Metabolic Mastery

KORR Medical Technologies

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. 1 DAY AGO

    Ep. 53 - Submax vs. Max VO2 Testing: How to Design the Right Protocol for Every Client

    Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber break down one of the most commonly misunderstood areas of exercise physiology testing: how to properly design submaximal and maximal VO2 tests. Whether you're working with elite athletes, deconditioned beginners, firefighters, or everyone in between, the best test isn't the hardest one — it's the one designed to measure exactly what you need to know. Marc and Cameron walk through equipment selection, protocol design, test length, and the critical indicators that confirm a true VO2 max has been reached. They also explore why calling it "exercise metabolic testing" rather than "VO2 max testing" opens the door to richer, more actionable clinical data — including fat oxidation, lactate thresholds, energy system analysis, and more. You'll Learn: Why "test what you intend to measure" should guide every protocol decision How to choose the right exercise modality (treadmill, cycle, rucksack, and more) based on your client's primary activity The ideal test length range and how to avoid peripheral fatigue skewing your results Key indicators of a true VO2 max: VO2 plateau, RER thresholds, RPE, and age-predicted heart rate percentage The difference between VO2 max and VO2 peak — and why it matters clinically When submaximal testing is the smarter (and safer) choice How the Cardio Coach enables extrapolated VO2 max from submaximal data — and its limitations Pre-participation screening tools like the PAR-Q and how they shape your test design Why VO2 max alone doesn't tell the whole performance story Follow KORR: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korrmedical/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/korrmedical/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/korrmedical https://korr.com/  Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/metabolic-mastery/id1812972674  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2sgLMFv1Z8DwEz87yUpapI?si=29a177a6c6ca4ed4  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@korrmed/podcasts  YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVCRWXBDdFo_S0OeaAsPv8xTnfajTLc75&si=d4wVUA0jqajkbukB  Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d76834b7-c11a-485f-8010-32b490d49e57/metabolic-mastery

    40 min
  2. 28 APR

    Ep. 52 - Starting Where You Are: Exercise Programming for Obese and Deconditioned Patients

    Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ Most patients know they should exercise — but knowing and doing are two very different things. In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber tackle one of the most overlooked areas in obesity medicine: exercise prescription for patients who are just starting their fitness journey. Drawing on insights from the OMA (Obesity Medicine Association) conference, they break down why generic exercise advice fails, how providers can think about movement as a titratable prescription, and why the frequency → duration → intensity framework is the key to sustainable progress without burnout or injury. You'll Learn: Why most exercise programs fail deconditioned patients — and what to do differently The frequency → duration → intensity framework for building lasting exercise habits How to think about "minimum effective dose" when prescribing movement Why exhaustion is not the same as effectiveness How VO2 max and submaximal testing can guide exercise prescription for obese patients The role of progressive overload — and how to explain it to patients How to identify and work around gym intimidation, joint pain, and fear of movement Why non-scale victories matter and how to use them to build patient motivation How to connect exercise to patients' personal goals (grandkids, horses, basketball) for real buy-in How providers with limited time can still make a meaningful difference through referral networks and the right questions   Follow KORR: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korrmedical/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/korrmedical/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/korrmedical https://korr.com/  Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/metabolic-mastery/id1812972674  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2sgLMFv1Z8DwEz87yUpapI?si=29a177a6c6ca4ed4  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@korrmed/podcasts  YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVCRWXBDdFo_S0OeaAsPv8xTnfajTLc75&si=d4wVUA0jqajkbukB  Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d76834b7-c11a-485f-8010-32b490d49e57/metabolic-mastery

    1hr 20min
  3. 21 APR

    Ep. 51 - Beyond Willpower: The Real Science Behind Obesity and Lasting Weight Loss

    Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ Obesity is one of the most misunderstood public health crises of our time — and for decades, we've been getting the conversation wrong. In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber take a deep, honest look at why blaming individuals for obesity ignores the biological, social, and environmental forces stacked against them. From the Minnesota Starvation Experiment to walkable European cities, from hunger hormones to hyper-palatable processed foods, Marc and Cameron break down the real science of why our bodies resist weight loss — and what we can actually do about it. They also clarify some of the most commonly confused terms in the fitness world: fat oxidation, fat burn, fat loss, and weight loss — and why mixing them up leads people to the wrong conclusions. You Will Learn: Why obesity is a public health issue and an individual challenge — and why the answer is always "both" The biological mechanisms (hunger hormones, metabolic adaptation) that make weight loss genuinely hard The critical differences between fat oxidation, fat burn, fat loss, and weight loss Why lean mass is not the same as muscle — and what "fat-free mass" actually means How sleep, stress, hormones, and movement are just as important as diet in managing body weight Why slow, steady weight loss preserves muscle and leads to better long-term outcomes How GLP-1 medications work as a tool to "put on glasses" and restore food choice clarity How community design, zoning laws, and food environments shape our health decisions Why metabolic testing (RMR + VO2 max) is a vital sign that should be part of every annual checkup How the Cardio Coach helps individualize exercise and nutrition programming for real people Follow KORR: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korrmedical/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/korrmedical/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/korrmedical https://korr.com/  Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/metabolic-mastery/id1812972674  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2sgLMFv1Z8DwEz87yUpapI?si=29a177a6c6ca4ed4  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@korrmed/podcasts  YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVCRWXBDdFo_S0OeaAsPv8xTnfajTLc75&si=d4wVUA0jqajkbukB  Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d76834b7-c11a-485f-8010-32b490d49e57/metabolic-mastery

    52 min
  4. 14 APR

    Ep. 50 - Ask Us Anything VO2 Max & RMR Extravaganza

    Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ If your VO2 max or RMR testing isn't dialed in, the data is useless. In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber break down the real reason most metabolic tests fail—and it's not the device. It's the protocol. From fasting mistakes and caffeine interference to poor test setup and bad coaching during the test, small variables can completely skew results. And if your data is off, every recommendation you make after that is off too. This episode walks you through how to standardize your testing, troubleshoot bad results, and ensure you're actually measuring what you think you're measuring. Because better data = better decisions = better outcomes You Will Learn Why standardization is the key to accurate VO2 and RMR testing The "Big 3" test prep rules: fasted, rested, uncaffeinated How caffeine, stress, and exercise can skew metabolic results Why most bad test results are NOT the machine's fault How to identify false high or low RMR readings The biggest mistakes people make during VO2 testing How to choose the right protocol based on the client Why some people don't hit anaerobic threshold (AT)—and what to do When to retest vs. trust the data How to interpret results when they don't match expectations Follow KORR: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korrmedical/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/korrmedical/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/korrmedical https://korr.com/  Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/metabolic-mastery/id1812972674  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2sgLMFv1Z8DwEz87yUpapI?si=29a177a6c6ca4ed4  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@korrmed/podcasts  YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVCRWXBDdFo_S0OeaAsPv8xTnfajTLc75&si=d4wVUA0jqajkbukB  Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d76834b7-c11a-485f-8010-32b490d49e57/metabolic-mastery

    1hr 12min
  5. 7 APR

    Ep. 49 - Your Heart Rate Zones Are Probably Wrong (Here's Why)

    Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ Most people think there's a "best" way to test VO2 max—but that question is completely wrong. In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber break down the real answer behind bike vs treadmill testing, why results can vary drastically, and how poor testing choices can completely mislead your training. From athletes to everyday clients, choosing the wrong testing modality can lead to inaccurate heart rate zones, flawed exercise prescriptions, and wasted training effort. This episode gives you a clear framework to ensure your testing actually matches your goals—so you stop guessing and start optimizing. You Will Learn Why there is no "best" testing method—only the right one for your goal How bike vs treadmill testing changes VO2 max results The biggest mistake coaches make when prescribing exercise zones Why muscle recruitment dramatically impacts test outcomes How to choose the right modality based on your client or sport The hidden dangers of mismatched testing and training modes Why repeatability matters more than perfection in testing How different modalities affect heart rate zones and perceived effort The role of safety, experience, and biomechanics in test selection Why testing should mirror real-world performance as closely as possible How improper testing can lead to overtraining or undertraining The difference between muscular fatigue vs cardiovascular limitation Why cross-training requires separate testing for accuracy How to use testing data to improve—not criticize—clients The framework for designing smarter, more effective metabolic tests Follow KORR: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korrmedical/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/korrmedical/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/korrmedical https://korr.com/  Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/metabolic-mastery/id1812972674  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2sgLMFv1Z8DwEz87yUpapI?si=29a177a6c6ca4ed4  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@korrmed/podcasts  YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVCRWXBDdFo_S0OeaAsPv8xTnfajTLc75&si=d4wVUA0jqajkbukB  Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d76834b7-c11a-485f-8010-32b490d49e57/metabolic-mastery

    50 min
  6. 31 MAR

    Ep. 48 - Can You Lose Fat and Build Muscle at the Same Time?

    Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber break down the science of body composition and body recomposition—including why so many people want to lose fat while preserving or even building muscle, and why that process is often harder than it sounds. They explain how calorie deficits affect lean mass, why protein intake and resistance training are critical during weight loss, and how the body adapts over time by slowing metabolism, reducing activity, and increasing hunger signals. They also dive into the difference between fat oxidation and fat loss, why many people hit frustrating plateaus, and how tools like RMR testing and VO2 exercise testing can help create more accurate, individualized strategies for long-term success. This episode is a practical, science-based look at how to improve body composition without relying on guesswork, crash diets, or misleading "fat-burning" claims. What You Will Learn What body recomposition really means Why losing fat while preserving muscle is challenging How calorie deficits can affect lean mass and resting metabolic rate Why protein intake matters during weight loss The role resistance training plays in preserving and building muscle Why fat oxidation does not automatically mean fat loss How sleep, recovery, and stress impact body composition changes Why weight-loss plateaus happen and how metabolic testing can help How RMR and VO2 testing can create a more personalized plan Why sustainable lifestyle changes matter more than rapid weight loss   Follow KORR: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korrmedical/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/korrmedical/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/korrmedical https://korr.com/  Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/metabolic-mastery/id1812972674  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2sgLMFv1Z8DwEz87yUpapI?si=29a177a6c6ca4ed4  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@korrmed/podcasts  YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVCRWXBDdFo_S0OeaAsPv8xTnfajTLc75&si=d4wVUA0jqajkbukB  Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d76834b7-c11a-485f-8010-32b490d49e57/metabolic-mastery

    57 min
  7. 24 MAR

    Ep. 47 - How to Build a Successful Metabolic Testing Business

    Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber break down the business side of metabolic testing and why great data alone is not enough to create a successful health, fitness, or wellness business. They explore how providers can use VO2 max testing, resting metabolic rate testing, and broader metabolic assessments not just as clinical tools, but as part of a stronger business model that improves client outcomes and creates more long-term value. Drawing from their experience building BodySmart, they walk through the evolution from insurance-based care to cash-pay services, packages, memberships, and long-term transformation models. This conversation also dives into one of the biggest mindset shifts in healthcare and fitness: charging appropriately so you can stay in business long enough to actually help more people. If you have ever wondered how to price testing, create better client buy-in, improve retention, or build referral loops around metabolic testing, this episode is packed with practical insights. What You Will Learn Why successful businesses are essential if you want to truly help more people How to position metabolic testing as an investment in health, not just an expense The difference between using testing as a direct revenue stream versus a value add How BodySmart evolved from traditional physical therapy into a wellness-focused model Why behavior change requires longer-term care models, not just quick fixes How better storytelling and better listening improve compliance and client outcomes How to identify your target audience and build services around their needs Why staff buy-in is critical when adding metabolic testing to your business How referral partnerships can accelerate growth for a testing-based business A simple way to think about ROI when adding VO2 max and RMR testing to your practice   Follow KORR: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korrmedical/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/korrmedical/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/korrmedical https://korr.com/  Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/metabolic-mastery/id1812972674  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2sgLMFv1Z8DwEz87yUpapI?si=29a177a6c6ca4ed4  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@korrmed/podcasts  YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVCRWXBDdFo_S0OeaAsPv8xTnfajTLc75&si=d4wVUA0jqajkbukB  Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d76834b7-c11a-485f-8010-32b490d49e57/metabolic-mastery

    50 min
  8. 17 MAR

    Ep. 46 - How Modern VO2 Testing Helps Clinics, Gyms, and Coaches

    Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber break down how VO2 max testing has evolved from a bulky, university-lab-only tool into a practical, clinic- and gym-ready system that can transform both client outcomes and the way health and fitness professionals operate. They explain why VO2 max is one of the strongest predictors of long-term health, how modern metabolic testing goes far beyond a single score, and why understanding things like fat burning, carbohydrate use, cardiovascular fitness, muscular health, and recovery capacity gives a much more complete picture of human performance. Using real case examples, they show how testing can uncover hidden problems, guide better training and nutrition decisions, and help create personalized programs that actually fit the individual instead of relying on generic formulas or wearable estimates. They also explore what makes a quality metabolic cart accurate, why calibration and system design matter, and how better data leads to better health, better coaching, and better outcomes. What You Will Learn Why VO2 max is such a powerful predictor of health and longevity What has changed in VO2 max testing over the years Why modern metabolic testing is now practical for clinics, gyms, and health clubs Why VO2 testing is about much more than just one number How substrate use helps reveal fat burning and carbohydrate burning patterns Why both strength training and cardio matter for long-term health How metabolic testing helps personalize exercise and nutrition plans Why averages, formulas, and wearables can miss what an individual really needs What to look for in an accurate metabolic testing system How better testing can help people live healthier, more independent lives longer Follow KORR: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korrmedical/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/korrmedical/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/korrmedical https://korr.com/  Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/metabolic-mastery/id1812972674  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2sgLMFv1Z8DwEz87yUpapI?si=29a177a6c6ca4ed4  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@korrmed/podcasts  YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVCRWXBDdFo_S0OeaAsPv8xTnfajTLc75&si=d4wVUA0jqajkbukB  Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d76834b7-c11a-485f-8010-32b490d49e57/metabolic-mastery

    1hr 4min

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)

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