In this episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd sits down with Bo Sandoval, former Director of Strength & Conditioning at the UFC Performance Institute and current professor at Texas A&M, to unpack how elite fighters actually train — and why most athletes misunderstand conditioning, endurance, and recovery.

Bo has worked with world champions, Olympic athletes, and elite MMA fighters across every weight class. Drawing from years inside the UFC Performance Institute, he explains why fighters often gas out, how poor energy system development limits performance, and why doing more training is often the fastest way to get worse.

This conversation breaks down the real science and application behind:

• Why most fighters don’t follow a true year-long training plan
• The role of general physical preparation (GPP) in combat sports
• How aerobic capacity impacts recovery between rounds
• Metabolic flexibility and why many athletes burn carbs at rest
• Zone 2 vs zone 3 vs lactate threshold training
• Why lactic acid isn’t the enemy
• Conditioning differences between strikers and grapplers
• Strength training mistakes common in MMA
• How elite performance teams integrate coaches, PTs, and sports science
• Lessons fighters can teach everyday athletes about durability and longevity

Bo also shares insights on athlete buy-in, coaching communication, and why fundamentals — not flashy workouts — are what separate elite performers from burned-out athletes.

Whether you’re a fighter, coach, strength professional, or just someone trying to train smarter and recover better, this episode delivers practical insights you can actually apply.

FOLLOW BO

https://www.instagram.com/bo.sandoval/

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In this Q&A episode of The Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd answers listener questions on discipline, training consistency, injury recovery, nutrition timing, supplements, sauna use, and long-term health.

Judd breaks down why motivation is unreliable — and how real discipline is built through simple systems, preparation, and understanding how the body actually adapts. From getting out of bed when the alarm goes off, to rebuilding training after injury, to knowing when to train around pain instead of pushing through it, this episode delivers practical, experience-driven advice.

Topics covered include how Judd structures his supplements, why he stacks calories later in the day, whether fasted training actually matters, how rebounder work supports joint health, and how to progressively rebuild strength after long layoffs. Judd also shares his personal health and training priorities moving forward, with a strong emphasis on longevity, tissue health, and sustainability.

This episode is for anyone struggling with consistency, coming back from injury, or looking to train smarter for the long run — without relying on hype or short-term motivation.

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

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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

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In this solo episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd breaks down one of the most controversial and misunderstood topics in fitness: the best foods and supplements for getting lean and staying lean long-term.

While many people obsess over calorie counting, Judd explains why sustainable fat loss is about much more than just eating less. The real key is choosing foods that keep you full, fight cravings, support gut health, reduce inflammation, and help you maintain muscle while leaning out.

This episode is packed with practical nutrition strategies that don’t require extreme dieting, low-carb rules, or constant food tracking — just simple principles that work.

In this episode, Judd covers:

• Why losing weight is different from staying lean
• The best foods for fullness: water, protein, and fiber
• Why dehydrated carbs like chips and crackers make dieting harder
• How to satisfy sweet cravings with fruit and yogurt
• Comfort foods like soups, stews, and chili that actually help fat loss
• The overlooked role of inflammation in body composition
• Gut health foods like fermented vegetables and fiber
• Judd’s go-to supplements for leaning out, including creatine and omega-3s
• Sleep supplements that improve fat loss results
• Energy and recovery support with magnesium, taurine, and B vitamins

Whether you’re trying to get lean for the first time or stay lean year-round, this episode provides a realistic framework you can apply immediately.

Checkout Judd's Training App & Merch: JuddLienhard.com

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

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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

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In this week’s Q&A, Judd answers a wide range of listener training questions: from dead hang time and grip strength to cardio structure, hypertrophy programming, and the supplements that actually matter.

Judd breaks down why fitness doesn’t need to be overly complicated, how consistency beats perfection, and how to train effectively even with a demanding schedule. He also shares practical advice on conditioning, muscle gain without excessive bulking, and how to extend training blocks while still making progress.

Whether you’re focused on longevity, strength, performance, or simply getting healthier, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

Topics Covered

• Dead hang time, grip strength, and long-term health
• How to structure training with long work hours, commuting, and kids
• The best way to approach conditioning with only 3 hours per week
• What to do after completing Mass Method Hypertrophy in the app
• Judd’s cardio framework: Zone 2, threshold/VO2 max, anaerobic power
• Thoughts on the popular 80/20 cardio training method
• Bulgarian split squat loading: contralateral vs ipsilateral benefits
• Band training safety and preventing bands from snapping
• Do you need a calorie surplus to gain muscle without “bulking”?
• The best supplements for strength, performance, and general health
• Extending training blocks and adding more running without losing progress

⸻

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Get access to Judd’s full training system, including strength, speed, mobility, and conditioning programs — all built for real people with real lives.

👉 Start your 7-day free trial: JuddLienhard.com

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⭐ Support the Show

If you enjoy these Q&A episodes, please follow, rate, and review The Judd Lienhard Podcast on Apple Podcasts. It helps the show grow and reach more people who want to train smarter.

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd

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

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

In this solo episode of The Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd ranks common lower body exercises from S–F tier based on real-world functionality, injury risk, and long-term return on investment for the general population.

This is not a bodybuilding or max-strength ranking. Instead, Judd breaks down which upper body movements actually carry over to daily life, athletic durability, and longevity — and which popular lifts may be overrated or unnecessarily risky for most people.

You’ll hear Judd explain:

• Why barbell back squats aren’t the “king” for most lifters
• Why conventional deadlifts quickly become low-return for experienced trainees
• Why Bulgarian split squats, sled pushes, and step-ups dominate for real-world strength
• How pelvic movement, foot strength, and lower-leg development are usually ignored
• Why leg press machines and calf raises often waste time (or worse)
• Which exercises actually protect knees, hips, and backs long-term

This episode is especially valuable if you:

• Train for longevity, not just numbers
• Want strong legs without beating up your joints
• Feel stuck doing the same “classic” lifts without progress
• Coach clients or athletes and need better exercise selection

If you care about training smarter, staying healthy, and building strength that actually carries over to life, this episode will change how you think about upper body exercise selection.

Checkout Judd's Training App & Merch: JuddLienhard.com

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd

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

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

In this Fitness Q&A episode of The Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd answers rapid-fire listener questions — covering strength training, longevity, muscle gain, recovery, injury prevention, and real-world fitness programming.

This episode dives into what actually matters for building a strong, capable body at any age, without chasing trends, gimmicks, or burnout.

Topics covered include:

•Why non-contact injuries are rising in football and field sports

•How “ectomorph” body types should eat and train to gain muscle

•What fitness goals should look like at 50, 60, and 70+

•Minimal effective dose strength training for long-term health & longevity

•Creatine dosing for performance and cognitive benefits

•Best foods and meal structures for muscle growth

•How to start sprinting safely after 50

•Training structure for youth athletes vs adults

•Managing training around herniated or bulging discs

•How to lift while playing sports like rugby or tennis

•Carb cycling, recovery tools, sauna routines, and real-world nutrition

•Judd’s favorite core exercises and movement principles

⸻

💪 Train With Judd

Get access to Judd’s full training system, including strength, speed, mobility, and conditioning programs — all built for real people with real lives.

👉 Start your 7-day free trial: JuddLienhard.com

⸻

⭐ Support the Show

If you enjoy these Q&A episodes, please follow, rate, and review The Judd Lienhard Podcast on Apple Podcasts. It helps the show grow and reach more people who want to train smarter.

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd

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

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

In this solo episode of The Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd ranks common upper body exercises from S–F tier based on real-world functionality, injury risk, and long-term return on investment for the general population.

This is not a bodybuilding or max-strength ranking. Instead, Judd breaks down which upper body movements actually carry over to daily life, athletic durability, and longevity — and which popular lifts may be overrated or unnecessarily risky for most people.

You’ll hear why exercises like the barbell bench press, shrugs, seated rows, overhead pressing, curls, dips, planks, and pull-ups land where they do — and what Judd recommends instead to build strength that transfers outside the gym.

Throughout the episode, Judd explains:

• What “functional” strength really means for everyday athletes
• Why some classic gym lifts rank lower than expected
• How injury risk, mobility limitations, and movement skill affect exercise selection
• The S-tier alternatives Judd prefers for pressing, pulling, arms, shoulders, and core
• How to train upper body strength for performance, resilience, and longevity

This episode is designed to challenge conventional training dogma.

If you care about training smarter, staying healthy, and building strength that actually carries over to life, this episode will change how you think about upper body exercise selection.

Checkout Judd's Training App & Merch: JuddLienhard.com

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd

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

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

Gym confidence and smarter training decisions are what separate real strength progress from staying average. In this Q&A episode, Judd Lienhard answers listener questions on how to train with confidence, structure workouts more effectively, and think like an athlete instead of chasing approval or trends.

Judd shares practical coaching insight across training, nutrition, recovery, and mindset — including how to approach unconventional exercises in the gym, how to structure calories for performance and fat loss, what to eat after late-night workouts, and how to train around night shifts.

This episode also covers:

• How to build gym confidence without second-guessing your training
• Where heavy singles, doubles, and triples fit in strength and hypertrophy programs
• Kettlebells vs dumbbells for athletic development
• Shoes, foot health, and minimalist vs cushioned footwear
• Training differences between men and women
• Mobility, joint health, yoga, and Pilates for long-term performance

If you’re tired of guessing in the gym and want a smarter, more sustainable approach to training, you can train with Judd inside his Fitness App — designed for athletes who care about strength, durability, and long-term progress.
Learn more and start training smarter: JuddLienhard.com

Always be an athlete.

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

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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

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

Judd Lienhard breaks down how to approach a fitness reset in 2026 without burning out, quitting, or relying on short-term motivation.

Rather than chasing perfect routines or “optimal” methods, Judd explains why lasting change is built on small, repeatable habits that support your goals over time. He shares how discipline is formed, why motivation is unreliable, and how to design your daily routines and environment so progress becomes easier instead of harder.

The conversation also explores where fitness is heading in 2026, including a growing focus on health, recovery, athleticism, and long-term performance — not just aesthetics. Judd offers a grounded perspective on trends like recovery tools, breathing practices, cold exposure, and training for longevity, while pushing back against all-or-nothing thinking.

If you’re looking for structured training that prioritizes strength, durability, and athleticism for real life, you can train directly with Judd inside his fitness app:
 👉 Judd Lienhard Training App: Start Your FREE 7-day Trial Here

Checkout Judd's latest merch available here:
 👉 Always Be An Athlete Merch: Shop Here

Topics include:

• Why most fitness resets fail
• How habits are built and sustained
• Discipline vs motivation
• Training for health, longevity, and athleticism
• Fitness trends shaping 2026
• How to simplify training without losing results

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd

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

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

Best Of 2025 (Part 2) is a curated highlight episode of The Judd Lienhard Podcast, featuring some of the most impactful conversations of the year on strength training, athletic performance, longevity, breathwork, leadership, and long-term athletic development.

This episode brings together key moments and ideas from Judd’s conversations with Marcus Capone, Bert Sorin, Matt Johnson, Mark Bell, Jon Heck, Dr. Belisa Vranich, Clifton Harski, and Tim Riley—voices spanning elite training, business, military leadership, breath science, and real-world performance.

Each segment reflects principles that continue to shape how Judd approaches coaching athletes, building durable strength, improving performance, and sustaining an athletic life long after competitive sport.

Thank you to everyone who listened, shared episodes, and supported the show throughout 2025. The growth of The Judd Lienhard Podcast has been entirely community-driven, and that support matters.

Featured Guests in This Episode
Marcus Capone
Bert Sorin
Matt Johnson
Mark Bell
Jon Heck
Dr. Belisa Vranich
Clifton Harski
Tim Riley

Train with Judd
Try Judd’s Fitness App with a free 7-day trial. The exclusive home of the MASS Method—programs for movement, athleticism, strength, speed, and longevity. Includes full-gym, limited-equipment, and bodyweight options, plus 14+ training blocks with new programs added regularly.
👉 https://www.juddlienhard.com

Follow Judd Lienhard
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JuddLienhard

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juddlienhard/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jlienhard

This episode is brought to you by David Protein

David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.

Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd

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

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