CRAZY Experiments With Vegan vs. Omnivore, Weighted vs. Body Weight?!, Plant Protein vs. Animal Protein (SHOCKING!), Long vs. Short Exercise & More With "The Turner Twins."

Ben Greenfield

Jul 13, 2024

Episode description

Hugo and Ross Turner are twin brothers and professional adventurers. I first discovered them when I came across their various diet and fitness experiments, in which they have studied the differences between a vegan vs. omnivore diet, weighted vs. body weight gym programs, animal protein vs. plant protein for muscle gain, and a 20-minute vs. a 40-minute gym program to discover if 40 minutes actually offers twice the benefits (you'd be surprised at the results, which we discuss in this podcast!).

In 2007, Hugo narrowly missed paralysis after breaking his neck in a diving accident. In the mix of emotions that followed, a drive emerged to pursue their passion for exploration, anchored by three values: purpose, discovery, and always doing it together.

Ross and Hugo have since gone on to complete many expeditions which include rowing the Atlantic Ocean, attempting to cross the Greenland ice cap, climbing Mt. Elbrus, and reaching several of the world’s continental poles of inaccessibility.

Over the years, the twins have compared the clothing systems, kits, and food of past explorers against the latest modern equivalents to understand the performance differences. Working with scientific teams, they have provided unique insights into how the human body is affected by technology.

They have reached several of the world's poles of inaccessibility while testing technology that helps fight climate change (like electric motorbikes), and recently tested a yacht powered by an electric motor and hydrogen fuel cell. These projects have supported the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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In this episode, you'll get an insider's look into the Turner Twins' various experiments and journeys mentioned above, plus you'll discover much more about their adventurous, explorative, and innovative lives. With that said, let's dive into how they can enhance your understanding of geography, technology, science, human performance, and history!

Full Show Notes: bengreenfieldlife.com/turnertwins

Episode Sponsors:

C60: Visit shopc60.com/ben-greenfield and use the coupon code “GREENFIE

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Leverage old gear for superior performance in expeditions

In an expedition comparing old explorer gear to modern tech, much of the old equipment performed better because the knowledge of how to use it properly has been lost.

#equipment

Choose any protein source post-workout for optimal results

For those on an omnivorous diet, there was no tangible difference in results between using a plant-based protein shake versus an animal-based one post-workout.

#exercise

#protein

Maximize efficiency: 20-minute workouts yield same results as 40

In a 12-week experiment, there was no significant performance uplift from training for 40 minutes compared to 20 minutes, with body weight graphs being nearly identical.

#efficiency

#exercise

Use exogenous ketones to prevent brain fog during workouts

Taking exogenous ketones before a workout can prevent lightheadedness from a subsequent blood sugar drop by providing the brain with an alternative fuel source.

#exercise

#supplement

Design your ultimate personal training and diet protocol

The twins plan to combine the most effective elements from all their past experiments to create a new, hyper-efficient personal training and diet protocol.

#protocol

#training

Ensure diverse plant foods during vegan diet transition

A novice's transition to a vegan diet can actually decrease gut microbiome diversity due to the initial difficulty in finding and preparing a wide variety of plant foods.

#microbiome

#vegan

Build real strength with bodyweight training

Using only bodyweight exercises like single-leg toe touches and glute bridges, one twin increased his deadlift by 40 kilos in 12 weeks without touching weights.