Look no further than the comment section of this post/video and you’ll find knee-jerk answers to the question posed in this title driven by emotional reactions, that are justified after the fact by a poorly thought-out argument that is logically inconsistent. In the philosophy of sport, however, you go the opposite direction. You put forth a logically consistent case, based on established information, within the constraints of the argument. In this episode we chat with philosophy Ph.D. candidate at the Berlin School of Mind and Brain Adrian Kind, who recently collaborated on the article: “Is Bodybuilding a Sport?” with Eric. It is currently in peer review, but available as a pre-print for all to read. This philosophy of sport article by Kind and Helms is a rebuttal to another philosophy of sport article by Aranyosi (2018), where Aranyosi claims competitive Bodybuilding is not a sport, but rather an artistic presentation with sport-like elements. While Adrian and Eric didn’t prove Bodybuilding is a sport in their paper, they refuted the argument as presented. Tune in to learn about the specifics of this debate, and how a conversation typically reserved for Reddit plays out in academia, and why philosophy is actually at the root of all science. 00:00 Intro to the one (another monster episode) … and introducing Adrian Aranyosi 2017 Body, skill, and look: is bodybuilding a sport? https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11097-017-9513-3 Kind & Helms 2023 Is Bodybuilding a Sport? https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/270/539  10:44 Discussing the Aranyosi paper: what makes an “activity”, a sport? 26:25 The rebuttal to the takes on posing 41:55 The physical skill component of bodybuilding 1:01:13 The Art vs. Sport spectrum argument Iron Culture Ep. 84- The Original Iron Sport: Gymnastics https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_n5AiQvLzQ 1:24:00 Conceding that the physical skill involved in bodybuilding is displaying the body 1:33:40 Why is the categorisation of bodybuilding as a sport perceived as contemptuous? 1:49:03 Do you even lift? Future topics to discuss and closing out Iron Culture Ep. 19- The Science of Hypertrophy (Roundtable) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw1LDc7_Hrc

Ep. 215 - Is Bodybuilding a Sport?(feat Adrian Kind)

Matt Gary is back on Iron Culture after being on way back in episode 16! This time he discusses nuances most people don’t know about game day powerlifting coaching, including even most powerlifters! With the explosion of participants in the sport, there are some weight classes where as many as five individuals could be a world champion depending on how their cards are played. Truly, it’s no longer a question of just who is the strongest, but who is the best powerlifter, which requires coaches to truly know “the game”. In this episode, one of the most decorated platform coaches in the sport’s history, Matt Gary, breaks down what those cards are, all four aces and the joker. Tune in, as this man literally wrote the book on game day coaching (which we’d recommend you read!)   Game Day Coaching Manual: A Powerlifting Coach’s Guide to Maximising Game Day Performance By Matt Gary https://www.supremesportspt.com/gameday-coaching-manual  00:00 An introduction to a very Canadian Eric and Matt Gary Iron Culture Ep. 16- The Art of Coaching https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1aGoBMPgYs 10:39 An overview of Matt’s coaching career  18:26 Matt’s strength and conditioning background 25:10 The ins and outs of gameday coaching 35:08 Taking a trip to the ATM and challenging the jury 43:14 Powerlifting technical jargon and application to some Sheffield match-ups 1:05:43 How Matt uses data to inform his practice 1:15:39 Determining the second attempt 1:25:17 Matt’s best advice for coaches  1:40:45 Closing out and where to find Matt Supreme Sports Performance & Training https://www.supremesportspt.com/ Instagram @mlgary72 https://www.instagram.com/mlgary72/?hl=en 

Ep. 214 - You Don’t Know Powerlifting Coaching (feat Matt Gary)

Cult, we’ve been working on this one for weeks. We’ve got Desmond Butler on this episode, the lead journalist who wrote the recent Washington Post series on the corruption, exploitation, and health and safety controversies in the NPC/IFBB pro league. We previously discussed this article series both in a duo episode as well as with Dr. Guillermo Escalante, and now, we’re privileged to sit down and hear it from the source (or rather the man with the sources). In this episode, you’ll learn how Desmond’s father directed the cult classic (pun intended) Pumping Iron, and then how years later he’d go on to revisit bodybuilding from a very different perspective. You’ll also learn just how much research went into the Post articles, and how many people they spoke to. This was a monster episode for sure folks and an eye-opening exposé.

Ep. 213 - Addressing The IFBB Pro Bodybuilding Controversy (ft Desmond Butler)

The boys are reunited, don’t worry cult, and yes, reunited atop the pyramid. After catching up on what’s been going on for Omar that took him away from us last week, the boys get down to powerlifting talk. This is a big year for powerlifting, with COVID behind us and the Sheffield ahead, and epic battles to come in both the 93 and 76kg divisions at multiple international competitions. Eric discusses how different it can be to coach athletes at the highest level in powerlifting, where scouting, chips, lot numbers, attempt changes, and other subtle aspects of coaching that normally don’t come into play, make a big difference as only kilos separate world champions from runner ups. Then, Omar asks Eric about his own competitive aspirations as he’s just started his 2023 contest prep, where he plans to go all the way to INBF/WNBF worlds in November, while also competing in his first masters powerlifting meet, as he turns 40 this year.

Ep. 212 - High Level Powerlifting & Eric's Last Dance

Dear listener, we just can’t let go. Even though we told you in 2023 we wouldn’t be able to stick to the weekly schedule, we are trying our best to do so anyway. This week, to maintain our codependent relationship with you, we have a solo episode from Mr. Dr. Eric Helms. Unfortunately, Omar had to travel for Raskol and couldn’t join him, but the Cult lives on in a weekly format for a little longer. No, you won’t hear Omar say “Eric” to kick things off, no you won’t have a half-hour of banter, nor will you hear Omar call this a “monster episode” or find some way to reference Yngwie Malmsteen, but you will get a whole lot of science. In this episode, Eric goes in on the topic of specificity for powerlifting and also covers a new diet break study that was just published. 00:00 An intro to a very different Iron Culture episode… Eric’s affiliate link to the NASM Physique and Bodybuilding Coach Specialization  https://shop.nasm.org/n/nasmredirecttocart?products=PBC301K%7CCEU164K&coupons=HELMS50 12:12 Topic One: Specificity and Coexisting Principles of Exercise Science Chua 2019 Practice variability promotes an external focus of attention and enhances motor skill learning https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30831389/ Williams 2017 Comparison of Periodized and Non-Periodized Resistance Training on Maximal Strength: A Meta-Analysis https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-017-0734-y Fonseca 2014 Changes in exercises are more effective than in loading schemes to improve muscle strength https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24832974/ Rossi 2018 Strength, body composition, and functional outcomes in the squat versus leg press exercises https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27735888/ Lima 2018 Planned Load Reduction Versus Fixed Load: A Strategy to Reduce the Perception of Effort With Similar Improvements in Hypertrophy and Strength https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29584518/ Ralston 2017 The Effect of Weekly Set Volume on Strength Gain: A Meta-Analysis https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5684266/ Androulakis-Korakakis 2021 The Minimum Effective Training Dose Required for 1RM Strength in Powerlifters https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8435792/ Iron Culture Ep. 196- How Much Training Do Powerlifters Actually Need To Get Stronger (Ft. Dr. Pak) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EJ0Qp6spGQ González-Badillo 2006 Moderate volume of high relative training intensity produces greater strength gains compared with low and high volumes in competitive weightlifters https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16503695/ Stronger By Science Size Vs. Strength: How Important Is Muscle Growth For Strength Gains? https://www.strongerbyscience.com/size-vs-strength/ Schoenfeld 2016 Differential Effects of Heavy Versus Moderate Loads on Measures of Strength and Hypertrophy in Resistance-Trained Men https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27928218/  Mangine 2015 The effect of training volume and intensity on improvements in muscular strength and size in resistance-tr

Ep. 211 - Training Specificity Revisited & New Diet Break Data

We are joined by Ryan Lapadat on this episode, host of the King of the Lifts podcast, and arguably the best and most prolific powerlifting commentator, despite his relatively recent emergence onto the scene. How did Ryan find himself in the position he’s in today, and how has he contributed to the increased interest and popularity in powerlifting that’s occurred in the last decade? Ryan will be commentating at the Sheffield next month, and there is a bright future for the legitimization of powerlifting if things continue in the direction they’re headed. Join us in this episode as we learn the some aspects of how powerlifting got to be perceived as it is today, the value of narrative in making fans care, and what the future holds for the sport. 00:00 Reviewing reviews with Ryan – Cultural beliefs surrounding women in lifting Iron Culture Ep. 177- Jessica Buettner: 2x IPF World Champion Powerlifter https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-M4XAlOa90 Iron Culture Ep. 103- The History Of Women's Bodybuilding              https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL-2qymV73k Iron Culture Ep. 7- The Rise Of Women In Powerlifting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNd4XCKLcMQ 13:16 Balancing entertainment and knowledge in Ryan’s commentary 27:00 Leaning into storylines to bring excitement 43:41 Growth of powerlifting and IPF 50:41 IPF Sheffield 2023 hype up 58:33 Getting “out angled” by Jess Buettner and the revenge 1:06:05 The Masculinity in Crisis Tour and the angle game 1:19:26 The future and growth of powerlifting  1:44:50 An update on Eric’s previous Street Fighter tournament SuperLoreBoys YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/SuperLoreBoys  1:50:06 Closing out and where to find Ryan Instagram: @6packlapadat https://www.instagram.com/6packlapadat/?hl=en and                   @kingofthelifts https://www.instagram.com/kingofthelifts/?hl=en King of the lifts podcast: https://linktr.ee/KOTL

Ep. 210 - What Powerlifting Needs To Do Better

Stretch-mediated hypertrophy is all the rave at the moment, and much of the enthusiasm is based on a single study out of a specific lab, but, there are actually many other studies that this lab has recently published that give further insights into the topic. Ultimately, what the cult wants to know, is whether stretching-induced gains are complementary or redundant to resistance training-induced gains. In this episode, we discuss not only these possibilities, but also a recent study on SuperCreatine (TM) indicating it might not be so super, but also, that gives us insight as to whether creatine loading is even necessary.

Ep. 209 - Stretching For Hypertrophy & A Superior Creatine!?

It’s episode 208 and yes, you’re right, that means it’s been four years of episodes coming out weekly, every single . And guess what? In typical iron culture fashion, we completely forgot it was our 4 year anniversary while we recorded this episode. But, dear listener, that’s because we were totally focused on YOU, bringing you the latest news in the iron game, from the final Sheffield roster now that the wildcard picks are complete, to the recent USPA controversy, to a new study published on physique contest preparation. Next week, we’ll have our belated 4 year anniversary, but this week you get to enjoy another MONSTER episode. 00:00 Intro: what is it? Reviewing reviews 07:50 Revisiting/clarifying menstrual cycle-based approach to training Iron Culture Ep. 207 - Is Menstrual Cycle Periodization Evidence-Based? (ft. Lauren Colenso-Semple) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esHslB5IOQA 16:32 Back to the reviews 24:00 A detailed IPF Sheffield Powerlifting Championships 2023 summary and update 52:04 The bad news in Powerlifting…  1:02:57 Intermission with another 5-star review 1:05:26 THE STUDY: Physiological adaptations during contest preparation Helms Isola 2023 Weight loss induces changes in adaptive thermogenesis in female and male physique athletes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36645885/ Eric’s ResearchGate https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eric-Helms-2 1:24:00 What Eric would like to see in this area of research de Moraes 2019 Carbohydrate Loading Practice in Bodybuilders: Effects on Muscle Thickness, Photo Silhouette Scores, Mood States and Gastrointestinal Symptoms https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31827362/ 1:31:48 Closing out

Ep. 208 - Sheffield Final Roster, USPA controversy, New Bodybuilding Research

We were joined by McMaster University PhD. candidate Lauren Colenso-Semple who is studying the influence of exercise, nutrition, and hormones on skeletal muscle, specifically as they relate to the menstrual cycle. She has an extensive background not only in academia, having worked with a veritable “who’s who” of exercise science researchers in her journey to her PhD studies, but she also is an experienced personal trainer. In this episode she helps us understand whether “menstrual-cycle phase based training” is truly based on firm evidence, or if in some cases, the popular guidance sometimes extends beyond what we currently know (and what makes sense from a physiological perspective). Make sure to tune in to learn what we do and don’t know on this fascinating topic.

Ep. 207 - Is menstrual cycle periodization evidence-based? (feat Lauren Colenso-Semple)

If comparison is the thief of joy, then what hope do competitive bodybuilders have for happiness? In a sport where you stand before a panel of strangers who numerically rate your nearly nude body in comparison to others, you’d think it’d be impossible. But is it? What happens to bodybuilders’ body image over time? Is it true that whether they place 3rd at the all-valley “championships” or 1st at worlds, they still feel small? If it’s not true, why not, to what degree, and in what circumstances? In this episode, we explore whether or not it’s true that the day you start lifting is the day you become forever small, and how this mindset can manifest, change, and differ between groups and individuals. 00:00 An update on the Iron Culture documentary and the frequency of episodes 04:50 Self-perception in the social media fitness space Omar’s YouTube video will be linked here when it is published! 11:00 Mental and physiological distress in physique athletes Helms 2019 Towards a Sustainable Nutrition Paradigm in Physique Sport: A Narrative Review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31315180/ 19:29 The marketing of bodybuilders and the “desirable” physique 37:21 The motivation to become a bodybuilder and physique (dis)satisfaction  Jankauskiene 2007 Muscle size satisfaction and predisposition for a health harmful practice in bodybuilders and recreational gymnasium users https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17485962/ 1:00:55 The stressors and influence of the fitness industrial complex  Iron Culture Ep. 28- The Problem With The Fitness Industry (with Chip Conrad) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2rtKZ3AnXM 1:17:25 Tethering your expectations to people who can provide you with constructive criticism 1:26:23 Closing out: the internet is terrible but listen to our podcast (on the internet)  

Ep. 206 - Is the day you start lifting the day you become forever small?

After our recent episode with Dr. Guillermo Escalante discussing the potential contributing causes and possibly what could be done about the recent deaths of a number of high profile enhanced bodybuilders, we wanted to follow up. As you recall, this conversation came about because of a Washington Post article series that not only discussed these tragedies, but also exploitation and corruption at the heart of the biggest bodybuilding organization: the NPC/IFBB pro league. Omar made an eye opening YouTube video summarizing these articles, and we discussed them in further depth today, not for controversy’s sake, but rather because we both truly want a better future for the sport and art of bodybuilding. In addition, in the latter half of this episode we discussed the challenges of predicting hypertrophy from proxy measures, and where we are at scientifically in this regard, and what it means for practice.   00:00 Revisiting the bodybuilding controversy Iron Culture Ep. 203 Can Enhanced Bodybuilding Be Safer? (Ft. Dr. Guillermo Escalante) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G_c1umHswE Washington Post Investigation  https://www.washingtonpost.com/podcasts/post-reports/investigating-the-sport-my-dad-made-famous/ Omar Isuf Why I Don't Support BODYBUILDING (And Neither Should You) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3GwpolgBBeI 22:18 Experiential knowledge: how coaches can guide and empower athletes 25:44 The inherent risks of PEDs and taking responsibility for your actions 46:35 Regional hypertrophy and optimising exercise selection Is Regional Hypertrophy Predictable? https://www.strongerbyscience.com/regional-hypertrophy/ Albarello 2022 Non-uniform excitation of pectoralis major induced by changes in bench press inclination leads to uneven variations in the cross-sectional area measured by panoramic ultrasonography https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36334406/ Chaves 2020 Effects of Horizontal and Incline Bench Press on Neuromuscular Adaptations in Untrained Young Men https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32922646/ Iron Culture Ep. 163- All About EMG and Hypertrophy (ft. Andrew Vigotsky) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fIccFeOknew 1:00:05 Reaching conclusions with assumptions embedded in (proxy) measurements 1:10:10 Applying this information: considerations for exercise selection (and the limits to our knowledge) 1:22:06 Closing out    

Ep. 205 - Bodybuilding Corruption and Predicting Hypertrophy

It’s 2023, and the boys just can’t be denied. Four years strong and they’ve weathered cyber attacks from a bearded AI, fended off an Irish serial killer, and somehow, managed not to get themselves cancelled. In the new year we have big plans, but before we focus on our plans, we want to focus on yours dear listener. First, we know you’re still recovering from staying up late for New Year’s Eve, and let’s be honest, for many of you it wasn’t your only late night. How much does getting less sleep than normal impact your training and what can you do about it? After we tackle this practical question, we have an in depth discussion on how to identify the snakes in the garden - the less obvious, shiftier influencers you currently think are helping you, but are just waiting for an opportunity to take advantage of your trust. 00:00 Introduction to a brave new world (and a happy new year!) 14:12 The effect of sleep loss on lifting performance Craven 2022 Effects of Acute Sleep Loss on Physical Performance: A Systematic and Meta-Analytical Review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35708888/ Blumert 2007 The acute effects of twenty-four hours of sleep loss on the performance of national-caliber male collegiate weightlifters https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18076267/ Knowles 2022 Sustained Sleep Restriction Reduces Resistance Exercise Quality and Quantity in Females https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36136596/ 28:45 Strategies to circumvent acute sleep loss Hsouna 2019 Effect of different nap opportunity durations on short-term maximal performance, attention, feelings, muscle soreness, fatigue, stress and sleep https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31491444/ Petit 2014 A 20-min nap in athletes changes subsequent sleep architecture but does not alter physical performances after normal sleep or 5-h phase-advance conditions https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24276580/ 45:33 Optimising sleep and training within the given constraints Sargent 2021 How Much Sleep Does an Elite Athlete Need? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34021090/ 59:59 Patterns of behaviour to guide who to follow and avoid 1:10:12 Leveraging trust to sell products 1:30:26 The motivation to create controversial content Stronger By Science: YOUR Drug-Free Muscle And Strength Potential by Greg Nuckols  https://www.strongerbyscience.com/your-drug-free-muscle-and-strength-potential-part-1/ 1:41:41 The final takeaway and the masculinity in crisis tour

Ep. 204 - New Years Gains: Less Sleep Loss & Choosing Better Influencers

In a series of recent Washington Post investigative articles about bodybuilding in the NPC/IFBB pro league, Desmond Butler (the son of the producer of Pumping Iron) covered a series of controversial topics. Among them, were the seemingly increasing numbers of competitor deaths. In this episode, we sat down with Dr. Guillermo Escalante, the Assistant Dean and a Professor of Kinesiology in the College of Natural Sciences at CSU San Bernardino, who is a competitive bodybuilder himself, as well as an athletic trainer (a sports medicine first responder). He was interviewed for these Washington Post articles because from 2012 to 2019 he spent many of his Saturdays in Southern California at shows, making himself available in case any athletes had medical emergencies. Dr. Escalante has also specifically published research examining the potential causes of death of enhanced pro bodybuilders. Needless to say, there are few people with more direct knowledge, experience, and perspective on the potential dangers of certain practices in enhanced physique sport, whether these risks can be reduced, and how.

Ep. 203 - Can Enhanced Bodybuilding Be Safer? (Feat Dr Guillermo Escalante)

Mr. Benjamin Franklin Esgro has the unique honor of being our first guest in our episodes numbered in the 200’s, as well as being on for his fifth, or maybe sixth time? We aren’t sure, but we like to have the man on! I’m this episode, he’s once again crusading against potential charlatans in the supplement industry. If you remember last time, Ben joined us to discuss the lacking evidence of a mechanism of action behind turkesterone and today, he’s back to give us a dose of reality on paraxanthine. What is paraxanthine you might ask? Well if you haven’t already heard of it, it’s supposedly the next big thing in the stimulant, nootropic and pre workout world. But, while this supplement is interesting and may have specific utility, should we really expect something truly groundbreaking considering it’s a metabolite of caffeine? Join us as we ask Ben Esgro to find out. 00:00 Intro 5:41 (Re)introducing Ben to kickstart another monster episode  19:24 An overview of paraxanthine Lelo 1986 Comparative pharmacokinetics of caffeine and its primary demethylated metabolites paraxanthine, theobromine and theophylline in man https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3756065/  Benowitz 1995 Sympathomimetic effects of paraxanthine and caffeine in humans https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8529334/ 34:59 Selling the acute supplement sensation and experience 48:20 Marketing paraxanthine and comparisons with caffeine 1:03:40 Paraxanthine toxicity and bioengineering explained 1:14:55 Chasing the mythical unicorn of replacing banned supplements 1:23:17 Creating demand and producing the same subjective experience as paraxanthine? 1:32:38 Potency and derivatives of compounds 1:38:40 Dosages and densities of powdered supplements 1:43:45 What to expect from a paraxanthine supplement 1:48:38 Closing out with a (metaphorical) mic drop: the positive impact of the evidence-based lifting community Li 2022 Self-Reported Training and Supplementation Practices Between Performance-Enhancing Drug-User Bodybuilders Compared with Natural Bodybuilders https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36165879/ 

Ep. 202 - The New Supplement Everyone Will Be Talking About: Paraxanthine

It’s the start of a new era, as Omar and Eric sit down for episode 201. In this conversation, the two pick up where they left off from episode 200, tackling the Cult’s questions that were too good, and too deep to cover last week. Specifically, we discuss how to compare the potential effects of dissimilar variables on hypertrophy, such as sleep, protein, and creatine using research. Further, we field questions on how you measure progress and deal with plateaus, and whether higher frequency training can provide unique advantages. 00:00 Introduction to a new era of Iron Culture (and reading comments) 15:11 Start of Q&A. Effect sizes in sport science research (protein, creatine, and sleep) and their application to practice 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/ 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/ Lanhers 2015 Creatine Supplementation and Lower Limb Strength Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25946994/ Lanhers 2017 Creatine Supplementation and Upper Limb Strength Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27328852/ Branch 2003 Effect of creatine supplementation on body composition and performance: a meta-analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12945830/  Craven 2022 Effects of Acute Sleep Loss on Physical Performance: A Systematic and Meta-Analytical Review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35708888/ 44:55 Advice for people who love the iron game but may not necessarily have the best genetics and life situation for it (reframing our view of strength standards that we compare ourselves to) 56:58 Which variable(s) to adjust when strength plateaus 1:05:03 How important is it to have a high volume for a specific muscle group in a single session vs across the week? Iron Culture Ep. 40- Training Frequency For Strength & Hypertrophy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDNvJaNeDw4&t=13s Iron Culture Ep. 152-Effort vs Exertion, Frequency, and Qualitative Research (Q&A) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCg_4tQzbC0 Greg Nuckols’ in-house Meta https://www.strongerbyscience.com/frequency-muscle/ James Krieger’s in-house Meta  https://weightology.net/the-members-area/evidence-based-guides/set-volume-for-muscle-size-the-ultimate-evidence-based-bible/ Schoenfeld 2017 Dose-response relationship between weekly resistance training volume and increases in muscle mass: A systematic review and meta-analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27433992/ Baz-Valle 2022 A Systematic Review of The Effects of Different Resistance Training Volumes on Muscle Hypertrophy https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35291645/ 1:12:40 Closing

Ep. 201 - Higher Frequency Training, Breaking Plateaus & More (Q&A)

We can’t believe it. 200 episodes. What else is there to say except thank you from the bottom of our hearts? It’s always a blast for us to hang out and chat, but it’s a huge bonus that so many people find value in our conversations. At the outset, we hoped we’d be able to provide both educational and entertainment value to our listeners, and it seems like we’ve succeeded. This episode is a bit of a celebration, as we reflect on what brought us here, and what it’s going to lead to. We have big plans dear listener, and I think you’re going to like them. Also, we squeeze in a little bit of genuine Q&A from the cult (we promise we didn’t make these questions up, seriously).   00:00 Intro: history of THE Iron Culture 3:12 🚨🔥Episode 200 🔥🚨 and a HUGE news reveal 16:25 The Helms review of the 2022 IPF Commonwealth Championships 31:30 The importance of the Sheffield Powerlifting Championships 44:15 What is Eric competing in next year? And starting some quickfire Q&As 49:02 How did Eric arrive at a minimum intake of 0.5g/kg/day for Fat? 52:29 What lift would you add to Powerlifting if you could? Iron Culture Ep. 91- Powerlifter vs Weightlifter vs Strongman...Who's The Strongest!? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YyYqQiaE9RA 1:01:55 The effect of creatine on cognition and brain function Iron Culture Ep. 142- Myths and Facts About Creatine (New Research ft. Dr. Darren Candow) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcfTuJYW374 1:05:27 What questions should you ask your strength sport athletes? Iron Culture Ep. 195- Overreaching, Deloads & Tapers: Nutrition Considerations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o4IOjihkTI 1:17:11 Moving forward in 2023

Ep. 200 - We Have An Important Announcement (Surprisingly Not Clickbait)

While technically correct, saying “protein is the most satiating macro” misses the point. We don’t actually eat macros, we eat foods that have a macronutrient profile, and two diets identical in their macronutrient profile may differ in their effects on hunger and satiety. In prior episodes, we’ve discussed protein in depth, but this is the first time we’ve had an in-depth discussion on how protein influences satiety. Further, we address misconceptions about fat gain on high-protein diets and the impact of high-protein diets on energy expenditure. Ultimately you’ll learn that when considering satiety, macros, foods, meals, and diets all need to be considered in context for an accurate picture.  00:00 Intro and reviewing reviews: social media fitness edition Iron Culture Ep. 20- The Problem With #Science https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHf0QG1Nw_0 Iron Culture Ep. 182 - How to call out B.S. and Pseudoscience https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckzuycwnRH8 Iron Culture Ep. 93- What's Wrong With The Fitness Industry (And How To Change It) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWYABSS9FlE Cyber Monday Sales  The Muscle and Strength Pyramidshttps://muscleandstrengthpyramids.com/ MASS Research Review https://www.strongerbyscience.com/mass/ Elemental Formulations Prime Pre-workout  https://eformulations.co/products/prime-pre-x-high-stim-pre-workout  13:50 Eric’s recap of WNBF Worlds and the typical age of high-level competitors Iron Culture Ep. 27- Natural Bodybuilding https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0AEvN2L9zU Solberg 2019 Peak Age and Performance Progression in World-Class Weightlifting and Powerlifting Athletes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30958059/ 26:40 Is protein the most satiating macronutrient? Human hunger and eating behaviours Iron Culture Ep. 47- Everything You Wanted To Know About Protein (Timing, Amount, Frequency) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dt0m6OFB7J8 Antonio Protein Trials https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24834017/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26500462/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26778925/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27807480/ Ben-Harchache 2021 The Impact of Protein Supplementation on Appetite and Energy Intake in Healthy Older Adults: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33037427/ Santesso 2012 Effects of higher- versus lower-protein diets on health outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22510792/ Helms 2015 High-protein, low-fat, short-term diet results in less stress and fatigue than moderate-protein moderate-fat diet during weight loss in male weightlifters: a pilot study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25028958/ 42:50 Our current interpretation of the research  Roberts 2018 Satiating Effect of High Protein Diets on Resistance-Trained Subjects in Energy Deficit https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30597865/

Ep. 199 - Common Misconceptions On Protein (Satiety & High Protein Diets)

For many, research is taken to represent a framework for understanding concepts that can then be applied to their own training.  This can be taken too far when some hope to divine exact details that apply specifically to their own journey. Research isn’t meant to tell you (dear listener) how to train on a Tuesday.  What is the best way to properly utilize the current literature to better our own lifting journeys? Two hunks set out to explore this very topic. 00:00 Introducing another MONSTER episode (and reviewing reviews and continuing the feud with the macrofactor podcast) 06:56 How training to failure research is really conducted Warneke 2022 Influence of Long-Lasting Static Stretching on Maximal Strength, Muscle Thickness and Flexibility https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9174468/ Iron Culture Ep. 197: Training To Failure: A Comprehensive Overview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oa8Z-fUuiNU Halperin 2021 Accuracy in Predicting Repetitions to Task Failure in Resistance Exercise: A Scoping Review and Exploratory Meta-analysis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34542869/ 34:00 The death of the “expert” (and Mr Train-to-failure) 44:01 Study designs: disconfirming hypotheses vs proving something to be true Iron Culture Ep. 196- How Much Training Do Powerlifters Actually Need To Get Stronger (Ft. Dr. Pak) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2EJ0Qp6spGQ Bell 2022 “You can't shoot another bullet until you've reloaded the gun” https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/208 1:01:52 Barriers to research and the mistrust of science Monaghan 2001 Challenging medicine? Bodybuilding, drugs and risk https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1467-9566.00180 Li 2022 Self-Reported Training and Supplementation Practices Between Performance-Enhancing Drug-User Bodybuilders Compared with Natural Bodybuilders https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36165879/ 1:21:00 Appeal to swoleness: researchers in sport science and the application of findings 1:32:40 How science can change practice: the BCAA example Hackett 2013 Training practices and ergogenic aids used by male bodybuilders https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22990567/ Iron Culture Ep. 182 - How to call out B.S. and Pseudoscience https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckzuycwnRH8  1:45:42 Concluding thoughts

Ep. 198 - Why Research Won’t Help Your Training (Especially On A Tuesday)

In this episode we are excited to revisit an ever-controversial topic in bodybuilding, training to failure! Yes, we’ve discussed this before on Iron Culture, and yes, people have surprisingly (but maybe not so much when you dissect it…) strong feelings about training to failure. You may remember that one of the biggest limitations in the literature we previously discussed in our last episode was that there are different ways of defining failure. Should we be lumping together studies that use “momentary muscular failure” with studies that used “repetition maximums” or “voluntary failure”? Probably not. But great news, Martin Refalo a Ph.D. candidate at Deakin University specifically studying the effect of failure on hypertrophy joins us in this episode. Martin recently published a scoping review and a subsequent meta-analysis that specifically identified these differences in failure types and analyzed the literature based on these distinctions, as well as looking at velocity loss thresholds to provide new and important insights on this topic! Tune in to learn more!

Ep. 197 - Training To Failure: A Comprehensive Overview

We are delighted to have Dr Patroklos Androulakis-Korakakis on Iron Culture! “Dr. Pak” is a researcher and lecturer at Solent University, coach at stronger by science, and finally, a lifting enthusiast himself. He did his PhD on powerlifting. Specifically, he conducted research to answer the question: “how much training do powerlifters need to do, to make meaningful increases in strength?” This question led him to conduct interviews and surveys with the best powerlifters and powerlifting coaches in the world to first understand what they consider “meaningful” strength gains to be, and then he conducted some of the very few longitudinal training studies on competing powerlifters to determine just how much work they need to do to get better. Join us in this fascinating look at the inner workings of his research, as well as some of the more recent research he’s currently involved with, bridging the gaps in terminology and application between science and practice.

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