Dr. Craig Marker: Balancing Performance, Recovery, And Longevity And Becoming More Resilient From Appropriate Stressors

It’s a pleasure to bring back my friend and favored podcast guest Dr. Craig Marker for a third show. A prominent figure in the strength training world, his epic article HIIT vs HIRT was also, in my opinion, one of the best things published in decades to help us frame our high intensity workouts—and these days, a lot of people are talking about it and using the term “HIRT”, which is great to see. We’ve talked a lot about training in the past, so this is a really fun show since we get to go off in different directions, many of them informed by Dr. Craig’s day career as a psychologist at Mercer University in Atlanta.  We’ll be talking about resilience and how to bounce back from post-traumatic stress disorder, and there will be some surprises and controversial assertions in this episode that might help you as a parent, or just as a person who is trying to do their best to be competitive, while also maintaining focus on the process and balancing those disparate goals. We also talk about exercise, training, and designing appropriate workouts as people in the 50+ category—people who are still trying to perform magnificent athletic feats while feeling that frustration of your body taking longer to recover, while still trying to dial in workouts that allow you to hit that sweet spot of getting great fitness stimulation without comprising recovery and longevity—a big challenge indeed, but I love this healthy perspective from Dr. Craig, who said: “I don’t have all the answers here, we have got to keep figuring it out.”    TIMESTAMPS: Popular dietary practices fall into place with people who are generally metabolically healthy, fit, good blood markers. Do we need to change that? [03:46] It is so easy to overdo exercise when you push yourself without acknowledging the importance of finding the proper balance of stressors. [06:19] Your body has to be prepared for whatever you are doing. It doesn’t need confusion.  [09:37]What does Craig think about that common commentary that we are obligated to fit in this so-called zone two at comfortable pace cardio if we want to get a full report card as an all -around fitness enthusiast? [12:41] When there are so many levels of activities and goals individuals engage in, talking about eating strategy gets confusing. [16:28] The pendulum effect seems to be a natural pattern with people who have had a stressful incident.  They go back naturally after a bit of time. It’s a natural immune response. [20:53] Some cultures say you need to be happy all the time and others have the opposite idea. [28:41] People are afraid to make mistakes, however, we learn much from our mistakes. [32:15] The hardest thing about being a parent is letting the kids learn from mistakes. We want to protect them. [34:12] Accept yourself before changing.  [36:24] How can we negotiate the appropriate loading of challenges and progressing with our fitness?  [39:35] Warm up and prepare properly always. [49:14]   LINKS: Brad Kearns.com Brad’s Shopping page Jogging 2.0 YouTube Dopamine Nation The Big Leap   Join Brad for more fun on: Instagram: @bradkearns1 Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphigh Twitter: @bradleykearns YouTube: @BradKearns TikTok: @bradkearns   We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to [email protected]. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, Brad won’t promote anything he doesn’t absolutely love and use in daily life. Brad’s Macadamia Masterpiece: Mind-blowing, life-changing nut butter blend Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement BeautyCounter: Complete line of cosmetics tested to be free of typical toxins and endocrine disruptors. Try Brad's favorite vitamin-C skin serum and make the switch away from toxic mainstream skin-care products!  Butcher Box: Convenient, affordable home delivery - free shipping! - of the highest quality meat, poultry, and seafood with customizable box design. Click here for special promotion.  Bala Enzyme: Electrolyte and triple enzyme recovery drink mix. BRAD30 for 30% off BiOptimizers: Top quality performance supplements like magnesium, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. BRAD10 for 10% off Paleo Valley: Nutrient-rich, ancestral inspired health products. BRAD15 for 15% off BradNutrition.com: Coming soon - the ultimate whey protein superfuel formula for peak performance and longevity Ultimate Morning Routine Online Course: Learn how to custom-design an energizing, focusing morning exercise routine. Enroll now for earlybird discount Check out Brad Kearns Favorites Page for great products and discounts See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.