1603: How to Build a Thick & Wide Back, the Best Mobility Exercises to Improve Your Low Bar Squat, the Pros & Cons of Opening a Gym & More
Release Date: 07/23/2021
Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
Most people think getting leaner is always better… but that’s not true. In this episode, the guys break down why staying ultra-lean year-round can actually make you look worse, feel worse, and hurt your long-term health. From unrealistic body fat expectations to the pressure created by social media and fitness culture, they explain why the “ideal physique” is often misunderstood—and what actually looks better in real life. If you’ve been chasing lower body fat thinking it’s the answer… this might completely change your perspective. The Spring Bundle: Symmetry ($187),...
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Why Daily Weigh-Ins Sabotage Progress + Drop Sets, VO2 Max, and Blue Collar Training . The hosts argue that frequent scale weigh-ins often sabotage progress because most people misinterpret weight fluctuations and let the number dictate mood, sharing client stories where the scale undermined visible body-composition improvements and reinforced unhealthy behavior. They discuss better metrics like performance, strength, sleep, and energy, and note how water retention, inflammation, and creatine can skew the scale and mirror. They also touch on “therians,” rising California gas prices,...
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Should you bulk, cut, or try to recomposition your body? In this episode of the Mind Pump Podcast, Sal, Adam, and Justin break down one of the most confusing decisions in fitness: when to bulk, when to cut, and when body recomposition actually makes sense. They explain why most people struggle with fat loss long term, why starting with a bulk or reverse diet can actually make fat loss easier, and how building muscle creates the metabolic “runway” needed for sustainable results. The guys discuss the psychological challenges of dieting, the mistakes many trainers make when cutting calories...
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In this episode of the Mind Pump Podcast, Sal, Adam, and Justin coach live callers on fitness, training, and nutrition strategies. They open the show discussing why fat burner supplements are mostly a waste of money, the science behind probiotics and gut health, and surprising research around PDE5 inhibitors (like Viagra) and cardiovascular health. They also debate supplements, discuss parenting and teaching kids financial habits, and explore emerging tech like Tesla tunnels in Las Vegas. Later, they coach listeners on training goals after 40, fat loss struggles, bulking vs cutting, and...
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info_outlineMind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth
In this episode of Mind Pump, Sal, Adam, and Justin break down why cutting body fat isn’t always the best strategy; especially for women already around 22% body fat, and explain why building muscle often produces a leaner, healthier physique. They discuss the physiological effects of dieting too lean, including hormonal disruptions, reduced metabolism, and performance declines. The conversation also explores strength gains, muscle memory, recovery, sleep optimization, and the surprising cognitive benefits of creatine. Later, the hosts highlight the impact of good coaching and education in...
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The hosts discuss the growing popularity of Pilates and explain why it can improve movement and stability but isn’t the best tool for building a sculpted physique compared to strength training. They also share stories from family life before diving into a conversation about the risks of people using AI chatbots for companionship and therapy. In the listener Q&A portion, the hosts explain Hyrox competitions, how to adjust training volume when cutting, considerations for training after breast augmentation, and simple strategies for improving pull-ups. The episode blends fitness education,...
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Walking might be the most underrated fat loss tool. In this episode, the hosts break down five reasons why simple daily walking can be more effective and sustainable than many traditional cardio methods. If you're trying to lose fat without overcomplicating your routine, this episode explains why walking should be part of your strategy. How to lose fat in 3 steps: This episode is brought to you by HUEL ! Use code MINDPUMP For MP exclusive offer of 15% OFF . New Customers Only. 00:00 Intro: Why Walking Is an Underrated Fat Loss Tool 00:35 Free Fat Loss Guide + Sponsor Mention 01:38...
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Blended fruit smoothies are often marketed as healthy, but the hosts explain why they can actually sabotage fat loss by spiking blood sugar, reducing satiety, and making it easy to overconsume calories. The conversation shifts into humorous cultural trends, including animal fashion, historical wigs, and strange beauty customs. The hosts also share personal updates, including struggles balancing cardio and lifting, upcoming DEXA results while increasing calories, and intense DIY yard work projects. In the coaching segment, trainers guide callers on choosing the right MAPS programs between...
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Why Most January Transformations Fail Success isn’t losing weight; it’s keeping it off for the rest of your life. (1:56) 5 Reasons Why Most January Transformations Fail 1. People set the wrong goal. (5:09) 2. People will start in an unsustainable way. (10:48) 3. No plan. (17:13) 4. They adopt a “diet.” (19:03) 5. They don’t focus on building strength first. (22:54) Related Links/Products Mentioned MAPS Transformation Diet Guide – Visit: Visit for the exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code MINDPUMP for 10% off your first...
info_outlineIn this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin answer Pump Head questions about whether there is a different way to train for a wide back vs. a thick back, the best mobility exercises for low bar squats, training under the influence of marijuana, and tips for an aspiring entrepreneur who wants to open their own gym.
- What can happen when you work out next to Sal. (4:11)
- The best time to eat protein and build muscle health. (7:20)
- Study finds that women can predict a man's attitude toward casual sexual relationships based on his face. (14:01)
- Peloton to move into the video game market. Will it succeed? (17:05)
- Vuori, the Nordstrom of athleisure wear. (25:48)
- California passes the US’s first state-backed guaranteed income plan. The challenges and should you be skeptical? (31:39)
- Does controversy sell? (43:12)
- #Quah question #1 – Is there a different way to train for a wide back versus a thick back? (52:30)
- #Quah question #2 – What are the best mobility exercises for low bar squats? (59:48)
- #Quah question #3 – Is training under the influence of marijuana bad? (1:03:31)
- #Quah question #4 – What tips would you give an aspiring entrepreneur who wants to open their own gym? (1:09:40)
Related Links/Products Mentioned
- July Promotion: MAPS HIIT and the No BS 6-Pack Formula 50% off! **Promo code “JULYSPECIAL” at checkout**
- Distribution of dietary protein intake in daily meals influences skeletal muscle hypertrophy via the muscle clock
- Visit Magic Spoon for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners!
- Facial shape provides a valid cue to sociosexuality in men but not women
- Peloton says it's preparing to enter the video game business
- Visit Vuori Clothing for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners!
- California passes first ever guaranteed income plan
- Leyna Bloom makes history as Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue's first transgender cover model
- Visit Serenity Kids for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! **Promo code “MP20” at checkout**
- Mind Pump #1187: Four Ways To Build An Impressive Back
- MAPS Prime Webinar
- MAPS Prime Pro Webinar
- Suspension Training Series - 3 Favorite Shoulder Exercises – Mind Pump TV
- Correcting Upper Cross Syndrome to Improve Posture & Health– Prone Cobra – Mind Pump TV
- Mind Pump Podcast – YouTube
- Mind Pump Free Resources
People Mentioned
- Max Lugavere (@maxlugavere) Instagram
- Ben Pollack, Ph.D. (@phdeadlift) Instagram