Muscle for Life

Ever been curious about different ways to hit your protein targets when you're always on the move?  Or perhaps you've considered GABBA supplements for stress and anxiety? In this episode, I delve into these questions and many others that come directly from my dedicated followers. As always, these questions come directly from my Instagram followers, who take advantage of my weekly Q&As in my stories. If you have a question you're dying to have answered, make sure you follow me on Instagram (@muscleforlifefitness) and look out for the Q&A posts. Your question might just make it into a podcast episode! If you like this type of episode, let me know. Send me an email (mike@muscleforlife.com) or direct message me on Instagram. And if you don’t like it, let me know that too or how you think it could be better. Timestamps: 0:00 - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe! 1:39 - What protein-packed meals or snacks do you recommend for frequen

You’ve probably heard you need to eat a high protein for maintaining muscle.  But when life happens and eating a lot of protein isn't feasible, how does it affect our muscles? How low can we realistically go with daily protein without compromising our muscles? This episode dives deep into the science and strategies around our daily protein needs. Timestamps: 0:00 - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe! 1:45 - What exactly is protein and why is it crucial for our muscles? 4:58 - Can we truly gain muscle with a minimal protein intake daily? 11:41 - Shop Legion Supplements Here: https://buylegion.com/ and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points! 14:51 - For seasoned athletes, does advanced training modify our protein needs? 16:53 - How do calorie deficits or surpluses change our daily protein requirements? 18:53 - If we skimp on protein for a few days, will our muscles suffer? 19:45 - Are there unexpected sources of protein in o

How do you fix a crashed metabolism? Should you eat more than your TDEE while bulking on non-exercise days? Are resistance bands as effective as free weights over a short duration?  In this episode, I dive into these questions and a lot more, all sourced from my audience who regularly participate in my Q&A posts. As always, these questions come directly from my Instagram followers, who take advantage of my weekly Q&As in my stories. If you have a question you're dying to have answered, make sure you follow me on Instagram (@muscleforlifefitness) and look out for the Q&A posts. Your question might just make it into a podcast episode! If you like this type of episode, let me know. Send me an email (mike@muscleforlife.com) or direct message me on Instagram. And if you don’t like it, let me know that too or how you think it could be better. Timestamps: 0:00 - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe! 1:13 - Do big meals stretch your stomach?

In this podcast, I interview Isho, who turned his weight loss journey around by transitioning from traditional diet myths to a holistic, evidence-based approach.  In his 40s, Isho has lost 24 pounds (and counting!) while getting stronger at the same time. Having battled with weight for years, Isho's breakthrough came from our comprehensive coaching program, emphasizing flexibility, balance, and consistency.  In our discussion, we delve into his diet structure, how he manages cravings, and his strategies for indulging in treats without derailing progress. Tune in to learn how Isho transformed his relationship with food by recognizing the importance of a balanced and sustainable diet, and the mindset shifts and mental fortitude required for lasting change. Timestamps: 0:00 - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe! 3:10 - Isho's Background: Life before discovering our coaching program. 8:51 - Emotional Eating: Isho's evolving relationship wi

This topic will seem ridiculous to some, but it’s very appealing to many. How can you lose muscle mass you don’t want? That is, how can we reduce our muscle size, and specifically, in targeted areas to build our dream physique? While many aim to gain, others seek ways to slim down their muscle bulk. In this episode, you’ll learn how to intentionally reduce muscle size. Whether you're aiming to decrease muscle mass for aesthetic reasons, sports requirements, or personal preference, this episode will guide you safely through the process. Timestamps: 0:00 - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe! 0:53 - Drawbacks of losing muscle: Weighing the risks. 3:53 - Unpacking reasons for intentional muscle loss. 7:23 - Holistic strategies for muscle reduction. 9:25 - Targeted muscle loss: Can you pinpoint specific areas? 11:10 - Strategies for arm muscle reduction. 13:29 - Shedding muscle from the legs: How and why? 14:46 - Want 125 quick, easy, and delicious “f

How will AI shape the future of gym coaching? What should one pick between NMN and creatine? Is it optimal to consume simple carbs immediately after a workout? In this episode, I dive into these questions and more, all sourced from my audience who regularly participate in my Q&A posts. As always, these questions come directly from my Instagram followers, who take advantage of my weekly Q&As in my stories. If you have a question you're dying to have answered, make sure you follow me on Instagram (@muscleforlifefitness) and look out for the Q&A posts. Your question might just make it into a podcast episode! If you like this type of episode, let me know. Send me an email (mike@muscleforlife.com) or direct message me on Instagram. And if you don’t like it, let me know that too or how you think it could be better. Timestamps: 0:00 - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe! 0:02:09 - AI in Fitness: Will Artificial Intelligence Replace Gym Coache

Change is inevitable, but how we approach and adapt to it can make all the difference.  In his new book, Master of Change, Brad Stulberg explores the essence of change and how our mindset towards it can be our biggest asset or detriment. In case you’re not familiar with Brad, he’s a researcher, writer, and coach on well-being and what it takes to succeed. As an author, he’s been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, New Yorker, Sports Illustrated, Outside Magazine, Forbes, and more. He helps executives, entrepreneurs, and athletes work on their mental game, improve their overall well-being, and achieve excellence.  He’s also the coauthor of Peak Performance, a book I did a Book Club episode on in 2017. In our discussion, Brad and I chat about . . . The driving force that led him to write his latest book and the revelations that came with it. The concept of “rugged flexibility” and how our thoughts shape our approach to challenges and aspirations.

We often hear claims from steroid users that performance-enhancing drugs only give them a slight advantage, emphasizing their dedication and hard work.  But is this reality or just a smokescreen? This episode unpacks a study from The University of Sydney comparing 147 natural bodybuilders with 40 steroid users. We'll delve into training volumes, rest intervals, cardio habits, supplementation choices, and their actual results. If you've ever wondered about the tangible advantages of steroids and how natural bodybuilders' methods contrast with their "enhanced" counterparts, this episode offers clear insights.  From volume and intensity to supplement choices that highlight the health concerns of steroid use, this podcast sheds light on what truly sets apart the natural from the enhanced. Timestamps: 0:00 - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe! 1:08 - How do training and supplementation practices differ between steroid users and natural

If you want to grow your glutes, and you’ve looked around online for tips, you’ve almost certainly come across hip thrusts. But are they better than squats for getting a bigger butt? Should you do squats or hip thrusts?  Well, after years of speculation among booty-building enthusiasts, we now have a scientific study that directly compared hip thrusts and squats in terms of hypertrophy. And I thought, who better to discuss this study than “The Glute Guy” himself, Dr. Bret Contreras. Not only is Bret a glute training expert, but as the cherry on top (or should I say peach?), he was actually one of the head honchos involved in conducting the study. In case you're not familiar with Bret, he's a PhD in Sports Science, renowned researcher, educator, bestselling author, and a personal trainer for over two decades, whose title "The Glute Guy" reflects his unmatched expertise in lower body training, making him the foremost authority on building a great butt.  Our discussion includes . . . The

Raising successful individuals is a challenge that every parent grapples with. How do we instill independence, resilience, and success in our children? Esther Wojcicki's How to Raise Successful People offers a set of principles that have not only been proven by her experiences as a seasoned educator but also as the mother of three exceptionally successful women.  In this podcast, I’m sharing my top 10 insights from the book. “Can you recommend a book for…?” “What are you reading right now?” “What are your favorite books?” I get asked those types of questions a lot and, as an avid reader and all-around bibliophile, I’m always happy to oblige. I also like to encourage people to read as much as possible because knowledge benefits you much like compound interest. The more you learn, the more you know; the more you know, the more you can do; the more you can do, the more opportunities you have to succeed. On the flip side, I also believe there’s little hope for people who aren’t perpetual learners. Life is o

Wondering how to kickstart your training after a long break? Is gym shaming a good or bad thing? What would I be doing with my life if I hadn’t started Legion?  In this episode, I address these questions and more, sourced from my Instagram followers who participate in my regular Q&A posts. As always, these questions come directly from my Instagram followers, who take advantage of my weekly Q&As in my stories. If you have a question you're dying to have answered, make sure you follow me on Instagram (@muscleforlifefitness) and look out for the Q&A posts. Your question might just make it into a podcast episode! If you like this type of episode, let me know. Send me an email (mike@muscleforlife.com) or direct message me on Instagram. And if you don’t like it, let me know that too or how you think it could be better. Timestamps: 0:00 - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe! 1:27 - How should someone approach training after a month-long bre

Have you seen the headlines? Social media and the internet at large are abuzz with the controversy surrounding the well-known artificial sweetener aspartame.  The recent classification of aspartame as a possible human carcinogen (category 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has sparked a new wave of discussions, concerns, and media sensationalism. In this episode, Alan Aragon helps unravel the complexities and provide a more balanced perspective on this hot topic. Alan is no stranger to the podcast, but in case you’re not familiar with him, he’s a nutrition researcher and educator who’s been at the forefront of the evidence-based fitness movement for over a decade now and has helped countless fitness enthusiasts, professional athletes, and top coaches, and even influenced my own work. Alan has a knack for translating science into practical application, which you can see for yourself if you check out his research review, which was the first of its kind in 2008. In this podcast, you’re

What is your body type, and how can you leverage it to make faster progress toward your fitness goals?  Are you stuck with what nature gave you or can you change your body type? Does your body type even matter? In this episode, you’re going to learn about the age-old concepts of ectomorph, endomorph, and mesomorph body types. Whether you think you're "skinny" and can't build muscle or "thick" and can't lose fat, I’m going to give you the right strategies to overcome these obstacles.  This episode will dispel myths, offer actionable insights, and provide a roadmap to achieving the body type you desire through targeted diet, workout, and supplement strategies. So tune in now to learn what body type you have and practical tips on eating, training, and supplementing for each type!  Timestamps: 0:00 - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe! 2:20 - What Does "Body Type" Mean, and How Is It Defined? 4:58 - What Are the

In this installment of the Best of Muscle For Life, you’ll hear hand-picked clips from three popular MFL episodes: an interview with Eric Helms on the problems with staying too lean, a monologue on whether you should train for hypertrophy or hyperplasia, and book club episode on Titan by Ron Chernow. Some people—my favorite people—listen to most or even all of my podcasts, but my wizbang analytics tell me that while many listeners tune in on a regular basis, they don’t catch every installment of Muscle for Life and thus miss out on insights that could help them do at least a little better inside and outside the gym. That’s why I do “best of” episodes that contain a few of the most practical and compelling ideas, tips, and moments from the more popular episodes I’ve published over the years. This way, you can learn interesting insights that you might have otherwise missed and find new episodes of the show to listen to. So, in this installment of The Best of Muscle for Life, you’ll be hearing hand-picked mor

Gut health is a hot topic these days, and for good reason. Your gut isn’t just about digestion. It’s a key player in your overall health, and scientists are discovering fascinating links between the gut microbiome and mental health and even your body composition.  And that latter connection is the primary subject of this podcast episode. In this interview, Elisa Marroquin helps demystify the complex world of gut health and its role in influencing our body composition.  Dr. Marroquin is an Assistant Professor and the Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at TCU, and the gut microbiome’s effects on obesity and body composition is one of her main areas of research.  The connection between gut health and physique is not well understood by many, but with Elisa's expertise, you will gain insights into how you can leverage your gut bacteria for your health and fitness goals. Elisa and I chat about . . . Understanding the pivotal role of the gut microbiome in overall health and

“Don’t skip rest day!” That’s not a phrase you often hear, but there’s a valid argument that it should be if you want to boost your fitness and performance. The key to enhancing your recovery is not another supplement or a fancy gadget, but simply adequate rest. Quality rest isn't laziness; it's an often-overlooked investment in your wellbeing.  In this podcast, you’ll learn about data-backed restful activities and why common habits like TV or social media might not offer the restoration you need.  Tune in, and invest in your rest! Timestamps: 0:00 - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe! 0:25 - How much you rest isn’t all that matters 0:46 - What you do to relax is important! 2:10 - Using a basic Likert scale 3:38 - My new protein cookie: buylegion.com/cookie Mentioned on the Show: Try my new protein cookie! Go to https://buylegion.com/cookie and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

How should you train if you can’t progressively overload anymore?  What are my current training goals? Is walking or HIIT better for weight loss? In this episode, I take on these questions and more, sourced from my Instagram followers who participate in my regular Q&A posts. As always, these questions come directly from my Instagram followers, who take advantage of my weekly Q&As in my stories. If you have a question you're dying to have answered, make sure you follow me on Instagram (@muscleforlifefitness) and look out for the Q&A posts. Your question might just make it into a podcast episode! If you like this type of episode, let me know. Send me an email (mike@muscleforlife.com) or direct message me on Instagram. And if you don’t like it, let me know that too or how you think it could be better. Timestamps: 0:00 - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe! 1:24 - What are your current training goals? 7:19 - Are sumo deadlifts bad for hype

If you want to maximize your physique through resistance training, you’re going to have to do more than just “lift heavy things.” This is especially true after your first year of lifting, when you’re no longer a true beginner.  By choosing the right exercises, making small technique tweaks, and tailoring your programming to your specific goals, you can make every workout more efficient and effective. That’s the topic of this interview with coach Kassem Hanson. In case you’re not familiar with him, Kassem is an educator, writer, and coach, whose unique training methods prioritize exercise selection and technique to maximize muscle growth.  He’s also the founder of N1, an educational resource and coaching service that specializes in completely individualized training programs and nutrition. In our conversation, Kassem and I discuss . . . The importance of exercise selection and modification in enhancing muscle and strength gains, making your training more productive Exercise tweaks and variations that can

Has your progress stalled, or are you experiencing unexplained fatigue? It could be low energy availability. As we strive to push our physical limits, sometimes we might inadvertently fall into the trap of Low Energy Availability.  This can lead to a condition known as Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) which can severely hinder not just our performance but overall health. In this episode, I’ll dissect the science behind low energy availability and RED-S, and help you understand how you might be underfeeding your body despite intense training routines. You will learn about the symptoms of RED-S, its consequences, and how to prevent it. So tune in and learn how to balance your diet with your exercise and training and why it's essential to match your food intake with your energy expenditure. Timestamps: 0:00 - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe! 1:24 - What is low energy availability? 4:14 - What is your energy availability and how do we c

Could disrupting your sleep cycle on weekends sabotage your weight loss efforts?  Does fish oil supplementation play a significant role in muscle strength gains?  Can cooling your palms between sets actually boost your reps? In this episode, we'll explore the latest research studies that explore these intriguing questions. This podcast is another installment in my Research Review series of episodes, where I give you concise and practical takeaways from studies that I think are interesting and that can help us gain muscle and strength faster, lose fat faster, perform better athletically, feel better, live longer, or get and stay healthier.  There is a ton of scientific research that gets published every year, and even if you narrow your focus to fitness research, it would still take several lifetimes to unravel the hairball of studies on nutrition, training, supplementation, and related fields.  That's why my team and I put a lot of time into reviewing, dissecting, and describing scientific studi