Muscle for Life with Mike Matthews

In this episode, I discuss strategies to beat bad eating habits, my favorite free-weight exercises for leg day, upcoming developments with Legion Clear Protein, and 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.---Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(02:03) Intermittent fasting—fad?(06:33) Beat bad eating habits?(10:39) Dream Whey+ flavor?(11:25) TLS workouts—full coverage?(11:52) Dexa scans reliable?(12:50) Butter healthy?(13:24) Best Adonis belt exercise?(14:34) High urea—lower protein?(14:54) Fastest way to first pull-up?(15:21) Green powder worth it?(16:00) Bicep tendonitis—alternatives?(17:11) Biggest Legion challenge?(26:03) Count all protein?(29:03) Train on period?(29:46) Raising what cows?(30:47) Check nutrients without bloodwork?(31:19) Compound vs. machines?(34:47) 100g+ protein needed?(36:01) Phosphatidic acid thoughts?(37:16) Natural or enhanced?(38:54) Best leg exercise no machines?---Mentioned on the Show:Coaching PageThe Little Black Book of Workout MotivationWhey+

In this episode, I discuss the best carb and calorie-efficient foods for muscle growth, how to optimize deadlift variations, my top tips for problem-solving, and lots 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. --- Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (03:59) Behind neck press safer? (05:58) Are you natural? (06:15) Alcohol? (06:44) Night shifts, thyroid issues (08:05) Problem-solving tips? (12:51) Trapper vs. sumo (14:27) Trump conviction (15:37) Eating disorders? (19:37) Best recent books? (31:17) Bulking/cutting duration (32:05) Zone 2 during workouts? (33:19) Carb-efficient foods? (34:21) Favorite oblique exercises? (35:01) CrossFitters jacked? (35:46) Best reps for growth? (37:57) Lean bulking tips? (40:16) Why no Legion in stores? (43:27) Kayaking step count? (43:48) No TRT? --- Mentioned on the Show: Whey+ Thinner Leaner Stronger Coaching Page The Story of Philosophy The Martian: A Novel Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds Never Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within The Four Pillars of Investing, Second Edition: Lessons for Building a Winning Portfolio The Art of Strategy: A Game Theorist's Guide to Success in Business and Life

Why is simplicity so important in marketing? What is the “unique game” approach, and why does it work? And how does storytelling help you build trust and achieve long-term results? In this episode, I sit down with Jonathan Goodman, acclaimed author and entrepreneur, to discuss the insights behind his latest book, The Obvious Choice. Jonathan Goodman is the creator of the Personal Trainer Development Center and host of the Obvious Choice podcast, a top show for coaches and entrepreneurs. Featured in Men’s Health, Forbes, and more, Jon has helped over 200,000 small business owners worldwide grow their businesses. In this interview, you’ll learn . . . What it means to define your “unique game” and play to your strengths Why storytelling is critical for connecting with your audience How to focus on solving problems, not chasing likes or algorithms The power of community, specificity, and familiarity in building trust Why success comes from simplicity and identifying your "good enough" And more . . . So, if you want to discover practical strategies for finding your way in a crowded market while staying true to your goals, click play and join the conversation. --- Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (04:57) Why “The Obvious Choice”? (09:30) Winning the Internet (17:57) Growth strategies (26:01) Smart marketing (32:38) Writing a book: why and how (39:46) Writing focus (47:02) Choosing your game (01:00:38) Exploring your hypothesis (01:07:05) Finding focus (01:13:36) Commitment and consistency (01:17:59) Knowing when to quit (01:22:32) Achieving excellence --- Mentioned on the Show: Pulse The Shredded Chef Creatine Monohydrate Jonathan Goodman X Jonathan Goodman Instagram Jonathan Goodman YouTube Jonathan Goodman Linkedin The Obvious Choice Podcast The Obvious Choice: Timeless Lessons on Success, Profit, and Finding Your Way

In this episode, I discuss when to consider TRT, the benefits of sauna use for recovery and overall health, whether colostrum supplementation lives up to its reputation and lots 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. --- Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (05:38) Lower reps with more sets? (13:07) Hip pain as I age? (21:59) Caffeine on empty stomach? (22:10) Vitamins D, K, C with Triumph? (24:28) Recharge results timeline? (24:59) Kettlebells for resistance training? (25:53) TRT now or later? (26:52) Shoulder pain when lifting? (27:41) Colostrum worth it? (28:58) Partial vs full range reps? (29:23) Morning motivation? (29:36) Whey vs casein for muscle growth? (29:46) Favorite shoulder workout? (30:36) Back position when squatting? (31:14) Saunas and steam rooms? (31:58) Supersets in programs? (32:20) Heavy compounds or isolations? --- Mentioned on the Show: ⁠Liposomal Vitamin C⁠ ⁠Thinner Leaner Stronger⁠ ⁠Triumph (men)⁠ ⁠Recharge

What makes kettlebell training so effective for building muscle, gaining strength, and improving mobility? Can it replace traditional lifting? And how can you incorporate kettlebells into your training for more variety and fun? In this episode, I welcome back Pat Flynn. As the founder of Strong ON!, an award-winning author, and a trainer for special forces and professional athletes, Pat brings a wealth of expertise in fitness and minimalist training. In this conversation, he shares straightforward, science-backed advice on using kettlebell training to achieve impressive results with minimal time and equipment. Pat also discusses his new book, Strong ON!: 101 Minimalist Kettlebell Workouts to Blast Fat, Build Muscle, and Boost Flexibility—in 20 Minutes or Less, which offers a blueprint for transforming your fitness routine using just one powerful tool: The kettlebell. In this interview, you’ll learn . . . How to make kettlebell training fun, functional, and sustainable The “Big 6” kettlebell exercises and how to perform them safely and effectively How kettlebell training builds strength, muscle, and endurance Practical programming tips for integrating kettlebells into your workouts The mobility benefits of kettlebell training And more . . . So, if you want to learn how to make kettlebell training fun and functional, click play and join the conversation. --- Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (12:25) Kettlebell Limitations (16:57) Kettlebell Back Exercises (21:25) The “Big 6” Kettlebell Movements (28:17) Benefits of Kettlebell Carries (33:43) Adding Kettlebells to Your Program (38:01) Favorite Kettlebell Complexes (40:47) Mobility Routine Overview (43:24) Simplified Diet Plan (50:58) Importance of Willpower --- Mentioned on the Show: Elevate Bigger Leaner Stronger Pat Flynn Pat Flynn YouTube Strong ON!: 101 Minimalist Kettlebell Workouts to Blast Fat, Build Muscle, and Boost Flexibility―in 20 Minutes or Less

How long should you rest between sets to maximize muscle growth? And how does this vary based on exercise type, training intensity, and fitness level? In this episode, I welcome back Brad Schoenfeld, PhD, an internationally renowned fitness expert, author, educator, lecturer, and researcher, who’s published over 300 peer-reviewed research articles on exercise science and sports nutrition. We discuss the importance of rest intervals for muscle and strength gain, with Brad offering practical, evidence-based tips for lifters of all levels. In this interview, you’ll learn . . . The ideal rest period length for muscle growth and performance Differences in rest requirements for trained vs. untrained individuals The impact of training to failure on rest needs How to auto-regulate rest periods for effective workouts The advantages of short rest periods And more . . . So, if you'd like to optimize your gains and understand how rest impacts your training, click play and join the conversation. — Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (05:13) New Meta Analysis on Hypertrophy (10:20) Untrained vs. Trained Insights (11:30) Training to Failure Effects (12:06) Reps & Hypertrophy Importance (13:57) Individual Training Prescriptions (17:05) Indicators for Next Set Readiness (18:43) Pairing Sets Strategy (21:38) Programming Supersets (23:30) Best Exercises for Supersets (30:34) Thoughts on Pre-Exhaustion (36:53) How to Try Pre-Exhaustion (45:09) Short Rest & Hypertrophy (50:52) Shortening Rest in Training Blocks — Mentioned on the Show: Brad Schoenfeld Instagram Brad Schoenfeld X Creatine Gummies The Little Black Book of Workout Motivation

How can tracking food and body weight enhance your fitness journey? What are the proven benefits, and are there potential drawbacks? In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Bill Campbell, one of the world’s leading experts in exercise science and sports nutrition. If you’re not familiar with Dr. Campbell, he’s the director of the Performance & Physique Enhancement Laboratory at the University of South Florida, a former president of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, and has published over 200 scientific papers on diet and exercise. He also runs a research review that breaks down scientific papers into simple, practical insights. In this interview, you’ll learn: Why tracking is often misunderstood and criticized The proven benefits of tracking calories for weight loss Practical ways to avoid the pitfalls of tracking How tracking body weight regularly influences results Dr. Campbell’s personal experiences with tracking And more... So, if you want to understand how food and weight tracking can impact your fitness journey, click play and join the conversation. --- Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (06:30) Importance of food tracking (10:13) Criticism of tracking (17:20) Meal prep tips (22:11) Calorie tracking research (24:36) What tracking means (25:17) When to track long-term (31:08) Macro vs. calorie tracking (37:10) Protein goals vs. calorie limits (50:30) Tracking body weight (54:34) Weighing in maintenance (59:46) Weighing and body image --- Mentioned on the Show: Bill Campbell Instagram Bigger Leaner Stronger Energy Drink

How can being "uncommon" help us overcome challenges and grow personally? How can we build resilience, enhance emotional control, and lead with purpose? In this interview, I welcome back Mark Divine, a former Navy SEAL, bestselling author, and mindfulness expert, who shares his approach to cultivating mental toughness and inner strength. Mark dives into strategies to build confidence, develop emotional control, and embrace a warrior mindset for personal growth. He also discusses insights from his latest book, Uncommon, which offers readers a pathway to greater resilience and purpose. In this interview, you’ll learn . . . How to build emotional control and overcome self-doubt The power of intuition in decision-making and personal growth Practical daily habits to improve focus, clarity, and resilience Methods for breaking negative thought patterns and finding purpose Tips for blending mindfulness and discipline in daily life And more . . . So, if you're ready to unlock your warrior mindset and gain tools for navigating life’s challenges, click play and join the conversation. --- Timestamps: (07:58) Thoughts on individualism (10:23) Aligning heart & mind (19:00) Turning intuition into conviction (33:06) Using drugs for spiritual insight (40:16) Role of intuition (51:02) Managing emotions (58:53) Past life trauma's impact on present (01:00:51) Understanding metacognition --- Mentioned on the Show: Creatine Monohydrate Thinner Leaner Stronger Uncommon: Simple Principles for an Extraordinary Life

In this episode, I talk with Michael, who experienced a life-changing transformation through Legion's coaching service. Michael had always been active, but it wasn't until he hit 245 pounds that he decided to go all in on improving his fitness. He started following the Bigger Leaner Stronger principles and quickly saw results, but signing up for Legion’s Body Transformation Coaching took it to the next level. With guidance on nutrition, training, and mindset, Michael went from 244 to 214 pounds in a few short months, achieving more than he thought possible. In this podcast, Michael shares insights into his remarkable journey, including the challenges he faced and overcame. He discusses the importance of expert guidance in optimizing his nutrition and training, and how this led to significant improvements in his overall health. Michael also reveals the unexpected benefits of his transformation, from increased energy levels to a more positive outlook on life. Tune in to hear Michael's inspiring story and learn how dedication, combined with professional coaching, can help you transform your body and your life. --- Timestamps: (06:15) Previous fitness journey (09:38) Previous weight lifting (10:08) Mindset and goals (19:36) Major diet shifts (26:21) Training routine (33:34) Cardio routine (38:19) Supplements (46:28) Future goals --- Mentioned on the Show: Stronger Than Yesterday Whey+ Legion Coaching

In this episode, I discuss the benefits of fasted training for muscle growth, the pros and cons of aggressive dieting, optimal leg day frequency, and lots 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. --- Timestamps: (03:06) Russo-Ukrainian conflict opinion (04:09) Hydrogen water benefits (05:16) Sea moss supplements (05:41) Fasted training and hypertrophy (07:32) Thoughts on Vivek Ramaswamy (08:58) Bench press form (09:30) Calorie deficit strategies (17:26) Using belts for lifts (18:48) Ozempic thoughts (21:58) Multiple leg days benefits (24:33) Elevated heels for squats (25:48) Minimalist program and arms (27:56) BPC 157 safety --- Mentioned on the Show: The Shredded Chef Whey+ Legion Diet Quiz

What's the secret to becoming a super communicator? How can you navigate the three layers of conversation? And how is technology changing the way we communicate? In this episode, I sit down with Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of the bestselling book Super Communicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. Charles explains the keys to effective communication and how we can all improve our ability to connect with others, at home or in the office. In this interview, you'll learn . . . The three layers of conversation: practical, emotional, and social How to effectively transition between emotional and practical conversations The role of storytelling in super communication Strategies for adapting your communication style to different situations and people How technology is reshaping our communication habits and what it means for personal connections And more . . . So, if you want to enhance your communication skills and build stronger connections in both your personal and professional life, click play and join the conversation. --- Timestamps: (04:02) Why did you choose "Super Communicators" as the title of your book? (07:30) What skills are essential for becoming a super communicator? (08:34) Can you explain the three layers of conversation: practical, emotional, and social? (10:56) What is an effective way to transition from an emotional conversation to a practical one? (14:14) What advice do you have for better managing our emotions? (20:47) How does storytelling fit into the framework of super communication? (25:45) How is technology shaping the way people communicate? (31:28) Are there specific types of conversations that should be avoided over email? (35:36) Is it important to adapt to the mood of the conversation? (36:48) What tips do you have for communicating with new people? --- Mentioned on the Show: Muscle for Life Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do, and How to Change Triton Legion Training Quiz

What’s the secret to building a successful business that lasts? How do you overcome the common challenges that entrepreneurs face? And what steps can you take to ensure your business continues to grow and thrive? In this episode, I sit down with Adam Schafer, a prominent figure in the fitness industry with more than 15 years of experience. Starting as a personal trainer, Adam co-founded Mind Pump, the #1 rated fitness podcast on Apple with over 2 million downloads per month. Adam delves into the challenges entrepreneurs face and how to turn setbacks into opportunities for growth, offering practical advice on building a thriving business in the competitive world of health and fitness. In this interview, you’ll learn . . . How to reframe business setbacks as opportunities for growth and innovation The critical role of networking and relationship-building in accelerating business success Why embracing extreme ownership is essential for effective leadership and scaling your business Key lessons in hiring and managing teams for sustainable business growth And more . . . So, if you want to understand how to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship and build a successful business, click play and join the conversation. --- Timestamps: (04:41) Is inconsistency in friendships a personal trait or a byproduct of success? (09:48) Will you ever consider slowing down in your business pursuits? (12:42) In the future, how will you balance financial achievements with non-financial achievements? (24:34) How do you evaluate the significance and magnitude of your goals? (26:24) Can you share more about the new service you launched for fitness professionals? (40:24) What lessons have you learned from hiring the wrong people in business? (50:12) How can you transform past mistakes into valuable lessons for future growth? (59:34) How can you build friendships with successful people even if you don’t feel successful yourself? (01:13:25) How can surrounding yourself with uplifting individuals lead to greater success and personal growth? --- Mentioned on the Show: The Little Black Book of Workout Motivation Phoenix Legion Training Quiz Mind Pump Media Mind Pump Trainers