Guillermo Escalante | Modern Advances in Bodybuilding Science

In this episode, Guillermo Escalante joins to discuss the most important advances in bodybuilding science in recent years. Guillermo shares his journey from working in the field of athletic training to academia. He also shares his insights into the world of bodybuilding, discussing his observations regarding medical coverage and safety protocols during competition.

We then dive into the advancement of bodybuilding practices, starting with peak week protocols. Guillermo highlights the dangers of extreme protocols and trying to manipulate too many variables at once. He also delves into recent literature reviews on peak week practices and how they impact bodybuilders' health and performance. Guillermo gives an overview of carbohydrate intake, water, and sodium manipulation during peak week, emphasizing the importance of practice runs and caution against new practices on show day.

Next, we discuss recent findings on the most effective set and rep ranges for muscle growth, and Guillermo shares what research shows on the utility of training to failure.

Lastly, we navigate the pros and cons of rigid and flexible dieting in fat loss. We break down the essential components of a bodybuilding diet, and Guillermo helps us understand the physiological effects of pushing to low body fat levels. Whether you're a competitor or just curious about the science behind bodybuilding, this episode has a ton to offer!

Time Stamps:

[3:38] How being an athletic trainer has influenced Guillermo's training and career

[10:44] The good, the bad, and the ugly of peak week strategies

[24:34] How to effectively carb load for competition

[28:22] Optimal rep ranges and intensity for hypertrophy

[37:31] The pros and cons of taking sets to failure

[42:55] Navigating the physiological and psychological aspects of dieting

[53:39] Information on the NASM Physique and Bodybuilding Coach certification

Dr. Guillermo Escalante, DSc, MBA, ATC, CSCS*D, FISSN, holds a Doctor of Science in Athletic Training, an MBA with concentrations in marketing and healthcare management, a BS in Athletic Training with a Biology minor, and is a certified athletic trainer, strength and conditioning specialist, and sports nutritionist. Dr. Escalante is currently a Professor of Kinesiology and Assistant Dean for the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, San Bernardino. He also performs research in the areas of sports medicine, sports nutrition, human performance, and physique enhancement where his work has been published in peer-reviewed publications and/or presented at regional, national, and international conferences. In addition to his peer-reviewed work, he has published over 50 articles in internationally distributed fitness magazines and websites such as Bodybuilding.com, Muscle & Fitness, and Muscle & Fitness Hers. He serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, Chair of the Bodybuilding and Fitness Competition Special Interest Group through the National Strength and Conditioning Association and a reviewer for various nutrition and exercise science peer-reviewed journals.

To learn more about Guillermo, follow him on Instagram.

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