Barbell Medicine Podcast Bonus Episode: Overcoming Plateaus, Running, DOMS, Ibuprofen and GainzZz, and More
Oct 23, 2025
In a lively Q&A, Jordan and Leah tackle everything from training plateaus to running heart rates. They discuss how to adjust training stimulus and the fine line between hypertrophy and strength in accessory work. Tips for adhering to conditioning routines and choosing between volume and intensity for specific goals are shared. They also dive into the impact of ibuprofen on training, how to build lean muscle, and when to modify bench press depth. Plus, insights on dealing with soreness and stalling lifts at any age make for a well-rounded conversation.
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Watching A Friend Compete At 3:15 AM
- Jordan woke up at 3:15 a.m. to watch coach Leah Lutz compete in Cape Town.
- He emphasizes that powerlifting on meet day is largely about attempt selection and probability, not just gym strength.
Defining And Diagnosing Plateaus
- A true training plateau is ~3–4 weeks of no measurable improvement.
- Decide if the issue is under-stimulus or inadequate recovery before changing the program.
Increase Training Load Purposefully
- If stimulus is too low, increase training load via volume, intensity, exercises, or proximity to failure.
- Consider free weights and ensure changes match the individual's recovery capacity.