Q&A: Exercise Selection, Fitness Testing, and Work-Life Balance

In today’s episode, Greg and Eric field listener questions about exercise selection for general strength purposes, testing protocols for overall fitness levels, vegan diets, optimizing exercise selection and execution based on anatomical principles, incline bench pressing, deadlifting on an uneven floor, and work-life balance.

 

SUPPORT THE PODCAST

Join the Research Spotlight newsletter: Get a two-minute breakdown of one recent study every Wednesday. Our newsletter is the easiest way to stay up to date with the latest exercise and nutrition science.

MASS Research Review (All subscriptions discounted from 11/21-11/28)

• Subscribe to the MASS Research Review to get concise and applicable breakdowns of the latest strength, physique, and nutrition research – delivered monthly.

MacroFactor

• If you want to learn more about our MacroFactor diet app, check it out  here.
• To join in on the MacroFactor conversation, check out our Facebook group and subreddit.

Coaching

• Get personalized training and nutrition plans from our expert coaches: Learn more here

Sponsors

• BulkSupplements: Next time you stock up on supplements from BulkSupplements.com, be sure to use the promo code “SBSPOD” (all caps) to get 5% off your entire order.
• Sports Nutrition Association: Learn more or become a member of SNA. The Sports Nutrition Association is dedicated to ensuring the sustainable prosperity of the Sports Nutrition Profession, and they offer a unique pathway to robust insurance coverage for your sports nutrition business.

 

TIME STAMPS

​If you were building a long-term program for someone who was interested in general, overall strength, which 3-6 exercises would you choose? (3:46)

For someone interested in general strength, fitness, and athleticism, what tests would you use to periodically assess their progress? Call it the “SBS Combine.” (16:41)

Eric mentioned on a recent podcast that he's now fully vegan. Aside from avoiding animal products, I'm curious about any changes he has made or differences he has noticed related to training and nutrition. (26:24)

What are your thoughts on the recent trend of “optimizing” exercises so as to “take advantage of anatomy” (33:07)

Is benching with a low incline (8-15 degrees) a suitable way to reduce strain on the shoulders while effectively targeting the pectoralis major and anterior deltoid? (48:24)

I deadlift on a platform with a 5% incline. It feels pretty awkward, and seems to be negatively impacting my training loads. Is deadlifting on an incline actually affecting my deadlift numbers, or is it just in my head? (59:12)

How do you guys manage work-life balance? (1:08:58)

MORE FROM THE SBS TEAM

• Work with a Stronger By Science coach: Get personalized training and nutrition plans and ongoing support from one of our expert coaches.
• Join the Research Spotlight newsletter: Our newsletter is the easiest way to stay up to date with the latest exercise and nutrition science.
• Join the SBS Facebook group and Subreddit.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

• Try MacroFactor for free: Use code SBS to get a 14-day free trial of our nutrition app MacroFactor. MacroFactor has the fastest food logger on the market and its smart nutrition coach adapts to your metabolism to keep you on track with your goals. Download it today on the App Store or Google Play.
• BulkSupplements: Next time you stock up on supplements, be sure to use the promo code “SBSPOD” (all caps) to get 5% off your entire order.
• MASS Research Review: Subscribe to the MASS Research Review to get concise and applicable breakdowns of the latest strength, phy