Metabolic Mastery

Metabolic Mastery, brought to you by KORR Medical Technologies, is the podcast about everything VO2 Max and beyond. Tips on testing, new research, and much more. Hosted by Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Ep. 54 - Choosing Correct Protocols for Bikes, Treadmills, and Other Equipment 05/12/2026

Ep. 54 - Choosing Correct Protocols for Bikes, Treadmills, and Other Equipment Get A The Protocol Guide: https://korr.com/go/metabolic-testing-protocol-guide/ Ever wonder why a client's VO2 max result seems "off" — or why two tests on the same person produce wildly different numbers? The answer almost always comes down to protocol design. In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber walk through a practical, step-by-step algorithm for choosing the right metabolic testing protocol for every type of client — from the completely deconditioned to the elite competitor. You Will Learn: The single most important principle in metabolic testing: how to "test what you intend to measure" How to assess a client's fitness history and goals to determine the right testing mode (cycling, treadmill, rowing, hiking, and more) Why protocol choice directly impacts the accuracy of VO2 max, heart rate zones, and substrate utilization data A watt-by-watt breakdown of cycling protocol progressions (10W to 30W increments) matched to fitness level and gender Treadmill protocol design for walkers, joggers, runners, ruckers, and elite athletes — including how to handle the "awkward zone" between walking and jogging When and how to run a submaximal test safely, and how the CardioCoach extrapolates VO2 max from incomplete efforts How to adjust protocols on the fly without compromising your data Why standardizing your decision-making process (not your protocol) is the key to consistent, comparable results across retests Equipment considerations — why walking pads fall short and what treadmill specs actually matter How strength training history informs both protocol design and exercise prescription Whether you're just starting out with metabolic testing or looking to tighten up your workflow, this episode gives you a repeatable framework you can apply immediately with any client. Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/41051585

Ep. 53 - Submax vs. Max VO2 Testing: How to Design the Right Protocol for Every Client 05/05/2026

Ep. 53 - Submax vs. Max VO2 Testing: How to Design the Right Protocol for Every Client Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber break down one of the most commonly misunderstood areas of exercise physiology testing: how to properly design submaximal and maximal VO2 tests. Whether you're working with elite athletes, deconditioned beginners, firefighters, or everyone in between, the best test isn't the hardest one — it's the one designed to measure exactly what you need to know. Marc and Cameron walk through equipment selection, protocol design, test length, and the critical indicators that confirm a true VO2 max has been reached. They also explore why calling it "exercise metabolic testing" rather than "VO2 max testing" opens the door to richer, more actionable clinical data — including fat oxidation, lactate thresholds, energy system analysis, and more. You'll Learn: Why "test what you intend to measure" should guide every protocol decision How to choose the right exercise modality (treadmill, cycle, rucksack, and more) based on your client's primary activity The ideal test length range and how to avoid peripheral fatigue skewing your results Key indicators of a true VO2 max: VO2 plateau, RER thresholds, RPE, and age-predicted heart rate percentage The difference between VO2 max and VO2 peak — and why it matters clinically When submaximal testing is the smarter (and safer) choice How the Cardio Coach enables extrapolated VO2 max from submaximal data — and its limitations Pre-participation screening tools like the PAR-Q and how they shape your test design Why VO2 max alone doesn't tell the whole performance story Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/41051440

Ep. 52 - Starting Where You Are: Exercise Programming for Obese and Deconditioned Patients 04/28/2026

Ep. 51 - Beyond Willpower: The Real Science Behind Obesity and Lasting Weight Loss 04/21/2026

Ep. 51 - Beyond Willpower: The Real Science Behind Obesity and Lasting Weight Loss Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ Obesity is one of the most misunderstood public health crises of our time — and for decades, we've been getting the conversation wrong. In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber take a deep, honest look at why blaming individuals for obesity ignores the biological, social, and environmental forces stacked against them. From the Minnesota Starvation Experiment to walkable European cities, from hunger hormones to hyper-palatable processed foods, Marc and Cameron break down the real science of why our bodies resist weight loss — and what we can actually do about it. They also clarify some of the most commonly confused terms in the fitness world: fat oxidation, fat burn, fat loss, and weight loss — and why mixing them up leads people to the wrong conclusions. You Will Learn: Why obesity is a public health issue and an individual challenge — and why the answer is always "both" The biological mechanisms (hunger hormones, metabolic adaptation) that make weight loss genuinely hard The critical differences between fat oxidation, fat burn, fat loss, and weight loss Why lean mass is not the same as muscle — and what "fat-free mass" actually means How sleep, stress, hormones, and movement are just as important as diet in managing body weight Why slow, steady weight loss preserves muscle and leads to better long-term outcomes How GLP-1 medications work as a tool to "put on glasses" and restore food choice clarity How community design, zoning laws, and food environments shape our health decisions Why metabolic testing (RMR + VO2 max) is a vital sign that should be part of every annual checkup How the Cardio Coach helps individualize exercise and nutrition programming for real people Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/40910545

Ep. 50 - Ask Us Anything VO2 Max & RMR Extravaganza 04/14/2026

Ep. 49 - Your Heart Rate Zones Are Probably Wrong (Here’s Why) 04/07/2026

Ep. 49 - Your Heart Rate Zones Are Probably Wrong (Here’s Why) Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ Most people think there’s a “best” way to test VO2 max—but that question is completely wrong. In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber break down the real answer behind bike vs treadmill testing, why results can vary drastically, and how poor testing choices can completely mislead your training. From athletes to everyday clients, choosing the wrong testing modality can lead to inaccurate heart rate zones, flawed exercise prescriptions, and wasted training effort. This episode gives you a clear framework to ensure your testing actually matches your goals—so you stop guessing and start optimizing. You Will Learn Why there is no “best” testing method—only the right one for your goal How bike vs treadmill testing changes VO2 max results The biggest mistake coaches make when prescribing exercise zones Why muscle recruitment dramatically impacts test outcomes How to choose the right modality based on your client or sport The hidden dangers of mismatched testing and training modes Why repeatability matters more than perfection in testing How different modalities affect heart rate zones and perceived effort The role of safety, experience, and biomechanics in test selection Why testing should mirror real-world performance as closely as possible How improper testing can lead to overtraining or undertraining The difference between muscular fatigue vs cardiovascular limitation Why cross-training requires separate testing for accuracy How to use testing data to improve—not criticize—clients The framework for designing smarter, more effective metabolic tests Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/40646415

Ep. 48 - Can You Lose Fat and Build Muscle at the Same Time? 03/31/2026

Ep. 47 - How to Build a Successful Metabolic Testing Business 03/24/2026

Ep. 47 - How to Build a Successful Metabolic Testing Business Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber break down the business side of metabolic testing and why great data alone is not enough to create a successful health, fitness, or wellness business. They explore how providers can use VO2 max testing, resting metabolic rate testing, and broader metabolic assessments not just as clinical tools, but as part of a stronger business model that improves client outcomes and creates more long-term value. Drawing from their experience building BodySmart, they walk through the evolution from insurance-based care to cash-pay services, packages, memberships, and long-term transformation models. This conversation also dives into one of the biggest mindset shifts in healthcare and fitness: charging appropriately so you can stay in business long enough to actually help more people. If you have ever wondered how to price testing, create better client buy-in, improve retention, or build referral loops around metabolic testing, this episode is packed with practical insights. What You Will Learn Why successful businesses are essential if you want to truly help more people How to position metabolic testing as an investment in health, not just an expense The difference between using testing as a direct revenue stream versus a value add How BodySmart evolved from traditional physical therapy into a wellness-focused model Why behavior change requires longer-term care models, not just quick fixes How better storytelling and better listening improve compliance and client outcomes How to identify your target audience and build services around their needs Why staff buy-in is critical when adding metabolic testing to your business How referral partnerships can accelerate growth for a testing-based business A simple way to think about ROI when adding VO2 max and RMR testing to your practice Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/40502715

Ep. 46 - How Modern VO2 Testing Helps Clinics, Gyms, and Coaches 03/17/2026

Ep. 46 - How Modern VO2 Testing Helps Clinics, Gyms, and Coaches Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber break down how VO2 max testing has evolved from a bulky, university-lab-only tool into a practical, clinic- and gym-ready system that can transform both client outcomes and the way health and fitness professionals operate. They explain why VO2 max is one of the strongest predictors of long-term health, how modern metabolic testing goes far beyond a single score, and why understanding things like fat burning, carbohydrate use, cardiovascular fitness, muscular health, and recovery capacity gives a much more complete picture of human performance. Using real case examples, they show how testing can uncover hidden problems, guide better training and nutrition decisions, and help create personalized programs that actually fit the individual instead of relying on generic formulas or wearable estimates. They also explore what makes a quality metabolic cart accurate, why calibration and system design matter, and how better data leads to better health, better coaching, and better outcomes. What You Will Learn Why VO2 max is such a powerful predictor of health and longevity What has changed in VO2 max testing over the years Why modern metabolic testing is now practical for clinics, gyms, and health clubs Why VO2 testing is about much more than just one number How substrate use helps reveal fat burning and carbohydrate burning patterns Why both strength training and cardio matter for long-term health How metabolic testing helps personalize exercise and nutrition plans Why averages, formulas, and wearables can miss what an individual really needs What to look for in an accurate metabolic testing system How better testing can help people live healthier, more independent lives longer Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/40445395

Ep. 45 - Stop Guessing Your Workouts: The Science of Precision Exercise Prescription 03/10/2026

Ep. 45 - Stop Guessing Your Workouts: The Science of Precision Exercise Prescription Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber break down the growing push for precision exercise prescription and why standard fitness recommendations often miss the mark for the individual. Using a recent consensus statement from leading exercise science organizations as the foundation, they explore why the industry needs clearer terminology, more consistent intensity definitions, and more personalized ways to prescribe exercise. They unpack the confusion around terms like ventilatory threshold, lactate threshold, metabolic threshold, and heart rate zones, and explain why population-based recommendations are useful for public health but often fall short when it comes to helping real people improve fitness, avoid plateaus, and reduce injury risk. The conversation also dives into VO2 testing, substrate utilization, strength training intensity, recovery, and why better data leads to better outcomes. If you have ever wondered why two people can do the “same workout” and get very different results, this episode explains exactly why. What You Will Learn Why exercise prescription should be individualized instead of based only on generic guidelines How inconsistent terminology creates confusion in exercise science and coaching The difference between public health activity recommendations and performance-based exercise prescription Why metabolic thresholds matter more than simple percentage-based training methods How VO2 testing helps create more accurate heart rate zones and training targets Why some people plateau even when they think they are training in the right zone How to think about minimum effective dose versus maximal recoverable volume Why intensity and duration must be balanced carefully to avoid burnout and injury How resistance training intensity differs from cardiovascular training intensity Why precision exercise prescription can improve adherence, recovery, and long-term results Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/40365050

Ep. 44 - Exercise Calories Explained: RMR, METs, and the Real Numbers 03/03/2026

Ep. 43 - The Metabolic Glossary: VO2, RER & Thresholds Explained Simply 02/24/2026

Ep. 42 - From “Always 6th Place” to the Podium: Fixing Breathing Limits With Daniel Crumback 02/17/2026

Ep. 42 - From “Always 6th Place” to the Podium: Fixing Breathing Limits With Daniel Crumback Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ Note: Part of this episode uses charts. Check out the video version to see them in action. Respiratory limitations are one of the most overlooked performance bottlenecks in exercise physiology, and they can quietly cap results even in highly trained athletes. In this episode, Daniel Crumback breaks down how to identify respiratory limitations using ventilatory patterns you can already see in metabolic testing data—without getting fooled by “good” minute ventilation (VE). You’ll hear why breathing is controlled differently across intensities, why CO₂ clearance becomes the dominant driver in Zone 4–5, and why trying to “force” nasal breathing or slow breathing during testing and training can backfire. Daniel walks through practical interpretation using breathing frequency + tidal volume, explains how to use GLI predicted values to establish norms, and outlines the seven major types of respiratory limitations—so you can stop guessing, stop mislabeling problems as metabolic, and start fixing the true limiter. What you will learn Why VE can look “good” even when breathing is inefficient (and why it can fool you) How to read breathing using tidal volume (VT) + breathing frequency (BF) across zones The real role of breathing at higher intensities: CO₂ removal and pH control How to compare Peak VT to predicted FEV1 using GLI norms (and why 75–85% matters) The 7 respiratory limitation types (capacity, capability, coordination, and more) When resistive breathing devices help—and when they reinforce the wrong adaptation How respiratory limits can mask as “metabolic problems” by disrupting O₂ offloading When poor response to training is a red flag that warrants medical referral Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/39993905

Ep. 41 - Stop Selling Features Start Selling Outcomes With Greg Marshall 02/10/2026

Ep. 41 - Stop Selling Features Start Selling Outcomes With Greg Marshall Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber sit down with Greg Marshall, founder of Fitcher Marketing, to talk about the part of health business that most clinicians avoid: selling. Greg breaks down why “getting more leads” is the wrong target (sales are the target), why great selling is really leadership + empathy, and how to use question-based selling to help people move forward without pressure or gimmicks. They also connect it directly to metabolic testing: if VO₂ max is a “vital sign,” then marketing these services isn’t hype — it’s getting the right message to the people who need it. You’ll hear practical frameworks like going three layers deep, addressing the emotion behind objections (warranty, price, “I need to think about it”), and why your best long-term clients are often the “hardest” initial sales. What you will learn Why “more leads” doesn’t matter if it doesn’t convert into revenue The mindset shift from “selling” to selling to help How to use question-based selling to let clients persuade themselves A simple way to neutralize “I need to think about it” without being pushy How to uncover the real reason behind price, spouse, and warranty objections Why discounting too fast can actually “cheat” the customer How to sell high-ticket health services ethically by selling outcomes, not features How to create a “start small, build the muscle” spending plan for marketing/ad budgets Why congruence (your real personality + core values) sells better than scripts How better selling improves compliance in clinic-based programs Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/39993780

Ep. 40 - 7 VO2 Max MythConceptions: What Most People Get Wrong 02/03/2026

Ep. 39 - First, Do No Harm: How Healthcare Language Shapes Pain, Fear, and Outcomes 01/27/2026

Ep. 38 - Calories In, Calories Out: True… But Not That Simple (The Real Physiology of Fat Loss) 01/20/2026

Ep. 38 - Calories In, Calories Out: True… But Not That Simple (The Real Physiology of Fat Loss) Get A Demo: “Calories in, calories out” is a real principle—but it’s not a helpful plan unless you understand what drives each side of the equation. In this episode, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber break down the physiology behind energy balance, why scale weight can be wildly misleading, and why people feel stuck even when they’re “doing everything right.” You’ll hear how appetite, food processing, stress, sleep, and the modern food environment quietly push calories in—while metabolic adaptation, sedentary lifestyles, and declining NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) suppress calories out. Then, the conversation shifts to what actually works long-term: building sustainable systems, using exercise to “tune up the machine,” and focusing on body composition and metabolic health instead of daily scale fluctuations. What you will learn Why calories in vs. calories out is true—and why it still feels like it “doesn’t work” in real life The difference between scale weight vs. fat mass, and why day-to-day weigh-ins can create false conclusions How macronutrient shifts, sodium, digestion, and water retention can swing the scale fast without changing body fat The biggest drivers of “calories in”: energy density, hyper-palatability, labels/portion variability, absorption, stress, and sleep Why NEAT is often the hidden lever for fat loss (and why “just exercise more” is rarely the answer) What metabolic adaptation is, why plateaus happen, and how RMR testing can guide smarter adjustments How VO₂ testing and heart-rate zones change over time—and why retesting improves results The real relationship between hormones/menopause/aging and body composition (including fat distribution changes) Why fitness can outweigh BMI for health risk—and why “losing weight fast” can backfire metabolically A practical framework to reduce shame: skill gap vs. will gap vs. environment gap Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/39674370

Ep. 37 - From Pro Wrestling to Longevity Medicine: Dr. Asa Andrew on VO₂ Max, Performance, and Aging Well 01/13/2026

Ep. 37 - From Pro Wrestling to Longevity Medicine: Dr. Asa Andrew on VO₂ Max, Performance, and Aging Well Follow Dr. Asa Andrews: YouTube: Instagram: Facebook: TikTok: Website: https://www.drasa.com/ In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber sit down with Dr. Asa Andrew, physician, chiropractor, functional medicine expert, and host of the nation’s largest health talk radio show. Dr. Asa shares his unique journey from professional wrestling to clinical practice—and back again—highlighting how metabolic testing, VO₂ max, and cardiorespiratory fitness have become foundational tools for performance, injury prevention, and long-term health. From elite athletes and entertainers to everyday patients in their 70s and 80s, this conversation explores why VO₂ max should be treated as a key vital sign, how it predicts longevity more effectively than many traditional metrics, and why most age-related decline is driven by deconditioning—not aging itself. This episode bridges the gap between healthcare and fitness, showing how actionable metabolic data empowers people to stop guessing, avoid burnout, and take the next right step toward better health—at any age. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why VO₂ max is one of the strongest predictors of longevity and all-cause mortality How metabolic testing improves safety and performance in high-demand sports like professional wrestling The difference between weight loss and healthy weight loss that preserves lean mass Why many signs of “aging” are actually the result of inactivity and lost capacity How VO₂ max and RMR testing guide personalized training and nutrition decisions Why fitness and healthcare must converge to support long-term health outcomes How actionable data helps patients avoid pseudoscience and fitness fads Why it’s never too late—or too early—to improve cardiorespiratory fitness Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/39634575

Ep. 36 - Biomarkers 101: Turning Health Data Into Better Decisions 01/06/2026

Ep. 36 - Biomarkers 101: Turning Health Data Into Better Decisions Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ Biomarkers are everywhere in health, fitness, and wearable technology—but more data doesn’t always mean better insight. In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber break down what biomarkers actually are, why not all biomarkers are created equal, and how misleading metrics can obscure meaningful health decisions. The conversation cuts through buzzwords like “cellular fitness,” “biological age,” and proprietary health scores to explain the difference between measured, calculated, and extrapolated biomarkers. You’ll learn why standardized testing conditions matter, how poor data can lead to decision paralysis, and why the best biomarkers don’t give answers—they help you ask better questions. If you’ve ever wondered whether your health data is actionable or just decoration, this episode provides a clear framework for evaluating biomarkers and using them responsibly to improve real-world health outcomes. What You’ll Learn What a biomarker actually is—and why definitions matter The three tiers of biomarkers: measured, calculated, and extrapolated Why more biomarkers do not automatically mean better insight How marketing-driven health scores can mislead patients and clinicians Why VO₂ max is a powerful biomarker—and where its limits are The importance of standardized testing conditions for repeatable results How wearables can create anxiety and decision paralysis when misused Why biomarkers should reduce uncertainty, not add noise How good data leads to better questions—not instant answers A practical framework for deciding which biomarkers are truly useful Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/39592385

Ep. 35 - Why New Year Fitness Goals Fail and How Metabolic Testing Fixes It 12/30/2025

Ep. 35 - Why New Year Fitness Goals Fail and How Metabolic Testing Fixes It Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber break down why metabolic testing is one of the most powerful tools for improving health, fitness, and longevity—regardless of your current fitness level. From beginners restarting after years away from exercise to advanced athletes stuck in cycles of injury or plateau, this conversation explains why relying on generic programs, social media workouts, or willpower alone often leads to burnout, frustration, and inconsistent results. The doctors explain why VO2 max, while valuable, tells only part of the story—and how comprehensive metabolic testing reveals how your muscles, heart, lungs, and metabolism actually work together. With the right baseline data, fitness becomes personalized, measurable, and sustainable. If you’re tired of guessing, restarting every January, or following plans that don’t fit your body or lifestyle, this episode shows how better data leads to better decisions—and better outcomes. What You Will Learn Why motivation alone isn’t enough to achieve long-term fitness success Why VO2 max is important—but not the full picture of health or performance How metabolic testing creates a personalized fitness and longevity roadmap Why beginners, intermediates, and elite athletes all benefit from testing How improper training leads to burnout, injury, and plateaus Why consistency—not intensity—wins in the long run How metabolic data helps match training effort to real physiological goals Why metabolic testing is a baseline you can’t “fail” How testing supports fat loss without sacrificing muscle or metabolic health Why starting with data prevents the cycle of stop-and-start fitness Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/39502665

Ep. 34 - Heart Rate Recovery, METs, and Efficiency: The Metrics That Predict Performance 12/23/2025

Ep. 34 - Heart Rate Recovery, METs, and Efficiency: The Metrics That Predict Performance Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber are joined by Daniel Crumback (Director of International Sales at Core Medical Technologies, and Director of Strategic Health & Performance) to break down how physiological testing can uncover the real reason someone stalls in fitness, performance, and health. Most people think VO2 max and RMR testing ends with a score and a set of training zones. Daniel makes the case that’s just the surface. By analyzing oxygen and carbon dioxide data (not O2 alone), you can differentiate whether a person is primarily limited by cardiovascular capacity, respiratory mechanics, metabolic flexibility, neuromuscular function, or efficiency—and then build training and nutrition prescriptions around the true limiter instead of guessing. The team also walks through practical interpretations: heart rate recovery, VO2 peak vs VO2 max, tidal volume vs breathing frequency, fat/carbohydrate crossover, peak fat oxidation, and “efficiency” markers like VO2 per breath and VO2 pulse. They emphasize why protocol design matters, how bad assumptions (like mis-set warmups or mislabeled “fat max”) lead to wrong prescriptions, and why retesting every 8–12 weeks is the difference between “working out” and actually improving physiology. What you will learn How to identify whether a person’s primary limiter is cardio, respiratory, metabolic, neuromuscular, or efficiency The difference between VO2 peak vs VO2 max, and why it matters for prescribing training Why O2 + CO2 measurement unlocks a deeper analysis (fat oxidation, crossover, metabolic flexibility) How to interpret heart rate recovery and what it can indicate about stress and cardiovascular fitness What tidal volume vs breathing frequency can reveal about respiratory limitations and hyper/hypoventilation How to use fat/carbohydrate crossover and peak fat oxidation to spot metabolic dysfunction (and training mistakes) Why “zone 2” prescriptions often fail without correct protocol setup and correct interpretation How METs relate to real-world function and why very low METs can signal broader limitations Two powerful efficiency lenses: VO2 pulse (oxygen per heartbeat) and VO2 per breath (oxygen per breath) A practical retesting cadence: why 8–12 weeks after consistent implementation is the sweet spot Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/39470255

Ep. 33 - Personalizing Training: What a Collegiate Runner’s Metabolic Test Revealed 12/16/2025

Ep. 33 - Personalizing Training: What a Collegiate Runner’s Metabolic Test Revealed Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber walk through a real-world consultation involving a collegiate runner whose metabolic test results didn’t match expectations. What starts as a simple test review turns into a deep exploration of training errors, load vs. capacity, the dangers of chronic overload, and how individualized training can transform performance and longevity. Cameron and Marc break down why athletes—especially collegiate endurance athletes—often fall into cycles of injury, overtraining, and frustration. They discuss how heart rate–based training, metabolic testing, fueling strategies, and better lifestyle assessment can uncover the true causes of plateaued performance. You’ll learn how elite runners train (hint: much slower than you think), why most people spend too much time in Zone 3, and what it takes to build a resilient, high-performing athlete. This episode is a masterclass in how to ask the right questions, interpret metabolic data, and design training that keeps athletes in the game rather than sidelined by injury. WHAT YOU WILL LEARN How to interpret metabolic test results in the context of an athlete’s training history Why most performance problems are training errors, not equipment errors The difference between overload vs. overuse, and why it matters for injury prevention How chronic life stress, poor sleep, and inadequate fueling disrupt performance Why Zone 2 training is foundational—and why Zone 3 can be the “no-progress zone” How elite athletes use slow training to build world-class performance The importance of heart rate auto-regulation for day-to-day training decisions How metabolic testing improves fueling strategies, resilience, and recovery Why individualized plans outperform group training standards How to design the right test based on the athlete’s goals and limitations Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/39355380

Ep. 32 - Test, Don’t Guess: Inside Metabolic Efficiency Training with Bob Seebohar 12/09/2025

Ep. 32 - Test, Don’t Guess: Inside Metabolic Efficiency Training with Bob Seebohar Get the book: And Learn More About Bob: Website: YouTube: In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber sit down with Bob Seebohar – registered dietitian, exercise physiologist, founder of the Metabolic Efficiency Training™ concept and Energy Performance, and author of Metabolic Efficiency Training (3rd Edition). Bob shares how failing his first sprint triathlon as a “land athlete” soccer player became the catalyst for a career spent in the trenches with athletes. He walks through the origins of nutrition periodization, the birth of metabolic efficiency testing, and why traditional “just eat more carbs” advice often leads to GI distress, underperformance, and confusion—especially for recreational athletes. You’ll hear how metabolic carts, substrate oxidation data, and smart training can transform an athlete from a carb-dependent “sugar burner” into a fat-burning, metabolically efficient machine, all while improving health, longevity, and performance. What You’ll Learn Bob’s unique path from exercise physiologist to registered dietitian and how that dual background shaped Metabolic Efficiency Training. Why energy systems matter (aerobic vs anaerobic) and how misunderstanding them wrecked Bob’s first triathlon—and shaped his entire career. The origin of nutrition periodization and why athletes should eat to train, not train to eat. How GI distress in endurance sports led Bob to develop metabolic efficiency testing and rethink high-carb race fueling. What metabolic efficiency testing actually measures: Fat vs carbohydrate oxidation The metabolic efficiency (crossover) point Calories burned per hour How to turn that data into precise fueling plans Why so many recreational runners and triathletes show up as “pure carb burners” on the metabolic cart—and what to do about it. The difference between elite fueling strategies and what’s realistic (and safe) for everyday athletes. How optimizing blood sugar and fat oxidation improves performance and long-term health and longevity. Why Zone 2 training is so uncomfortable mentally, and how heart rate monitors should mostly be used to hold you back, not push you harder. How metabolic efficiency testing can guide calorie and carbohydrate intake per hour instead of guessing from generic “30–90g carbs per hour” charts. The role of metabolic flexibility and how to train your body to use the right fuel at the right time. The power of N=1 experiments and why self-testing (with good equipment) is one of the fastest ways to gain coaching wisdom. Why Bob advocates simple, qualitative nutrition models instead of obsessive calorie and macro counting for most people. The difference between biological hunger, habitual hunger, and emotional hunger, and how each one affects performance and body composition. How often you should feel hungry if your blood sugar and fat oxidation are dialed in. Why Bob waited 10 years to release the 3rd edition of Metabolic Efficiency Training and what’s new in it (masters athletes, updated strategies, case studies). Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/39226500

Ep. 31 - Client Success With Diane Owen: From “Not Built to Run” to 1,200 Miles a Year 12/02/2025

Ep. 31 - Client Success With Diane Owen: From “Not Built to Run” to 1,200 Miles a Year Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber sit down with Diane Owen – a photographer, mom of three, and graduate of the Becoming Body Smart program – to unpack what true, long-term change looks like from the client’s side. Diane shares how she went from an “on again, off again” athlete stuck in a painful injury–weight gain cycle to a consistent runner logging 6 days a week, 1,000+ miles a year, multiple half marathons, and 22 minutes off her half-marathon time – all while avoiding burnout and major injury. You’ll hear how VO₂ testing, low heart-rate (Zone 2) training, and data-driven coaching helped her repair her relationship with exercise, food, and her own identity as an athlete. Whether you’re a clinician, coach, or everyday runner who feels like you’ve “tried everything,” this conversation shows how the right data, the right plan, and relentless consistency can completely change what you believe is possible. What You’ll Learn How Diane broke a years-long cycle of overtraining, injury, and weight regain Why VO₂ and metabolic testing helped her finally trust that her body wasn’t broken What true Zone 2 / low heart-rate training looks and feels like in real life How to use heart rate and symptoms as data, not drama, to guide your training The difference between “just resting” and smart load management that keeps you moving How slow, consistent progress led to 22 minutes off her half marathon and ~1,200 miles/year Practical ways Diane and her husband plan runs into a busy family schedule How shifting from “I’m not an athlete” to “I can do hard things” reshaped her identity and relationships Why focusing on health behaviors first (not the scale) protected her resting metabolic rate How to talk to clients about going three layers deep on their “why” so they’re ready to change Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/39099105

Ep. 30 - Holiday Metabolism Survival Guide: Keep the Weight Off Without Losing the Joy 11/25/2025

Ep. 30 - Holiday Metabolism Survival Guide: Keep the Weight Off Without Losing the Joy Share KORR's Tips For The Holidays With Your Clients: https://korr.com/go/download-korrs-metabolic-holiday-tips/ The holidays are a delicious time of year… and a dangerous time for your metabolism. In this episode of Metabolic Mastery, Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber break down why most people only gain 1–2 pounds over the holidays—yet end up 30–40 pounds heavier a couple of decades later. They walk you through a practical, science-based game plan: from getting your RMR and VO₂ tested before the season, to “calorie budget Tetris,” mindful eating at parties, and building holiday traditions that actually move your body instead of parking you on the couch. Whether you’re a health professional coaching clients or just trying not to start over every January, this episode will help you enjoy the food, skip the shame, and protect your long-term metabolic health. What you will learn Why average holiday weight gain is “only” 1–2 pounds—and how that quietly compounds into 30–40 pounds over time How RMR and VO₂ testing give you a personalized “holiday baseline” instead of relying on generic calorie calculators The idea of calorie budget Tetris and why weekly trends matter more than a single “bad” day How to use the scale without shame by weighing consistently and understanding normal daily fluctuations Practical mindful-eating tactics: smaller plates, portioning from the source, not “having to” eat everything, and navigating buffet lines How drinks (eggnog, punch, alcohol, holiday lattes) silently blow up your calorie budget Why culture, environment, and family traditions drive overeating more than “willpower”—and how to redesign them Ways to keep movement in the plan through the holidays, including NEAT, daily activity, and building active family traditions Get A Demo: https://korr.com/contact/video-demo/ Follow KORR: Instagram: Facebook: LinkedIn: Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: Spotify: YouTube: YouTube Music: Amazon: /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/39027935

Ep. 29 - DEXA Scans, GLP-1s, and Longevity With Special Guest Tony Orlando 11/18/2025

Ep. 28 - Aerobic vs Anaerobic Power: How Your Body Really Makes Energy 11/11/2025

Ep. 27 - Client Success With Shannon Garber: From Test to Triumph 11/04/2025

Ep. 26 - Why Your Wearable Might Be Lying to You: The Truth About Fitness Data 10/28/2025

Ep. 25 - Why “Easier” Training Makes You Faster (and Injury-Free) Wtih Chris Navin 10/21/2025

Ep. 25 - Why “Easier” Training Makes You Faster (and Injury-Free) Wtih Chris Navin Follow Chris Navin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4starendurance Facebook: http://fb.com/metabolicathlete Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4starendurance YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@4starendurance www.4starendurance.com/coach-chris Coach Chris Navin—triathlon & marathon coach, 400+ races, 50+ Iron-distance finishes, Team USA qualifier 25+ times—joins Dr. Marc Humbert and Dr. Cameron Garber to unpack how metabolic profiling turns guesswork into PRs. Chris shares his unlikely journey from certified ethical hacker to endurance coach, why most athletes train a little too hard and fuel a little too little, and how VO₂ testing (O₂ and CO₂) lets you individualize zones, nail fueling, avoid injuries, and even negative split your marathon. We dig into “level 1 vs. level 2” testing, long-form testing with CardioCoach™, zone-2 misconceptions, fat-max shifts, and Chris’s Four-Star Endurance method (Plan, Test, Learn, Inspire) that helps everyday athletes perform like pros—often improving VO₂ max and race times with age. What you’ll learn How to read a metabolic profile (fat/carb crossover, thresholds, fat-max) and turn it into training zones Why running “easier” can make you faster (and lighter) on race day The difference between level 1 (baseline VO₂ + zones) and level 2 (fueling-focused, event-specific) tests Evidence-based fueling math for marathons and Iron-distance events (and why most bonk near mile ~18–20) A simple rule to prevent injuries: don’t raise volume and intensity at the same time How to use devices/apps (Garmin, Connect IQ, Myzone) after you calibrate them with lab data The Four-Star Endurance framework to keep athletes motivated long-term Follow KORR: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/korrmedical/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/korrmedical/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/korrmedical https://korr.com/ Listen to the Metabolic Mastery Podcast: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/metabolic-mastery/id1812972674 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2sgLMFv1Z8DwEz87yUpapI?si=29a177a6c6ca4ed4 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@korrmed/podcasts YouTube Music: https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVCRWXBDdFo_S0OeaAsPv8xTnfajTLc75&si=d4wVUA0jqajkbukB Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/d76834b7-c11a-485f-8010-32b490d49e57/metabolic-mastery /episode/index/show/aec4c54c-c182-4f62-be6a-3dd48f893eec/id/38543345

Metabolic Mastery

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