Essentials: Build Muscle Size, Increase Strength & Improve Recovery

In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I discuss how to build muscle strength and size (hypertrophy) and cover key training principles to enhance athletic performance and offset age-related muscle decline.

I explain how the nervous system drives muscle movement, the key differences between training for hypertrophy or strength, and resistance training protocols to build muscle for performance and healthy aging. Additionally, I discuss tools for assessing recovery and the role of key nutrients—such as creatine and electrolytes—in supporting muscle development and performance. This episode provides actionable, science-backed strategies to enhance movement, preserve strength with age, and boost energy levels.

Read the episode show notes at hubermanlab.com.

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Timestamps

00:00:00 Huberman Lab Essentials; Muscle

00:02:02 Muscle & Nervous System

00:03:24 Sponsors: Eight Sleep & LMNT

00:06:03 Strength & Aging, Henneman's Size Principle, Use Heavy Weights?

00:10:09 3 Stimuli, Muscle Strength vs Muscle Growth (Hypertrophy)

00:12:11 Tool: Resistance Training Protocol, Increase Muscle Strength

00:15:55 Sponsor: AG1

00:17:50 Tool: Advanced Resistance Training & Volume; Speed, Rest

00:21:12 Testing for Recovery, Heart Rate Variability, Grip Strength

00:24:29 Sponsor: Function

00:26:16 Testing for Recovery, Carbon Dioxide Tolerance

00:29:20 Ice Bath Timing; NSAIDs & Exercise

00:30:34 Salt & Electrolytes; Creatine; Leucine

Disclaimer & Disclosures