logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2024
1h 4m

Ancient Spartan Training Secrets, The Mo...

BEN GREENFIELD
About this episode

Imagine having the ability to explore the secret training halls of ancient Sparta, the Arctic strength-building methods of the Inuit, and the magical underwater world of a tribe of aquatic superhumans in the South Pacific...

Today's guest, James Pieratt, one of the longest-ranged runners on the planet, has made it his mission to take you on a journey through history that provides valuable insights into how you can improve your own life through physical fitness and mental fortitude.

In this episode, you'll gain insights from James, a record-breaking wilderness ultramarathon runner, into the training tactics of ancient warriors (which he teaches at Wild Hunt Conditioning), receive an in-depth look at the Spartan warrior diet, uncover the incomparable strength and wrestling abilities of historical U.S. presidents like George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, and get a sneak peek at his new book, A History of Physical Fitness, which analyzes the evolution of physical fitness trends, training techniques, diets, and mentalities.

Get ready to uncover the strategies that have unlocked James's superhuman potential to run 500 miles in ultramarathons—all without the aid of a gym membership—so you can equip yourself with both ancient wisdom and modern methods for optimizing your life!

For Full Show Notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/fitnesshistory

Episode Sponsors:  

Our Place: Go to fromourplace.com and enter my code BEN at checkout to receive 10% off sitewide.

BIOptimizers Mushroom Breakthrough: Go to bioptimizers.com/ben now and enter promo code BEN10 to get 10% off any order

Kreatures of Habit: Go to kreaturesofhabit.com/ben and use code BGL20 for 20% off your first purchase.

JoyMode: Go to usejoymode.com/GREENFIELD or enter GREENFIELD at checkout for 20% off your first order. 

Lagoon: Go to LagoonSleep.com/BEN and use the code BEN for 15% off your first purchase.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Up next
Aug 22
Why Your Peptides Might Be Dangerous (& Where To Get CLEAN Peptides), How Women Should Eat, Supplement & Train Differently Than Men, & More With Dr. Melissa Grill-Petersen
In this fascinating episode, Dr. Melissa Grill-Petersen guides you through the latest science on female longevity, metabolic health, and strategies for healthy aging. You’ll get to discover why so many of the health and nutrition recommendations you hear might not actually be tai ... Show More
1h 9m
Aug 21
6 Hours Of Sleep Per Night Is OK??? Plus How To Sleep Like A Caveman (Wisdom From Our Ancestors For A Better Night's Sleep!) With Dr. Merijn van de Laar
I’m always on the lookout for a good book on sleep, and I recently read one of the better titles I’ve found in the past few years: How to Sleep Like a Caveman: Ancient Wisdom for a Better Night's Rest—Based on the Evolutionary Science of Sleep from Saber-Toothed Tigers to Modern ... Show More
1h 2m
Aug 16
A “Hack” For Making Ultraprocessed Foods Less Unhealthy, Eating “Wild Foods,” What Sports Make You Smarter (And Increase Longevity) & More: Solosode #493
In this fascinating solosode, you'll receive a range of practical hacks and cutting-edge research to elevate your health, fitness, and mental performance. The episode kicks off with an unexpected experiment featuring retatrutide—a triple-action peptide that targets multiple hunge ... Show More
30m 18s
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2025
Do These Exercises to Burn Fat, Increase Your Fitness, & Age in Reverse - With Derek Williams
Staying fit as you age requires greater level of dedication and awareness. It also takes a smart strategy that can help you maximize your results, avoid injuries, and build functionality. On today’s show, you’re going to learn actionable steps to increase your fitness as you age. ... Show More
1h 1m
Aug 2024
192. Inside the Mind of an Olympic Sprinter + Mindset Tips for All Athletes with Micha Powell
In this episode of the Female Athlete Nutrition, I speak with Canadian Olympic sprinter and new author Micha Powell. The daughter of two Olympians, Rosey Edeh and long jump World Record holder Mike Powell, athletics is part of Micha’s DNA. She talks about what it was like growing ... Show More
1h 5m
Mar 2025
Slow the F Down: Dismantling the Modern Fitness Lie with Brad Kearns
Elite athlete and author Brad Kearns discusses a transformative fitness approach as we age, emphasizing walking and gentle exercise over high-intensity workouts. Co-author of 'Born to Walk' with Mark Sisson, he argues that rigorous activities can harm aging bodies, leading to inj ... Show More
59m 24s
Nov 2024
Stephen Nedoroscik: Spray Tans and Superman
In this week’s episode, the Lautners sit down with gymnast and two-time Olympic medalist Stephen Nedoroscik! Stephen starts off by sharing how he discovered gymnastics as a child and when he realized his potential for a career specializing in the pommel horse. He opens up about m ... Show More
50m 11s
Oct 2024
Elite Endurance Master Cam Wurf On Effective Training, Achievable Goals, The Power Of Consistency, & What It Takes To Win
Cam Wurf is a paragon of endurance athleticism, a professional cyclist for INEOS Grenadiers, and an Ironman champion. This conversation explores Cam’s training strategies for Kona, discussing endurance sports' evolution, performance metrics, and elite training transparency. Cam o ... Show More
1h 42m
May 19
Olympic Coach Stuart McMillan On The Science Of Speed, Unlocking Your Body's True Potential & Why Sprinting Is The Ultimate Human Activity
Stuart McMillan is an elite track and field coach who has guided 70+ Olympians to over 30 medals across nine Olympic Games. As CEO of ALTIS, a global leader in sports education, he's revolutionized how we understand human movement. This conversation is an exploration of speed—not ... Show More
2h 4m
Sep 2024
Strength Training Secrets for Women: Protein, Ozempic, and Aging Powerfully with Celebrity Nutrition Expert & Fitness Hall of Famer JJ Virgin
Ep. #133 In this episode, we explore the transformative world of aging powerfully with JJ Virgin, someone I admire so much—a Triple Board Certified Nutrition Expert and four-time New York Times bestselling author. JJ shares her insights on why starting your fitness journey in you ... Show More
1h 16m
Jan 2025
Dr. Rhonda Patrick On Why Exercise Fuels The Brain, How Microplastics Poison The Body, & The Science Of Fitness
Dr. Rhonda Patrick is a renowned scientist, researcher, and the founder of FoundMyFitness. This conversation explores how exercise enhances brain function—upending old beliefs about lactate—while examining new research on microplastics’ accumulation in our bodies and practical wa ... Show More
2h 50m
Jul 2024
The Science of Strength and Conditioning | Dr. Pat Davidson
How to Maximize Muscle GrowthIn this episode we welcome back Dr. Pat Davidson, a PhD in exercise physiology and former professor. Dr. Davidson, known for his impressive physique and deep knowledge, sheds light on the confusion surrounding effective training methods. Whether you'r ... Show More
1h 50m