#443 Stefan Gehrig - From Studying Muscle Wasting Disorders to Making The Best Gym Bags In The World

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