logo
episode-header-image
Oct 5
2h 4m

072 Why you’re probably reading hypertro...

Chris Beardsley and Jake Doleschal
About this episode

In this episode of Hypertrophy Past & Present, Jake and Chris start with a bizarre 1950s workout from Barton Horvath before breaking down how to actually understand hypertrophy research. They discuss what common measurements such as muscle thickness, cross-sectional area, EMG and strength testing really tell us, where they can mislead us, and why understanding the physiology behind a study matters as much as reading its results.

Key topics include:

  • Barton Horvath’s 1950s “unusual” routine
  • What researchers actually mean when they measure “hypertrophy,” and the differences between muscle thickness, cross-sectional area, muscle volume and muscle biopsies
  • What EMG can and cannot tell us about muscle activation, recruitment and exercise selection
  • What researchers actually mean by “recovery"
  • Why vertical jump performance can be more sensitive to fatigue than maximal isometric strength
  • The difference between a large numerical effect and a statistically significant effect

Want to train like a Silver-Era bodybuilder? Join our Hypertrophy Past and Present Training group on TrainHeroic.com

Up next
Sep 28
071 How to use AI to learn about hypertrophy
In this episode of Hypertrophy Past & Present, Jake and Chris start with a 1947 Steve Reeves workout before accidentally going down an AI rabbit hole. They discuss the difference between “evidence-based” and “science-based” thinking, and how AI can be used to understand research ... Show More
1h 32m
Sep 21
070 A 67 exercise upper body workout with Soren Lemrant
In this episode of Hypertrophy Past & Present, Jake and Chris welcome their first-ever guest, Soren, the “67-set upper day guy.” Soren takes us through his upper-body workout exercise by exercise, explaining the reasoning behind some of his more unconventional setups.Key topics i ... Show More
1h 48m
Sep 14
069 Evaluating a new hypertrophy model
In this episode of Hypertrophy Past & Present, Jake and Chris begin with Vern Weaver’s 1961 two-day-per-week routine, providing an interesting example of how effective training can potentially be structured around only two weekly gym sessions. The conversation then shifts into th ... Show More
1h 26m
Recommended Episodes
Apr 2017
046: Muscular Hypertrophy Mash-Up
Over the time, we've had some amazing guests on the show and we created a podcast episode in which we collected some of the most valuable lessons in regards to hypertrophy from the top guys in the industry such as Dr. Brad Schoenfeld, James Krieger, Mike Israetel & Eric Helms. T ... Show More
36m 38s
Feb 2025
#335 ‒ The science of resistance training, building muscle, and anabolic steroid use in bodybuilding | Mike Israetel, Ph.D.
tail spinning
2h 51m
Feb 2023
2012: Building the Perfect Workout Program to Hit Your Goals
In this episode Sal, Adam, Justin & Doug cover the birth and philosophy of MAPS Anabolic on its ten year anniversary. How the idea came for MAPS Anabolic. (2:04) Trusting the process. (6:46) How athletes trained before steroids. (7:53) Signaling to the body to build muscle. (12:2 ... Show More
51m 40s
Apr 2025
Essentials: Build Muscle Size, Increase Strength & Improve Recovery
In this Huberman Lab Essentials episode, I discuss how to build muscle strength and size (hypertrophy) and cover key training principles to enhance athletic performance and offset age-related muscle decline. I explain how the nervous system drives muscle movement, the key differ ... Show More
34m 20s
May 2025
Most Replayed Moment: The Science Of Building Muscle Faster With Smarter Training - Dr. Mike Israetel
Dr. Mike Israetel breaks down the science of muscle growth and how to maximize your gains. Whether you’re new or experienced, learn key hypertrophy principles, effective training frequency, and why you don’t need endless gym hours to see results. Plus, discover how muscle memory ... Show More
15m 57s