The Absolute Strength Podcast

In this episode of The Absolute Strength Podcast, I sit down with Eugene from USA Streetlifting. Streetlifting is a competitive strength sport that blends weighted calisthenics with max-effort lifting. Athletes compete in four movements—pull-up, dip, muscle-up, and squat—each tested for a one-rep max similar to powerlifting. Competitors are divided by sex and body weight, with three attempts per lift to achieve their heaviest successful rep. The highest lift in each movement contributes to their total, and the highest combined score wins. It was a fascinating discussion that I think you guys will enjoy! Subscribe to Eugene on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StrengthGene    Learn more about Streetlifting here: https://usastreetlifting.org/ https://final-rep.com/   Sign up for the newsletter: https://kylehuntfitness.beehiiv.com/subscribe   Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Programs: Powerbuilding: Absolute Progress 2.0 Powerlifting: Absolute Strength 3.0 Bodybuilding: Absolute Muscle   Get 10% OFF PR Breaker Supplements: DISCOUNT CODE: "HUNT" at https://www.prbreaker.com/discount/HUNT

In this episode of The Absolute Strength Podcast, Derek and I tackle a loaded Q&A covering everything from avoiding breaking down during meet prep to optimizing caffeine intake on meet day. Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Questions on the show: Hey Kyle, can you and Derek cover gaining strength without burning yourself out and stalling progress? I’ve done one meet, and I’m roughly four weeks out from my next. Both times, I’ve started strong, making great strength gains, and then 8ish weeks into meet prep, all progress stalls, and I just feel physically exhausted. What am I doing wrong? This was a long question. He provided some background and his workout routine, but the gist is that he is following an upper/lower-power-building routine and is experiencing lower back pain. Since this is a common issue, let’s just talk about ways to mitigate lower back pain when training for strength. Hey guys, would there ever be a good reason to take a competition lift completely out of training for a while? My squat has been stuck at the same weight forever, and I’m wondering if I’d benefit from replacing it with variations for a couple of months. If someone can only train three days a week, how would you set up a powerlifting program to maximize progress? Is there a specific split that works best? I always feel like I lose tightness in the hole when I squat heavy. Are there any specific cues or drills you recommend to fix this? I’ve tried slowing down my descent, but it doesn’t seem to help much. I lift first thing in the morning, and if I don’t eat, I feel weak, but if I do eat, I feel sluggish. What’s the best pre-workout meal or drink that won’t slow me down? When should a powerlifter go through a hypertrophy block? Is it something that should only be done in the offseason, or do you think there’s value in keeping some hypertrophy work year-round, even close to a meet?  If someone pulls conventional and sumo about the same weight, is there a reason to specialize in one? Or would training both be more beneficial in the long run? On meet day, is caffeine timing more important than total intake? Should I be spreading out smaller doses throughout the day, or is it better to take a big hit of caffeine before each lift? Imagine you both compete at the same meet at the end of the year in your preferred weight class. How would each of you structure the training and nutrition to coach each other into the meet?   Sign up for the newsletter: https://kylehuntfitness.beehiiv.com/subscribe   Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Kyle: KyleHuntFitness@gmail.com http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/   Connect with Derek: @DerekCharlebois https://www.prbreaker.com/   Programs: Powerbuilding: Absolute Progress 2.0 Powerlifting: Absolute Strength 3.0 Bodybuilding: Absolute Muscle   Get 10% OFF PR Breaker Supplements: DISCOUNT CODE: "HUNT" at https://www.prbreaker.com/discount/HUNT

In this episode of The Absolute Strength Podcast, I break down everything you need to know for your first powerlifting meet. From deciding to compete and choosing the right meet and federation to understanding the rules, I’ve got you covered. If you're debating signing up for your first competition, this episode will set you on the right path. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!   Sign up for the newsletter: https://kylehuntfitness.beehiiv.com/subscribe   Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Kyle: KyleHuntFitness@gmail.com http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/   Programs: Powerbuilding: Absolute Progress 2.0 Powerlifting: Absolute Strength 3.0 Bodybuilding: Absolute Muscle   Get 10% OFF PR Breaker Supplements: DISCOUNT CODE: "HUNT" at https://www.prbreaker.com/discount/HUNT

Although the stereotype has changed, quality nutrition is probably the last thing you associate with powerlifting. For decades, the image of a 300-pound overweight behemoth was the face and body of the sport. Bodybuilders used to even joke during their offseason that they might as well get fat and become powerlifters. However, powerlifting has weight classes, which makes nutrition uniquely important. It’s hard to be competitive at a high level if you have a lot of extra body fat. Look at the best powerlifters in the sport today - John Haack, Russel Orhii, Taylor Atwood, they are all jacked.  To maximize your potential on the platform, you want to carry as much lean body mass as possible while staying within the weight-class parameters. The strongest athlete isn’t always the most muscular one, but having more muscle mass is going to equal a stronger version of you.  So, nutrition is a great place to start if you want to improve your powerlifting game. The trouble is, what does that even mean? In this podcast, we cover what eating for strength is all about. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.    Sign up for the newsletter: https://kylehuntfitness.beehiiv.com/subscribe   Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Kyle: KyleHuntFitness@gmail.com http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/   Connect with Derek: @DerekCharlebois https://www.prbreaker.com/   Programs: Powerbuilding: Absolute Progress 2.0 Powerlifting: Absolute Strength 3.0 Bodybuilding: Absolute Muscle   Get 10% OFF PR Breaker Supplements: DISCOUNT CODE: "HUNT" at https://www.prbreaker.com/discount/HUNT

In this episode of The Absolute Strength Podcast, Derek and I discuss the fundamentals of powerlifting technique—how to fine-tune your squat, bench, and deadlift for maximum strength, efficiency, and longevity. We break down common mistakes lifters make, the key technical cues that can make or break your performance, and, above all else, the importance of proper bracing. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.   Sign up for the newsletter: https://kylehuntfitness.beehiiv.com/subscribe   Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Kyle: KyleHuntFitness@gmail.com http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/   Connect with Derek: @DerekCharlebois https://www.prbreaker.com/   Programs: Powerbuilding: Absolute Progress 2.0 Powerlifting: Absolute Strength 3.0 Bodybuilding: Absolute Muscle   Get 10% OFF PR Breaker Supplements: DISCOUNT CODE: "HUNT" at https://www.prbreaker.com/discount/HUNT

In this episode of The Absolute Strength Podcast, Derek and I discuss how to get strong on the squat, bench press, and deadlift. We cover what powerlifting is, popular training splits, how often you should hit each lift, and the key differences between powerlifting and bodybuilding training. We also dive into common mistakes lifters make, what gear to buy, and the mindset to get strong. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy.   Sign up for the newsletter: https://kylehuntfitness.beehiiv.com/subscribe   Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Kyle: KyleHuntFitness@gmail.com http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/   Connect with Derek: @DerekCharlebois https://www.prbreaker.com/   Programs: Powerbuilding: Absolute Progress 2.0 Powerlifting: Absolute Strength 3.0 Bodybuilding: Absolute Muscle   Get 10% OFF PR Breaker Supplements: DISCOUNT CODE: "HUNT" at https://www.prbreaker.com/discount/HUNT

In this episode, I talk about the 8 worst fat loss mistakes to avoid in 2025. Starting a fat-loss journey can be both exhilarating and daunting. There is just no way around it. Fat loss is hard. With a plethora of information available, getting lost in a maze of conflicting advice is easy. But fear not. I've distilled my wisdom and coaching experience into a comprehensive guide to help you avoid the most detrimental mistakes. From misconceptions about nutrition to flawed cardio and sleep routines, this podcast covers the eight worst fat loss mistakes you must avoid. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy.   Sign up for the newsletter: https://kylehuntfitness.beehiiv.com/subscribe   Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Kyle: KyleHuntFitness@gmail.com http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/   Programs: Powerbuilding: Absolute Progress 2.0 Powerlifting: Absolute Strength 3.0 Bodybuilding: Absolute Muscle   Get 10% OFF PR Breaker Supplements: DISCOUNT CODE: "HUNT" at https://www.prbreaker.com/discount/HUNT

In this episode of The Absolute Strength Podcast, Derek and I answer fat loss questions from listeners. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!   The questions on the show: I’ve been in a calorie deficit for months, but my weight won’t budge. What am I doing wrong? Do you recommend a specific macro split for fat loss, or is it just about protein and calories? For example, I love carbs. Can I still eat a lot of them and lose fat? How do you feel about cheat meals during a cut? Do they actually help, or just slow down fat loss? Hey Kyle, how do you stay consistent with fat loss when life gets crazy with work, kids, social events, etc.? What do you guys think is the biggest mistake bodybuilders make when trying to get stage-lean? I know there are no real health benefits to alcohol, but how bad is it for fat loss? Can I still have a few drinks and make progress? Do you ever recommend aggressive mini-cuts or is a slower approach always better? If a powerlifter wants to move down a weight class, how long should they take to do it without wrecking their total?   Sign up for the newsletter: https://kylehuntfitness.beehiiv.com/subscribe   Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Kyle: KyleHuntFitness@gmail.com http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/   Connect with Derek: @DerekCharlebois https://www.prbreaker.com/   Programs: Powerbuilding: Absolute Progress 2.0 Powerlifting: Absolute Strength 3.0 Bodybuilding: Absolute Muscle   Get 10% OFF PR Breaker Supplements: DISCOUNT CODE: "HUNT" at https://www.prbreaker.com/discount/HUNT

In this episode of The Absolute Strength Podcast, Derek and I dive deep into fat loss supplements and drugs. As always, we cut through the hype, separate science from marketing, and break down what actually works. From over-the-counter supplements like caffeine and yohimbine to more advanced compounds like clenbuterol and GLP-1 agonists, we cover the pros, cons, and potential risks of each. Whether you're looking for an extra edge in your fat loss phase or just want to be more informed about what's out there, this episode has you covered. Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Sign up for the newsletter: https://kylehuntfitness.beehiiv.com/subscribe   Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Kyle: KyleHuntFitness@gmail.com http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/   Connect with Derek: @DerekCharlebois https://www.prbreaker.com/   Programs: Powerbuilding: Absolute Progress 2.0 Powerlifting: Absolute Strength 3.0 Bodybuilding: Absolute Muscle   Get 10% OFF PR Breaker Supplements: DISCOUNT CODE: "HUNT" at https://www.prbreaker.com/discount/HUNT

In this episode of The Absolute Strength Podcast, Derek and I dive deep into the best way to train for fat loss—without sacrificing strength or muscle. We break down why strength training should be the foundation of any fat loss plan, how to structure your workouts, and the right way to use cardio as a tool (without overdoing it). We also cover common mistakes that can slow your progress, the importance of NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis), and how to balance lifting, cardio, and recovery for sustainable fat loss. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!   Sign up for the newsletter: https://kylehuntfitness.beehiiv.com/subscribe   Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/   Connect with Kyle: KyleHuntFitness@gmail.com http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/   Connect with Derek: @DerekCharlebois https://www.prbreaker.com/   Programs: Powerbuilding: Absolute Progress 2.0 Powerlifting: Absolute Strength 3.0 Bodybuilding: Absolute Muscle   Get 10% OFF PR Breaker Supplements: DISCOUNT CODE: "HUNT" at https://www.prbreaker.com/discount/HUNT