Podcast

The Strength Log

Fitness, Health & Fitness, Sports

Learn about strength training, muscle growth, fitness, and health from The Strength Log podcast. Your hosts, Daniel Richter and Philip Wildenstam, are two Swedes who have spent decades lifting weights and an unreasonable amount of time reading studies about lifting weights.

We break down the science, answer listener questions, and help you get bigger and stronger without making this whole gym thing more complicated than it already is.

To support the show, download the StrengthLog workout tracker for free from Apple's App Store or Google Play.

Fitness chart
#182
Episodes
134
Releases
Weekly
Typical length
43 min
On air since
2024
Latest episode
2 days ago

Episodes

134 episodes, newest first

  1. How to Tell If Your Training Is Working

    Episode 134

    Show notes

    Are you actually getting stronger and building muscle, or are you just going through the motions? In today's episode, we discuss how to tell whether your training is producing results, and what to do when progress stalls.

    We look at why your strength can fluctuate from workout to workout, how to track muscle growth using more than just the weights you're lifting, and why you shouldn't draw conclusions from a few disappointing training sessions. Plus, how to troubleshoot a plateau, when to change your training approach, and why progress isn't always as straightforward as you'd like.

    We also answer listener questions about when to switch programs, how to deal with life's interruptions, and if smaller weight increments could keep beginner gains going indefinitely.

    Timestamps:

    • 00:00 - How to tell if your training is working
    • 32:15 - Program of the week: Deadlift Builder
    • 37:30 - Listener question 1: How long should you follow a program before switching?
    • 41:00 - Listener question 2: Life keeps interrupting my training. Is it OK not to make progress all the time?
    • 45:30 - Listener question 3: Could smaller than normal weight increments keep beginner progression going indefinitely?

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    56 min
  2. Lifting vs. Cardio: Which Is Better for Your Health?

    Episode 133

    Show notes

    Which is better for your health: lifting weights or doing cardio? In today's episode, we discuss a new meta-analysis comparing the effects of strength training and aerobic exercise on a range of health markers, including blood sugar, blood pressure, body composition, and cardiovascular fitness.

    We dig into the results, discuss what other research tells us about exercise and longevity, and explore how to balance strength training and cardio for better health, both now and as you get older.

    Lastly, we answer a handful of listener questions about lifting vs. cardio.

    Timestamps:

    • 00:00 - Opening banter
    • 04:30 - New features in the StrengthLog app: Social, AI assistants, and a Strava connection
    • 12:00 - Study review: Lifting vs. cardio for better health
    • 23:15 - Program of the week: Beginner Hybrid Athlete Program
    • 26:30 - Listener question 1: Lifting or cardio to live past 100?
    • 29:00 - Listener question 2: How much muscle is enough for health? Is too much muscle bad for your health?
    • 35:00 - Listener question 3: Should you lean into your strengths or weaknesses when it comes to choosing between lifting and cardio?
    • 39:30 - Listener question 4: What's the optimal daily cardio routine alongside strength training?
    • 43:30 - Listener question 5: Does having an active job change your cardio needs?
    • 48:00 - Listener question 6: How do you maintain your leg and ass muscles when running more?

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    56 min
  3. Five Sets Once a Week vs. One Set Five Times a Week

    Episode 132

    Show notes

    Does it matter how you spread your training across the week? Two episodes ago, we looked at a study comparing the same training volume spread over one or three weekly workouts. Now we're back with another study on training frequency, this time comparing five sets of leg presses once a week with one set five times a week.

    Same exercise, same total training volume, but very different schedules.

    The researchers measured muscle growth, strength, explosive power, and muscle soreness over six weeks. We discuss the results, how they compare with other research on training frequency, and what they might mean for how you organize your own workouts.

    We finish by discussing Groundhog Gains, a five-day training program inspired by Daniel's experiment with training the big five lifts every day for 130 days.

    Timestamps:

    • 00:00 - Opening banter
    • 02:45 - Study review: Five sets once a week vs. one set five times a week
    • 28:45 - Program of the week: Groundhog Gains

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    33 min
  4. Are You Sleeping on Muscle Growth?

    Episode 131

    Show notes

    How much muscle growth are you missing out on by not getting enough sleep? In today's episode, we discuss a new scientific review exploring how sleep affects your hormones, muscle protein synthesis, recovery, and ability to train hard.

    The evidence suggests that poor sleep makes it harder to build muscle. But despite everything we know about the importance of sleep, there's surprisingly little direct research showing how much muscle growth you actually lose by not getting enough of it. We dig into what the science tells us, what remains uncertain, and how much you should worry about the occasional bad night's sleep.

    We also answer a listener question about barbell rows versus Pendlay rows, and take a closer look at Madcow 5x5, a classic strength program for lifters who've moved beyond the beginner stage.

    Timestamps:

    • 00:00 - Opening banter
    • 02:45 - Study review: Are you sleeping on muscle growth?
    • 27:15 - Listener question: Barbell rows or Pendlay rows for Madcow 5x5?
    • 34:45 - Program of the week: Madcow 5x5

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    43 min
  5. Same Sets, More Workouts, Better Gains?

    Episode 130

    Show notes

    If you're doing nine sets for a muscle every week, does it matter whether you cram them into one workout or spread them across three? In today's episode, we discuss a new study that tested exactly that in experienced lifters.

    Both groups performed the same exercises and the same number of weekly sets, but spreading them over three workouts allowed the lifters to perform considerably more reps and total training volume. Did that translate into more strength and muscle growth?

    We dig into the results, why the strength gains appeared to favor higher frequency while muscle growth was remarkably similar, and what this means for how you should distribute your own training.

    Finally, we answer listener questions about whether your grip affects muscle growth and whether there will be another fitness Advent calendar in our app this year.

    Timestamps: 00:00 - Opening banter 03:00 - Program of the week: High Frequency Full Body Program 07:00 - Same sets, more workouts: Does training frequency matter? 24:30 - Listener question 1: How does your choice of grip affect muscle growth? 28:15 - Listener question 2: Will there be a fitness Advent calendar in the StrengthLog app this year?

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    32 min
  6. How Much Should You Eat on a Bulk?

    Episode 129

    Show notes

    Can intermittent fasting help you build muscle without gaining too much fat? In today's episode, we review a new 12-week study comparing lifters who bulked with an eight-hour eating window to lifters who could eat whenever they wanted.

    But the most interesting result might have very little to do with time-restricted eating. One group ended up eating considerably more calories and gained more than twice as much fat, yet both groups gained the same amount of muscle and strength.

    We discuss what this tells us about intermittent fasting, calorie control, and just how small a surplus you might actually need to maximize muscle growth when bulking.

    Timestamps:

    • 00:00 - Opening banter
    • 04:30 - StrengthLog v9 – what's new in this huge app release?
    • 11:30 - Program of the week: StrengthLog's Full Body Workout Routine
    • 14:45 - Study review: Bulking and intermittent fasting

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    38 min
  7. Big Pecs, Big Bench?

    Episode 128

    Show notes

    If you add muscle mass to your pecs, will that mean you'll also be able to lift more weight in the bench press?

    In today's episode, we look at a new study of Paralympic bench pressers that measured their pecs, triceps, and arm length, and then compared these variables with their performance at the Brazilian national championship.

    The results? Bigger pecs and triceps were associated with stronger benches, while longer arms were associated with weaker ones. Together, those three variables explained a surprisingly large amount of the differences in bench press strength. But does that actually mean growing your pecs will automatically increase your bench?

    Let's discuss what the study can and can't tell us!

    Finally, we answer a listener question about body fat: at what body fat percentage does your strength start to decrease?

    Timestamps:

    • 00:00 - Opening banter about bench pressing
    • 10:00 - Program of the week: Bench Press Boogie
    • 14:15 - Study review: Big pecs, big bench?
    • 27:00 - Listener question: At what body fat percentage does your strength decrease?

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    35 min
  8. Do Muscles Compete for Growth?

    Episode 127

    Show notes

    If you train your legs hard, could they steal gains from your upper body? In today's episode, we discuss a new study that put the idea of muscles competing for growth to the test by having one group train only their biceps and another train both their biceps and quads.

    Did adding all that leg training leave fewer resources for the biceps to grow? We dig into the results, what they tell us about local versus whole-body factors in muscle growth, and revisit the old claim that training your legs first and then your arms will actually make your arms grow more.

    Finally, we answer a question about how to approach leg training at 60, including exercise selection and building up your range of motion and training volume.

    Timestamps:

    • 00:00 - Opening banter
    • 07:15 - Program of the week: Armageddon
    • 12:00 - Main course: Do muscles compete for growth?
    • 31:15 - Listener question: Any advice on leg training for a 60-year-old? I'm looking for both strength and muscle.

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    43 min
  9. How Many Calories Does It Take to Build a Kilogram of Muscle?

    Episode 126

    Show notes

    How many calories does your body actually need to build muscle? In today's episode, we discuss a new paper that attempts to calculate the energy cost of building a kilogram of muscle, from the energy stored in the new tissue to the surprisingly high cost of actually constructing it.

    We also talk about the ramifications this has for your bulk. How big should your calorie surplus be? How quickly should you gain weight? And do you even need to bulk to build muscle in the first place?

    To end the episode, we answer listener questions about whether you can outtrain a bad diet and whether you should switch to heavier, lower-rep training to preserve muscle during a cut.

    Timestamps:

    • 00:00 - Opening banter: Presenting today's topic, and an informal discussion about the new weight-loss drugs
    • 10:30 - Program of the week: Powerbuilding
    • 18:00 - Main topic: How many calories does it take to build a kilogram of muscle?
    • 36:30 - Listener question 1: Can you outtrain a bad diet?
    • 41:00 - Listener question 2: Should you train for strength to preserve muscle during a cut?

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    45 min
  10. Should You Ditch Squats and Deadlifts after 50?

    Episode 125

    Show notes

    Are squats and deadlifts bad exercise choices once you've turned 50, and would it be better to replace them with similar but easier lifts?

    In today's mailbag episode, we discuss whether your exercise selection really needs to change as you get older, and what actually matters when choosing exercises for long-term strength and muscle growth.

    We also talk about why some muscles seem almost impossible to grow, whether powerbuilding is a waste of time if you only care about muscle growth, how to deal with crippling hamstring DOMS, training around shoulder pain, and how much extra volume can compensate for training too far from failure. Plus, Daniel reveals whether that elusive 300 kg deadlift is ever going to happen.

    Timestamps:

    • 04:30 - Program of the week: StrengthLog's 3-Day Bodybuilding Split
    • 09:00 - Listener question 1: Should you ditch squats and deadlifts after 50?
    • 14:00 - Listener question 2: Which muscles are the hardest to grow?
    • 20:15 - Listener question 3: Is powerbuilding a waste of time if you want big muscles?
    • 23:30 - Listener question 4: How do you deal with insane hamstring DOMS?
    • 28:00 - Listener question 5: Has Daniel changed how he trains since joining the army?
    • 32:00 - Listener question 6: Should you lower your bench press weights if your shoulders hurt?
    • 35:00 - Listener question 7: When is Daniel deadlifting 300 kg?
    • 38:00 - Listener question 8: Can more volume make up for lower training intensity?
    • 43:45 - Listener question 9: What are our favorite sports outside of strength training?

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    51 min
  11. The Muscle Growth Paradox

    Episode 124

    Show notes

    Let's dive into a fascinating new study on one of strength training's biggest questions: how much of your early strength gains come from bigger muscles, and how much comes from your nervous system (muscular adaptations)? The results are surprising and have important implications, whether your goal is strength, muscle growth, or both.

    We also answer listener questions about 1RM calculators, low-rep strength training, and whether you should save training to failure for your last set.

    Timestamps:

    • 03:00 - Program of the week: Zero to Hero
    • 07:30 - Why bigger muscles didn't make them stronger: a new study on strength vs. muscle growth
    • 27:00 - Listener question 1: Is it true that 3-4 sets with only 2-3 reps can build strength?
    • 29:45 - Listener question 2: How accurate are 1RM calculators like Epley's equation?
    • 34:45 - Listener question 3: Should you only train to failure in your last set?

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    42 min
  12. 10 Gym Debates We Can't Settle

    Episode 123

    Show notes

    In today's episode, we debate ten strength and fitness-related topics that science can't settle for us! How important are deloads really? Does exercise order matter a lot or a little? And will compound lifts really give you the best bang for your buck?

    See the timestamps below for all topics. And please tell us what you thought about this episode format, since it's a bit looser and less formal than usual!

    Timestamps:

    • 07:00 - Gym Debate no. 1: Machines vs free weights
    • 10:45 - Gym Debate no. 2: High vs low frequency
    • 16:45 - Gym Debate no. 3: Does perfect technique matter for hypertrophy and/or strength?
    • 22:00 - Gym Debate no. 4: How close to failure should most people really train?
    • 25:00 - Gym Debate no. 5: Are most people better off with fewer exercises?
    • 29:45 - Gym Debate no. 6: Does exercise order matter more/less than we think?
    • 33:45 - Gym Debate no. 7: Do compound lifts really give you 80% of the results?
    • 38:45 - Gym Debate no. 8: Would most lifters grow more from adding volume or from trying harder?
    • 42:00 - Gym Debate no. 9: Do deloads solve a problem that many lifters don't actually have?
    • 46:15 - Gym Debate no. 10: Would most people get better results if they consumed less fitness content? And, has training research really been a net positive?

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    57 min
  13. The Science of Injury Prevention

    Episode 122

    Show notes

    No matter if you're an active athlete or you just enjoy living an active life, injuries are something you want to stay clear of. But are injuries a given part of both training and life, or can you train in a way that greatly reduces your injury risk?

    In today's episode, we discuss a new research review looking into how different types of training affect your injury risk.

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    30 min
  14. How Much Weaker Are You When Fasting?

    Episode 121

    Show notes

    How does fasting affect your workouts? Do you still have the same strength, power, and endurance as when you are well-fed and hydrated?

    That's what a new study sought to investigate, which we're discussing today!

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    27 min
  15. Strength Training for Running

    Episode 120

    Show notes

    Runners who strength train become muscle-bound and slow. Or, at least that is what many still seem to believe. But research into strength training for long-distance runners actually paints a very different picture.

    In today's episode, we talk about why basically every runner with even an iota of ambition should add strength training to their training regimen – along with how to do it, and what you, as a runner, should prioritize in the gym.

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    43 min
  16. Why Do People Hate Deadlifting?

    Episode 119

    Show notes

    Another week, another summer mailbag! And we have six great questions for you today, including ones about deadlifts, injury rehab, and sleep quality. See the timestamps below.

    Timestamps:

    • 03:30 - Question 1: Why does everyone (meaning Philip) hate the deadlift?
    • 12:15 - Question 2: Benefits and drawbacks of slower rep-tempos (e.g., 3-0-3).
    • 20:45 - Question 3: I just completed a 6-week program that focused on arms, and I am very happy with the results. Now, I'm going to do a month of either your Mad Cow or 4-day push-pull program. When could I start following an arm program like yours again?
    • 26:00 - Question 4: What about sleep? I know you talked about sleep in other episodes, but are there studies that help quantify its impact? Also, the number of hours of sleep is one thing, but what about sleep quality?
    • 33:30 - Question 5: Injury rehab! I've just been told that resting my elbow tendinitis is the worst thing I can do. I'm healing my elbow with slow eccentric hammer curls. I was told about arthrogenic inhibition – my brachialis was "turned off," and the bicep was taking over. Any insight? The hammer curls seem to be working, but so did resting?!
    • 40:30 - Question 6: Do you have an opinion or advice about workout/exercise snacks? Not the stuff you eat, but doing small workouts throughout the day instead of a single workout session. Also, what are your thoughts about the bro-split? Is there sufficient volume? Why does the volume have to be spread out throughout the week? Is it because of fatigue management?

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    52 min
  17. If Building Muscle Is Easy, Why Is Everyone Stuck?

    Episode 118

    Show notes

    Summer mailbag time, and you guys and gals sent us a bunch of great questions once again! The first one deals with the hidden gap between fitness science and real life: If research shows that building muscle is easy, why isn't every person you see at the gym jacked?

    We spent a good deal of time on that one before moving on to four more questions; see the timestamps below.

    We'll be back next week with the second part of this mailbag, answering another handful of questions.

    Timestamps:

    • 04:00 - Question 1: It seems to me that many of the studies you discuss show that it's easier to gain muscle and strength than what is commonly believed. This clashes a bit with my real-life experience, where I see the same people (more or less) at the gym, seemingly not progressing much. Why this dichotomy?
    • 19:15 - Question 2: I've started doing the incline bench press due to time constraints, as I believe it's a good exercise for both the shoulders and the chest. But will it instead mean that neither of them gets enough training? Is it better to choose either shoulder presses or regular bench presses instead?
    • 24:45 - Question 3: You guys do an amazing job with StrengthLog, this podcast, and the community. Top quality in everything. What are the main challenges you face in keeping this up? Especially when there are f***ing annoying people like me?
    • 30:00 - Question 4: What do you think are the most under-trained muscles or muscle groups, and why? Should programming best practices include coverage for these muscles, and can it be done without very specialized equipment?
    • 39:30 - Question 5: I'd like to know your origin story! How did you meet? What made you decide to make your app/company?

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    49 min
  18. The Road to Your First Pull-Up

    Episode 117

    Show notes

    Getting your first pull-up or chin-up is a major milestone for most people who train. But how do you go about it effectively and quickly?

    In today's episode, we present a plan that's been proven to work time and time again, no matter if you're a woman or a man, light or heavy. We break down the exercises that will take you towards your first pull-up, and explain why lat pulldowns and rows aren't as useful as a lot of people claim on the road to your first pull-up.

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    31 min
  19. Vacation Training: How Little Can You Get Away With?

    Episode 112

    Show notes

    Summer vacation is coming up, and we gym rats start wondering how little strength training we can get away with without losing muscle mass and strength.

    And what if we skip training altogether?

    In this episode, we cover everything you need to know about scaling back your training when traveling or spending time in a hammock. We also give you tips on practical programming when you don't have access to a fully equipped gym, including exercises targeting the larger muscle groups.

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    51 min
  20. Can Strength Training Help Overweight Kids?

    Episode 115

    Show notes

    Strength training is among the best things you can do to improve your health, and that goes for both adults and children. But what kind of effects does strength training have on children who are overweight or obese?

    In today's episode, we're discussing a new study review looking into exactly this – and the results are encouraging!

    ***

    Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

    You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

    Become a part of our Reddit community here.

    ***

    This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

    To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

    If you want a t-shirt with "Train hard, eat well, die anyway", check out our shop here.

    37 min