The Drop Set with Darin Starr: Bodybuilding for the Masses

Five Starr Physique
  • 4.6 (101)
  • FITNESS
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The Drop Set is where Darin Starr, full-time bodybuilding coach with 15+ years of experience, shares everything he knows about the bodybuilding lifestyle, diet, training, and contest prep

  1. Prep Training vs. Growth Training + Is Your Coach Actually Coaching You?

    4D AGO

    Prep Training vs. Growth Training + Is Your Coach Actually Coaching You?

    This week I’m breaking down one of the most common training mistakes I see when athletes transition from a growth phase into prep — failing to shift the mindset around progressive overload. The goal of your training changes the day prep starts, and if your program and your expectations don’t change with it, you’re going to spend the entire prep fighting yourself. I’ll walk through what that shift actually looks like mechanically, how to manage load as the deficit deepens, and why letting go of the PR mindset isn’t a step backward — it’s the whole point. Then I’m getting into something I’ve wanted to address for a while — cookie-cutter coaching and why it’s one of the industry’s most accepted and least talked about problems. High client volume, templated programs, and championing the small percentage who succeed while quietly ignoring everyone else isn’t coaching — it’s a numbers game. I’ll cover what real individualized coaching actually requires, what the red flags look like from the athlete’s side, and what you should expect from anyone you’re paying to guide your prep. Call in and leave a voicemail with your question!  865-226-9284 Bikini Blueprint is available now at pre-launch pricing – get in while it’s hot!  https://fivestarrphysique.com/bikini-blueprint/ Online coaching with Darin and a whole lot more (site updated recently!): http://fivestarrphysique.com/ Check out my online course collection, available now!  https://fivestarrphysique.com/courses/ Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next:  https://www.youtube.com/@darin_starr Check me out on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thedropsetpodcast

    57 min
  2. Build a Real Program + The Bill Nobody Sees Coming

    APR 28

    Build a Real Program + The Bill Nobody Sees Coming

    In this episode I break down how to build an actual training program from scratch — not just a collection of exercises, but a structured plan with intention behind every decision. From needs analysis to split selection, volume, intensity, and progression, this is the framework most people never get but every serious physique athlete needs. Plus — the financial reality of competing that nobody lays out for you before you register. Entry fees, suit costs, tan, hair, makeup, federation membership, show day incidentals, and the travel variable that catches first-timers off guard. What a local show actually costs vs. a travel show, and how to compete smart without cutting corners that show up on stage. Call in and leave a voicemail with your question!  865-226-9284 Bikini Blueprint is available now at pre-launch pricing – get in while it’s hot!  https://fivestarrphysique.com/bikini-blueprint/ Online coaching with Darin and a whole lot more (site updated recently!): http://fivestarrphysique.com/ Check out my online course collection, available now!  https://fivestarrphysique.com/courses/ Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next:  https://www.youtube.com/@darin_starr Check me out on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thedropsetpodcast

    58 min
  3. When Coaching Fails + How to Audit Your Program

    APR 23

    When Coaching Fails + How to Audit Your Program

    I am hardly infallible (cue the sarcastic gasps of shock and horror).  I know, hard to believe right?  There have been PLENTY of times where I’ve failed as a coach and couldn’t do what I was hired to do.  I’ve built those failure out into 14 separate categories (!!!) with specific examples that I’m going to share with you today. On a lighter and less self-incriminating note, let’s talk about exercise selection and auditing your training program.  Because following a program by the book without questioning it is what rookies do, and we aren’t rookies.  Right?!!? Let’s hit it! Call in and leave a voicemail with your question!  865-226-9284 Bikini Blueprint is available now at pre-launch pricing – get in while it’s hot!  https://fivestarrphysique.com/bikini-blueprint/ Online coaching with Darin and a whole lot more (site updated recently!): http://fivestarrphysique.com/ Check out my online course collection, available now!  https://fivestarrphysique.com/courses/ Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next:  https://www.youtube.com/@darin_starr Check me out on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thedropsetpodcast

    1h 3m
  4. Back in Prep + Your Feed Is Making You Worse

    APR 15

    Back in Prep + Your Feed Is Making You Worse

    Yep you read that right – prep is underway for me yet again for 2 shows this year.  Let me bring you up to speed on what I’m doing, how I’m doing it, and…who I’m doing it with? Also, clickbait.  Ragebait?   Just plain stupid content?  Allow me to vent for a minute about the state of our society at large and how you can be a part of the solution. Call in and leave a voicemail with your question!  865-226-9284 Bikini Blueprint is available now at pre-launch pricing – get in while it’s hot!  https://fivestarrphysique.com/bikini-blueprint/ Online coaching with Darin and a whole lot more (site updated recently!): http://fivestarrphysique.com/ Check out my online course collection, available now!  https://fivestarrphysique.com/courses/ Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next:  https://www.youtube.com/@darin_starr Check me out on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thedropsetpodcast

    1h 2m

  5. APR 8

    Stop Adding Cardio + The Self-Coaching Trap

    Wait, a coach that wants you to do LESS cardio?  Well…maybe.  Let’s talk about it, it’s complicated.  Also, should you hire a coach or can you just DIY this thing?  The pros and cons of it all and plenty more, hop in and let’s take a ride! Call in and leave a voicemail with your question!  865-226-9284 Bikini Blueprint is available now at pre-launch pricing – get in while it’s hot!  https://darinstarr.com/bikini-blueprint Online coaching with Darin and a whole lot more (site updated recently!): http://fivestarrphysique.com/ Check out my online course collection, available now!  https://www.darinstarr.com/ Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next:  https://www.youtube.com/@darin_starr Check me out on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/thedropsetpodcast

    54 min
  6. Peak Week Lies, The Plateau Excuse

    APR 2

    Peak Week Lies, The Plateau Excuse

    If I’ve said it once I’ve said it a thousand time, so one more time won’t hurt.  Your peak week should be the easiest week of your prep.  Let’s fix this once and for all. And what level of blame do your genetics deserve for when you plateau or you think you’re underachieving as far as your potential goes?  Let’s dig in and talk about it. Let’s hit it! Call in and leave a voicemail with your question! 865-226-9284 Bikini Blueprint is available now at pre-launch pricing – get in while it’s hot! https://darinstarr.com/bikini-blueprint Online coaching with Darin and a whole lot more (site updated recently!): Five Starr Physique – Bodybuilding Coaching, Courses, and Programs Check out my online course collection, available now! https://www.darinstarr.com/ Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next: https://www.youtube.com/@darin_starr Check me out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedropsetpodcast

    59 min
  7. AI in Bodybuilding Revisited, Signs You're Not Ready

    MAR 25

    AI in Bodybuilding Revisited, Signs You're Not Ready

    Let’s get a new streak going!  It was 3 episodes ago (aka 1 year in real time – oof) that I first talked about AI in bodybuilding so let’s hit it again with some crazy discoveries.  After that I dig into the top 5 signs that you’re not yet ready to compete – which is ok!!! – and, importantly, what to do about it. Also how to go about running more readiness checks so you can ensure a smooth prep. Let’s hit it! Call in and leave a voicemail with your question! 865-226-9284 Bikini Blueprint is available now at pre-launch pricing – get in while it’s hot! https://darinstarr.com/bikini-blueprint Online coaching with Darin and a whole lot more (site updated recently!): Five Starr Physique – Bodybuilding Coaching, Courses, and Programs Check out my online course collection, available now! https://www.darinstarr.com/ Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next: https://www.youtube.com/@darin_starr Check me out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedropsetpodcast

    1h 2m
  8. Sam Sulek at the Arnold, Body Image & Social Media

    MAR 20

    Sam Sulek at the Arnold, Body Image & Social Media

    We’re back!  A little catch-up to cover here but I dig straight in (more or less) to talk about the Arnold Classic and specific whether or not Sam Sulek made a big mistake in choosing this show. After that, it’s worth talking about body image as it relates to social media because this is a problem that I only see growing bigger and bigger with every passing year.  It’s a good idea to take a few easy steps to innoculate yourself against any possible negative influence. And finally I wrap up with a little TV/movie recap and some recommendations.  I also mentioned my wife’s print mail club which you can read about here:  https://www.deniakirk.com/shop/p/kindred-spirits Call in and leave a voicemail with your question! 865-226-9284 Bikini Blueprint is available now at pre-launch pricing – get in while it’s hot! https://darinstarr.com/bikini-blueprint Online coaching with Darin and a whole lot more (site updated recently!): Five Starr Physique – Bodybuilding Coaching, Courses, and Programs Check out my online course collection, available now! https://www.darinstarr.com/ Check me out on YouTube and subscribe to see what’s coming up next: https://www.youtube.com/@darin_starr Check me out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedropsetpodcast

    49 min
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4.6
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101 Ratings

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The Drop Set is where Darin Starr, full-time bodybuilding coach with 15+ years of experience, shares everything he knows about the bodybuilding lifestyle, diet, training, and contest prep

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