In this episode, Eric Helms and Eric Trexler explore the complexities of food labeling, energy absorption, and the impact of food choices on energy balance. They discuss a recent lawsuit against David protein bars, delve into scientific research on metabolizable energy, and practical strategies for dieting and food selection.

If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" at elitefts.com for a 10% discount

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Updates
08:16 The David Protein Bar Lawsuit
21:43 Labeling Complications and Nutritional Misunderstandings
25:25 The Impact of TEF, Fiber, and Resistant Starches
34:00 The Impact of the Specific Food Matrix
37:22 More Research on Dietary Intake Versus Absorption
40:06 Nuances Behind Calories In vs Calories Out
47:00 Tracking Variable Foods Versus Keeping Food Choices Consistent (IIFYM/Flexible Dieting Implications)
57:06 The Case for "Eating Clean" Within a Flexible Dieting Framework

Editorial note:
We recorded this episode on March 4. This is an important detail for contextualizing the timeline of events discussed in this episode, as well as our understanding of the matter at the time of recording.
Since we recorded this episode, the paper discussed has been officially retracted. We will provide additional updates on this story as they become available.

Episode summary:
Join Eric Trexler and Eric Helms as they dissect the chaotic rollout of a controversial study on LDL cholesterol and lean mass hyper responders, explore issues in science communication, and debate the integrity of research in the age of social media.

If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" at elitefts.com for a 10% discount

Chapters
00:00 Intro
09:18 Social media dust-up
17:27 Revisiting the "Lean Mass Hyper Responder Study"
23:25 New controversy surrounding the study
33:14 Investigations regarding data integrity
41:43 Historical Context: NUSI and Its Implications
50:55 Steelmanning the argument
55:22 Potential issues with the "citizen science" movement
01:01:50 The death of expertise and the future of science communication

In this episode, Steve Hall and Eric Helms discuss the evolution of their podcast, the importance of community feedback, and the dynamics of online culture. They delve into personality traits that influence social media behavior, the misconceptions surrounding pop science, and the significance of evidence-based practices in coaching and bodybuilding.

Eric shares insights about his new role in academia and the responsibilities that come with it, while also exploring the 1% factors that can lead to success in bodybuilding. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on supplements, health practices, and the importance of being informed about one's health.

If you're in the market for some lifting gear or apparel, please consider supporting our friends over at elitefts.com (and use code "MRR10" for a 10% discount!)

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Naming the Podcast
02:48 The Psychology of Online Fitness Culture
05:39 Personality Traits and Social Media Engagement
08:05 Debunking Pop Psychology Myths
10:48 The Evolution of Online Coaching
13:49 Eric's New Role and Responsibilities
16:40 Leadership in Academia
19:22 The Structure of Academic Institutions
22:10 Reflections on Leadership and Responsibility
37:07 The Pursuit of the 1% in Bodybuilding
40:04 Training Philosophy and Personal Context
43:01 Evaluating Training Volume and Time Management
45:41 Investing in Muscle Growth: The Cost-Benefit Analysis
49:27 The Role of Supplements and Nutrition
55:39 Final Thoughts and Future Discussions

In this episode, powerlifter Kjell Bakkelund shares his journey, strategic weight management, and insights into longevity and performance in powerlifting. Discover how he overcame setbacks, optimized nutrition, and maintained motivation over a 19-year career.

If you're in the market for some lifting gear or apparel, please be sure to support our friends and save some money by using code "MRR10" for a 10% discount at elitefts.com

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
07:57 The Weight Cut Experience and Its Challenges
15:07 Strategic Deception and Preparation for Sheffield
20:20 Reflections on Training and Dieting
25:29 Kjell's Competitive History and Evolution
37:10 Comparing Past and Present Strength Levels
44:09 The Turning Point: A Podium Decision
49:17 Nutrition and Performance: A Game Changer
56:41 Mindset Shifts: Embracing the Journey
01:02:11 The Importance of Flexibility in Dieting

In this episode, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms explore a wide range of topics including the culture of bodybuilding, the impact of step counts on health, protein intake nuances, and the effects of various performance-enhancing drugs. They also address common misconceptions and recent research findings, providing practical insights for fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Be sure to support us (and our friends!) by using code "MRR10" for 10% off your order at elitefts.com

Chapters
00:00 Intro
05:26 Who can claim to be a "Bodybuilder"
14:35 Protein Intake and Muscle Protein Synthesis
25:39 Soy Intake and Its Effects on Hormones
31:10 Step count "limits"
39:44 Clarification related to soy intake
44:32 Trex research updates & Constrained Energy Expenditure Model
56:50 Exercise energy compensation: natural vs enhanced lifters
01:04:52 Hypertrophy and Proximity to Failure: Insights from Meta-Analysis

In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss perpetually hot topics in the fitness and bodybuilding community, focusing on recent research findings related to training at long muscle lengths and the implications of muscle swelling on hypertrophy reserach. They explore the nuances of lengthened bias training, the importance of sampling variance in research, and the impact of muscle swelling on hypertrophy measurements.

If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to use discount code "MRR10" for a 10% discount at elitefts.com

Chapters
00:00 Intro
04:39 Research Roundup: Lengthened Bias Training
07:20 Study Findings and Interpretations
10:24 Contextualizing Research in Fitness
13:53 Incremental Improvements in Research
17:10 Understanding Muscle Mechanics and Training Equipment
23:23 Sampling Variance and Its Impact on Research Interpretation
37:33 The Debate on Lengthened vs. Shortened Training
49:20 New Insights on Muscle Swelling and Hypertrophy
58:46 Understanding Muscle Performance and Recovery
01:03:39 The Debate on Training Volume and Hypertrophy
01:12:09 Wrapping up

Have you noticed that real life fitness culture is awesome, but online fitness culture sucks?

Yeah, us too.

In this episode, the Erics discuss why toxic online fitness culture is the way it is, leaning on actual scientific research on which personality types are dictating discourse and driving engagement. The conversation ends with practical tips for strategically cultivating a better experience on social media platforms.

By the way - are you in the market for some fitness gear or apparel? If so, head over to elitefts.com to support our friends and use code "MRR10" for a 10% discount.

Chapters
00:00 Intro
6:58 IRL fitness versus online fitness
17:33 Personality traits and states; types of narcissism
21:51 Traits of influencers
32:00 Traits of frequent posters/users
35:44 How being on social media (transiently) changes personality states
44:45 Skepticism versus cynicism
54:51 Practical tips for strategically cultivating a better experience

In this episode, Eric Helms and Steve Hall engage in a deep conversation about their experiences in bodybuilding, academia, and personal growth.

They discuss the challenges of naming their podcast, the impact of ADHD on Eric's life, and the importance of critical thinking in the fitness industry. The conversation also touches on the concept of imposter syndrome, the black-pilled perspective on muscle growth, and the significance of maintaining a positive mindset in training.

Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the value of process over outcome and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the pursuit of fitness goals.

If you're in the market for some lifting gear or apparel, be sure to check out EliteFTS.com (and use our code "MRR10" for a 10% discount)

Chapters

00:00 Podcast Naming Dilemma

03:04 Personal Reflections and Mutual Respect

06:03 Academic Journey and Self-Discovery

11:47 Understanding ADHD and Personal Growth

18:02 Imposter Syndrome and Its Impact

32:47 Critical Thinking in the Fitness Industry

37:54 The Importance of Self-Review

38:21 Confidence vs. Imposter Syndrome

40:16 Navigating Guru Culture in Fitness

42:22 Critical Thinking and the Role of Gurus

45:23 The Dangers of Blind Trust in Experts

48:17 The Mixed Bag of Fitness Influencers

49:42 Ego and the Quest for Clout

51:39 Teaching Critical Thinking in Fitness

53:32 The Journey of Personal Growth

57:16 Debating Natural Muscle Growth Potential

01:01:23 Understanding Individual vs. Population Data

01:06:05 The Optimistic Bodybuilder's Mindset

01:10:49 Pushing Limits and Personal Growth

01:15:13 The Process Over Outcome Mindset

01:20:54 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement