Chasing Clarity: Health & Fitness Podcast cover image

Chasing Clarity: Health & Fitness Podcast

ERIC HELMS: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WEIGHT GAIN & RATE OF MUSCLE GAIN: IS AN ENERGY SURPLUS NEEDED TO MAXIMIZE MUSCLE GROWTH?

Feb 9, 2024
Guest Eric Helms, fitness expert and researcher, discusses the relationship between weight gain and rate of muscle gain. They cover the new weight gain study by Helms et al. and explore the impact of energy surpluses and deficits on lean mass accretion and fat gain. They also discuss the limitations of calculating lean mass gain and the importance of considering individual differences in research studies. Additionally, they explore the benefits of tracking progression in compound and isolation movements.
01:26:52

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The size of the energy surplus or maintenance did not impact strength gains in well-trained individuals.
  • A smaller surplus may be more beneficial for minimizing fat gain while still promoting lean mass gains.

Deep dives

Study Design and Participant Population

The study included well-trained individuals, consisting of a mixture of early stage intermediates to advanced. The training program was conducted three days per week due to logistical constraints and consisted of squat, bench press, shoulder, back, and bicep exercises. The study faced limitations in terms of training volume which may not have been optimal for true intermediate trainers. The research team utilized video calls and supervision as a result of COVID restrictions and social distancing measures.

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