Barbell Machas

Platelet rich plasma, better known as PRP, has been widely used in the world of regenerative medicine to aid the healing process of musculoskeletal injuries and many more. Here, Dr Arvin is discussing his experience with this blood product and how it can benefit those in the fitness world, dealing with injuries whether it is short term or long term.

In this episode, Dennis from Good Juju Barbell Club joins us for a deep conversation on gym business, coach development, programming, systems, and leadership. We unpack why most gyms market to the wrong people, why the real product is the people, why adherence matters more than perfect programming, and how delegation without systems can quietly hurt a business. A strong one for coaches, head coach...

In this episode, Dr. Arvin Raj and Luke Lango sit down with @ainasakina , co-founder of Kaki Gym, to explore how she transformed a traditional gym into a safe, empowering space for women, seniors, and everyday people to build real strength. From training a 65-year-old post-rehab client to helping Muslim women confidently step into the weight room, Aina shares how education, environment, and cultur...

New year resolutions are great. Motivation is great. But how did we stick to what we have planned and make a resolution a reality. Coach Luke Lango shares some awesome tips on how to keep yourself on track and successfully hit your new year goals.

What does it actually take to scale a premium fitness business in Malaysia — without destroying coach quality or culture? In this episode, David Eng Huat (General Manager, MOVE Private Fitness) breaks down: * Why retention is the KPI that doesn’t lie * How fixed schedules and clear systems protect coaches * Why MOVE pays coaches aggressively — and still scales * How they build real career paths be...

What makes bodybuilding tough? The diet, the training, the mood fluctuations, the sleep disturbances, the bodily imbalances that your body experiences on calorie deficit for an extended period of time, the strain it puts on your relationships, just to name a few. Behind that chiselled physique, is a whole list of sacrifices and things you put on the line. Coach Luke speaks in depth about the thing...

This week, we have a special guest on the episode, Mr Nigesh Armon, a padel player that currently plays in the local league. He gives us an insight into the Padel world, from its history, how it is played, his experience playing it, the injuries he has faced and the future of padel in Malaysia. The machas definitely learned a lot about this sport and why its hype is not just a fad.

This episode discusses the importance of physical fitness for parents. Handling children can be a real handful, but parents have to find ways to prioritize exercise despite their busy schedule to develop strength, endurance , fitness and a healthier lifestyle. Here we share some tips on how parents can squeeze in exercise in a very busy schedule. Tune is, as this is going to be really helpful.

In this episode, we asked each other 10 questions regarding fitness and exercise science, and for every question someone gets wrong, they lose a bit of forearm hair. Tune in to see how the machas respond to some light waxing. This was fun.

This week Coach Luke drops 10 hot tips he wished he knew as a newbie lifter. We live in an era where information is abundant and as a new lifter you are not quite sure what is actually legit advise and what is an opinion with an agenda. Fret not, the machas got you.

Ideally speaking getting 3-4 solid workouts a week would be lovely, but does everyone have time like that when external commitments are ramping up? How little does one have to do in order to maintain strength or at least make some small strength gains? What do some of the best coaches and athletes think about this concept? Catch the full episode on Spotify and YouTube on 1st September 2025.

In this episode of Barbell Machas, your Malaysian machas break down the top 10 supplements every HYROX athlete should know about. We cut through the noise and get straight to what actually works — from building endurance and strength to optimizing recovery — so you can step onto the race floor with confidence. Whether you’re chasing a podium or just aiming for your personal best, this is your go-t...

In this episode, we dive deep into the dynamic world of plyometrics – a training method designed to improve power, speed, and athletic performance. From understanding what plyometrics are to breaking down the science behind explosive movements, we cover it all. Learn how to implement plyometric exercises effectively into your training routine, whether you're an athlete looking to enhance performan...

In this episode of Barbell Machas, we dive into a rapid-fire Q&A session tackling some of the most common (and controversial) lifting topics. From perfecting your conventional deadlift setup to the debate on squat shoes vs. running shoes, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also explore why bar pads for squats might not be the best idea, our top 5 supplements (beyond whey), and how to manage shoulder pai...

This week, we're stepping out of our usual routine to talk about something unexpected: running. Yes, we know many of you might be surprised, but your machas do their cardio too! In this episode, we’re diving into the concept of the "Runner's High"—what it really is and what’s happening in your body when you experience it.

In this week’s episode, we delve into cutting-edge research to unravel the true impact of exercise selection on muscle growth. Ever wondered why bodybuilders often use multiple exercises for the same muscle group? Is it just to keep things interesting, or is there a method to the madness? We’ll break down the science behind strategic exercise variation, revealing how the right choices can take you...

This week, we have a fantastic treat for all our listeners! We're thrilled to welcome the incredible Jonathan Wong to the podcast. Jonathan is not only a successful Masters 1 Powerlifter and Weightlifter, but he's also made a significant impact on both the local and international stages. His achievements are truly inspiring! Join us for an engaging conversation as Jonathan dives into his personal...

This week, the Machas presented five intriguing questions for our round table discussion: 1. How close to failure should you train for strength versus hypertrophy? 2. Will my strength decrease if I take a two-week break for vacation? How long can I stay off training before I notice changes in strength, and what can I do to prevent this? 3. Is calorie tracking necessary for fat loss? 4. How do you...

This week Coach Luke and Dr Arvin discussed some bite sized topics based on questions from our listeners. - Is technical improvement in a lift considered a progressive overload? - Could you just continue lifting at the 5-10 rep range for growth? - How important is stretching in between sets and after workouts? And more. So tune in as we give our "spicy" thoughts on these topics.

Join us this week for an enlightening conversation with Ms. Adele, a distinguished Dietitian and Nutritionist, as she shares her expert insights on enhancing nutritional practices among active individuals. In this episode, Adele also delves into the nuances of tailoring dietary advice for individuals with chronic diseases and discusses the critical role of gut health in overall fitness. Don't miss...

Dive into this week’s spirited episode of "Rate Debate," where hosts Luke and Dr. Arvin explore a dynamic range of topics, debating whether they are overrated or underrated. Expect lively exchanges filled with unexpected disagreements and enlightening perspectives, but despite their differing views, the camaraderie remains intact. Join them as they traverse through various subjects, providing list...

Join us this week as we sit down with nutritionist Ms. Zhiling (@zhiling_nutrition), who brings her expertise to the forefront in tackling the myths and misconceptions surrounding nutrition. We dive into the challenges she faces in her profession, particularly when offering tailored advice to her diverse clientele and engaging with her followers on social media. Throughout our conversation, we add...

We dive into the benefits of heat therapy for both rehabilitation and enhancing performance. We'll question the traditional use of ice in hypertrophy and consider whether heat can actually be beneficial. Join us as we unpack the potential advantages of heat therapy in the realms of recovery and performance improvement. Tune in to uncover the heat on this hot topic!

Dive into the world of nutrition with Coach Luke Lango in the first episode of our comprehensive four-part podcast series. This episode focuses on the essential topic of energy needs, guiding listeners through the Nutritional Hierarchy of Importance, the impact of calories on muscle gain, and the significance of tracking Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) for achieving health goals. Coach Lango...

In this week’s enlightening episode, we delve into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of coaching: the fine line between guidance and overcoaching. The journey of a coach is fraught with the challenge of optimizing performance while fostering growth, yet there exists a subtle barrier where well-intentioned instruction can transform into a hindrance, stalling progress and dampening performance....