Iron Culture presented by MASS

Trexler and Helms step back from training specifics to talk about how science gets interpreted, communicated, and applied.

Trexler opens with two anecdotes that exposed a blind spot in his own communication — a one-minute clip of a talk on the Minnesota starvation experiment that drew online backlash, and a classroom tangent on macaque calorie-restriction research that a colleague worried could nudge students toward disordered eating — both cases where true, interesting science left too much room for misapplied conclusions. That leads into the academic-versus-applied distinction (when an idea is “ready for showtime”), what Trexler has absorbed from science communic...

Trexler and Helms dig into training frequency and hypertrophy, prompted by a wave of recent discussion and two new papers: a new original study comparing three weekly sessions of three sets against one session of nine, and a new preprint from an independent research team utilizing the openly available data from Pelland’s previously published meta-regression. They trace the long history of the frequency debate (including Helms’s own shifting position), review where the science had settled, and put the current online discourse and the reanalysis under the microscope. The back half turns practical: a state-of-the-science recap, higher frequency as a...

In this episode, Eric Helms and Steve Hall explore the nature of aging, the importance of self-awareness, and practical insights into nutrition and training for bodybuilders. 

They share personal stories, scientific perspectives, and coaching tips to help listeners optimize their health and performance.

Catch new Iron Culture episodes every Tuesday at 5:30 pm eastern time!

Be sure to use code "MRR10" for 10% off your order at elitefts.com

Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review

massresearchreview.com

Chapters

This episode looks at bodybuilding before steroids became widespread, arguing that the era is far more useful (and more complicated) than the usual “pure, simple, natty golden age” story. Drs Eric Helms and Conor Heffernan break down how strength sport, judging standards, gym access, and culture shaped physiques from the 1940s through the 1950s. The big takeaway is that early bodybuilding was not a direct comparison to modern natural bodybuilding. The sport was tied to Olympic weightlifting, evaluated with very different criteria, and influenced by training tools and social norms that changed the entire game.

Ca...

Bodybuilders are laser-focused on retaining as much muscle as possible while dieting, and for very good reason. In that context, the smallest details matter. But what about everybody else?

This episode explores a hot take on weight loss, lean mass loss, and why the usual fear of losing muscle may be overstated in the context of successful long-term weight loss. Drs Eric Helms and Eric Trexler break down what lean mass loss actually represents, how body composition changes in obesity differ from bodybuilding or weight cycling, and why the health benefits of sustained fat...

In this episode, Eric Helms and Eric Trexler share their current approaches to diet, training, and supplementation, emphasizing pragmatic strategies, individualization, and the importance of evidence-based practice. They discuss how constraints, habits, and intrinsic motivation shape their approaches to fitness, offering valuable insights for both athletes and everyday lifters.

Catch new Iron Culture episodes every Tuesday at 5:30 pm eastern time!

Be sure to use code "MRR10" for 10% off your order at elitefts.com

Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review

In this episode, Eric Helms and Steve Hall discuss training strategies, auto-regulation, the role of cardio in bodybuilding, and practical techniques for efficient training. 

They share insights from their recent training camps and personal experiences to help listeners optimize their workouts and recovery.

Catch new Iron Culture episodes every Tuesday at 5:30 pm eastern time!

Be sure to use code "MRR10" for 10% off your order at elitefts.com

Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review

massresearchreview.com

Chapters

In this episode, Eric Helms and Richard Collins explore the art and science of coaching, emphasizing the importance of motivation, rapport, and tailored strategies in achieving long-term success in fitness and bodybuilding. In this episode, Richard shares his extensive experience in physique sport coaching, mental performance training, and how athletes and coaches can optimize their mindset and preparation for peak performance.

Check out Richard's instagram (richard_collinscoach) to stay up to date with his work.

Catch new Iron Culture episodes every Tuesday at 5:30 pm eastern time!

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In this episode, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms explore the energetic cost of building human skeletal muscle, discussing recent research, practical implications, and misconceptions about muscle growth and energy expenditure.

Relevant papers:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31482093/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37914977/

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.08.17.745156v1.full.pdf

Catch new Iron Culture episodes every Tuesday at 5:30 pm eastern time!

Be sure to use code "MRR10" for 10% off your order at elitefts.com

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Trexler and Helms dig into sleep and how it intersects with body composition and supplementation. They open on the sleep-and-lifting landscape, then work through the frequently cited 2010 study on insufficient sleep and fat loss, laying out its design and the details behind its dramatic-sounding numbers. From there they discuss what the broader literature does and doesn't establish, the acute effects of sleep restriction on power, skill, and pain perception, and observational data — including sleep patterns in hunter-gatherer societies and among elite athletes — plus the relationship between sleep duration and sleep efficiency. The back half turns to supplementation. They trace the...

Trexler and Helms dig into Helms's new MASS article, "Are studies on untrained lifters irrelevant to trained lifters?" It's built around a new umbrella review by Andy Fry and colleagues. The recurring internet claim is that most exercise research is done on untrained people, so a trained lifter is "built different" and the findings don't apply. The hosts unpack why that's mostly wrong. They start with the messy problem of defining how "trained" someone is. Then they discuss Fry's review, which reports that roughly 70% of resistance training study participants are sedentary or untrained, with fewer than 500 out of nearly 19,000...

In this episode, Eric Helms and Steve Hall explore the nuances of body recomposition, optimal bulking and cutting strategies, and the science behind muscle gain and fat loss. They discuss recent research, practical insights, and debunk common myths to help athletes optimize their training and nutrition.

Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review. Mostly because Helms and Trex are co-owners.massresearchreview.com

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...

A methods-focused episode about how muscle and body-composition measurements can mislead you when reading the research. The main event is a new Balshaw and colleagues paper concluding that ultrasound muscle thickness is a poor index of MRI-measured muscle growth. Trexler and Helms argue this shouldn't be read as "throw out all ultrasound research" — the real culprit is that muscle thickness is a crude one-dimensional snapshot with measurement error large enough to swamp the small changes seen in typical short studies, whereas MRI captures growth in more dimensions with better fidelity. They walk through why comparing across different dimensions and di...

In today's Q&A episode, the Erics work through a few listener questions. First they tackle upper/lower body imbalance — why lagging body parts usually call for improving training quality before adding volume, and why standout muscle groups can be maintained on surprisingly little work. Next is a long discussion on managing fatigue and exercise sequencing in high-frequency, non-traditional splits, including why the "48 hours between muscle groups" rule is more dogma than requirement and how to think about fatigue as continuous rather than categorical. The episode closes with a multifaceted question on REDs (relative energy deficiency in sport) — what it i...

The Erics sit down with bone health expert Dr. Lora Giangregorio, a professor of kinesiology at the University of Waterloo, to unpack what's actually known about how bone adapts to resistance training. The conversation covers why bone changes so slowly, the many sources of measurement error in DEXA scans, and why so much of the exercise-and-bone literature is underpowered and hard to interpret. Dr. G makes a central practical case: for building bone, the message shouldn't be "lift heavy" but rather "work hard." Emphasizing high effort over intimidating absolute loads lowers the barrier to entry, especially for older and...

In this episode, Steve Hall and Eric Helms explore the nuances of training, recovery, and the use of technology in bodybuilding. They share insights on managing recovery, the limitations of fitness trackers, and the importance of personalized approaches to training and nutrition.

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<...

Trexler and Helms open with an overview of the new MASS issue (body recomposition, a protein consensus paper, reverse dieting) and a powerlifting World Championships recap before diving into a rapid-fire listener Q&A. Along the way they tackle whether protein needs scale with training volume, the science behind a supplement that's been called "Nature's Ozempic," evaluating protein quality based on food labels, dieting while chasing endurance adaptations, protecting tendons and bone when shifting from powerlifting to bodybuilding, and the myths around rep ranges and muscle shape. The back half centers on GLP-1 drugs like tirzepatide — their surprising off-label ef...

In this Q&A episode, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms open with a recap of their trip to Norway and announce a new MASS partnership with AFPT International. They then work through a string of listener questions that end up forming a surprisingly cohesive arc: how much total daily energy expenditure actually varies between people, RED-S and low energy availability, what really drives satiety, and a deep dive into building or retaining muscle in a calorie deficit. The back half tackles body recomposition head-on, why the rigid "bulk vs. cut" mindset comes largely from competitive and enhanced bodybuilding, and...

In a monumental moment for the Iron Cult, OMAR RETURNS for a guest appearance.

In this episode, Omar Isuf and Eric Helms discuss the journey of creating the ambitious Iron Culture documentary, highlighting behind-the-scenes challenges, personal sacrifices, and the passion driving their project. They reflect on the collaborative effort, funding, and the cultural significance of their work, offering insights into the process of producing a self-funded, passion-driven documentary. In this episode, Omar Isuf and Eric Helms reflect on the impactful moments of their recent documentary, the evolution of the fitness community, and the importance...

Eric Helms and Steve Hall discuss training strategies, deloads, body image, and the cultural aspects of bodybuilding, sharing insights from their experiences and recent projects like the bodybuilding documentary.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Banter

03:00 Connecting with Omar and Rascal

05:58 The Essence of Bodybuilding and Community

08:49 The Documentary Journey

12:06 Philosophical Reflections on Sports

14:48 The Impact of the Documentary

18:06 Personal Stories and Connections

21:02 Final Thoughts and Future Projects

30:09 The Journey of Giving Back

33:23 Reflections on Life and...

Eric Trexler and Eric Helms recently found themselves in the middle of a debate about optimal protein intakes, all initiated by a social media post from Stu Phillips (a leading researcher in the area). In this episode, they dive into how that scientific discourse played out, the nuances of protein intake, and the implications for recreational lifters and bodybuilders alike. They discuss the complexities of scientific data interpretation, public messaging, and practical recommendations for optimal protein consumption.

If you're in the market for some new (ultra-high-quality) gym gear or apparel, be sure to use...

Back 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% d...

Join 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...

Join 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.com

Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review. Mostly because Helms and Trex are co-owners.

massresearchreview.com

Chapters

00:00 Intro

13:11 The Iron...

Join 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 Review

massresearchreview.com

If you're in the market for some new gym gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" for a 10% discount at elitefts.com

This 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" fo...

This 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...

In 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...

Join 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% discount

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Connection

02:09 Understanding Supplementation and Third-Party...

In 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...

In 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% discount

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Updates

08:16 The David Protein Bar Lawsuit

21:43 Labeling...

Editorial note: 

We recorded this episode on March 4. This is an important detail for contextualizing the timeline of events discussed in this episode, as well as our understanding of the matter at the time of recording. 

Since we recorded this episode, the paper discussed has been officially retracted. We will provide additional updates on this story as they become available.

Episode summary:

Join Eric Trexler and Eric Helms as they dissect the chaotic rollout of a controversial study on LDL cholesterol and lean mass hyper responders, explore issues in sci...

In this episode, Steve Hall and Eric Helms discuss the evolution of their podcast, the importance of community feedback, and the dynamics of online culture. They delve into personality traits that influence social media behavior, the misconceptions surrounding pop science, and the significance of evidence-based practices in coaching and bodybuilding.

Eric shares insights about his new role in academia and the responsibilities that come with it, while also exploring the 1% factors that can lead to success in bodybuilding. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on supplements, health practices, and the importance of being...

In this episode, powerlifter Kjell Bakkelund shares his journey, strategic weight management, and insights into longevity and performance in powerlifting. Discover how he overcame setbacks, optimized nutrition, and maintained motivation over a 19-year career.

If you're in the market for some lifting gear or apparel, please be sure to support our friends and save some money by using code "MRR10" for a 10% discount at elitefts.com

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

07:57 The Weight Cut Experience and Its Challenges

15:07 Strategic Deception and Preparation for Sheffield

20:20...

In this episode, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms explore a wide range of topics including the culture of bodybuilding, the impact of step counts on health, protein intake nuances, and the effects of various performance-enhancing drugs. They also address common misconceptions and recent research findings, providing practical insights for fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike.

Be sure to support us (and our friends!) by using code "MRR10" for 10% off your order at elitefts.com

Chapters

00:00 Intro

05:26 Who can claim to be a "Bodybuilder"

14:35...

In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss perpetually hot topics in the fitness and bodybuilding community, focusing on recent research findings related to training at long muscle lengths and the implications of muscle swelling on hypertrophy reserach. They explore the nuances of lengthened bias training, the importance of sampling variance in research, and the impact of muscle swelling on hypertrophy measurements.

If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to use discount code "MRR10" for a 10% discount at elitefts.com

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Have you noticed that real life fitness culture is awesome, but online fitness culture sucks?

Yeah, us too.

In this episode, the Erics discuss why toxic online fitness culture is the way it is, leaning on actual scientific research on which personality types are dictating discourse and driving engagement. The conversation ends with practical tips for strategically cultivating a better experience on social media platforms.

By the way - are you in the market for some fitness gear or apparel? If so, head over...

In this episode, Eric Helms and Steve Hall engage in a deep conversation about their experiences in bodybuilding, academia, and personal growth. 

They discuss the challenges of naming their podcast, the impact of ADHD on Eric's life, and the importance of critical thinking in the fitness industry. The conversation also touches on the concept of imposter syndrome, the black-pilled perspective on muscle growth, and the significance of maintaining a positive mindset in training. 

Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the value of process over outcome and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the pursuit of...

In this episode of Iron Culture, Dr. Eric Helms and Dr. Conor Heffernan delve into the rich history of fitness and physical culture, exploring how exercise has evolved globally and the impact of historical figures on modern fitness paradigms. They discuss the globalization of exercise practices, the marketing strategies that have persisted since the 1890s, and the importance of understanding fitness history to inform current practices. The conversation emphasizes the interplay between science and history in fitness, encouraging listeners to be curious and explore the past to enhance their understanding of the present and future of fitness.

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In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Helms and Eric Trexler discuss the recent changes to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs) and the implications of these updates. They begin by addressing the shift in their podcast schedule, emphasizing the importance of mental health and balance in their work. The conversation then transitions into a detailed analysis of the new dietary guidelines, highlighting the complexities of the process behind their formulation. Helms critiques the influence of corporate interests and the political landscape on the DGAs, while also acknowledging the positive aspects of the new recommendations, particularly the increased emphasis...