Eat Train Prosper

In ETP199 we are talking how to most effectively transition out your bulk or gaining season and into your calorie deficit or shredding season. With the additional wrinkle of really pushing your deficit to achieve a truly defined lean physique. We address your psychological challenges, timing, and how to properly orchestrate deficits. Additionally strategies for  maintaining training intensity while adjusting volume and finally highlighting the most common pitfalls to avoid during your cut.Timestamps:00:00 Transitioning from Bulk to Cut12:12 Understanding the Psychological Transition24:19 Timing and Strategy for Deficit30:36 Setting Your Deficit Course35:25 Achieving a Lean Look: Muscle vs. Body Fat42:30 Training Adjustments During a Cut49:13 Volume Reduction and Training Intensity55:44 Common Pitfalls in Dieting and Cardio Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️https://paragontrainingmethods.comFollow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️https://evolvedtrainingsystems.comFind Us on Social Media ⬇️IG | @Eat.Train.ProsperIG | @bryanboorsteinIG | @aaron_strakerYT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

Bryan shares his recent birthday experience and its impact on his training. Aaron discusses his upcoming pro debut and the challenges of weight management. The importance of personal goals in fitness and how they affect motivation. Brian's return to deadlifting after an injury and his training strategy. Aaron's experience with weight loss leading up to his competition. The significance of emotional well-being in training and competition preparation. Discussion on the practicality of different training methodologies. The impact of body weight on performance and health. Aaron's plans for post-competition training and lifestyle changes. Reflections on the balance between strength training and cardio.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates08:59 Training and Nutrition Plans18:13 Preparing for the Pro Show27:35 Post-Show Plans and Future Goals31:28 Fertility Restoration and Personal Goals33:19 Muscle Fiber Specific Training: The Beardsley Model45:29 Balancing Training Approaches and Personal Goalstraining, nutrition, bodybuilding, mens physique, weight management, mens fitness goals, strength training, active lifestyle Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️https://paragontrainingmethods.comFollow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️https://evolvedtrainingsystems.comFind Us on Social Media ⬇️IG | @Eat.Train.ProsperIG | @bryanboorsteinIG | @aaron_strakerYT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In ETP197, we dive into a full-spectrum Q&A for August 2025. We catch up with a few personal updates, then tackle a range of topics. Technique, cardio planning, adjusting nutrition from labs, sleep strategies, protein intake, and current theories on intra-week atrophy. We explore the growing popularity of Hyrox and much more this month. Timestamps:00:00:00 - Personal Updates00:05:38 - How deep should we go on a fly-type movement for the chest?00:09:00 - As an avid runner, I’m having soft tissue issues and plan to switch to bike for a while. How should I go about creating a 3x/week cardio plan?00:13:26 - Are you guys making any changes to your diet after reviewing your blood work a few weeks ago?00:15:10 - What are your best tips for improving sleep and how bad would sleep have to be before you go explore alternative approaches, like sleep studies, exogenous hormones etc… 00:20:53 - I understand the whole 1g of protein per lb of BW thing, but does that change in a cut vs bulk? People say you can’t overeat protein but what actually happens? 00:25:06 - If I want to construct a program that has different movements for the same muscle group across 3 different sessions, how can I know I am training the same muscle fibers with these varied movements and not cause atrophy? 00:32:01 - If I wanna do the new Bryan’s program, are there swaps for home gym? 00:32:58 - How to approach single arm training when there is a strength discrepancy? 00:36:30 - What’s the obsession with Hyrox these days?00:41:14 - When it comes to hypertrophy, how useful are really low reps, like sets of 2-3?00:44:29 - After taking 8 weeks off due to a bad back injury, my strength came back rapidly and ultimately surpassed my prior levels. How?00:47:11 - Any hypertrophy benefits to doing reverse hypers? 00:48:33 - 2x vs 3x frequency? Is 3x really worth it? 00:49:46 - What’s your next experiment? 00:52:29 - Is Hybrid training just old school strength and conditioning? 00:54:48 - Can you discuss who might benefit from using a weight vest?00:57:44 - What could I expect from maingaining?01:00:57 - What are your opinions on intensifiers like drop sets, rest pause, etc.01:02:49 - Can you explain the difference between the lateral raises and the Y raise?01:04:37 - What to adjust in a deficit when you start to lose muscle and gain some body fat according to an InBody?01:08:35 - Ideal rate of change for a lifestyle client looking to lose fat and knowing when to make the calorie or cardio adjustment?01:12:26 - Electrolytes for those of us that train in a hot environment?01:14:25 - Ideal lean building phase rate of gain for an enhanced lifter's first cycle? Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️https://paragontrainingmethods.comFollow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️https://evolvedtrainingsystems.comFind Us on Social Media ⬇️IG | @Eat.Train.ProsperIG | @bryanboorsteinIG | @aaron_strakerYT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In Eat Train Prosper #196, we talk with Connor St. Jean, a WNBF Professional Bodybuilder and Online Physique Coach, about his experiences in Natural Bodybuilding, recent competitions, and the particulars of contest prep. We discuss the evolution of natural bodybuilding federations, common misconceptions specifically about natural bodybuilding, and the importance of truly being in contest shape. Connor shares about prep pacing, cardio strategies, nutrition, and the psychological aspects of maintaining physique post-competition. We wrap up with the conversation with some input on movement quality, Connor’s tips for chest pressing mechanics, and his immediate future contest plans.Timestamps:00:00:00 Introduction to Connor St. Jean00:03:01 Connor's Journey into Bodybuilding00:05:51 Natural Bodybuilding Federations00:08:59 Misconceptions About Natural Bodybuilding00:11:54 The Evolution of Conditioning Standards00:14:50 The Balance of Conditioning and Muscularity00:17:41 Insights from Recent Competition Prep00:20:40 Cardio and Training Strategies in Prep00:23:32 Nutrition Strategies for Contest Prep00:26:36 Final Thoughts on Natural Bodybuilding00:33:29 Managing Volume and Fatigue in Bodybuilding00:42:10 Caffeine and Stimulant Strategies During Prep00:53:44 Post-Show Recovery and Future Plans01:00:16 Improving Chest Development Through Better Pressing Mechanics Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️https://paragontrainingmethods.comFollow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️https://evolvedtrainingsystems.comFind Us on Social Media ⬇️IG | @Eat.Train.ProsperIG | @bryanboorsteinIG | @aaron_strakerYT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In ETP #195, we break down Aaron’s journey to earning his IFBB Pro Card. From the adrenaline of show day to the quiet low points that hit once you see your competition. We share exactly what went into Aaron's prep: the training, the posing grind, and the mental side of the equation that makes or breaks a successful stage outcome.We follow this up with a deep dive into our most recent sets of blood work. Bryan walks through his latest lab results and some health markers he’s watching closely, and then Aaron pulls back the curtain on his own labs and how PED usage ties into the bigger health picture.We wrap with some honest reflection on chasing elite goals without losing sight of longevity.Timestamps:00:00:00 Celebrating a Milestone: Aaron's Pro Card Achievement00:09:48 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Competition Day00:20:23 The Art of Posing: Confidence and Technique00:29:44 Blood Work Insights: Balancing Health and Lifestyle00:31:01 Bryan’s Blood Work Review00:31:08 Cholesterol and Cardiac Health Insights00:35:00 Understanding Inflammation and CRP Levels00:35:55 Blood Sugar and Insulin Resistance Concerns00:39:01 Kidney Function and Creatine Impact00:40:42 Thyroid Function and Hormonal Balance00:43:42 Hormone Panel Analysis and Estradiol Levels00:48:50 Complete Blood Count and Immune Function00:51:13 Dietary Impact on Uric Acid and Kidney Health00:53:46 Fatty Acids and Omega-3 Index00:55:38 Vitamin Levels and Sun Exposure Effects00:57:16 Aaron’s Blood Work Review01:01:38 Reasons for Elevated Creatinine01:05:26 Aaron’s Comically High Estradiol Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️https://paragontrainingmethods.comFollow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️https://evolvedtrainingsystems.comFind Us on Social Media ⬇️IG | @Eat.Train.ProsperIG | @bryanboorsteinIG | @aaron_strakerYT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In episode #194, we discuss the challenges and adjustments that new and expecting parents may face regarding their nutrition, training, and recovery. We emphasize the importance of establishing routines, setting realistic goals, and maintaining positive communication between partners. The conversation covers practical strategies for meal prepping, finding time for exercise, and prioritizing mental health during the earliest periods of parenthood.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Updates21:54 Navigating Changes as a New Parent26:28 Navigating the Early Days of Parenthood30:28 The Role of Fathers in Newborn Care33:27 Meal Planning and Nutrition Post-Birth43:27 Establishing a Morning Routine for Mental Health47:26 Training and Recovery After Baby's Arrival53:32 Navigating Sleep Patterns as New Parents54:55 Understanding Minimum Effective Dose in Training57:25 Adapting Training Approaches for Different Children01:02:38 Transitioning to Home Workouts During COVID01:08:49 The Importance of Family Time and Individuality01:09:13 Setting Realistic Goals in Parenthood01:15:32 Finding Balance and Perspective in New Parenthood Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️https://paragontrainingmethods.comFollow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️https://evolvedtrainingsystems.comFind Us on Social Media ⬇️IG | @Eat.Train.ProsperIG | @bryanboorsteinIG | @aaron_strakerYT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

This podcast dives into a June Q&A, tackling intriguing topics like strategies for staying lean year-round and the impact of elevated estrogen levels on performance. It explores the differences between Evolved and Paragon fitness programs, advanced techniques like pre-exhaust training, and the nuances of intermittent fasting. Listeners get insights into the emotional challenges of competition prep, hydration habits, and the significance of cardio training in maintaining optimal heart rates. The hosts also share personal experiences with training and supplements.

In episode #192 of Eat Train Prosper, Aaron takes us behind the scenes of his first bodybuilding competition. He breaks down the stages of his first peak week—from the depletion protocol and final carb-up, to the psychological grind of show prep and the critical role of structure and execution.We dive into the finer points of show-day logistics: registration, tanning, stage timing, and everything that doesn’t get talked about enough. Aaron shares his own takeaways about physique presentation, and what he’ll be doing differently for the next show.Bryan also jumps in with updates on his training, thoughts on progression models, and where his training is headed over the coming months.This episode is for anyone curious about stepping on stage, what really goes into a competition prep, and the lessons you only learn once you’re in the trenches.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Updates12:50 Preparing for the Bodybuilding Competition13:15 Nutrition and Depletion Phase21:08 Tanning and Registration Experience30:22 Final Preparations and Show Day35:14 The Competition Experience39:04 Reflections on Performance and Growth42:47 Learning from the Experience47:19 Post-Competition Insights51:30 Looking Ahead to Future Competitions Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️https://paragontrainingmethods.comFollow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️https://evolvedtrainingsystems.comFind Us on Social Media ⬇️IG | @Eat.Train.ProsperIG | @bryanboorsteinIG | @aaron_strakerYT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In Part 2 of Pre Steroid-Era Training Protocols, we keep the pre-steroid era lens on but bring it forward—pulling lessons from the past into how you can fine-tune your “now.” Rep schemes, recovery, fatigue management, and why progression models likely still need a bit of human touch. Wrapping up with the introduction of Arthur Jones’ Nautilus machines, and romanticizing the minimalist, burly, barbell garage Dad. Episode Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Part 204:06 Bryan's Training Experiment: Full Body Approach10:12 Aaron's Upcoming Show and Dieting Insights16:08 Exploring Historical Training Styles22:58 Rep Schemes and Training Volume25:51 Failure, Effort, and Auto-Regulation in Training33:58 Managing Fatigue: Different Approaches36:46 Exploring Recovery and Progression Models39:53 Understanding Linear Progression and Its Variants43:38 The Evolution of Training Methods: From Volume to Isolation48:24 The Impact of Historical Training Routines51:40 The Nautilus Revolution in Strength Training01:00:00 Romanticizing the Basics: The Blue Collar Approach to Training01:04:04 Reflections on the Golden Era of Bodybuilding Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️https://paragontrainingmethods.comFollow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️https://evolvedtrainingsystems.comFind Us on Social Media ⬇️IG | @Eat.Train.ProsperIG | @bryanboorsteinIG | @aaron_strakerYT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

Dive into the world of pre-steroid era training with insights on how legends like Sandow and Hackenschmidt sculpted their physiques using only natural methods. Discover the evolution of strength training protocols, from full-body routines to the introduction of machines. Reflect on the timeless work ethic and dietary habits that defined the fitness culture of the past. Explore classic training philosophies and the enduring impact of early bodybuilding practices, all while recognizing their relevance in today’s fitness landscape.