Hypertrophy Past and Present

Chris Beardsley and Jake Doleschal
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19 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 15min

014 Training Frequency - What the long-term studies actually show

Discover the intriguing world of bodybuilding history with insights on Floyd Page’s 1952 workout routine. Dive into the nuances of training frequency and how it influences muscle growth. The discussion reveals why hitting the gym three times a week is often more beneficial than once a week. Unpack the complexities of research on hypertrophy, and learn about the challenges in analyzing muscle measurement techniques. The speakers also advocate for critical thinking and source verification in fitness to cut through the misinformation surrounding training practices.
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13 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 30min

013 Neuromechanical Matching: Everything you need to know (but few do)

Discover the innovative training methods of bodybuilding legend Peary Rader and his advanced beginner workout plan. Gain insights into the principle of neuromechanical matching, exploring its historical significance and addressing common misconceptions. Learn how this principle optimizes movement efficiency, muscle activation, and effort perception during strength training. The discussion critiques modern bodybuilding techniques while highlighting the benefits of understanding past methodologies for improved training outcomes.
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13 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 8min

012 How to build muscle with isometric training

Dive into the world of isometric training as the hosts discuss techniques from bodybuilding legend John Grimek. Discover how short, intense muscle contractions can spark growth and the critical role of joint angles. They examine the differences between yielding and overcoming isometrics and their unique effects on hypertrophy. Learn practical programming tips and the importance of recovery strategies for optimal results. The episode offers insights into enhancing strength with isometrics, even outside traditional gym settings!
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24 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 6min

011 Why the idea that a single exercise can train the whole muscle and “bias” a region is false

Delve into the intricacies of muscle training with a historical perspective on arm specialization routines. The hosts challenge the notion that a single exercise can fully activate an entire muscle, emphasizing the importance of diverse training approaches. They discuss the critical role of muscle damage and activation deficits, unraveling common myths about hypertrophy. Listeners will gain insights into personalized workout programming and the need for simplicity and consistency in effective training. This exploration promises a fresh understanding of optimizing muscle growth.
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18 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 14min

010 Warming up - what does it really achieve?

The discussion kicks off with a look at historic warm-up routines, particularly from the York Barbell plan, revealing their unexpected effectiveness. Insights into the physiological effects of warming up include temperature, post-activation potentiation, and injury prevention. The hosts challenge conventional wisdom, arguing that many common warm-up methods may not enhance hypertrophy. They advocate for tailored warm-up approaches and delve into the risks of over-warming up, sparking a refreshing perspective on optimizing workout preparation.
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17 snips
Jul 20, 2025 • 43min

009 Work capacity - what it is and how to improve it

The hosts dive into an intriguing pre-steroid bulking routine from an underrated Silver Era bodybuilder, shedding light on effective vintage training methods. They tackle the concept of work capacity, clarifying its definitions and misconceptions, and emphasize that cardiovascular endurance matters more than sheer volume for gym performance. The discussion merges historical insights with modern training principles, exploring the balance between strength and endurance. Practical tips on workout routines further enhance the conversation.
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13 snips
Jul 13, 2025 • 53min

008 Training Frequency - what to consider if you want to train every day

Discover the intriguing balance between daily training and muscle recovery as Jake Doleschal and Chris Beardsley delve into the world of hypertrophy. They draw inspiration from legendary strongman George Hackenschmidt, emphasizing innovative training strategies. The discussion highlights the science behind muscle fatigue, offering insights on choosing the right exercises and managing intensity. By blending historical context with modern science, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of effective daily training practices.
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17 snips
Jul 6, 2025 • 60min

007 Do all training programs maximise hypertrophy eventually?

This discussion dives into the advanced workout routines of Reg Park, analyzing his evolution from bulk to shape. It explores the relationship between exercise selection, volume, and muscle damage dynamics. The hosts highlight how central nervous system fatigue affects training outcomes and the importance of frequency and variety in workouts. Insights into the optimal balance of compound versus isolation exercises reveal how they impact muscle growth. Ultimately, they challenge misconceptions and advocate for scientifically informed training approaches to maximize hypertrophy.
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27 snips
Jun 29, 2025 • 1h 14min

006 Strength - the mechanisms that increase strength, and why hypertrophy must make us stronger

The podcast delves into the impressive strength feats of legends like Marvin Eder, who famously bench pressed over 500 pounds. It explores the nuances of dip strength and the historical training regimens that shaped modern approaches. A deep dive reveals that strength encompasses multiple mechanisms beyond mere hypertrophy. The hosts challenge conventional beliefs by highlighting the importance of technique, neural adaptations, and coordination. They also address the complex relationship between hypertrophy and strength, advocating for a well-rounded understanding of training science.
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28 snips
Jun 22, 2025 • 1h 19min

005 Training volume and post workout fatigue - how many sets are recoverable in 48 hours?

Dive into the fascinating world of Reg Park's 1950s training approach, focusing on high volume and low reps. Discover why common beliefs about post-workout fatigue may be misleading, as the hosts unravel the science behind calcium ion accumulation and its effects on recovery. They also discuss the surprising recoverability of low rep, high set training and explore four types of post-workout fatigue. This insightful conversation sheds light on effective programming and the complexities of muscle recovery, challenging traditional views on strength training.

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