Joseph Houmard, PhD is a professor in the Department of Exercise & Sport Science and Director of the Human Performance Laboratory at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC.Dr. Houmard is an author of more than 150 scientific papers and book chapters and has been funded by the National Institutes of Health for his research. Dr. Houmard’s research focuses on skeletal muscle metabolism and how it is altered with conditions such as aging, insulin, resistance, and obesity and how interventions such as weight loss and exercise exert their positive effects.In this episode, Dr. Houmard discusses the inspiration behind his career researching skeletal muscle metabolism. He dives deep into the muscles and why stress is critical for strength, endurance, and overall health. Dr. Houmard explains how exercise is crucial for insulin sensitivity and the importance of healthy skeletal muscles. Tune in as we talk about exercising while pregnant, the problems with visceral fat, and the benefits of regular physical activity. Highlights From This EpisodeWhat Dr. Houmard has learned about exercise working at a human performance laboratory.Let your muscles adapt through weightlifting and endurance.Any type of exercise is great for insulin sensitivity.The differences between healthy skeletal muscle and unhealthy skeletal muscle.Why visceral belly fat increases health problems.Physical activity recommendations.Pregnant women should exercise for healthier lives and healthier babies. Subscribe & ReviewSubscribing and leaving a rating and review are important factors in helping the Reshape Your Health Podcast and the YouTube Channel reach more people. If you haven't already subscribed, please do that today.We would also be grateful if you left a rating and review, too. In your listening app, scroll to the “Ratings and Reviews” section, then click “Write a Review” and let us know what you enjoy about our show. We appreciate you taking the time to show your support. Thank you!Resources From This Episode>> Join Zivli>> Book a Free Zivli Discovery Call>> Freebie: Weight Loss Mindset Audio Training>> Freebie: The Ultimate Food Guide>> Track Your Macros Free Video Series>> Moderate-to-Vigorous Physical Activity and All-Cause Mortality: Do Bouts Matter?: LINK>> Effects of the amount and intensity of exercise on plasma lipoproteins: LINK>> Learn More About Dr. Joseph Houmard