Listener Questions: Protein, BMI, and Bone Health Explained

Are you sure you’re measuring your fitness the right way? If you had doubts about BMI, protein intake, or whether certain workouts are truly safe, this episode clears it all up. Today’s episode is a Q&A episode. Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher answer your questions across four different topics. They cover smarter ways to track progress, how much protein your body actually needs, the safety of strength training with osteoporosis, and why slow-motion training delivers powerful results. Tune in to learn how to track your success more effectively, fuel your body the right way, and train smarter for long-term strength and health. Question 1: What Metrics Should We Track for Exercising Success? Why BMI isn’t the best measure of success. Dr. Fisher explains that BMI is just height and weight—it doesn’t account for muscle mass. That’s why a “high” BMI might actually mean you’re stronger and healthier, not overweight.Dr. Fisher emphasizes that real progress comes from strength training, eating whole foods, and daily movement. When you focus on what you can control, the number on the scale becomes less important.Dr. Fisher reveals how bioelectrical impedance analysis goes beyond weight to measure fat mass and lean muscle. This gives a far clearer picture of your health than BMI or a simple scale ever could. Question 2: How Much Protein Do You Really Need? Why protein isn’t as risky as many think. Dr. Fisher explains that even at high intakes, there’s no solid evidence linking protein to kidney damage. The old warnings about bodybuilders “ruining their kidneys” simply don’t hold up.How protein works with strength training. Without resistance training, extra protein won’t build muscle. Dr. Fisher makes it clear that strength training is the real driver of growth—protein just fuels the process.Learn the smartest way to eat for strength. Amy and Dr. Fisher highlight the importance of whole proteins with essential amino acids. When combined with consistent strength training, this creates the perfect formula for building strength and function. Question 3: Is the Exercise Coach Workout Safe for Osteoporosis? Dr. Fisher explains that whether it’s a dumbbell, a grocery bag, or a machine, your muscles only know they’re working. That means resistance is resistance—what matters is how it’s applied.How Exercise Coach makes workouts safer. Amy and Dr. Fisher describe how their exobotic machines control range of motion, eliminate the risk of dropped weights, and are supervised at all times. This creates one of the safest environments possible for anyone with osteopenia or osteoporosis.Learn the science behind the machines. Dr. Fisher reveals how isokinetic, computer-controlled movements keep every rep slow, consistent, and joint-friendly. That precision protects your bones while still pushing your muscles to adapt and grow. Question 4: What Is the Science of Slow-Motion Training? Why explosive movements fall short. Dr. Fisher explains that moving too quickly shifts the load to momentum instead of muscle. That not only reduces effectiveness but also increases the risk of injury.How slow motion maximizes muscle use. By removing momentum, every second of the movement keeps tension on the muscle. This creates a deeper, safer, and more effective workout.Amy shares the true benefit of slowing down. With slow-motion training, you don’t just get better results—you also reduce stress on your joints. That means you can build strength while protecting your long-term health. Mentioned in This Episode: The Exercise Coach - Get 2 Free Sessions! Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.com This podcast and blog are provided to you for entertainment and informational purposes only. By accessing either, you agree that neither constitute medical advice nor should they be substituted for professional medical advice or care. Use of this podcast or blog to treat any medical condition is strictly prohibited. Consult your physician for any medical condition you may be having. In no event will any podcast or blog hosts, guests, or contributors, Exercise Coach USA, LLC, Gymbot LLC, any subsidiaries or affiliates of same, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, or agents, be responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to you or others due to any podcast or blog content.