Hosts celebrate a milestone with a lively discussion on testosterone replacement therapy and its complexities. They delve into the benefits of citrulline malate and innovative training techniques for hypertrophy. Personal anecdotes on managing tendinopathy deliver practical insights, while lesser-known exercises like the pullover machine are highlighted. Coffee's health effects spark engaging conversations. The impact of caffeine on training intensity and tailored programming for individuals with obesity round out the discussion, emphasizing enthusiasm in lifting and overcoming plateaus.
The conversation underscores the critical need for thorough medical evaluations before considering testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) due to potential misdiagnoses.
Citrulline malate's modest benefits for performance enhancement highlight the importance of further research on optimal dosage and efficacy in training.
When programming for individuals with obesity, trainers should adjust hypertrophy principles to enhance accessibility and sustainability during workouts.
Deep dives
The Importance of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
The conversation highlights the rising interest in testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) among men, particularly due to increased online content discussing its benefits. Many individuals questioning whether to pursue TRT are often confused about their testosterone levels and potential health benefits. Key considerations include how to determine if testosterone is genuinely low and when it is appropriate to transition from lifestyle modifications to TRT. The discourse emphasizes the importance of consulting qualified healthcare professionals rather than clinics that prioritize quick assessments and treatments.
Understanding the Realities of TRT Usage
Statistics indicate that a significant number of men, approximately 85%, who initiate TRT are no longer on it a year later, suggesting potential issues with its effectiveness or appropriateness for their conditions. Factors contributing to this dropout rate may include the initial diagnosis of low testosterone being based on inadequate testing and expectations that were perhaps misaligned with reality. The speaker highlights that many may enter TRT thinking it will resolve various symptoms or lead to substantial muscle gain, only to find it doesn't meet their expectations. This misalignment stresses the importance of thorough evaluations to ensure that TRT is genuinely necessary.
Upcoming Sports Nutrition Association Conference
An upcoming Sports Nutrition Association conference in Austin, Texas, is showcased as an opportunity for fitness enthusiasts to gain further knowledge and insights from various speakers, including well-known personalities in the nutrition and fitness industry. The event, sponsored by the Mass crew, will feature multiple sessions and a chance for attendees to engage in Q&A discussions with experts in the field. There is excitement for the personal and professional connections that can be made at the conference, along with valuable takeaways for those involved in fitness and nutrition coaching. The mention of food options in Austin also adds a light-hearted angle to the event.
Citrulline Malate: Insights on Effectiveness
Citrulline malate is discussed concerning its effectiveness as a performance-enhancing supplement, with its benefits generally noted to be modest to small. Current literature suggests that while citrulline can enhance strength endurance, there is still uncertainty around the advantages brought by the malate component specifically. Many studies have used a standard dosage of citrulline malate without clarifying whether it was in a specific ratio, which complicates the determination of its optimal dosing. The discussion points to the necessity of ongoing research to better understand citrulline's role in long-term performance outcomes.
Training Considerations for Individuals with High Body Fat
When programming for individuals with obesity and those taking medications for weight loss, the speaker notes that standard hypertrophy principles remain largely applicable, but adjustments may be necessary. These adjustments should consider the unique training experiences of individuals with higher body fat percentages, who might need more accessibility in exercises due to discomfort or capability. The focus should center on promoting hypertrophy without overloading the individual, ensuring that the training approach remains both sustainable and effective. In some cases, more circuit-style training methods may be adopted to keep the individual engaged while also remaining health-focused.
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
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