HRV + VO₂-Max Blueprint for Men in their 50s

A daily protocol to optimize HRV, boost VO₂ max, and build lean muscle using peptides, recovery tech, and smart training cycles in 8 weeks.

49-50
VO₂-max Target
60ms
HRV Goal
≤50
Resting HR Goal
+3-4lb
Lean Muscle Gain Goal

Weekly Training Schedule

Each day optimized for specific adaptations while maintaining HRV

Monday

Strength + HIIT

💪Workout

  • PUSH Strength: Chest + Front Delts
  • 3-4 moves × 4 sets × 6-12 reps @ 1-2 RIR
  • Incline DB Press, Dips, Arnold Press
  • REHIT on CAROL Bike (8 min, 2×20s sprints)

💉Supplements

  • MOTS-c 10mg SC (30min pre-REHIT)
  • BPC-157 250µg SC (post-workout)
  • Urolithin A 500mg (morning)
  • 30g Whey + 5g Creatine (post-workout)

🥗Nutrition

  • High-carb day (~275g carbs)
  • 08:00: Espresso + Whey + Creatine
  • 12:30: Steak fajita salad + roasted potatoes
  • 19:00: Pulled-pork tacos, pico, zucchini

Why This Works

Push muscles first while glycogen is fresh, then sprint stimulus after—keeps strength high while spiking VO₂-max through dual metabolic pathways.

Tuesday

Zone 2 + Arms

🏊Workout

  • Zone 2 Swim: 45 minutes
  • Arms Finish: Biceps + Triceps superset
  • 3 sets × 10-15 reps
  • Equipment: YMCA pool

💊Supplements

  • Urolithin A 500mg (morning)
  • Evening: Mg-Threonate 2g + Glycine 3g
  • Epitalon 5mg SC (21:00)

🍽️Nutrition

  • 16:8 Fast (12:00-20:00 eating window)
  • Balanced carbs (~225g)
  • 12:00: Goat cheese cranberry salad
  • 19:00: Lemon-herb chicken, broccoli, quinoa

Why This Works

Moderate aerobic work plus light pump boosts blood flow with minimal CNS fatigue—HRV friendly recovery while maintaining training stimulus.

Wednesday

Legs + Zone 2

🦵Workout

  • Legs Strength: Squat/RDL/Leg Press
  • 3-4 moves × 4 sets × 6-12 reps
  • Zone 2 Elliptical: 30-45 minutes
  • Equipment: YMCA elliptical

💉Supplements

  • BPC-157 250µg SC (into trained area)
  • SS-31 5mg SC (EOD schedule)
  • Post-workout: Whey + quick carbs

🥩Nutrition

  • High-carb day (~275g)
  • 08:00: Espresso + collagen + banana
  • 13:00: Grass-fed burger + sweet potato fries
  • 19:30: Beef ribeye + roasted vegetables

Why This Works

Leg hypertrophy paired with aerobic build—mitochondria grow where new muscle is trained. 30-45min continuous Zone 2 builds mitochondrial density.

Thursday

REHIT Repeat

🚴Workout

  • REHIT repeat on CAROL Bike
  • 8 minutes, 2×20s all-out sprints
  • Optional: Lateral delts/bis/tris
  • 2-3 quick supersets

💉Supplements

  • MOTS-c 10mg SC (pre-ride)
  • Urolithin A 500mg (morning)
  • Evening: Mg-Threonate + Glycine

🥗Nutrition

  • 16:8 Fast (12:00-20:00)
  • Moderate carbs (~200g)
  • 12:00: Turkey-avocado lettuce wrap
  • 19:00: Shrimp veggie stir-fry

Why This Works

Second REHIT maintains VO₂ trajectory through the week. Small accessory work creates minimal HRV impact while supporting joint health.

Friday

Hypoxia + Pull

🫁Workout

  • Freak Athlete Hypoxia Training
  • 5 × 4-min sets @ 14% O₂
  • Pull Strength: Back rows, face-pulls
  • 3 sets × 10-12 reps

💊Supplements

  • BPC-157 250µg SC (post-workout)
  • SS-31 5mg SC (if EOD schedule)
  • Evening stack: Mg + Glycine

🍳Nutrition

  • Balanced macros
  • 08:00: 3-egg omelet + goat cheese
  • 12:00: BBQ ribs + baked potato
  • 17:30: Protein smoothie bowl

Why This Works

Low-oxygen exposure stimulates red blood cell production. Posterior-chain work balances shoulders and aids posture while maintaining strength gains.

Saturday

Long Zone 2

🥾Workout

  • Long Zone 2: 60-75 minutes
  • Hiking or rowing preferred
  • Mobility work + foam rolling
  • Light stretching session

💊Supplements

  • Urolithin A 500mg (morning)
  • Post-exercise: Collagen + Whey
  • Evening: Mg-Threonate + Glycine

🥙Nutrition

  • Moderate carbs
  • 09:00: Greek yogurt + collagen + fruit
  • 13:00: Pulled-pork bowl + brown rice
  • 18:00: Grilled chicken + vegetables

Why This Works

Fills weekly ≥2.5h Zone 2 requirement for HRV optimization. Mobility work speeds recovery and maintains movement quality for the upcoming week.

Sunday

Complete Rest

😌Recovery

  • Complete training rest
  • Morning HRV check
  • Light walking if desired
  • Sleep optimization focus

💉Supplements

  • Tirzepatide 2.5mg SC (weekly dose)
  • Urolithin A 500mg
  • Evening: Epitalon 5mg SC
  • Mg-Threonate + Glycine

🥩Nutrition

  • 16:8 Fast (12:00-19:00)
  • Lower carbs (~150g)
  • 12:00: Spinach salad + salmon + avocado
  • 17:00: Ribeye strips + cauliflower mash

Why This Works

If HRV ≤ baseline - 10%, replace next REHIT with easy swim. Complete rest allows nervous system recovery and preparation for the upcoming training week.

Supplement & Peptide Protocol

Precise timing for optimal physiological adaptations

Morning Protocol

Daily

🌅Every Morning

  • Urolithin A 500mg - Mitochondrial cleanup
  • 2-3 shots espresso (≤150mg caffeine)
  • Decaf/herbal after 10:00 AM

💉Training Days Only

  • MOTS-c 10mg SC (Mon & Thu)
  • 30 minutes pre-REHIT session
  • Switches on AMPK → new mitochondria

Why This Timing

Urolithin A cleans damaged mitochondria before training stress. MOTS-c primes cellular energy pathways for maximum HIIT adaptation.

Post-Workout Protocol

Strength Days

🏋️Immediately Post-Strength

  • BPC-157 250µg SC
  • Inject into trained joint/muscle
  • 30g Whey + 5g Creatine
  • 20g quick carbs if splitting sessions

Session Splitting

  • 4+ hours between strength & cardio
  • Whey shake between sessions
  • Protects HRV and glycogen stores

Why This Works

BPC-157 accelerates tissue repair and protects HRV from training stress. Splitting sessions maintains training quality while maximizing adaptations.

Evening Protocol

Sleep Optimization

🌙21:00 Nightly Stack

  • Epitalon 5mg SC (Sun-Thu)
  • Mg-Threonate 2g
  • Glycine 3g
  • 5-min resonance breathing (5s in, 5s out)

💤Sleep Environment

  • 18:30: Amber glasses (90% blue-block)
  • 19:00: Lights <100 lux
  • Phone red-tint mode
  • Light stretching routine

Why This Protocol

Epitalon boosts melatonin for deeper sleep. Mg-Threonate + Glycine calm the brain & lower core temp. Consistent routine = +3-5ms HRV within 10 days.

Weekly Protocols

Special Timing

🔄Every Other Day

  • SS-31 5mg SC
  • Repairs heart-cell membranes
  • Supports cardiovascular adaptations

📅Sunday AM Only

  • Tirzepatide 2.5mg SC
  • GLP-1/GIP dual agonist
  • May titrate to 5mg Week 5
  • Monitor weight ≥165 lbs

Safety Notes

Tirzepatide: Expect possible nausea weeks 1-2. Pace meals, hydrate, ginger tea helps. Avoid stacking with metformin same day. Peptide deload weeks 9-12.

Clean-Eating Nutrition Blueprint

Periodized nutrition to support training adaptations

Nutrition Goals

Foundation

🎯Primary Targets

  • Protein ≥165g daily (1g/lb bodyweight)
  • Build lean muscle without fat gain
  • 200 kcal surplus on strength + REHIT days
  • Maintain insulin sensitivity

Meal Timing

  • 16:8 Intermittent Fasting 3x/week
  • Whole-food carbs around lifts
  • Lower-carb on full rest days
  • Reinforce autophagy & HRV

Why This Approach

High protein supports hypertrophy & tendon repair. Carb periodization matches training demands. IF 3x/week balances metabolic flexibility with performance.

Macro Periodization

Training Match

High-Carb Days

  • ~275g carbs (Mon, Wed)
  • Strength + REHIT days
  • Roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes
  • Quinoa, brown rice, fruit

⚖️Moderate Days

  • ~200-225g carbs (Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat)
  • Zone 2 and recovery days
  • Balanced whole foods
  • Support without excess

🥗Lower-Carb

  • ~150g carbs (Sunday)
  • Complete rest day
  • Maintain insulin sensitivity
  • Focus on protein & fats

Why Periodize Carbs

Match carb intake to training demands. High-carb fuels intense sessions, moderate supports recovery, low-carb on rest maintains metabolic flexibility.

Grocery Power List

Whole Foods

🥩Proteins

  • Grass-fed beef (ribeye, flank steak)
  • Chicken thighs, pork shoulder
  • Wild salmon, shrimp
  • Pasture-raised eggs

🥕Produce

  • Broccoli, carrots, zucchini, squash
  • Bell peppers, onions, mushrooms
  • Avocado, mixed greens, spinach
  • Berries, cranberries, mango

🍠Carbs & Fats

  • Red/sweet potatoes, quinoa
  • Brown rice, corn tortillas
  • Olive oil, nuts, seeds
  • Goat cheese, hummus

Processed-Free Philosophy

Whole foods provide superior nutrient density, support gut health, and optimize HRV. Real foods = real results for body composition and performance.

Smoothie & Snack Staples

Quick Fuel

🥤Base Smoothie (400 kcal)

  • 1 scoop whey isolate
  • 1 scoop collagen peptides
  • 1 cup mixed berries
  • 1 cup spinach, ½ avocado
  • 8 oz unsweetened almond milk

🥜Smart Snacks

  • Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds
  • Veggie sticks + hummus/guacamole
  • Greek yogurt + honey + nuts
  • Hard-boiled eggs + fruit

Macro Checkpoint

Aim 165g protein daily; carbs modulate by training load (150-275g); fats 70-90g via olive oil, avocado, nuts. Base smoothie = 35g protein.

Daily Stack Add-Ons

Peptides & compounds based on your current needs or symptoms

Focus & Mental Clarity

Cognitive
  • Semax (nasal): Enhances BDNF, memory, and learning
  • 9-ME-BC: Dopaminergic motivation booster
  • Alpha GPC + Lion’s Mane: Choline + neurogenesis synergy
  • Cerebrolysin: Use for deep work or post-burnout recovery

Why This Stack

Targets attention, working memory, dopamine tone, and long-term potentiation for high-output days.

Mood & Stress

Calm
  • Selank (nasal): Rapid anxiolytic with no sedation
  • KSM-66 + Apigenin: Lowers cortisol and supports parasympathetic tone
  • Zen Mist: Fast-acting calmative for evening or acute stress

Why This Stack

Supports emotional resilience, reduces anxious reactivity, and anchors mood stability under pressure.

Injury & Recovery

Repair
  • BPC-157 + TB-500: Accelerates tissue repair and recovery
  • KPV: Inflammation modulation with gut and skin benefits
  • GHK-Cu (topical): Regenerates collagen and soft tissue

Why This Stack

Ideal for post-training soreness, soft tissue strain, or inflammation without NSAIDs.

Sleep & HRV

Recovery
  • DSIP: Deepens stage 3/4 sleep and raises HRV
  • Tro ZZZZ + Apigenin: Non-habit sleep enhancement
  • Magnesium L-Threonate: CNS calming and sleep support

Why This Stack

Enhances circadian quality, parasympathetic dominance, and recovery from cognitive or physical strain.

Neuro Support with Testosterone

Hormonal
  • Ginkgo Biloba: Enhances brain blood flow, pairs with racetams/Noopept
  • Choline Inositol: Supports ACh and serotonin/dopamine balance
  • Phosphatidylserine: Reduces cortisol, improves memory and HPA resilience

Why This Stack

Balances neurochemical tone under testosterone therapy. Supports mood, memory, and neurovascular performance while mitigating overstimulation.

Mitochondrial & Metabolic Health

Foundation
  • Fatty15: Enhances mitochondrial membrane function and longevity
  • Glycine + L-Methionine: Methylation + glutathione support
  • Stemregen: Daily stem cell mobilization & repair

Why This Stack

Supports cellular energy, detox pathways, and longevity through daily mitochondrial care and regenerative signaling.

Cognitive & Mood Balance

Neuromodulation
  • Bacopa 2000mg: Adaptogenic memory support
  • L-Tyrosine + Panax Ginseng: Dopamine precursor + adaptogen synergy
  • GABA + 5-HTP: Evening mood and sleep support
  • Tongkat Ali: Supports T-levels + stress resilience

Why This Stack

Helps stabilize neurotransmitters, optimize cognitive drive, and promote recovery in mentally demanding or emotionally stressful states.

Muscle & Recovery

Anabolic Support
  • L-Leucine + HMB: Anabolic signaling + muscle preservation
  • DHEA: Hormonal base for recovery and mood
  • Nitric Oxide Max (Beet Root + Nitrates): Vasodilation + oxygen delivery

Why This Stack

Builds anabolic environment, boosts nitric oxide-driven circulation, and supports muscle recovery post-resistance training.

Micronutrients & Antioxidants

Resilience
  • D3 + K2: Immune + calcium transport synergy
  • 60 Billion Probiotic: Gut health, resilience, and mood
  • Neuro-Mag: Magnesium L-threonate for brain-specific support
  • Methyl Folate: Essential for methylation & mood regulation
  • Zeaxanthin: Macular health and blue light protection
  • Greens Superfood: Alkalinity, micronutrient insurance

Why This Stack

Micronutrient density ensures cellular and systemic support across immune, detox, cognitive, and visual health axes.

Growth Hormone Pathway Stack

Anabolism + Fat Loss
  • HGH (injectable): Supports lean mass, fat oxidation, recovery, and sleep
  • Ipamorelin: Pulsatile GH secretagogue without prolactin/cortisol spikes
  • Tesamorelin: GHRH analog targeting visceral fat reduction
  • Glycine: Enhances endogenous GH output and collagen formation
  • Acetyl L-Carnitine + Alpha Lipoic Acid: Synergistic with fat loss + mitochondrial oxidation

Why This Stack

Combines direct GH replacement with mimetics to amplify fat loss, muscle recovery, sleep quality, and metabolic flexibility. Ideal for recomposition, healing phases, or advanced performance blocks.

DIHEXA Cognitive Amplifier

Neuroplasticity
  • DIHEXA (powder): Potent BDNF-mimetic for synaptogenesis and long-term memory formation
  • Use Strategy: Microdosed on cognitively demanding or learning-intense days
  • Stack With: Noopept, Alpha GPC, L-Tyrosine for synergistic cognitive lift
  • Caution: Potency warrants tight dosing intervals (often 2–3x/week)

Why This Stack

Targets brain-derived neurotrophic factor pathways to enhance synaptic density and plasticity — ideal for deep learning phases or neuro-repair support.

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