Welcome to Petty University 101, the Season 3 finale of Muscles & Malarkey. 🎓

This episode started with one Instagram reel claiming that deadlifts are bad for you—too risky, too technical, too difficult to coach, and apparently only appropriate for powerlifters and strongmen.

Naturally, I had questions.

We're breaking down the actual conversation around deadlift injury risk, low back pain, lumbopelvic injuries, powerlifting injuries, technique, fatigue, and strength training—including how the squat, bench press, and deadlift compare.

We'll also tackle the argument that "pro athletes don't deadlift," why that's a terrible way to determine whether an exercise is right for you, and what good coaching actually looks like when teaching someone to deadlift.

You don't have to deadlift. You don't have to use a barbell. But you also don't need to be afraid of a movement because someone on Instagram told you it's dangerous.

Your training should serve YOUR goals—not somebody else's fear-mongering.

Class is in session. Welcome to Petty University. 😂

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What happens when your brain, body, and nervous system are all telling you to slow the hell down? 😂

Eric is back on Muscles & Malarkey, and this time we’re getting into the science of CNS fatigue, recovery, and performance—but without making it feel like a neuroscience lecture.

We kick things off with an update on Eric’s own training and his new goals, then dive into what the central nervous system actually does, what people mean when they talk about “CNS fatigue,” and how fatigue can impact your performance in the gym. We also talk about recovery, how to recognize when you might need to pull back, and whether there really is a way to hack your recovery and get more out of your training.

If you’ve ever wondered why you can feel exhausted even when you technically got enough sleep, why your lifts suddenly feel terrible, or whether you’re actually under-recovered—or just having a bad training day—this one is for you.

Your CNS called. It wants a nap. So maybe we should listen. 😴💪

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Email me at MusclesandMalarkey@gmail.com for any questions or feedback!
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This week on Muscles & Malarkey, I'm giving you a training update as I get closer to prep for my December powerlifting meet. We chat about recent PRs, exciting progress with my coach, Kim, and a huge personal health win that reminded me why consistency always pays off.

From there, the conversation shifts into some of the best lessons that came out of a weekend spent lifting with friends. We talk about the difference between pushing your limits and letting your ego take over, why recording your lifts is valuable (even without a coach), how the right training partners can completely change your gym experience, when it's okay to move on from a coach, and why trying a new gym—or even your very first workout—might be less intimidating than you think.

Whether you're chasing a new PR, just getting started, or looking for a little motivation to finish the year strong, this episode is a reminder that progress isn't just measured by the weight on the bar. It's built through consistency, community, and having the courage to keep showing up.

In this episode:

• Training updates and recent PRs
• Preparing for a December powerlifting meet
• Celebrating health wins beyond the gym
• Ego lifting vs. progressive overload
• The benefits of training with friends
• Knowing when it's time to move on from a coach
• Trying new gyms with confidence
• Setting meaningful goals for the rest of the year

Follow me on Instagram at MusclesandMalarkey.
Email me at MusclesandMalarkey@gmail.com for any questions or feedback!
Please share, rate, review, and subscribe. It really helps get the podcast out to more people!