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Hypertrophy Past and Present

Hypertrophy Past and Present

Written by: Chris Beardsley and Jake Doleschal
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A deep dive into the science of muscle growth. Hosted by Chris Beardsley and Jake Doleschal, this podcast explores hypertrophy training through the lens of pre-steroid era bodybuilding and modern muscle physiology.© 2025 Jake Doleschal & Chris Beardsley. All rights reserved. Exercise & Fitness Fitness, Diet & Nutrition Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • 054 Strength vs Hypertrophy: Is Powerbuilding the Solution?
    Jun 1 2026

    In this episode of Hypertrophy Past & Present, Jake and Chris analyse a Reg Park power-focused routine and use it as a starting point to discuss powerbuilding. The episode explores how lifters can structure training depending on whether they lean more toward bodybuilding, powerlifting, or a true middle ground.

    Key topics include:
    • Reg Park’s power routine from his Mr. Universe course
    • The difference between bodybuilding, powerlifting, and powerbuilding goals
    • How to modify a bodybuilding routine toward strength
    • How to modify a powerlifting routine toward hypertrophy
    • Why full body A/B routines may suit powerbuilding better than full body A
    • How Reg Park’s routine compares to a Chris and Jake's modern powerbuilding program

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • 053 Progression Models and the Truth About Progressive Overload
    May 25 2026

    In this episode of Hypertrophy Past & Present, Jake and Chris analyse a 1940s training routine from silver era bodybuilder George Eiferman, including his progression model. The episode explores how silver era lifters approached progression and how confusion around progression models has influenced the modern bodybuilding.

    Key topics include:
    • George Eiferman’s 1940s full body training routine
    • Why silver era bodybuilders often used wider rep range
    • Understanding progression as an input vs progression as an output
    • Why “progressive overload” is often misunderstood
    • Why strength gains naturally slow over time without indicating a plateau
    • The Hepburn progression model and why it works
    • How exercise selection influences practical rep ranges and loading strategies

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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • 052 Resting 2-3 minutes between sets isn't "optimal"
    May 18 2026

    In this episode of Hypertrophy Past & Present, Jake and Chris follow up last week's episode on drop sets by diving deeper into the physiology of fatigue and rest periods. Using an extreme high-volume routine from Serge Nubret, the episode explores why different exercises, rep ranges, and proximity to failure dramatically change the amount and type of fatigue that accumulates during training.

    Key topics include:
    • Serge Nubret’s ultra high-volume, short-rest training system
    • The four major fatigue mechanisms involved in strength training
    • Why “2-3 minute rest periods” may be an oversimplified recommendation
    • How exercise selection changes optimal rest periods
    • How clusters and reps in reserve reduce fatigue accumulation
    • Why stretch-position exercises are more sensitive to muscle damage and calcium ion accumulation

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    1 hr and 26 mins
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