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. 3D AGO

    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
  2. MAR 31

    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
  3. MAR 24

    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
  4. MAR 17

    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

    1h 4m
  5. MAR 10

    Ep. 45 - Stop Guessing Your Workouts: The Science of Precision Exercise Prescription

    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 growing push for precision exercise prescription and why standard fitness recommendations often miss the mark for the individual. Using a recent consensus statement from leading exercise science organizations as the foundation, they explore why the industry needs clearer terminology, more consistent intensity definitions, and more personalized ways to prescribe exercise. They unpack the confusion around terms like ventilatory threshold, lactate threshold, metabolic threshold, and heart rate zones, and explain why population-based recommendations are useful for public health but often fall short when it comes to helping real people improve fitness, avoid plateaus, and reduce injury risk. The conversation also dives into VO2 testing, substrate utilization, strength training intensity, recovery, and why better data leads to better outcomes. If you have ever wondered why two people can do the "same workout" and get very different results, this episode explains exactly why. What You Will Learn Why exercise prescription should be individualized instead of based only on generic guidelines How inconsistent terminology creates confusion in exercise science and coaching The difference between public health activity recommendations and performance-based exercise prescription Why metabolic thresholds matter more than simple percentage-based training methods How VO2 testing helps create more accurate heart rate zones and training targets Why some people plateau even when they think they are training in the right zone How to think about minimum effective dose versus maximal recoverable volume Why intensity and duration must be balanced carefully to avoid burnout and injury How resistance training intensity differs from cardiovascular training intensity Why precision exercise prescription can improve adherence, recovery, and long-term results 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

    1h 13m
  6. MAR 3

    Ep. 44 - Exercise Calories Explained: RMR, METs, and the Real Numbers

    Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ How many calories did you really burn during your workout? Your watch says 600. The treadmill says 450. Your app says 700. Who's right? In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber break down how exercise calories are estimated, why most methods are flawed, and how metabolic testing using indirect calorimetry changes the game. They explain how resting metabolic rate (RMR), MET values, and predictive equations are used inside software tools, why wearables often overestimate calorie burn, and how VO₂ testing allows clinicians to dial in nutrition and exercise with far greater precision. Most importantly, they discuss how accurate data helps practitioners move from blaming patients to partnering with them — using physiology instead of assumptions to guide better outcomes.  What You Will Learn Why exercise calories are always estimates (unless you're in a metabolic chamber) How RMR and METs are used to calculate calorie burn Why wearables can be 28–93% inaccurate The difference between accuracy and precision in tracking data Why exercise only accounts for ~5% of total daily energy expenditure The truth about EPOC and post-workout calorie burn How underfueling leads to RED-S and metabolic downregulation How VO₂ testing personalizes heart rate zones and fuel usage Why accurate data allows clinicians to coach with compassion instead of blame How metabolic testing creates a prescriptive roadmap instead of guesswork   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
  7. FEB 24

    Ep. 43 - The Metabolic Glossary: VO2, RER & Thresholds Explained Simply

    Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ If you've ever looked at a metabolic test report and thought, "I should know what this means… but I don't," this episode is for you. In this Metabolic Mastery episode, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber break down the terminology behind metabolic testing — without hiding behind jargon. From VO2 and VCO2 to RER, ventilatory thresholds, METs, oxygen pulse, and cardiac output, they translate complex physiology into clear, usable concepts. Using simple analogies like furnaces, fuel types, and engine efficiency, they explain how oxygen is used, how fuel sources shift with intensity, and why thresholds matter for both health and performance. This episode is your Rosetta Stone for metabolic testing — helping you interpret data with confidence and communicate results clearly to patients and clients.  What You Will Learn What VO2 actually measures (and what VO2 max does not tell you) The difference between VO2 and VO2 max How VCO2 and Respiratory Exchange Ratio (RER) reveal fuel usage Why fat adaptation changes endurance performance The difference between VT1, VT2, aerobic threshold, anaerobic threshold, and lactate threshold Why lactate is not "lactic acid" — and why that matters What minute ventilation, tidal volume, and breathing frequency indicate How oxygen pulse reflects cardiovascular efficiency Why heart rate recovery is a powerful health metric How to use metabolic testing data to design better training programs 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

    1h 10m
  8. FEB 17

    Ep. 42 - From "Always 6th Place" to the Podium: Fixing Breathing Limits With Daniel Crumback

    Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ Note: Part of this episode uses charts. Check out the video version to see them in action. Respiratory limitations are one of the most overlooked performance bottlenecks in exercise physiology, and they can quietly cap results even in highly trained athletes. In this episode, Daniel Crumback breaks down how to identify respiratory limitations using ventilatory patterns you can already see in metabolic testing data—without getting fooled by "good" minute ventilation (VE). You'll hear why breathing is controlled differently across intensities, why CO₂ clearance becomes the dominant driver in Zone 4–5, and why trying to "force" nasal breathing or slow breathing during testing and training can backfire. Daniel walks through practical interpretation using breathing frequency + tidal volume, explains how to use GLI predicted values to establish norms, and outlines the seven major types of respiratory limitations—so you can stop guessing, stop mislabeling problems as metabolic, and start fixing the true limiter. What you will learn Why VE can look "good" even when breathing is inefficient (and why it can fool you) How to read breathing using tidal volume (VT) + breathing frequency (BF) across zones The real role of breathing at higher intensities: CO₂ removal and pH control How to compare Peak VT to predicted FEV1 using GLI norms (and why 75–85% matters) The 7 respiratory limitation types (capacity, capability, coordination, and more) When resistive breathing devices help—and when they reinforce the wrong adaptation How respiratory limits can mask as "metabolic problems" by disrupting O₂ offloading When poor response to training is a red flag that warrants medical referral 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

    1h 12m
4.1
out of 5
7 Ratings

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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