Muscle for Life with Mike Matthews Mike Matthews

Ever been baffled by uneven abs? Do you feel weaker during your period? 

Can you enhance fat loss in your legs? What’re the pros and cons of fat grips?

In this Q&A episode, we delve into a medley of topics including hypertrophy versus strength training for fat loss, deloading, squatting with long femurs, and much 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 burning question, follow me on Instagram (@muscleforlifefitness) and keep an eye out for these Q&A opportunities. 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!

2:00 - What are you most afraid of?

2:27 - What is your opinion on fat grips?

3:49 - My core feels weak around the monthly. Is that normal?

4:25 - My abs are finally here but they are not symmetrical what can I do?

9:48 - Best source of information for current events?

10:58 - Do you enjoy eating a bunch of protein and then dutch ovening yourself?

11:10 - My free quiz to answer all your diet questions: www.muscleforlife.show/dietquiz

11:57 - How do you typically deload?

13:28 - What is your new year resolution for 2023?

14:15 - What book are you reading right now?

15:47 - What did you think about the US and Russia’s prisoners exchange?

16:19 - Is hypertrophy training better for fat loss than strength training?

16:49 - Tricep pushdown underhand or overhand grip?

17:11 - Heels lift forward lean when squatting due to long femurs what is the best solution?

17:46 - Can I combine Legion’s Genesis with Legion’s Whey?

19:07 - How to lose fat from the legs?

19:34 - Is every session planned?



Mentioned on the Show:

Take this free quiz to get science-based answers to all of your diet questions: www.muscleforlife.show/dietquiz

Creatine is one of the most researched supplements in the fitness industry, yet myths and misconceptions still abound. 

Is it safe for teenagers? Can endurance athletes benefit from it? Should you cycle it? 

If these are the questions you've been pondering, you've come to the right place. In this episode, you’ll get answer to these questions and I’ll delve deeper into the myriad benefits of creatine.

Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a fitness beginner, press play to learn how creatine supplements can help your fitness journey and get guidance on how to take it properly. 



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

0:55 - How does creatine work?

2:15 - How is creatine made?

3:32 - Which form of creatine is best?

4:52 - Can creatine expire?

5:18 - Is creatine bad for you?

8:32 - Does creatine need to be a powder or a capsule?

9:28 - Try Recharge today! Go to https://buylegion.com/recharge and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

11:40 - Should I take creatine when I’m cutting?

14:24 - Is it okay for teenagers to take creatine?

16:24 - Is it a good idea for endurance athletes to supplement creatine?

17:45 - When is the best time in the day to take creatine?

18:25 - Do I have to take creatine every day?

19:00 - Should you cycle creatine?

19:51 - How effective is creatine? Is it really worth taking?Mentioned on the Show:

Try Recharge today! Go to https://buylegion.com/recharge and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

Ep. #872: Darren Candow on the Latest Research on Creatine Supplementation: https://legionathletics.com/muscle-for-life-episode-872-darren-candow-interview/

What if you could train smarter, not harder?

That’s the promise of auto-regulation, which you can use to increase autonomy and individualize your program, enhancing gains while staying injury-free.

In this episode, we have fitness expert Luke Tulloch breaking down the concept of auto-regulation in resistance training. This approach tailors workouts to your physical and mental readiness, ensuring optimal results.

Luke Tulloch is an online trainer and fitness educator with an in-depth understanding of exercise science. He uses his knowledge to help fitness professionals become better coaches by breaking down complex topics and teaching them in a simple way, and helping other personal trainers become more confident through education.

Of course, he also knows how to help individuals make the most out of their workouts, and in this conversation, Luke and I discuss:


The definition of auto-regulation in resistance training and how it increases autonomy and individualizes workouts.


Practical tips for modifying your training based on auto-regulation for enjoyable and improved results.


The correct implementation of deloading focusing on different body parts.


How to avoid potential mistakes in implementing auto-regulation.


The importance of strategic programming for maximizing progress.


Auto-regulating exercise selection and set intensity.


How to develop the skill of understanding when you're close to failure and how many reps you have left.


Common mistakes people make with auto-regulation.


The role of technology and structure in training programs.


And more . . .



If you're looking to optimize your training and make the most of your time in the gym, this podcast will provide practical insights you can start implementing right away.

Listen in to delve into the world of auto-regulation with Luke Tulloch!



Timestamps:

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

05:11 - What is auto-regulation?

08:11 - Tips for modifying workouts based on auto-regulation.

11:28 - Implementing deloading for different muscle groups.

14:46 - Common mistakes with auto-regulation and how to avoid them.

24:57 - Importance of strategic workout programming for progress.

27:41 - Legion VIP One-on-One Coaching: https://www.muscleforlife.show/vip

30:06 - Auto-regulating exercise selection and set intensity.

35:14 - Developing skills for recognizing your proximity to failure.

39:52 - Addressing other common mistakes in auto-regulation.

42:58 - The role of technology in auto-regulation.

54:00 - Where can you find Luke Tulloch and his work?



Mentioned on the Show:

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

Luke’s website: https://www.luketulloch.com/

Luke’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_luketulloch/?hl=en

A topic that has piqued the interest of many gym-goers, and especially men who want defined, plate-of-armor pecs, is the lower chest.

In the pursuit of a well-rounded, strong, and aesthetic chest, the lower chest often comes into discussion. However, its existence and importance are subjects of debate and confusion. 

In this episode, I’ll bring clarity to the concept and explore the best ways to improve the lower chest area.

Can the lower chest be emphasized in our training? And if so, what exercises work best for it? 

If you've been pondering these questions, this episode holds the answers. Tune in as we delve into the intricacies of lower chest workouts, providing you with practical guidance for your training regimen.Timestamps:0:00 - Please leave a review of the show wherever you listen to podcasts and make sure to subscribe!

1:16 - Is there such a thing as the lower chest?

8:02 - What is the best way to improve the lower chest area?

16:26 - Find the Perfect Strength Training Program for You: ⁠www.muscleforlife.show/trainingquiz⁠

17:13 - The best exercises for the lower chestMentioned on the Show:Find the Perfect Strength Training Program for You in Just 60 Seconds: ⁠http://www.muscleforlife.show/trainingquiz⁠

⁠Should You Incline Bench Press to Grow Your Upper Chest?⁠

⁠How to Create the Ultimate Upper Chest Workout⁠

Just as life challenges us with limited time, resources, and information, excellence demands a strategy beyond innate talent and colossal effort. 

That's where Ron Friedman's Decoding Greatness comes into play, offering a new approach: deciphering greatness through reverse engineering the triumphs of others. 

This book isn't just a collection of thought-provoking ideas; it's a practical toolbox filled with applicable tactics for your life's journey. 

In this podcast, I’m sharing my top 10 insights from the book. 

“Can you recommend a book for…?”

“What are you reading right now?”

“What are your favorite books?”

I get asked those types of questions a lot and, as an avid reader and all-around bibliophile, I’m always happy to oblige.

I also like to encourage people to read as much as possible because knowledge benefits you much like compound interest. The more you learn, the more you know; the more you know, the more you can do; the more you can do, the more opportunities you have to succeed.

On the flip side, I also believe there’s little hope for people who aren’t perpetual learners. Life is overwhelmingly complex and chaotic, and it slowly suffocates and devours the lazy and ignorant.

So, if you’re a bookworm on the lookout for good reads, or if you’d like to get into the habit of reading, this book club for you.

The idea here is simple: Every month, I’ll share a book that I’ve particularly liked, why I liked it, and several of my key takeaways from it.

I’ll also keep things short and sweet so you can quickly decide whether the book is likely to be up your alley or not.

Alright, let’s get to the takeaways.



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Timestamps:

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

4:21 - The 10 best parts of Decoding Greatness

8:25 - My award-winning fitness books for men and women: https://legionathletics.com/products/books/



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Mentioned on the Show:

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

Does protein before bed impact your sleep? How do you prevent muscle breakdown if you can only train fasted in the morning before breakfast?

Will training 5 days per week give better results than 4 days per week? Are gluten allergies and intolerance real, or just another health fad?

How long can someone use the program in Bigger Leaner Stronger and still make progress?

All of that and more in this Q&A podcast.

Over on Instagram, I’ve started doing weekly Q&As in the stories, and it occurred to me that many podcast listeners might enjoy hearing these questions and my short answers. So, instead of talking about one thing in an episode, I’m going to cover a variety of questions. And keep in mind some of these questions are just for fun. :)

So if you want to ask me questions in my Instagram stories, follow me on Instagram (@muscleforlifefitness), and if I answer your question there, it might just make it onto an episode of the podcast!

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.



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Timestamps:



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

1:43 - Does eating a large portion of protein affect sleep quality?

2:13 - How long until people forget about Liver King?

4:49 - How to minimize muscle breakdown for someone who does intermittent fasting

but can only work out in the morning?

6:54 - Thoughts about the future of crypto?

9:26 - Should I strength train 4 or 5 days a week for best results?

13:16 - My free meal planning tool: buylegion.com/mealplan

14:39 - Is creatine consumption needed every day?

15:12 - Have your personal views affected your business?

16:13 - Any ideas on a one-day workout routine when life gets rough?

18:12 - Is gluten allergy a fad or is it actually real?

19:52 - Do you believe that a high amount of carbs is a requirement for muscle

preservation?

21:24 - When doing a unilateral exercise do you rest between each side or after you do

both?

23:26 - Best chest exercises to fix chest asymmetry?

24:02 - How long can I use Bigger Leaner Stronger?

28:25 - Do you see yourself taking HRT on a therapeutic level after hitting 40+?




Mentioned on the Show:

Want a free meal planning tool that figures out your calories, macros, and micros, and allows you to create custom meal plans for cutting, lean gaining, and maintaining in under 5 minutes? Go to https://buylegion.com/mealplan and download the tool for free!