Fitomics: The Science of Fitness

Fitomics Research Labs
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Monthly

We explore the science of fitness featuring expert scientific researchers as guests.

Episodes

  1. Sep 27

    The Real Hypertrophy Secret: Why Effort Matters More Than Rep Range

    Muscle growth is not mainly about finding the perfect rep range—it’s about getting close enough to failure, with the right technique, at the right dose.In this episode of the Fitomics Podcast, Coach Aaron Feld sits down with Dr. Cody Haun, PhD physiologist and CEO, for an unplanned deep dive into muscle hypertrophy, training intensity, and why the same workout can produce completely different results for different people.They begin with one of the most common questions in strength training: What rep range should you use to build muscle?From there, they explore why proximity to failure may matter more than chasing a “magic” rep range, how technical failure differs from total mechanical failure, and why most lifters underestimate how many reps they actually have left.The conversation also explores why understanding physiology matters for coaches and clients. You may know what to do without knowing why it works—but when your progress stalls, understanding the “why” can help identify the right lever to pull.If you’ve ever thought, “I’ve tried everything and nothing works,” this episode offers a different perspective: the solution may not be adding more to your routine. It may be removing what is getting in your way.For more information, visit fitomics.com or fitomics.com/interest.Fitomics Resources:Instagram: • https://instagram.com/fitomicshq• https://www.instagram.com/drcodyhaun/• https://www.instagram.com/coachfeld/Facebook: https://facebook.com/fitomicsWebsite: https://fitomics.comResearch Labs Insider: https://fitomicslabs.comSupplement Shop: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/fitomics/ #MuscleGrowth #Hypertrophy #StrengthTraining #ExerciseScience #FitnessPodcast

  2. Sep 27

    Boost Energy: Improve VO2 Max & Fat Oxidation #fitness #healthtips #vo2max

    Most people get fat-loss cardio backwards. The real answer isn’t simply “go harder” or “stay in the fat-burning zone”—it’s understanding how your body uses oxygen, fat, and glucose at different intensities. Dr. Cody Haun and Coach Aaron Feld break down the science behind VO2 max, fat max, and why the most effective training zone differs from person to person. If you’ve ever wondered why Zone 2 is so popular, why higher intensity can still burn more fat overall, or why you feel exhausted even when you’re “doing everything right,” this conversation connects the dots.You’ll learn: • Why the percentage of fat burned isn’t the same as the total amount of fat burned• How VO2 max testing reveals what your body is doing during exercise• Where fat max often occurs—and why it can change as you train• How Zone 2 supports recovery, endurance, and metabolic efficiency• Why improving aerobic capacity can make everyday activities feel easier• How better fat oxidation may help preserve glucose for higher-demand workThe conversation also explores the relationship between aerobic conditioning, energy availability, recovery, and performance—from hard training sessions to mental focus and daily life.If you want a smarter way to train, improve your energy, burn fat, and build endurance, this episode offers a practical, science-informed roadmap.Fitomics Resources:Instagram: •   / fitomicshq  •   / drcodyhaun  •   / coachfeld  Facebook:   / fitomics  Website: https://fitomics.comResearch Labs Insider: https://fitomicslabs.com#VO2Max #Zone2Training #FatOxidation #CardioTraining #MetabolicHealth

  3. Sep 27

    Why Eating Less Can Stall Fat Loss and Cost You Muscle

    Eating less does not always mean losing more fat. If you are cutting hard, training hard, or stuck in a cycle of low energy, this conversation breaks down why chronic underfueling can quietly affect recovery, hormones, immune function, and even body composition.Coach Aaron Feld and Dr. Cody Haun explore bioenergy availability—what it is, how to calculate it, and why your body has a limit to how much fat it can mobilize before it starts tapping into muscle and other fat-free mass. They also unpack the signs that you may be underfueling before your performance falls apart.In this episode, you’ll discover:Why a severe calorie deficit can backfire on fat lossHow low energy availability can affect mood, recovery, heart rate variability, and blood markersThe role of IGF-1, thyroid hormones, testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin in adaptationWhy protein intake and resistance training can dramatically change the type of weight you loseHow the thermic effect of feeding worksWhy protein can provide more metabolic leverage than many people realizeHow to lose body fat without sacrificing the muscle you have builtDr. Haun also explains the rate-limiting nature of fat loss, including the often-misunderstood idea that your body can only safely mobilize so much body fat per day before it has to look elsewhere for energy.If you have ever wondered why “just eat less” can lead to lower energy, weaker workouts, and disappointing results, this episode offers the missing nuance. It’s essential listening for anyone cutting weight, coaching clients, or trying to improve body composition without losing muscle.For more information, visit fitomics.com or fitomics.com/interest.Fitomics Resources:Instagram: •   / fitomicshq   •   / drcodyhaun   •   / coachfeld   Facebook:   / fitomics  Website: https://fitomics.comResearch Labs Insider: https://fitomicslabs.comSupplement Shop: https://us.fullscript.com/s/fitomics/... #MuscleGrowth #Hypertrophy #StrengthTraining #ExerciseScience #FitnessPodcast

  4. 11/26/2025

    The Long Road Home: Coach Aaron Feld's Journey from College Football to Fitomics

    In this episode of the Fitomics podcast, Dr. Cody Haun interviews Coach Aaron Feld, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach with a rich background in collegiate sports. The conversation delves into Coach Feld's journey, exploring the challenges and realities of coaching, the importance of family, and the mindset required to excel in athletics. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding the coaching profession, the pivotal moments that led Coach Feld to reassess his career, and the qualities that distinguish elite athletes. The episode concludes with a reflection on personal growth and the impact of faith in shaping one's path. In this conversation, the participants explore the importance of faith, parenting, and personal development. They discuss the challenges of instilling values in children, the impact of role models, and the necessity of organic conversations about faith. The dialogue emphasizes the need for parents to actively engage in their children's spiritual education and the importance of aligning one's values with actions. The conversation also touches on the vision for a health system that empowers clients to take charge of their well-being, the significance of operational excellence, and the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. Fitomics Resources: Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitomicshqhttps://www.instagram.com/drcodyhaun/https://www.instagram.com/coachfeld/https://www.instagram.com/drdanlawson/Facebook: https://facebook.com/fitomicsWebsite: https://fitomics.orgResearch Labs Insider: https://fitomics.org/researchlabsinsiderFitomics Online Coaching: https://fitomics.org/coachingFitomics Training App: https://program.fitomics.org/trainers/support/landing/Fitomics Training Plans: https://www.fitomics.org/trainingplansNutrition Insiders: https://www.fitomics.org/nutrition-insiders

  5. 06/17/2025

    Muscle Hypertrophy Science Masterclass with Dr. Michael Roberts

    In this deep-dive discussion, Dr. Michael D. Roberts, Professor at Auburn University and Director of the Nutrabolt Applied and Molecular Sciences Lab, joins Drs. Cody Haun and Daniel Lawson (and Dr. David Hardin) for an in-depth exploration of muscle hypertrophy, aging, anabolic hormones, and molecular adaptation. We cover: • Myonuclear permanence & muscle memory • Sarcoplasmic vs. myofibrillar hypertrophy • High-volume training & edema • Testosterone, anabolics, and clinical applications • Ribosome biogenesis & genetic variability in response • Aging, epigenetics, omics, and the future of muscle research If you're interested in the science behind how and why muscle grows—and what that means for health, longevity, and performance—this episode is for you. Fitomics Resources: Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitomicshq https://www.instagram.com/drcodyhaun/ https://www.instagram.com/drdanlawson/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/fitomics Website: https://fitomics.org Research Labs Insider: https://fitomics.org/researchlabsinsider Fitomics Online Coaching: https://fitomics.org/coaching Fitomics Training App: https://program.fitomics.org/trainers/support/landing/ Fitomics Training Plans: https://www.fitomics.org/trainingplans Nutrition Insiders: https://www.fitomics.org/nutrition-insiders 03:06 The Nutrabolt Lab and Research Funding 05:53 Exploring Muscle Biology and Aging 12:04 The Importance of Muscle in Longevity 14:55 Translating Animal Research to Human Studies 18:15 The Role of Muscle in Metabolic Health 21:02 The Impact of Muscle Mass on Mortality 27:18 The Future of Muscle Research and Interventions 36:48 The Role of Testosterone in Health and Fitness 42:51 Myonuclear Permanence and Muscle Memory 45:43 Hypertrophy: Myofibrillar vs. Sarcoplasmic 54:38 Sarcoplasmic Hypertrophy: Evidence and Controversies 01:16:46 Understanding Muscle Gain Variability 01:18:13 Exploring Ribosome Biogenesis and Satellite Cells 01:32:26 The Role of Advanced Sequencing in Muscle Research 01:39:04 Practical Applications of Molecular Insights 01:47:57 Future Directions in Muscle Research

  6. 04/29/2025

    Beyond Full Range of Motion: Exploring Lengthened Partials in Training

    Drs. Cody Haun and Daniel Lawson explore the recent study (PMID: 39995432) on lengthened partials following full range of motion training compared to full range of motion alone during a calf raise exercise. The discussion covers the potential mechanisms behind muscle growth, the definitions of failure in training, the study's design and results, and practical applications for trainees and practitioners. Takeaways: Lengthened partials may promote more muscle growth than full range of motion.Mechanical tension is a primary driver for muscle hypertrophy.Understanding momentary failure vs. volitional failure during training.Bayesian statistics provide a different perspective on training effectiveness.The study showed that past failure lengthened partials appeared to result in better hypertrophy outcomes.Untrained populations may limit the generalizability of findings.Drop sets can be an effective and time-efficient training method.Managing fatigue and soreness is essential for effective training.Future research could provide deeper insights into training techniques.-Lengthened partials are a viable option for muscle growth.Fitomics Resources: Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitomicshq https://www.instagram.com/drcodyhaun/ https://www.instagram.com/drdanlawson/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/fitomics Website: https://fitomics.org Research Labs Insider: https://fitomics.org/researchlabsinsider Fitomics Online Coaching: https://fitomics.org/coaching Fitomics Training App: https://program.fitomics.org/trainers/support/landing/ Fitomics Training Plans: https://www.fitomics.org/trainingplans Nutrition Insiders: https://www.fitomics.org/nutrition-insiders

  7. 03/31/2025

    Beyond the Double Helix: Gene Enhancers & Exercise

    How does exercise influence your body beyond the typical weight loss narrative? In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Matt Romero—professor of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology at UC Santa Cruz—joins us for a deep dive into the world of gene regulation, tissue-specific expression, and the unsung genetic elements that may hold the key to better health and performance. We explore how exercise affects your genome at the cellular and molecular level, including the role of enhancers, transcription factors, LINE-1 elements, and even cutting-edge gene editing tools like CRISPR-dCas9. From practical implications to theoretical frontiers, this is a nerd-friendly episode for anyone curious about molecular biology, epigenetics, and how movement talks to your DNA.🧬 Topics include: Why only 2% of your genome codes for proteinsHow enhancers regulate gene expression in a tissue-specific wayThe surprising health benefits of exercise beyond weight loss-CRISPR, epigenetic modulation, and futuristic therapeuticsThe connection between gene expression and human evolutionHow Long Interspersed Nuclear Element-1 (LINE-1), a family of retrotransposons, or "jumping genes," are a significant part of the human genome and may cause genetic variation and potentially contribute to diseases like cancer.🔧 Audio note: We acknowledge some audio quality issues at a few time points in this episode. We've cleaned it up as best we could and hope the quality of the content still shines through. Thank you for sticking with us—we’re continually improving!Subscribe to our channel to receive notifications of new episodes and content!You can stay up-to-date with Dr. Matthew Romero by following him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/matthew_romero_phd/ and Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=o-miQNEAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao). Fitomics Resources: Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitomicshq https://www.instagram.com/drcodyhaun/ https://www.instagram.com/drdanlawson/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/fitomics Website: https://fitomics.org Research Labs Insider: https://fitomics.org/researchlabsinsider Fitomics Online Coaching: https://fitomics.org/coaching Fitomics Training App: https://program.fitomics.org/trainers/support/landing/Fitomics Training Plans: https://www.fitomics.org/trainingplans Nutrition Insiders: https://www.fitomics.org/nutrition-insiders

  8. 02/17/2025

    Motor Units, Hypertrophy, and Neuromuscular Research with Dr. Alex Olmos

    In this episode, we're joined by Dr. Alex Olmos to discuss motor units, hypertrophy, and neuromuscular research. We first dive into what a motor unit is, how motor units are measured, and the limitations and considerations of measuring and interpreting motor units during resistance training. The second half of our talk in this episode focuses on a 2016 paper from Pope et al. titled 'Action potential amplitude as a noninvasive indicator of motor unit-specific hypertrophy' (PMID: 26936975). This study was the first to investigate if longitudinal changes in motor unit action potential size predicted changes in vastus lateralis muscle cross-sectional area (mCSA) using surface electromyography (sEMG). You can keep up with Dr. Alex Olmos by following him on his Instagram and Google Scholar. Fitomics Resources:Instagram: @fitomicshq | @drcodyhaun | @drdanlawsonFacebook: https://facebook.com/fitomicsWebsite: https://fitomics.orgResearch Labs Insider: https://fitomics.org/researchlabsinsiderFitomics Online Coaching: https://fitomics.org/coachingFitomics Training App: https://program.fitomics.org/trainers/support/landing/Fitomics Training Plans: https://www.fitomics.org/trainingplansNutrition Insiders: https://www.fitomics.org/nutrition-insiders

  9. 02/03/2025

    Gene Expression and Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy Differences in Responders vs. Non-Responders

    In this podcast, we discuss the paper "Cluster analysis tests the importance of myogenic gene expression during myofiber hypertrophy in humans" by Bamman et al. (2007), PMID: 17395765. To our knowledge, this was the first study to explore potential molecular pathways that differentiate between non-, modest, and high-responders to hypertrophy from resistance training. We delve into the study design and methods, and key findings on how gene expression, including IGF-IEa, mechano-growth factor (MGF), and myogenin, impacts muscle adaptation. Subscribe to our channel to receive notifications of new episodes and content! Instagram: https://instagram.com/fitomicshq https://www.instagram.com/drcodyhaun/ https://www.instagram.com/drdanlawson/ Facebook: https://facebook.com/fitomics Website: https://fitomics.org Research Labs Insider: https://fitomics.org/researchlabsinsider Fitomics Online Coaching: https://fitomics.org/coaching Fitomics Training App: https://program.fitomics.org/trainers/support/landing/

  10. 11/24/2024

    Exploring -omics with Dr. Chris Vann

    Fitomics Research Labs Insider Service Fitomics Online Coaching Fitomics Training App & Training Programs In our first episode, we explore -omics with Dr. Chris Vann. Dr. Vann is a postdoctoral research scholar at Duke University primarily researching in the Molecular Physiology Institute. We dive deep into the process of interrogating DNA, RNA, and protein using traditional methods. Then, we explore how -omics provides potential to enhance our understanding of the underlying molecular processes that influence how we respond to exercise.

  • 10 Episodes

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5
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4 Ratings

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We explore the science of fitness featuring expert scientific researchers as guests.

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