Strength 101

Nick Byom
  • 5.0 (7)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Strength 101 host Nick Byom, owner of Strength Academy, discusses the "why" behind all your strength training, muscle building, and weight loss questions.

  1. The Hardest Part of Growth Nobody Talks About: The Garden Analogy

    FEB 12

    The Hardest Part of Growth Nobody Talks About: The Garden Analogy

    Today’s episode is different. This isn’t about sets, reps, or protein. This is about seasons of life. Using a simple garden analogy, we break down: • When to take on more responsibility • When to stop adding and start subtracting • Why more effort isn’t always the solution • How burnout happens • Why saying “no” is sometimes the most powerful move you can make. There are seasons for planting. Seasons for watering and growing. And seasons for weeding. If your life feels overcrowded, chaotic, or out of control — this framework might help you figure out what mode you’re in. If this hits home, share it with someone who needs it. https://www.strengthacademyrf.com Connect with us! ➡︎ IG: / https://www.instagram.com/strengthacademyrf?igsh=MWlsOHZoaWM2NDdkbg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr ➡︎ Tik Tok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@strength101podcast?_t=ZP-8uz54FwRds6&_r=1 ⚡️FREE CLASS: Sign up for a FREE class at our gym here: ➡︎ https://strengthacademy.pushpress.com/landing/plans/plan_3b8de81cc61fb7/login ⚡️BODY COMPOSITION PROGRAM: Check out our body composition program here: ➡︎ https://www.strengthacademy101.com ⚡️OUR APP: Check out our app here: ➡︎ https://coach.everfit.io/package/UA723379 Build muscle and strength from your local or home gym with our flagship Iron Hour program or request a personalized program that fits your specific goals. Make exercise substitutions on the fly to match the equipment you have, send questions to your coach, and pop into the community forum to discuss your training with others doing the same workouts – all from your phone! Connect with Nick & Matraca on Social Media: ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/nick__byom?igsh=cTdvZHdodWk3NGZx ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/matracafit?igsh=MTVpNml5enpmYWVkZQ== #strengthacademy #justshowup #strength101podcast

    12 min
  2. 4 Weight Loss Myths That Are Destroying Your Results

    FEB 5

    4 Weight Loss Myths That Are Destroying Your Results

    Most people fail at weight loss not because they lack discipline — but because they’re following bad advice. In this episode of Strength 101, we break down four of the biggest weight loss myths that are actively holding people back from real results. We talk about: Why “eating healthy” isn’t required for fat lossWhether cardio is actually necessaryThe truth about eating low caloriesWhy ignoring the scale makes weight loss harder, not easierThis system has helped hundreds of real people lose weight without crash dieting, extreme restriction, or living in the gym. If you want weight loss that actually fits into real life — this episode will change how you think. https://www.strengthacademyrf.com Connect with us! ➡︎ IG: / https://www.instagram.com/strengthacademyrf?igsh=MWlsOHZoaWM2NDdkbg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr ➡︎ Tik Tok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@strength101podcast?_t=ZP-8uz54FwRds6&_r=1 ⚡️FREE CLASS: Sign up for a FREE class at our gym here: ➡︎ https://strengthacademy.pushpress.com/landing/plans/plan_3b8de81cc61fb7/login ⚡️BODY COMPOSITION PROGRAM: Check out our body composition program here: ➡︎ https://www.strengthacademy101.com ⚡️OUR APP: Check out our app here: ➡︎ https://coach.everfit.io/package/UA723379 Build muscle and strength from your local or home gym with our flagship Iron Hour program or request a personalized program that fits your specific goals. Make exercise substitutions on the fly to match the equipment you have, send questions to your coach, and pop into the community forum to discuss your training with others doing the same workouts – all from your phone! Connect with Nick & Matraca on Social Media: ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/nick__byom?igsh=cTdvZHdodWk3NGZx ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/matracafit?igsh=MTVpNml5enpmYWVkZQ== #strengthacademy #justshowup #strength101podcast

    23 min
  3. How To Master Exercise Variations For Faster Gains

    JAN 22

    How To Master Exercise Variations For Faster Gains

    In Part 2 of this Strength 101 series, we break down workout programming — how long you should run a program, when to switch it, and how to know if it’s actually working. Most people either program hop too fast or stay on bad programs for too long. In this episode, Nick gives you a simple framework for evaluating your training so you can stop guessing and start making progress. We cover: • How long to run a workout program • Why skill learning matters before muscle growth • Fast vs slow adapters and why programs differ • How volume should progress over time • Why engagement and enjoyment matter • Strength vs bodybuilding programming • How to tell if your program is working If you want muscle, strength, and consistency without overthinking your training — this episode gives you the blueprint. https://www.strengthacademyrf.com Connect with us! ➡︎ IG: / https://www.instagram.com/strengthacademyrf?igsh=MWlsOHZoaWM2NDdkbg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr ➡︎ Tik Tok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@strength101podcast?_t=ZP-8uz54FwRds6&_r=1 ⚡️FREE CLASS: Sign up for a FREE class at our gym here: ➡︎ https://strengthacademy.pushpress.com/landing/plans/plan_3b8de81cc61fb7/login ⚡️BODY COMPOSITION PROGRAM: Check out our body composition program here: ➡︎ https://www.strengthacademy101.com ⚡️OUR APP: Check out our app here: ➡︎ https://coach.everfit.io/package/UA723379 Build muscle and strength from your local or home gym with our flagship Iron Hour program or request a personalized program that fits your specific goals. Make exercise substitutions on the fly to match the equipment you have, send questions to your coach, and pop into the community forum to discuss your training with others doing the same workouts – all from your phone! Connect with Nick & Matraca on Social Media: ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/nick__byom?igsh=cTdvZHdodWk3NGZx ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/matracafit?igsh=MTVpNml5enpmYWVkZQ== #strengthacademy #justshowup #strength101podcast

    20 min
  4. These 7 Lifting Mistakes Cost Me Years Of Gains

    JAN 15

    These 7 Lifting Mistakes Cost Me Years Of Gains

    If you’re lifting and not seeing results — this episode is for you. I’ve been lifting consistently for over 10 years, and there are a lot of things I had to learn the hard way. In this episode, I break down 7 lessons I wish I knew when I first started lifting — from exercise selection, supplements, programming, eating enough, and why patience matters more than motivation. This episode covers: • Why hard ≠ effective • Why most supplements are a waste of money • The importance of mastering the basics • Why program hopping kills progress • Why you must eat to grow • How intensity actually builds muscle • Why results take way longer than you think If you’re serious about building muscle, strength, and a physique that lasts — this is the blueprint. https://www.strengthacademyrf.com Connect with us! ➡︎ IG: / https://www.instagram.com/strengthacademyrf?igsh=MWlsOHZoaWM2NDdkbg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr ➡︎ Tik Tok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@strength101podcast?_t=ZP-8uz54FwRds6&_r=1 ⚡️FREE CLASS: Sign up for a FREE class at our gym here: ➡︎ https://strengthacademy.pushpress.com/landing/plans/plan_3b8de81cc61fb7/login ⚡️BODY COMPOSITION PROGRAM: Check out our body composition program here: ➡︎ https://www.strengthacademy101.com ⚡️OUR APP: Check out our app here: ➡︎ https://coach.everfit.io/package/UA723379 Build muscle and strength from your local or home gym with our flagship Iron Hour program or request a personalized program that fits your specific goals. Make exercise substitutions on the fly to match the equipment you have, send questions to your coach, and pop into the community forum to discuss your training with others doing the same workouts – all from your phone! Connect with Nick & Matraca on Social Media: ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/nick__byom?igsh=cTdvZHdodWk3NGZx ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/matracafit?igsh=MTVpNml5enpmYWVkZQ== #strengthacademy #justshowup #strength101podcast

    19 min
  5. First Year Lifting? Here's What To Expect

    JAN 8

    First Year Lifting? Here's What To Expect

    In this episode of Strength 101, Nick sits down to break down what the real lifting journey actually looks like—from early progress and plateaus to injuries, frustration, and long-term consistency. Using real examples and conversations from the gym floor, this episode explores why progress often feels nonlinear and why pushing through tough phases is part of the process. Nick explains how most people experience early gains simply by learning how to lift, followed by inevitable slowdowns that test patience and commitment. He dives into common frustrations like stalled strength, repeated plateaus, and injuries that show up once training becomes consistent. Rather than viewing these as failures, he reframes them as signals—your body adapting, upgrading, and sometimes demanding recovery or smarter effort. The takeaway is simple but powerful: progress in lifting isn’t about constantly changing programs—it’s about trusting the process, fueling your body, and staying consistent long enough for adaptation to happen. Whether you’re in your first year of training or stuck wondering why things feel harder than before, this episode reminds you that the struggle is not a sign you’re failing—it’s proof you’re progressing. https://www.strengthacademyrf.com Connect with us! ➡︎ IG: / https://www.instagram.com/strengthacademyrf?igsh=MWlsOHZoaWM2NDdkbg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr ➡︎ Tik Tok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@strength101podcast?_t=ZP-8uz54FwRds6&_r=1 ⚡️FREE CLASS: Sign up for a FREE class at our gym here: ➡︎ https://strengthacademy.pushpress.com/landing/plans/plan_3b8de81cc61fb7/login ⚡️BODY COMPOSITION PROGRAM: Check out our body composition program here: ➡︎ https://www.strengthacademy101.com ⚡️OUR APP: Check out our app here: ➡︎ https://coach.everfit.io/package/UA723379 Build muscle and strength from your local or home gym with our flagship Iron Hour program or request a personalized program that fits your specific goals. Make exercise substitutions on the fly to match the equipment you have, send questions to your coach, and pop into the community forum to discuss your training with others doing the same workouts – all from your phone! Connect with Nick & Matraca on Social Media: ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/nick__byom?igsh=cTdvZHdodWk3NGZx ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/matracafit?igsh=MTVpNml5enpmYWVkZQ== #strengthacademy #justshowup #strength101podcast

    16 min
  6. The Real Reason You're Stalling in the Gym

    JAN 1

    The Real Reason You're Stalling in the Gym

    In this episode of Strength 101, Nick breaks down one of the biggest reasons people stall out in the gym: bad exercise selection. He explains that while there are many ways to train and still get results, too much “random variation” can kill progress—especially if your goal is strength and muscle mass. This is Part 1 of a two-part series, focused on building a simple framework for choosing exercises that actually work. Nick introduces the core concept behind growth: mechanical tension—the signal your muscles get when you’re pushing hard enough that reps slow down and approach failure. From there, he lays out a simple checklist for picking the best exercises: they should be easy to learn, easy to load, and safe to push close to failure. He uses examples like Olympic lifts, Bosu ball squats, and overly complex “Instagram exercises” to show how instability and high skill requirements can limit load and reduce muscle-building potential. The takeaway is clear: if you want real progress, stop chasing fancy variations and start chasing exercises that allow progressive overload with high effort. Whether you’re writing your own program or judging one you found online, this episode gives you a practical filter to build smarter workouts—and sets up Part 2, where Nick will explain how often you should actually change your training. https://www.strengthacademyrf.com Connect with us! ➡︎ IG: / https://www.instagram.com/strengthacademyrf?igsh=MWlsOHZoaWM2NDdkbg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr ➡︎ Tik Tok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@strength101podcast?_t=ZP-8uz54FwRds6&_r=1 ⚡️FREE CLASS: Sign up for a FREE class at our gym here: ➡︎ https://strengthacademy.pushpress.com/landing/plans/plan_3b8de81cc61fb7/login ⚡️BODY COMPOSITION PROGRAM: Check out our body composition program here: ➡︎ https://www.strengthacademy101.com ⚡️OUR APP: Check out our app here: ➡︎ https://coach.everfit.io/package/UA723379 Build muscle and strength from your local or home gym with our flagship Iron Hour program or request a personalized program that fits your specific goals. Make exercise substitutions on the fly to match the equipment you have, send questions to your coach, and pop into the community forum to discuss your training with others doing the same workouts – all from your phone! Connect with Nick & Matraca on Social Media: ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/nick__byom?igsh=cTdvZHdodWk3NGZx ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/matracafit?igsh=MTVpNml5enpmYWVkZQ== #strengthacademy #justshowup #strength101podcast

    20 min
  7. Creatine Explained: Benefits, Safety, and How to Use It

    12/18/2025

    Creatine Explained: Benefits, Safety, and How to Use It

    In this episode of Strength 101, Nick breaks down one of the most misunderstood supplements in fitness: creatine. Despite being one of the most researched supplements on the planet, creatine is still surrounded by myths, fear, and outdated advice. Nick explains what creatine actually does in the body, how it supports strength, performance, and muscle growth, and why so many people are still hesitant to use it. He dives into common concerns like water retention, kidney health, weight gain, and whether creatine is only for “hardcore lifters.” Nick also clarifies who creatine is for, who might want to avoid it, and how to properly dose it without overcomplicating things with loading phases or gimmicks. By the end of the episode, listeners walk away with a clear takeaway: creatine isn’t magic, but it’s one of the safest and most effective tools you can use if your training is already dialed in. Whether you’re brand new to lifting or a coach educating clients, this episode cuts through the noise and delivers the facts. https://www.strengthacademyrf.com Connect with us! ➡︎ IG: / https://www.instagram.com/strengthacademyrf?igsh=MWlsOHZoaWM2NDdkbg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr ➡︎ Tik Tok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@strength101podcast?_t=ZP-8uz54FwRds6&_r=1 ⚡️FREE CLASS: Sign up for a FREE class at our gym here: ➡︎ https://strengthacademy.pushpress.com/landing/plans/plan_3b8de81cc61fb7/login ⚡️BODY COMPOSITION PROGRAM: Check out our body composition program here: ➡︎ https://www.strengthacademy101.com ⚡️OUR APP: Check out our app here: ➡︎ https://coach.everfit.io/package/UA723379 Build muscle and strength from your local or home gym with our flagship Iron Hour program or request a personalized program that fits your specific goals. Make exercise substitutions on the fly to match the equipment you have, send questions to your coach, and pop into the community forum to discuss your training with others doing the same workouts – all from your phone! Connect with Nick & Matraca on Social Media: ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/nick__byom?igsh=cTdvZHdodWk3NGZx ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/matracafit?igsh=MTVpNml5enpmYWVkZQ== #strengthacademy #justshowup #strength101podcast

    19 min
  8. Personal Training Certifications are a SCAM!

    12/11/2025

    Personal Training Certifications are a SCAM!

    Thinking about becoming a personal trainer? Before you drop $500… $900… or even $2,700 on a certification — you need to watch this. In this Strength 101 Podcast clip, we break down the actual cost of the most popular personal trainer certs like NASM, ACE, ISSA, ACSM and more… and whether they’re even worth it for new coaches. A lot of people are told the first step is buying a certification. But is that true? Or is the fitness industry pushing expensive certs you may not need? If you’re considering a career in fitness — this is the video we wish we had before we spent thousands. https://www.strengthacademyrf.com Connect with us! ➡︎ IG: / https://www.instagram.com/strengthacademyrf?igsh=MWlsOHZoaWM2NDdkbg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr ➡︎ Tik Tok: / https://www.tiktok.com/@strength101podcast?_t=ZP-8uz54FwRds6&_r=1 ⚡️FREE CLASS: Sign up for a FREE class at our gym here: ➡︎ https://strengthacademy.pushpress.com/landing/plans/plan_3b8de81cc61fb7/login ⚡️BODY COMPOSITION PROGRAM: Check out our body composition program here: ➡︎ https://www.strengthacademy101.com ⚡️OUR APP: Check out our app here: ➡︎ https://coach.everfit.io/package/UA723379 Build muscle and strength from your local or home gym with our flagship Iron Hour program or request a personalized program that fits your specific goals. Make exercise substitutions on the fly to match the equipment you have, send questions to your coach, and pop into the community forum to discuss your training with others doing the same workouts – all from your phone! Connect with Nick & Matraca on Social Media: ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/nick__byom?igsh=cTdvZHdodWk3NGZx ➡︎ / https://www.instagram.com/matracafit?igsh=MTVpNml5enpmYWVkZQ== #strengthacademy #justshowup #strength101podcast

    15 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Strength 101 host Nick Byom, owner of Strength Academy, discusses the "why" behind all your strength training, muscle building, and weight loss questions.

Information

  • Creator
    Nick Byom
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Nick Byom 2024
  • Show Website
    Strength 101