Muscle for Life with Mike Matthews

Is the behind-the-neck press the secret to well-developed delts?  Does cardio actually boost muscle growth, rather than hindering hypertrophy?  Are we becoming "desensitized" to obesity and what’re the repercussions?  In this episode, we'll explore the latest scientific studies that shed light on these questions. This podcast is another installment in my Research Review series of episodes, where I...

Understanding the psychology of dieting is crucial for long-term weight loss and improved health.  In this episode, I interview fitness expert, New York Times bestselling author, and nutrition advisor for LeBron James and Arnold Schwarzenegger, Adam Bornstein, about diet psychology and sustainable weight loss, which is the subject of his new book, You Can't Screw This Up . With over two decades in...

How much is enough? When it comes to wealth, many of us chase the idea of accumulating as much as possible.  However, Bill Perkins' Die With Zero offers a different perspective: optimizing your wealth to maximize your life experiences. This book isn't just a radical rethink of conventional wisdom on wealth and retirement; it's a practical guide to making sure your money serves the purpose of enric...

Do you deal with rest-day guilt? What’s with the marketing of essential amino acids? How can you start waking up earlier? Can HIIT replace the “10,000 steps rule”? How do you calculate your cutting macros if you’re nursing? These are just some of the questions I’m answering in this Q&A episode. As always, these questions come directly from my Instagram followers, who take advantage of my weekl...

Aggressive dieting often has a negative connotation, but does it actually work for weight loss and muscle maintenance?  To delve into this topic and other aspects of nutrition science, I interview Martin MacDonald in this episode. Martin is a Clinical Performance Nutritionist, a senior lecturer at the Mac-Nutrition Uni (an evidence-based online nutrition course), and a renowned speaker in the real...

Many gym-goers want to know if using marijuana can interfere with their gains or negatively impact their progress. However, the controversial ban of American sprinter, Sha’Carri Richardson, from the 2021 Tokyo Olympics due to a positive marijuana test also ignited a global debate about whether weed can be performance-enhancing. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the scientific research surr...

In this installment of the Best of Muscle For Life, you’ll hear hand-picked clips from three popular MFL episodes: an interview with Dan John on quick, efficient strength training workouts, a monologue on whether taking naps can help you gain muscle and strength faster, and a motivational episode on doing the real work and developing skill over “hacks” and shortcuts.  Some people—my favorite peopl...

What do “rest ethic,” goofing off, and Artificial Intelligence have in common?  This episode of the podcast is a bit different, but I think you’re going to enjoy it. In this interview, Kevin Kelly unwraps the art of living excellently in a world steered by technology.  Our discussion explores the intersections of AI, creativity, work, productivity, and even how rest plays a vital role in our lives...

When the gym isn't an option, how do you stay in shape?  In this podcast, I’m sharing practical, science-backed strategies for keeping your fitness on track anywhere, anytime.  From enhancing your daily steps to nutritional tips, mastering home exercises, and even implementing a standing desk, you’re going to gain a new perspective on fitness that you can adopt no matter where you are.  Tune in to...

The world of anabolic steroids often seems shrouded in mystery and controversy.  In this episode, seasoned sports medicine and exercise scientist Dr. Guillermo Escalante aims to dispel some of those myths and clarify the complex topic of steroid use in bodybuilding and the health and fitness space. Together, we delve deep into understanding anabolic steroids, focusing on their potential implicatio...

Ever been baffled by uneven abs? Do you feel weaker during your period?  Can you enhance fat loss in your legs? What’re the pros and cons of fat grips? In this Q&A episode, we delve into a medley of topics including hypertrophy versus strength training for fat loss, deloading, squatting with long femurs, and much more. As always, these questions come directly from my Instagram followers, who t...

Creatine is one of the most researched supplements in the fitness industry, yet myths and misconceptions still abound.  Is it safe for teenagers? Can endurance athletes benefit from it? Should you cycle it?  If these are the questions you've been pondering, you've come to the right place. In this episode, you’ll get answer to these questions and I’ll delve deeper into the myriad benefits of creati...

What if you could train smarter, not harder? That’s the promise of auto-regulation, which you can use to increase autonomy and individualize your program, enhancing gains while staying injury-free. In this episode, we have fitness expert Luke Tulloch breaking down the concept of auto-regulation in resistance training. This approach tailors workouts to your physical and mental readiness, ensuring o...

A topic that has piqued the interest of many gym-goers, and especially men who want defined, plate-of-armor pecs, is the lower chest. In the pursuit of a well-rounded, strong, and aesthetic chest, the lower chest often comes into discussion. However, its existence and importance are subjects of debate and confusion.  In this episode, I’ll bring clarity to the concept and explore the best ways to i...

Just as life challenges us with limited time, resources, and information, excellence demands a strategy beyond innate talent and colossal effort.  That's where Ron Friedman's Decoding Greatness comes into play, offering a new approach: deciphering greatness through reverse engineering the triumphs of others.  This book isn't just a collection of thought-provoking ideas; it's a practical toolbox fi...

Does protein before bed impact your sleep? How do you prevent muscle breakdown if you can only train fasted in the morning before breakfast? Will training 5 days per week give better results than 4 days per week? Are gluten allergies and intolerance real, or just another health fad? How long can someone use the program in Bigger Leaner Stronger and still make progress? All of that and more in this...

What is hybrid training?  Well, that's exactly what you will learn about in this podcast interview with Dr. Alyssa Olenick.  At its core, hybrid training (also known as concurrent training in the scientific literature) is a fusion of strength and cardiovascular training.  Many people feel these types of training are at odds, but in this episode, you’re going to learn how hybrid training is not onl...

The allure of testosterone booster supplements is obvious.  They’re a perennially popular topic because the promises are highly enticing, from giving you a surge of energy, to enhancing muscle growth, speeding up fat loss, and even aiding in quicker recovery post-workout. People also claim these supplements improve your sleep, uplift your mood, and even boost your sex drive. The purported benefits...

In this installment of the Best of Muscle For Life, you’ll hear hand-picked clips from three popular MFL episodes: an interview with Nick, who used my coaching program to lose 19 pounds and 11% body fat in 90 days, a monologue on whether the benefits of deadlifting outweigh its risks, and a book club episode on Band of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose.  Some people—my favorite people—listen to most...

Most diets, especially fad diets, are about restriction and what you can’t eat.  Of course, losing weight requires being in a calorie deficit, but what if there were specific foods you could eat more of that actually boost fat loss? That’s the idea behind Dr. William Li’s new anti-diet book, Eat to Beat Your Diet , which explores the relationship between body fat and metabolism, and why the food c...

Some people say they “don’t have time” to exercise, but watch an hour of Netflix every night.  Or they buy produce and watch it slowly wither in their fridge.  Or spend time looking for that game-changing supplement while only getting 5 hours of sleep per night.  Listen to this episode to find the motivation to start, develop habits, and ultimately win at your fitness journey. Timestamps : (0:00)...

How do you go on vacation and enjoy yourself without losing progress or gaining body fat? How often should you adjust your calories while bulking or cutting?  How can you maintain your physique without counting macros or calories? Is it better to get 6 hours of sleep or get 5 hours of sleep to fit in a workout? Is one full-body workout per week enough to maintain muscle? All of that and more in th...

Will changing up your workouts result in better muscle gains?  Or is it better to keep your training program static and consistent, so you’re doing the same lifts and exercises week after week, month after month?  In other words, does introducing novelty improve hypertrophy or does consistency trump all else?  Many people are on the hunt for the “best,” most-scientifically-optimized program and as...

You can find countless ways to track your health, especially if you buy any of the latest gizmos and gadgets in the fitness wearables space.  But most health markers aren’t worth keeping an eye on.  With the “quantified self” movement on the rise in recent years, fitness wearable manufacturers and marketers will attempt to sell you on the benefits of all the health metrics you can track. The truth...

Can drop sets help you gain muscle and strength? Is the sumo deadlift “cheating” compared to conventional deadlifts? Is willpower limited and how do your beliefs affect it? I’m discussing the latest scientific studies on these questions. Listen now to dive into the research! This podcast is another installment in my Research Review series of episodes, where I give you concise and practical takeawa...