🎬 Episode Moments

Build Muscle Size, Increase Strength & Improve Recovery | Huberman Lab Essentials

huberman
April 10, 2025
11 Moments

🎯 All Moments (11)

Click any moment to jump to that point in the video

Brain-Muscle Connection Explained

Huberman explains the relationship between the nervous system and muscle function. This is clippable because it lays the groundwork for understanding how to optimize muscle growth and strength.

Neurobiology knowledge
0:00
Duration: 2:00

Strength Training for Longevity

Huberman explains that muscle strength is important as we age, and getting stronger isn't about moving heavy weights, but maintaining strength and range of motion as we age. This is clippable because it reframes strength training as a tool for healthy aging, not just for athletes.

Healthy Aging knowledge
3:00
Duration: 1:00

Key Nutrients: Salt, Creatine & Leucine for Muscle Growth

Huberman discusses the importance of salt, creatine, and leucine for muscle performance and nerve-to-muscle communication. He emphasizes the role of sodium in nerve cell firing and highlights creatine's benefits for power output and hydration. Additionally, he advises obtaining essential amino acids, including leucine, from high-quality protein sources, with consideration for protein density in different food types.

Muscle Performance knowledge
24:05
Duration: 3:23

Key variables for Muscle Growth

Huberman states that heavy weights are not required to build muscle and strength, and outlines that one has to adhere to a certain number of parameters and key variables. This is clippable because it simplifies the approach to muscle building and encourages people to start without feeling intimidated by heavy lifting.

Muscle Building advice
9:00
Duration: 1:00

Optimizing Resistance Training: Speed, Volume & Recovery

Huberman discusses the importance of explosive movements for training motor neurons. He explains how to customize resistance training based on individual needs, including volume, speed, and muscle isolation. He also touches upon recovery periods between sets and how they affect testosterone levels and muscle gains.

Exercise Physiology knowledge
13:16
Duration: 3:01

Individualized Resistance Training: Finding Your Optimal Volume

Huberman discusses how the amount of resistance training needed varies based on individual efficiency and training history. He notes that while 5-15 sets per week generally works for most, experienced individuals might benefit from up to 25-30 sets, while others may find even that is counterproductive.

resistance training knowledge
13:13
Duration: 1:09

Assess Recovery with Carbon Dioxide Tolerance Test

Huberman explains how to measure carbon dioxide discard rate to assess nervous system recovery, providing a tangible way to gauge readiness for physical activity. He also cautions against using ice baths and NSAIDs immediately after resistance training, as they may hinder muscle repair and growth.

Muscle Recovery knowledge
20:35
Duration: 3:30

Optimal Resistance Training Volume: 5-15 Sets Per Week

Huberman provides actionable advice on resistance training volume, recommending 5-15 sets per muscle group per week at 30-80% of one's repetition maximum for maintaining or increasing muscle strength. He emphasizes that most sets should not be to failure to allow for more volume.

resistance training advice
10:56
Duration: 1:55

Heavy Weights Not Required for Strength

Huberman explains the Henneman Size Principle and corrects the common misconception that heavy weights are the only way to recruit high-threshold motor units. This is clippable because it challenges conventional wisdom and offers a more nuanced understanding of muscle recruitment.

Muscle Physiology knowledge
7:00
Duration: 2:00

Measure Your Recovery: Grip Strength & CO2 Tolerance Tests

Huberman shares two simple, cost-effective methods to assess systemic recovery: grip strength and carbon dioxide tolerance. He details how to perform these tests and interpret the results to gauge nervous system fatigue and readiness for training, emphasizing the importance of establishing a baseline and monitoring daily changes.

Recovery advice
16:17
Duration: 3:53

3 Stimuli for Muscle Growth: Stress, Tension, and Damage

Huberman explains the key stimuli for muscle growth: stress, tension, and damage. He clarifies the difference between training for strength versus hypertrophy, highlighting the importance of isolating specific muscles for growth. This distinction is crucial for tailoring workouts to specific goals.

muscle hypertrophy knowledge
7:30
Duration: 2:02