About this episode
You’ve probably heard of HIIT—but have you heard of “REHIT?” This isn’t just another workout trend...it’s a new science-backed way to train with maximum efficiency and zero wasted time . If you’re still jogging, you’re wasting hours for minimal results. In this episode of The Human Upgrade , Dave Asprey sits down with Ulrich Dempfle , German-trained engineer and co-founder of CAROL Bike , to dismantle outdated cardio advice and introduce the 5-minute protocol that’s obliterating fitness myths. Forget the treadmill grind. REHIT (Reduced Exertion High-Intensity Training) exercising delivers: • 12% VO₂ max increase • 6x the fitness gains of daily jogging • 62% drop in diabetes risk • 5x more BDNF for brain power —all with just 8 minutes of effort per week. But was it? Ulrich unpacks the hard data, crushes the Zone 2 obsession, and shows how a brand-new way of exercising is giving explosive results—no matter your age or fitness level. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why Zone 2 cardio is outdated advice for most people • The science of REHIT and how 2 sprints beat 2-hour workouts • The shocking data on VO₂ max, insulin sensitivity, and lifespan • How CAROL uses AI to personalize exercise for any age or ability • Why most people fail at fitness—and how to fix it • The real role of lactate, BDNF, and HRV in recovery and resilience • How perimenopausal women benefit more from REHIT than HIIT or jogging • Why adherence—not intensity—is the #1 predictor of results • What to do when you’re traveling or don’t have access to the tech Resources: • Dave Asprey’s New Book - Heavily Meditated : https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/ • CAROL Bike Website and use code ‘DAVE’ for a discount – https://carolbike.com/ • CAROL Bike Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thecarolbike/?hl=en • 2025 Biohacking Conference : https://biohackingconference.com/2025 • Danger Coffee : https://dangercoffee.com • Dave Asprey’s Website : https://daveasprey.com • Dave Asprey’s Linktree : https://linktr.ee/daveasprey • Upgrade Collective – Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live : https://www.ourupgradecollective.com • Own an Upgrade Labs : https://ownanupgradelabs.com • Upgrade Labs : https://upgradelabs.com • 40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement : https://40yearsofzen.com Timestamps: • 00:00 Introduction to REHIT Training • 00:24 Meet Ulrich Dempfle: The Mind Behind CAROL Bike • 00:51 The Science and Benefits of REHIT • 01:44 Comparing Traditional Cardio to REHIT • 02:32 Dave Asprey’s Personal Fitness Journey • 03:43 The Efficiency of REHIT Training • 05:03 Practical Applications and Accessibility of REHIT • 08:22 Addressing Common Concerns and Misconceptions • 11:25 The Future of Fitness: REHIT and Beyond • 18:29 Scientific Validation and Real-World Results • 31:53 Clinical Trials and Tech Integration • 32:06 Upgrade Labs and CAROL Bike • 33:00 Mitochondrial Effectiveness and Insulin Sensitivity • 36:05 Zone Two Training vs. High-Intensity Training • 42:02 REHIT for Perimenopausal Women • 48:18 AI and Personalized Exercise • 57:52 Lactate and Exercise Benefits • 01:01:48 Interval Walking Training • 01:04:01 Conclusion and Future Insights See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .