Genetics vs. Hard Work: Which One Really Matters for Strength? [Q&A]
Release Date: 01/17/2025
Can Cardio Actually Help You Build Muscle?
The Absolute Strength Podcast
In this episode of The Absolute Strength Podcast, Derek and I explore how strategically adding cardio and increasing your daily activity can actually improve muscle growth rather than hinder it. We also dive into the supplements that genuinely make a difference, explaining how and when to use them to enhance your results. If you've been skeptical about cardio or unsure which supplements are worth your time, this episode provides clarity and practical tips for maximizing your gains. Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Sign up for the newsletter: Hire Kyle as your coach: Connect...
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The Bodybuilding Diet: How the Pros Get Jacked and Shredded
The Absolute Strength Podcast
In this episode of the Absolute Strength Podcast, Derek and I dive deep into bodybuilding nutrition—what it really means to eat for aesthetics and how it differs from general healthy eating and even powerlifting nutrition. We break down the core principles that make bodybuilding nutrition unique and the mental discipline required during bulking and cutting phases. Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Sign up for the newsletter: Hire Kyle as your coach: Connect with Kyle: [email protected] Connect with Derek: Programs: Powerbuilding: Powerlifting:...
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How to Make Progress as an Advanced Lifter With Eric Helms
The Absolute Strength Podcast
In this episode of The Absolute Strength Podcast, I sit down with Eric Helms and discuss what it takes to continue making progress as an advanced lifter. From better exercise selection and volume distribution to optimizing motivation, Eric shares practical insights grounded in both science and real-world coaching experience. If you have been in the iron game for a minute, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Mass Article: Connect with Eric: Sign up for the newsletter: Hire Kyle as your coach: Connect with Kyle: [email protected] ...
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How to Train Like a Bodybuilder: Designing the Ideal Split
The Absolute Strength Podcast
In this episode of The Absolute Strength Podcast, Derek and I discuss exactly how to set up a bodybuilding training program to maximize muscle growth and physique development. We break down the fundamental principles of effective programming, including how to select the best exercises, optimal training splits, how much volume you actually need, and the right way to progress over time. Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Sign up for the newsletter: Hire Kyle as your coach: Connect with Kyle: [email protected] Connect with Derek: Programs:...
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Strength Training for BJJ Athletes with Josh Settlage
The Absolute Strength Podcast
In this episode of The Absolute Strength Podcast, I sit down with Josh Settlage, a strength coach who specializes in helping Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes get stronger, faster, and more resilient on the mats. We dive into his approach to strength & conditioning for grapplers, how he balances lifting with mat work, and common mistakes BJJ athletes make. If you're serious about improving both your strength and your jiu-jitsu game, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Sign up for the newsletter: Hire Kyle as your coach: Connect with...
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Volume vs. Intensity: What’s Best for Muscle Growth?
The Absolute Strength Podcast
In this episode of The Absolute Strength Podcast, I dive into one of the biggest muscle-building debates: volume vs. intensity. Should you focus on lifting to failure with fewer sets or do long marathon workouts? We break down the history of both training styles—from Arthur Jones and Dorian Yates to the high-volume methods of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jay Cutler, and modern science-backed training. We also explore what research says, the pitfalls of each approach, and, most importantly, how to apply progressive overload no matter which method you choose. Sit back, relax, and enjoy! Sign...
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Streetlifting: The Strength Sport You Need to Know About
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...
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Powerlifting Q & A - How to Peak for a Meet Without Wrecking Yourself
The Absolute Strength Podcast
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...
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Tips for Your First Powerlifting Meet
The Absolute Strength Podcast
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: Hire Kyle as your coach: Connect with Kyle: [email protected] Programs: Powerbuilding: Powerlifting: Bodybuilding: Get 10% OFF PR Breaker...
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The Powerlifting Diet - How to Eat for Maximum Strength
The Absolute Strength Podcast
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...
info_outlineIn this episode of the Absolute Strength Podcast, Derek and I answer a variety of listener questions. We dive into topics like workout efficiency, balancing intensity and volume, the benefits of saunas and steam rooms, the role of genetics in strength and muscle building, and the recent pushback against evidence-based lifting. Tune in for practical advice, and stay for the endless banter. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Questions on the show:
- If a routine calls for four sets of 10 reps on something like an Incline press or cable chest flies, and instead, since you want to make your workout shorter, you do one set of 10, then wait 15 to 30 seconds and do three sets of whatever you can get but still around failure, is that as effective for muscle growth as doing one set of 10, then waiting two minutes and repeating until all four sets are done?
- I know you guys talk a lot about training close to failure, but how do you balance pushing hard on big compound lifts, lifts, specifically squats and deadlifts, staying safe and avoiding injury?
- What’s your take on saunas and steam rooms? Do you think the cardiovascular and respiratory health benefits make them a valuable addition to a routine?
- How much do genetics really matter for building muscle and gaining strength? I hear mixed opinions - some people say they’re everything, while others say hard work beats genetics every time.
- Why do you think there has been more pushback lately to evidence-based lifting and the scientific lifting community?
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Powerbuilding: Absolute Progress 2.0
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Bodybuilding: Absolute Muscle
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