s, Watermelon Juice, Ashwagandha, Vitamin D & B12 02:03:33 Recap & Key Takeaways 02:07:28 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Perform Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    2 hrs and 9 mins
  • Jill Miller: Increase Flexibility & Relieve Pain with Breathwork & Myofascial Release
    Apr 9 2025
    In this episode, my guest is Jill Miller, a renowned fascia expert and teacher of breathwork practices and self-myofascial release (SMR) to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance body awareness. We discuss how fascia—the connective tissue in and around muscles, bones and organs—is essential for flexibility and movement, and we explore how tools like foam rollers, balls, massage and cupping can improve fascia health. We explain the benefits of self-myofascial release, including improved range of motion, reduced muscle soreness, and improved force output, and we discuss whether experiencing pain or using hard tools is necessary for achieving good results. We also cover practices for managing chronic pain and stress, including parasympathetic techniques and breathing exercises that promote relaxation and recovery. This episode provides many practical techniques to improve mobility, physical recovery and pain management at any stage of life. Read the episode show notes at performpodcast.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1: https://drinkag1.com/perform Eight Sleep: https://eightsleep.com/perform Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/perform LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/perform David: https://davidprotein.com/perform Timestamps 00:00:00 Jill Miller 00:01:13 Yoga, Physical Recovery 00:03:23 Foam Rolling, Self-Myofascial Release (SMR) & Benefits 00:08:46 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & Momentous 00:11:47 Foam Rolling, Tool: Timing & Reduce Muscle Soreness 00:13:11 What is Fascia?; Massage, Scar Tissue, Pain Management 00:24:08 Pain Management & Movement 00:25:47 Ball Rolling, Range of Motion, Nervous System, Duration 00:29:55 Soft vs Hard Tools & Efficacy, Cause Pain?, Pain Spots & Feedback 00:37:55 Sponsors: AG1 & LMNT 00:40:42 Massage, Tool: Tolerable Discomfort 00:44:26 Compression Alternatives, Cupping, Tool: Pin, Spin & Mobilize 00:49:53 Stress, Back Pain, Release, Tool: Spine Decompression 00:57:23 Myofascial Massage & Release; Lumbar Hammock 01:02:14 Sponsor: David 01:03:33 Respiratory Diaphragm, Increasing Awareness, Gut, Mindset 01:12:39 Diaphragm, Intercostals, Overbreathing, Tool: Breathing Zones & Symptoms 01:18:35 Breathing & Increasing Awareness, Pain, Tool: Contract-Relax Exercise, Timing 01:25:26 Parasympathetic Tolerance Capacity, Chronic Stress, Pain & Tightness 01:30:10 Tool: Parasympathetic Practices & The Five P’s 01:38:14 Pelvic Floor, Rib Flaring, Pelvic Tilt, Stacking 01:43:14 Diastasis Recti, Pregnancy & Recovery, Back & Pelvic Pain 01:52:31 Pregnancy, Hypermobility, Tool: The B’s of Rolling with Hypermobility 01:58:36 Gaining Mobility, Static Stretching & Rolling 02:01:16 Self-Myofascial Release & Benefits 02:08:22 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube, Spotify & Apple Subscribe & Reviews, Sponsors, YouTube Feedback, Social Media, Perform Newsletter Disclaimer & Disclosures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    2 hrs and 10 mins
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A breath of fresh air with the ability to deep dive into topics you desire. This podcast is one of the most absolutely incredible resources available to the public on this planet!

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There is actionable information here. People need the how. The what and the why is important to motivate but that how is where people get lost. What does this mean for me? Translating to the how makes Dr, Galpin a valuable listen.

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