The Absolute Strength Podcast

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Will Ahmed - Founder and CEO at Whoop 0

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May 24, 2023

In this episode, I sit down with Will Ahmed, the founder and CEO at Whoop. During the show, we discuss how to use data tracking to improve your performance in fitness and life. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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Why You Need to Have a Challenge 0

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May 19, 2023

In this episode, Derek and I discuss a wide range of topics. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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Advice For Your First Powerlifting Meet 0

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May 12, 2023

In this episode, Derek and I discuss how to start competing in powerlifting and give advice for your first meet.

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A List of Supplements That Actually Work 0

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May 5, 2023

In this episode, Derek and I dive deep into our history with supplements. Looking back, many of the ingredients we recommend today have been around for a long time. In addition to talking about our history with supplements, we also provide a list of products that actually work. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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Everything You Need in Your Gym Bag 0

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Apr 28, 2023

In this episode, Derek and I discuss what you should pack in your gym bag. We go over everything from headphones to knee sleeves, wrist wraps, belts, etc., and give our recommendations.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

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High Reps vs. Low Reps [Q&A] 0

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Apr 21, 2023

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

Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/

Questions on the show:

You may have gone over this before, but I was wondering what your views (and Derek’s!) are on adding weight vs. adding extra reps to progress in an exercise and kind of how to gauge which tactic to go for.
Is one leg day enough for leg growth if you are doing 2 sprint sessions, two 50-minute plyometric and agility workouts, and a long-distance run in the same week. Because doing all that and 2 leg days feels too much, and I would suffer in explosiveness, agility, and running speed. Thanks!
When creating programs for clients, what are some things you think about when selecting which exercises to include?
Any tips for hard gainers and those resistant to weight gain? Whenever I increase calories my NEAT, steps, and training volume all increase but my bodyweight stays consistent.
I am trying to determine how flexible I can be with my training. I can only lift on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, but I’m getting very bored of legs push pull and sometimes Thursdays get dicey, and I miss that day. Would it be harmful to do 3 full-body days in a row?
Hey Kyle, I loved the deload episode. One question I have is since you are doing less training, should you reduce calories or change your diet at all during a deload?
Do you have any recommendations on how to handle unsolicited advice at the gym?
When looking to increase muscle size, should you focus on lifting 55-65% of 1RM for more reps, or 75-90% of 1RM with less reps with possibly more sets? Or, would both methods give similar results?

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How to Use Deloads to Make Better Progress 0

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Apr 14, 2023

In this episode, Derek and I discuss everything you need to know about deloads. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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The Best Training Splits for Building Muscle and Strength 0

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Apr 7, 2023

In this episode, Derek and I discuss the best training splits for building muscle and strength. We talk about the pros and cons of full body, upper/lower, push-pull-legs, hybrid, and different powerlifting setups. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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Overrated or Underrated Fitness Topics Part 2 (Creatine, Deadlifts, Motivation, etc.) 0

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Mar 31, 2023

In this episode, Derek and I return with part two of overrated or underrated. We discuss creatine, whey protein, stretching, fiber, deadlifts for hypertrophy, motivation, getting shredded, and more.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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Overrated or Underrated Fitness Topics Part 1 0

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Mar 24, 2023

In this episode, Derek and I play a game of overrated or underrated with popular fitness topics. Today's episode is part one. Next week we will return with part two. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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Training Intensity, Hunger, and the Best Time to Do Cardio 0

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Mar 17, 2023

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

Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/

Questions on the show:

Q1: Back in the day, bodybuilders in the magazines used to promote using intensity techniques like drop sets, forced reps, super sets, etc., as the key to making progress. But people don’t talk about them as much anymore. Are there benefits to using them or not?

Q2: I find I am always hungry, which leads to snacking between meals. Do you have any tips to help prevent me from feeling like I’m starving all the time lol?

Q3: I have been in a training rut for a while and can’t seem to progressive overload my training anymore. Should I increase volume or intensity?

Q4: I’m a powerlifter but want to improve my chest size. What exercises, in addition to bench press, should I include in my program?

Q5: When do you recommend doing cardio for fat loss?

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Minimalist Training, AI in Fitness, and Is Erythritol Safe 0

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Mar 7, 2023

In episode 375 of the Absolute Strength podcast, I talk about Jon Jones's return to the UFC, Arnold Classic memories, and answer questions from listeners.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Questions on the show:

Q1: Thoughts on the 10,000-calorie challenge? Is it worth trying once?

Q2: What is the correlation between veins and body fat? For example, I don't have well-defined abs, but my stomach veins (and veins all over my body) are visible. Does vascularity always equate to low body fat?

Q3: I'm sure you saw the new erythritol study that just came out. What are your thoughts on it, and will it change your consumption?

Q4: How do you think A.I will change the fitness industry?

Q5: In the last episode, you talked about taking a step back in your training when life gets busy. As a powerlifter, how little can you do and still make progress?

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Connect with Kyle:

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The Role Stress Plays in Our Training 0

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Feb 27, 2023

In episode 374 of the Absolute Strength Podcast, I discuss stress's role in our training. Stress is a topic I talk about with clients quite a bit. It's a personal topic, so it has better context in a one-on-one situation. But, collectively, I think stress's role in our training needs more attention. When creating programs, manipulating the training variables like volume, frequency, intensity, etc., is pretty straightforward in a vacuum. But life is rarely that clean. However, people tend to program like it is. Unfortunately, we are not all living in a Bulgarian Olympic lifting facility from the 1980s. When a bunch of outside stress gets stacked on each other, it will impact your training. I also answer questions on daily activity impacting performance, muscle imbalances stemming from an injury, and glute training for powerlifting. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Questions on the show:

Q1: I work an active job, so I usually take 14-20 thousand steps per day. What kind of effect does that have on muscle gain and strength? Is there a point where doing too many steps will hinder my progress?

Q2: I tore my ACL and meniscus a few years back. I no longer have knee pain, but my right hamstring is still much weaker and cramps up easily. I'm worried RDLs and good mornings will just get taken over by my stronger leg. Do you have any advice?

Q3: I don't hear you talk about glute training much. Do you train your glutes? If so, what exercises do you think carry over the most for powerlifting?

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Connect with Kyle:

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Realistic Expectations for Muscle Growth, Sweating During Cardio, and the Key to Back Training 0

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Feb 17, 2023

We are back! In episode 373 of the Absolute Strength Podcast, Derek and I answer questions from listeners.

I appreciate everyone reaching out and wondering when the next episode was coming. I've had a crazy beginning to 2023, but I'm excited to get back to recording shows. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Questions on the show:

Q1: What are realistic expectations for a natural who has been lifting for five years? Have I already maxed out my progress?

Q2: Are there any benefits to sweating more during cardio? I see people wearing pants and sweatshirts while doing cardio at the gym, but it doesn't make sense to me.

Q3: How do you recommend balancing training hard to make progress while avoiding injury and burnout? Every time I get on a roll, something comes up.

Q4: What does your back training look like? Every time you post a pullup video, your back looks jacked!

Q5: My flexibility is terrible, but I hate stretching. Is there anything else I can do to improve my flexibility?

Q 6: Importance of rest days. Necessary or nah?

Q 7: I play basketball every Monday with some of my old college buddies and train powerlifting three days a week full body. I need help planning around basketball without affecting my training. How would you plan around something like that?

Q 8: What are your thoughts on carb cycling to lose weight while minimizing muscle/strength loss?

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Connect with Kyle:

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Instagram: @DerekCharlebois

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How to Reach Your Goals in 2023 With Derek Charlebois 0

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Dec 19, 2022

In this episode, Derek and I recap our year and look ahead to 2023. We also get into some of our goals for next year. Sit back, relax and enjoy.

Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/

Connect with Derek

Connect with Kyle:

@huntfitness

YouTube: @HuntFitnessTV

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Ten Fat Loss Tips to Help You Lose Weight and Keep It Off 0

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Dec 13, 2022

In this episode, I talk about ten fat loss tips to help you lose weight and keep it off.

Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/

Ten Tips:

1: Track calories and protein

2: Lift weights at least three times per week

3: Don’t diet too aggressively

4: Track daily steps and aim for at least 8-10k per day

5: Limit highly palatable foods

6: Eat one giant salad per day

7: Consistency

8: Have calorie-free drinks.

9: Weigh yourself at least three times per week

10: Have a clear endpoint

Connect with Kyle:

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Time-Efficient Training, the Best Form of Cardio, and Our Thoughts on Liver King 0

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Dec 5, 2022

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

Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/

Questions on the show:

My time for training is extremely limited. Can I build a decent physique on three or four workouts a week for 30 minutes? What exercises do you recommend, and how many sets of each?
What exercises do you recommend for rear delts? I don't actually feel most rear delt exercises in the rear delt.
What are your thoughts on the pre-exhaust style of training? Is there any benefit to including it?
How can you tell if you are doing enough or too much volume?
With the goal of always beating the logbook, does it count if you just improve RPE? For example, if you do 3 x 10 at 10 rpe one week, and the next, do 3 x 10 at 8 rpe. Is that progress?
What is your favorite form of cardio for fat loss?

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Volume vs. Intensity and Bro Splits vs. Push Pull Legs Q&A 0

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Oct 24, 2022

In this episode, I recap UFC 280 and answer questions submitted by listeners. Sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Questions on the show:

Q1: How do you avoid comparing yourself to others on social media? I sometimes find myself seeing other people’s progress and getting discouraged.

Q2: What is more important for strength, intensity, or volume? I guess what I am asking is, what increases strength more, top sets or back-off volume work?

Q3: Hey Kyle, I have a teenage son who is getting into lifting. I think I know the answer, but does weightlifting reduce or stunt height and stop growth?

Q4: What can you use other than the scale to track fat loss?

Q5: Are there any benefits to naturally sweetened products?

Q6: Can you discuss the pros and cons of a bro split versus a push/pull/legs routine?

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Connect with Kyle:

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Training and Nutrition Q and A 0

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Oct 14, 2022

In this episode, Derek and I answer questions on the difference between training for powerlifting and bodybuilding, bad fitness advice, and avoiding burnout. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/

Connect with Derek:

Instagram: @DerekCharlebois

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Muscle Building Tips With Derek Charlebois 0

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Sep 19, 2022

In this episode, Derek and I talk about tips to help you build muscle. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

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The Whiteboard Daily Book of Cues With Karl Eagleman 0

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Sep 12, 2022

In this episode, I talk with the man behind the Whiteboard Daily Instagram account, Karl Eagleman. During the show, we discuss his new book, The Whiteboard Daily Book of Cues", and go over coaching cues to improve your squat, deadlift, and bracing. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/

Connect with Karl:

Instagram: @whiteboard_daily

Grab the book here: https://amzn.to/3UdR9eD

Connect with Kyle:

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When to Refeed and Is Muscle Scraping Good for Recovery? 0

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Sep 5, 2022

In this episode, I answer questions from listeners.

Questions on the show:

Q 1: My question is, how do you know when is a good time to implement a refeed day or a cheat meal? I've been very consistent with my diet for over a month. I'm addicted to food and am afraid I'll mess up my results if I do a cheat meal or refeed day. Any advice on how to go about this?

Q2: I have been a huge fan of the podcast for years and always love your Q and As. I know you have 3 children, so my question for you is, do you have any advice on training while pregnant/postpartum?

Q3: I know everyone hates Bulgarian Split Squats, but I just can't get myself to do them. What are some other good single-leg exercises I can try?

Q4: Are there any benefits to muscle scraping as a recovery method?

Q5: Hey Kyle, I have my first powerlifting meet next weekend, and I am pretty nervous. Do you have any advice for me?

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Connect with Kyle:

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Are You Too Into Fitness? 0

Aug 31, 2022

In this episode, I talk about if you can be too obsessed with fitness and answer questions submitted by listeners.

Questions:

Q 1: When trying to build muscle, how often should you change workout programs, exercises, etc.?

Q2: Is there any application for using BFR training for powerlifting accessories?

Q3: Hey Kyle, I want to get an exercise bike for my house. Do you have any recommendations?

Q4: Is it more important to do the programmed number of reps during a set or end at the right RPE/RIR? For example, if the weight is too light, should you stop at six or do 9 or 10 if you can at the prescribed RPE?

Q5: When is the best time to do mobility work? Is it before or after the workout? I have heard both recommended.

Q6: Are there any benefits to wearing a mouth guard when lifting?

Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/

Connect with Kyle:

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Spot Reduction, Quick Warm-Ups, and Mistakes on the Big 3 0

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Aug 22, 2022

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

Questions:

Q1: In the last podcast, you talked about the best barbell to buy. However, do you have a recommendation for a women’s barbell?

Q2: Hey Kyle, I know spot reduction is not really possible, but do you have any suggestions on how to get rid of my love handles?

Q3: What is the best bare minimum warm-up that takes the least amount of time? I only have 30-40 minutes to work out, so I don’t want to waste a lot of time warming up. For context, I am a powerlifter.

Q4: Hi Kyle, I have a wedding in two months, and I want to lose weight as fast as I can. Is there any special protocol for fast weight loss?

Q5: What are the most common form issues on the big three, and how do you correct them?

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Connect with Kyle:

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