Episode 201 is our October 2025 Instagram Q&A and we are discussing various topics in our fitness, training, and nutrition space.

00:00:00 - Personal Updates

00:13:09 - Do you think someone can still get jacked following the health and longevity plan that you and Jordan laid out?

00:18:40 - Can you elaborate on the Beardsley and Jake theory on training each muscle at least 2x/week or else it’ll atrophy within 2-3 days? Eg you must train iliac, lumbar and thoracic lat EACH within the 2-3 day period.

00:23:33 - Which region of the traps do you think is most responsible for a more muscular look and do you think it needs to be trained directly, or will indirect work (such as rows) suffice?

00:28:13 - If I wanted to optimize muscle building, how much running or cycling is too much and may interfere with lower body hypertrophy?

00:33:52 - Are you still updating the Evolved blog?

00:35:22 - Do you think the hip abduction machine is the best way to train that function for hypertrophy?

00:37:49 - Do you still believe that in a deficit it is better to just do steps instead of proper cardio?

00:43:37 - Should you do unilateral exercises whenever possible if you have time? Any benefit to doing bilateral?

00:48:48 - 4 vs 5 days of training per week when weekly volume is equated? What do you think is the sweet spot for experienced lifters with decent strength?

00:50:53 - What is your current favourite exercise or physical activity, the thing you look forward to the most in your week?

00:54:20 - Heels elevated squats - What kind of stance? LIke narrow slant board? Cyclist squat?

00:55:47 - Can I do a trial of TRT just for a few weeks to see if I notice anything positive without ruining my natural production long term?

00:58:47 - What would be the minimum effective dose of cardio volume to not go backwards? Never been a big cardio guy, so just trying to be healthy.

01:00:55 - Do you have any direct experience or know anyone with experience with the Freak Athlete extension for quad/ham curl? If so, worth considering for the home gym?

01:02:54 - If you are natural, what would be the highest frequency of legs/glutes that you would do in a week (to recover adequately)

01:05:29 - How has the alternating lower/upper 3x/week been working for you?

01:06:46 - Is there such a thing as true weight loss resistance if tracking accurately?

01:10:54 - What’s the bare min for daily fat intake while cutting? Different for lifestyle vs competitor?

01:15:10 - Is there any benefit to finding and staying at the top end of the maintenance range?

01:16:44 - Stress, sleep and water. How much of a difference do they actually make on body comp?

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
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Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
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IG | @aaron_straker
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ETP 201 is a catch-up episode after our three-week hiatus, discussing personal life updates, including a wedding and house hunting in Utah. We dive into Aaron’s emotional experiences of the wedding day, and reflections on health and fitness post-wedding. We also touch on new training methods, goals, and future plans for the evolution of Bryan’s fitness programs, emphasizing the importance of enjoyment and movement quality.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome Back

02:43 Travel Adventures and Wedding Preparations

05:44 The Wedding Experience

08:26 Post-Wedding Reflections and Moving to Utah

11:15 House Hunting in Utah

13:40 Training and Gym Experiences

16:42 Health Updates and Future Plans

32:08 Optimizing Health and Longevity in Limited Time

36:10 The Five Buckets of Fitness

41:14 Creating a Balanced Training Program

46:38 The Importance of Enjoyment in Training

51:48 Personal Training Insights and Adjustments

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In milestone episode 200 we reflect on Aaron's first bodybuilding season, and Aaron shares insights on his experience. We cover Aaron’s Pro Show in Hong Kong, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned about nutrition and gear. The conversation also touches on upcoming life changes, including Aaron's wedding and plans for the future, emphasizing the importance of confidence and taking risks in pursuing one's passions.

Timestamps:

00:00 Celebrating Milestones and Reflections

09:22 Aaron's Bodybuilding Journey

18:20 The Pro Show Experience

26:53 Insights on Gear and Training

42:30 Upcoming Life Changes and Future Plans

50:56 Reflections and Advice for the Future

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In ETP199 we are talking how to most effectively transition out your bulk or gaining season and into your calorie deficit or shredding season. With the additional wrinkle of really pushing your deficit to achieve a truly defined lean physique. We address your psychological challenges, timing, and how to properly orchestrate deficits. Additionally strategies for maintaining training intensity while adjusting volume and finally highlighting the most common pitfalls to avoid during your cut.

Timestamps:

00:00 Transitioning from Bulk to Cut

12:12 Understanding the Psychological Transition

24:19 Timing and Strategy for Deficit

30:36 Setting Your Deficit Course

35:25 Achieving a Lean Look: Muscle vs. Body Fat

42:30 Training Adjustments During a Cut

49:13 Volume Reduction and Training Intensity

55:44 Common Pitfalls in Dieting and Cardio

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

Bryan shares his recent birthday experience and its impact on his training. Aaron discusses his upcoming pro debut and the challenges of weight management. The importance of personal goals in fitness and how they affect motivation. Brian's return to deadlifting after an injury and his training strategy. Aaron's experience with weight loss leading up to his competition. The significance of emotional well-being in training and competition preparation. Discussion on the practicality of different training methodologies. The impact of body weight on performance and health. Aaron's plans for post-competition training and lifestyle changes. Reflections on the balance between strength training and cardio.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

08:59 Training and Nutrition Plans

18:13 Preparing for the Pro Show

27:35 Post-Show Plans and Future Goals

31:28 Fertility Restoration and Personal Goals

33:19 Muscle Fiber Specific Training: The Beardsley Model

45:29 Balancing Training Approaches and Personal Goals

training, nutrition, bodybuilding, mens physique, weight management, mens fitness goals, strength training, active lifestyle

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In ETP197, we dive into a full-spectrum Q&A for August 2025. We catch up with a few personal updates, then tackle a range of topics. Technique, cardio planning, adjusting nutrition from labs, sleep strategies, protein intake, and current theories on intra-week atrophy. We explore the growing popularity of Hyrox and much more this month.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Personal Updates

00:05:38 - How deep should we go on a fly-type movement for the chest?

00:09:00 - As an avid runner, I’m having soft tissue issues and plan to switch to bike for a while. How should I go about creating a 3x/week cardio plan?

00:13:26 - Are you guys making any changes to your diet after reviewing your blood work a few weeks ago?

00:15:10 - What are your best tips for improving sleep and how bad would sleep have to be before you go explore alternative approaches, like sleep studies, exogenous hormones etc…

00:20:53 - I understand the whole 1g of protein per lb of BW thing, but does that change in a cut vs bulk? People say you can’t overeat protein but what actually happens?

00:25:06 - If I want to construct a program that has different movements for the same muscle group across 3 different sessions, how can I know I am training the same muscle fibers with these varied movements and not cause atrophy?

00:32:01 - If I wanna do the new Bryan’s program, are there swaps for home gym?

00:32:58 - How to approach single arm training when there is a strength discrepancy?

00:36:30 - What’s the obsession with Hyrox these days?

00:41:14 - When it comes to hypertrophy, how useful are really low reps, like sets of 2-3?

00:44:29 - After taking 8 weeks off due to a bad back injury, my strength came back rapidly and ultimately surpassed my prior levels. How?

00:47:11 - Any hypertrophy benefits to doing reverse hypers?

00:48:33 - 2x vs 3x frequency? Is 3x really worth it?

00:49:46 - What’s your next experiment?

00:52:29 - Is Hybrid training just old school strength and conditioning?

00:54:48 - Can you discuss who might benefit from using a weight vest?

00:57:44 - What could I expect from maingaining?

01:00:57 - What are your opinions on intensifiers like drop sets, rest pause, etc.

01:02:49 - Can you explain the difference between the lateral raises and the Y raise?

01:04:37 - What to adjust in a deficit when you start to lose muscle and gain some body fat according to an InBody?

01:08:35 - Ideal rate of change for a lifestyle client looking to lose fat and knowing when to make the calorie or cardio adjustment?

01:12:26 - Electrolytes for those of us that train in a hot environment?

01:14:25 - Ideal lean building phase rate of gain for an enhanced lifter's first cycle?

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In Eat Train Prosper #196, we talk with Connor St. Jean, a WNBF Professional Bodybuilder and Online Physique Coach, about his experiences in Natural Bodybuilding, recent competitions, and the particulars of contest prep. We discuss the evolution of natural bodybuilding federations, common misconceptions specifically about natural bodybuilding, and the importance of truly being in contest shape. Connor shares about prep pacing, cardio strategies, nutrition, and the psychological aspects of maintaining physique post-competition. We wrap up with the conversation with some input on movement quality, Connor’s tips for chest pressing mechanics, and his immediate future contest plans.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Introduction to Connor St. Jean

00:03:01 Connor's Journey into Bodybuilding

00:05:51 Natural Bodybuilding Federations

00:08:59 Misconceptions About Natural Bodybuilding

00:11:54 The Evolution of Conditioning Standards

00:14:50 The Balance of Conditioning and Muscularity

00:17:41 Insights from Recent Competition Prep

00:20:40 Cardio and Training Strategies in Prep

00:23:32 Nutrition Strategies for Contest Prep

00:26:36 Final Thoughts on Natural Bodybuilding

00:33:29 Managing Volume and Fatigue in Bodybuilding

00:42:10 Caffeine and Stimulant Strategies During Prep

00:53:44 Post-Show Recovery and Future Plans

01:00:16 Improving Chest Development Through Better Pressing Mechanics

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST

In ETP #195, we break down Aaron’s journey to earning his IFBB Pro Card. From the adrenaline of show day to the quiet low points that hit once you see your competition. We share exactly what went into Aaron's prep: the training, the posing grind, and the mental side of the equation that makes or breaks a successful stage outcome.

We follow this up with a deep dive into our most recent sets of blood work. Bryan walks through his latest lab results and some health markers he’s watching closely, and then Aaron pulls back the curtain on his own labs and how PED usage ties into the bigger health picture.

We wrap with some honest reflection on chasing elite goals without losing sight of longevity.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Celebrating a Milestone: Aaron's Pro Card Achievement

00:09:48 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Competition Day

00:20:23 The Art of Posing: Confidence and Technique

00:29:44 Blood Work Insights: Balancing Health and Lifestyle

00:31:01 Bryan’s Blood Work Review

00:31:08 Cholesterol and Cardiac Health Insights

00:35:00 Understanding Inflammation and CRP Levels

00:35:55 Blood Sugar and Insulin Resistance Concerns

00:39:01 Kidney Function and Creatine Impact

00:40:42 Thyroid Function and Hormonal Balance

00:43:42 Hormone Panel Analysis and Estradiol Levels

00:48:50 Complete Blood Count and Immune Function

00:51:13 Dietary Impact on Uric Acid and Kidney Health

00:53:46 Fatty Acids and Omega-3 Index

00:55:38 Vitamin Levels and Sun Exposure Effects

00:57:16 Aaron’s Blood Work Review

01:01:38 Reasons for Elevated Creatinine

01:05:26 Aaron’s Comically High Estradiol

Work 1:1 with Aaron ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/nutrition-coaching-apply-now/

Done For You Client Check-In System for Coaches ⬇️
https://strakernutritionco.com/macronutrient-reporting-check-in-template/

Paragon Training Methods Programming ⬇️
https://paragontrainingmethods.com

Follow Bryan's Evolved Training Systems Programming ⬇️
https://evolvedtrainingsystems.com

Find Us on Social Media ⬇️
IG | @Eat.Train.Prosper
IG | @bryanboorstein
IG | @aaron_straker
YT | EAT TRAIN PROSPER PODCAST