In episode 173 we detail how they first started in the coaching industry, how we got past the starting out phase to gain momentum, we share our "Do or Die moments, reflect upon what success means and how those goal posts get moved, and finally highlight some memorable moments in our careers thus far.

Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction and Updates
00:12:33 - The Idea of Becoming a Coach
00:24:55 - Getting the ball rolling
00:36:20 - The Do or Die Moments
00:47:08 - Defining Success
00:55:27 - Notable Peaks or Accomplishments

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

It’s time for the Monthly Instagram Q&A. October 2024 edition. Notable questions our opinion on the volume and frequency recommendations, whether additional cardiovascular work can be beneficial to hypertrophy, and how to provide nutrition coaching for an entire 30 athlete football team. As always, a big thank you to the ETP community for providing us help on these episodes.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:36 - I haven’t been able to gain strength in a long time. Been training for 15 years. If I want to keep getting Hypertrophy, is my only option to go bonkers on volume? 

00:11:06 - Opinion on Chris b and Paul C vol & frequency recommendations. For example, a 4 day UL split in 7-day period vs PPL over say a 10 day period. Assume that 4 days was the most you could do in a normal week. 

00:17:10 - How did you get into biking? I never learned how to ride growing up but just taught myself and am ready to start getting competitive!

00:24:13 - What’s better…. Overshooting or undershooting RPE?

00:28:12 - Is the periodization model from N1 applicable for competitive Bodybuilders? 

00:33:25 - What is Strakers plan to increase fertility for starting a family next year (or year after?)

00:35:55 - How do you think your training will change in your 60’s and 70’s?

00:41:33 - How to best ensure progress when you are using two different gyms with different types of equipment?

00:44:40 - How to handle machines/benches being taken at commercial gym and exercise sequencing? Substitute, change exercise order, or wait it out?

00:48:55 - What is a minimum and ideal amount of dietary fat to aim for?

00:52:23 - When trying for fat loss, is it important to track 3 macros? I know some coaches only track protein and calories?

00:56:07 - How to balance food diversity while also loving my same meals throughout the week?

00:57:33 - How to target erectors under load with progressive overload?

01:01:22 - Best meal 1-2 hours before cardio? Bryan’s and Aaron’s choice.

01:03:36 - Do you think improving cardiovascular health will help with hypertrophy? https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23912805/

01:07:10 - Are you guys taking on 1 on 1 clients? 

01:08:46 - Hobbies outside of lifting? 

01:10:46 - How would you design a program to achieve a Toes to Bar?

01:12:41 - How would you manage the nutrition of a full football team 35 players that really knows nothing about nutrition? There’s a huge room for improvement but how would you install this to this large team roster? Any ideas will be welcomed.

01:18:02 - Thoughts on more aggressive deficits? Get “in and out” mentality versus being more conservative?

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In episode 171, we propose the idea of spending an entire year dedicated to building your best physique possible (thus far.) We talk about intelligently structuring your training and nutrition phases, from building muscle to calorie deficits, and share some personal and professional anecdotes along the way. We cover key topics like dieting, maintenance, and setting realistic timelines for hitting these big physique goals. Additionally, we talk about the mental side of things, avoiding common planning pitfalls, and touch on smelling the roses a bit to really enjoy the results of all your hard work.

TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction and Updates
13:44 Theoretical Approaches to Outlining Your Year
17:27 Orchestrating the Build
28:07 Transitioning to the Caloric Deficit
29:53 Realistic Dieting Timelines
44:36 Making Maintenance Practical
51:04 Pausing to Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor
54:59 Bonus - Calorie Cycling Thought Experiment

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In episode 170, we chat about the connection between recovery and motivation in training. We provide updates on how our training is going, talk about different ways to measure recovery, and share some tips on using recovery tools. We highlight the importance of knowing your own stress triggers, the role of a positive mindset, and using methods like physical therapies and active recovery sessions. We wrap up by talking about how relaxation and how even laughter can play a positive role in keeping you motivated to train.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Updates
15:47 Exploring Recovery Metrics
38:53 Subjective Factors in Recovery
51:02 Physical Therapy and Recovery Tools
51:50 Active Recovery Techniques
58:29 The Role of Relaxation in Recovery
01:04:45 Concluding Thoughts

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

It is once again time for our Monthly Instagram Q&A episode. September 2024 edition. This month we cover 18 questions. Notable highlights are a protein bar that might actually be worth giving your macros, and combating overwhelm from all the new content constantly released from the evidence based community. Thanks for listening!

Published research that was referenced in this episode:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36754062
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34100789
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36178597

Timestamps:
00:00:00 Intro & Updates
00:12:20 -What are your views on the cost/benefit of truly fighting for that final rep. Face contorting, bar speed slows or stops, and you have to grind 3-5 seconds just to complete the rep?
00:24:35 A fun experiment would be for Aaron to follow Bryan’s programming and Bryan to follow Aaron’s for a couple months. 
00:28:42 How would you design a leg day for an intermediate hypertrophy client who only wants to train legs once per week and upper 3x per week?
00:31:38 Any interest in the new Voltra cable attachment Kas showed? Especially if they update resistance profiles. If you go to N1, can you compare it to the prime smart cam/torque arm in feel? 
00:34:55 How do you combat overwhelm with all of the new content constantly coming out from the evidence based community? Specifically podcast and YouTube, it’s impossible to keep up.
00:39:35 How to assess training and nutrition when entering a new and more stressful stage of life. Started school again and weight shot up despite not changing training or food.
00:42:53 How many hours of cardio per day hits the threshold for endurance training? 
00:45:35 Thoughts on influencers feeling healthier when eating food in Europe? 
00:52:05 Does downhill running/walking have any benefits? 
00:53:03 Thoughts on Peter Attia’s “David Protein” Bars. 
00:56:02 Are step ups, Bulgarians, lunges, and single leg press too similar to put more than one in a lifting session?
00:58:20 If you stopped tracking macros, what would your diet framework be?
01:01:42 Do spikes in blood sugar in non-diabetics cause skin or health issues?
01:03:40 How would you approach workout design for an elite swimmer?
01:05:41 Do you think there’s a point where DOMS can be too extreme and only have negative impacts?
01:08:30 What would the 2021 version of you guys say to the 2024 version about Hybrid Training?
01:12:14 Ideal weight gain rate during a build phase?
01:17:30 Any recommendations or readings you’d suggest on mindset or processes?

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In this episode, we dive into hybrid training, which is all the rave right now. We point out that hybrid training doesn’t have to mean running, and that your goals should guide your approach. Bryan shares how cutting back on both cardio and lifting volume has worked wonders for him. We also talk about picking the right modality for you and the benefits of zone two training for health. Starting slow and ramping up intensity is key, and it’s important to adjust based on feedback and potentially even getting some lactate testing done. We also go over how to track progress in cardio training and discuss the challenges of balancing strength and cardio. We share tips on using lower rep ranges for better body composition and performance, plus how to structure your workouts for the best results.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro and Updates
17:40 Tailoring Hybrid Training to Your Individual Goals
23:09 Choosing the Right Modality
31:52 The Importance of Zone Two 
35:05 How to Scale Your Volume
39:39 Evaluating Zone Two Training Over Time
43:22 Does This Cardio Carryover to Body Composition?
45:15 Improved Recovery through Increased Cardiovascular Adaptations
47:39 Structuring Cardio and Lifting Sessions
51:53 Balancing Volume and Trade-offs
57:28 Should We Prioritize a Strength Emphasis?
01:06:55 Periodizing Hybrid Training
01:11:49 Monitoring Progress
01:14:05 Different Types of Intervals

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In episode 167, we discuss how to personalize training volume, covering key considerations like progression, training age, effort, and schedule demands. We emphasize the need to find the right balance between volume and effort, and the importance of individualizing volume for different muscle groups. We also highlight the impact of non-gym factors, such as time constraints and recovery capacity, on training volume. Our conversation provides practical insights and strategies for optimizing training volume based on individual needs and goals.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction and Updates
18:08 Progression and Personalizing Training Volume
23:28 Training Age and Individual Muscle Imbalances
28:08 Effort and Reps in Reserve: Balancing Volume
30:56 Considering Non-Gym Mediated Factors
32:52 Finding the Right Balance: Personalizing Training Volume
37:36 Exercise Selection and Volume
45:54 Nutrition and Training Volume
48:29 Sleep and Recovery
53:36 Stress and Training Capacity
01:00:29 Subjective Markers: Pump, Soreness, and Fatigue
01:03:53 Episode Wrap Up

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In ETP166, we dive into common discussions in evidence-based training. We cover training volume across different training ages, maintenance volume, training to failure, and rep performance. We also discuss how exercise selection impacts volume and why individual factors matter for muscle growth and maintenance. While failure isn’t always necessary for progress, it can help gauge effort and save time. We talk about how failure in earlier sets can impact the rest of the session and whether going to failure on the last set has inherent benefits. We wrap up with the uncertainty around failure's importance and practical training tips for yourself.

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction and Updates
18:32 - Exploring Training Volume Throughout Training Age
29:20 - Understanding Maintenance Volume and its Variations
35:24 - The Impact of Training to Failure and Rep Performance
37:51 - The Role of Exercise Selection in Volume
45:09 - The Implications of Failure in Earlier Sets
55:40 - The Role of Failure in Muscle Protein Synthesis and Hypertrophy
01:06:18 - Practical Considerations in Training with Failure

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In part eight of this series, we wrap up our Training series with a focus on abs and calves. We discuss different movement patterns for abs, like flexion and rotation, we emphasize using full range of motion - just like any other movement pattern. We also cover training our preferred frequency, volumes, and share our favorite exercises. Then we dive into preferred methods for programming calves, stressing proper exercise selection and the benefits of stretch-mediated hypertrophy for calves. 

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
18:29 Training Abs: Beyond Flexion
25:41 Frequency, Volume, and Intensity of Ab Training
27:33 Genetics and Training History in Abs Development
37:14 Effective Programming and Exercise Selection for Abs
41:00 The Benefits of Stretch-Mediated Hypertrophy for Calves
45:05 Optimizing Calf Training with Heavy Loads and Partial Reps
51:01 Frequency and Programming Recommendations for Abs and Calves

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In our August 2024 Q&A episode we answer 26 different questions ranging of course from training, to nutrition, and even some personal questions. As always, a big thank you to those who help us provide this content!


00:00 Introduction and Updates

09:58 I’ve been in a surplus for about a year now. Eating 4500 calories, but no longer gaining. Any thoughts on why?

11:51 Should we try to bias parts of muscles evenly? Upper lats, lower lats, long tri head, short tri head? Meaning if we do 12 sets for triceps, should 6 sets be focused for the long head and 6 for the short head?

14:35 I’ve been in a deficit for more than 12 weeks. I went from 118 lbs to 111 lbs. I am pretty lean but missed my period last month and this month. Do you think it has to do with how lean I am? 

17:41 I’m in a build phase and I play a sport on the side. The sport finishes soon, so I will only be training in the gym moving forward. Should I drop my calories to make up for the fewer calories burned due to the sport being finished? 

19:58 Thoughts on intra-week calorie cycling?

22:47 Do you intentionally add fats to meals - what are the go to and quantities (grams)?

25:00 How long is too long to be in a cut? (calorie deficit)

28:45 Is the KAS Glute Bridge better for upper glutes or stick with full ROM?

30:58 Do you think since Cortisol is highest in the morning that it is easiest to train at that time?

34:11 Go to foods to order when eating out traveling? Breakfast, lunch, etc at a cafe/restaurant?

38:40 What’s a great/clean whey protein powder?

41:34 Why does it seem some muscles don’t respond to the repeated bout effect and constantly get sore? 

44:35 How to estimate optimal volume (sets/week) for an individual? 

47:34 How to approach when someone needs coaching but doesn’t want coaching? Is this possible? 

51:04 Do you ever NOT want to travel because it throws off your fitness routine? 

55:35 Feel like I lose tension when pausing at the bottom of the hack/pendulum?

58:33 Do more plates = more dates?

59:52 Thoughts on the Layne/Israetel approach that cold plunge blunts hypertrophy?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4594298/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31513450/

01:01:04 Max total sets per session? (Not per muscle group).

01:05:10 What’s your favorite part of your job and least favorite? 

01:07:59 How do you guys track partial reps in your training log or app?

01:09:25 I have so much trouble staying in zone 2. Advice?

01:12:12 Thoughts on digestive enzymes? Bio-optimizers?

01:14:38 How many days of training in a row is optimal?

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In this episode, we dive deep into the discussion of what it takes to get very lean. We'll cover essential considerations like your starting point, personal value system, and indirect factors impacting your progress. We'll also talk about some of the tradeoffs and expectations you may face in your journey to achieve a very lean physique.

TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Life/episode updates
15:30 - Defining “Very Lean”
19:25 - Things you should consider
30:03 - Looking at some trade offs
50:54 - What you may expect

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST