044 How to write a fat loss training program

044 How to write a fat loss training program

From Hypertrophy Past and Present by Chris Beardsley and Jake Doleschal

March 23, 2026 · 1h 15m · Episode 53

About this episode

The episode discusses structuring a training program during a dieting phase, focusing on historical approaches and physiological considerations.

In this episode of Hypertrophy Past & Present , Jake and Chris break down how to structure a training program during a dieting phase. The episode begins with a deep dive into how Silver Era bodybuilders approached “definition” training, including a reconstructed Reg Park program, before moving into the physiological realities of training in a calorie deficit. Key topics include: • Why Silver Era bodybuilders didn’t drastically change their training when dieting • Reg Park’s “definition” routine • Why exercise variety may help prevent atrophy during a calorie deficit • Why high volume and excessive fatigue are counterproductive when cutting • How to adjust reps, load, and exercise selection based on equipment and fatigue • Practical programming strategies • Why most modern “evidence-based” takes on programming miss key physiological details

People in this episode

Hosts: Jake Doleschal, Chris Beardsley

Topics covered

  • fat loss training program
  • Silver Era bodybuilders
  • calorie deficit training
  • exercise variety
  • programming strategies

Keywords

  • fat loss
  • training program
  • Silver Era
  • Reg Park
  • calorie deficit
  • exercise variety
  • programming strategies

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Hypertrophy Past & Present

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