When we hear the word “bodybuilder,” we often think of big muscles, lifting heavy weights, and eating a lot of food. But did you know that some bodybuilders are also very smart doctors? In this article, you will meet five people who have a lot of muscles and big brains! They have PhDs or are doctors, and they use science to help themselves and others get strong and healthy.
Let’s learn about these amazing bodybuilders who prove that you can be both strong and smart.
1. Dr. Mike Israetel (PhD in Sport Physiology)
A- What makes him special:
Dr Mike Israetel is Phd in Sport Physiology, YouTuber, Bodybuilder Coach. He was born in Moscow, Russia, and moved to the U.S. at the age of seven in 1991. He has also worked as a teacher in Temple University and the University of Central Missouri. He has written books and shares fitness tips online and in classes. Dr. Mike co-founded Renaissance Periodization (RP), a company that helps people with their training, nutrition, and recovery to get the best results.
B- Why he’s famous:
Dr. Mike is known for his scientific approach to bodybuilding. He focuses on evidence-based methods, which means his advice comes from research and studies, not just opinions. He helps athletes and bodybuilders understand how to grow muscle, lose fat, and improve their performance with smart strategies.
C- Where to follow him:
You can follow him on his Instagram (@drmikeisraetel) or visit drmikeisraetel.com to learn more about him.
2. Dr. Layne Norton (PhD in Nutritional Sciences)
A- What makes him special:
Dr. Layne Norton is a well-known fitness coach, scientist, and athlete from the United States. He has a PhD in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and also has a degree in Biochemistry. Layne is a natural professional bodybuilder and a champion powerlifter, having set a world record squat in the 93 kg class at the IPF World Championships. He founded BioLayne, a company offering science-based fitness coaching, and also created the Carbon diet app and Outwork Nutrition supplement line. Known for promoting flexible dieting, he emphasizes evidence-based approaches to nutrition and training, often debunking fitness myths on social media and his podcast.
B- Why he’s famous:
He has spent years debunking myths about diets and fitness, teaching people what really works for fat loss and muscle gain. He is a big supporter of evidence-based training, which means using real scientific research to guide fitness decisions.
C- Where to follow him:
You can find him on Instagram (@biolayne) or visit his official website for more info.
3. Dr. Eric Helms (PhD in Strength and Conditioning)
A- What makes him special:
Dr. Eric Helms is another bodybuilder, fitness expert and coach. He has a PhD in Strength and Conditioning and works as the Chief Science Officer at 3D Muscle Journey (3DMJ), where he helps athletes train and eat better using science-based methods. Eric also teaches at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, focusing on how to train and eat for strength sports. He has written popular fitness books called The Muscle and Strength Pyramids and co-founded a research review called MASS, which explains new fitness studies in simple terms. As an athlete, Eric is a professional natural bodybuilder and has competed in powerlifting, weightlifting, and strongman events. He shares his knowledge through podcasts, videos, and online courses to help people train smarter and stay healthy.
B- Why he’s famous:
Dr. Eric is known for his work on muscle growth, especially when it comes to making sure you’re training the right way. He is also the co-author of the “Muscle and Strength Pyramid” books, which are popular resources widely used by fitness lovers. His focus is on long-term progress and doing things the right way, not just quick results.
C- Where to follow him:
You can follow him on Instagram (@helms3dmj) or visit 3D Muscle Journey, the website where he shares educational content.
4. Dr. Brad Schoenfeld (PhD in Exercise Science)
A- What makes him special:
Dr. Brad Schoenfeld is a well-known fitness expert, researcher, and teacher who focuses on building muscle and losing fat. He is a professor at Lehman College in New York, where he oversees the graduate program in Human Performance and Fitness. Brad has written over 300 scientific articles and several fitness books, like The M.A.X. Muscle Plan and Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy, which are popular among people who want to learn about muscle growth. He is also a natural bodybuilder who has won competitions without using any banned substances. Brad shares his knowledge through social media, podcasts, and public talks, helping many people understand how to train and eat better for their fitness goals.
B- Why he’s famous:
Dr. Brad’s research on hypertrophy (the scientific term for muscle growth) is considered some of the best in the world. His books and research papers have helped many bodybuilders understand the science behind muscle building. One of his most popular books is “Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy,” where he explains the best ways to train for muscle growth.
C- Where to follow him:
You can follow Dr. Brad Schoenfeld on Instagram (@brad_schoenfeld), or check out his official website for more information about his research and books.
5. Dr. David L. W. Phillips (PhD in Physiology)
A- What makes him special:
Dr. David L. W. Phillips is a medical doctor and sports medicine specialist who focuses on how exercise and nutrition affect health. He completed his graduation at Harvard University in 1984, where he was recognized as an All-American swimmer. He then went on to earn his medical degree from Wright State University School of Medicine in Ohio. After working as an emergency physician, Dr. Phillips shifted his focus to sports medicine. He has competed in national and international triathlons, including the 2005 Ford Ironman World Championships, and was a member of Team USA at the 2008 International Triathlon Union World Championships in Vancouver. Dr. Phillips often speaks about the importance of exercise and proper nutrition in improving quality of life and reducing the impact of oxidative stress on aging and chronic disease.
B- Why he’s famous:
Dr. Phillips’ research has focused on how muscles adapt to training and how to maximize muscle growth and strength. His work is highly respected in the fitness world, and he often shares his findings with bodybuilders to help them improve their training.
C- Where to follow him:
While Dr. Phillips doesn’t have a personal social media page, you can find his work and research through various academic sources or follow the information shared by his colleagues on platforms like ResearchGate.
Conclusion
These five doctors (Mike Israetel, Layne Norton, Eric Helms, Brad Schoenfeld, David L. W. Phillips) are not just experts in medicine or nutrition, but they have also excelled in bodybuilding. They combine science with training to help athletes, bodybuilders, and fitness enthusiasts improve their performance. Whether you’re interested in muscle growth, strength, or fat loss, these experts provide real, evidence-based strategies to help you achieve your fitness goals.
