Eat Train Prosper

Episode 201 is our October 2025 Instagram Q&A and we are discussing various topics in our fitness, training, and nutrition space.00:00:00 - Personal Updates00:13:09 - Do you think someone can still get jacked following the health and longevity plan that you and Jordan laid out?00:18:40 - Can you elaborate on the Beardsley and Jake theory on training each muscle at least 2x/week or else it’ll atrophy within 2-3 days? Eg you must train iliac, lumbar and thoracic lat EACH within the 2-3 day period. 00:23:33 - Which region of the traps do you think is most responsible for a more muscular look and do you think it needs to be trained directly, or will indirect work (such as rows) suffice?00:28:13 - If I wanted to optimize muscle building, how much running or cycling is too much and may interfere with lower body hypertrophy? 00:33:52 - Are you still updating the Evolved blog? 00:35:22 - Do you think the hip abduction machine is the best way to train that function for hypertrophy? 00:37:49 - Do you still believe that in a deficit it is better to just do steps instead of proper cardio?00:43:37 - Should you do unilateral exercises whenever possible if you have time? Any benefit to doing bilateral?00:48:48 - 4 vs 5 days of training per week when weekly volume is equated? What do you think is the sweet spot for experienced lifters with decent strength? 00:50:53 - What is your current favourite exercise or physical activity, the thing you look forward to the most in your week?00:54:20 - Heels elevated squats - What kind of stance? LIke narrow slant board? Cyclist squat?00:55:47 - Can I do a trial of TRT just for a few weeks to see if I notice anything positive without ruining my natural production long term? 00:58:47 - What would be the minimum effective dose of cardio volume to not go backwards? Never been a big cardio guy, so just trying to be healthy. 01:00:55 - Do you have any direct experience or know anyone with experience with the Freak Athlete extension for quad/ham curl? If so, worth considering for the home gym? 01:02:54 - If you are natural, what would be the highest frequency of legs/glutes that you would do in a week (to recover adequately) 01:05:29 - How has the alternating lower/upper 3x/week been working for you? 01:06:46 - Is there such a thing as true weight loss resistance if tracking accurately? 01:10:54 - What’s the bare min for daily fat intake while cutting? Different for lifestyle vs competitor? 01:15:10 - Is there any benefit to finding and staying at the top end of the maintenance range? 01:16:44 - Stress, sleep and water. How much of a difference do they actually make on body comp? 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

ETP 201 is a catch-up episode after our three-week hiatus, discussing personal life updates, including a wedding and house hunting in Utah. We dive into Aaron’s emotional experiences of the wedding day, and reflections on health and fitness post-wedding. We also touch on new training methods, goals, and future plans for the evolution of Bryan’s fitness programs, emphasizing the importance of enjoyment and movement quality.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome Back02:43 Travel Adventures and Wedding Preparations05:44 The Wedding Experience08:26 Post-Wedding Reflections and Moving to Utah11:15 House Hunting in Utah13:40 Training and Gym Experiences16:42 Health Updates and Future Plans32:08 Optimizing Health and Longevity in Limited Time36:10 The Five Buckets of Fitness41:14 Creating a Balanced Training Program46:38 The Importance of Enjoyment in Training51:48 Personal Training Insights and Adjustments 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 a milestone reflection, Aaron shares his journey from amateur to pro, detailing challenges faced during his first bodybuilding season. Listeners learn about his Pro Show experience in Hong Kong, the significance of nutrition, and essential gear insights. The conversation takes a personal turn as Aaron discusses major life changes, including his upcoming wedding and plans for family. He emphasizes confidence and taking risks to pursue passions, offering valuable reflections on both bodybuilding and personal growth.

Explore the intricacies of transitioning from a bulking phase to a cutting diet. Discover the psychological hurdles faced during this shift and how to tackle emotional eating. Important strategies for handling social situations while dieting are discussed, alongside practical tips to adjust caloric intake effectively. Learn about maintaining training intensity even when reducing volume and common pitfalls to avoid, like excessive cardio. Get ready for a deeper understanding of achieving a lean physique without falling into diet traps!

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.