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Episode

Science & Tools For Muscle Growth, Increasing Strength & Muscular Recovery
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2:02:58
Published: Mon May 31 2021
Description

In this episode, I describe how our brain and nervous system control muscle tissue and how to leverage that for muscle maintenance, growth (hypertrophy) and recovery. I explain how neurons control muscle contractions and limb movements. I explain muscle metabolism and muscle fiber recruitment. I detail protocols for increasing muscular growth and for neuro-muscular recovery. I explain the effects of deliberate cold, anti-inflammatory agents, and anti-histamines on training progress. I describe science-supported protocols using certain weight load ranges, total sets per week, training intensity, frequency, and in-between set activities if one's goal is to increase muscle growth, strength or endurance. I review three foundational compounds and nutrients and three optimization compounds and nutrients that have been shown to improve neuro-muscular performance. Finally, I explain how to leverage exercise and weight training to enhance cognitive function. For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com. Thank you to our sponsors AG1 (Athletic Greens): https://athleticgreens.com/huberman LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/huberman Thesis: https://takethesis.com/huberman Supplements from Momentous https://www.livemomentous.com/huberman Disclaimer

Chapters
In this episode, the speaker emphasizes the key role of hydration and electrolytes for optimal function of nerve cells, neurons, and other body organs.
00:00 - 03:04 (03:04)
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Hydration, Electrolytes, Optimal Health
Summary

In this episode, the speaker emphasizes the key role of hydration and electrolytes for optimal function of nerve cells, neurons, and other body organs. The speaker also highlights the significance of proper ratios of sodium, magnesium, and potassium for ensuring the efficient functioning of cells and the optimization of bodily systems.

Episode
Science & Tools For Muscle Growth, Increasing Strength & Muscular Recovery
Podcast
Huberman Lab
This podcast explores muscle hypertrophy and science-based protocols to enhance it, with a focus on how improved muscle quality can impact overall health by increasing metabolism and supporting other systems in the body.
03:04 - 10:58 (07:53)
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Muscle Hypertrophy
Summary

This podcast explores muscle hypertrophy and science-based protocols to enhance it, with a focus on how improved muscle quality can impact overall health by increasing metabolism and supporting other systems in the body.

Episode
Science & Tools For Muscle Growth, Increasing Strength & Muscular Recovery
Podcast
Huberman Lab
The neuromuscular system involves the control of muscles through upper motor neurons, lower motor neurons and central pattern generators.
10:58 - 19:11 (08:13)
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Neuromuscular System
Summary

The neuromuscular system involves the control of muscles through upper motor neurons, lower motor neurons and central pattern generators. Muscles contract through the release of acetylcholine from motor neurons in the neuromuscular system.

Episode
Science & Tools For Muscle Growth, Increasing Strength & Muscular Recovery
Podcast
Huberman Lab
Lactic acid is not the cause of the "burn" sensation during exercise, but rather lactate, which helps buffer the acidity in our bodies that can limit performance during endurance activities.
19:11 - 29:55 (10:44)
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Exercise
Summary

Lactic acid is not the cause of the "burn" sensation during exercise, but rather lactate, which helps buffer the acidity in our bodies that can limit performance during endurance activities. Lactate prevents us from exercising to our maximum potential, but it also plays an important role in supplying energy to our muscles.

Episode
Science & Tools For Muscle Growth, Increasing Strength & Muscular Recovery
Podcast
Huberman Lab
Lifting moderately light weights can cause changes in nerve and muscle connections, leading to muscle strength and hypertrophy, without the need to use the heaviest weights possible.
29:55 - 40:17 (10:21)
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Muscle Growth
Summary

Lifting moderately light weights can cause changes in nerve and muscle connections, leading to muscle strength and hypertrophy, without the need to use the heaviest weights possible. Specific aspects of muscular contraction can be used to improve muscle growth and strength.

Episode
Science & Tools For Muscle Growth, Increasing Strength & Muscular Recovery
Podcast
Huberman Lab
Muscles grow and get stronger when there is a change in how the nerve communicates with the muscles and the way in which the muscle contracts, thereby causing the muscle to need to change.
40:17 - 44:16 (03:59)
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Muscle Growth
Summary

Muscles grow and get stronger when there is a change in how the nerve communicates with the muscles and the way in which the muscle contracts, thereby causing the muscle to need to change. Adequate stress, tension or damage to the muscle leads to protein synthesis, specifically the myosin protein, which contributes to muscle growth.

Episode
Science & Tools For Muscle Growth, Increasing Strength & Muscular Recovery
Podcast
Huberman Lab
Five sets per week in the 30% to 80% of one rep maximum range, close to muscle failure, can enhance muscle strength and size due to neural control of muscles.
44:16 - 1:01:56 (17:39)
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Muscle Hypertrophy
Summary

Five sets per week in the 30% to 80% of one rep maximum range, close to muscle failure, can enhance muscle strength and size due to neural control of muscles.

Episode
Science & Tools For Muscle Growth, Increasing Strength & Muscular Recovery
Podcast
Huberman Lab
Flexing in between sets can improve nerve to muscle connections and enhance hypertrophy.
1:01:56 - 1:10:42 (08:46)
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Fitness
Summary

Flexing in between sets can improve nerve to muscle connections and enhance hypertrophy. It can be beneficial to get stronger for improved speed, but learning to generate force with increasing speed is even more essential for those wishing to specifically enhance jumping, running, or throwing.

Episode
Science & Tools For Muscle Growth, Increasing Strength & Muscular Recovery
Podcast
Huberman Lab
In this episode, Dr. Andrew Huberman talks about muscle recovery, how to improve it using Palmer cooling, how hormones affect our body, and the benefits of the 10 sets of 10 reps protocol.
1:10:42 - 1:20:09 (09:26)
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Muscle Recovery
Summary

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Huberman talks about muscle recovery, how to improve it using Palmer cooling, how hormones affect our body, and the benefits of the 10 sets of 10 reps protocol.

Episode
Science & Tools For Muscle Growth, Increasing Strength & Muscular Recovery
Podcast
Huberman Lab
Recovery is crucial for endurance athletes but it is not as simple as just targeting specific muscles.
1:20:09 - 1:29:12 (09:02)
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Recovery, Endurance Athletes
Summary

Recovery is crucial for endurance athletes but it is not as simple as just targeting specific muscles. A good nerve to heart system that can increase and decrease heart rate, and a strong grip strength are indicators of effective recovery.

Episode
Science & Tools For Muscle Growth, Increasing Strength & Muscular Recovery
Podcast
Huberman Lab
Cold exposure has been shown to have significant benefits for athletes looking for faster recovery after workouts.
1:29:12 - 1:37:00 (07:48)
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Cold Exposure
Summary

Cold exposure has been shown to have significant benefits for athletes looking for faster recovery after workouts. However, data also suggest that exposing yourself to cold after a workout may not be the most effective solution if you're trying to gain strength and hypertrophy muscles.

Episode
Science & Tools For Muscle Growth, Increasing Strength & Muscular Recovery
Podcast
Huberman Lab
The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antihistamines before or after weight training may prevent improvements in strength, endurance, and size.
1:37:00 - 1:42:42 (05:41)
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muscle training
Summary

The use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antihistamines before or after weight training may prevent improvements in strength, endurance, and size. Inflammation is necessary for muscles to adapt and develop, and while the right amount of stressor is needed to improve nerve and muscle connectivity, excessive muscle damage can result in injury.

Episode
Science & Tools For Muscle Growth, Increasing Strength & Muscular Recovery
Podcast
Huberman Lab
Ingesting creatine can increase muscle creatine content, with 18 studies supporting this claim, while beta-alanine and electrolytes are also well-supported ways to improve performance and muscle communication.
1:42:42 - 1:50:50 (08:07)
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Performance
Summary

Ingesting creatine can increase muscle creatine content, with 18 studies supporting this claim, while beta-alanine and electrolytes are also well-supported ways to improve performance and muscle communication.

Episode
Science & Tools For Muscle Growth, Increasing Strength & Muscular Recovery
Podcast
Huberman Lab
Dr. Andrew Huberman discusses how regular training at the same time every day can help improve focus, and having a diet with sufficient amino acids can support muscle growth and strength improvements.
1:50:51 - 2:00:25 (09:33)
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Physical training, Cognitive work
Summary

Dr. Andrew Huberman discusses how regular training at the same time every day can help improve focus, and having a diet with sufficient amino acids can support muscle growth and strength improvements. He also recommends scheduling intense cognitive work on days without physical training at the same time.

Episode
Science & Tools For Muscle Growth, Increasing Strength & Muscular Recovery
Podcast
Huberman Lab
The Huberman Lab Podcast, which covers topics like sleep and hormones, is still relevant for people who need to learn about healthy habits.
2:00:25 - 2:02:54 (02:28)
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Huberman Lab Podcast
Summary

The Huberman Lab Podcast, which covers topics like sleep and hormones, is still relevant for people who need to learn about healthy habits. To support the podcast, they recommend subscribing and sharing with others who might benefit.

Episode
Science & Tools For Muscle Growth, Increasing Strength & Muscular Recovery
Podcast
Huberman Lab