Stephanie and I visited Dr. Campbell’s human performance and nutrition lab at the University of South Florida. We’re excited to learn more about his research on body composition, metabolic rate, and performance enhancement. We’re particularly interested in the ways he measures muscle mass increases, fat loss, and metabolic changes, particularly related to strength performance.
Dr. Campbell showed us his impressive collection of textbooks and magazines on bodybuilding and fitness. He explained that his research focuses on changes in body composition and performance, aligning with his personal interests.
Muscle & Fitness magazines
He demonstrated a technique called indirect calorimetry, which measures oxygen consumption to determine calorie expenditure. There’s a direct correlation between oxygen used and heat produced, translating to approximately 5 calories per liter of oxygen. The 17-minute test provides an estimate of daily calorie burn. Dr. Campbell also discussed the less common method of direct calorimetry, which measures heat emitted from the body.
He also shared his insights on metabolic rate variability, noting that while there are similarities among individuals with the same body weight, there’s significant variation overall. With extensive experience in metabolic testing, Dr. Campbell highlighted the value of precise body fat measurements in understanding fat distribution and retention patterns.
Indirect Calorimetry machine
Another tool in his lab is a bioelectrical impedance analyzer, which measures total body water, differentiating between intracellular and extracellular water. This information is especially relevant for physique athletes aiming to reduce extracellular water for a more defined look.
Dr. Campbell showed us specialized equipment, including hip thrusters and a reverse hyper machine, emphasizing their benefits for glute and hamstring development. He recommended using bands with the reverse hyper for enhanced glute activation.
Reverse Hyper Machine
He also discussed a recently completed powerlifting study comparing the effects of concentrated versus staggered amrap sets on squat, bench press, and deadlift performance. The study explored the impact of recovery time on subsequent lifting sessions.
After our lab visit, Stephanie and I grabbed a pre-workout meal of chicken, rice, cheese, corn, sour cream, guacamole, and lettuce. We then prepared our pre-workout stack with Prolific and Five Volume, a stimulant and pump product, respectively.
We headed to the gym for a chest workout. After our training session, we enjoyed a Publix sub and indulged in an Oreo dessert.
