Podcasts about iron culture

In this episode of Iron Culture, Dr. Eric Helms talks about his forthcoming article in the MASS Research Review covering the purported harms of high-protein diets. This isn't your typical oversimplified dunk-fest that readily dismisses concerns about high-protein diets. Instead, Helms reviews a thorough paper that reviews common concerns in detail and assessed their plausibility in an objective manner. The claims include:  Claim 1 – protein reduces lifespan Claim 2 – protein makes bones weaker Claim 3 – protein harms kidneys Claim 4 – protein causes diabetes After that, Dr. Eric Trexler discusses a recent Instagram thread that pulled him into arguments against his will. The post was about his recent article on ketogenic diets and seed oils – two topics that are always bound to attract some controversy and heated debate. This conversation discusses the strengths and limitations of different types of scientific research and also touches on bias, objectivity, and the process of seeking the truth with an open mind. Time stamps: 0:00 Intro 3:00 Helms' new article about the purported harms of high-protein diets 19:25 Claim 1 – protein reduces lifespan 27:48 Claim 2 – protein makes bones weaker 43:38 Claim 3 – protein harms kidneys 50:53 Claim 4 – protein causes diabetes 57:22 Trex's social media beefs – keto and seed oils 1:03:40 Types of observational studies 1:08:35 Seeking truth versus defending biases 1:17:32 Limitations versus fatal flaws 1:24:19 Limitations of RCTs (randomized controlled trials) 1:32:23 Wrapping up

In this episode of Iron Culture, the Erics begin by discussing Helms' prep updates and the standout performances from the recent powerlifting World Champions. The conversation also touches on body composition and attractiveness, highlighting the misconceptions in the fitness industry regarding ideal body fat levels. After that they take a deep dive into the strategies of cutting weight in various sports, comparing the approaches of powerlifting, bodybuilding, and combat sports. Finally, they explore the differences in weight cutting techniques across different sports, emphasizing the importance of planning and strategy for optimal performance. Time stamps: 00:00 Helms Prep Update and World Powerlifting Highlights 15:07 Body Composition, Attractiveness, Evolution, and the Fitness Industry 31:16 Trexler's Take On Comparing Weight Cuts in Different Sports (Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, Combat Sports) 40:32 Helms' Take On Comparing Weight Cuts in Different Sports (Powerlifting, Bodybuilding, Combat Sports) 57:11 Electrolyte Management and Hydration Techniques 1:03:05 Final Thoughts on Weight Management and Performance

In this week's episode of Iron Culture, the Erics answer a bunch of questions from listeners. More detailed description and time stamps coming soon!

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss a variety of topics related to bodybuilding, nutrition, and fitness. First they share updates on Front Page Fitness and discuss some soon-to-be-released articles from the Mass Research Review, with topics including the implications of cold exposure, how much testosterone actually impacts muscle mass, seed oils, the effects of ketogenic diets on blood lipids, and eccentric training on muscle growth. The conversation also touches on the effects of alcohol consumption, navigating excess skin after weight loss, fat loading, sodium intake, metitation to acutely impact lifting performance, the effects of creatine supplementation, circuit training, and much more.   Time stamps: Coming soon!

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Helms and Michael Zourdos reconnect and reflect on their experiences at the 2025 Sports Nutrition Association annual conference. Joined by guests Dr. Nick Washmuth and Kaylee Chism, they delve into the concept of daily 1RM training, discussing its origins, methodology, and findings from a recent study involving participants who maxed out daily. Insights from the participants reveal varied results and experiences, highlighting the mental and physical challenges of such a training protocol. The conversation also explores the importance of dosage, frequency, intensity, and the need for more empirical data to better understand the effectiveness of daily 1RM training. The episode covers various training protocols, particularly focusing on volume training and its effects on strength gains. The hosts and guests discuss personal experiences with different lifting protocols, the importance of balancing other lifts during intense training, and the recommendations for those interested in 1RM training. Additionally, they explore the intriguing concept of swearing as a performance enhancer, examining its psychological effects and potential benefits in athletic performance. Time stamps: Coming soon! Reminder:Don't forget to check out our sister podcast, Front Page Fitness, hosted by Drs. Lauren Colenso-Semple and Eric Trexler!youtube.com/@fpfpodcast

In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms and Trexler welcome Maddie McConnell, a world champion natural physique athlete, to discuss the current trends in natural bodybuilding, her journey into the sport, and the challenges that come with being a world-class physique competitor. Maddie shares her experiences transitioning from a general fitness enthusiast to a physique athlete, the significance of her recent achievements, and insights into training and preparation. In this conversation, Maddie shares her journey as a vegan bodybuilder, discussing her training regimen, nutrition strategies, and experiences during competition prep. She emphasizes the importance of variety in her diet, the role of high-protein vegan sources, and the growing acceptance of vegan athletes in the bodybuilding community. Maddie also reflects on her future aspirations in the sport and the evolving landscape of natural bodybuilding. Time stamps: Coming soon! Reminder: Don't forget to check out our sister podcast, Front Page Fitness, hosted by Drs. Lauren Colenso-Semple and Eric Trexler! youtube.com/@fpfpodcast

This is a very special episode of Iron Culture because it's the WORLD PREMIERE of "Front Page Fitness," a new podcast hosted by Drs Eric Trexler and Lauren Colenso-Semple. If you're part of the Iron Cult, these folks are no strangers - both have been on Iron Culture numerous times, and both are co-authors of the MASS Research Review. In Front Page Fitness, Eric & Lauren discuss the hottest health and fitness topics that are causing controversy, generating buzz, or dominating headlines. In other words, it's your weekly health and fitness newspaper, delivered in podcast form. Be sure to subscribe to their new podcast so you can continue enjoying their weekly episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@fpfpodcast https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/frontpagefitness/   Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 01:40 Eric & Lauren introduce the show (and themselves) 15:18 No safe level of alcohol intake? 49:42 Florida man has "cholesterol hands"

In this episode of Iron Culture, host Eric Trexler and guest Jake Remmert discuss a new meta regression paper focusing on per session set volume and its impact on hypertrophy and strength. They explore the nuances of per session training volume, the implications of the findings, and address common misconceptions in the fitness community. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the data and its limitations while providing practical applications for training. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Jake Remmert's Background and Journey 06:18 Transition to Research and Meta-Analysis 16:24 Exploring Per Session Set Volume 23:27 Methodological Approach to the Study 26:22 Results and Practical Applications 27:33 Defining Terminology and Effect Sizes 30:10 Exploring Hypertrophy and Set Volume Relationships 33:54 Practical Recommendations for Training Volume 37:43 Understanding Variance in Data and Its Implications 46:50 Transitioning to Strength Results and Their Insights 58:55 Practical Applications and Training Adjustments 01:03:26 Volume and Recovery: Finding the Balance 01:07:08 The Importance of Frequency in Training 01:10:00 Understanding Volume and Its Impact on Performance 01:12:32 Interpreting Research: The Nuances of Meta-Analysis 01:24:43 Final Thoughts

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss various topics related to fitness, nutrition, and hydration. They delve into the importance of hydration, the potential for overhydration, and the effects of vitamin C and gelatin on muscle recovery. The conversation also covers the debate between eccentric and concentric training for muscle growth, as well as the relationship between cardio and strength training. Throughout the episode, the hosts emphasize the need for evidence-based practices in fitness and nutrition, while also addressing common misconceptions in the fitness community.   To attend the upcoming SNA conference electronically and see the entire MASS team's presentations, you can find tickets here: https://sportsnutritionassociation.com/sna-annual-2025-conference/   To submit a question for us to answer on the show, head over to https://massresearchreview.com/ironculture/   Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction 04:28 Hydration: The Basics and Common Misconceptions 07:17 Research Insights on Hydration and Performance 10:26 The Impact of Dehydration on Training Adaptations 13:23 Overhydration: Risks and Considerations 16:37 Practical Hydration Tips for Athletes 19:28 Understanding Electrolytes and Hydration Strategies 22:22 Final Thoughts on Hydration and Performance 32:06 Understanding Supplements: DIM and Urine Color Changes 34:12 Vitamin C and Gelatin: Are They Worth It? 39:33 Micronutrients: The Balance of Too Much and Too Little 47:36 Eccentrics vs. Concentrics: Debunking Myths in Muscle Growth 55:24 Heart Rate Variability and Recovery: What You Need to Know 01:05:37 The Interference Effect: Cardio and Resistance Training Adaptations

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Helms and Eric Trexler engage in a lively discussion with Dr. James Steele about the evolving landscape of sports science, particularly focusing on the critiques of periodization and the importance of scientific theory in exercise research. They explore the philosophical underpinnings of scientific inquiry, the challenges of conducting robust research, and the implications of recent studies on training effects. The conversation emphasizes the need for a more theory-driven approach in exercise science to enhance the validity and applicability of research findings. In this conversation, James Steele and Eric Helms discuss the intricacies of designing meaningful studies in hypertrophy research, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, causal inference, and the need for high-powered studies. They explore the challenges of resistance training research, the significance of theory corroboration, and the future directions for the field. The discussion highlights the necessity of passion and purpose in research, advocating for a focus on practical applications and the importance of understanding the underlying mechanisms of training effects. Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction 03:55 The Role of Periodization in Sports Science 11:45 Critique of Periodization and Scientific Methodology 24:50 Philosophy of Science in Exercise Science 33:12 Understanding Sports Science Models 35:56 Philosophy of Science in Sports Research 40:00 The Importance of Critical Thinking 44:35 Diving into the Study 48:38 Theory of Adaptation in Resistance Training 54:47 Intervention Effects and Practical Implications 59:10 Meta-Analysis and Evidence in Sports Science 01:19:50 The Value of Individual Studies vs. Meta-Analyses 01:24:03 Understanding Causal Inference in Research 01:27:41 The Importance of Baseline Theory in Training 01:29:28 Identifying Small Effects in Research 01:33:16 The Role of Collaboration in Sports Science 01:38:38 Leveraging Data for Performance Insights 01:41:08 The Distinction Between Sports Science and Exercise Science 01:44:59 Learning from Other Fields: Causal Inference in Sports 01:47:29 Passion and Purpose in Research 01:50:02 Concluding Thoughts on the Future of Research

In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms and guests Conor Heffernan and Dr. Juan Carlos Casano delve into the intricate relationship between bodybuilding, performance-enhancing drugs, and athlete welfare. They discuss the historical context of bodybuilding, the cultural norms that have evolved over the years, and the alarming trends in mortality rates among bodybuilders. The conversation emphasizes the need for transparency in the sport and the impact of social media on perceptions of bodybuilding. The guests advocate for a more nuanced understanding of the issues surrounding drug use in bodybuilding and the importance of separating competitive practices from recreational bodybuilding for the sake of athlete safety. This conversation delves into the complexities of bodybuilding, focusing on the democratization of drug information, cultural issues, historical perspectives, and the impact of social media. The speakers discuss the need for regulation and safety measures in the sport, the motivations behind bodybuilding, and the legacy of past champions. They emphasize the importance of having open conversations about athlete safety and the future of bodybuilding, particularly in light of the increasing influence of social media and the need for a cultural shift within the sport. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 02:57 The Importance of Bodybuilding History 05:51 The Golden Paradox: Mortality Trends in Bodybuilding 08:58 Cultural Norms and Bodybuilding Standards 11:54 The Role of Performance Enhancing Drugs 15:03 The Need for Academic Discussion on Bodybuilding Deaths 17:56 The Shift in Bodybuilding Culture and Athlete Welfare 20:52 Natural vs Enhanced Bodybuilding 24:08 The Future of Bodybuilding and Athlete Safety 36:05 Embedding Safety in Bodybuilding Organizations 39:55 The Overton Window and Evolving Physique Standards 41:17 Athlete Safety and the Role of Competition 47:12 Historical Context of Steroid Use in Bodybuilding 54:09 Cultural Problems in Bodybuilding and Athlete Health 01:00:37 Motivations Behind Bodybuilding and Artistic Expression 01:06:59 The Legacy of Bodybuilding Champions 01:10:21 The Impact of Steroids and Judging Standards 01:12:57 The Need for Constraints in Bodybuilding 01:15:16 The Role of Social Media in Bodybuilding Culture 01:25:44 The Future of Bodybuilding and Athlete Safety

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Helms and Michael Zourdos engage in a deep discussion with Dr. Mike Ormsbee about the role of resistance training in fat oxidation and body composition. They explore how resistance training can be an effective tool for fat loss, the physiological mechanisms behind fat metabolism during exercise, and the importance of myokines and hormones in this process. The conversation challenges common perceptions about fat burning and emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of energy expenditure and body composition changes. In this conversation, Michael Zourdos and Mike Ormsbee delve into various aspects of nutrition and exercise science, emphasizing the importance of understanding the evolving nature of research. They discuss the significance of preclinical studies, the role of resistance training in fat loss, and the myth of spot reduction. The conversation also explores the interplay between glycogen and fat utilization, the implications of pre-sleep protein feeding, and the lessons learned from past research mistakes. The speakers highlight the need for collaboration in research and the ongoing exploration of nutritional timing and its effects on body composition and sleep quality. --- To stay up to date with the MASS crew, head over to massresearchreview.com (Time stamps coming soon!)

In tonight's episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss various topics related to fitness, training, and research. They share personal updates, including the toll that Helms' intense training regimen is taking on his face. The discussion then shifts to the upcoming NFL combine, highlighting the impressive athletic feats expected from past combine participants. In the main segment of the show, Trexler and Helms discuss the nuances of lengthened-biased training research – more specifically, why we shouldn't give up on the strategy just because a few studies reporting non-significant results have come along. In this conversation, Trexler and Helms explore the concept of sampling error in research, emphasizing the importance of understanding some foundational statistical concepts and the need for several studies to draw reliable conclusions. They explore the challenges of uncertainty in evidence-based practice, the balance to strike between mechanistic and empirical approaches to understanding exercise and nutrition, and the resistance to change in learning. Finally, they engage in a rapid-fire Q&A session addressing a handful of fitness-related questions. The MASS crew records Iron Culture LIVE on YouTube, Monday nights at 7pm eastern time. Be sure to join us for a future episode and say hello in the live chat!  If you'd like to submit a question or topic for us to address on an upcoming episode, please use this link:  https://massresearchreview.com/ironculture Time Stamps: 00:00 Introduction and why Trexler is worried about Helms 6:40 Q&A NFL Combine analysis Trexler 2017 Fat-Free Mass Index in NCAA Division I and II Collegiate American Football Players https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27930454/  13:18 Getting into the science with Helms' upcoming MASS article on long muscle length training Burke 2006 "Fat adaptation" for athletic performance: the nail in the coffin? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16357078/ Nunes 2022 Systematic review and meta-analysis of protein intake to support muscle mass and function in healthy adults https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35187864/ Larsen 2024 The effects of hip flexion angle on quadriceps femoris muscle hypertrophy in the leg extension exercise https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39699974/ Gschneider 2024 The effects of lengthened-partial range of motion resistance training of the limbs on arm and thigh muscle cross-sectional area https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/485/version/624 Wolf 2025 Lengthened partial repetitions elicit similar muscular adaptations as full range of motion repetitions during resistance training in trained individuals https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39959841/ Kassiano 2022 Does Varying Resistance Exercises Promote Superior Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength Gains? A Systematic Review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35438660/ Pedrosa 2023 Training in the Initial Range of Motion Promotes Greater Muscle Adaptations Than at Final in the Arm Curl https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36828324/ 29:59 Simulating a large lengthened-bias training dataset 42:28 Some points from Trexler Trexler 2019 Acute Effects of Citrulline Supplementation on High-Intensity Strength and Power Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30895562/ 1:02:56 Mechanisms vs experimental trials (uncertainty) 1:10:15 Using Large Language Models for statistical analysis (in R) 1:21:01 Q&A Rapid fire 1: Work and energy expenditure during eccentric contractions   1:23:22 Q&A Rapid fire 2: Waited vest upsides and downsides 1:25:47 Q&A Rapid fire 3: Protein recommendations for individuals who don't train their entire body 1:29:20 Q&A Rapid fire 4: Sprint cycling for quad hypertrophy   1:35:04 Wrapping up See the entire MASS team speak at the Sports Nutrition Association Annual Conference https://sportsnutritionassociation.com/sna-annual-2025-conference/

Iron Culture is officially part of the 3-plate club. In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms celebrate their milestone 315th episode while diving into various topics including testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), the efficacy of citrulline malate, training techniques for hypertrophy, managing tendinopathy, the health benefits of coffee, and programming for individuals with obesity. They also discuss how to improve training intensity and the importance of enthusiasm in lifting. Time stamps: 0:00 Introduction to another addition of Iron Culture 1:35 See the entire MASS team speak at the Sports Nutrition Association Annual Conference https://sportsnutritionassociation.com/sna-annual-2025-conference/ 5:55 Questions about testosterone replacement therapy Iron Culture Ep. 136- All About Testosterone & TRT (Yeah We Go There) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5PDtstlmJ0 Tang Fui 2017 The effects of testosterone on body composition in obese men are not sustained after cessation of testosterone treatment https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28561278/ 20:42 An update on citrulline malate 30:18 Quantifying volume of time-saving techniques Coleman 2022 Muscular Adaptations in Drop Set vs. Traditional Training: A meta-analysis https://journal.iusca.org/index.php/Journal/article/view/135 Sødal 2023 Effects of Drop Sets on Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37523092/  34:09 Eric's tips for working around tendinopathy 40:43 Is caffeine bad for teeth and substituting coffee for decaf? 47:31 Hip flexion training for rectus femoris hypertrophy 49:35 Resistance training prescription for people with obesity trying to lose weight 56:24 Defining and increasing training intensity 1:00:46 Training Hard Versus Training Smart

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Dr. Eric Helms and Dr. Eric Trexler are joined by Dr. Martin Refalo to discuss their recent meta-regression study on protein intake and its effects on muscle hypertrophy. They cover Martin's background, the initiation of the project, the methods used, and key findings, followed by a discussion of some critiques that have been generating discussion on social media platforms. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding statistical approaches in research and the implications of their findings for the fitness community. In this conversation, the Erics and Martin discuss the complexities of statistical modeling in nutrition research, the importance of parsimony, the risks of overfitting, and the challenges of controlling for covariates. The conversation also touches on the debate surrounding scaling protein recommendations by fat-free mass versus total mass, critiques of previous research on protein requirements for hypertrophy, and the ways in which these new findings support (and contradict) the authors' previously held biases. Throughout the episode, they reflect on the evolution of research in the fitness industry and the importance of engaging with critiques and feedback. Ultimately, they emphasize the need for thoughtful, contextualized, individualized application of their findings while acknowledging key limitations of their work. Time stamps: 00:00 Music 13:00 Introducing Dr Martin Refalo Iron Culture Ep. 197- Training To Failure: A Comprehensive Overview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa8Z-fUuiNU 18:23 How did we get to the meta-regression and an overview of the methods Refalo 2025 Effect of Dietary Protein on Fat-Free Mass in Energy Restricted, Resistance-Trained Individuals: An Updated Systematic Review With Meta-Regression https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/fulltext/9900/effect_of_dietary_protein_on_fat_free_mass_in.179.aspx Helms 2014 A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24092765/ 33:44 The main findings 43:53 Addressing the critiques 57:03 Scaling protein recommendations to fat-free mass vs body mass and why there was no break-point analysis Morton 2018 A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28698222/ Tagawa 2020 Dose-response relationship between protein intake and muscle mass increase: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33300582/ Nunes 2022 Systematic review and meta-analysis of protein intake to support muscle mass and function in healthy adults https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35187864/ 1:20:40 The practical recommendations 1:35:44 Types and the categorization of data and the secondary analyses Murphy 2022 Energy deficiency impairs resistance training gains in lean mass but not strength: A meta-analysis and meta-regression https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34623696/ 1:51:57 Quick Q&A Software for systematic reviews and meta-analyses 1:53:40 Final thoughts on the research and closing out Where to find Martin: Instagram @mrfitness__ https://www.instagram.com/mrfitness__/?hl=en

In today's episode of Iron Culture, co-hosts Eric Helms and Eric Trexler are joined by MASS colleague Dr. Mike Zourdos. After a brief chat about bodybuilding, powerlifting, and college football news, the crew addresses a number of questions about topics including optimal protein intake, what soreness can (or can't) tell us, detraining & retraining, vegan protein sources, heavy metals in protein supplements, training volume recommendations, pre-sleep meal guidelines, and much more. The MASS crew records Iron Culture LIVE on YouTube, Monday nights at 7pm eastern time. Be sure to join us for a future episode and say hello in the live chat! Time stamps: 0:00 Intro music 2:25 Introduction to an episode with a rare Mike Zourdos sighting Ask your questions here: https://massresearchreview.com/ironculture/ 6:30 Helms brings some bodybuilding news (with some college football chat) 17:15 2025 2025 Sheffield Powerlifting Championships recap 20:35 Preview for a future episode with Dr Refalo on recently published protein meta-regression Refalo 2025 Effect of Dietary Protein on Fat-Free Mass in Energy Restricted, Resistance-Trained Individuals: An Updated Systematic Review With Meta-Regression https://journals.lww.com/nsca-scj/fulltext/9900/effect_of_dietary_protein_on_fat_free_mass_in.179.aspx 21:55 Q&A 1 Rapid bounce back from a series of unfortunate events 27:51 Q&A 2 Is soreness useful for determining volume? Gomes 2019 High-Frequency Resistance Training Is Not More Effective Than Low-Frequency Resistance Training in Increasing Muscle Mass and Strength in Well-Trained Men https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29489727/ 40:25 Q&A 3 Protein ‘rapid fire': vegan options, protein supplementation, and heavy metal contamination Nunes 2022 Systematic review and meta-analysis of protein intake to support muscle mass and function in healthy adults https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35187864/ 1:06:10 Q&A 4 Strength progress, muscle growth and neurological adaptations Pelland 2024 The Resistance Training Dose-Response: Meta-Regressions Exploring the Effects of Weekly Volume and Frequency on Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength Gain https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/460 Ralston 2017 The Effect of Weekly Set Volume on Strength Gain: A Meta-Analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28755103/ 1:13:06 Q&A 5 Individual volume recommendation specificity 1:25:01 Q&A 6 Pre-sleep meal timing and other habits for sleep quality 1:36:07 Closing out and a preview for next week's live episode --- Music credit: Airport Lounge - Disco Ultralounge by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Source: https://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100806 Artist: http://incompetech.com/

In Episode 311 of Iron Culture, hosts Dr. Eric Trexler, Dr. Eric Helms, and Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple deliver a comprehensive exploration of hormones, health, and performance optimization. The episode opens with a deep dive into recent research on stretching protocols and muscle adaptations, examining groundbreaking case studies that challenge conventional wisdom about flexibility training and muscle growth.   The centerpiece of this episode focuses on demystifying menopause, with the hosts providing an evidence-based breakdown of symptoms, treatment options, and common misconceptions about hormone therapy. They tackle the complex landscape of medical misinformation head-on, offering listeners practical guidance for seeking specialized care and making informed health decisions. The discussion extends to critical examinations of hormonal contraceptives and their relationship with breast cancer risk, providing nuanced insights into inflammation mechanisms and risk assessment. The episode concludes with an illuminating segment on male hormone replacement therapy and "andropause," building on their previous coverage of testosterone optimization.   The MASS crew records Iron Culture LIVE on YouTube, Monday nights at 7pm eastern time. Be sure to join us for a future episode and say hello in the live chat!   Time Stamps: 0:00 Introduction and Eric's upcoming contest prep plan 3:34 Calf stretching case study breakdown 22:33 Why you need to listen to the following section 28:12 Menopause information and symptoms 40:49 Menopause and hormone therapy misinformation 50:54 The BS asymmetry principle, seeking specialist attention, and science communication 1:01:50 Breast cancer risk and inflammation with hormonal contraceptives 1:12:58 "Man-opause" and hormone replacement therapy for men 1:24:48 Wrapping up

In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms and Trex discuss a variety of evidence-based fitness topics. In this conversation, Dr. Trexler and Dr. Helms delve into the complexities of muscle gain, recovery, and the role of nutrition in performance. They discuss the nuances of identifying plateaus in training, the impact of training volume, the importance of food quality, and how psychological factors can influence recovery and performance. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to training volume and exercise selection, as well as the impact of nutrition on overall health and performance in bodybuilding. They also discuss modern theories and practical applications surrounding body weight regulation and the neurophysiological factors influencing obesity. They explore the gravitosat theory, discuss the implications of muscle gain on body weight regulation, and examine the concept of upper and lower intervention points. Additionally, they touch on powerlifting training strategies and the significance of volume in strength training.   Time stamps: 0:00 Music 5:08 Intro 14:48 Navigating Injuries and Recovery 23:42 Volume and Progression in Training 24:28 Understanding Plateaus in Muscle Gain 45:07 The Role of Food Quality in Performance 59:50 Exploring Bodyweight Regulation and Intervention Points 1:04:26 Exploring the Gravitostat Theory 1:10:05 Muscle Gain and Body Weight Regulation 1:12:04 Understanding Lower Intervention Points 1:15:28 Neurophysiology and Weight Regulation 1:23:50 Practical Applications of Body Weight Theories 1:29:00 Powerlifting Insights and Training Strategies

In this episode of Iron Culture presented by MASS, Dr. Eric Trexler and Dr. Eric Helms explore the science and debate surrounding lengthened partials, a training technique often celebrated for its hypertrophy and strength benefits. Drawing on recent studies, they discuss how emerging evidence challenges some hyperbolic claims of lengthened partials as a superior training method, suggesting instead that their effectiveness is highly context-dependent. The hosts advocate for viewing lengthened partials as a complementary, rather than revolutionary, tool in exercise programming. After the main discussion, the episode transitions into a series of listener questions, with Dr. Trexler sharing his renewed enthusiasm for training (and his current approach to training) as he recovers from surgery. The hosts also address topics like the importance of omega-3 intake during low-fat diets, the diminishing returns of high training volumes, practical applications of two-a-day training splits, and the impact of high-protein diets on digestive health, emphasizing fiber and dietary diversity. They also discuss caffeine's role in sleep disruption, underlining caffeine timing as an easy way to improve sleep quality, among many other topics. The MASS crew records Iron Culture LIVE on YouTube, every Monday night at 7pm eastern time. Be sure to join us for a future episode and say hello in the live chat!  If you'd like to submit a question or topic for us to address on an upcoming episode, please use this link:  https://massresearchreview.com/office-hours/ Time stamps: (coming soon) --- Music credit: Airport Lounge - Disco Ultralounge by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-... Artist: http://incompetech.com/

In this crossover episode of Iron Culture, co-hosts Danny Lennon and Eric Trexler are joined by fitness professional and fellow Sports Nutrition Association (SNA) advisory board member Laurin Conlin. Together, they dive into the complex relationship between mental health, physique sports, and fitness coaching. Laurin shares her personal experiences and insights on how disordered eating and body image issues often arise in competitive physique sports, and how these behaviors can permeate into the broader fitness space. The conversation highlights strategies for recognizing and reducing harmful behaviors, the importance of revisiting problematic terminology in the industry, and the value of maintaining a holistic perspective in coaching. Practical advice for fitness practitioners is grounded in evidence-based approaches like motivational interviewing, helping coaches better support clients navigating these challenges. The episode concludes with resources for learning more about the SNA and its initiatives in advancing sports nutrition practice. Time stamps: 00:00 Introducing Laurin to this SNA crossover episode 06:05 What got Laurin into the mental health space and where does physique sport cross into disordered eating/body image disorder? 15:02 Recognising and reducing harmful behaviours and cognitions associated with competing in physique sport  28:20 Laurin's personal experiences and physique sport behaviours permeating into general health and fitness  35:51 Problematic terminology and looking at the bigger picture 45:51 Advice for health practitioners to help clients in this area Clifford & Curtis (2016) Motivational interviewing in nutrition and fitness. https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2015-33705-000 58:22 Closing out and where to find more information on the Sport Nutrition Association Website https://sportsnutritionassociation.com/ Board Members https://sportsnutritionassociation.com/advisory-board/

In this episode of Iron Culture, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms begin with a brief discussion of Trex's recent MASS article on the misapplication of modern pain science in the fitness industry. They then discuss the nuances of protein recommendations, debating the merits of using body weight versus fat-free mass as a basis for determining protein needs. The conversation also touches on current research trends in protein intake and hypertrophy. Trexler and Helms move on to discuss the effects of electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) on hypertrophy, the impact of aging on hypertrophy and training volume benchmarks, lengthened partials as a training technique, adaptation to cold training environments, the impact of biomechanics on injury, the psychological aspects of motivation in training, and more.   The MASS crew records Iron Culture LIVE on YouTube, every Monday night at 7pm eastern time. Be sure to join us for a future episode and say hello in the live chat!   If you'd like to submit a question or topic for us to address on an upcoming episode, please use this link:   https://massresearchreview.com/office-hours/   Time stamps: 00:00 Introduction: the MASS Black Friday Sale and Journal Club https://massresearchreview.com/ 7:47  Discussion on Pain Science and Misapplication in Fitness 15:25 Protein Recommendations: Body Weight vs. Fat-Free Mass Helms 2014 A systematic review of dietary protein during caloric restriction in resistance trained lean athletes: a case for higher intakes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24092... 23:57  Current Research in Protein Intake and Hypertrophy Tagawa 2020 Dose-response relationship between protein intake and muscle mass increase: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33300... Morton 2018 A systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression of the effect of protein supplementation on resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength in healthy adults https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28698... 26:26 Protein Recommendations and Controversies Nunes 2022 Systematic review and meta-analysis of protein intake to support muscle mass and function in healthy adults https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35187... 35:02 EMS for Hypertrophy 42:50 Age and Hypertrophy: Adjusting Volume for Older Lifters Pelland 2024 The Resistance Training Dose-Response: Meta-Regressions Exploring the Effects of Weekly Volume and Frequency on Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength Gain https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/serve... 50:16 Trexler's Lengthened Partials Experience 54:57 Adapting to Training in the Cold 1:00:07 Asymmetries, Biomechanics, and Injury 1:08:08 Protein Requirements: Why is Everyone So Confident about 1.6g/kg/day? 1:11:39 Motivation in a Demotivating Environment and Goalsetting 1:27:51 Final Points on Motivation  1:31:48 Closing Out   --- Turn your videos into live streams with https://restream.io   --- Music credit: Airport Lounge - Disco Ultralounge by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/... Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-... Artist: http://incompetech.com/

In this Iron Culture, Sigma Nutrition Radio, SNA crossover, Dr. Joe Klemczewski returns! Dr. Joe, possibly the first online bodybuilding coach and person to advise clients to track macros before IIFYM was an acronym, joins us to reflect on the past and help us navigate the future. In the modern information age, there is more information than ever, which is a good thing, right? Perhaps, except that there is also more misinformation and disinformation than ever as well. While the evidence-based movement solved the problem of information inadequacy, we now face a much more complex problem of information illiteracy. What can you do to better navigate the “fake news” littering all aspects of social media, especially the nutrition space, and how can you facilitate better critical thinking in your clients and followers to reduce the likelihood they will undertake harmful diets? In this episode we tackle just that, discussing how paying attention to history and social changes can provide protection against modern fads.   Time stamps: 00:00 Danny, Erich? And sending our condolences to the listeners https://raskolapparel.com/ 02:37 Re-introducing Dr. Joe Klemczewski 09:57 Changes in science 18:01 Science education for the consumer 26:53 How Dr. Joe communicates science with nuance to different audiences and how society (and social media) operates to perpetuate beliefs 36:59 Discerning truth and fact from context – using the recent meta-regressions on volume and frequency as an example Pelland 2024 The Resistance Training Dose-Response: Meta-Regressions Exploring the Effects of Weekly Volume and Frequency on Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength Gain https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/460 51:00 The psychology of persuasion 59:34 Embedding heuristics and the utility of AI in academia 1:09:50 Broader trends in society, marketing strategies and delivering what is expected 1:21:46 Recapping the episode and closing out (be wary of Eric's positivity propaganda)

Even among the many monster episodes of Iron Culture, today's episode truly stands out. First, the MASS crew discusses this new era of Iron Culture and lets the cult know what they can expect as the show pushes forward and climbs to new heights. After that, the crew has an insightful discussion about the science of satellite cells – what they are, when they might (or might not) matter, and how they intersect with many hypertrophy-related topics, such as sex differences, aging, muscle damage, and factors that limit long-term muscle growth. The MASS crew records Iron Culture LIVE on YouTube, every Monday night at 7pm eastern time. Be sure to join us for a future episode and say hello in the live chat! If you'd like to submit a question or topic for us to address on an upcoming episode, please use this link: https://massresearchreview.com/office-hours/   Time stamps 0:00 Intro 0:21 Big announcements about the future of Iron Culture and MASS Office Hours 5:10 Helms reflects on “the merger” 7:04 Re-introducing Dr. Mike Zourdos 17:53 Re-introducing Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple 26:38 Dr. Helms' recent research 30:46 Dr. Trexler's current research 34:20 A primer on satellite cells 49:31 The role of satellite cells during growth/maturation and during use of exogenous anabolics 51:21 Sex differences and exogenous anabolics 53:52 The impact of aging on satellite cells and their function 58:54 Do satellite cell responses to muscle damage play a major role in muscle growth? 1:02:37 Do satellite cells and myonuclear domain theory become more relevant for muscle growth when the magnitude of growth becomes more substantial? 1:10:01 Does hard training induce muscle hyperplasia? 1:19:06 If meaningful muscle hyperplasia does occur in response to resistance training, does that impact how we should approach or design training programs? 1:24:39 Wrapping up

I'm going to break the fourth wall here and speak directly to our dear listeners. When we started this podcast almost six years ago, I never imagined it would last this long or become such a fixture in the community. The goal was always to create a space aimed at enriching the listener's appreciation and understanding of lifting. I want to thank every single person who has tuned in, supported throughout the years and engaged with us in this journey. I feel very confident in the future direction of Iron Culture with the two Erics taking lead. We'll catch you in that next episode from now, until the end of time. With heartfelt gratitude, Omar Time stamps: 00:00 Erics… Omar 03:09 Reviewing reviews (including one from Dr. RayGun) 08:04 Future horizons and looking back 19:56 Trexler's anniversary and some reflections 27:20 Climate change isn't real… the science is the science and a quick update on the Iron Culture documentary 31:40 Trexler's commentary and how he came to be on the cult 42:24 Helms reflects on some memorable episodes and guests 48:52 The Iron Culture mission statement 56:51 The future of Iron Culture (including the interview of a certain guest) 1:08:50 The running Iron Culture jokes 1:16:14 Coming full circle with some final thoughts

In this crossover episode of Iron Culture and MASS Office Hours, Dr. Trexler is joined by special guest Josh Pelland, a coach for Data Driven and a PhD candidate at Florida Atlantic University, to discuss Pelland's recent meta-analysis which investigates the effects of training volume and frequency on hypertrophy and strength outcomes. These data have created a lot of stir in the evidence based community as very high volumes seem to be associated with hypertrophy without a definitive plateau. But as you can expect, there's much more to the story. The analysis synthesizes data from numerous studies and quantifies dose-response relationships by which higher training volumes and/or frequencies may lead to greater strength and muscle gains in response to resistance training. In a thorough discussion of the paper, Pelland discusses nuances, such as the point of diminishing returns where further volume or frequency may yield less significant gains, and highlights how individual factors like training experience and muscle group-specific responses affect outcomes. Practical recommendations include tailoring volume to individual needs, utilizing periodization and volume cycling to maximize adaptations, and addressing common pitfalls such as overtraining. Further, in this live episode audience questions drive deeper exploration into the practical implications of the findings and strategies for optimizing training programs based on current evidence. If you liked this crossover, remember the MASS crew goes live for Office Hours every Wednesday night at 7pm eastern time. Be sure to join them for a future episode! 0:00 Introduction to another official crossover episode  MASS Office Hours Episode 58 (Is More Volume Always Better?) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HErS8Hw12k  02:00 Getting to know Josh Pelland   07:35 An overview of Josh's new preprint Pelland 2024 The Resistance Training Dose-Response: Meta-Regressions Exploring the Effects of Weekly Volume and Frequency on Muscle Hypertrophy and Strength Gain https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/460 Data Driven Strength Podcast - Volume and Hypertrophy: New Science Explained | S2E1 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKRAVrf-798&t=0s Data Driven Strength Podcast - Frequency and Hypertrophy: New Science Explained | S2E2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rxOj92Q4p8  14:01 The search strategy and volume/frequency quantification method comparison 25:43 Statistical models  30:51 Volume results 39:32 Volume efficiency tiers  1:08:47 Frequency results  1:16:43 Q&A Question 1: How was the volume of different exercises quantified? 1:18:36 Question 2: Disconnect between theoretical vs practical optimum? 1:25:00 Question 3: How were different set structures, intensification techniques, and proximity-to-failure accounted for? 1:28:55 Question 4: Recommendations for 6x/week Full Body Powerbuilding training? 1:30:53 Question 5: The potential effects of different partials and ranges of motion?  1:34:45 Question 6: Did the studies measure both hypertrophy and strength outcomes? 1:36:10 Question 7: Strength training recommendations for sprint cyclers? 1:39:03 Question 8: Upper vs lower body set volume tolerance? 1:40:45 Question 9: Moderator analyses on the impact of training status? 1:42:50 Question 10: How do you know if you are performing too much volume? 1:46:36 Wrapping up and where to find Josh Data Driven Strength YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@datadrivenstrength  Instagram @josh.datadrivenstrength https://www.instagram.com/josh.datadrivenstrength/?hl=en 

The Iron Culture universe is expanding! In this crossover episode the host of Sigma Nutrition Radio, Danny Lennon, joins Eric Helms to co-host! Dr. Cliff Harvey, who did his PhD on ketogenic diets at AUT, joins Danny and Eric to discuss the often conflicting research and anecdotes on the effect of carbohydrates on lifting performance, adaptations and body composition change. Eric, Danny and Cliff are all on the Sports Nutrition Association (SNA) advisory board - an organisation dedicated to supporting the profession of sports nutrition. The board is packed with nutrition experts with a ton of experience. This is the first of many crossover episodes to come where Iron Culture, Sigma Nutrition Radio, and the SNA combine forces to bring you the best practical, science-based nutrition content possible!

In this Iron Culture episode Dr. Helms sits down with fellow 3DMJ coaches and Iron Culture veterans Brian Minor and Alberto Nunez for a spirited debate about who they each think are the top 5 natural male bodybuilders of all time. Bodybuilding is where art and culture meet science, where science meets sport, and if you are a fan of natural bodybuilding and its history, you will love this episode. Listen in as they struggle to even agree on a criteria for someone to be The Natty GOAT, learn little-known facts about the early years of Kai Greene's career when he was natural, and pay careful attention to the honourable mentions, as there are many potential candidates, for the “Mt. Rushmore plus one” of natty competitive bodybuilding.

This week 2x 66kg IPF Open World Champion Panagiotis “Pana” Tarinidis joins Eric Helms on Iron Culture to discuss the state of modern powerlifting. The two of them recently joined legends, phenoms, leaders and top thinkers of the sport like John Haack, Greg Nuckols, Lya Bavoil and others at the 2024 European Powerlifting Conference in Limerick Ireland. The existence of such events is emblematic of powerlifting's growth, but so too is just how competitive IPF powerlifting has become. At 2024 IPF Worlds the podium for the 66kg class was decided by bodyweight, as all three men had identical totals. In this interview Pana shares what it takes to stay in the fight in modern powerlifting, how hard it is to vie for a championship title when the competition is so tight, and the mindset, passion, and focus it requires.

The classic Iron Culture duo hosts this week's episode to discuss exercise variety. How have the views on this topic changed over the years and why? First, we need to understand how and when bodybuilding separated from strength sport, equipment availability changes over time, and how these factors impacted the perception of exercise variety. From the Weider “Muscle Confusion Principle” to motor learning concepts like varied practice, there's been discussion of exercise variety in both the trenches and research for decades. In the modern era, concepts like regional hypertrophy and more nuanced understanding of functional anatomy have become more common and widely understood and accepted, leading to the acceptance that at least for hypertrophy, higher exercise variety is necessary to maximise the development of specific muscle groups. But, as they say, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Many without a sufficiently complete understanding of anatomy make errors when it comes to claims about exercise selection and variety for bodybuilding. So listen in on this episode as we talk through the history, science and culture of exercise variety for hypertrophy, as well as strength!

Save 20% on all Nuzest Products WORLDWIDE with the code MIKKIPEDIA at www.nuzest.co.nz, www.nuzest.com.au or www.nuzest.comCurranz Supplement: Use code MIKKIPEDIA to get 20% off your first order - go to www.curranz.co.nz  or www.curranz.co.uk to order yours This week on the podcast Mikki speaks to one of the OGs in the strength, fitness, diet and science space, Dr Eric Trexler. Eric was one of the first on the internet (it seems) to really dive into metabolic adaptation and what that means for anyone who embarks on a calorie restricted diet. Mikki and Eric discuss how this differs to the constrained energy expenditure model, the interplay of diet and exercise in both of these and strategies to help overcome for better overall health and performance. They also discuss how his understanding of metabolism has evolved over time.Eric on Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-trexler-19b8a9154/Iron Culture https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/iron-culture/id1452114380MASS Research Review https://massresearchreview.com/Eric on IG https://www.instagram.com/trexlerfitness/?hl=en Eric is cofounder of MASS research review and cohost on Iron Culture podcast. En route to an MA in Exercise and Sports Science and a PhD in Human Movement Science, he obtained extensive experience in research design, data collection, and advanced statistical analysis. To date, he has published 58 peer-reviewed papers pertaining to a wide range of health parameters in diverse participant populations.Since graduate school, he has pursued multiple entrepreneurial endeavours related to health, wellness, and technology. He is currently a postdoctoral researcher at Duke University where he studies health behaviour, health disparities, and the intersections between physical activity, nutrition, energy expenditure, and cardiometabolic health. Contact Mikki:https://mikkiwilliden.com/https://www.facebook.com/mikkiwillidennutritionhttps://www.instagram.com/mikkiwilliden/https://linktr.ee/mikkiwilliden

The trio is back to discuss a classic Iron Culture topic: how much does increasing muscle mass contribute to strength? But, before we can answer how much, we must acknowledge that some in the scientific community doubt whether hypertrophy contributes to strength at all! What is the source of this skepticism and how do we resolve this debate? Tune in to learn not only how getting jacked impacts strength, but also the importance of study design, what is needed to make causal inferences, and how to make conclusions in the absence of ideal data.

PhD candidate Ryan Anthony joins the Erics on Iron Culture to discuss the fishy business of Omega-3 supplementation. Ryan is in the final years of his PhD research at the University of Wollongong in Australia, investigating the role of omega-3 fatty acids in reducing muscle fatigue and soreness following exercise. His research has identified consistent methodological issues in many of the studies on the topic, which may explain why omega-3 data has become more mixed in recent years. In this episode you'll learn exactly what omega-3 fatty acids are, how they function in the body, the difference between EPA and DHA and the relevance of their differences, if it is worth supplementing with omega-3s, and whether most supplements on the market are actually properly formulated to provide the potential positive impact sometimes observed in research.

Walter Cariazo joins Omar and Eric Helms on Iron Culture to discuss his decade-long journey in powerlifting. He's won the 93kg National Championship twice and the 105kg National Championship once in Canada and has had the opportunity to represent Canada twice at the IPF World Championship, most recently in Lithuania in June. In this most recent competition, he was a dark horse for the podium, as he placed 4th in the 105kg class, getting the opportunity to pull for the bronze medal position, which would have secured him a spot in the first World Games in 2025 to include the raw division. While this in and of itself is worth highlighting, most impressively, Walter has continually progressed in his decade in the sport, despite a busy, demanding work and life schedule. He is a full-time medical radiation technologist, in addition to working as a videographer (you may have seen him on Omar's YouTube channel) and photographer. The perennial lifelong lifter, Walter embodies the spirit of iron culture as a “blue-collar powerlifter” who is optimizing his lifting pursuits within the constraints of life - approaching the pinnacle of the sport while doing so.

The most dynamic Iron Culture duo is back in action. In this episode, Omar and Dr. Trexler talk all about pain, injury, and factors that impact the relationship between them. Back in the day, most lifters were all-in on the “Cartesian” or “biomedical” model of pain, which posits that pain is a simple, reliable indicator of damaged tissue causing nociceptors to send a “pain signal” to the brain. Nowadays, the “biopsychosocial” and “fear-avoidance” models are all the rage in the evidence-based lifter circles. These models are a major upgrade, but there are still some pervasive misunderstandings and misinterpretations of these models in the lifting world. In this episode, Omar and Dr. Trexler try to provide some clarity on the matter using research, anecdote, and a decade-old textbook on Dr. Trexler's bookshelf.

Powerlifters use techniques to milk every last kilo out of their bench press, including wide grips, tightly wound wrist wraps, leg drive, and – the most hated technique in the comment section – an arched-back to reduce the range of motion. Indeed, it can get so heated in the comments it likely even influenced an IPF rule change last year. But how many kilos does an arch really give you? How many bench pressers did this rule change impact, and was there really a need for the rule changes? Further, why do we apply a different standard for what is considered “cheating” to different lifts or athletic movements, like technical manipulation in high jump, or weightlifting? In this episode you'll get the full complement of the Iron Culture themes: we discuss the current culture around the IPF rule change and contemporary perspectives on arched bench press, the history of the clean and press in Olympic weightlifting up to 1972 which has some very interesting parallels, and finally a recently published study which attempted to quantify how much an arch increases bench press 1RM. 00:00 Intro to an episode about when Powerlifting was Powerlifting 03:33 The good old IPF and their regulations 08:40 The bench press rule change 15:23 The motivating factor for the rule change 20:01 Trexler's technique and thoughts on the rules Barbend article: https://barbend.com/ipf-bench-press-rule-change-2023/ 26:22 The history of Olympic weightlifting and Powerlifting and the change in rules 38:39 The Fosbury flop and the perception of different movements and innovations 44:52 Athletes finding ways to maximise performances within rules  57:16 A recent study on arching in the bench press Bartolomei 2024 Flat-Back vs. Arched-Back Bench Press: Examining the Different Techniques Performed by Power Athletes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38551927/ 1:05:38 The nature of the fragile ego and the final point on the perspective of the spectator

Fresh off of their successful doctoral defenses, Lauren and Kim join Iron Culture to discuss all things menstrual-cycle related for lifters! Dr. Helms had the pleasure of mentoring Kim, who recently completed her PhD at AUT, in which she surveyed and monitored the menstrual cycle symptoms of resistance-training women, and also led an intervention of mindfulness-based yoga to see the impact on menstrual cycle symptom severity. These findings are complemented by Lauren's PhD research, recently completed at Stu Phillips lab at McMaster University, where she looked at muscle protein fractional responses to resistance training in women during different menstrual cycle phases. Covering both the applied and mechanistic side of the equation, this Roundtable discussion led by the Erics gives you the cutting-edge low down on whether or not menstrual cycle phased based training is all that it's hyped up to be.

Trextopia, this is your episode. We peel back the layers of pro natural bodybuilder, exercise science researcher & co-host of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler. Learn how he got into lifting, what low bar squatting 500lb ATG will do to your body & why there might be more controversy in Iron Culture's near future. This might be the peak of Iron Culture but Trexler is no fan of peak weeks. 00:00 Introduction to an episode with Eric without the other Eric 03:06 An inside peak into Trexler's day as a scientist (Trex lore)  09:42 Trexler's foray into powerlifting 19:47 T-Nation and what informed Trexler's training practices 27:12 Wrestling, lifting, and experimenting with training 36:02 Change of perspective: different approaches to training 42:44 The evolution of Trexler's training and getting into science 48:37 “Optimisation” for bodybuilding and peaking (Helm's hat cameo) 1:00:45 The pros and cons of different approaches 1:04:53 Diving into different research topics and the recent challenges in Trexler's fitness journey  1:16:57 Growing and learning from the experiences (and the return of the T-Rex) 1:30:41 Closing out this monster episode 

We here at Iron Culture have been on a mission to better inform you, dear listener, as to the inner workings of science. From what goes on in the lab itself, to the publication process, to dissemination, to eventual meta-analysis, the challenge of interpretation and communication of science, the optimistic promises of open science, and the increasing focus on replication, it's been a hopefully eye-opening and overall encouraging discussion. However, while the scientific method is inherently self-correcting, the apparatus of science is far from perfect and there is a big problem with its principle tool of correcting the peer-reviewed record: retraction. What leads to a paper being retracted? What is the process? How does it impact the literature? Most importantly, does it effectively change the understanding of the science in the community the studies are meant to serve? Join the Erics in this most recent episode as they break it all down!

Whitney Houston said it best: “I believe the children are our future, teach them well and let them lead the way.” Here at Iron Culture, we're old, irrelevant and out of touch. But, we believe in platforming the next generation of educators to carry on the torch (or at least pandering so they'll platform us in return when we can no longer pay the bills). In this Roundtable we're joined by Dr Milo Wolf, Dr. Pak and first time guest Max Coleman, to discuss the challenges of growing a following using social media in 2024 as an evidence based content creator. The game has changed what worked for us, won't be as successful, and striking the right balance is not easy, and getting it wrong comes with lash back. Are we all just doing more harm than good? Join us as we discuss!

Dr. Pak is back on Iron Culture for his third appearance! This time, he sat down with Omar and Dr. Helms for a meta-discussion on the challenges of science communication. How do you maintain credibility when you're using social media as a science communication tool? This challenge has changed, but it isn't new by any means. The “Sagan effect” describes the well-researched phenomenon by which the scientific community perceives other scientists who get more media exposure as less legitimate scientists - despite the fact that, on average, scientists more active in science communication typically publish slightly more often and with a higher impact than scientists less active in science communication. In modern times, however, the incentive structures are different, and many instances of expert creep, “selling out” and pseudoscience have been propagated on social media by some academics or members of the medical community. In this episode we discuss the challenges of attempting to communicate science without being criticized for doing so, how this has and hasn't changed over time, and the instances of gatekeeping which are ultimately counterproductive to increasing scientific literacy.

After their recent reconciliation, the Erics got together for this duo episode to bond over their mutual love of protein. But, dear listener, this might not be the home-cooked high-protein meal you hoped for. Dr. Trexler tackles the question of whether or not, GASP, protein restriction might extend lifespan! Then, to add insult to injury, the Erics dig into the question of whether or not plant-based protein sources could be superior to animal sources for improving healthy aging! Along the way, you'll also learn about the limitations of both epidemiological and mechanistic protein research, and how the two can complement each other to lead to more robust conclusions. So grab your pea protein shakes - or maybe your protein-free placebo - and tune in for another monster episode of Iron Culture.

As you know, Iron Culture reps the neutral to positive gang around these parts. While most new supplements released to the market don't pan out as effective, some do. So, if preliminary data supports the potential efficacy of a new supplement, why not try it out? The only potential downside of trying a new supplement is wasted money, right? Not so fast. In this episode the Erics duo explains why the typical supplement consumer is not accurately weighing the true potential cost of supplement investment. Unbelievably, some data indicates 10-30% of all supplements are contaminated - you heard that right. Could that be true? If so, why and how is this happening and what can you do about it? Join us to find out!

The trio is back on the heels of THE Sheffield 2024, the biggest powerlifting competition to date, which outdid its inaugural 2023 performance. Once again, the 12 best IPF-unequipped women and men clashed in a cross-weight class competition ranked by their total as a percentage of their respective world record. This meet incentivizes going BIG, rewarding cash prizes for both placing and breaking individual lift records, with over $500k USD up for grabs, boy did it deliver. The sold out crowd watched the first ever 300kg women's squat in sleeves by Sonita Muluh, and Jesus Olivares break Ray Williams' squat world record. Women's champion Agata Sitko totalled an astonishing 600kg at 69kg, benching an incredible 152kg, annihilating the 69kg total record by 51kg alongside 10 additional women who totalled over the world record. Without question, powerlifting is on the rise, and there is a lot to discuss, so make sure to listen in! 00:00 A synchronised intro, reviewing reviews, and an Iron Culture goal 12:30 Moving onto Sheffield 2024: the rundown 22:00 Development in the sport of Powerlifting 29:03 The men's side and the KoTL predictions 42:02 Trexler's take and the limitations measuring the body composition of large individuals Slater 2011 Nutrition guidelines for strength sports: sprinting, weightlifting, throwing events, and bodybuilding https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21660839/ 1:02:42 Segue back to Sheffield and some insider information 1:13:43 What Sheffield means for Powerlifting and a broad recap   1:17:39 Trexler addresses the nasty rumours and men's physique before we close out Iron Culture Ep. 33- Pain Science, Injury & Rehab https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-S8nThxpqY 

In classic Iron Culture throwback style, it's just Omar and Dr. Helms on this one, while the leader of Trex-topia is away at a conference. Omar and Eric give you the classic banter you love, go over reviews, and even engage in an off-the-cuff discussion of the health at every size movement. Then, they get to the meat of the conversation, a recent paper published on whether or not a lumbopelvic movement screen can predict back pain in powerlifters. What can this study teach us about the links between pain, injury, and movement in powerlifting? Tune in to find out! 00:00 Intro to Omar's bulk and Eric's end-stage recovery 02:30 The power hour duo episode and reviewing reviews 12:00 The obesity epidemic Iron Culture Ep. 146- What The Fitness Industry Gets Wrong About The Obesity Epidemic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfAbKeiAuII  Iron Culture Ep. 147- What The Fitness Industry Gets Wrong About The Obesity Epidemic Pt 2 (ft. Spencer Nadolsky) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tJ1uXpyuu94  30:20 On to the topic: paradigm shifts in pain science Iron Culture Ep. 33- Pain Science, Injury & Rehab (Barbell Medicine/Clinical Athlete/3DMJ) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B-S8nThxpqY  Pomarensky 2022 Management of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Through a Biopsychosocial Lens https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35439311/  Kamper 2014 Multidisciplinary biopsychosocial rehabilitation for chronic low back pain https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25180773/  42:00 Breaking down the study: the chicken or the egg? Larsson 2024 Lumbopelvic movement control in powerlifters with and without low back pain https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38070289/   Luomajoki 2008 Movement control tests of the low back; evaluation of the difference between patients with low back pain and healthy controls https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19108735/ Weyrauch 2015 Association between rotation-related impairments and activity type in people with and without low back pain https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25933914/  Spence 2023 Range of Motion Predicts Performance in National-Level New Zealand Male Powerlifters https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36515597/  58:34 The end of the first power hour and Eric's final thoughts

You've seen Iron Culture MASScasts before, but none quite like this.   In this very special episode of Iron Culture, we're co-publishing the most recent episode of MASS Office Hours, which is a live podcast run by the good people over at the MASS Research Review (Dr. Eric Trexler, Dr. Eric Helms, Dr. Mike Zourdos, and soon-to-be-doctor Lauren Colenso-Semple). The MASS crew does this live (and totally free) Q&A every Wednesday night on YouTube. They also offer episodes to all major podcast platforms so you can catch the replay at your convenience.   In this episode of MASS Office Hours, Dr. Eric Trexler and Dr. Mike Zourdos answer questions submitted by listeners and viewers in the live chat. Topics include response variation, individualizing training, movement screens, rest days, protein intake recommendations and consistency across the week, the interference effect, exercise variation and joint pain, muscle and strength loss during deloads, volume cycling and “resensitization,” the effects of alcohol on metabolism and body composition, the pros and cons of caffeine, and much more.   If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to their channel on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform!     Time stamps:    0:00 Introduction 6:32 Response variation and individualizing training prescriptions. 27:36 Using movement screens to assess capability or injury risk 34:23 Doing a little bit of exercise on a “rest” day 39:10 Protein intake recommendations and consistency across the week. 51:23 Rucking and the interference effect 57:37 Exercise variation and joint pain 1:07:06 Muscle and strength loss during deloads 1:12:25 Volume cycling and “resensitization” 1:22:31 Effects of alcohol on metabolism and body composition. 1:27:42 Recommendations from Eric's bookshelf 1:30:49 The pros and cons of caffeine

In our third interview following the 2023 natural bodybuilding season, we sit down with another historic champion with a truly outlier series of performances. This time, Australian phenom Beccy Pateman joined the Erics on Iron Culture to discuss her season, which culminated not only in her winning her WNBF pro card in both Figure and Fit Body, but also winning the WNBF pro world fit body title. As we've discussed, for an athlete to turn pro in the WNBF and win a pro world title in the same season is incredibly rare. Further, the weekend prior to WNBF worlds, Beccy won the Professional Natual Olympia Figure title in the INBA/PNBA. Winning two world titles, relatively early in one's career, in two different federations, and in two different divisions nonetheless, is an even more incredible feat, which only a handful of athletes have ever done in the history of natural bodybuilding. Indeed, the athletes who have done so have, in most cases, gone on to become legends of natural bodybuilding. How did Beccy do it? What did it take for her to get to this point in her career and what is in store for her? Join us to find out! 00:00 Dr Trexler… Dr Helms…  05:22 Introducing Beccy 14:54 The timeline of Beccy's journey 20:48 A recap of Beccy's season 31:22 Testing for Natural Bodybuilding: urinalysis and polygraph testing 38:28 Winning her pro card at WNBF Australia and competing at The Natural Olympia 43:18 Competing in two divisions and working with Joey Cantlin 48:45 Beccy's WNBF Pro debut and potential for the bodybuilding division 59:38 The recovery and what helped Beccy have such a successful season 1:11:50 Transitioning from recovery to off-season 1:14:50 Final words and where to find Beccy Instagram @beccypateman https://www.instagram.com/beccypateman/  Unrivalledphysiques Coaching Instagram @unrivalledphysiques https://www.instagram.com/unrivalledphysiques/ Website https://unrivalledphysiques.wixsite.com/onlinecoaching 

Layne Norton and Eric Helms have some similarities in their areas of interest and expertise as well as their career paths. However, they have different personalities and distinct approaches to science communication. That's what makes this one on one discussion between Eric and Layne interesting and relevant. Each approach has its pros and cons in terms of reach, impact, and effectiveness. Dr Layne Norton joins Iron Culture for the first time in this episode to candidly discuss the importance and challenges of science communication in the modern age where good information is abundant, but good interpretation is sparse. There is a lot to think about in this interview for both content creators and consumers, so make sure to tune in! 00:00 Iron Culture… Layne… (Norton) 06:18 Layne's philosophy for disseminating science and who to listen to 23:10 Competing with non-evidence-based personalities and effective marketing 42:59 Differing approaches and target audiences 47:12 Layne's approach to science communication  57:26 Addressing false claims and teaching other how to interpret social media claims 1:13:54 The unicorn fallacy and what science communicators can do 1:20:07 What is next for Layne the athlete and where can we find him? https://biolayne.com/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqMBA83S0TnfTlTeE5j1mgQ Instagram @biolayne https://www.instagram.com/biolayne/?hl=en  Twitter/X @BioLayne https://twitter.com/BioLayne?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor 

It's hard to explain to those who haven't competed what it is about bodybuilding that can grip people and transform them. The near-spiritual experiences that some physique athletes gain through prep and competition are something shared regardless of division, federation, natural, or enhanced. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mike Israetel, not to talk sports science like you're used to, but to talk about what lies at the heart of the sport. Mike has been pushing forward through multiple seasons in his attempt to become an IFBB pro bodybuilder, an incredibly challenging feat that requires tremendous sacrifice and drive. What fuels a journey like that? What does a competitor experience - highs and lows? What do they learn, and how do they change? You might be surprised as well, that despite the different paths Dr. Helms and Dr. Israetel took as competitors, that at the heart of their experience lie many similar threads. Join us in this episode as they discuss the spirit of bodybuilding. 00:00 An introduction to a unifying (but still controversial) episode 08:09 The purpose of discussing your personal journey Iron Culture Ep. 247- A Tale of Two Bodybuilders https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mT-LlFYp_dA 21:21 The start of Mike's bodybuilding journey and when he plans to stop competing 34:45 Having the right genetics and (the potential for) turning pro 51:02 The spiritual component of bodybuilding (Mike) 1:02:39 The spiritual component of bodybuilding (Eric) and the difference between amateurs and pros 1:11:43 Working through hard times and growing from criticism  1:31:05 Androgens and what's to come for Mike in the sport 1:39:24 The minutiae of the Iron game Omar Isuf Why Mike Israetel Is WRONG About The Overhead Press https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XondhZNAE74  Omar Isuf Is Powerbuilding An Abomination? (ft. Jeff Nippard & Dr. Pak) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eYnh0Aw4_c 1:46:46 Closing out with what Iron Culture means 

This episode almost didn't happen. With Omar away, the Erics left to figure out how to do an episode of Iron Culture on their own, and nearly got stuck waiting forever for someone to say “Eric.” But, cooler heads prevailed and they found their way into a thoughtful, introspective, and nostalgic conversation. While both Trexler and Helms ended up taking very similar paths in life when you look at the outcome - competitive bodybuilders with PhDs in exercise-related fields who communicate science - their motivations and perspectives are actually quite unique. In this episode, you'll learn how someone can find themself competing in the wacky sport/art we call bodybuilding, and what that experience can become, in terms of a cathartic outlet, a personal identity, a career, or even a science experiment. The meaning, in something as odd as flexing in posing trunks on stage, can be quite impactful, and quite personal. So tune in to this episode to learn about the personal history of and the meaning found in both Erics' competitive journeys. 00:00 The Erics' introduction to bodybuilding and their newbie gains 07:22 Choosing the natural route and closing the door on prohormones and steroids 20:17 Trexler's motivation to compete 27:57 Helms' experience with sports and getting bitten by the iron bug 37:31 Helms' initial obsession with bodybuilding and the turning point 46:09 Helms' academic journey Kalm 2005 They starved so that others be better fed: remembering Ancel Keys and the Minnesota experiment https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15930436/ 59:35 The art, culture, and community of natural bodybuilding Kind 2023 Is bodybuilding a sport? https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00948705.2023.2234978 1:07:53 The voice of insecurity and believing what is actually possible 1:18:49 What's next for both Erics 1:30:47 Closing out the episode with some imagery

The new co-host of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler, is back with another (monster) episode. In this episode we take a look at everyone's favorite hormone, testosterone.  Specially, Dr. Trexler examines the role of maconutrient changes on testosterone levels. How does fat & carbohydrate intake impact a person's testosterone? We also explore body composition differences and how this can have an even larger impact on one's testosterone. Lastly after sharing the not so pleasant realities of dieting and experiencing low testosterone symptoms, Eric shares key points for maintaining a healthy level of testosterone. 00:00 Reading comments: the people know what they like (Eric) Iron Culture Ep. 243- It's Not JUST About Calories (ft. Eric Trexler) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrDV1yADIiQ  10:07 Dietary/macronutrient modifications to support or boost testosterone levels Whittaker 2021 Low-fat diets and testosterone in men: Systematic review and meta-analysis of intervention studies https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33741447/ Whittaker 2022 Low-carbohydrate diets and men's cortisol and testosterone: Systematic review and meta-analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35254136/ Smith 2022 Examining the effects of calorie restriction on testosterone concentrations in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34613412/ 24:53 Interpreting the effects of protein on testosterone during carbohydrate restriction 32:34 Relationship between adiposity and testosterone 41:19 When does testosterone start to drop? Keys 1952 Biology of Human Starvation https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Biology-of-Human-Starvation-Widdowson/6f38ee886f39daa656b1ac9ceb8a3c0785e100eb 54:22 Muscle hypertrophy and testosterone 1:06:38 The effect of changes in body fat levels MASS Research Review https://massresearchreview.com/  Helms 2023 Effect of Small and Large Energy Surpluses on Strength, Muscle, and Skinfold Thickness https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-3184470/v1 1:19:34 Other factors which may influence testosterone levels Kerksick 2018 ISSN exercise & sports nutrition review update: research & recommendations https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30068354/ 1:34:37 The Trex lore 1:42:28 Wrapping up Instagram @trexlerfitness https://www.instagram.com/trexlerfitness/?hl=en Website https://trexlerfitness.com/  MASS Research Review https://massresearchreview.com/  MASS YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@MASSResearchReview