Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth 1170: Q&A with Mike Matthews
Nov 25, 2019
Mike Matthews shares the ups and downs of building his supplement company, Legion, revealing both the hits and misses of product ideas. The conversation digs into the booming pre-workout market, including the pitfalls of excessive stimulant use. The panel reflects on their transformative training experiences, emphasizing the importance of strength training and recovery. They also discuss nutrition and sleep as foundational elements of fitness, and examine how authenticity plays a crucial role in navigating social media’s impact on health trends.
01:42:10
Vegan Protein Sales
- Mike Matthews discusses Legion's experience with vegan protein powders.
- Despite initial excitement from surveys, actual sales were lower than anticipated.
Unexpected Bestsellers
- Legion's fish oil and creatine supplements sold out rapidly after their release.
- This quick sellout highlighted the challenge of matching production with unexpected demand.
Ingredient Cycling
- The supplement industry uses familiar, once-popular ingredients for marketing.
- Consumers recognize these ingredients, creating a false sense of efficacy.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
Protein Trends and Market Dynamics
02:44 • 11min
Caffeine and the Evolution of Supplement Culture
13:56 • 22min
Transformative Strength Training Experiences
36:01 • 3min
Nutrition and Sleep: Foundations for Fitness
39:21 • 6min
Health Trends and Social Media Influence
45:02 • 23min
Monetization and the Science of Fat Burners
01:08:11 • 10min
Navigating Social Pressures in Wellness Choices
01:17:47 • 13min
Dietary Strategies for Better Digestion
01:31:07 • 5min
Caloric Adjustment Strategies for Maintenance
01:35:47 • 4min
The Surprising Caloric Insights from a Hunter-Gatherer Tribe
01:39:28 • 3min
Stillness is the Key
Ryan Holiday
In 'Stillness is the Key', Ryan Holiday explores the concept of inner stillness as a universal principle across different philosophical and religious traditions, including Stoicism, Buddhism, Epicureanism, and more.
The book is divided into three sections: stillness of the mind, stillness of the spirit, and stillness of the body.
Holiday argues that cultivating stillness allows for better decision-making, increased focus, and a more fulfilling life.
He uses anecdotes from historical figures and contemporary examples to illustrate the importance of moderation, patience, and self-awareness in achieving this state of stillness.
Starting Strength
Basic Barbell Training
Mark Rippetoe
This book provides detailed instruction on every aspect of the basic barbell exercises, including the squat, press, deadlift, bench press, power clean, and power snatch.
It explains the mechanical basis of barbell training, includes new photographs and improved illustrations, and offers revised instruction methods proven effective in various training settings.
The book emphasizes the importance of proper technique, stress/recovery/adaptation principles, and programming the exercises for long-term progress.
It is designed for anyone beginning a strength training program, regardless of age, gender, or fitness level.
Thinner Leaner Stronger
The International Bestselling Fitness Book for Women
Mike Matthews
Thinner, Leaner, Stronger is a fitness guide specifically designed for women.
It focuses on building muscle and losing fat through a science-based approach.
The book provides practical strategies for nutrition and exercise, emphasizing sustainable habits rather than extreme measures.
It debunks common myths surrounding weight loss and muscle gain, offering clear and effective plans tailored to individual needs and preferences.
The program is designed to be manageable and enjoyable, helping women achieve their fitness goals without sacrificing their favorite foods or spending excessive time in the gym.
Bigger Leaner Stronger
The Simple Science of Building the Ultimate Male Body
Michael Matthews
This book dispels common fitness myths and provides a detailed program for transforming one's body.
It includes meal plans, resistance training workouts, and advice on supplements.
The book emphasizes the importance of diet, hydration, and a solid training program in achieving body composition goals.
It also covers basic exercises, nutrition, and supplementation, making it a valuable resource for beginners in weightlifting and fitness.
Digital Minimalism
Cal Newport
In 'Digital Minimalism', Cal Newport argues that we need to be more intentional about the technologies we allow into our lives.
He proposes a philosophy of digital minimalism, where individuals focus their online time on activities that strongly support their values and ignore the rest.
The book highlights the negative effects of behavioral addictions created by technology, such as solitude deprivation and the fleeting nature of social media satisfaction.
Newport suggests a 30-day 'digital declutter' process and other practices to help readers integrate digital minimalism into their lives, emphasizing the importance of optimizing technology use to support personal goals and values.
The Shredded Chef
125 Recipes for Building Muscle, Getting Lean, and Staying Healthy
Mike Matthews
The Shredded Chef is a comprehensive cookbook that offers practical dietary wisdom backed by over 115 scientific studies.
It includes 125 recipes categorized into sections such as breakfast, salads, sandwiches, shakes, snacks, lean meat, poultry, seafood, vegetarian dishes, sides, and desserts.
Each recipe provides clear ingredient lists, cooking instructions, and detailed macronutrient breakdowns.
The book emphasizes flexible dieting, allowing readers to enjoy their favorite foods while achieving fitness goals.
It also includes tips on meal planning, portion control, and cooking techniques, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced cooks.
In this episode, Sal, Adam and Justin talk with good friend, Mike Matthews about his how he built his company, Legion, and then answer questions asked by the live audience.
- Protein bar companies are making out! (2:15)
- What has been the worst product idea he has had? (3:37)
- What products surprised him that sold well? (4:51)
- How the pre-workout market has really taken off and the shenanigans that have come with it. (8:05)
- Why a part of him is ashamed to be in the supplement industry. (16:40)
- How all markets have unsophisticated consumers. (18:00)
- Is the supplement consumer becoming more attuned? (23:54)
- The self-education of Mike Matthews: How did he acquire his wealth of information? (25:30)
- The ‘ah-ha’ moments the guys experienced with their training. (30:20)
- How you can still be honest and be successful. (38:14)
- Appreciating the value and importance of sleep. (39:22)
- What are the upcoming opportunities in the health/fitness space? (45:25)
- How do I stand out in the ‘content-heavy’ crowd? (1:00:02)
- Why does he sell fat burners and not branch chain amino acids? (1:09:42)
- You can build a business and NOT lie. (1:17:20)
- What to do when there are detractors on your fitness journey? (1:19:41)
- Is it recommended to take senna for no more than once a week and what can be done to fix oneself after excessive use? (1:28:15)
- How do I transition from more active work to sedentary? (1:33:00)
Featured Guest/People Mentioned
- Mike Matthews (@muscleforlifefitness) Instagram
- Website
- The Muscle for Life Podcast
- Books By Michael Matthews - Amazon.com
- Eric Helms PhD, 3DMJ R&D Chief (@helms3dmj) Instagram
- Mark Rippetoe (@CoachRippetoe) Twitter
- Kelly Starrett (@mobilitywod) Instagram
Related Links/Products Mentioned
- Nitrate in beetroot juice lowers blood pressure, study finds
- Energy Drinks and the Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of Current Literature
- Stimulant-Containing Energy Drinks
- The Max-OT Workout
- Starting Strength - Book by Mark Rippetoe
- Mark Rippetoe on training for strength vs. “aesthetics”
- f.lux: software to make your life better
- Visit Felix Gray for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners!
- Tonal: The World's Most Intelligent Home Gym
- Visit PRx Performance for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Code “mindpump” at checkout**
- Prime Bundle | MAPS Fitness Products - Mind Pump
- Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World - Book by Cal Newport
- Stillness Is the Key - Book by Ryan Holiday
- Intuitive Nutrition Guide | MAPS Fitness Products - Mind Pump
- Legion Athletics - Science
- The Beginner’s Guide to Forskolin Supplementation
- Senna (Senokot): laxative to treat constipation
- Hunter-Gatherer Energetics and Human Obesity
People Mentioned
- Eric Helms PhD, 3DMJ R&D Chief (@helms3dmj) • Instagram
- Mark Rippetoe (@CoachRippetoe) · Twitter
- Kelly Starrett (@mobilitywod) • Instagram