In this episode of the Critical Oxygen podcast, Dr. Robert Jacobs and I discuss how our bodies adapt to exercise. We explore the various cellular disturbances that are sensed by specific sensors and translate into intracellular signaling cascades that drive adaptation. The key themes covered include the importance of stress and adaptation, the specificity of exercise adaptations, energetic and mechanical signals, redox balance, decreased partial pressure of oxygen, mechanical tension, and extracellular signals. This conversation explores the signaling effects of various molecules and stimuli on muscle adaptation and overall health. Primary papers of discussion - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23395166/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36395350/ TAKEAWAYS 1) Exercise imposes stress on the body, which leads to adaptations. The type and intensity of exercise determine the specific adaptations that occur. 2) Energetic and mechanical signals, redox balance, decreased partial pressure of oxygen, and mechanical tension are important cellular disturbances that drive adaptation. 3) Extracellular signals, such as hormones and proteins, also play a role in the adaptation process. Myokines, cytokines, and adipokines play important roles in signaling within different tissues. 4) Heat may act as a signaling agent and contribute to muscle and cardiovascular adaptations. 5) Exercise is a transient stress that promotes muscle adaptation. Disturbing cellular sensors through exercise and other means is important for overall health. Enjoy! Enjoying these podcasts? Don't forget to subscribe to get notified when new episodes are released. If you have a question or topic you want us to address, leave a comment! Follow Phil on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/criticalo2 Interested in testing, courses, or other long form content check out the critical oxygen website - https://www.criticaloxygen.com CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 03:09 The Importance of Stress and Adaptation 10:10 Specificity of Exercise Adaptations 17:14 Energetic and Mechanical Signals 21:41 Redox Balance 25:28 Decreased Partial Pressure of Oxygen 31:26 Mechanical Tension 53:17 Extracellular Signals 56:39 Signaling Effects of Myokines and Cytokines 57:34 Heat as a Signaling Agent 58:28 Heat Shock Proteins as a Seventh Stimulus 59:32 Redundancy in Cellular Disturbances 01:00:30 The Importance of Redundancies in Human Robustness 01:01:25 Insulin Signaling and Non-Redundant Hormones 01:02:40 Exercise as a Transient Stress 01:03:30 Disturbing Cellular Sensors for Health