The Revive Stronger Podcast

Join Professional men's physique competitors Chris Elkins and Josh Croggon as they explore the intricacies of natural bodybuilding. They share personal journeys through injuries, the evolution of judging standards, and the diverse criteria across various federations. The ethics of drug testing takes center stage, with insights into the challenges of maintaining a natural approach amidst industry pressures. Their candid stories highlight both aspirations and setbacks, reflecting on the resilience that defines their competitive careers.

In this discussion, Adam Gonzalez, an exercise physiologist, shares insights from his journey in sports and science. He explores advanced training techniques like supersets, drop sets, and rest-pause training, emphasizing their time-efficient benefits for bodybuilders. Adam also highlights the importance of research in understanding these methods and their real-world applications. He calls for more studies to enhance training practices and discusses the pragmatic use of these strategies without overloading the body.

In this engaging conversation, Scott Stevenson, an experienced strength and bodybuilding coach, shares his insights on stubborn muscle growth. Scott discusses the varied responses to training stimuli and the critical balance of recovery and training volume. He explains why advanced trainees may need to push to failure and emphasizes the importance of the mind-muscle connection. The duo also explores nutrition's role, the significance of skill acquisition in lifting, and how incorporating novelty in training can enhance adaptation and accelerate muscle growth.

Dive into the core principles of muscle growth, emphasizing mechanical stress, metabolic stress, and muscle damage. Learn how to design effective hypertrophy programs with a focus on specificity and overload. Explore effective techniques for maximizing growth, including optimal rep tempos and strategic exercise selection. Discover the importance of individualizing training and ensuring enjoyment for long-term consistency. Plus, get insights on managing fatigue and optimizing recovery for better performance!

Antonella Schwarz, an assistant professor and former bodybuilder, delves into her journey from bodybuilding to understanding muscle functionality and longevity. She shares fascinating insights about cultural nutritional practices from her time in Japan. Antonella discusses the shortcomings of BMI and presents muscle-centric health metrics. Highlighting her research, she reveals Myoreps as a time-efficient training method that maintains muscle growth without the long hours at the gym. It's a blend of science, personal experience, and practical advice!

In this engaging conversation, Joe Sullivan, a former world-class powerlifter turned bodybuilder, dives into his unique transition between sports. He shares how losing in competition reshaped his understanding of achievement and the significance of control during contest prep. Joe discusses the emotional challenge of redefining his identity after powerlifting and how retatrutide has facilitated his post-show recovery. His insights on community support and the psychological hurdles in bodybuilding offer a compelling glimpse into both personal growth and the sport's dynamics.

Winnie Yip, a WNBF pro in the bikini category and former law graduate, shares her transition into bodybuilding coaching. She dives into her experiences with imposter syndrome after earning her pro card and the financial realities of competing. Winnie discusses the critical need for mindfulness in nutrition and the challenges of binge eating, linking her findings from her dissertation on disordered eating in athletes. Emphasizing the importance of responsible coaching, she advocates for athlete well-being and sustainable practices in the sport.

Derrick Van Every, a PhD candidate and accomplished natural bodybuilder and powerlifter, shares his insights on hypertrophy and muscle growth. He discusses the critical role of mentorship in science and the importance of clear communication. Derrick explains why the 'pump' isn't a reliable predictor of muscle gain and debunks myths about hormones and growth. He reflects on his journey transitioning from powerlifting to bodybuilding, the challenges of competition, and the sacrifices necessary for success in both academia and athletics.

In this engaging conversation, Ben Yanes, a biomechanics-focused coach and educator, explores the evolution of biomechanics in bodybuilding. He discusses its initial popularity and current decline, emphasizing the need for practical experience over jargon. Ben highlights the influence of social media on credibility and authenticity in fitness. He also advocates for relating biomechanics to personal experiences to engage clients effectively. Furthermore, he shares insights on personal growth, coaching communication, and the balance between aesthetics and results.

Laurin Conlin, a coach and researcher focused on the intersection of physical and mental health in bodybuilding, dives into the evolving landscape of coaching. She discusses how flexible dieting and mental health awareness are reshaping the fitness world. Laurin advocates for exercise as a therapeutic practice, emphasizing the need for therapy as a universal resource. She also highlights her research on mental health within the bodybuilding community and the importance of supportive coaching relationships, wrapping up with a hint about her new podcast, 'Undefined'.