Train Like A Pro: Exercise Scientist Andy Galpin On Fitness Fundamentals, The 9 Adaptations, & Why Your Training Isn't Working

The Rich Roll Podcast

Rich Roll

Health & Fitness, Education, Self-improvement, Society & Culture

4.8 • 12.9K Ratings

🗓️ 23 October 2025

⏱️ 165 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Andy Galpin is a PhD in exercise bioenergetics, professor at Parker University, and elite performance coach to professional and Olympic athletes. This conversation explores his framework of nine fitness adaptations and why many people plateau in what could be called the "gray zone"—working hard enough to feel exhausted but not specifically enough to trigger adaptation. We discuss how movement quality often matters more than intensity, the difference between functional overreaching and overtraining, and what's actually limiting your progress. Also, Andy coaches me through rebuilding movement patterns after spinal fusion surgery. Andy translates complex exercise science into practical training wisdom. Enjoy! Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: On: High-performance shoes & apparel crafted for comfort and style👉🏼https://www.on.com/richroll WHOOP: The all-new WHOOP 5.0 is here! Get your first month FREE👉🏼https://www.join.whoop.com/Roll Roka: Unlock 20% OFF your order with code RICHROLL👉🏼https://www.ROKA.com/RICHROLL Go Brewing: Use the code Rich Roll for 15% OFF👉🏼https://www.gobrewing.com Momentous: High-caliber human performance products for sleep, focus, longevity, and more. For listeners of the show, Momentous is offering up to 35% off your first order👉🏼https://www.livemomentous.com/richroll Calm: Get 40% off a Calm Premium subscription👉🏼https://www.calm.com/richroll Seed: Use code RICHROLL25 for 25% OFF your first order👉🏼https://www.seed.com/RichRoll25 Pique: Get up to 20% OFF plus a FREE rechargeable frother and glass beaker with your first subscription👉🏼https://www.piquelife.com/richroll Check out all of the amazing discounts from our Sponsors👉🏼https://www.richroll.com/sponsors Find out more about Voicing Change Media at https://www.voicingchange.media and follow us @voicingchange

Transcript

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