Brains and Gains with Dr. David Maconi

Brian DeCosta, a natural bodybuilder and online coach, dives into the world of genetics and motivation in athletics. He discusses the contrast between natural bodybuilders and those who use performance enhancers, emphasizing hard work and mentorship. Brian shares insights on high-volume training, recovery strategies, and psychological challenges athletes face. He also addresses the importance of managing screen time in a fitness lifestyle and reflects on the aging athlete's journey, showcasing adaptability and personal growth in training.

In this episode, fitness expert Abel Csabai shares his insights on effective training techniques and nutrition. He discusses the nuances of myo-reps and rest-pause sets, addressing how to push your limits safely. Abel emphasizes the critical role of carbohydrates in muscle growth and explores the potential for wasting newbie gains if training isn't optimized. He also touches on the importance of dental health and how fitness influences romantic attraction, revealing that personality often outweighs physical appearance.

Eric Helms, a PhD in strength and conditioning and competitive bodybuilder, teams up with Steve Hall, a fellow natural bodybuilder and coach, to dive into effective training strategies. They discuss the surprising impacts of untrained muscles on growth and the importance of workout tracking. The duo shares insights on bulking, fatigue management, and the use of supersets versus traditional sets for better gains. With a humorous twist, they also touch on personal experiences with cardio and even some surprising bathroom habits while bulking.

Pete Rubish, a former powerlifter turned ultra runner, shares his transformative journey from strength sports to ultra running after stepping away from performance-enhancing drugs. He candidly discusses the physical and mental challenges of training for a grueling 100-mile race, including hydration issues and preparation mistakes. Rubish also delves into his health struggles with kidney stones and adjusts his lifestyle through diet and supplements. Listeners will gain insights into balancing strength with health while navigating the complexities of endurance training.

0:00- Intro 0:30- Hitting 18in arms 10:45- Progressive overload 12:20- What was done specifically to get to 18in arms 26:00- Exercise and rep selection 36:30- Should you train legs as hard as upper body? 46:00- Home gymsBasement Bodybuilding Channel:    / @basementbodybuilding  Basement Bodybuilding Instagram:   / basement.bodybuilding  Website and Coaching: https://brainsandgainspodcast.com/Instagram:   / dave_maconi     / @brainsandgainspodcast  -For those looking to support the channel and our donations to various charities, please consider the above link to become a member and have the opportunity to appear on the channel!Jacked Up home gym equipment: https://jackedupbrands.com/pages/_go_...

0:00- Intro 3:00- Where has Abel been? 12:00- How to lose weight 13:00- Is it really possible to bulk on 3 meals per day? 23:10- Is it better to have an A-B exercise selection or hit the same exercises every time? 35:20- Ab training and progressionAbel's channel for part 2:    • Stubborn pecs, rest-pause for unilate...  Website and Coaching: https://brainsandgainspodcast.com/Instagram:   / dave_maconi     / @brainsandgainspodcast  -For those looking to support the channel and our donations to various charities, please consider the above link to become a member and have the opportunity to appear on the channel!Jacked Up home gym equipment: https://jackedupbrands.com/pages/_go_...BULK SUPPLEMENTS AFFILIATE LINK: https://glnk.io/63qn/dave-maconiDiscount code: DAVE5OFF

In this discussion, Dr. Stuart Phillips, a notable expert in exercise science and nutrition, challenges common misconceptions about muscle growth. He critiques misguided views on hypertrophy and highlights the debate between myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic hypertrophy. The conversation also unpacks the frequency of protein intake, advocating for fewer, higher-quality meals. Phillips raises skepticism about collagen supplementation and the efficacy of amino acids, emphasizing the need for rigorous research over marketing claims.

0:00- Intro 1:00- Disagreements with Renaissance Periodization 13:00- Social media discrepancies 18:00- Different “gurus” and camps on form 19:30- Evolving views on form 26:00- Kassem’s training history and strength 31:00- When would you want to emphasize contracted positions? 42:00- Are we breaking past previous barriers? 1:00:00- A counterargument against keeping exercises constant 1:30:00- Signing out and where to find Geoff and Kassem

Health and wellness enthusiast Nicolas Verhoeven discusses curcumin benefits, skin health with collagen, melatonin dosage, and the hype around supplements. Emphasis on prioritizing foundational health practices over quick-fix solutions.

        0:00- Intro            1:00- Nic’s background            4:00- Oreo’s bringing down LDL              25:00- Cholesterol            31:00- High sodium intake            36:00- Low saturated fat experiment            49:00- Minnesota coronary experiment