1,128 episodes

OVER 25,000,000 DOWNLOADS AND COUNTING!

If you want to know how to build muscle, lose fat, and be healthier, happier, and wiser...faster than you ever thought possible...then this podcast is for you. Hosted by the bestselling author and entrepreneur, Mike Matthews, each episode gives you simple, science-based know-how and inspiration that will help you build your best body and life ever.

Find out more at www.legionathletics.com

Muscle for Life with Mike Matthews Mike Matthews

    • Health & Fitness
    • 4.8 • 361 Ratings

OVER 25,000,000 DOWNLOADS AND COUNTING!

If you want to know how to build muscle, lose fat, and be healthier, happier, and wiser...faster than you ever thought possible...then this podcast is for you. Hosted by the bestselling author and entrepreneur, Mike Matthews, each episode gives you simple, science-based know-how and inspiration that will help you build your best body and life ever.

Find out more at www.legionathletics.com

    Layne Norton on Exposing Fitness Pseudoscience and Misinformation

    Layne Norton on Exposing Fitness Pseudoscience and Misinformation

    In the age of social media, it's easier than ever to fall victim to fitness misinformation. 

    From fad diets to questionable supplements, how can you tell what's legit and what's just clever marketing?

    In this episode, Layne Norton shares his strategies for identifying pseudoscience and making informed decisions about your health and fitness. 

    In case you’re not familiar with him, Layne is not just an acclaimed scientist with a PhD in Nutritional Sciences; he's also a pro bodybuilder and powerlifting champion who has spent years combating misinformation and educating the public on evidence-based practices in health and fitness.

    With his background in nutritional sciences and his experience exposing frauds, Layne is the perfect guide to help you navigate the often confusing world of fitness advice.

    In this wide-ranging discussion, you'll learn:

    - Why appeals to science are often used to sell fitness BS

    -How personal bias, emotional investment, and tribalism can cloud judgment and perpetuate fitness myths

    - The importance of understanding credentials and the limitations of expertise

    - The importance of prioritizing human trials over mechanistic or animal studies

    - How the COVID-19 pandemic impacted public trust in science

    - Layne's top tips for developing an evidence-based mindset

    - And more...

    Whether you're a fitness newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode will equip you with the critical thinking skills you need to cut through the noise and make informed decisions about your health.

    So, if you're ready to learn how to spot fitness BS from a mile away, click play and let Layne Norton be your guide!


    Timestamps:


    (0:00) - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe!

    (05:20) - The misuse of science and how to vet health and fitness claims as a layperson

    (07:20) - The role of personal bias in filtering information and skepticism

    (9:52) - What credentials matter?

    (17:40) - Why smart, credentialed people can still believe in pseudoscience

    (23:26) - The problem with relying on mechanistic data over outcome data

    (31:20) - The role of identity

    (34:51) - Confirmation bias and selection bias

    (40:00) - Food pyramid and government conspiracies

    (48:20) - Try Whey+ risk-free today! Go to buylegion.com/whey and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

    (50:56) - What is the seed oil controversy? Are seed oils unhealthy?

    (1:10:30) - How COVID-19 reduced public confidence in the scientific community

    (1:17:50) - The role of personal identity in seeking the truth

    (1:29:03) -  Where can people find you and your work?


    Mentioned on the Show:

    Try Whey+ risk-free today! Go to buylegion.com/whey and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

    Layne Norton's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biolayne

    Layne Norton's Website: https://www.biolayne.com/

    Carbon Diet Coach App: https://www.carbondietcoach.com/

    Physique Coaching Academy Course: https://www.biolayne.com/physique-coaching-academy/

    • 1 hr 31 min
    Cal Newport on the Case for “Slow Productivity”

    Cal Newport on the Case for “Slow Productivity”

    In today's fast-paced world, the chase for more—more output, more success, more everything—often leads to burnout and dissatisfaction. 

    What if there was a better way? 

    In this episode, I interview Cal Newport, who offers a refreshing perspective on the productivity conversation. 

    Specifically, he introduces the concept of slow productivity, a method that prioritizes deep, meaningful work over the constant hustle that's become the norm.

    It’s not just about doing less for the sake of it, either. Slow productivity is about focusing on what truly matters and doing it well, which, counterintuitively, produces better work and a more balanced life. 

    There’s no question that overload and constant context switching from “busyness” and pseudo-productivity are detrimental to not only our work, but our lives. With his slow productivity approach, Cal is challenging all of us to redefine our concepts of productivity and success, and offers actionable advice on leading more intentional lives.

    In case you’re not familiar with Cal, he’s an MIT-trained computer science professor at Georgetown University and the bestselling author of many books, including Deep Work and Digital Minimalism, which explore the benefits of focused work and the importance of minimizing digital distractions in our lives. 

    In other words, Cal’s writing career has consistently aimed at helping individuals craft more productive, meaningful, and balanced lives in an increasingly digital world.

    In this interview, you'll learn:

    - What pseudo-productivity is, why it’s problematic, and how doing fewer things can lead to better productivity and higher quality work.

    - How slowing down, with variation in intensity and rest, can boost both wellbeing and outcomes

    - Why obsessing over the right things and mastering your craft provides meaning and direction

    - How AI will expose what activities really drive value

    - Why real-world accomplishments satisfy deeper than digital ones (like video games or social media)

    - How to prepare for the potential impact of AI on information work

    - And more . . .

    So if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by your to-do list, questioned the relentless pursuit of busyness, or are just feeling the tension between ambition and burnout, press play and give this interview a listen for practical tips on an alternative.



    Timestamps:
    (0:00) - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe!

    (1:59) - What Inspired Cal Newport's Concept of Slow Productivity?

    (3:00) - Why Do We Often Believe More is Always Better?

    (23:43) - Shop Legion Supplements Here: https://buylegion.com/ and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

    (26:53) - Balancing Life and Work: Cal Newport's Personal Journey

    (36:51) - Finding Your Productive Rhythm: Cal on Periodization

    (39:37) - Unsure of Priorities? How to Find What Truly Matters

    (53:31) - Will AI Change Our Approach to Quality vs. Quantity in Work?

    (01:02:59) - Where can people find you and your work?



    Mentioned on the Show:

    Shop Legion Supplements Here: https://buylegion.com/ and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

    Cal’s Website: https://calnewport.com/

    Slow Productivity: https://www.amazon.com/Slow-Productivity-Accomplishment-Without-Burnout/dp/0593544854/?tag=mflweb-20

    Cal’s Podcast Deep Questions: https://www.thedeeplife.com/listen/

    • 1 hr 6 min
    Q&A: Optimal Cardio for Heart Health, Intermittent Fasting Update, How to Find Your Passion, & More

    Q&A: Optimal Cardio for Heart Health, Intermittent Fasting Update, How to Find Your Passion, & More

    In this episode, I answer your questions about optimizing strength and hypertrophy phases, whether the latest research changes my view on intermittent fasting, and how much cardio is ideal for heart health. 

    Plus, I offer advice for new personal trainers, discuss my thoughts on how to find your life’s purpose and career path, and a lot more.

    As always, these questions come directly from my Instagram followers, who take advantage of my weekly Q&As in my stories. If you have a question you're dying to have answered, make sure you follow me on Instagram (@muscleforlifefitness) and look out for the Q&A posts. Your question might just make it into a podcast episode!

    If you like this type of episode, let me know. Send me an email (mike@muscleforlife.com) or direct message me on Instagram. And if you don’t like it, let me know that too or how you think it could be better.


    Timestamps:

    (0:00) - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe!

    (1:15) - Should you reduce total sets during a strength phase versus hypertrophy?

    (4:25) - What is the latest research saying about intermittent fasting?

    (7:51) - How much cardio is recommended for optimal heart health?

    (17:32) - My award-winning fitness books for men and women: https://legionathletics.com/products/books/

    (19:33) - Who is my pick for the next US president?

    (26:03) - Advice for new personal trainers on building their client base.

    (28:35) - Approaching the topic of hormones and weight loss with clients.

    (29:19) - Why is progressing on lateral raises often so challenging?

    (30:03) - Discussing the number of genders.

    (30:20) - Could someone like Vivek win the presidency?

    (30:48) - Benefits of doing an anterior and posterior chain workout split

    (31:38) - Is COVID-19 making a comeback?

    (31:53) - Best supplements for disrupted sleep during a calorie deficit.

    (33:27) - Defining the calorie surplus range for a lean bulk.

    (36:18) - How do you find your life's passion and figure out what you want to do with your life?



    Mentioned on the Show:
    My award-winning fitness books for men and women: https://legionathletics.com/products/books/

    • 40 min
    What Are NMN Supplements and Do They Really Work?

    What Are NMN Supplements and Do They Really Work?

    Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is often touted as the frontier of anti-aging supplements, promising not just more years of life, but better quality ones. 

    With bold claims of enhancing lifespan and slowing down aging, to improving physical performance, body composition, and brain health, NMN has captured the attention of both consumers and scientists. But how much truth is there to these claims? 

    In this episode, I’ll explore the molecule NMN, its benefits, the research supporting it, and whether or not it stands up to the hype. 

    Whether you're a skeptic or a hopeful believer in the search for the fountain of youth, listen to this podcast to learn about the potential of NMN supplements.



    Timestamps:
    0:00 - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe!

    2:19 - What is NMN and Why Is It Important?

    5:31 - What Does Current Research Say About NMN?

    9:52 - Can NMN Really Improve Your Physical Performance and Body Composition?

    12:12 - Legion One-on-One Coaching: https://www.muscleforlife.show/vip

    13:53 - Is NMN Anti-Aging? Can NMN Supplements Stop or Reverse Aging?

    16:57 - Do NMN Supplements Improve Cognition and Brain Health?

    21:15 - Are NMN Supplements Worth the Hype?



    Mentioned on the Show:
    Legion One-on-One Coaching: https://www.muscleforlife.show/vip

    • 25 min
    Lyle McDonald on the Truth About Training to Failure

    Lyle McDonald on the Truth About Training to Failure

    The debate around training to muscular failure has raged for decades. Is it necessary? Is it practical? Is it safe? 

    Expert opinion is all over the map, ranging from one extreme of low-volume, maximum-intensity, “beyond-failure” training to the other of high-volume, low-intensity, “never-even-close-to-failure” training; and every degree and permutation in between.

    Which philosophy is right? Or at least the most right? And more importantly, which is right specifically for you and your circumstances and goals? That is, are you training hard enough to efficiently and effectively achieve your goals?

    In this episode, renowned expert Lyle McDonald settles these questions and more, including what true muscular failure is (physiologically); why, in some ways, proximity to failure in training matters more than many other programming variables like load and rep ranges; why many people could benefit from more proximity to failure in their training rather than less; and more.

    And in case you're not familiar with Lyle, he’s a health and fitness researcher and author, and one of the godfathers of evidence-based fitness space whose work has greatly influenced my own, especially in the beginning of my career.

    In this interview, you'll learn:

    - What failure is (technical, muscular, and volitional failure) and why proximity to failure is such an important factor in training for muscle growth

    - How close you need to be to failure for maximal muscle fiber recruitment and growth

    - The effects of training to failure on fatigue and how that interplays with training volumes

    - Whether “beyond failure” techniques like dropsets and forced reps can be effective when controlled

    - How to gauge and achieve effective reps for enhanced muscle development

    - Guidance on the optimal proximity to failure for sustainable results

    - Practical tips for reaching the optimal proximity to failure and incorporating variety in training to maintain long-term progress

    - How often you should test true failure to ensure your training intensity is sufficient

    - And more . . .

    Whether you’re seeking to optimize your workouts or someone curious about the science behind muscle growth, this myth-busting discussion will give you science-based clarity on one of fitness's most persistent debates. 

    So give it a listen and you'll be far better equipped to gauge your workout intensity and program it sustainably for better gains.



    Timestamps:
    (0:00) - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe!

    (3:20) - Why is Training to Failure Crucial for Muscle Growth?

    (08:29) - What Does Muscle Failure Really Mean and How Does It Impact Growth?

    (24:00) - Is Proximity to Failure More Important Than Your Workout Program?

    (33:11) - How Can You Optimize Volume and Reps for Maximum Muscle Growth?

    (43:06) - Save 25% on Pulse and Recharge! Go to buylegion.com and use code MUSCLE

    (44:33) - Why Are Rest Times Crucial for Maximizing Training Effectiveness?

    (54:05) - How Do You Recognize and Achieve True Muscular Failure?

    (1:01:41) - What Are Reps in Reserve and How Can They Optimize Your Training?

    (1:11:35) - How Can You Accurately Identify a True Failure Rep?

    (1:14:34) - Are Forced Reps and Other “Beyond Failure” Training Techniques Effective?

    (1:23:00) - Why Is Variety Important in Your Training Regimen?

    (1:32:01) - Where to Find Lyle McDonald’s Work?



    Mentioned on the Show:
    Save 25% on my pre-workout Pulse and post-workout Recharge now! Go to https://buylegion.com/ and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% on any non-sale items or get double reward points!

    Lyle’s Website: https://bodyrecomposition.com/

    • 1 hr 34 min
    Q&A: Post-Workout Sauna, Biceps Training Mistakes, How to Overcome Fear, & More

    Q&A: Post-Workout Sauna, Biceps Training Mistakes, How to Overcome Fear, & More

    Are saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunges beneficial after workouts? How can you naturally boost your testosterone levels quickly? What’s the best way to stop snacking out of boredom or anxiety? 

    In this episode, I delve into these and other intriguing questions from my listeners.

    As always, these questions come directly from my Instagram followers, who take advantage of my weekly Q&As in my stories. If you have a question you're dying to have answered, make sure you follow me on Instagram (@muscleforlifefitness) and look out for the Q&A posts. Your question might just make it into a podcast episode!

    If you like this type of episode, let me know. Send me an email (mike@muscleforlife.com) or direct message me on Instagram. And if you don’t like it, let me know that too or how you think it could be better.



    Timestamps:

    (0:00) - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe!

    (1:34) - Benefits of sauna, steam room, and cold plunge post-workout?

    (3:44) - Is the stair stepper as effective as the treadmill?

    (4:38) - How to recomp when feeling too bulky?

    (7:06) - Should supplements be timed on a fasted stomach?

    (9:27) - Fastest methods to boost testosterone naturally?

    (12:46) - Try my upgraded, reformulated sleep aid, Lunar! Go to buylegion.com/lunar and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

    (16:19) - Update on Legion's new energy drink.

    (17:31) - How to stop snacking due to boredom or anxiety?

    (18:13) - Have I considered competing in bodybuilding?

    (19:38) - Strategies for overcoming fear.

    (21:36) - Evaluating the pink salt and honey pre-workout trend.

    (22:43) - Maintaining motivation in diet and exercise routines.

    (25:10) - Importance of barbells for hypertrophy.

    (26:40) - Effective exercises for weak biceps.



    Mentioned on the Show:
    Try my upgraded, reformulated sleep aid, Lunar! Go to buylegion.com/lunar and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

    • 30 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
361 Ratings

361 Ratings

NoMoss747 ,

A+ For Mike

Hey Mike I really appreciate the fitness tips you are givin to the community for free. Lots of good info here. Much love

Ivo008 ,

Brain bloat

So boring, he just keep reading this lines on flat mode, You can get brain bloating.
Wnd of coarse, my product this, my product that, already flooded market with garage products.

ukfitness ,

Overall great content

But could do without the political views and the ill- placed sarcasm at times. Oh and there is something slightly irritating about the hosts song-songy speaking cadence .

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