Ep. #796: Austin Current on Understanding the Science of Strength Training

In this podcast, I chat with Austin Current all about the science of strength training.

Austin recently released a book called the Science of Strength Training, which is a visual encyclopedia and comprehensive resource that dives into the nitty gritty details of resistance training. Specifically, it covers physiology, anatomy, how muscles work, exercise selection, and much more.

Austin’s book will help anyone understand what happens in our bodies as a result of strength training and why it’s so beneficial. And the book is visually captivating to boot!

In our chat, we talk about the main drivers of muscle growth (including mechanical tension, muscle damage, and metabolic stress), sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar hypertrophy, workout programming, the importance of deloads, and cardiovascular fitness. And we only scratch the surface of what’s in Austin’s book.

If you’re not familiar with Austin, not only is he an educator and author, but he’s a coach and co-founder of Physique Development, a coaching collective that works with everyday fitness folks and competitors alike.

Not only has Austin had a successful competitive career as a natural physique bodybuilder, but I was impressed by his ability to break down complex topics into actionable information that anyone can use, which is why I wanted to get him on the podcast.

So if you want to learn about the physiology of muscle growth and how we can use science to tweak our workout programming, check out this interview!

Timestamps:

32:21 - What are the mechanics of muscle growth?

32:43 - What are the three stimuli that contribute to muscle growth?

34:29 - What is the hormonal cascade that occurs from resistance training?

41:05 - What is muscle damage and how much does it contribute to muscle growth?

47:02 - Should you try to maximize muscle damage in your training?

53:18 - What are the signs you're creating enough muscle damage?

1:02:23 - Should you incorporate deloads?

1:08:44 - What is metabolic stress or metabolic fatigue?

1:11:54 - Are styles of training that prioritize metabolic stress useful?

1:23:44 - The importance of cardiovascular fitness and the aerobic system.

Mentioned on the Show:

Bigger Leaner Stronger: https://legionathletics.com/products/books/bigger-leaner-stronger/

Beyond Bigger Leaner Stronger: https://legionathletics.com/products/books/beyond-bigger-leaner-stronger/

Shop Legion Supplements Here: https://buylegion.com/mike

Science of Strength Training - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0744026954/?tag=mflweb-20

Austin’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austincurrent_/

Physique Development - https://physiquedevelopment.com/