Podcast
Iron Culture presented by MASS
Hosted by MASS Research Review · EN
Iron Culture was started as a means of exploring the world of physical culture and attempting to distill a unified philosophy of lifting and to help listeners find greater meaning from the iron. It focuses on dispensing practical, useful information to the listener, bouncing from history, to philosophy, to contemporary lifting culture issues, to science.
Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Ep 377 – MRV/MAV, Diet Breaks & Refeeds
2w ago01:12:11Tap to summarizeBack in episode 375, Helms and Trex briefly mentioned a few “evidence-based fitness” topics for which their views have evolved over the years. In hindsight, they didn’t give a few of those topics the time, attention, and explanation they deserve. So in this episode, Helms and Trex take a closer look at two key topics: maximum recoverable (or adaptable) training volume, and various approaches to strategically manipulating leptin levels (such as refeeds and diet breaks). If you're in the market for some new (ultra-high-quality) gym gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" for a 10% discount over at elitefts.com Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review. Mostly because Helms and Trex are co-owners. massresearchreview.com Chapters00:00 Intro04:11 The origins of MRV/MAV07:08 Updated perspectives on MRV/MAV14:26 Practically applying MRV/MAV17:11 Helms’ current volume adjustments24:30 Updating models in science29:20 The importance of leptin32:42 The origins of Trex’s interest in manipulating leptin38:47 Running studies on diet breaks and refeeds44:27 Recent meta-analysis on intermittent dieting strategies50:19 Trex’s current perspective on refeeds and diet breaks 53:47 Behavioral versus physiological effects59:09 Contextual use of intermittent dieting1:06:34 Wrapping up
Transcribe →Ep 376 - Weight Loss Resistance
3w ago01:06:50Tap to summarizeJoin us for a rare Iron Culture episode with co-hosts who are not only on the same continent, but actually in the same ROOM. Helms and Trexler are in Australia for the Sports Nutrition Association Annual Conference, so they got together to record an episode about Trex's presentation topic: resistance to weight loss. Specifically, why being a true "outlier" who is resistant to weight loss efforts is quite rare, particularly when looking at the energy expenditure side of the equation.If you're in the market for some new (ultra-high-quality) gym gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" for a 10% discount over at elitefts.comIron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review. Mostly because Helms and Trex are co-owners.massresearchreview.comChapters00:00 Introduction07:09 Tracking errors and energy absorption22:21 Myths and realities related to medical conditions50:48 Metabolic adaptation & exercise energy compensation56:36 Weight loss friction as a spectrum
Transcribe →Ep 375 - Humility in Science
4w ago00:53:47Tap to summarizeJoin Drs Eric Helms and Eric Trexler as they discuss the importance of humility in science, and a few key areas where their perspectives have changed over the years.If you're in the market for some new (ultra-high-quality) gym gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" for a 10% discount over at elitefts.comIron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review. Mostly because Helms and Trex are co-owners.massresearchreview.comChapters00:00 Intro13:11 The Iron Culture Documentary Release18:03 Criticism and Public Perception28:20 Intellectual Humility and Changing Perspectives38:33 Evolving Views on Nutrition and Training
Transcribe →BONUS: Stronger Culture - The Protein Ceiling: Real or Not a Needle Mover? (ft Eric Helms & Steve Hall)
May 601:12:51Tap to summarizeJoin Steve Hall and Eric Helms as they explore the nuances of bodybuilding, nutrition, and training strategies. From caffeine timing and body composition tracking to posing techniques and mental models, this conversation offers practical insights for athletes and enthusiasts aiming to optimize their performance and physique.Iron Culture is presented by the MASS Research Reviewmassresearchreview.comIf you're in the market for some new gym gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" for a 10% discount at elitefts.comChapters00:00 Morning Rituals: Caffeine Choices and Preferences02:43 Caffeine Cycling: Strategies for Bodybuilding Performance05:19 Caffeine and Sleep: Finding the Right Balance08:27 Diet Sodas: The Hidden Caffeine Dilemma10:52 Navigating Post-Show Eating: The Recovery Phase13:53 Protein Intake: Debating the Optimal Amount16:45 Training vs. Nutrition: Prioritizing Muscle Gain19:26 Understanding Protein Recommendations: Context Matters22:17 The Importance of Training Intensity25:06 Blue Light Blockers: Effects on Sleep Quality35:20 Blue Light Blockers and Sleep Quality37:11 Body Weight and Recovery Insights39:11 Stage Weight and Body Composition Changes41:34 Tracking Progress: Measurements and Photos45:10 The Importance of Posing in Bodybuilding50:39 Online Coaching and Posing Techniques
Transcribe →Ep 374 - Processing, Palatability, and Bingeing
Apr 2901:25:44Tap to summarizeThis episode begins with a slightly defensive rant by Eric Trexler, followed by a very defensive rant by Eric Helms. After that, they dive into new research uncovering the complexities of ultraprocessed foods, their impact on obesity, binge eating, and the food industry’s role in creating and promoting hyperpalatable ultraprocessed foods.Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review (massresearchreview.com)If you're in the market for some high-quality gym gear or apparel, be sure to support our friends at elitefts.com and use code "MRR10" for a 10% discount.Chapters00:00 Intro10:14 Trexler & Helms respond to social media criticism15:48 Slightly defensive rant by Trexler23:10 Extremely defensive rant by Helms32:25 Roles in The Ecosystem of Science Communication41:39 Exploring the Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods46:20 Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods and Their Nuances51:16 The Role of Food Processing in Feeding a Growing Population55:53 Hyper-Palatable Foods and Their Effects on Eating Behavior59:07 The Evolution of Eating Disorder Treatment Perspectives01:04:30 The Relationship Between Hyper-Palatable Foods and Binge Eating01:09:05 Neurophysiology of Food Consumption and Addiction01:12:20 Conclusions & practical applications for food selection
Transcribe →Ep 373 - Does Bone Predict Hypertrophy?
Apr 2201:30:13Tap to summarizeThis episode begins with a discussion about the importance of scientific rigor in fitness research and science communication. After that, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss the relationship between skeletal structure and muscle growth, including whether or not your bone structure can predict how much muscle you gain in response to training or your maximum level of muscularity.Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review (massresearchreview.com)If you're in the market for some high-quality gym gear or apparel, be sure to support our friends at elitefts.com and use code "MRR10" for a 10% discount.Chapters00:00 Intro11:19 Expert Creep and Science Communication21:22 Responsibly Expanding Your Domain of Expertise31:42 Exploring Bone Structure and Muscle Growth32:51 Study Overview: Bone Characteristics and Hypertrophy41:13 Interpreting the results of a new study47:50 Methodological nuances58:30 Hypertrophy versus total muscularity01:02:48 Finding the right sport for your frame and bone structure01:12:23 Practical applications
Transcribe →Ep 372 - New ACSM Lifting Guidelines
Apr 1501:43:51Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss the latest updates in resistance training research, the evolution of training principles since 2009, and practical applications for trainers and athletes. They explore key points from the new ACSM position stand, the importance of training frequency, volume, and specificity, and reflect on how scientific understanding has advanced over the years. In this engaging discussion, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms explore the evolution of training philosophies, hypertrophy research, and practical applications for lifters. They reflect on past training trends, dissect scientific findings, and share insights on optimizing workout strategies for strength and muscle growth.If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" at elitefts.com for a 10% discountChapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates07:37 The new ACSM Position Statement17:50 Overview34:47 Key findings37:44 The Impact of Training Frequency on Strength44:45 The Role of Volume in Strength Training59:12 Training For Hypertrophy & Proximity to Failure01:09:17 Eccentric Training01:12:57 How Perspectives About Training to Failure Have Changed01:19:08 The Role of Structured Training Programs01:25:06 The Evolution of Fitness Communities01:30:25 "Power Training"01:39:05 Wrapping Up
Transcribe →Stronger Culture - The Mental Side of Bodybuilding Nobody Talks About
Apr 801:11:00Tap to summarizeJoin us for an in-depth discussion with Steve Hall & Eric Helms on supplement testing, polygraph use in bodybuilding, sleep optimization, and the power of acceptance in training and life. This episode offers practical insights for natural bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts looking to optimize health, performance, and mental resilience.If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" at elitefts.com for a 10% discountChapters00:00 Introduction and Connection02:09 Understanding Supplementation and Third-Party Testing08:04 Microplastics and Health Concerns09:58 The Importance of Third-Party Testing for Competitors15:59 The Risks of Supplements and Marketing Influence21:56 Polygraphs in Natural Bodybuilding30:06 Navigating False Positives in Polygraph Testing37:11 The Stress of Competition and Polygraph Testing38:45 Personal Struggles with Lifestyle Constraints40:59 Sleep Quality Challenges and Optimization43:41 Navigating Workload and Recovery45:01 Injury Management and Training Adjustments50:14 Mental Strategies for Performance and Recovery58:56 Acceptance and Its Role in Bodybuilding and Life
Transcribe →Ep 371 - Popular Pseudoscience
Apr 101:40:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms delve into the complexities of scientific research integrity, recent controversies in nutrition studies, and debunk common myths in health and fitness. They emphasize the importance of transparency, ethics, and critical thinking in science and everyday beliefs. In this episode, Eric Helms and Eric Trexler debunk popular myths in psychology, medicine, and animal behavior, exploring the science behind Stockholm syndrome, the hungry judge effect, stress ulcers, sugar hyperactivity, and the Stanford Prison Experiment. They emphasize critical thinking and scientific rigor in understanding complex topics.If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" at elitefts.com for a 10% discountChapters00:00 Introduction03:23 Update on LDL Research Controversy14:30 "Ethics" in the Research Context26:45 Conspiratorial thinking and communication in science/research29:45 Pop Science Myths and Misconceptions39:25 Debunking Learning Styles48:17 Debunking Stockholm Syndrome1:02:04 Debunking the "Hungry Judges Study"1:07:53 Stress Ulcers: The Complex Truth Behind a Common Belief01:13:42 Debunking the "Sugar Rush" Myth01:25:23 Other Popular Myths and Misconceptions
Transcribe →Ep 370 - Calories: Labels vs Reality
Mar 2501:08:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Eric Helms and Eric Trexler explore the complexities of food labeling, energy absorption, and the impact of food choices on energy balance. They discuss a recent lawsuit against David protein bars, delve into scientific research on metabolizable energy, and practical strategies for dieting and food selection.If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" at elitefts.com for a 10% discountChapters00:00 Introduction and Updates08:16 The David Protein Bar Lawsuit21:43 Labeling Complications and Nutritional Misunderstandings25:25 The Impact of TEF, Fiber, and Resistant Starches34:00 The Impact of the Specific Food Matrix37:22 More Research on Dietary Intake Versus Absorption40:06 Nuances Behind Calories In vs Calories Out47:00 Tracking Variable Foods Versus Keeping Food Choices Consistent (IIFYM/Flexible Dieting Implications)57:06 The Case for "Eating Clean" Within a Flexible Dieting Framework
Transcribe →