Muscle for Life with Mike Matthews

How can you break the habit of eating sweets? Should you sacrifice sleep to workout? Why haven’t I started taking steroids? Is training 6 days per week too much? What’s my business motivation and how would I deal with a huge financial failure? All of that and more in this Q&A podcast. Over on Instagram, I’ve started doing weekly Q&As in the stories, and it occurred to me that many podcast listeners might enjoy hearing these questions and my short answers. So, instead of talking about one thing in an episode, I’m going to cover a variety of questions. And keep in mind some of these questions are just for fun. :) So if you want to ask me questions in my Instagram stories, follow me on Instagram (@muscleforlifefitness), and if I answer your question there, it might just make it onto an episode of the podcast! If you like this type of episode, let me know. Send me an email (mike@muscleforlife.com) or direct message me on Instagram. And if you don’t like it, let me know that too or how you think it could be better. Timestamps: (0:00) - My free quiz to answer all your diet questions: www.muscleforlife.show/dietquiz (3:35) - What would you do if all of your money went into a project you worked on and failed? (15:05) - Is there anything in Thinner Leaner Stronger that you feel differently about now? (18:15) - How should I schedule my workouts as a beginner? (21:19) - What are your thoughts on upper and lower workouts six days a week? (23:33) - Can we consume creatine when not working out for a week? (25:39) - What are your thoughts on a post lifting 10 minute cardio finisher, 3 times per week? (26:48) - Who do you think will win, Russia or Ukraine? (27:10) - Who shot first, Han or Greedo? (28:21) - Besides your business, how do you invest your money? (31:48) - Should you reduce volume and weight during your sets by 20% to preserve strength in a cut? (34:07) - Why haven’t you used steroids if you have reached your peak strength? (38:13) - What is some advice to stop eating sweets? (38:55) - As a mom, is it better to sacrifice sleep to workout? (40:29) - Why don’t your calves grow despite your training? (42:46) - Besides your family, what is your motivation in business? Mentioned on the Show: Take this free quiz to get science-based answers to all of your diet questions: www.muscleforlife.show/dietquiz

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you start eating and just can't seem to stop? Well, you're not alone. Binge eating can be a frustrating and defeating experience for many of us. It can quickly set us back in our health and fitness journey, especially when it comes to reaching our body composition goals. And even if you don't struggle with binge eating disorder, you may still find yourself overeating a bit too much a bit too often. So, whether you’re dealing with true bingeing or not, in this episode, I’m serving up 10 science-based tips to help you stop binge eating, improve your relationship with food, and take control of your eating habits. Sit back, relax, and let's dive in!" Timestamps: (0:00) - Shop Legion Supplements Here: https://buylegion.com/ and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points! (4:34) - What is binge eating? (9:51) - What causes binge eating? (13:10) - Avoid restricting diets (14:56) - How does skipping meals cause binge eating? (18:50) - Avoid tempting foods (20:23) - Fill up on fewer calories (23:52) - Exercise (25:15) - Drink water (27:19) - Eat mindfully (29:25) - Manage stress (31:38) - Spend time with people (32:09) - Eat more protein (34:33) - What do I do when I binge eat? Mentioned on the Show: Shop Legion Supplements Here: https://buylegion.com/ and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

If you want to get into great shape and stay that way, this is the last exercise advice you’ll ever need. In this podcast, I’m giving you the ultimate strength training plan for men. You’re going to learn about volume and intensity, what drives muscle growth, progressive overload, and what you need to focus on to keep gaining muscle and strength. I also offer a “magic” formula you can use for your own training programming. This podcast is the final installments in which I’m sharing an excerpt from the audiobook version of the latest fourth edition of my bestselling book, Bigger Leaner Stronger. In case you’re not familiar with it, Bigger Leaner Stronger is a fitness book for men who want to gain muscle, lose fat, and get healthy faster than they ever thought possible. In this episode, I’m sharing chapter 12, which is all about creating the best strength training plan possible. And if you like what you hear in this selection, you’re sure to enjoy the rest of the audiobook. Let’s get to it! Timestamps: (0:00) - Get the BLS audiobook: https://geni.us/AefbLX (4:24) - The Ultimate Strength Training Plan for Men Mentioned on the Show: Bigger Leaner Stronger Audiobook: https://geni.us/AefbLX BLS eBook: https://legionathletics.com/products/books/bigger-leaner-stronger/

What advice would I give to my younger self? Well, I recently went through a previous episode of the podcast in which I answered this question and wanted to make some updates. So, without further ado, this is my updated advice to my younger self. Listen to this podcast and let me know what you think! What advice would you give your past self? Timestamps: (0:00) - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe! (3:31) - My free meal planning tool: buylegion.com/mealplan Mentioned on the Show: Want a free meal planning tool that figures out your calories, macros, and micros, and allows you to create custom meal plans for cutting, lean gaining, and maintaining in under 5 minutes? Go to https://buylegion.com/mealplan and download the tool for free!

There’s a weight loss drug revolution happening right now. Medicines containing semaglutide (like Ozempic and Wegovy) used to treat diabetes have recently gained FDA approval for obesity, and many people are turning to drugs to help them lose weight. Weight loss drugs aren’t new—previous medications like fen-phen turned out to be dangerous, and even taken off the market. However, these newer drugs appear much safer and even more effective. So, are these medications the solution to the obesity epidemic, an unfair “easy-out” for people who need to learn to eat less and move more, or just the latest attempt by Big Pharma to cash-in on a problem created by Big Food? To help discuss the matter, I invited friend and obesity specialist Dr. Spencer Nadolsky back onto the podcast. In case you’re not familiar with Spencer, he’s a Board Certified Family Medicine Physician, author of “The Fat Loss Prescription,” and a Diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine. He knows his stuff when it comes to hormones, fat loss, and yes, memes (which you can find all over his instagram). He’s also been on the podcast before to talk about PCOS, thyroid health, and heart disease. In this interview, Spencer and I discuss . . . - Why some people can’t seem to lose weight with diet and exercise - The latest weight loss drugs and how effective they are - How GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonists like semaglutide work and help people lose weight - The disadvantages and side effects of weight loss drugs - Who should and shouldn’t take these medicines and who might have trouble coming off the drugs - What really causes obesity (genetics versus environment) - The role of Big Food in the obesity epidemic and how to fix the problem - And more . . . So, if you’re interested in learning about the latest science in the weight loss drug field, or have ever scoffed at the idea of someone taking a weight loss medicine when diet and exercise alone should work, listen to this podcast and let me know your thoughts! Timestamps (0:00) - Try Fortify today! Go to https://buylegion.com/fortify and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points! (6:21) - What are the most popular obesity medicines and how effective are they? (18:01) - Should an overweight person try obesity medicines first if they haven’t tried fundamental lifestyle changes? (20:58) - Why wouldn’t you consider these drugs for just anyone? (25:18) - Can this medicine help some people rewire their habits? (29:48) - What are the driving factors of obesity? (41:13) - What are your thoughts on big food companies and their responsibility with obesity? (46:17) - Where can we find you? Mentioned on the Show: Try Fortify today! Go to https://buylegion.com/fortify and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points! Spencer’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnadolsky/ Spencer’s TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drspencer

Have you ever heard that some people just don’t have the genetics to get big and strong? Or that you need to change exercises frequently to make progress? Or that exercise is a bad way to lose fat? There are numerous exercise myths out there, and in this podcast, you’re going to learn about the worst offenders. In this podcast, I’m sharing an excerpt from the audiobook version of the latest fourth edition of my bestselling book, Bigger Leaner Stronger. In case you’re not familiar with it, Bigger Leaner Stronger is a fitness book for men who want to gain muscle, lose fat, and get healthy faster than they ever thought possible. In this episode, I’m sharing chapter 11, which is all about the biggest exercise myths and mistakes that derail many people’s progress. You’re going to learn about genetics, body recomposition, whether you need to do isolation exercises, and a lot more. And if you like what you hear in this selection, you’re sure to enjoy the rest of the audiobook. Let’s get to it! Timestamps: (0:00) - Get the BLS audiobook: https://geni.us/AefbLX (4:37) - The 10 Absolute Worst Diet Myths and Mistakes Mentioned on the Show: Bigger Leaner Stronger Audiobook: https://geni.us/AefbLX BLS eBook: https://legionathletics.com/products/books/bigger-leaner-stronger/

Are home saunas worth it? Should you wear a glucose monitor? What are my thoughts on the Liver King scandal? Tips on reducing muscle soreness and beating a strength plateau. Why am I not more jacked? Do hip thrusts live up to the hype? All of that and more in this Q&A podcast. Over on Instagram, I’ve started doing weekly Q&As in the stories, and it occurred to me that many podcast listeners might enjoy hearing these questions and my short answers. So, instead of talking about one thing in an episode, I’m going to cover a variety of questions. And keep in mind some of these questions are just for fun. :) So if you want to ask me questions in my Instagram stories, follow me on Instagram (@muscleforlifefitness), and if I answer your question there, it might just make it onto an episode of the podcast! If you like this type of episode, let me know. Send me an email (mike@muscleforlife.com) or direct message me on Instagram. And if you don’t like it, let me know that too or how you think it could be better. Timestamps: (0:00) - Find the Perfect Strength Training Program for You: www.muscleforlife.show/trainingquiz (2:34) - What do you and your wife use for birth control? (6:15) - Is a home sauna worth it? (10:40) - What tips do you have for busting through strength plateaus? (12:10) - I love working out but struggle with calorie intake. Do you have any tips? (15:42) - Are hip thrusts overrated or are they worth the hype? (17:04) - What are your thoughts on the Liver King? (20:28) - What does science say about NAC and glycine supplementation? (21:34) - Will you make bug protein powder? (23:12) - How do I determine the amount of fish oil I need to take? (26:08) - Squats hurt my lower back, is it my form or am I lifting too heavy? (27:57) - Why are you not more jacked? (35:05) - Are morning workouts better than evening workouts? (35:41) - Why are you doing 3 sets vs 4 sets? (37:47) - Does a Green supplement cover all my micro nutrient needs? (38:19) - What are your thoughts on glucose monitors? (40:11) - What is the maximum number of squats and deadlift sets you should do in a week to allow rest in the lower back? (40:35) - Are regular dips better than the dip machine? (41:48) - Is fast food two times a week bad? (42:31) - How can I reduce muscle soreness? Mentioned on the Show: Find the Perfect Strength Training Program for You in Just 60 Seconds: http://www.muscleforlife.show/trainingquiz

Is calories in versus calories out “bad science”? Are all calories the same? Will dieting damage your metabolism? Do you have to eat big to get big? Does sugar make you fat and unhealthy? Does eating carbs at night cause weight gain? Answers to all those questions and more in this podcast.In this podcast, I’m sharing an excerpt from theaudiobook version of the latest fourth edition of my bestselling book,Bigger Leaner Stronger. In case you’re not familiar with it,Bigger Leaner Stronger is a fitness book for men who want to gain muscle, lose fat, and get healthy faster than they ever thought possible. In this episode, I’m sharing chapter 7, which is all about the biggest diet myths and mistakes that derail many people’s progress.You’re going to learn about calories in and calories out, the myth that carbs and sugars make you fat and unhealthy, clean eating, and a lot more.And if you like what you hear in this selection, you’re sure to enjoy the rest of theaudiobook.Let’s get to it!Timestamps:(0:00) - Get the BLS audiobook:https://geni.us/AefbLX(10:44) - The 10 Absolute Worst Diet Myths and MistakesMentioned on the Show:Bigger Leaner Stronger Audiobook:https://geni.us/AefbLXBLS eBook:https://legionathletics.com/products/books/bigger-leaner-stronger/

Is weight gain during menopause unavoidable? Most women gain weight during menopause, but does menopause actually cause fat gain? What changes occur in the body that make it easier to pack on the pounds during this hormonal shift? How can you prevent weight gain during menopause and how can you lose the belly fat gained while going through it? You’re going to learn all that and more in this podcast. Press play to listen to the science of menopause and weight gain. Timestamps: (0:00) - Try Phoenix today! Go to https://buylegion.com/phoenix and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points! (3:39) - What is the connection between menopause and weight gain? (5:08) - What factors do hormones play in weight gain? (13:26) - Does age cause weight gain? (27:37) - How can I lose fat that was gained while going through menopause? Mentioned on the Show: Try Phoenix today! Go to https://buylegion.com/phoenix and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

In this installment of the Best of Muscle For Life, you’ll hear hand-picked clips from three popular MFL episodes: an interview with Brad Schoenfeld on the science of time-efficient training, a monologue on the “best” workout split for gaining muscle, and a Motivation Monday episode on how the Stockdale Paradox can change your life. Some people—my favorite people—listen to most or even all of my podcasts, but my wizbang analytics tell me that while many listeners tune in on a regular basis, they don’t catch every installment of Muscle for Life and thus miss out on insights that could help them do at least a little better inside and outside the gym. That’s why I do “best of” episodes that contain a few of the most practical and compelling ideas, tips, and moments from the more popular episodes I’ve published over the years. This way, you can learn interesting insights that you might have otherwise missed and find new episodes of the show to listen to. So, in this installment of The Best of Muscle for Life, you’ll be hearing hand-picked morsels from three episodes: Brad Schoenfeld on the Science of Time-Efficient Training (Originally published 9/22/2021) The “Best” Workout Split for Gaining Muscle (Originally published 9/20/2021) Motivation Monday: How the Stockdale Paradox Can Change Your Life (Originally published 4/23/2018) And we’ll be starting with number one, Brad Schoenfeld on the Science of Time-Efficient Training. Timestamps: (0:00) -  My free meal planning tool: buylegion.com/mealplan (4:43) - Brad Schoenfeld on the Science of Time-Efficient Training (20:51) - The “Best” Workout Split for Gaining Muscle (30:11) - Motivation Monday: How the Stockdale Paradox Can Change Your Life Mentioned on the Show: Want a free meal planning tool that figures out your calories, macros, and micros, and allows you to create custom meal plans for cutting, lean gaining, and maintaining in under 5 minutes? Go to https://buylegion.com/mealplan and download the tool for free!