logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
1h 3m

January 2025 Instagram Q&A | ETP#180

Aaron Straker | Bryan Boorstein
About this episode

In episode 180 we cover our January 2025 Instagram Q&A. Per usual we kick off with some personal updates from ourselves. Then we dive into our Q&A. Topics this month range from training weaknesses, frequency, chest development, to defining a lean physique. Some lesser frequently discussed topics include fat loss strategies with insulin resistance, cardio training and its impact on hypertrophy, arm training, and lastly practical durations of bulking phases. As always, thanks for listening and for providing the questions for us to create these monthly episodes.

Timestamps: 

00:00 - Intro / Personal Updates

07:10 - If you have a weaker side, is it better to do a movement for the weaker side first and then match reps on the stronger side or to use rest pause to achieve reps equal to the stronger side?

14:39 - Hoping you can discuss training the same muscle group 2 days in a row. For context, I lift at home and am much more consistent if I do 25ish minutes 5 days per week than longer sessions less frequently. That typically means 2-3 movements per day. Although the movements don’t repeat 2 days in a row, the overlapping muscles do.

20:20 - My chest is my weakest bodypart despite training it 2x as much as any other. My main movement has been bench press where I’m decently strong 225x6, but chest still lagging. Ideas? 

26:06 - Do you use any metrics to figure out if an individual has enough muscle mass to maintain a solid, lean physique? Like a certain body weight for their height, certain strength standards?

31:50 - Can I mix protein powder and creatine in the same shake?

33:09 - Ways to achieve fat loss with insulin resistance?

39:53 - If your goal is to get as muscular as possible, what would your split be? 

47:42 - What is a good relative intensity for cardio that won’t hurt hypertrophy gains as much? 

50:26 - Frequency for arm training? 

55:09 - I’ve been listening to your podcast nonstop since I discovered it a few weeks ago. I am a decade plus lifter but just getting seriously into hypertrophy training. Anyways I know you’re a pro on home gym builds and equipment to value ratio. I can buy this hammer strength bilateral bench for like 650$. Is this a good machine?

57:59 - How long should one bulk for? Maintenance after the bulk or is cutting immediately ok?

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

Up next
Jul 1
June 2025 Instagram Q&A | ETP#193
In ETP193 we dive into a variety of topics from our Instagram followers for our June 2025 Instagram Q&A episode. We’ve got a 90 minute episode jam packed with 20 questions ranging from nutritional approaches, training specifics, to starting your own coaching brand.Advice if you w ... Show More
1h 25m
Jun 17
Aaron Recaps His First Show Experience | ETP#192
In episode #192 of Eat Train Prosper, Aaron takes us behind the scenes of his first bodybuilding competition. He breaks down the stages of his first peak week—from the depletion protocol and final carb-up, to the psychological grind of show prep and the critical role of structure ... Show More
1h 1m
Jun 3
Pre Steroid-Era Training Protocols - Part Two #ETP191
In Part 2 of Pre Steroid-Era Training Protocols, we keep the pre-steroid era lens on but bring it forward—pulling lessons from the past into how you can fine-tune your “now.” Rep schemes, recovery, fatigue management, and why progression models likely still need a bit of human to ... Show More
1h 11m
Recommended Episodes
May 19
Follower Q&A: Answering Your Biggest Questions | The HigherUp Podcast Ep. 48
Drop Your #stepcheck in the comments!Try Whoop free for one month: https://join.whoop.com/us/en/higherupwellness/Follower Questions:1. PindyCineda – Did you always know how to communicate / express your thoughts effectively?2. Stoooopiid – Tips to grow on social media platforms 3 ... Show More
39m 9s
Dec 2023
Q&A 1: Discipline, How to Build Endurance, How To Build Muscle Simplified | HigherUp Podcast Ep. 3
All Questions are typed below with timestamps so you can jump to what you want to hear. Drop your #StepCheck in the comments!! If you liked this episode, please like the video, drop a comment, and subscribe. I really appreciate it. 1. How do you build your way up to a 5k/10k? 1:3 ... Show More
42m 45s
Sep 2024
2433: The Muscle Building Value of Creatine on a Low Protein Diet, Good Pre-Workout Snacks, When to Lift With a Belt & Straps & More (Listener Coaching)
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin answer four Pump Head questions drawn from last Sunday’s Quah post on the @mindpumpmedia Instagram page.  Mind Pump Fit Tip: Here are three health habits I regret not starting in my 20s. (1:44) Ninja cream. (14:57) The education ... Show More
1h 12m
Oct 2024
2453: Three Things NOBODY Tells You About Gaining Muscle After 40 (Listener Coaching)
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin answer four Pump Head questions from the Sunday @mindpumpmedia Quah post. Mind Pump Fit Tip:  Three things NOBODY tells you about gaining muscle after 40. (1:53) Does your birth order play a role in your IQ? (21:14) Defining suc ... Show More
1h 23m
Feb 2024
2278: How to Use Supersets to Maximize Gains, the Best Exercises for Kids, Ways to Relieve Hip Flexor Pain & More
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin answer four Pump Head questions drawn from last Sunday’s Quah post on the @mindpumpmedia Instagram page.  Mind Pump Fit Tip: You are only as strong as your weakest link. (1:51) Sleeping is the MOST anabolic thing you can do. (9: ... Show More
1h 16m
Oct 2023
385: The Impact Of NSAIDs On Muscle Growth - Brandon Roberts
Brandon is back on the show to give you the low down on NSAID’s, do they help or hinder muscle growth? If you want to maximise your gains but have pain, how should you navigate use of NSAIDs? And what can we do to mitigate pain outside of using these drugs? Timestamps:00:00 Intro ... Show More
54m 35s
Sep 2024
2428: The Best Ways to Test Body Fat Percentage, the Benefits of Avoiding TV Prior to Sleep, Adjusting Your Training When Using a GLP-1 & More
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin answer four Pump Head questions drawn from last Sunday’s Quah post on the @mindpumpmedia Instagram page.  Mind Pump Fit Tip: Build muscle now, lose it, build muscle again much faster the second time around. (2:08) The motivation ... Show More
1h 22m
Aug 2024
2414: Cardio Vs. Weight Training for Fat Loss, How to Build Muscle as a Runner, Enclomiphene Vs TRT & More (Listener Live Coaching)
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom. Mind Pump Fit Tip: Here’s the truth about the carnivore diet when it comes to building muscle and burning body fat. (2:14) The motivation behind the podcast. (12:34) Changing the narrative around ... Show More
1h 51m
Aug 2024
2394: Tips for Adding Muscle Mass as a Hardgainer, Ways to Prevent Post-Ozempic Fat Gain, How to Prevent Injuries & More Listener Live Coaching)
In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom. Email live@mindpumpmedia.com if you want to be considered to ask your question on the show. Mind Pump Fit Tip: The BEST strength training workout for 85% of the population. (1:51) The role and ben ... Show More
1h 50m