The Hypertrophy Hierarchy (Which Training Variables Actually Matter) | Ep 396

Get your free Strength Training for Hormone Health guide at witsandweights.com/free to learn how to structure your training to support healthy hormone levels as you age, applying the principles from this episode.

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Every week there's new advice about training. Train to failure. Don't train to failure. Do more volume. No, you're overtraining. Meanwhile, you're stuck making zero progress because nobody's telling you what actually matters.

Today, Philip ranks the 5 training variables that drive 80% of muscle growth, plus one hidden foundation that amplifies them all. Using the concept of Leverage Points from systems thinking, you'll discover which variables create disproportionate results and which ones are just noise distracting you from real progress.

This is an evidence-based blueprint to stop spinning your wheels and start building the physique you want.

Episode Resources

• 12 Rules of Training Volume to Build More Muscle | Ep 348
• Join Physique University for Training Templates and Lifting Lessons
• Try MacroFactor for free with code WITSANDWEIGHTS

Timestamps

0:00 - Why you're stuck and overwhelmed by conflicting training advice
3:18 - Variable #1: Training volume (the primary driver of muscle growth)
8:02 - Variable #2: Training effort and proximity to failure
12:54 - Variable #3: Progressive overload (the adaptation mechanism)
20:37 - Variable #4: Exercise selection and mechanical efficiency
25:14 - Variable #5: Frequency (how to distribute weekly volume)
30:05 - Bonus variable

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