The Absolute Strength Podcast

In fitness, time on task should be worth a lot. However, sometimes experienced people still struggle with their fitness goals. Why is that? We all follow basically the same pattern with any new skill we learn. We start off wanting to get better at something, gather information from a book, website, podcast, or coach, practice until we reach an acceptable level, and then let it become automatic. For much of what we do, this is perfectly acceptable. For example, once you become a competent driver, that is sufficient. You don’t need to be world-class to get from point A to point B without running into things. The real question is, how do we go beyond an acceptable level of competence? Unfortunately, once you reach a satisfactory skill level at something, it becomes harder and harder to continue improving. Many people come to this realization with their training after a few years. The longer you lift weights, the more work you need to do to ultimately get fewer results. At this point, the margin for error is small to continue making gains. Simply spending more time is unlikely to get it done if mistakes are still being made. To see progress in years five, ten, or fifteen, you need to dot your I’s and cross your T’s. Over the years, I have observed a few common mistakes advanced lifters make. If you have put in the time but are still frustrated with your results, fixing these errors is a great place to start. Read: https://www.kylehuntfitness.com/common-mistakes-advanced-lifters-make/ Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Kyle:  http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/ Instagram: @huntfitness YouTube: @HuntFitnessTV   Absolute Progress 2.0: https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs/products/absolute-progress   Shop training programs including - Powerlifting, Powerbuilding, Bench, etc. https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs   Bodybuilding For Beginners on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3etmDbp   Get 10% OFF Axe and Sledge Supplements DISCOUNT CODE: “HUNT” at https://axeandsledge.com/

In this episode, I go over how to calculate calories and macros for building muscle and losing fat. The “secret” to any diet in terms of body composition comes down to calories and macronutrients. Every diet is a macro diet, whether you track them or not. In my opinion, regardless of what diet you choose to hitch your wagon to, it makes sense to learn how to calculate calorie and macronutrient targets. Understanding the basics of energy balance, portion sizes, and food tracking is the best practical nutrition education you can get. This knowledge is the key to demystifying nutrition and setting you up for long-term success. Read the article: https://www.kylehuntfitness.com/how-to-calculate-calorie-and-macronutrient-requirements/   Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Kyle:  http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/ Instagram: @huntfitness YouTube: @HuntFitnessTV   Absolute Progress 2.0: https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs/products/absolute-progress   Shop training programs including - Powerlifting, Powerbuilding, Bench, etc. https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs   Bodybuilding For Beginners on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3etmDbp   Get 10% OFF Axe and Sledge Supplements DISCOUNT CODE: “HUNT” at https://axeandsledge.com/

In this episode, Heather and I answer questions about supplements! What are the three best supplements for building muscle and general health? Should you take a break from caffeine? Is it a bad idea to dry scoop pre-workout? We go over all of these questions and more in today's episode. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!  Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Heather: IG: @h_jacques   Connect with Kyle:  http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/ Instagram: @huntfitness YouTube: @HuntFitnessTV   Absolute Progress 2.0: https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs/products/absolute-progress   Shop training programs including - Powerlifting, Powerbuilding, Bench, etc. https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs   Bodybuilding For Beginners on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3etmDbp   Get 10% OFF Axe and Sledge Supplements DISCOUNT CODE: “HUNT” at https://axeandsledge.com/

In this episode, I talk about how to use percentages, RPE, and RIR in your training. Both percentage-based training and an autoregulated approach using the RPE scale and RIR have their place. The key is understanding how they fit together to help you get the most out of your training. Knowing which string to pull at the right time is one of the primary aspects of programming. Either way, both methods provide an effective system to determine the correct load to put on the bar. Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Read the article here: https://www.kylehuntfitness.com/how-to-use-percentages-and-the-rpe-scale/   Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Kyle:  http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/ Instagram: @huntfitness YouTube: @HuntFitnessTV   Absolute Progress 2.0: https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs/products/absolute-progress   Shop training programs including - Powerlifting, Powerbuilding, Bench, etc. https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs   Bodybuilding For Beginners on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3etmDbp   Get 10% OFF Axe and Sledge Supplements DISCOUNT CODE: “HUNT” at https://axeandsledge.com/

Dr. Jason Selk, a renowned sports psychologist and former director of sports psychology for the St. Louis Cardinals, shares his insights on developing mental toughness. He discusses the impact of problem-centric thinking versus a solution-focused mindset. Listeners learn about the importance of goal setting, maintaining a success log, and incorporating neuroplasticity into daily routines. Selk also emphasizes the role of mental conditioning in injury recovery and highlights resources for further developing resilience.

In this episode, Derek and I talk about a bunch of random things and answer questions from listeners at the end.  Questions on the show: 1. I have heard when you are cutting, it's a bad idea to have carbs and fats in the same meal. Is there any truth to this? [should the post-workout meal be low fat?]  2. When you get closer to your genetic potential is there anything you have to change or do differently to continue seeing progress? 3. I know you say not to worry about day-to-day weight fluctuations, but how do you mentally handle seeing the scale go up throughout the week when you know you are in a deficit? 4. Are there any old-school bodybuilding techniques you think people forgot about that are effective? 5. How often should you change the exercises in your program, and can you give me some triceps exercise examples, all I do is triceps pressdowns? Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Derek:  @DerekCharlebois   Connect with Kyle:  http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/ Instagram: @huntfitness YouTube: @HuntFitnessTV   Absolute Progress 2.0: https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs/products/absolute-progress   Shop training programs including - Powerlifting, Powerbuilding, Bench, etc. https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs   Bodybuilding For Beginners on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3etmDbp    

In this episode, I sit down with Cory Gregory. Cory is an OG in the fitness space. During the show, we talk about old-school bodybuilding, powerlifting, getting the right squad around you, mindset, and more! Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Cory: https://maxeffortmuscle.com/ IG: @corygfitness   Connect with Kyle:  http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/ Instagram: @huntfitness YouTube: @HuntFitnessTV   Absolute Progress 2.0: https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs/products/absolute-progress   Shop training programs including - Powerlifting, Powerbuilding, Bench, etc. https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs   Bodybuilding For Beginners on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3etmDbp   Get 10% OFF Axe and Sledge Supplements DISCOUNT CODE: “HUNT” at https://axeandsledge.com/

Let’s face it, training to build muscle can get boring. The most effective training programs involve the same basic exercises repeated consistently, and progressively over time. With that being said, variety is the spice of life. How many cable crossovers and dumbbell curls can you do before getting tired of it and joining a CrossFit gym? Sometimes just adding in a new exercise can give you an added jolt of enjoyment to push harder during your workouts. And, enjoying your workouts is more important than we often give it credit for. Keep in mind, this is not going to be a list of unique movements you see influencers doing on Instagram. I’m not going to have you sit on a machine backward, sideways, or upside down. This isn’t about reinventing the wheel. In fact, many of the exercises on this list I’m sure you have done before. My goal is to provide you with a nudge to include a few less common exercises into your program. Don’t feel like you need to include all of them right away. Pick out a couple of movements you like, try them out, and see how they feel. If all goes well, in a month or two, come back to the list and try out a couple of more. Article: https://www.kylehuntfitness.com/eight-effective-muscle-building-exercises-you-are-not-currently-doing/   Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Kyle:  http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/ Instagram: @huntfitness YouTube: @HuntFitnessTV   Absolute Progress 2.0: https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs/products/absolute-progress   Shop training programs including - Powerlifting, Powerbuilding, Bench, etc. https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs   Bodybuilding For Beginners on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3etmDbp   Get 10% OFF Axe and Sledge Supplements DISCOUNT CODE: “HUNT” at https://axeandsledge.com/

Questions on the show: Q1: Since I started lifting, I have been a home gym guy. However, I recently moved across the country and sold all of my equipment. My question is, what should I look for when picking out the right gym? Q2: When it comes to arm training, do you still recommend the general 10-20 sets per week for biceps and triceps, or do you account for indirect volume from presses, rows, pulldowns, etc. Q3: What do you say to clients after a bad week of training and/or dieting?   Q4: I know there aren’t any special foods or anything like that, but do you have any general recommendations for what to eat and how to workout when trying to lose fat? Q5:  Hey Kyle, I don’t think you have mentioned this before, but I’m curious about your thoughts on 75 Hard? I am thinking about trying it but I want your opinion.   Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Kyle:  http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/ Instagram: @huntfitness YouTube: @HuntFitnessTV   Absolute Progress 2.0: https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs/products/absolute-progress   Shop training programs including - Powerlifting, Powerbuilding, Bench, etc. https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs   Bodybuilding For Beginners on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3etmDbp   Get 10% OFF Axe and Sledge Supplements DISCOUNT CODE: “HUNT” at https://axeandsledge.com/

In this episode, Heather and I talk about the keys to reaching your fitness goals this year.    Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Heather: Instagram: @h_jacques   Connect with Kyle:  http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/ Instagram: @huntfitness YouTube: @HuntFitnessTV   Absolute Progress 2.0: https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs/products/absolute-progress   Shop training programs including - Powerlifting, Powerbuilding, Bench, etc. https://kylehuntfitness.shop/collections/programs   Bodybuilding For Beginners on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3etmDbp   Get 10% OFF Axe and Sledge Supplements DISCOUNT CODE: “HUNT” at https://axeandsledge.com/