Matt and Scott discuss the thinking -- or lack thereof -- behind the many questions they receive each week asking them their opinion on someone else's line of thinking: "I've heard that..." or "So and so says..." While theses low-effort questions seem innocuous, they reveal a lack of critical thinking, which the Barbell Logic podcast has a mission to dispel. After all, "logic" is in the name, and the foundation of this show is a systematic analysis of strength training and life. Scott references...
Aug 01, 2019•36 min•Ep. 212
Barbell Logic has long attracted thinkers, strivers, and a fair number of Type A personalities. "Logic" is in the name, of course, and barbell training in particular demands a sort of consistency and attention to detail that is well-suited to the driven person. Yet these same people often struggle with another problem -- the problem of perfectionism -- which the barbell community doesn't exactly help. We're barbell nerds. We love physics, programming, and the sundry little details of technique t...
Jul 29, 2019•39 min•Ep. 211
Matt and Scott are back with another round of Saturday Q&A. If you'd like to ask Matt and Scott a question, email questions@barbell-logic.com and we'll feature you on a future Q&A episode! Discounts Use discount code LOGIC to save 10% off microplates, dumbbell microplates, and more at Microgainz . Use discount code LOGIC to save $10 off belts and more at Dominion Strength . Connect With Matt Matt on Instagram Barbell Logic Online Coaching — Matt’s website Matt on Facebook Matt on Twitter...
Jul 27, 2019•31 min•Ep. 210
Monday's episode covered programming fundamentals for the ever-popular question: what do I do after the novice LP? Today Matt and Scott expand on the topic by walking through specific examples and discussing their thought process troubleshooting each scenario. Most people begin to fail on LP for just a couple reasons. As mentioned in episode #55 - Programming Is Secondary, consistency and technique make the biggest impact on progress in the gym. But let's assume that you consistently make your w...
Jul 25, 2019•44 min•Ep. 209
Matt and Scott discuss the eternal programming question: what do you do when novice linear progression stops working? While they have discussed this topic in great detail in past episodes, programming is not easy to grok for some people. And that's OK! This episode covers the basic theory and practical examples you need to transition out of LP and into the wide world of intermediate programming, with minimal fussing. Got a question for Matt and Scott? Email us at questions@barbell-logic.com and ...
Jul 22, 2019•48 min•Ep. 208
Matt and Scott are back with another round of Saturday Q&A. If you'd like to ask Matt and Scott a question, email questions@barbell-logic.com and we'll feature you on a future Q&A episode! Discounts Save 50% off your first month of online coaching at Barbell Logic Online Coaching using the code TEAMBLOC Use discount code LOGIC to save 10% off microplates, dumbbell microplates, and more at Microgainz . Use discount code LOGIC to save $10 off belts and more at Dominion Strength . Connect W...
Jul 20, 2019•26 min•Ep. 207
Matt and Scott discuss how their passion for training has waxed and waned over the years, how they currently feel about training, and the two types of attitude most clients approach the barbell with. Got a question for Matt and Scott? Email us at questions@barbell-logic.com and we'll answer your question on an upcoming Saturday Q&A! Discounts Save 50% off your first month of online coaching at Barbell Logic Online Coaching using the code TEAMBLOC Use discount code LOGIC to save 10% off micro...
Jul 18, 2019•42 min•Ep. 206
Matt and Scott return to the MED toolbox to discuss the importance of PR's in measuring the success of a program. Of course, PR's are inherent in the novice linear progression, during which the athlete hits PR's for 3x5 every workout, or every other workout as an advanced novice. The PR then becomes a weekly occurrence for the early intermediate, then perhaps biweekly for the mid-intermediate. Texas Method, for instance, calls for a 1x5 PR each week on "intensity day." For athletes more advanced...
Jul 15, 2019•53 min•Ep. 205
It's no secret by now that Matt and Scott are men of passion. Occasionally these passions evoke such entertaining tirades, fulminations, and fervent orations during the podcast that they must be shared. This is one such occasion. If you'd like to ask Matt and Scott a question, email questions@barbell-logic.com and we'll feature you on a future Q&A episode! Discounts Online Great Books is opening enrollment on July 8th. Spots are limited, so visit https://onlinegreatbooks.com/barbell-logic/ t...
Jul 13, 2019•22 min•Ep. 204
Today Matt and Scott welcome back Dr. David Puder, psychiatrist and host of the Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast, to discuss one of Hambrick's rules -- don't date someone you wouldn't marry. Dr. Puder shares some of his "red flags" of dating and offers some practical tips for evaluating potential mates for those currently navigating the dating market. Some of Dr. Puder's red flags include: When I think about this person, do I already want to change them? Would I want to have my future chil...
Jul 11, 2019•57 min•Ep. 203
After 200 episodes and counting, we've heard from a lot of new listeners, some of whom are beginning their barbell journey for the first time. While we encourage everyone to go back to the first 20 or so episodes, in particular #15 - How to Kill It In Your First Starting Strength Session, this episode is an overview of what to expect when you start training, including common pitfalls to avoid. Discounts Online Great Books is opening enrollment on July 8th. Spots are limited, so visit https://onl...
Jul 08, 2019•32 min
Matt and Scott are back with another round of Saturday Q&A. If you'd like to ask Matt and Scott a question, email questions@barbell-logic.com and we'll feature you on a future Q&A episode! Discounts Online Great Books is opening enrollment on July 8th. Spots are limited, so visit https://onlinegreatbooks.com/barbell-logic/ to sign up for the VIP waiting list. When enrollment opens, if you sign up through this link you will save 25% off! Get club coaching from the skilled interns at Barbe...
Jul 06, 2019•28 min•Ep. 201
Two years and two days ago, Matt and Scott officially launched the Barbell Logic podcast with Episode #1 - Why Strength? The idea was simply to make a logical case for barbell training and how it should be done, an audio diary of Matt's coaching experience, so to speak. Since then, the show has expanded into all aspects of life -- business, finance, marriage, children, music -- as it became an extension of Matt and Scott's eclectic personalities. Simply put, it's hard to believe we've made it to...
Jul 04, 2019•48 min
In August 2018 Paul and Jarrad Markel of Student of the Gun joined us to talk about their experience strength training and how it made them more resilient, acute marksmen (Episode #97 - Fighting STRONG with Student of the Gun). A few months ago, Matt received news that "Professor Paul" had been diagnosed with cancer in his neck. Today Paul returns to the podcast to discuss his mindset that "fighting solves everything" and how the strength he has built under the bar is helping him battle cancer. ...
Jul 01, 2019•34 min•Ep. 199
Matt and Scott are back with another round of Saturday Q&A. If you'd like to ask Matt and Scott a question, email questions@barbell-logic.com and we'll feature you on a future Q&A episode! Discounts Get club coaching from the skilled interns at Barbell Logic Online Coaching -- just $79 for your first month! Use the discount code TEAMCLUB at checkout. Limited to 30 spots so sign up now! Use discount code LOGIC to save 10% off microplates, dumbbell microplates, and more at Microgainz Use d...
Jun 29, 2019•21 min•Ep. 198
Coach Matt and Scott explore the fitness fatigue model on today's show. They have discussed the SRA model at length on the show -- go check out episode #144: Rethinking SRA and Post-Novice Programming -- and one thing is clear: to continue getting stronger, stress has to go up. We've got plenty of templates and models to organize programming in such a way to make this happen for the intermediate lifter, but as the lifter advances there is a practical hurdle to overcome, the management of fatigue...
Jun 27, 2019•34 min•Ep. 197
Coaches often note that the bench press is one of the easiest lifts to teach, probably because most people have done a bench press if they've ever set foot in a gym. After teaching the proper arch position, and identifying the correct grip, the execution of the bench press mostly takes care of itself. Yet there is one key to big benches that eludes many lifters -- the all-important leg drive. On today's show Coach Matt and Scott discuss the importance of leg drive and how to maximize it during t...
Jun 24, 2019•33 min•Ep. 196
Matt and Scott are back with another round of Saturday Q&A. If you'd like to ask Matt and Scott a question, email questions@barbell-logic.com and we'll feature you on a future Q&A episode! Discounts Get club coaching from the skilled interns at Barbell Logic Online Coaching -- just $79 for your first month! Use the discount code TEAMCLUB at checkout. Limited to 30 spots so sign up now! Use discount code LOGIC to save 10% off microplates, dumbbell microplates, and more at Microgainz Use d...
Jun 22, 2019•21 min•Ep. 195
To quote Rip, "it's common to want what we cannot have." And let's be real, we all want abs. Or at least a flatter stomach. Yet many of us approach the barbell as novices with a little (or a lot) extra body fat, leaving us with seemingly conflicting goals: get stronger, or lose weight? It is in fact possible to get stronger and reduce your waistline at the same time, however it takes proper nutrition, intelligent programming, and a realistic mindset about the length of time it takes to make last...
Jun 20, 2019•51 min•Ep. 194
For those that have walked the path and become strong, there are times when the weights go from challenging, to soul-searching, to world-endingly heavy, yet, stress must continue to increase in the quest for more strength. That's where the deload comes in -- a strategic, drastic reduction in load and volume to allow fatigue to dissipate and provide a much-needed psychologic break from heavy training. Whether it's following a meet, an advanced training block, or simply a phase of heavy training m...
Jun 17, 2019•40 min•Ep. 193
Matt and Scott are back with another round of Saturday Q&A. If you'd like to ask Matt and Scott a question, email questions@barbell-logic.com and we'll feature you on a future Q&A episode! Discounts Use discount code LOGIC to save 10% off microplates, dumbbell microplates, and more at Microgainz Use discount code LOGIC to save $10 off belts and more at Dominion Strength Connect With Matt Matt on Instagram Barbell Logic Online Coaching — Matt’s website Matt on Facebook Matt on Twitter Con...
Jun 15, 2019•21 min•Ep. 192
Matt and Scott talk with lifter and coach (and, recently, social media superstars) Miles "Smiles" Taylor and "Uncle" Nic Myers about Miles' incredible journey to the strengthlifting platform. Miles has cerebral palsy, a motor disability affecting his ability to control his body. Consequently, prior to discovering training he was very weak physically, but not mentally. Clearly Miles was determined to make the most of his body, and push himself to achieve more than others thought possible. Fortune...
Jun 13, 2019•34 min•Ep. 191