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Vigorous exercise improves cognition and delays brain aging. Exercise causes muscles to produce lactate, which travels to the brain, triggering the production of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and neurotrophic factors like BDNF. New episode on why we should incorporate more vigorous exercise into our routine. TIMESTAMPS: (01:51) What differentiates "vigorous"...

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Dr. Rhonda Patrick

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530,847 views • 2 years ago •via X (Twitter)

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Dr. Rhonda Patrick2 years ago

This episode is also available on the FoundMyFitness Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Show notes and links here:

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FoundMyFitness Clips2 years ago

🔥 🔥 🔥

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Tim Palmer2 years ago

Agree 1000% Just finished my 10th IronMan at age 62. Came home from race to attend funerals of two classmates in one week. Your work has been transformative in my life! Much gratitude @foundmyfitness And yes, Broccoli Sprouts are my SUPERPOWER!!

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revival.care2 years ago

A well balanced training program needs: - Low intensity cardio (zone 2/3) - VO2 max training (zone 4/5) - Strength training - Mobility work - Flexibility training

Gamera's profile picture
Gamera2 years ago

"Why zone 2 training may not improve VO2 max". Yes, but the more Z2 one does the more they can do of, and the quicker they can recover from, the type of training that really does improve VO2 MAX. Some of the greatest milers ever did nothing but Z2 for 6 months plus per year.

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VALUE-HUNTER2 years ago

Goggins gonna be the first 1000 year old

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wealthyprimate2 years ago

If you’re reading this trying to figure out what the perfect exercise is I can sum this up for you: Find a physical activity that is hard, that you enjoy doing, and that you can do often. Don’t like HIIT (me)? Don’t do it because of a study. Run, rock climb, whatever you want

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Talk_Data_To_Me2 years ago

I'm really interested in how you measure the increase in longevity without actually waiting for the people to die?

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Sean Michael Floyd2 years ago

Hey Rhonda, longtime fan. Really enjoyed this episode. Listened last night and did a 4x4 Norwegian session today (first time). Gonna add this in twice a week alongside my zone 2 work (been doing 180min). Keep putting out the great content!

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New presentation! At the recent A4M LongevityFest conference (American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M)) I discussed how omega-3, vitamin D, and magnesium deficiencies accelerate aging, the life expectancy benefits from improving VO2 max, and the anti-cancer effects of vigorous exercise. Available on YouTube, Spotify, X, and everywhere else. Links in comment. Timestamps: 0:00 - Vitamin D, the gene regulator 5:58 - Vitamin D deficiency & mortality risk 9:24 - Optimal vitamin D levels & supplementation 11:10 - Magnesium deficiency & DNA damage 14:50 - Dangers of inadequate omega-3 intake 17:07 - Why you want your omega-3 index in the 8% range 23:17 - Vigorous exercise is the best longevity drug 24:50 - VO2 max & life expectancy 29:36 - VO2 max protocols 32:27 - Measuring VO2 max 33:34 - Reversing 20 years of heart aging 36:31 - Blood pressure benefits of vigorous exercise 37:48 - BDNF benefits of vigorous exercise 40:58 - Vigorous exercise improves focus & attention 42:11 - Exercise protocols for maximizing BDNF 43:13 - Anti-cancer effects of vigorous exercise 45:30 - How to use exercise snacks to break up sedentary time
52:20

New presentation! At the recent A4M LongevityFest conference (American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M)) I discussed how omega-3, vitamin D, and magnesium deficiencies accelerate aging, the life expectancy benefits from improving VO2 max, and the anti-cancer effects of vigorous exercise. Available on YouTube, Spotify, X, and everywhere else. Links in comment. Timestamps: 0:00 - Vitamin D, the gene regulator 5:58 - Vitamin D deficiency & mortality risk 9:24 - Optimal vitamin D levels & supplementation 11:10 - Magnesium deficiency & DNA damage 14:50 - Dangers of inadequate omega-3 intake 17:07 - Why you want your omega-3 index in the 8% range 23:17 - Vigorous exercise is the best longevity drug 24:50 - VO2 max & life expectancy 29:36 - VO2 max protocols 32:27 - Measuring VO2 max 33:34 - Reversing 20 years of heart aging 36:31 - Blood pressure benefits of vigorous exercise 37:48 - BDNF benefits of vigorous exercise 40:58 - Vigorous exercise improves focus & attention 42:11 - Exercise protocols for maximizing BDNF 43:13 - Anti-cancer effects of vigorous exercise 45:30 - How to use exercise snacks to break up sedentary time

Dr. Rhonda Patrick

105,960 views • 2 years ago

~40% of people who engage in moderate-intensity exercise (zone 2) for ~2.5 hours/week don't experience VO2 max improvements For the average committed exerciser, the best way to improve your VO2 max is with vigorous-intensity exercise
2:22

~40% of people who engage in moderate-intensity exercise (zone 2) for ~2.5 hours/week don't experience VO2 max improvements For the average committed exerciser, the best way to improve your VO2 max is with vigorous-intensity exercise

FoundMyFitness Clips

30,213 views • 2 years ago

The current physical activity guidelines undervalue vigorous activity. Vigorous activity may be 4–9× more potent than moderate activity for reducing all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer risk. The exercise guidelines assume a 2:1 ratio between moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity: two minutes of moderate activity equals one minute of vigorous. That's why the recommendations are 150–300 minutes of moderate or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity each week. But new data suggest that ratio is wrong. In this brand-new journal-club episode, Brady Holmer (Brady Holmer) and I unpack a groundbreaking study that should change how we think about activity for disease prevention. The research identified that 1 minute of vigorous activity is roughly equivalent to 4–9 minutes of moderate activity, and 53–94 minutes of light activity, for disease risk reduction. It also shows a clear dose-response for vigorous activity that’s much weaker for moderate activity and barely detectable for light activity. We also do a deep dive into why vigorous activity is so powerful, the underlying mechanisms, and discuss practical takeaways, including how even very brief bouts of vigorous movement (think “exercise snacks”) can produce meaningful health benefits. Timestamps are below. You can find links to the episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify in the next post. Enjoy! Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 2:14 - The 1:2 rule for exercise 6:28 - What counts as vigorous? 8:48 - Where exercise guidelines fail 9:32 - Inside the wearable-based study design 15:24 - Vigorous activity—easier than you think? 18:01 - Avoiding healthy user bias 19:12 - A better way to measure exercise 20:58 - Is vigorous 4–10x better? 25:08 - One vigorous min vs. one-hour walk 27:15 - Are light activity's benefits capped? 29:03 - Is vigorous 5x better for your heart? 30:12 - Does zone 2 count as vigorous? 31:24 - Dose-response comparison 32:35 - Vigorous exercise & younger arteries 38:29 - Why aging hearts need intensity 41:22 - Can intensity preserve VO₂ max? 42:40 - Moderate exercise & VO₂ max limits 44:34 - Is vigorous 10x better for diabetes? 51:01 - Why intensity boosts mitochondria 56:11 - Does intense exercise kill tumor cells? 1:02:28 - Hormonal benefits 1:03:19 - Preventing falls with intensity 1:07:49 - Fighting inflammation 1:09:42 - High-intensity training & brain aging 1:11:14 - The 2:1 ratio is out the door 1:13:03 - Could vigorous exercise become a pill? 1:14:21 - Short bursts for longer life 1:18:28 - Can short bouts match full workouts? 1:22:39 - Do wearables undervalue vigorous bursts? 1:25:19 - Can micro-workouts replace the gym? 1:30:23 - Updating exercise guidelines 1:41:48 - Is light activity useless? 1:44:17 - Is vigorous exercise safe for seniors? 1:48:41 - Is HIIT harmful to female hormones? 1:54:18 - Balancing intensity & recovery (80/20 rule) 1:56:43 - Brady’s exercise routine 2:00:30 - Vigorous activity & kids’ brainpower 2:03:27 - Are we undervaluing vigorous exercise? 2:05:16 - Why chasing steps doesn't work
2:10:24

The current physical activity guidelines undervalue vigorous activity. Vigorous activity may be 4–9× more potent than moderate activity for reducing all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer risk. The exercise guidelines assume a 2:1 ratio between moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity: two minutes of moderate activity equals one minute of vigorous. That's why the recommendations are 150–300 minutes of moderate or 75–150 minutes of vigorous activity each week. But new data suggest that ratio is wrong. In this brand-new journal-club episode, Brady Holmer (Brady Holmer) and I unpack a groundbreaking study that should change how we think about activity for disease prevention. The research identified that 1 minute of vigorous activity is roughly equivalent to 4–9 minutes of moderate activity, and 53–94 minutes of light activity, for disease risk reduction. It also shows a clear dose-response for vigorous activity that’s much weaker for moderate activity and barely detectable for light activity. We also do a deep dive into why vigorous activity is so powerful, the underlying mechanisms, and discuss practical takeaways, including how even very brief bouts of vigorous movement (think “exercise snacks”) can produce meaningful health benefits. Timestamps are below. You can find links to the episode on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify in the next post. Enjoy! Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 2:14 - The 1:2 rule for exercise 6:28 - What counts as vigorous? 8:48 - Where exercise guidelines fail 9:32 - Inside the wearable-based study design 15:24 - Vigorous activity—easier than you think? 18:01 - Avoiding healthy user bias 19:12 - A better way to measure exercise 20:58 - Is vigorous 4–10x better? 25:08 - One vigorous min vs. one-hour walk 27:15 - Are light activity's benefits capped? 29:03 - Is vigorous 5x better for your heart? 30:12 - Does zone 2 count as vigorous? 31:24 - Dose-response comparison 32:35 - Vigorous exercise & younger arteries 38:29 - Why aging hearts need intensity 41:22 - Can intensity preserve VO₂ max? 42:40 - Moderate exercise & VO₂ max limits 44:34 - Is vigorous 10x better for diabetes? 51:01 - Why intensity boosts mitochondria 56:11 - Does intense exercise kill tumor cells? 1:02:28 - Hormonal benefits 1:03:19 - Preventing falls with intensity 1:07:49 - Fighting inflammation 1:09:42 - High-intensity training & brain aging 1:11:14 - The 2:1 ratio is out the door 1:13:03 - Could vigorous exercise become a pill? 1:14:21 - Short bursts for longer life 1:18:28 - Can short bouts match full workouts? 1:22:39 - Do wearables undervalue vigorous bursts? 1:25:19 - Can micro-workouts replace the gym? 1:30:23 - Updating exercise guidelines 1:41:48 - Is light activity useless? 1:44:17 - Is vigorous exercise safe for seniors? 1:48:41 - Is HIIT harmful to female hormones? 1:54:18 - Balancing intensity & recovery (80/20 rule) 1:56:43 - Brady’s exercise routine 2:00:30 - Vigorous activity & kids’ brainpower 2:03:27 - Are we undervaluing vigorous exercise? 2:05:16 - Why chasing steps doesn't work

Dr. Rhonda Patrick

305,723 views • 6 months ago

I advocate for high-intensity exercise in part due to its brain benefits, which primarily stem from lactate. Lactate fuels the brain & muscles (not causing fatigue or soreness, as once thought) and activates growth factors and neurotransmitters. BDNF, dubbed "Miracle-Gro for the brain," enhances neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, forming and rewiring the connections between neurons. Norepinephrine and serotonin, produced during (especially vigorous) exercise, boost focus, attention, motivation, and mood for several hours or more post-workout. Lower-intensity exercise has several health benefits, but nothing comes close to high-intensity exercise if you're looking for a short- or long-term cognitive boost.
1:06

I advocate for high-intensity exercise in part due to its brain benefits, which primarily stem from lactate. Lactate fuels the brain & muscles (not causing fatigue or soreness, as once thought) and activates growth factors and neurotransmitters. BDNF, dubbed "Miracle-Gro for the brain," enhances neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, forming and rewiring the connections between neurons. Norepinephrine and serotonin, produced during (especially vigorous) exercise, boost focus, attention, motivation, and mood for several hours or more post-workout. Lower-intensity exercise has several health benefits, but nothing comes close to high-intensity exercise if you're looking for a short- or long-term cognitive boost.

Dr. Rhonda Patrick

70,884 views • 10 months ago

Lactate generated via high-intensity exercise increases BDNF in the brain BDNF: • Improves cognition • Increases neuroplasticity • Helps stave off brain aging • Stimulates the growth of new neurons • Strengthens connections between neurons
2:01

Lactate generated via high-intensity exercise increases BDNF in the brain BDNF: • Improves cognition • Increases neuroplasticity • Helps stave off brain aging • Stimulates the growth of new neurons • Strengthens connections between neurons

FoundMyFitness Clips

19,784 views • 2 years ago

New presentation! I discuss why high-intensity interval training is superior for glucose regulation, how avoiding late-night eating improves metabolic health, and the critical role of sleep in optimizing glucose control. Available on YouTube, Spotify, X, and everywhere else. Links in comment. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:31 - HIIT vs. zone 2 for metabolic health 3:52 - Lactate as a signaling molecule 6:39 - HIIT conditions for improving body composition 7:42 - Mitophagy from vigorous exercise 11:33 - HIIT vs. zone 2 for mitochondrial biogenesis 13:15 - Evidence-based HIIT protocols 14:52 - “Exercise snacks” pre- and post-meal 15:16 - 10 bodyweight squats vs. 45-minute walk 16:56 - Mortality benefits of short exercise bursts 20:14 - Why late-night eating is detrimental 24:43 - Brain atrophy from high-normal glucose 25:36 - Circadian misalignment 26:52 - Time-restricted eating 29:30 - Why early eating is best for metabolic health 31:54 - Mild sleep restriction’s metabolic effects 34:04 - Sleep restriction and type 2 diabetes 34:50 - Advanced glycation end products 36:45 - How sleep restriction affects insulin signaling 37:50 - Why short sleep facilitates obesity 39:09 - Sleep hygiene checklist 42:43 - Sleep extension 43:53 - Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) 45:28 - Benefits of HIIT when sleep-restricted 48:01 - Can HIIT reduce mortality risk from poor sleep? To learn more about the A4M Metabolic Health conferences, make sure to give them a follow at American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M).
49:57

New presentation! I discuss why high-intensity interval training is superior for glucose regulation, how avoiding late-night eating improves metabolic health, and the critical role of sleep in optimizing glucose control. Available on YouTube, Spotify, X, and everywhere else. Links in comment. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:31 - HIIT vs. zone 2 for metabolic health 3:52 - Lactate as a signaling molecule 6:39 - HIIT conditions for improving body composition 7:42 - Mitophagy from vigorous exercise 11:33 - HIIT vs. zone 2 for mitochondrial biogenesis 13:15 - Evidence-based HIIT protocols 14:52 - “Exercise snacks” pre- and post-meal 15:16 - 10 bodyweight squats vs. 45-minute walk 16:56 - Mortality benefits of short exercise bursts 20:14 - Why late-night eating is detrimental 24:43 - Brain atrophy from high-normal glucose 25:36 - Circadian misalignment 26:52 - Time-restricted eating 29:30 - Why early eating is best for metabolic health 31:54 - Mild sleep restriction’s metabolic effects 34:04 - Sleep restriction and type 2 diabetes 34:50 - Advanced glycation end products 36:45 - How sleep restriction affects insulin signaling 37:50 - Why short sleep facilitates obesity 39:09 - Sleep hygiene checklist 42:43 - Sleep extension 43:53 - Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) 45:28 - Benefits of HIIT when sleep-restricted 48:01 - Can HIIT reduce mortality risk from poor sleep? To learn more about the A4M Metabolic Health conferences, make sure to give them a follow at American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M).

Dr. Rhonda Patrick

130,007 views • 1 year ago

The secret to better focus, memory, and mood isn’t in a pill It's in your sweat High-intensity exercise floods your muscles with lactate, signaling your brain to release norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter crucial for focus Lactate also boosts BDNF, a powerful growth factor that creates new neurons, enhances memory, and combats age-related brain atrophy If you care about your brain, vigorous exercise should be a non-negotiable
1:22

The secret to better focus, memory, and mood isn’t in a pill It's in your sweat High-intensity exercise floods your muscles with lactate, signaling your brain to release norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter crucial for focus Lactate also boosts BDNF, a powerful growth factor that creates new neurons, enhances memory, and combats age-related brain atrophy If you care about your brain, vigorous exercise should be a non-negotiable

FoundMyFitness Clips

23,729 views • 1 year ago

The force of blood flow generated during vigorous-intensity exercise kills circulating tumor cells Vigorous exercise creates high shear stress inside blood vessels (a mechanical force that damaged cancer cells are uniquely vulnerable to, pushing them toward cell death) These are the same cells responsible for cancer recurrence and metastasis years after initial treatment By reducing their survival, vigorous exercise may meaningfully lower cancer mortality
4:49

The force of blood flow generated during vigorous-intensity exercise kills circulating tumor cells Vigorous exercise creates high shear stress inside blood vessels (a mechanical force that damaged cancer cells are uniquely vulnerable to, pushing them toward cell death) These are the same cells responsible for cancer recurrence and metastasis years after initial treatment By reducing their survival, vigorous exercise may meaningfully lower cancer mortality

FoundMyFitness Clips

31,023 views • 6 months ago

The shear force of blood flow generated during vigorous-intensity exercise kills circulating tumor cells And get this: The more intense the exercise, the greater the effect
2:13

The shear force of blood flow generated during vigorous-intensity exercise kills circulating tumor cells And get this: The more intense the exercise, the greater the effect

FoundMyFitness Clips

438,501 views • 2 years ago

New episode on the optimal exercise intensity, duration, and frequency to prevent and reverse heart aging! In this podcast episode, Dr. Benjamin Levine discusses his groundbreaking research, which reveals how three weeks of bed rest can have a more detrimental impact on fitness than 30 years of aging. Dr. Levine details his research findings that show how a structured exercise regimen can reverse up to 20 years of heart aging by improving both shrinkage and compliance, as well as enhancing aspects of vascular age by 15 years. He also discusses how resistance training and aerobic training have profound differences on the heart, what risks are linked to high-intensity exercise, why recovery is key for the heart, how exercise duration and intensity affect coronary calcium levels, what exercise dose increases Afib risk, and so much more. This episode is a must! Available on YouTube, Spotify, X, and everywhere else. Links in comment. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:31 - Bed rest vs. 30 years of aging 5:18 - Recovering from bed rest 6:49 - Does exercise protect against long COVID? 11:27 - Bed rest as a model for space flight 12:24 - How bed rest affects heart size 13:52 - Why a brand-new rubber band mimics a lifetime of endurance training 17:23 - The exercise dose that preserves youthful cardiovascular structure 19:32 - Reversing 20 years of heart aging 23:14 - Reversing vascular age by 15 years 28:38 - Why start an exercise regimen in your 70s? 34:26 - High-intensity exercise risks 37:51 - Balancing high- & moderate-intensity training 42:49 - Training for health vs. training for performance 43:57 - Why muscle mass & cardiorespiratory fitness are like retirement funds 45:12 - Make exercise part of your personal hygiene 46:16 - Why VO2 max correlates with longevity 53:43 - Cardiorespiratory fitness & mortality 59:21 - How does change in fitness over time affect mortality? 1:01:34 - Exercise non-responders 1:05:23 - Limiting factors for VO2 max improvements 1:08:20 - How marathon training affects heart size 1:12:34 - Heart adaptations in purely strength-trained vs. endurance athletes 1:18:23 - Why pure strength-trainers should incorporate endurance training 1:22:07 - How strength training affects blood pressure 1:26:41 - How exercise influences cardiac output 1:28:39 - Does CrossFit count as endurance training? 1:31:04 - Exercise for improving blood pressure 1:36:11 - Lifestyle strategies for treating hypertension 1:38:40 - Why recovery is key 1:42:36 - The best indicator of being overtrained 1:43:36 - Estimating training zones 2-5 1:50:00 - Why HRV is a poor recovery indicator 1:55:16 - Why men are faster runners than women 1:58:49 - Can women achieve similar aerobic exercise benefits doing 2x less? 2:00:21 - Possible cardiovascular benefits of HRT in women 2:02:12 - Defining “extreme exercise” 2:04:00 - How exercise volume affects coronary plaque calcification 2:10:50 - How exercise duration & intensity affect coronary calcium levels 2:14:03 - Why high exercise duration & intensity increases Afib risk 2:16:33 - What exercise dose increases Afib risk? 2:17:59 - Managing stroke risk in athletes prone to Afib 2:21:14 - Why you shouldn’t become an endurance athlete to “live longer”
2:24:58

New episode on the optimal exercise intensity, duration, and frequency to prevent and reverse heart aging! In this podcast episode, Dr. Benjamin Levine discusses his groundbreaking research, which reveals how three weeks of bed rest can have a more detrimental impact on fitness than 30 years of aging. Dr. Levine details his research findings that show how a structured exercise regimen can reverse up to 20 years of heart aging by improving both shrinkage and compliance, as well as enhancing aspects of vascular age by 15 years. He also discusses how resistance training and aerobic training have profound differences on the heart, what risks are linked to high-intensity exercise, why recovery is key for the heart, how exercise duration and intensity affect coronary calcium levels, what exercise dose increases Afib risk, and so much more. This episode is a must! Available on YouTube, Spotify, X, and everywhere else. Links in comment. Timestamps: 0:00 - Introduction 1:31 - Bed rest vs. 30 years of aging 5:18 - Recovering from bed rest 6:49 - Does exercise protect against long COVID? 11:27 - Bed rest as a model for space flight 12:24 - How bed rest affects heart size 13:52 - Why a brand-new rubber band mimics a lifetime of endurance training 17:23 - The exercise dose that preserves youthful cardiovascular structure 19:32 - Reversing 20 years of heart aging 23:14 - Reversing vascular age by 15 years 28:38 - Why start an exercise regimen in your 70s? 34:26 - High-intensity exercise risks 37:51 - Balancing high- & moderate-intensity training 42:49 - Training for health vs. training for performance 43:57 - Why muscle mass & cardiorespiratory fitness are like retirement funds 45:12 - Make exercise part of your personal hygiene 46:16 - Why VO2 max correlates with longevity 53:43 - Cardiorespiratory fitness & mortality 59:21 - How does change in fitness over time affect mortality? 1:01:34 - Exercise non-responders 1:05:23 - Limiting factors for VO2 max improvements 1:08:20 - How marathon training affects heart size 1:12:34 - Heart adaptations in purely strength-trained vs. endurance athletes 1:18:23 - Why pure strength-trainers should incorporate endurance training 1:22:07 - How strength training affects blood pressure 1:26:41 - How exercise influences cardiac output 1:28:39 - Does CrossFit count as endurance training? 1:31:04 - Exercise for improving blood pressure 1:36:11 - Lifestyle strategies for treating hypertension 1:38:40 - Why recovery is key 1:42:36 - The best indicator of being overtrained 1:43:36 - Estimating training zones 2-5 1:50:00 - Why HRV is a poor recovery indicator 1:55:16 - Why men are faster runners than women 1:58:49 - Can women achieve similar aerobic exercise benefits doing 2x less? 2:00:21 - Possible cardiovascular benefits of HRT in women 2:02:12 - Defining “extreme exercise” 2:04:00 - How exercise volume affects coronary plaque calcification 2:10:50 - How exercise duration & intensity affect coronary calcium levels 2:14:03 - Why high exercise duration & intensity increases Afib risk 2:16:33 - What exercise dose increases Afib risk? 2:17:59 - Managing stroke risk in athletes prone to Afib 2:21:14 - Why you shouldn’t become an endurance athlete to “live longer”

Dr. Rhonda Patrick

265,943 views • 2 years ago

A 10-minute high-intensity workout can supercharge your brain—immediately Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a crucial growth factor that strengthens neural connections, enhances memory, and supports brain plasticity The more intense your exercise, the greater the surge of BDNF, with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) delivering the most powerful cognitive boost Whether you’re prepping for a big presentation or just want sharper focus, a short burst of vigorous exercise can leave your brain firing on all cylinders
0:51

A 10-minute high-intensity workout can supercharge your brain—immediately Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a crucial growth factor that strengthens neural connections, enhances memory, and supports brain plasticity The more intense your exercise, the greater the surge of BDNF, with high-intensity interval training (HIIT) delivering the most powerful cognitive boost Whether you’re prepping for a big presentation or just want sharper focus, a short burst of vigorous exercise can leave your brain firing on all cylinders

FoundMyFitness Clips

277,326 views • 1 year ago

If you want to protect and enhance your brain, regular vigorous exercise is as close to a miracle drug as it gets When you work out hard, lactate floods across the blood-brain barrier, increasing the production of serotonin and norepinephrine These neurotransmitters are crucial for mood, focus, and impulse control Lactate also increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—an essential growth factor for neurogenesis, memory improvement, and emotional resilience
2:27

If you want to protect and enhance your brain, regular vigorous exercise is as close to a miracle drug as it gets When you work out hard, lactate floods across the blood-brain barrier, increasing the production of serotonin and norepinephrine These neurotransmitters are crucial for mood, focus, and impulse control Lactate also increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—an essential growth factor for neurogenesis, memory improvement, and emotional resilience

FoundMyFitness Clips

24,168 views • 11 months ago

2 years of vigorous exercise in 50-year-olds was able to reverse the aging of their hearts by 20 years! Effectively making the heart look more like a 30-year-old's The power of exercise.... Astonishing, really
0:20

2 years of vigorous exercise in 50-year-olds was able to reverse the aging of their hearts by 20 years! Effectively making the heart look more like a 30-year-old's The power of exercise.... Astonishing, really

FoundMyFitness Clips

1,825,118 views • 2 years ago

Research suggests that up to 40% of cancer cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes. The evidence is now overwhelming: exercise is not just supportive—it’s a therapeutic intervention that recalibrates tumor biology, enhances treatment tolerance, and improves survival outcomes. Today’s interview features Dr. Kerry Courneya. With over 600 peer-reviewed studies, he is one of the most influential figures in exercise oncology. Even if you aren't someone who has personally experienced cancer in one form or another, you need to watch this episode. Episode 99 is Available now on X, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 1:47 - Why exercise should be effortful 2:33 - How to meaningfully reduce risk of cancer 6:22 - What type of exercise is best? 7:59 - How exercise reduces risk—even for smokers and the obese 10:48 - Weekend-only exercise 13:49 - 150 vs. 300 minutes per week (more is better—up to a point) 16:03 - Why pre-diagnosis exercise matters 19:09 - Why resilience to cancer treatment starts with exercise 21:01 - Why low muscle mass drives cancer death 23:58 - Why BMI fails to measure true obesity 27:51 - Why daily activity isn't enough (structured exercise matters) 29:34 - Breaking up sedentary time—do ‘exercise snacks’ help? 31:50 - Supplements vs. exercise 32:32 - Where exercise fits with chemo and immunotherapy 35:30 - Why rest is not the best medicine 41:20 - Aerobic vs. resistance 42:13 - How weight training improves 'chemo completion' 44:41 - Why exercise creates vulnerability in cancer cells (limitations do apply) 47:09 - Why exercise might be crucial for tumor elimination 53:03 - Why cardio may be better at clearing tumor cells 56:18 - When cancer spreads quickly—and when it doesn't 57:43 - Why liquid biopsies may prevent over-treatment 1:02:56 - Exercise-sensitive vs. exercise-resistant cancers 1:06:06 - Prostate cancer therapy—why strength training matters 1:08:10 - When exercise is the only therapy—does it work? 1:09:26 - Why HIIT reduces PSA in prostate cancer 1:11:40 - Avoiding overtreatment—can exercise buy you time? 1:12:00 - Why high-intensity exercise boosts anti-cancer biology 1:13:11 - Turning a diagnosis into a wake-up call 1:16:11 - Why oncologists are rethinking exercise 1:18:50 - Why exercise eases anxiety about cancer—proven psychological benefits 1:25:00 - Before, during, and after treatment 1:27:02 - Why exercise is unique among cancer therapies 1:28:16 - Why cancer patients stop exercising—the risky mistake almost everyone makes 1:30:41 - How to get sedentary cancer patients exercising (realistically) 1:33:15 - The $1 million case for including exercise 1:34:56 - Why recurrence trials haven't convinced doctors—yet 1:37:36 - The bottom-line message 1:37:55 - The myth of a cancer panacea (exercise included) 1:44:07 - What's the best $50 investment for staying active? 1:44:40 - Only 15 minutes per day—what’s the best anti-cancer exercise?
1:48:23

Research suggests that up to 40% of cancer cases could be prevented through lifestyle changes. The evidence is now overwhelming: exercise is not just supportive—it’s a therapeutic intervention that recalibrates tumor biology, enhances treatment tolerance, and improves survival outcomes. Today’s interview features Dr. Kerry Courneya. With over 600 peer-reviewed studies, he is one of the most influential figures in exercise oncology. Even if you aren't someone who has personally experienced cancer in one form or another, you need to watch this episode. Episode 99 is Available now on X, YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Chapters: 0:00 - Introduction 1:47 - Why exercise should be effortful 2:33 - How to meaningfully reduce risk of cancer 6:22 - What type of exercise is best? 7:59 - How exercise reduces risk—even for smokers and the obese 10:48 - Weekend-only exercise 13:49 - 150 vs. 300 minutes per week (more is better—up to a point) 16:03 - Why pre-diagnosis exercise matters 19:09 - Why resilience to cancer treatment starts with exercise 21:01 - Why low muscle mass drives cancer death 23:58 - Why BMI fails to measure true obesity 27:51 - Why daily activity isn't enough (structured exercise matters) 29:34 - Breaking up sedentary time—do ‘exercise snacks’ help? 31:50 - Supplements vs. exercise 32:32 - Where exercise fits with chemo and immunotherapy 35:30 - Why rest is not the best medicine 41:20 - Aerobic vs. resistance 42:13 - How weight training improves 'chemo completion' 44:41 - Why exercise creates vulnerability in cancer cells (limitations do apply) 47:09 - Why exercise might be crucial for tumor elimination 53:03 - Why cardio may be better at clearing tumor cells 56:18 - When cancer spreads quickly—and when it doesn't 57:43 - Why liquid biopsies may prevent over-treatment 1:02:56 - Exercise-sensitive vs. exercise-resistant cancers 1:06:06 - Prostate cancer therapy—why strength training matters 1:08:10 - When exercise is the only therapy—does it work? 1:09:26 - Why HIIT reduces PSA in prostate cancer 1:11:40 - Avoiding overtreatment—can exercise buy you time? 1:12:00 - Why high-intensity exercise boosts anti-cancer biology 1:13:11 - Turning a diagnosis into a wake-up call 1:16:11 - Why oncologists are rethinking exercise 1:18:50 - Why exercise eases anxiety about cancer—proven psychological benefits 1:25:00 - Before, during, and after treatment 1:27:02 - Why exercise is unique among cancer therapies 1:28:16 - Why cancer patients stop exercising—the risky mistake almost everyone makes 1:30:41 - How to get sedentary cancer patients exercising (realistically) 1:33:15 - The $1 million case for including exercise 1:34:56 - Why recurrence trials haven't convinced doctors—yet 1:37:36 - The bottom-line message 1:37:55 - The myth of a cancer panacea (exercise included) 1:44:07 - What's the best $50 investment for staying active? 1:44:40 - Only 15 minutes per day—what’s the best anti-cancer exercise?

Dr. Rhonda Patrick

219,730 views • 1 year ago

Vigorous exercise is far more potent than current guidelines suggest In one large wearable-data study, 1 minute of vigorous activity appeared roughly comparable to: • 4 minutes of moderate exercise for all-cause mortality • 8 minutes of moderate exercise for cardiovascular mortality • 10 minutes of moderate exercise for type 2 diabetes risk Light activity required dramatically more time, often 100–200+ minutes depending on the outcome If you want the highest return on your exercise time, add intensity
3:41

Vigorous exercise is far more potent than current guidelines suggest In one large wearable-data study, 1 minute of vigorous activity appeared roughly comparable to: • 4 minutes of moderate exercise for all-cause mortality • 8 minutes of moderate exercise for cardiovascular mortality • 10 minutes of moderate exercise for type 2 diabetes risk Light activity required dramatically more time, often 100–200+ minutes depending on the outcome If you want the highest return on your exercise time, add intensity

FoundMyFitness Clips

41,177 views • 10 days ago

What micronutrients improve aging? There's no excuse for some of the widespread micronutrient deficiencies, especially in light of the fact that many may play a role in aging. Devoted to the ‘low hanging fruit’ of aging, I think many of you may enjoy this episode. TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Introduction (01:10) Vitamin D deficiency (08:26) Magnesium's critical role in DNA repair (11:55) Dietary magnesium sources (13:11) Magnesium supplements (14:20) Exercise staves off age-related disease (14:58) Genetic SNPs & vitamin D deficiency (20:15) Low omega-3 intake from seafood (22:28) ALA's conversion into EPA & DHA (25:21) Omega-3 index (28:33) How omega-3s reduce inflammation (30:45) Omega-3s & muscle disuse atrophy (31:44) Don't avoid fish during pregnancy (34:08) Omega-3s are a low-hanging fruit (35:52) How to choose an omega-3 supplement (40:03) Why stressors benefit your genes (46:20) How to choose an exercise regimen (47:15) “Exercise snacks” (49:30) Brain benefits of lactate from vigorous exercise (52:29) Exercise & circulating tumor cells (54:36) Rhonda's workout regimen (55:44) Exercise for combating sleep deprivation (58:38) Exercise may be the best longevity "drug" Interview by Dr. Kalea Wattles (Dr. Kalea Wattles) originally for the ‘Pathways to Wellbeing’ podcast from The Institute for Functional Medicine (The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)).
1:00:02

What micronutrients improve aging? There's no excuse for some of the widespread micronutrient deficiencies, especially in light of the fact that many may play a role in aging. Devoted to the ‘low hanging fruit’ of aging, I think many of you may enjoy this episode. TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Introduction (01:10) Vitamin D deficiency (08:26) Magnesium's critical role in DNA repair (11:55) Dietary magnesium sources (13:11) Magnesium supplements (14:20) Exercise staves off age-related disease (14:58) Genetic SNPs & vitamin D deficiency (20:15) Low omega-3 intake from seafood (22:28) ALA's conversion into EPA & DHA (25:21) Omega-3 index (28:33) How omega-3s reduce inflammation (30:45) Omega-3s & muscle disuse atrophy (31:44) Don't avoid fish during pregnancy (34:08) Omega-3s are a low-hanging fruit (35:52) How to choose an omega-3 supplement (40:03) Why stressors benefit your genes (46:20) How to choose an exercise regimen (47:15) “Exercise snacks” (49:30) Brain benefits of lactate from vigorous exercise (52:29) Exercise & circulating tumor cells (54:36) Rhonda's workout regimen (55:44) Exercise for combating sleep deprivation (58:38) Exercise may be the best longevity "drug" Interview by Dr. Kalea Wattles (Dr. Kalea Wattles) originally for the ‘Pathways to Wellbeing’ podcast from The Institute for Functional Medicine (The Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)).

Dr. Rhonda Patrick

523,547 views • 2 years ago

Just 1 minute of vigorous exercise is equivalent to 4 minutes of moderate activity (or 53 minutes of walking) for lowering all-cause mortality, according to a recent Biobank study For cardiovascular mortality, the difference was even larger 1 minute of vigorous exercise equates to 8 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, or 73 minutes of walking It just goes to show... Vigorous-intensity physical activity is the best type of exercise you can do—across the board
3:25

Just 1 minute of vigorous exercise is equivalent to 4 minutes of moderate activity (or 53 minutes of walking) for lowering all-cause mortality, according to a recent Biobank study For cardiovascular mortality, the difference was even larger 1 minute of vigorous exercise equates to 8 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, or 73 minutes of walking It just goes to show... Vigorous-intensity physical activity is the best type of exercise you can do—across the board

FoundMyFitness Clips

172,156 views • 7 months ago

How to reverse 20 years of heart aging Sedentary 50-year-olds followed a vigorous-intensity exercise protocol for 2 years By 6 months, they were doing 4-5 hours/week of training The end result... The structural changes in their hearts reverted by nearly 20 years That's the power of exercise It's literally medicine
0:43

How to reverse 20 years of heart aging Sedentary 50-year-olds followed a vigorous-intensity exercise protocol for 2 years By 6 months, they were doing 4-5 hours/week of training The end result... The structural changes in their hearts reverted by nearly 20 years That's the power of exercise It's literally medicine

FoundMyFitness Clips

48,721 views • 1 year ago

By age 50, the average adult has lost at least 10% of their muscle mass and developed a stiffened left ventricle—yet the right exercise plan can reverse both. Over the years, I’ve interviewed some of the world’s top experts in exercise physiology, nutrition science, and human performance. In this brand-new podcast episode, I'm joined by guest Brady Holmer () to distill these insights to answer one key question: What does the science say about how to train? Get the new how to train according to the experts guide at TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Introduction 3:35 - Training Goals 6:23 - Bed Rest vs. 30 Years of Aging 8:24 - Why Cardiorespiratory Fitness Matters 11:19 - VO2 Max and Longevity 18:47 - Zone 2 Limitations for VO2 Max 22:42 - Demystifying Training Zone Targets 28:29 - Smart Watches vs. Chest Straps 31:43 - Zone 2 vs. Interval Benefits 40:53 - Adjusting the 80/20 Rule 51:07 - Heart Stiffening Starts Early 54:09 - Optimal Four-Day Exercise Habit 1:02:16 - Reversing Twenty Years of Heart Age 1:14:51 - What Intensity Is Better for Mitochondria? 1:17:39 - Does Zone 2 Make You a Better “Fat Burner”? 1:27:04 - Intervals for Glucose Regulation 1:32:24 - Intensity Matters for Brain Health 1:36:20 - Exercise Snacks 1:42:27 - A Caffeine Alternative 1:43:32 - Timing Exercise Snacks 1:45:38 - Muscle Loss with Aging 1:48:19 - Powerpenia 1:50:04 - Resistance Training Principles 1:57:01 - Compound Exercises for Strength 2:00:05 - Rest Intervals Matter 2:02:02 - Lifting Heavy for Mental Resilience 2:05:26 - Should You Train to Failure? 2:08:57 - Strength Training Isn’t Cardio 2:12:16 - Hypertrophy Training 2:17:38 - Body Recomposition Strategies 2:22:52 - Time-Efficient Resistance Training 2:27:38 - The Interference Effect Myth 2:29:32 - Minimum Effective Dose for Resistance 2:31:16 - Sauna Use for Cardiorespiratory Fitness 2:36:17 - Heat vs. Cold for Training 2:39:06 - Anti-Atrophy Effects of Omega-3 2:41:21 - Protein Timing & Distribution 2:46:53 - Creatine Supplementation
2:52:47

By age 50, the average adult has lost at least 10% of their muscle mass and developed a stiffened left ventricle—yet the right exercise plan can reverse both. Over the years, I’ve interviewed some of the world’s top experts in exercise physiology, nutrition science, and human performance. In this brand-new podcast episode, I'm joined by guest Brady Holmer () to distill these insights to answer one key question: What does the science say about how to train? Get the new how to train according to the experts guide at TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Introduction 3:35 - Training Goals 6:23 - Bed Rest vs. 30 Years of Aging 8:24 - Why Cardiorespiratory Fitness Matters 11:19 - VO2 Max and Longevity 18:47 - Zone 2 Limitations for VO2 Max 22:42 - Demystifying Training Zone Targets 28:29 - Smart Watches vs. Chest Straps 31:43 - Zone 2 vs. Interval Benefits 40:53 - Adjusting the 80/20 Rule 51:07 - Heart Stiffening Starts Early 54:09 - Optimal Four-Day Exercise Habit 1:02:16 - Reversing Twenty Years of Heart Age 1:14:51 - What Intensity Is Better for Mitochondria? 1:17:39 - Does Zone 2 Make You a Better “Fat Burner”? 1:27:04 - Intervals for Glucose Regulation 1:32:24 - Intensity Matters for Brain Health 1:36:20 - Exercise Snacks 1:42:27 - A Caffeine Alternative 1:43:32 - Timing Exercise Snacks 1:45:38 - Muscle Loss with Aging 1:48:19 - Powerpenia 1:50:04 - Resistance Training Principles 1:57:01 - Compound Exercises for Strength 2:00:05 - Rest Intervals Matter 2:02:02 - Lifting Heavy for Mental Resilience 2:05:26 - Should You Train to Failure? 2:08:57 - Strength Training Isn’t Cardio 2:12:16 - Hypertrophy Training 2:17:38 - Body Recomposition Strategies 2:22:52 - Time-Efficient Resistance Training 2:27:38 - The Interference Effect Myth 2:29:32 - Minimum Effective Dose for Resistance 2:31:16 - Sauna Use for Cardiorespiratory Fitness 2:36:17 - Heat vs. Cold for Training 2:39:06 - Anti-Atrophy Effects of Omega-3 2:41:21 - Protein Timing & Distribution 2:46:53 - Creatine Supplementation

Dr. Rhonda Patrick

377,550 views • 1 year ago

High-intensity exercise is one of the most reliable ways to sharpen your brain on demand When you push past ~80–85% of your max heart rate, your muscles pump out lactate, which shuttles into the brain and acts as both fuel and a powerful signal There, lactate boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), driving neurogenesis, learning, and neuroplasticity in regions like the hippocampus The same lactate surge also raises serotonin and norepinephrine, improving mood, focus, and impulse control
4:17

High-intensity exercise is one of the most reliable ways to sharpen your brain on demand When you push past ~80–85% of your max heart rate, your muscles pump out lactate, which shuttles into the brain and acts as both fuel and a powerful signal There, lactate boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), driving neurogenesis, learning, and neuroplasticity in regions like the hippocampus The same lactate surge also raises serotonin and norepinephrine, improving mood, focus, and impulse control

FoundMyFitness Clips

57,029 views • 4 months ago