In this Q&A episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd answers listener questions on strength training after 35, recovery after 45, VO2 max vs sprint training, fat loss for trained athletes, injury rehab strategies, and how to stay athletic for life.

If you’re navigating midlife training adjustments, trying to maintain muscle during injury recovery, or wondering whether VO2 max workouts are worth the hype, this episode delivers practical, no-BS coaching insight.

Judd dives deep into the biggest training mistakes men make after 35, why nutrition habits often matter more than training tweaks, and how to structure strength and power work without burning out your nervous system.

This is a comprehensive conversation about longevity-focused training — not just getting stronger, but staying capable, mobile, and resilient into your 40s, 50s, and beyond.

This episode is brought to you by LMNT.

Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd

The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits.

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What if the way you’ve been training for strength is actually limiting your power?

In this episode, Judd sits down with Dr. Bryan Mann — pioneer of velocity-based training (VBT), former University of Missouri strength coach, and professor of Performance Physiology at Texas A&M — to break down how measuring bar speed can completely change the way you train.

Bryan coined the term “velocity-based training” and helped bring it into Division 1 athletics. But this conversation goes far beyond elite football weight rooms.

Contact Bryan:

If you are interested in applying for Bryan's program for the Fall of 2026, even though the portal is technically closed, they are willing to make an exception for Judd's listeners. You have until March 15th to email Bryan at the address below directly expressing interest and then Bryan will send out a link to all interested people.

jbryanmann@tamu.edu

https://www.instagram.com/jbryanmann/

https://knsm.tamu.edu/programs/performance-physiology-strength-conditioning-m-s/

You’ll learn:

• What velocity-based training really is (and how simple it can be)
• Why maximal intent matters more than load percentage
• How stopping sets before failure can improve strength faster
• The difference between strength-speed and speed-strength
• How to find your peak power and train in the right zone
• Why bands and chains can unlock new adaptations
• How to use velocity loss for hypertrophy vs strength
• Why sprinting and jumping are essential — even for non-athletes
• The #1 predictor of staying out of a nursing home
• How power training improves gait speed in Parkinson’s patients

Bryan explains that strength raises your ceiling — but velocity determines how much of that strength you can actually express.

Most lifters get strong… but not powerful.

And for aging populations, power might matter even more than strength. Bryan shares groundbreaking research showing that high-velocity resistance training improves habitual gait speed in Parkinson’s patients — even when they weren’t instructed to walk faster.

This episode is for:
• Athletes
• Coaches
• Lifters stuck at plateaus
• Anyone who wants to train smarter
• Anyone who cares about long-term functional independence

If you’ve ever wondered whether grinding to failure is really necessary… or if there’s a better way to build explosive strength — this conversation is for you.

This episode is brought to you by LMNT.

Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd

The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits.

Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

In this Q&A episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd answers listener questions covering plyometrics, tendon health, bone density, sleep hygiene, recovery, aging as an athlete, barefoot shoes, sled alternatives, and how to train intelligently over 30 and 40.

The biggest takeaway? If you care about long-term joint health and resilience, frequent extensive plyometrics may be one of the most important tools you’re not using.

Judd breaks down the difference between extensive vs intensive plyometrics, how aging affects your ability to tolerate high-impact work, and why incline sprints, stair jumps, sled drags, and split jumps can be smarter options as you get older.

He also dives into practical strategies for:

• Improving sleep hygiene and bedtime routines
• Training effectively when you can’t get ideal sleep (new parents, busy professionals)
• Using supplements like magnesium, GABA, and creatine strategically
• Choosing barefoot shoes for foot health
• Replacing sled work with heavy carries or hill work
• Managing slight scoliosis and muscular imbalances
• Handling training partners who constantly critique your form
• Calorie intake for performance and dieting
• Adapting your mindset as you age and accumulate injuries

Judd also shares personal reflections on training in his 40s — including dealing with joint wear, previous injuries, and the mental shift required to stay productive without chasing what your body no longer tolerates well.

If you’re an athlete over 30, a lifter focused on longevity, or someone who wants to build a body that lasts decades — this episode delivers practical, no-nonsense advice.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why plyometrics improve tendon strength and bone density
• How often to do plyometrics over 30
• Extensive vs intensive jumps
• Sleep quality vs sleep quantity
• Recovery strategies when life limits your sleep
• Barefoot shoe recommendations
• Sled alternatives for conditioning
• Training around structural imbalances
• The psychology of aging as a lifter

This episode is brought to you by LMNT.

Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd

The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits.

Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥