In this episode, I tackle a variety of questions ranging from training and supplementation, to the threat of AI towards humanity.

I discuss how to grow skinny legs efficiently, how to optimize your sleep and wake-up time after a late night, whether hyperextensions are a good exercise, 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.

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Timestamps:

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

(1:49) Go to www.mfl.show/spring to get BOGO 50% off during our Spring Sale!

(3:42) Will Legion introduce a standalone creatine supplement?

(4:19) What drives Mike Matthews' inspiration?

(5:16) Reasons behind the recent reduction in podcast frequency?

(5:43) Is artificial intelligence a genuine threat to humanity?

(6:24) Late nights: better to maintain a consistent wake-up time or get 7+ hours of sleep?

(9:13) Why are hyperextensions discouraged by some fitness experts?

(10:27) Effective strategies for developing muscular legs for skinny individuals

(13:19) When can we expect more memes on your social media?

(13:48) Is it safe to use creatine while breastfeeding?

(14:28) Is conjugate training worth trying?

(15:03) Please share the podcast with a friend! www.muscleforlife.show

(15:39) Evaluating the time commitment vs. benefits of playing golf

(17:11) Does Mike use the same workout split as described in his book?

(18:54) Top exercises for building prominent upper trapezius muscles

(19:31) What’s the hardest thing about doing hard things?

(19:46) Explanation for why Lunar was out of stock

(20:27) Can you do a podcast on the dangerous future of exercise mimetics?

(20:56) How many times a day do you think about the Roman Empire?

(21:22) Recommended squat variations for individuals with knee injuries

(23:16) Insights into Mike Mentzer's training philosophy

(25:04) Are there benefits to microdosing Pulse throughout the day?

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Mentioned on the Show:

Get 50% off during our Spring Sale! Go to www.mfl.show/spring to save now and use coupon code MUSCLE to get double reward points!

Legion Pulse: www.buylegion.com/pulse and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

Legion Lunar: www.buylegion.com/lunar and use coupon code MUSCLE to save 20% or get double reward points!

Mike Mentzer's high-intensity training (HIT) method has been experiencing a resurgence in popularity lately, but does the science support its effectiveness?

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Mike Israetel to get his take on the pros and cons of Mentzer's Heavy Duty Workout approach.

In case you're not familiar with Dr. Mike, he's a repeat guest on the Muscle for Life podcast and a true expert in the field of sports science and hypertrophy.

With a PhD in Sport Physiology, years of experience as a competitive bodybuilder, and a wealth of practical knowledge from co-founding Renaissance Periodization and working with thousands of clients, Mike knows how to bridge the gap between science and real-world application.

In our discussion, you'll learn about . . .

• The allure of HIT training and why it's gaining popularity again
• The benefits of Mentzer's approach, including its emphasis on recovery and progressive overload
• The valuable tradition of logbooking workouts that Mentzer helped popularize
• The scientific shortcomings of Mentzer's method, such as the superiority of multiple sets over single sets
• The suboptimal nature of very low training volumes and frequencies in HIT, and the potential drawbacks of training to failure
• When and for whom HIT-style training can work effectively
• Practical tips for trying a more sustainable, evidence-based version of Mentzer’s approach
• And more . . .

Whether you're a fan of Mentzer's methods or simply curious about the science of hypertrophy training, click play because you won't want to miss this discussion.

Timestamps:

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

(2:28) Go to www.mfl.show/spring to get BOGO 50% off during our Spring Sale!

(5:51) Who was Mike Mentzer and what is his Heavy Duty training method?

(9:13) Why is Mentzer's HIT training experiencing a resurgence in popularity?

(20:08) What are the benefits of Mentzer's training approach?

(25:18) Please share the podcast with a friend! www.muscleforlife.show

(25:52) - What did Mentzer get wrong about optimal hypertrophy training?

(32:38) Is training beyond failure effective for muscle growth?

(35:24) What other components of Mentzer's HIT style are suboptimal?

(38:56) When can low-frequency training work well?

(47:41) How can you improve on Mentzer's HIT method if you want to try it?

(50:20) Where can people find more of Mike Israetel's work?

Mentioned on the Show:

Our Spring Sale Is Happening Now! BOGO 50% every product! Plus, free gift cards on orders over $99! Go to www.mfl.show/spring to save now and use coupon code MUSCLE to get double reward points!

Renaissance Periodization Website: https://rpstrength.com/

Renaissance Periodization YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaissancePeriodization