The Absolute Strength Podcast

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Do You Need to Do Deadlifts? [Q&A] 0

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Dec 15, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Derek answer questions from listeners. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Questions on the show:

1: I'm a former powerlifter, but my main goal is hypertrophy/muscle building right now. My question is, I'm struggling with where to put deadlifts in my program or even if I need to do them. What are your guys' thoughts? For context, I pull sumo.

2: An older guy at the gym suggested I start doing isometrics at the sticking point to improve my squat and bench press. I don't see many people doing these, so I wonder if there is anything to it.

3: When using RPE/RIR, how accurate do you need to be? I like using it, but is it still effective if I suck at it lol?

4: Are there any trap exercises you like besides a dumbbell shrug? I never feel them in my traps.

5: I have a random question for you guys. Who are your favorite bodybuilders and powerlifters of all time? It can be current or past competitors.

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How to Make Progress as an Advanced Lifter, Activation Exercises and Pre-workout Nutrition [Q&A] 0

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Dec 8, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Derek answer questions from listeners. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Questions on the show:

I have a question for you and Derek about personal training certifications. I am currently in a master's program for Exercise science and working in the field in a clinical setting, but I want to get a personal training certification so I could potentially do that as a side job as I notice that a lot of gyms/studios require it. However, there are so many out there and I'm unsure which one to invest money in. I am curious which ones you and Derek have and why you chose those certs. I really just do not want to waste money on the wrong one!
What are your thoughts on activation exercises? Are they worth it or a waste of time?
Hey Kyle, like yourself, I have been training for close to 20 years. I'm now in my mid 30s and wondering if I have built all of the muscle I will in my lifetime? I still love training so it's not like I am going to stop. But, I guess my question is, what can I do to continue making gains as an advanced lifter? Or, is it not possible?
I train early in the morning and typically train fasted. I enjoy training on an empty stomach but wonder if I should try to eat something before training? I have time so that is not a factor.
Hi guys, I am traveling for most of December and my training time will be very limited. I'm worried about losing muscle and strength. One, should I be concerned? Two, if I do lose muscle and strength, how long will it take for me to gain it back?

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Things We Have Changed Our Mind About 0

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Dec 1, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Derek discuss fitness topics they have recently changed their mind about. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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Have Your Pie and Eat It Too 0

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Nov 24, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Derek discuss why Thanksgiving and other holidays should not harm your fitness progress. This time of year is about enjoying yourself. We live a consistent lifestyle so we can enjoy the holidays guilt-free. Taking extreme measures to "earn" your food is a flawed approach. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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How to Stop an All or Nothing Mentality 0

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Nov 17, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Derek discuss why now is the best time to start anything and how to stop having an all-or-nothing mentality. We also go over Derek's new bodybuilding training routine in detail. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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Checking All of the Boxes Except Effort 0

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Nov 10, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Derek discuss avoiding checking all of the boxes in your fitness journey except effort. Do you weigh, measure, and track all your food but still need to consume more fruits and veggies? Do you search high and far for the "best" training program but fail to train hard enough for it to make a difference? What you do on paper is only responsible for half of the results you ultimately get. Find out how to unlock the other half. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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Refeeds, Supplements, the Secret to Big Arms, and at What Age Do You Reach Peak Strength? [Q&A] 0

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Nov 3, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Derek discuss a variety of topics. We begin by pondering at what age you reach peak powerlifting performance. Then, at the end, we answer questions from listeners. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Questions on the show:

I am in a fat loss phase and want to start incorporating refeeds. My question is, should I have them on training days or rest days?
Do you have any suggestions for how I can become more comfortable at a higher body fat? I know I need to gain weight to build muscle but hate seeing the scale go up.
I assume you and Derek take Materia and Hitpoint, but beyond that do you have any other supplements that you recommend?
I know its all about calories in versus calories out, but do you have any preferences for low carb vs low fat for fat loss?
What is the secret to getting big arms?

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How to Get Out of a Workout Slump 0

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Oct 27, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Derek discuss avoiding burnout, diminishing returns from training, and utilizing intensity techniques. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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The New Era of Fitness Influencer 0

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Oct 20, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Derek discuss AI, Olympic lifting, and the new age of fitness influencers.

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Powerlifting Mistakes, Volume Cycling, and Rest Day Guilt 0

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Oct 13, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Derek answer questions from listeners. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Questions on the show:

I am new to powerlifting and want to be competitive and compete on the national stage eventually. My question is, what are some common mistakes new powerlifters make
What are your thoughts on volume cycling throughout the year? Is there any benefit to periods of high volume followed by times with lower volume?
What do you recommend for someone who gained weight too fast after a cut and feels like they need to cut again?
Do you guys ever feel guilty taking a rest day? If so, how do you overcome it?
My deadlift has been stuck at 500 lbs for like two years. What can I do to break the plateau on my deadlift?
What got you guys out of the suffering equals progress mindset?

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How to Attack Your Fitness Goals 0

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Oct 6, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Derek discuss how to aggressively pursue big-time fitness goals. Most of the time, you want a sustainable approach. However, there is a time and place to push things hard. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

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The Key to Long-Term Fitness Success 0

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Sep 29, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Derek discuss achieving long-term fitness success with sustainable nutrition and training protocols. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

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Maximizing the Rep | Technique, Range of Motion, and More 0

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Sep 22, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Derek discuss getting the most out of every rep. We talk a lot about effort, but effort only matters if you do the movements right. Things like technique, range of motion, and keeping the tension on the intended muscle are easy to let slip if you are not careful. We all need a reminder from time to time. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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Cardio 101: Tips for Success 0

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Sep 15, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Derek discuss using cardio for health and fat loss. We go over everything you need to know in programming effective cardio workouts. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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Changing Exercises, Workout Music, and Powerlifting Goals 0

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Sep 8, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Derek answer questions from listeners.

Questions on the show:

I just recently started a new job and I’m out of town all week in a small town with no gyms. I work construction, 12 hour shifts, 6 days a week with Sunday’s off. What is the best way to maintain strength, should I do bodyweight stuff during the week, and do a SBD session on Sunday? Is it possible to maintain or even gain strength with this schedule?
What are your thoughts on changing exercises every mesocycle? Is that too frequently or does it depend on your goal?
You guys talk about effort a lot, do you think certain exercises get sandbagged more than others? I’m thinking of RDLs for this, but I’m curious your thoughts.
I don't know if you have talked about this before, but what's your go-to workout playlist or music that gets you pumped for training?
When you started competing in powerlifting, what was your initial goal and do you feel like you achieved it?

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Improve Your Fitness With Better Sleep, Nutrition, and Mobility 0

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Sep 1, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Derek discuss the missing links in your fitness journey - sleep, nutrition, and mobility/flexibility. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

New Bench Press Specialization Program

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Finding Accomplishment and Enjoyment in Fitness 0

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Aug 25, 2023

In this episode, Kyle and Derek discuss ways to reestablish a sense of accomplishment from training and how a "functional" approach can lead to more enjoyment. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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Bodybuilding For Beginners on Amazon:

Train Hard and Avoid Powerlifting Fads [Q&A] 0

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Aug 18, 2023

In this episode, Derek and I catch up after a two-week break and answer questions from listeners.

Questions on the show:

In regards to doing squat and deadlift where you normally hold your breathe through the movement to brace. Do you do the same breathing pattern when your doing high rep work? When I'm working in a low rep range I have no problem. Breath in at the top, Brace, All the way down, All the way up, exhale, repeat. But when I do high rep, I get gassed doing this. Almost like when you try to blow up a bunch of balloons too quick. Should I do something different or do I just need to keep the same breathing pattern and get used to the high reps?
I am getting back into lifting after taking a few years off. At my peak I was using PEDS and relatively well built. Since then I’ve shrunken up a bit but going back to my old routines I feel some size coming back quicker then I though just with proper diet and training. I’m interested what your approach would be for a veteran lifter in my situation. Is muscle memory a real thing, and if it is, what is the best approach to take advantage of it
What is your advice for finding maintenance calories after a cut? Add in say one more meal or adjust macros within current meals to bring calories up to a more comfortable range?
I’m dialed in 90% of the time but weekends with the wife gets tricky. If I end up hitting my cutting calories for the day but am lacking protein, would you slam a shake end of day or just be happy you stayed within your calories?
Can autoregulation negate the need for a deload? At what point in one’s training career can autoregulation become a viable tool?

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The Future of Fitness and Life Update 0

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Aug 11, 2023

In this episode, I talk about the future of fitness and provide a quick life update. Thank you to everyone who regularly listens to the show. 400 episodes! Here is to 400 more. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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Bodybuilding For Beginners on Amazon:

Fat Loss, Exercise Equipment, and Sports Specialization [Q&A] 0

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Aug 4, 2023

In this episode, I answer questions from listeners. Can you believe it is August already? Kids will be going back to school soon. Football season is starting. Summer goes by fast. Episode 400 is next week. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Questions on the show:

I want a piece of cardio equipment for my house. I'm torn between a treadmill and a stationary bike. Is one better than the other?
Are there any supplements that you know of that help reduce appetite? I'm in a fat-loss phase and constantly hungry.
Hey Kyle, I'm 45 years old, and in the past few years, I have really started to feel my age, especially in the gym. I know that is part of life, but what are your thoughts about TRT?
Similar to you, I want to incorporate more outdoor workouts. I don't have a garage or anything, but I have a backyard. My question is, what equipment should I get? For context, I want to do more functional workouts.
In all your years of coaching, what are some things that allow people to get the best results?
In a fat loss phase, are there any advantages to cheat meals or refeeds? If so, how frequently can you have them?
What are your thoughts on sports specialization? I have two kids in middle school sports, and there seems to be push for them to play one sport year around.

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Programs:

Absolute Progress 2.0

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Don’t Overcomplicate Your Fitness [Q&A] 0

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Jul 28, 2023

In this episode, Derek and I answer questions from listeners. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Questions on the show:

1: If proximity to failure is important for hypertrophy, then should we be grinding our reps out toward the end of a set? Also, why is there so much emphasis on having perfect technique? Could that be a potential barrier to progress?

2: Hey Kyle, I love the podcast. My question is, when looking for other fitness content, how can I distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information?

3: Have you ever dealt with body image issues? If so, what are some strategies for dealing with it and maintaining a healthy relationship with food and exercise?

4: What are the main differences between powerlifting training programs for beginners, intermediate, and advanced lifters?

5: What are some strategies for building confidence and focus before attempting heavy lifts?

6: Other than the bench press, what is your favorite exercise? Not the best exercise, just your favorite.

7: I know you train at a commercial gym. I am in the same boat. As a powerlifter, how can I make the most of it (no PL gym near me) and not let it affect my progress?

8: You guys are always talking about how things come back around in fitness. Are there any old-school techniques that you think will become popular again?

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Bodybuilding For Beginners on Amazon:

What Is Functional Fitness and How to Achieve It? 0

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Jul 26, 2023

In this episode, I aim to define functional fitness. We have all heard and even used the expression "functional fitness," but what does it even mean? I look at it from a few different perspectives and provide insight into how we can incorporate it into our training. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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