Chasing Clarity: Health & Fitness Podcast DERRICK VAN EVERY: THE SCIENCE OF BUILDING MUSCLE: MECHANISMS, MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS | EP. 197
Jan 7, 2026
Derrick Van Every, an exercise scientist and PhD researcher, dives into the science of muscle growth. He clarifies that mechanical tension is the primary driver of hypertrophy, debunking myths surrounding metabolic stress and the pump. Derrick explores how acute hormone changes don't causally influence muscle growth and critiques the role of metabolites as mere byproducts. He emphasizes practical training principles like consistency, progressive overload, and personalizing volume for optimal results, urging listeners to adopt a long-term perspective on their fitness journeys.
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From Small-Town Gym Owner To PhD Researcher
- Derrick Van Every opened a small-town gym after his father's sudden death and later moved to NYC for grad school under Brad Schoenfeld.
- He then pursued a PhD under Stuart Phillips, blending coaching, gym ownership, and research.
Mechanical Tension Drives Growth
- Mechanical tension is the primary, evidence-backed driver of human skeletal muscle hypertrophy.
- Mechanosensors convert tension into anabolic signaling (e.g., mTORC1) that leads to protein accretion.
Target Tension Over Heavy Loads
- Prioritize producing high-quality mechanical tension across exercises, not absolute load on the bar.
- Use full range of motion and take sets close to failure to ensure target fibres experience tension.