#450 Robert Linkul - Cardiovascular and Cognitive Health For Older Adults

Elizabeth Davies is the author of Training For Your Old Lady Body and famous for the quote:“Training for my summer body? Fuck no. I’m training for my old lady body. Dense bones, strong muscles, a healthy heart, good balance, functional independence.”Elizabeth joins me to share her thoughts and experience about:What is SkinnyTok and why it’s dangerousThe cycles of body image standards and why chasing them can create problemsIs Kim Kardashian a good role model for body imageWhy building a bank of bone health early matters, and why chasing skinny at a young age compromises thisHer frustration with the marketing messaging about getting in shape for summerWhy she’s focused on taking care of her body for now and laterWhere being focused on training for aesthetics can go wrong“Why is there so much focus on helping women avoid looking old as we age and so little focus on helping us avoid feeling old”And much moreIG: @thiswomanliftsCHAPTERS00:56 What Is Skinny Talk02:27 Debulking And Gym Myths05:11 Beauty Standards Shift08:43 Why Skinny Talk Harms10:50 Who Gets Triggered12:49 Artifacts Of Diet Culture15:40 Old Lady Body Quote16:15 From Lawyer To Trainer17:02 Summer Body Panic19:55 Plagiarism And Sharing23:19 Looking Good Vs Longevity25:13 Confidence Through Care25:47 Aesthetic Goals Debate27:16 Realistic Expectations29:03 Long Game Fitness29:52 MacrosFirst Ad30:56 Harmful Beauty Tactics33:41 Training For Later Life34:40 Cardio And Weights36:53 Avoid Feeling Old38:34 Aging Anxiety And Control42:36 Botox Culture Critique44:44 TrainHeroic Ad46:04 Closing And Where To FollowSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode resonated with you or changed how you think about training, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to someone navigating body image or fitness messagingFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you’ll be asked “How did you hear about us?”Type in: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you

Sheridan Skye is a pre-and postnatal coaching specialist and educator and joins me to share her expertise about:Is resistance training safe for pregnant womenDo mom and baby have better outcomes when the mother works outWhy some physicians might be hesitant to advise their clients to workout during pregnancyAre there medical conditions where women should avoid or approach working out with caution during pregnancyCan exercise help improve symptoms of postpartum depressionWhat are the guidelines for returning to working out post pregnancyHow much of working out during and after pregnancy is varied based on each individuals experienceWhat she means with “We’ve reached a point where women’s normal physiology is being repackaged as a pathology and marketed as female empowerment”And much moreIG: @sheridanskyefitCHAPTERS01:06 Is Lifting Safe02:35 Miscarriage Myths05:07 Evidence On Exercise10:18 Benefits For Mom13:00 Postpartum Fear14:10 When Not To Train16:19 Sponsor Break19:19 Postpartum Depression23:34 Return To Exercise25:27 Six Week Myth27:12 Gradual Return Plan28:08 Core Rehab Framework28:36 Symptom Feedback Loop29:30 Load Management Principles32:00 Scalable Core Training35:58 Barriers Not Biology38:06 Misinformation Marketing44:51 Why Women Feel Better47:42 Energy Balance Nuance50:34 Storytelling Versus Facts51:54 Wrap Up And ResourcesSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped clarify exercise during pregnancy or postpartum training, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to a coach, trainer, or expecting parentFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst → During setup answer “How did you hear about us?”Type: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you

Robert Linkul is the master of Training the Older Adult and returns with more lessons about working with this population, including:-How Robert’s own extensive medical history helps him relate to the injuries and restrictions of older populations-How we as coaches think about our own aging, and eventual shift into this demographic, and how we approach our training to prepare-Why he doesn’t plan to retire from in-person coaching-How he approaches cardiovascular training for older adults-Why he likes rucking/walking with weighted packs-How to keep people from becoming inactive and suffering greater risk of cognitive decline during periods of life interference for older adults-Training around injuries and degenerative issues-And much moreIG: @robertlinkulCHAPTERS00:41 NSCA Journey01:56 Aging Changes Training02:33 Injuries Shaped Approach04:31 Training Smarter Now06:43 Barbell Debate Online08:37 Why Barbells Can Fail13:10 Unilateral Tools Win16:14 Creative Workarounds18:54 Sponsor Break – TrainHeroic20:13 Staying On The Floor24:06 Career Arc Myth26:08 Cardio for Aging Adults27:06 Zone Two Strength Circuits30:23 Rucking on Off Days32:15 Rucking Hype and Load Management34:31 Weighted Vest Metabolism Story38:03 Training for Brain Health38:43 Discovery Workouts for Focus42:45 Small Group Training Sweet Spot46:57 Sponsor Break – Just Bite Me Meals48:02 Avoiding Inactivity After Injury51:52 Wrap Up and Where to FollowSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you rethink training for aging populations, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to a coach or trainer who works with older adultsFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you’ll be asked “How did you hear about us?”Type in: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trial (2 steps)https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you

Gareth Sapstead, my long time T-Nation writing peer joins me to talk about his new book (which I contributed to) and share wisdom and experience about:-Where to start if you look in the mirror and you’re not happy with what you see-How to approach your training and nutrition if you want to change your life-How social support matters if you’re aiming to change your life and health-Thinking in terms of “architecture for your life”-What his new book - 100 Best Physique Workouts offers-And much moreIG: @thefitnessmaverickCHAPTERS01:00 Why In Person Events02:34 Connections Create Careers03:41 Transformation Starting Point04:02 Assessments Online Vs In Person11:16 Gen Pop Transformation Tactics13:14 Output First Nutrition Plan15:52 Strength Training Guardrails19:55 Sustainable Deficits21:30 Sponsor Break RP Strength22:54 Environment Biggest Loser24:34 NEAT And Diet Adaptation27:02 Muscle Loss Expectations29:34 Milo And Load Bearing30:08 Fat Loss Muscle Tradeoff31:24 Skinny Fat Metabolic Health32:09 Education Over Extremes33:25 Flexible Dieting Macros34:27 Tracking To Intuition36:41 Training Structure Levels38:38 Meal Prep Lifestyle Hack41:57 Maintenance Training Phase42:55 Sponsor TrainHeroic44:15 Cardio While Learning46:59 Make Cardio Enjoyable50:49 Transformation Basics Structure53:23 100 Physique Workouts Book55:53 How To Use WorkoutsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you think more clearly about transforming your physique or your life, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to someone starting their transformation journeyFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you’ll be asked “How did you hear about us?”Type in: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trial (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you

Josh Hillis returns with more of his eating skills mastery and shares thoughts on:-The sheer number of holidays and special occasions that end up justifying off track eating behaviour-How to approach special occasions without falling off track-Understanding the skill of being able to notice when you’re full and stop-Understanding the skill of being willing to sit with the feeling of wanting more-Understanding the skill of managing the disappointment when a meal ends-Why pre-deciding your choices is powerful-Eating within your core values-Can you eat takeout and meet your nutritional goals-The challenge of keeping promises to ourselves-Recognizing the power of your narratives in your eating behaviour-And much moreIG: @joshuahillisCHAPTERS01:07 Special Occasions Add Up02:02 Sitting With Wanting More04:34 Chips Buffet Thanksgiving06:44 Big Plate Then Wait10:21 Sensory Specific Satiety13:56 Values Over Rules18:22 Ad Break Macros App19:26 Social Eating Belonging24:10 Food Quality Mythology26:58 Weekend Obstacle Planning30:25 Riding Out Cravings31:43 Values Over Numbing32:34 Stress Is Part of Love36:12 Choosing When to Cope38:35 Main Character Pressure40:28 Why Food Works Fast42:37 Three Types of Self Care45:02 Type A Recovery Rituals48:42 No Phone Space50:00 Takeout Without Tracking53:05 Mindful Treat LimitsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you navigate holidays or special occasions more confidently, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to someone who struggles with nutrition during eventsFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you’ll be asked “How did you hear about us?”Type in: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trial (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you

Dr Natasha Barnes returns to share her expertise on climbing and strength training and how these principles apply broadly to everyone, including thoughts about:-Are lighter climbers better climbers-The problem with focusing on weighing less as a performance enhancer in climbing-Is disordered eating more prevalent in climbing and weight class sports?-Are more climbers coming around to the value of strength training-The story behind Natasha saying “The lightest I’ve ever been was also the most broken I’ve ever been”-Why climbing may be a great outlet for adults to put more fun and play into their lives-When you would benefit from putting on weight and muscle for your sport-How to enhance strength without gaining weight-Why squatting is better than doing pistol squats for most training goals-The problem with feats of strength on social media, that aren’t useful training methodologies-How can someone reduce the chance of injury when starting a new program-Is climbing a safe activity-How people end up increasing their risk of injury in training and climbing-And much moreIG: @natashabarnesCHAPTERS00:46 Are lighter climbers better02:10 Free solo and El Capitan03:24 Calculated risk and preparation05:34 Strength to weight myth07:07 Technique over weight loss07:47 Eating disorders in climbing09:22 Leg strength and injuries10:48 Olympic climbing explained11:36 Sponsor break — RP app12:59 Why strength training matters14:00 Longevity and pro trends15:44 “Lightest and most broken”17:43 Disordered eating behaviors19:56 Strength without weight gain21:42 Programming for strength23:41 Body fat sweet spot24:43 Society and being smaller26:14 Ozempic and media extremes28:27 Role models and responsibility28:48 Celebrity body scrutiny30:19 Pistol squats vs real strength33:54 Climbing parlor tricks35:27 New program new injury38:12 Autoregulation with RPE40:13 Underprepared tissue injuries42:52 Why climbing feels like play44:02 How to start climbing46:54 Climbing injury rates48:05 Aging vs undertraining53:33 Bone density comebacks54:40 Where to find NatashaSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you rethink body weight, strength, or performance, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to someone interested in climbing or athletic performanceFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you’ll be asked “How did you hear about us?”Type in: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trial (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you

Dr Lauren Colenso-Semple is back to tackle a series of current trends, narratives, and pseudoscientific claims in fitness and wellness, including:-Is there any quality human research on “wellness peptides”-What are wellness peptides-Why are they becoming more popular-Is there any evidence to suggest that muscle building is any different for women than men-Is there any evidence that birth control affects muscle growth-Is there any difference in protein timing needs for muscle growth in women-Are there notable differences in muscle fibre type between men and women-Is there any association between testosterone levels and lean mass and strength in women-Does menopause accelerate muscle loss-Is creatine as potent as it’s currently hyped-Is there any evidence to support cycle syncing-Why is messaging around unique physiological differences so appealing to women-Why are some fitness and wellness “professionals” incentivized to brand around differences in men’s and women’s training physiology-Are there differences in injury risks across the phases of menstrual cycles-Do vibration plates have any benefits-Is calling out female creators for spreading misinformation by other women “mean girl behaviour”-And much moreIG: @drlaurencs1CHAPTERS01:00 What Are Wellness Peptides and Why They’re Trending02:00 How Peptides Work in the Body03:00 Drug Development and Approval Process04:00 Unapproved Peptides in the Wellness Market07:00 Biological Risks and Tumor Concerns08:00 Limited Human Data and Research Quality09:00 Placebo Effects and Pain Resolution10:00 Drug Approval vs Evidence Reality11:00 Placebo Surgery Example and Mind-Body Effects12:00 The “Wild West” of Peptide Research13:00 Manufacturing and Dosing Risks14:00 Why Peptides Became Popular15:00 Normalization of Injectables and “Natural” Marketing20:00 Branding Differences Between Approved Drugs and Peptides24:00 Historical Drug Regulation Context25:00 Are Muscle Gains Different Between Men and Women?26:00 Molecular and Physiological Similarities Between Sexes27:00 Muscle Fiber Type Complexity30:00 Genetics vs Training Adaptation33:00 Athlete Caliber vs Sex Differences37:00 Creatine Performance Effects38:00 Creatine and Clinical Populations39:00 High Dose Creatine Considerations42:00 Testosterone Myths and Hypertrophy43:00 Menopause and Muscle Loss45:00 Measuring Testosterone and Lab Variability46:00 PCOS and Testosterone Levels47:00 Research Gaps in PCOS and Performance48:00 Menstrual Cycle Strength Research Discussion51:00 Why Cycle Syncing Messaging Is Appealing52:00 Marketing Incentives and Female Targeting53:00 Diet Culture Parallel and Behavior Change54:00 Individualization vs Simple Prescriptions55:00 Age vs Training Factors That Actually Matter58:00 Vibration Plates — Claims vs Evidence59:00 Exercise vs Passive Modalities01:01:00 Injury Risk Across Menstrual Cycle PhasesSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you cut through confusion in fitness and wellness claims, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to a friend who’s overwhelmed by conflicting adviceFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you’ll be asked “How did you hear about us?”Type in: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day TRIAL (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you

Susan Niebergall - author and one of the most visible female fitness authorities in the industry - returns to share her wisdom on aging, strength, recovery, metabolism, and redefining what women should strive for physically.In this episode, Susan and Andrew discuss how cultural messaging pushed generations of women toward being skinny instead of strong, how strength training changed her recovery after hip replacement surgery, and why maintaining muscle and purpose may be one of the most powerful anti-aging strategies available.Susan also shares practical insight into osteoporosis, metabolism changes, retirement risks, hormone therapy, and training approaches for longevity.THIS EPISODE COVERS:How cultural and gender stereotypes pushed women toward thinness over strengthHer recovery two years after hip replacement surgeryWhy pre-surgery strength training improved her recovery outcomesWhy she believes we age because we stop using our strengthThe hidden risks of retirement and how to approach it more healthfullyWhether metabolism slows with age — and by how muchWhat she means by “Lifestyle Metabolism”Training and lifestyle strategies for osteoporosis managementHer experience with hormone replacement therapy (HRT)Rep ranges, training intensity, and recovery considerations after 60And much moreInstagram: @susanniebergallfitnessCHAPTERS00:54 Two Years After Hip Replacement: Recovery, Stability & Feeling Normal02:05 Prehab Pays Off: Training Before Surgery & Early Rehab Milestones07:33 Aging, Strength & Retirement: Why Slowing Down Speeds Aging10:16 Identity, Purpose & Retiring To Something11:50 Sponsor: MacrosFirst12:55 How Heavy Is Heavy After 60? Training Intensity & Mindset17:15 Rep Ranges for Real Humans23:26 Recovery as the New Priority24:37 Sponsor: TrainHeroic25:56 Metabolism & Aging: What Research Really Says26:28 Why Metabolism Feels Slower27:56 Lifestyle Metabolism (NEAT) Explained29:18 What Metabolism Really Means31:22 Osteoporosis Wake-Up Call32:50 Training Safely for Bone & Muscle36:18 Advice for Your 30s–40s38:51 Diet Culture & Body Image43:57 Sponsor: Just Bite Me Meals45:02 Starting HRT at 6549:48 Navigating Menopause Information53:06 Where to Follow Susan + Wrap-UpSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you rethink aging, strength, or your long-term health, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me — I will respond)Sending it to someone who wants to age strongerFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10 percent off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst → During setup answer: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15 percent off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Grippshttps://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90 Day Trialhttps://www.trainheroic.com/liftfree

Nick Shaw — CEO of RP Strength, author, and IFBB Pro Bodybuilder — returns to the show to discuss how the “science-based lifting” space evolved from education into competing ideologies.In this episode, Nick and Andrew break down what actually matters for building muscle, why online hypertrophy debates have become tribal, and how context — including training age, anthropometry, and life constraints — should drive training decisions far more than rigid dogma.THIS EPISODE COVERS:Where science-based lifting content creators went wrongWhy the hypertrophy space feels like an ideological battlegroundThe practical reality of low-rep vs high-rep trainingWhy anthropometry and age influence rep-range decisionsThe most important principles for building muscle effectivelyWhether you can disagree with someone and still respect themHow Nick maintains his IFBB Pro-level physiqueBalancing training with family life and running a companyUsing seasons of intensity and maintenance phases in trainingAnd much moreInstagram: @nick.shaw.rpCHAPTERS00:16 Nick Shaw Returns: White Monster, RP Strength & catching up02:17 Why Hypertrophy Content Feels Like an Ideology War03:44 From Gatekeepers to Algorithms: Social Media Rewards Extremes08:43 The “Weird Curl” Debate: Novel Stimulus vs Clickbait15:52 Low-Rep Hypertrophy Absolutism: What Works, What’s Not22:03 Training Age, Joint Tolerance & Lever Lengths: Context Matters24:45 Creator Incentives: Education vs Outlandish Content27:35 Sponsor Break: RP Hypertrophy App28:58 Muscle-Building Principles: Consistency, Failure Proximity & Progression33:58 Old-School Debates & Survivorship Bias34:46 Why Elite Bodybuilders Aren’t Great Templates35:07 Volume vs Intensity False Dichotomy37:02 Cancel Culture in Fitness & Context Collapse39:38 Viral Hot Takes and Stimulus Misunderstandings46:46 Social Media Outrage and Tribalism52:13 Sponsor Break: King Kong Bags + Arnold Meetup53:25 Maintaining an IFBB Pro Physique Training 3x/Week56:14 Seasons of Intensity & Maintenance Phases59:03 RP Hypertrophy App Guardrails & Progression01:02:00 Micro Plates & Home Gym Hacks01:04:22 Wrap-Up & Where to Follow NickSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you cut through hypertrophy confusion, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me — I will respond)Sending it to someone frustrated with conflicting training adviceFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10 percent off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirstDuring setup, answer: How did you hear about us?Type: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15 percent off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90 Day Trial (2 steps)Go to: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you

Please enjoy this rare bonus Saturday episode with Stefan Gehrig, founder of KNKG - my favourite gym bag and duffel company.Stefan also holds a PhD in Muscle Biology and worked in research studying muscle wasting disorders before pivoting into entrepreneurship. While he no longer works directly in academia, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to ask valuable questions about his expertise in muscular dystrophy, sarcopenia, and other muscle-wasting conditions.We also discuss the leap from research to building one of the most respected gym bag brands in the world - and what it takes to go all-in on a side hustle.THIS EPISODE COVERS:The story behind founding KNKGPivoting from academic research to entrepreneurshipWhat went into deciding to go all-in on a side hustleWhat muscular dystrophy is and who is at riskOther muscle wasting diseases and their individual and societal impactHow lifestyle affects muscle health and disease riskSarcopenia and age-related muscle lossWhy strength training matters for long-term healthNeurological conditions like ALS and MS and their connection to muscle wastingApplying scientific thinking to businessAnd much moreWe’ll both be at the Arnold Sports Festival March 6th and 7th at the KNKG booth — come say hello.If you’d like to grab your own KNKG bag, DM me and I’ll send you my 15 percent discount code.Instagram: @knkgCHAPTERS00:16 Meet Stefan Gehrig: KNKG founder, PhD, CrossFit Games athlete01:09 How Andrew became a KNKG superfan (Arnold booth announcement)02:23 KNKG’s origin story: from PhD research to building bags since 201104:09 From scientist to founder: CrossFit niche + The 4-Hour Workweek spark05:30 Designing without experience: materials, factories, and manufacturing06:21 What was missing in gym bags: organization, shoe compartments, function08:02 The leap: leaving academia and going all-in on KNKG10:22 Why it worked: timing, runway, and applying the scientific method to business12:27 Arnold Sports Festival + 15% discount details13:38 The 80/20 of KNKG: product development, word-of-mouth, long lead times15:44 Muscular dystrophy explained (Duchenne, risks, treatments)19:07 Staying current in research — and why science is all-consuming20:28 Sarcopenia: age-related muscle loss and why strength training matters25:23 Training for life: resistance + cardio, hybrid programming28:18 ALS & MS: neurological causes of muscle wasting31:01 See you at the Arnold: booth details32:12 Wrap-up: where to follow KNKGSUPPORT THE SHOWIf you enjoyed this bonus episode, you can support the show by:Subscribing and checking out more episodesSharing it on social media (tag me — I will respond)Sending it to someone interested in entrepreneurship or muscle healthFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10 percent off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirstDuring setup, answer: How did you hear about us?Type: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15 percent off — DM for code)Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90 Day Trial (2 steps)Go to: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you