PODCASTPerform Ep 29: What Drives Muscle Growth & What Doesn't | Dr. Mike Roberts
Dr. Andy Galpin
PodcastMay 29, 2026
Perform Ep 2: Why Muscle Matters & How to Build It
Contributor: Dr. Andy Galpin
In this episode, I discuss the essential role of skeletal muscle in health and performance. I explain what skeletal muscle is made of, how it works, and its role as an integral organ system for physical and mental health. I explain how to focus on skeletal muscle quantity (total muscle) and muscle quality (functionality, speed, power, strength) to ensure you function and perform at the highest levels.I explain the difference between slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers and why skeletal muscle is uniquely adaptable to exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle factors. I also explain why resistance training becomes increasingly critical for healthy aging and disease prevention.I explain how to use the “Three Is” of investigate, interpret, and intervene to determine if you have enough muscle, if it’s functioning well, and protocols to improve muscle quality and quantity. Listeners of this episode will understand why skeletal muscle is so essential to care for and how to enhance muscle quantity and quality to optimize physiology, performance, and longevity.
Articles
- Grip Strength and the Risk of Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Longitudinal Cohort Studies (Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience)
- Response to Exercise After Bed Rest and After Training (Annals of Internal Medicine)
- The impact of life-long strength versus endurance training on muscle fiber morphology and phenotype composition in older men (Journal of Applied Physiology)
- Strength and multiple types of physical activity predict cognitive function independent of low muscle mass in NHANES 1999–2002 (Lifestyle Medicine)
- Fat-Free Mass Index in Users and Nonusers of Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids (Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine)
- Skeletal Muscle Mass and Architecture of the World’s Strongest Raw Powerlifter: A Case Study (Asian Journal Of Sports Medicine)
- What gives Bolt the edge—A.V. Hill knew it already! (Journal of Biomechanics)
- Handgrip strength and all-cause dementia incidence and mortality: findings from the UK Biobank prospective cohort study (Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle)
Other Resources
People Mentioned
- Ray Williams: powerlifter
- Florence Griffith-Joyner: sprinter
- Usain Bolt: sprinter
- Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: sprinter
- Paul Fabritz: strength and conditioning coach
- Donnie Thompson: powerlifter
- Dave Hoff: powerlifter
- AJ Roberts: powerlifter
- Nathan Baptist: world record holder, squat
- Jimmy Cole: world record holder, bench press
- Bill Gillespie: world record holder, bench press
- Andy Bolton: powerlifter, 1000 lbs deadlift
- Becca Swanson: world record holder, powerlifting
- Leah Reichman: world record holder, squat
- Rae-Ann Coughenour-Miller: world record holder, bench press
Disclaimer
The content on this site is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. No practitioner-client relationship is formed through your use of this content. Any information presented here should not be used as a basis for medical decisions without first consulting a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare provider. If you have a medical condition or health concern, seek the guidance of a qualified professional before making changes to your health, nutrition, or training practices. Reliance on any information provided here is solely at your own risk.