3D Muscle Journey Podcast

Andrea, Brian, and Jeff conduct an audience-supplied Q and A session. Topics include maximizing muscle growth, how to track volume, what you can do if you're afraid of gaining body fat after your competitive season, and a lot more. Is there a way to tell if you're maximizing the rate you can build muscle or if you're putting on muscle slower than you could? How should you count volume from compound exercises? How should you count volume from myo-rep sets? Does one set of myo-reps equal one traditional set? Why might your weekly volume (in terms of sets per week) actually go *down* over your lifting career? How can you balance lifting with other forms of physical activity like running, cycling, basketball, and tennis? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 2:24- How to grow maximally versus slowly and how to tell the difference 13:07- How to balance lifting with other forms of physical activity like running, cycling, basketball, etc. 21:48- If you aren't working with a coach, how can you know if you're lean enough to stop dieting and ready to step onstage 35:35- How should you count volume from compound exercises? How should you count volume from myo-rep sets? Does one set of myo-reps equal one traditional set? 42:55- Why your weekly volume, in terms of sets per week, might actually go *down* over your career 51:26- Andrea and the coaches' advice on what you can do if you're afraid of gaining body fat after you finish your competitive season Selected Links From This Episode Team 3DMJ's Instagram Account- @team3dmj Team 3DMJ's YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/@Team3DMJ Team 3DMJ's Twitter/X Account- @team3dmj Personalizing Your Program (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/personalizing-your-program The Vault- https://www.3dmjvault.com/bundles/vip Pro Bodybuilder Case Study (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/pro-bodybuilder-case-study The Recovery Diet (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/the-recovery-diet 3DMJ's Website- https://3dmusclejourney.com/ THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #250: Q&A Session 25 appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

In this eye-opening episode, Eric and Steve do a deep dive on the risks of testing new supplements, how you can help ensure the supplements you take are high-quality, and the supplements they use and recommend. Along with discussing the effectiveness of various supplements, the coaches go through the research showing just how common supplement contamination really is. How beneficial are supplements? Why is there a risk of harm when testing new supplements? How are supplements regulated by the FDA? What is third-party testing? Is all third-party testing legit? How has Eric's mindset around supplement usage changed? What does the research say on beta-alanine, citrulline malate, creatine, caffeine, and BCAAS in regard to their effect on hypertrophy and strength? What supplements do Eric and Steve use and recommend? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 1:00- Steve's training on the use and role of supplements in our diet 6:57- What's the harm of testing supplements? 16:49- How supplements are or aren't regulated 19:57- Third-party-tested supplements 27:26- Does the supplement improve the specific outcome you care about 36:31- What are licensed ingredients? 39:30- The supplements Eric and Steve take and recommend 45:22- Mercury poisoning 48:42- BCAAs 54:55- Supplements are marketed as more important than they really are 1:01:59- Protein spiking Selected Links From This Episode The Physique Photo Guide (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/physique-photo-guide 3DMJ Podcast Episode #158: Plant-Based Nutrition for Lifters- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jDGAxY0APM Monthly Applications In Strength Sport (MASS)- https://www.3dmusclejourney.com/mass Dietary Supplement and Food Contaminations and Their Implications for Doping Controls- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7466328/ Dietary Supplements as a Major Cause of Anti-doping Rule Violations- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8990797/ Steve's Website- http://stevetaylorrd.com Steve's Instagram- @stevetaylorRD Steve's YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfVYx4ck3pY275XlkiumGQ Steve's Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/stevetaylorRD Steve's Mailing List & Newsletter- http://eepurl.com/diZ6Gz THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #249: The Hidden Risks of Supplements appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Brad, Alberto, and Jeff discuss the weird and sometimes scary things that happen when we push our body to the extreme. The coaches share crazy things they have seen and had happen to them during prep. What happened to Jeff when he was vitamin K deficient during one of his preps? What is sleep eating and what are the potential causes? How did being too extreme lead to Jeff’s heart skipping beats and him having to take a month off of lifting and work? What else besides mysterious rashes and skin aches after refeeds have the coaches seen or heard about from athletes during prep? What are Brad's fears around prepping this year after not having prepped for 10 years? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 2:30- What happened when Jeff was vitamin K deficient during one of his preps 19:55- A time when Jeff's dedication and discipline were too extreme 28:43- You can do everything right and still have issues 36:26- Brad's fears around prepping this year after not having prepped for 10 years 46:02- Why Brad and Alberto want to prep this year 57:51- Final thoughts Selected Links From This Episode The Physique Photo Guide (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/physique-photo-guide The Vault- https://www.3dmjvault.com/bundles/vip Monthly Applications In Strength Sport (MASS)- https://www.3dmusclejourney.com/mass THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #248: The Extreme Side Effects of Contest Prep appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Brian, Jeff, and Brad discuss how to be compliant with your plan so you can achieve your goals. How do the coaches navigate food prepared by family when they're prepping? Do the coaches find it easier to eat the foods they really enjoy in small amounts or completely cut them out when prepping? How did Brad's perfect preps almost lead to him never competing again? How can you view hunger as a positive thing? What advice do the coaches have for those who want to compete, but are afraid to because conditions aren't perfect? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 1:53- How to navigate food prepared by family when prepping 8:46- The importance of a good setup 20:41- Have the coaches ever been perfectly compliant with their plan for an entire prep? 38:59- Things the coaches have seen that can lead to underreporting 43:46- Working with someone who is serious, but not that serious 52:46- Working with athletes who are overzealous 1:03:18- Lowering volume 1:06:32- Working with athletes who want to compete, but are afraid to because conditions aren't perfect Selected Links From This Episode Injury Reduction & Management Q&A Collection (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/injury THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #247: Why Do I Keep Cheating On My Plan? appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Jeff and Alberto discuss how they've helped and pushed each other, how they go about their bodybuilding differently, and how to get the most out of your bodybuilding journey. How long have the coaches been lifting? How does Jeff go about his bodybuilding? How does Alberto go about his bodybuilding? How do the coaches think they could benefit from the other's approach? Why might Alberto follow a meal plan during his next prep? Why is making sure your bodybuilding is internally rewarding so important? What else can bodybuilding do for you besides give you a good physique? The answers to these questions and more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 8:55- The more intrinsically rewarding you keep your bodybuilding the more likely you are to stick around 26:21- The things bodybuilding helped the coaches figure out about themselves and correct 38:31- Why Alberto wants to continue competing Selected Links From This Episode Injury Reduction & Management Q&A Collection (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/injury Monthly Applications In Strength Sport (MASS)- https://www.3dmusclejourney.com/mass THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #246: What You Actually Need From Bodybuilding appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Brian, Brad, and Alberto discuss why getting yourself in a good position to prep is so important, what a good starting position looks like, and what they are currently doing to prepare for their 2024 season. Why are the coaches planning and preparing for the stage a year out? What are Brad, Brian, and Alberto's plans for their 2024 season? How far above stage weight do the coaches recommend starting prep? Ideally, as you get closer to the stage, should you be losing more or less weight per week compared to when you were further away? Is it possible to spread a season out too far? What new strategies are the coaches thinking about incorporating in their upcoming prep? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 3:28- What Brad is doing to prepare for his 2024 season 8:42- Brian's plan for his 2024 season 12:08- Alberto's plan for his 2024 season 14:56- The importance of getting yourself in a good position to start prep 35:00- The goal is not to empty the tank 37:23- Do the coaches plan on competing more often now that they're more experienced? 41:50- New strategies the coaches are thinking about incorporating in their upcoming prep 58:53- Advice for those prepping in 2024 Selected Links From This Episode Prep Positioning (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/prep-positioning The Default Diet (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/default-diet The Vault- https://www.3dmjvault.com/bundles/vip THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #245: 3 Pro Bodybuilders: 1 Year Out appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Brad, Eric, and Alberto discuss how as a bodybuilder becomes more ingrained in the bodybuilding lifestyle, the structure of their contest preps and the structure of their offseasons start to become more and more similar. What did Eric and Alberto's offseasons look like 10+ years ago compared to what they look like now? How does understanding macros work synergistically with having a meal plan? How can you tell if you have a solid structure and if it's working? Where is a good place to start when setting up your default diet? How might variations and amounts of foods change depending on what kind of phase you're in? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 2:51- Where is a good place to start when building your default diet? 6:17- What Eric and Alberto's offseasons looked like 10+ years ago compared to what they look like now 16:43- Brad's thoughts on the importance of having structure 22:22- How you can tell if you have a solid structure and if it's working 26:05- Does Alberto focus on establishing a good structure when he is working with someone who hasn't competed yet or is a first-time competitor? 35:23- What your plate should look like 42:07- Understanding macros works synergistically with having a meal plan 53:11- Recovery phases should get easier over time 55:49- Practical takeaways Selected Links From This Episode The Default Diet (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/default-diet The Vault- https://www.3dmjvault.com/bundles/vip THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #244: Your Default Diet appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Eric, Brian, and Nick have an in-depth discussion around purposefully altering range of motion to get bigger, stronger, and rehab an injury. Is more range of motion always better? How can one use isometric contractions to increase a joint's range of motion? What is neuromechanical matching? Do we need to get into the extreme end range of motion to get any benefit from training at longer muscle lengths? What strategies does Nick use to get injured powerlifters back on the platform? When and why might one modify their range of motion on the big three to enhance their performance? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 2:22- Is more range of motion always better? Does increasing range of motion guarantee a reduction in joint pain? 11:23- Modifying range of motion for powerlifting 23:25- Modifying range of motion for bodybuilding 39:18- Lengthened partials 1:06:19- Strategies Nick uses to get injured powerlifters back on the platform 1:16:03- Manipulating range of motion to enhance performance in powerlifting Selected Links From This Episode The Default Diet (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/default-diet Nick's Website- https://www.strengthtogetheronline.com Nick's Instagram- @nicklicameli Nick's YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAWFe5BmaJ_WFAh2aqsOg8g/featured THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #243: All About Range Of Motion appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Jeff and Eric discuss what they have had to do to continue to improve their physiques as advanced athletes. The coaches also share strategies other advanced athletes can use to continue making progress as well. What percentage of gains do the coaches feel like a person reaches after 5 years of lifting? What did Eric do between his last bodybuilding season and the one he is currently in to improve his delts? How much more progress does Eric think he can make now that he's 40? How did Jeff make the biggest changes in his physique as an advanced athlete? Why is the *majority* of Eric's training at this point done on machines? Does your testosterone really start decreasing in your 30s? What can you do to keep your testosterone from going down? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 6:40- Eric had to wait 3.5 years to see if what he was doing was working 13:08- What Eric did between his last bodybuilding season and the one he is currently in to improve his delts 27:56- How Eric is going to improve the muscles he wants to improve while keeping his joints healthy and managing overall fatigue 31:31- The importance of working on your posing 36:55- How Jeff made the biggest changes in his physique as an advanced athlete 49:59- How much more progress does Eric think he can make now that he's 40? 54:04- Experience gives you confidence 58:09- Why the majority of Eric's training is done on machines 1:00:55- Does an advanced athlete need to be in a large surplus to make progress? 1:10:23- Misconceptions related to age Selected Links From This Episode Bodybuilding Program Design (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/bodybuilding-program-design Coaching By Team 3DMJ- https://3dmusclejourney.com/coaching/ Monthly Applications In Strength Sport (MASS)- https://www.3dmusclejourney.com/mass THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #242: Improving As An Advanced Athlete appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Jeff and Alberto discuss common and unique scenarios they see when working with athletes. The coaches talk about how they work with athletes as well as motives and mindsets they like to see. Do the coaches normally add to someone's to-do list or take away from it? How is it beneficial to acknowledge that you have a breaking point? What is Alberto's mission with all of the athletes he works with? What are some of the negative consequences the coaches have seen when someone pushes themself too hard? Can a contest prep permanently change someone? What common mistake did Jeff make that significantly delayed his attainment of his pro card? The answers to these questions and more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 11:10- Taking things off people's to-do list 14:10- Helping people work on the things they aren't good at 20:38- The hardest athletes for the coaches to work with 29:36- The importance of being coachable 32:01- Competing for the challenge of the process and what you will learn 46:30- Final thoughts Selected Links From This Episode Coaching By Team 3DMJ- https://3dmusclejourney.com/coaching/ Bodybuilding Program Design (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/bodybuilding-program-design THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #241: What’s Our Coaching Style? appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Andrea, Brian, and Eric conduct an audience-supplied Q and A session. Question topics range from supplementation, to bulking, exercise technique, diet breaks, rest-period length, and more. Do you still get benefits from supplementing with creatine if you don't take it consistently? What is a good ratio of fat to muscle gained during a bulk? Does this ratio change as someone gets older? How long should a diet break be? What are the coaches' thoughts on using your heart rate to determine the length of your rest periods? What are the coaches' thoughts on training 7 days per week? The answers to these questions and more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 2:32- Do you still get benefits from supplementing with creatine if you don't take it consistently? How much of a difference does supplementing with creatine make? 14:49- What's a good ratio of fat to muscle gained on a bulk? Does this ratio change as someone gets older? 26:16- What is the highest number of compound exercises you should do per muscle group in one training session? 36:59- What are the coaches' thoughts on long-term gaintaining vs. bulk and cut cycles? 46:14- Romanian deadlift vs. Stiff leg deadlift 54:05- How long should a diet break be? 58:54- What are the coaches' thoughts on using your heart rate to determine the length of your rest periods? 1:04:18- What are the coaches' thoughts on training 7 days per week? Selected Links From This Episode Bodybuilding Program Design (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/bodybuilding-program-design 3DMJ Instagram Account- @Team3DMJ 3DMJ Podcast Episode #193: Programming Considerations- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dSXTO_5L8I&t=1s The Lifting Library (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/lifting-library 3DMJ Podcast Episode #239: How To Build Your Meal Plan- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DBpRR45blL0 Sustainable Fat Loss (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/sustainable-fat-loss THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #240: Q&A Session 24 appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Jeff, Alberto, and Steve discuss the benefits of having a plan, how they put together their weekly eating plans, how they help their athletes/clients build their weekly eating plans, and recommendations to consider when you're building your plan. What is the difference between new-age meal plans and old-school meal plans? How do the coaches help their athletes/clients develop a plan that works for them? How can you build a plan you enjoy and can consistently adhere to while at the same time make sure it makes sense from a scientific perspective? What is the role of snacks in a fat-loss phase? What is a strategy you can use to help make establishing new eating habits easier? How does Alberto adjust his diet when he's going from a maintenance or lean-gaining phase to a fat-loss phase? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 2:43- How Jeff and Steve build their weekly eating plans 24:52- The balance between building a plan you enjoy and can consistently adhere to while at the same time making sure it makes sense from a scientific perspective 28:14- The role of snacks in a fat-loss phase 33:00- A strategy to make establishing new eating habits easier 38:29- Establishing structure and new habits *before* starting a fat-loss phase Selected Links From This Episode Bodybuilding Program Design (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/bodybuilding-program-design Transitioning Away From Tracking (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/transitioning-away-from-tracking Strategic Snacking to Improve Performance & Adherence- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMhJ0lCW2us&t=1s Steve's Website- http://stevetaylorrd.com Steve's Instagram- @stevetaylorRD Steve's YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChfVYx4ck3pY275XlkiumGQ Steve's Facebook Page- https://www.facebook.com/stevetaylorRD THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #239: How To Build Your Meal Plan appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Brad, Brian, and Eric discuss who should and shouldn't cut weight for a meet, how to plan out your fat-loss phase if you need to run one, and strategies you can use to lose the last bit of weight needed to make weight. In the coaches' opinion, should novices cut weight? Why do we often lose strength when we cut? What is a good rate of fat loss per week when dieting for a powerlifting meet? Why do the coaches recommend getting within ~3% of the weight you're going to compete at at least 2-4 weeks before the meet? How do the coaches recommend organizing your calorie intake around your training? What is a low-fiber high-energy-density diet and how do you run one? How does water loading combined with fluid restriction work? What are the coaches' thoughts on using low-carb diets, spitting, and the sauna to make weight? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 1:40- In the coaches' opinion, who should and shouldn't cut weight 14:16- Why we often lose strength when we cut 17:02- How to plan your fat-loss phase 32:06- How Brad, Eric, and Brian have cut for meets 57:00- Strategies for making weight 1:17:32- Situations you would *not* want to water load 1:22:00- Recommendations on how to rehydrate after your water cut Selected Links From This Episode Coaching By Team 3DMJ- https://3dmusclejourney.com/coaching/ Gaining Strength While Cutting (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/gaining-strength-while-cutting Monthly Applications In Strength Sport (MASS)- https://www.3dmusclejourney.com/mass THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #238: Cutting Weight For Powerlifting appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Brian, Jeff, and Alberto discuss the things competitive bodybuilders and recreational bodybuilders can learn from each other. How do the coaches treat their competitive bodybuilders versus their recreational bodybuilders? What are the benefits of bodybuilding recreationally? Why does starting off bodybuilding recreationally tend to work out well? How do the coaches coach recreational bodybuilders that are a little too relaxed with the process? Who makes more progress in the long run, competitive bodybuilders or recreational bodybuilders? The answers to these questions and more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 2:25- How the coaches treat their competitive bodybuilders versus their recreational bodybuilders 13:22- Letting recreational bodybuilding naturally turn into competitive bodybuilding 29:13- Coaching recreational bodybuilders that are a little too relaxed 50:04- Who makes more progress in the long run, competitive bodybuilders or recreational bodybuilders? Selected Links From This Episode Coaching By Team 3DMJ- https://3dmusclejourney.com/coaching/ THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #237: What Competitors Can Learn From Non-Competitors appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Eric, Brad, and Amanda go over what post contest blues are, why they happen, and what you can do about them. Is it natural to have post contest blues after a show or after your season ends? When have Brad and Eric experienced post contest blues? What did they look and feel like for them? How can you prepare yourself or your athletes for the end of prep? How do Brad and Eric respond when one of their athletes is disappointed with their placing? What can you do to help you get past your post contest blues. How can accepting your situation be beneficial? The answers to these questions and more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 1:41- When the coaches have personally experienced post contest blues and when they've seen their athletes experience them 18:07- What post contest blues look and feel like for Brad and Eric 33:21- How the coaches prepare their athletes for post contest blues 53:31- How accepting your situation can be beneficial 1:06:23- Final thoughts Selected Links From This Episode Coaching By Team 3DMJ- https://3dmusclejourney.com/coaching/ Amanda's Email- amirizo027@gmail.com Amanda's Instagram- @rizo_amanda_ Monthly Applications In Strength Sport (MASS)- https://www.3dmusclejourney.com/mass THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #236: Post Contest Blues appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Alberto, Brad, and Brian discuss the things they think an athlete needs to know and have done before they do their first prep. Why is it important to have clarity on your motives and goals before you begin prep? What do the coaches like to educate their athletes on before they begin and as they go through prep? Should you expect prep to suck the whole time? Why is it important to let your loved ones know that you're prepping? What should you do when you don't have access to the foods you normally eat? How should you go about eating homemade food prepared by others when you're prepping? Is it okay to eat food prepared by others and drink alcohol during prep? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- What the coaches feel like an athlete needs to know and have done before they do their first prep 33:01- Make sure you know yourself 40:04- When you don't have access to the foods you normally eat and eating homemade food prepared by others during prep 52:11- Share but don't overshare 56:43- Prep doesn't need to suck the entire time 1:02:17- Final thoughts Selected Links From This Episode Prep Positioning (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/prep-positioning Monthly Applications In Strength Sport (MASS)- https://www.3dmusclejourney.com/mass 3DMJ Podcast Episode #228: Becoming A Self-Aware Competitor- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjuwhLyNaqo THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #235: Do This Before You Prep appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Brian, Jeff, and Alberto discuss the end of one's competitive bodybuilding career, why someone might choose to continue competing after their peak, and life after competing. When might you *not* want to compare yourself against yourself? Why did Alberto start bodybuilding and why is he still competing? What is Jeff's definition of a bodybuilder? What are sources of motivation for continuing to compete after you've hit your peak? Do you have to have a specific why all the time? Why is Jeff still competing? When will he know it's time to retire from competitive bodybuilding? What is he going to do after he stops competing? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 2:03- Your why for competing changes over time 13:53- The skill of focusing on the present 24:52- You won't have regrets if you know you reached your peak 37:00- Looking at prep as a game of refinement 40:11- Why Alberto started bodybuilding and why he still competes 44:34- Jeff's definition of a bodybuilder 46:57- Life after competing Selected Links From This Episode The Vault Quick Start Guide (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/quick-start-guide Monthly Applications In Strength Sport (MASS)- https://www.3dmusclejourney.com/mass THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #234: When Is Your Bodybuilding Career Over? appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Brad, Jeff and Nick discuss the benefits of making your training more efficient and how to do so. What strategies can you utilize to make your training more efficient? From a programming perspective, how can one incorporate a new strategy they are wanting to try? What gave Jeff a sense of security when it came to reducing the amount of isolation exercises he was doing? What is the difference between an efficient program and a minimalist program? In what scenario could switching to a minimalist program and rebuilding be beneficial? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- The coaches' thoughts on efficiency 18:06- High-quality sets, thinking long-term, and more is not always better 27:47- The benefits of being efficient with your training 36:49- Efficiency does not equal minimalism 40:14- How to get more efficient with your training 59:25- Making things outside of the gym more efficient 1:12:00- How to incorporate a new strategy 1:17:48- Switching to a minimalist program Selected Links From This Episode The Vault Quick Start Guide (Vault Course)- https://www.3dmjvault.com/courses/quick-start-guide Monthly Applications In Strength Sport (MASS)- https://www.3dmusclejourney.com/mass Nick's Website- https://www.strengthtogetheronline.com Nick's Instagram- @nicklicameli Nick's YouTube Channel- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAWFe5BmaJ_WFAh2aqsOg8g/featured THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #233: Is Inefficient Training Holding You Back? appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Eric, Brian, and Alberto have the most thorough discussion on the principle of specificity and how it applies to powerlifting that has ever happened on the podcast or any other 3DMJ platform. Why does the barbell bench press result in better pec development for some than others? Why does the barbell back squat result in better quad development for some than others? What is the purpose behind different variations of the big 3? What is varied practice and how can it help you become a better lifter? What is contextual interference and how can it help you become a better lifter? How much specific work (in terms of both load and volume) does a powerlifter really need to maintain or develop the motor control element of strength for a specific exercise? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 2:17- Specificity & Exercise Selection 22:42- Focus on what *you* need 29:48- Varied Practice & Contextual Interference 40:12- Where a novice and advanced lifter's time would be best spent 52:22- Longevity & Injury Rates 1:02:18- Summary Selected Links From This Episode Monthly Applications In Strength Sport (MASS)- https://www.3dmusclejourney.com/mass THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #232: Powerlifting: Beyond The Big 3 appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.

Jeff, Brad, and Alberto discuss everything you need to do and think about the day before and day of your show. What can you do to help keep your stress low the day before your show? How accurate are competition-day schedules? What tips do the coaches have regarding when and how to shave? What do the coaches recommend doing if your tan starts running or dripping while you're on stage? Does your demeanor on stage affect your placing? How should you deal with a placing you don't agree with? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode. Timestamps 0:00- Introduction 1:59- Show-day schedules aren't always accurate 13:29- How to keep stress low the day before your show 21:29- Shaving tips 29:19- Get a pump, don't train 31:28- Everyone is in the same boat 39:12- What the coaches do when they are in a situation where something is going wrong 42:21- Don't worry about your placing 54:54- Your demeanor on stage 1:06:34- Dealing with a placing you don't agree with Selected Links From This Episode Monthly Applications In Strength Sport (MASS)- https://www.3dmusclejourney.com/mass THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO OUR SHOW Over 95% of what Team 3DMJ publishes is completely free to the public. If you enjoy this podcast, our articles, our videos, or our courses, please consider becoming a patron of our work. Donate as little as $1 per month at this link : https://www.patreon.com/team3dmj To be notified of future episodes, please feel free to sign up for our email list newsletter here – https://3dmusclejourney.com/newsletter/ The post #231: Keeping Your Cool On Show Day appeared first on 3D Muscle Journey.