Muscle for Life with Mike Matthews

Mike Mentzer's high-intensity training (HIT) method has been experiencing a resurgence in popularity lately, but does the science support its effectiveness?

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Mike Israetel to get his take on the pros and cons of Mentzer's Heavy Duty Workout approach.

In case you're not familiar with Dr. Mike, he's a repeat guest on the Muscle for Life podcast and a true expert in the field of sports s...

In this episode, I talk with Luke, who achieved a dramatic body transformation through Legion’s one-on-one coaching program. 

Luke had struggled with his weight for over a decade, experiencing short-term success through extreme dieting and cardio, only to regain the weight. 

However, working with his Legion coach, he learned to focus on consistency and adherence through a personalized nutrition and training plan.

Over 36 weeks, Luk...

How much protein can your body actually use in one sitting? Is there an upper limit to muscle protein synthesis? Does protein timing really matter? 

If you're serious about gaining muscle, you've likely asked these questions and many more like them.

To help answer these questions, I interviewed Dr. Stuart Phillips, a world-renowned protein researcher who has published more than 450 peer-reviewed articles. He’s a bonafide pr...

In this episode, I tackle a diverse array of questions from my dedicated Instagram followers, ranging from optimizing muscle explosiveness, to the influence of genetics on vascularity.

I’ll also get into the age-old debate of zone 2 cardio versus high-intensity interval training, the benefits of beetroot for exercise performance, and the impact of weekend drinking on muscle gains.

As always, these questions come directly from my In...

Are you doing everything right but still not seeing progress on the scale?

If you're eating in a calorie deficit, training hard, and still not losing weight, don't worry—you're not alone. And more importantly, there are solutions.

In this episode, I talk with Harry Barnes, who not only has 12 years of experience helping clients break through fat loss plateaus, but has been working with Legion’s One-on-One Coaching since...

In the age of social media, it's easier than ever to fall victim to fitness misinformation. 

From fad diets to questionable supplements, how can you tell what's legit and what's just clever marketing?

In this episode, Layne Norton shares his strategies for identifying pseudoscience and making informed decisions about your health and fitness. 

In case you’re not familiar with him, Layne is not just an acclaimed scientist...

In today's fast-paced world, the chase for more—more output, more success, more everything—often leads to burnout and dissatisfaction. 

What if there was a better way? 

In this episode, I interview Cal Newport, who offers a refreshing perspective on the productivity conversation. 

Specifically, he introduces the concept of slow productivity, a method that prioritizes deep, meaningful work over the constant hustle that's bec...

In this episode, I answer your questions about optimizing strength and hypertrophy phases, whether the latest research changes my view on intermittent fasting, and how much cardio is ideal for heart health. 

Plus, I offer advice for new personal trainers, discuss my thoughts on how to find your life’s purpose and career path, and a lot more.

As always, these questions come directly from my Instagram followers, who take advantage of...

Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) is often touted as the frontier of anti-aging supplements, promising not just more years of life, but better quality ones. 

With bold claims of enhancing lifespan and slowing down aging, to improving physical performance, body composition, and brain health, NMN has captured the attention of both consumers and scientists. But how much truth is there to these claims? 

In this episode, I’ll explore th...

The debate around training to muscular failure has raged for decades. Is it necessary? Is it practical? Is it safe? 

Expert opinion is all over the map, ranging from one extreme of low-volume, maximum-intensity, “beyond-failure” training to the other of high-volume, low-intensity, “never-even-close-to-failure” training; and every degree and permutation in between.

Which philosophy is right? Or at least the most right? And more impo...

Are saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunges beneficial after workouts? How can you naturally boost your testosterone levels quickly? What’s the best way to stop snacking out of boredom or anxiety? 

In this episode, I delve into these and other intriguing questions from my listeners.

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&...

In this episode, I sit down with Dan, who achieved remarkable results through Legion’s one-on-one coaching program. 

In just 3 months, he shed 20 pounds, significantly reduced his body fat, and saw more muscle definition than ever before.

Though he previously experimented with various fitness routines like P90X and Body Beast, Dan's newfound success is rooted in his consistency with nutrition tracking and meal planning, along w...

Kinesiology tape has become a common sight in the world of sports and in the gym. But what does it really do? Is there good science supporting its use, or is it all hype?

In this episode, we examine the scientific principles of kinesiology tape. From its supposed ability to reduce pain and inflammation to claims of improved muscle function, we dissect what research says versus popular belief.

Whether you're an athlete consideri...

Hitting a fitness plateau can be frustrating, but often the battle is not just physical—it's mental. 

In this episode, Kasey Orvidas joins us to unravel the psychological elements that contribute to fitness stagnation.

Specifically, we delve into the importance of understanding your own behavioral patterns and thought processes, and discuss the importance of being a "researcher in your own life" to get to the root cau...

Is there a testosterone crisis in men? If so, why? And is it impacting you—are your testosterone levels declining or already low? How can you know? And what can you do about it?

You’re going to get answers to those questions and more in today’s interview with men's health expert, Ali Gilbert.

In case you’re not familiar with her, Ali is a men’s health coach popularly known as the “Queen of Men’s Health” online, and she has help...

How can you manage lower back pain during workouts? What's really happening when you're feeling full on a calorie deficit? And is the X-3 Bar a worthwhile investment?

In this episode, I'll explore these topics and many more, giving you the insights you need to adjust your fitness routine effectively while ensuring long-term health and performance.

As always, these questions come directly from my Instagram followers, who...

Ever stepped on the scale and wondered why your weight seems to dance around day by day? 

You're not alone. 

In this episode, we explore the multiple factors contributing to daily weight fluctuations. 

From food weight, carbohydrate intake, sodium levels, to stress, strength training, the menstrual cycle, and even alcohol consumption—each plays a unique role in your body's weight changes. 

You’re going to learn the best pra...

Is calisthenics just a fancy name for bodyweight training, or is it something more

What are the benefits of calisthenics, does it beat out weightlifting, and how can you incorporate it into your routine?

These are all questions you’ll learn the answers to in this interview with Al Kavadlo.

In case you’re not familiar with him, he's a leading expert in bodyweight strength training and calisthenics, and the author of several infl...

Should you feel hungry while bulking, or feel stuffed from the calorie surplus? 

Are there benefits to starting your morning with salt water? Should you train the same way in your 40s as you did in your 20s? 

In this episode, I'll explore these topics and many more, giving you the insights you need to adjust your fitness routine effectively while ensuring long-term health and performance.

As always, these questions come directl...