Metabolic Mastery

KORR Medical Technologies
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Metabolic Mastery, brought to you by KORR Medical Technologies, is the podcast about everything VO2 Max and beyond. Tips on testing, new research, and much more. Hosted by Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT)

  1. 8 hr ago

    Ep. 71 - Jody Nelson: Why "Healthy" Habits Aren't Working: A Postpartum VO2 Max Case Study

    Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ On this episode of Metabolic Mastery, hosts Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber are joined by Jody Nelson — KORR's resident metabolic testing expert with a decade of experience and a degree in exercise science — to break down a real client case study. The client: an otherwise fit woman, 18 months postpartum, doing everything "right" — solid nutrition, consistent low-intensity walking — yet stuck in a frustrating weight loss plateau. Her VO2 max test revealed something unexpected: a surprisingly narrow fat-burning zone, a rapid heart rate spike when transitioning from walking to running, and a respiratory pattern that told a much bigger story than the numbers alone. Marc, Cameron, and Jody walk through the respiratory rate and tidal volume graphs in real time, showing how early-test hyperventilation and anxiety can skew substrate utilization data — and why the device is almost never "wrong." They dig into the difference between being fit and being healthy, why perceived exertion is an unreliable guide, and how major hormonal shifts (postpartum, pregnancy, menopause) can scramble a client's ability to accurately read their own body. You Will Learn: Why a narrow fat-burning zone doesn't always mean poor metabolic health — and what else could be going onHow to read respiratory rate and tidal volume graphs to spot hyperventilation and test anxietyWhy "the device is broken" is almost never the right conclusion when a test result looks unusualThe critical difference between being cardiovascularly fit and being metabolically/physically healthyWhy perceived exertion is an unreliable training guide and how heart rate data corrects itHow hormonal changes during postpartum, pregnancy, and menopause affect metabolic test resultsWhy testing what you intend to measure (and training for the adaptations you want) mattersHow to ask better follow-up questions instead of jumping to blood work or invasive testingWhy "fit" doesn't always mean "healthy" — and what that means for injury risk and longevity

  2. 8 Sept

    Ep. 70 - Part 2: How to Design the Perfect HIIT Workout (Using Real VO2 Max Data)

    Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ In part two of this two-part series, Metabolic Mastery hosts Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber shift gears from low intensity training to high intensity — breaking down exactly what HIIT does physiologically, why it works, and how to design intervals that actually match your goals. They start by revisiting the "three zone" model (comfortable, comfortably uncomfortable, and uncomfortable) and explain why moderate intensity — the "no progress zone" — often doesn't drive much adaptation for people who already live there. From there, they dig into the real benefits of high intensity work: rapid VO2 max improvements, stronger cardiovascular pumping, better lactate shuttling, and improved top-end speed and power. A major focus of this episode is debunking the lactic acid myth — lactate isn't a waste product causing muscle burn, it's a valuable fuel source, and understanding how it's produced, transported, and used is key to designing smarter workouts. Marc and Cameron also walk through the "three dials" (oxidative, glycolytic, neuromuscular) and "three clocks" (time under load, interval length, recovery time) framework for designing HIIT workouts with intention — plus why heart rate alone isn't a reliable guide at high intensities, and how VO2 max testing data can pinpoint the exact speed or power to target for real adaptation. You Will Learn: The difference between "comfortable," "comfortably uncomfortable," and "uncomfortable" training zones — and why the middle zone often delivers the least returnWhy lactate is a fuel source, not a fatigue-causing waste product — and how the body actually clears and uses itThe real benefits of high intensity interval training, including rapid VO2 max gains and improved mitochondrial efficiencyHow to use the "three dials" (oxidative, glycolytic, neuromuscular) to design intervals for specific adaptationsWhy heart rate lags at high intensity and why speed/power targets (from VO2 max testing) are more reliableHow interval length and recovery time change which energy systems you're actually trainingWhy "short term hard, long term easy" beats chasing quick fixes when it comes to fitness and healthHow to avoid junk volume by matching your training to your actual physiology instead of generic templatesThe difference between HIIT-style intervals and longer threshold work — and when to use each

  3. 1 Sept

    Ep. 70 - Part 1: The Best Workout Doesn’t Exist Here’s What Works Instead

    Get A Demo:https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ Is Zone 2 training the answer or should you spend your limited workout time doing high-intensity intervals? The research can make almost any popular workout sound like the best option, but that advice often overlooks the most important variable: the individual doing the training. In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber explain why effective exercise prescription begins with your goals, physiology, injury history, available time, recovery capacity, and current fitness. They break down how the body’s energy systems work together, why heart rate zone terminology creates confusion, and how social media can turn narrow research findings into sweeping recommendations. You’ll also learn how frequency, duration, and intensity shape an effective training plan; why progressive overload must be balanced with recovery; and what low-intensity exercise uniquely contributes to aerobic capacity, mitochondrial function, and consistency. Marc and Cameron also discuss how metabolic testing with CardioCoach can provide individualized data for selecting the training methods most relevant to a person’s needs. The goal is not to choose the winning exercise camp. It is to find the right combination—and the right dose—for the person in front of you. What You Will LearnWhy there is no single best workout for every person or goalHow goals, time, recovery, and injury history influence exercise selectionWhy the body’s energy systems behave more like dials than switchesWhat different heart rate zone models mean when they refer to “Zone 2”How social media can overgeneralize narrowly focused exercise researchWhy frequency and duration often matter before increasing intensityHow progressive overload drives adaptation—and when training becomes too muchWhat low-intensity exercise does for aerobic metabolism and mitochondrial functionWhy moderate-intensity training may produce fewer new adaptations for some peopleHow metabolic testing can support a more personalized exercise prescriptionChapters00:00 Is there a best workout? 02:23 Why popular workouts become universal recommendations 04:45 Building a personalized exercise prescription 07:00 Energy systems work together 09:28 How the body uses different fuels 11:55 Matching energy systems to your goals 14:18 Why “Zone 2” can mean different things 16:34 What HIIT research does—and does not—tell us 18:55 Frequency, duration, and intensity 21:19 How your training history changes your starting point 23:36 Looking beyond fitness advice on social media 26:02 Adapting exercise to individual limitations 30:43 Treating exercise like a precise prescription 32:59 Specific adaptation and progressive overload 35:08 Finding the right training dose 37:31 The benefits of low-intensity exercise 39:49 Volume, adaptation, and injury risk 42:08 Balancing training stimulus with recovery 44:34 The limitations of moderate-intensity training 46:59 Choosing intensity based on time and goals 49:23 Progressing from walking to higher intensity 51:49 Using individualized data to guide training 54:11 Stop choosing camps and start choosing the right dose

  4. 25 Aug

    Ep. 69 - Rethinking Calories & Metabolism with Dr. Carol Ireton Jones

    Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ The conversation begins with an introduction and background, followed by a discussion of Carol Ireton-Jones's career journey and development. The conversation then delves into research and mentorship, followed by a focus on nutrition and dietary practices. Finally, the discussion explores the concept of food as fuel and satisfaction. The conversation covers the impact of environment on food choices, the role of nutrition in GI health, and the process of creating educational resources for dietitians. It emphasizes the importance of understanding individual health history, financial constraints, and the influence of supermarket environments on food choices. Additionally, it explores the management of GI symptoms, the impact of GI disorders on quality of life, and the role of psychology in GI health. The conversation also delves into the process of creating textbooks and the impact of academic and clinical books on nutrition and GI health. The conversation covered the importance of expertise and nuance in health and nutrition, the value of admitting uncertainty, myths and misinformation in nutrition, challenges of weight loss medications, and how to connect with the expert. The discussion emphasized the need for a multidisciplinary approach to weight loss and the impact of misinformation on health and quality of life. Takeaways Career development in nutrition and dieteticsImportance of research and mentorship in the fieldUnderstanding food as fuel and satisfaction Understanding the influence of environment on food choicesThe role of nutrition in managing GI health Admitting uncertainty earns trust and respectIndividualized dietary recommendations are crucial for healthA multidisciplinary approach is essential for sustainable weight lossChapters 00:00 Introduction and Background05:22 Career Journey and Development13:15 Research and Mentorship20:31 Nutrition and Dietary Practices27:26 Food as Fuel and Satisfaction29:55 The Impact of Environment on Food Choices36:31 Nutrition and GI Health52:47 Creating Educational Resources for Dietitians01:01:40 Expertise and Nuance in Health and Nutrition01:06:01 The Importance of Admitting Uncertainty01:13:20 Myths and Misinformation in Nutrition01:25:33 Challenges of Weight Loss Medications01:30:01 Connecting with the Expert

  5. 18 Aug

    Ep. 68 - Muscle Fiber Types & Training: How to Trigger the Right Adaptations for Your Goals

    Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ Ever wonder what's actually changing in your body when VO2 max stays flat but your performance improves? In this episode, we break down the hidden adaptations happening at the biochemical, cellular, and tissue levels—and why patience with your training matters more than you think. We dive deep into energy systems (phosphocreatine, glycolytic, and oxidative pathways), explore how different muscle fiber types adapt to training stress, and reveal why rest intervals between workouts can completely change your results. Plus, discover why central fatigue, sleep, and nutrition are often the real limiting factors in your performance. You Will Learn:What metabolic changes occur BEFORE you see improvements in VO2 maxHow the three energy systems work and which training style targets each oneWhy rest intervals between sets determine whether you build endurance or powerThe critical role of muscle fiber type adaptations in athletic performanceHow sleep deprivation can sabotage your training adaptations (even when everything else is perfect)Why your training plateau might actually be a lifestyle factor, not a programming issueThe difference between peripheral fatigue and central nervous system fatigueHow to individualize training based on your unique physiology and constraintsThe importance of metabolic testing beyond just VO2 max numbersPractical frameworks for designing training that actually produces results

  6. 11 Aug

    Ep. 67 - The 6 Pillars of Health: Reverse Aging Without Extreme Exercise

    Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ Is maintenance really possible, or is it a lie? In this episode, we debunk the myth that doing the same fitness routine forever keeps you healthy. Discover why progressive overload matters more than you think, and how the SAID principle (specific adaptation to imposed demands) explains why your body adapts—or declines—based on the demands you place on it. We explore the six pillars of sustainable health, real-world examples of staying young at 90+, and why metabolic testing is your crystal ball for future fitness. Learn how to design a maintenance program that actually works, prevent the 10% VO2 max decline per decade, and combat muscle loss with actionable strategies. You Will Learn: Why "maintenance" requires continuous progression, not repetitionHow the SAID principle drives aging and fitness adaptationsThe six pillars of health and how to optimize each oneReal data: VO2 max, muscle mass, and metabolic rate changes with ageWhy activity levels matter more than genetics for longevityHow metabolic testing reveals your fitness future and prevents burnoutPractical strategies to stay active across all life stagesWhy your 93-year-old neighbor stays younger than people half his age

  7. 4 Aug

    Ep. 66 - VO2 Max vs VLAMax: The Missing Piece in Your Training Program with Sebastian Weber

    Learn More From Sebastian: inscyd.com Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ Join hosts Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber as we explore advanced metabolic testing, energy systems training, and performance optimization with industry-leading experts. In this episode, we dive deep into energy metabolism with Sebastian Weber, founder of Inside and renowned sports scientist. Discover why your current training zones might be limiting your progress, how lactate testing reveals hidden training insights, and the practical applications that separate elite athletes from everyone else. You Will Learn:Why standardized training zones fail (and what actually works)The difference between VO2 Max and VLAMax — and why both matterHow lactate production and clearance determine race strategyMuscle fiber recruitment patterns and why you can't neglect glycolytic powerReal case studies: Programming for HyROX athletes, cyclists, and endurance performersThe truth about fasted training, periodization, and training variationHow metabolic data creates a "crystal ball" into what athletes have been doingWhy understanding the mechanism behind training beats following trendsPerfect for coaches, athletes, fitness professionals, and anyone serious about optimizing performance through science.

  8. 28 Jul

    Ep. 65 - Is VO2 Max Testing Just a Fitness Fad? (The Truth)

    Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ Is VO2 max testing the real deal, or is it just another fitness fad riding a social media wave? In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber pull from their "Fitness Fad Decoder" framework 10 practical questions anyone can use to separate real, sustainable science from hype and apply them directly to VO2 max testing, zone training, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). They break down why VO2 max is a powerful, well-validated number, but a dangerous one to chase in isolation and what actually determines whether VO2 max testing will help you build lasting fitness or just become this decade's fleeting trend. You Will Learn: The 10-question "Fitness Fad Decoder" framework for evaluating any health or fitness trendWhy VO2 max is a great indicator of fitness but not a complete picture of health or longevityThe difference between population-based heart rate zones and physiology-based training zonesWhy chasing a single VO2 max score can actually increase injury and burnout riskHow fat oxidation (fat-burn zone) differs from fat loss — and why the two get confusedWhat determines whether high-intensity training like the Norwegian 4x4 is right for you right nowHow symptom-limited and submaximal testing can safely inform training for nearly any populationWhy cardiovascular reserve and muscle mass both matter for long-term health, not just VO2 maxHow to evaluate research claims and identify influencer overclaims around fitness trendsWhy investing in accurate metabolic testing may be one of the highest-ROI decisions for your health or your practice

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About

Metabolic Mastery, brought to you by KORR Medical Technologies, is the podcast about everything VO2 Max and beyond. Tips on testing, new research, and much more. Hosted by Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Information

  • Creator
    KORR Medical Technologies
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 KORR Medical Technologies
  • Show Website
    Metabolic Mastery

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