May 6, 2025
Join hosts Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher for a quiz-style episode to see whether you’re smarter than the average gym goer! 14 questions based on recently-published scientific research will show you how much you know when it comes to your “gym science.”
Tune in to learn more about the recommended protein intake per meal, carbohydrate, the animal- vs plant-based discussion, and the effectiveness of low- and high-load training.
Plus, you’ll finally get to know whether you should opt for multiple-set or single-set resistance training and will hear some gym myths getting debunked live!
- In today’s episode, hosts Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher use a quiz-style format.
- The inspiration for today’s topic comes from the recently published paper Knowledge of Gym Goers on Myths and Truths in Resistance Training.
- The first question of the 14-question quiz addresses whether it’s true or false that protein supplementation augments hypertrophy – a simple increase in muscle size (no additional strength nor health benefits).
- Dr. Fisher touches upon the fact that more gym goers are becoming aware of the importance of protein within our diet.
- As we get older, our ability to absorb protein decreases.
- 40g of protein per meal, as well as one protein-rich snack, is a good rule of thumb you can follow.
- In the second question of the quiz, Dr. Fisher and Amy focus on whether timing of protein intake influences hypertrophy.
- “Dosage and total volume during the day” and not “timing of protein intake” are the keywords when it comes to hypertrophy.
- The third question revolves around whether animal protein affects hypertrophy more than plant protein.
- Dr. Fisher explains that, if you’re taking enough amino acids, it doesn’t matter whether you’re vegan, you’re vegetarian or a meat-eater…
- The next question looks at the potential impact creating has on strength.
- Do carbohydrates increase performance in resistance training? That’s what question #5 focuses on.
- According to scientific evidence, carbohydrate supplementation or carbohydrates don’t increase acute performance in resistance training workout.
- Amy and Dr. Fisher talk about the difference between perceived and actual performance.
- The role of magnesium in potentially preventing cramps is what the following question addresses.
- Next, the quiz takes a closer look at the potential impact resistance training has on reducing flexibility.
- When it comes to hypertrophy, is low-load resistance training as effective as high-load resistance training? That’s what question #8 is all about.
- While low-load resistance training is as effective as high-load one, you want to keep in mind the effort level that you train to.
- The following quiz question looks at the effectiveness of low- and high-load training in the context of maximal strength.
- Dr. Fisher unpacks the concept of Asynchronous Muscle Fiber Recruitment – your brain’s ability to recruit all the relevant muscle fibers in one go (in one muscle action).
- The 10th question brings up something every gym goer has asked themselves at least once: what’s more effective, multiple-set or single-set resistance training?
- Is resistance training to muscle failure necessary for hypertrophy? That’s the scope of question #11.
- Muscle failure refers to the point where you cannot complete another set without changing your posture, your pace, and so on.
- Ever felt as if you were tired and one to end a workout? That’s called volitional fatigue.
- The next question is “Is resistance training over full range of motion superior to resistance training in a partial range of motion for hypertrophy?”
- Question #13 made Dr. Fisher feel amused and appalled all in one – it looks at who, between men and women, benefits more from resistance training.
- In case you’re wondering, no, men don’t benefit more from resistance training than women do..!
- The final quiz question is for all those who have always wondered whether free-weight resistance training is more effective than machine-based resistance training.
- If you got six (or more) answers correct, you are smarter than your average gym goer.
Mentioned in This Episode:
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Submit your questions at StrengthChangesEverything.com
Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?
Knowledge of Gym Goers on Myths and Truths in Resistance Training (Scientific Reports paper)
Previous episode - How to Lose Fat Without Muscle Loss: Science-Backed Solutions with Dr. Wayne Westcott
Previous episode - How to Strength Train Smarter By Controlling Your Range of Motion
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