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Mind Pump: Raw Fitness Truth

MindPump exposes the RAW TRUTH about health, fitness, nutrition and more... Hosts Sal Di Stefano, Adam Schafer & Justin Andrews pull back the curtain on the mythology, snake oil and pseudo-science that pervades the fitness industry and present science-backed solutions that result in increased muscular development and performance while simultaneously emphasizing health. No fitness institution or fitness "truth" is safe from their quick wit and over 40 years of combined experience in the fitness industry. Produced by Doug Egge. Find Mind Pump and the Mind Pump hosts on Instragram @mindpumpmedia, @mindpumpsal, @mindpumpadam, @mindpumpjustin & @mindpumpdoug and at mindpumppodcast.com. Get expertly programmed Mind Pump training protocols at mapsfitnessproducts.com
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Now displaying: February, 2025
Feb 28, 2025

In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin answer four Pump Head questions from the Sunday @mindpumpmedia Quah post.

  • Mind Pump Fit Tip: If you follow scientific studies to determine what to do for fat loss and muscle gain, STOP NOW! Consider these things first. (1:42)

  • The interesting side effect of customers who consume LMNT. (24:01)

  • Don’t be afraid of some germs. (26:24)

  • Encouraging signs when it comes to government policies on health. (31:09)

  • Sex and poor health correlation. (38:36)

  • The #1 predictor of child abuse. (40:11)

  • Why do people end up in divorce? (43:08)

  • Caldera is NOT just for men. (52:01)

  • #Quah question #1 – Do trigger sessions still send the signal to build muscle and speed up metabolism? (54:33)

  • #Quah question #2 – When should you consider "eating back" your burned calories? (57:54)

  • #Quah question #3 – Do you recommend any kind of break from training? (1:00:35)

  • #Quah question #4 – I have 3 consecutive days off a week. I want to try full-body workouts, but is training full-body 3 days in a row a smart idea? I currently do legs and biceps on Monday, chest and triceps on Tuesdays, and back & biceps on Wednesdays. (1:04:01)

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Feb 27, 2025

5 Steps You Can Take to Get Back into Shape Fast

  • 5 Steps You Can Take to Get Back into Shape Fast

  • #1 - Eat more protein. (1:30)

  • #2 - Lift weights (most days). (9:17)

  • #3 - Walk after every meal. (15:17)

  • #4 - Go to bed early. (19:07)

  • #5 - Hire a coach. (21:20)

  • Questions:

  • Why is the fail rate so high for getting back into shape? (24:50)

  • Is running a good way to get back into shape? (27:05)

  • Should I start my fitness journey with a long fast? (29:11)

  • What is the success rate for gym vs at-home workouts? (30:15)

  • I have a lot of weight to lose. Should I lose weight first then build or vice versa? (32:19)

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Feb 26, 2025

In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach three Pump Heads via Zoom.

  • Mind Pump Fit Tip: Here is the ONE strength-building technique NONE of you are doing that is killing your progress. (2:27)

  • The most important thing to consider when training your kids. (18:53)

  • Turbocharge collagen production in your skin with red-light therapy. (27:40)

  • Cluster vs. traditional sets. (29:17)

  • Shout out to Ben Bruno! (33:32)

  • Adam has a gift for numbers. (35:23)

  • Look out for parasites! (38:10)

  • The grossest thing you have dealt with as a parent. (41:14)

  • The ultimate scam artist. (47:29)

  • GHK-Cu benefits the skin. (50:55)

  • #ListenerLive question #1 – Are my workouts too long? I am averaging 2 hours. (54:04)

  • #ListenerLive question #2 – You guys always talk about ‘muscle memory’. Is there ‘fat’ memory? Would that explain weight gain and how easily people gain weight back? (1:06:51)

  • #ListenerLive question #3 – How would you help someone lose over 100lbs and get absolutely jacked? (1:14:39)

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Feb 24, 2025

Ranking the Top 5 Techniques to Maximize Chest Gains and Growth

  • Ranking the Top 5 Techniques to Maximize Chest Gains and Growth. (1:18)

  • Fight the negative portion PROPERLY. (1:34)

  • Drive hands together on all chest presses. (8:33)

  • Focus on the stretch on all fly movements. (12:14)

  • Rotate palms down for max squeeze. (15:03)

  • When putting your chest workout together, go in this order: upper, middle, lower, isolation. (17:03)

  • How would you rank them? (21:35)

  • Questions:

  • Does a big bench press equal a big chest? (24:12)

  • How many sets per week should I do for the chest? (26:56)

  • Should women worry about chest training? (31:10)

  • Are pushups a good chest exercise? (34:08)

  • Any chest training advice for those with shoulder pain? (36:41)

  • Can you please compare dumbbells vs barbells vs machines for the chest? (39:40)

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Feb 22, 2025
  • Mind Pump Fit Tip: Don’t get that surgery!!! You could be making a huge mistake! Consider and listen to these 4 factors to make a better decision. (1:51)

  • Static stretching combined with Brain.fm. (23:57)

  • TVs look A LOT different these days. (28:30)

  • The importance and value of maintaining exercise as you age. (29:16)

  • Life expectancy trends of different countries. (31:35)

  • Addressing the viral GLP-1 fear tactics. (33:46)

  • The powerful tool of having coaches in your corner. (43:19)

  • What’s more interesting than people? (44:32)

  • The evolution of gyms. (48:16)

  • Justin’s a workhorse. (51:02)

  • #ListenerLive question #1 – I’m stuck in this 4-day split routine and not seeing the results I want. Any advice on how to bust out of this rut? (57:12)

  • #ListenerLive question #2 – I am not seeing the physical results I’d like to after turning 40. Any advice on how to get out of this dad bod? (1:18:45)

  • #ListenerLive question #3 – Any wisdom you guys can offer on the next steps in my own training and coaching business? (1:31:19)

  • #ListenerLive question #4 – I got the gastric sleeve last year. Any recommendations on how to get more protein in? (1:40:55)

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Feb 21, 2025
  • Mind Pump Fit Tip: The pros and cons of group fitness coaching. (2:05)

  • How much exercise do you really need to build muscle? (23:50)

  • Sleep’s impact on an athlete’s performance. (28:31)

  • Big Food vs. GLP-1s. (37:04)

  • Don’t fall for this scam. (46:40)

  • An Eastern medicine approach to avoid waking up in the middle of the night. (48:43)

  • What prevents child predators? (53:39)

  • #Quah question #1 – You guys are always giving great advice on fat loss, but can we get some rapid-fire tips for the hard gainers? (56:01)

  • #Quah question #2 – How do I tell if a coach is worth the investment if the only option is online? (1:01:36)

  • #Quah question #3 – I've seen lots of ads for beef organ supplements for women. Is that something good for females? And if so, what is a good reputable company to go through? (1:03:55)

  • #Quah question #4 – What's your all-time favorite exercise to perform? (1:06:29)

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Feb 20, 2025

The 5 Secret Advantages of Old Experienced Lifters

  • The 5 Secret Advantages of Old Experienced Lifters. (1:34)

  • #1 - You can get the same or better results with lighter weight. (1:54)

  • #2 - Muscle memory. (10:32)

  • #3 - Keeping muscle requires far less work. (18:28)

  • #4 - The difference between you and your peers becomes massive. (24:22)

  • #5 - You know your body. (30:15)

  • Questions:

  • Can new/older lifters build muscle like younger lifters? (35:54)

  • At what age should someone stop lifting heavy? (38:51)

  • Are machines better for older lifters? (42:39)

  • How should an older lifter eat? (45:33)

  • What are the best supplements for older lifters? (47:00)

Related Links/Products Mentioned

  • Visit Meal One by Kreatures of Habit for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump listeners! ** 25% off your first purchase sitewide! Discount Auto-apply at checkout! **

  • Special Promotion: MAPS 40+ 50% off! ** Code HALFOFF at checkout. **

People Mentioned

 

Feb 19, 2025

In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach three Pump Heads via Zoom.

  • Mind Pump Fit Tip: The downfall of the fitness industry: DON’T listen to people who do these three things. (2:34)

  • The #1 benefit of personal training. (23:19)

  • Introducing MAPS Transformation. (27:27)

  • Why is poor sleep so common? (32:39)

  • The flaw in the recent Jeff Nippard strict vs. cheat curl study. (39:02)

  • How some people value how they look more than the way they perform. (41:26)

  • The recent cultural shift to patriotism. (46:30)

  • Why pure CBD sucks. (52:08)

  • #ListenerLive question #1 – How do I maximize muscle gain 11 months before my next competition? (56:36)

  • #ListenerLive question #2 – Do you have any suggestions for people working through your MAPS programs who experience chronic pain? (1:11:41)

  • #ListenerLive question #3 – How do I know if I'm training to failure or not? (1:19:17)

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Feb 17, 2025

If Someone Wants to Go from Dad Bod to Fit at 40, What Are the First 7 Steps They Should Take?

  • If someone wants to go from dad bod to fit at 40, what are the first 7 steps they should take?

  • #1 - Lift weights. (1:08)

  • #2 - Eat ONLY real food. (6:11)

  • #3 - Eat protein first. (8:20)

  • #4 - Eat veggies second for every meal. (13:18)

  • #5 - Get consistent sleep. (16:37)

  • #6 - Check hormones. (19:38)

  • #7 - Ignore scale and mirror, focus on health and performance. (23:25)

  • Questions (Diet, Training, & Lifestyle): 

  • How do I build a simple meal plan that helps me lose fat without feeling like I’m starving all the time? (26:06)

  • Do I need to completely cut out beer and junk food, or is there a way to enjoy them in moderation? (29:32)

  • What’s the best workout plan for someone in their 40s who hasn’t exercised regularly in years? (32:50)

  • How often should I train each week to lose fat and build muscle without overdoing it? (34:31)

  • Should I be lifting heavy weights at 40, or is it safer to stick with bodyweight exercises? (36:06)

  • I feel stiff and sore after workouts. How can I improve my recovery and flexibility at this age? (38:28)

  • How do I stay consistent with my fitness goals when work and family responsibilities take up most of my time? (40:29)

  • What’s the best way to involve my family in this fitness journey so I don’t feel like I’m doing it alone? (43:29)

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Feb 15, 2025

In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom.

  • Mind Pump Fit Tip: The top 5 plateau busters! (1:48)

  • Cheat vs. strict curls. Which are better for progress? (20:11)

  • Omega-3s can slow the aging process. (27:39)

  • Real vs lab-created shilajit. (30:29)

  • Creatine and head trauma. (34:54)

  • Cannabis legalization/rehab increase. (36:56)

  • Scary smartphone statistics. (48:56)

  • #ListenerLive question #1 – Is it bad to lift a Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) of 8 or 9 every time I workout? (52:53)

  • #ListenerLive question #2 – I’ve hit my protein target easily at 1600-1700 calories. However, I am not reaching the 2633 caloric target. Am I okay to continue or should I try to hit the 2633 target too? (1:06:04)

  • #ListenerLive question #3 – As an “athlete,” would I be good to just run Performance/Performance 15 forever? (1:12:20)

  • #ListenerLive question #4 – Do you think autoimmunity, Hashimoto's in particular, makes it difficult to build muscle? (1:20:40)

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Feb 14, 2025
  • Mind Pump Fit Tip: The BEST style of workout if you only have 3 days a week to try to burn fat, build muscle, and get lean. (2:05)

  • More ALARMING news on microplastics. (17:57)

  • Probiotics to improve the body’s immune system. (29:01)

  • Justin’s training philosophy going into his upcoming YouTube series. (32:15)

  • The startling progression of Sal’s bag and what’s currently in it. (42:30)

  • Mind Pump is looking for trainers. Apply today! (45:20)

  • Magnus Carlsen is a SPECIAL mind. (48:10)

  • Justin’s “Uncle Rico” moment. (53:21)

  • #Quah question #1 – What are the best mobility movements for someone sitting at a desk for 8+ hours a day? (58:45)

  • #Quah question #2 – I am training for a Hyrox, what MAPS program would be best for training? (1:03:10)

  • #Quah question #3 – My neck and upper traps are tight. Every time I try to do your mobility stuff like wall slides and handcuffs with rotation, it makes it worse. What should I do? (1:07:02)

  • #Quah question #4 – What’s the difference between prebiotics and probiotics? Should you be taking both? Thoughts on prebiotic sodas? Are they worth it? (1:11:34)

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Feb 13, 2025

STOP Trying to Go From 30% to 10% Body Fat & DO THESE 3 Things Instead!

  • The BIGGEST mistake people make when trying to do this. (1:08)

  • Changing your approach. (3:09)

  • STOP Trying to Go From 30% Body Fat To 10% Body Fat & DO THESE 3 Things Instead!

  • #1 - Get stronger. (5:47)

  • #2 - Get healthier. (9:50)

  • #3 - Change your relationship with food. (16:50)

  • Questions:

  • How many calories should I be eating to lose fat without starving myself? (26:59)

  • How do I figure out how much protein, carbs, and fat I should be eating? (29:29)

  • Do I need to completely cut out carbs to get lean, or is there a smarter way? (31:45)

  • What are the best foods to keep me full while I’m trying to lose weight? (34:04)

  • How do I deal with cravings? I keep wanting snacks even though I’m trying to stay on track! (36:07)

  • Does intermittent fasting really work, or is it just another fad? (38:50)

  • Is it okay to have a cheat meal every week, or will that totally mess up my progress? (40:59)

  • How do I stick to my diet when I eat out with friends or family? (44:44)

  • Should I be taking any supplements to help burn fat or build muscle while I’m dieting? (46:25)

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Feb 12, 2025

In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom.

  • Mind Pump Fit Tip: The top 5 fat-burning muscle-building superfoods. (2:22)

  • Aging spikes. (15:12)

  • A supplement with PROFOUND benefits as you age. (24:42)

  • Cannabinoids and their effect on sleep. (29:28)

  • Who are kids most likely to misbehave in front of? (36:13)

  • The product family members love the most. (50:48)

  • #ListenerLive question #1 – What are some ways I can get my legs to grow more muscle with the two months left I have in my bulk? (56:04)

  • #ListenerLive question #2 – Any training and diet tips for a larger athletic guy trying to maintain strength while optimally losing weight for better overall health? (1:08:57)

  • #ListenerLive question #3 – How do I balance the mental health benefits of exercise with the potential physical strain of overtraining? (1:19:51)

  • #ListenerLive question #4 – What should a year of training look like for someone who had never done less than 6 reps in the gym, until doing some MAPS programs, but wants to transition into powerlifting? (1:32:38)

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Feb 10, 2025

Why All Women Should Take Creatine

  • The four myths surrounding creatine and why all women should take it. (1:21)

  • #1 - Creatine makes you bulky. (3:38)

  • #2 - Creatine makes you bloated. (9:58)

  • #3 - Creatine makes you gain weight. (17:48)

  • #4 - Creatine is unsafe. (21:08)

  • Questions: 

  • Is there a best time to take creatine? (28:26)

  • Who should not take creatine? (28:59)

  • Does creatine cause hair loss? (30:01)

Related Links/Products Mentioned

 

Feb 8, 2025

In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom.

  • Mind Pump Fit Tip: Trying to lose weight? Avoid these 3 common “healthy” breakfast choices. (1:41)

  • What is the RIGHT way to perform a bicep curl? (16:40)

  • The more extreme a diet is, the louder its supporters are going to be. (27:15)

  • Ruining microwave popcorn for everyone. (32:58)

  • Justin’s bad morning. (37:58)

  • GLP-1s: A net positive or negative for society? (42:04)

  • Sal’s paradigm-shifting fitness tool. (47:25)

  • Saffron for depression and anxiety. (50:40)

  • #ListenerLive question #1 – I want to get to the next level but have hit a plateau. Any advice on how I should proceed? (55:46)

  • #ListenerLive question #2 – Can my body think that it’s not getting the proper rest and in turn feeling like a hostage state and survival mode? Could this be affecting my muscle and strength gains? (1:05:10)

  • #ListenerLive question #3 – I’m wondering about powerlifting specifically since it is overall strength that’s hitting each muscle group twice is it the best option? (1:18:24)

  • #ListenerLive question #4 – Can you speak to the spiritual benefits of exercise, specifically weight/resistance training? (1:24:32)

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Feb 7, 2025
  • Mind Pump Fit Tip: The MOST underrated hacks to enhance the fat loss effects of walking. (2:00)

  • Electrify your workout. (16:32)

  • Enter now to win a scholarship through Rock Recovery Center. (28:40)

  • The effects of reading. (29:27)

  • Kids say the darndest things. (33:06)

  • The dream of your kids following in your footsteps. (33:46)

  • The myth of not being able to live on a single income. (41:19)

  • Where do you spend the most time in your house? (49:54)

  • Homemade beef jerky hack! (54:04)

  • #Quah question #1 – What are your thoughts on colostrum? Seems like it’s getting popular and would love to know what you guys think and when/if you would find it useful. (58:10)

  • #Quah question #2 – How did the overhead squat assessment become the go-to for movement patterns and posture? What other assessments do you find to be valuable? (1:01:48)

  • #Quah question #3 – I'm a 48-year-old powerlifter. How can I keep my joints healthy so that I can continue lifting as long as possible? (1:04:31)

  • #Quah question #4 – How many years would you guys have stuck with this had you not been successful within a few years? (1:08:02)

Related Links/Products Mentioned

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Feb 6, 2025

Breaking the February Fitness Funk | Staying Motivated After January

  • Common reasons people drop off going to the gym in February. (1:13)

  • Five methods to solve the problem of staying motivated after January. (5:12)

  • #1 - Have an easy to commit to option. (6:36)

  • #2 - Change the style of workout. (15:18)

  • #3 - Make a more realistic commitment for time. (19:12)

  • #4 - Read/watch something fitness-related every day. (22:44)

  • #5 - Hire a coach. (27:08)

  • Questions:

  • If I reduce my training frequency, how much are my results going to slow down? (29:17)

  • Is doing a little really better than nothing? (31:07)

  • How do I know if a coach is good or bad? (32:31)

Related Links/Products Mentioned

  • Visit Eight Sleep for an exclusive offer for Mind Pump Listeners! ** Code MINDPUMP to get $350 off Pod 4 Ultra. Currently, it ships to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Australia. **

 

Feb 5, 2025
  • Mind Pump Fit Tip: Four steps to RADICALLY better skin in 30 days! (2:01)

  • Exercise vs. sleep. (18:16)

  • Will this new gym concept catch on? (20:43)

  • Youth and side hustles. (28:20)

  • The biggest mistake serial entrepreneurs make. (34:34)

  • Yet another great example of the body’s ability to adapt. (38:58)

  • How we as a county tend to let regulations get in the way. (40:42)

  • The future of AI. (46:21)

  • #ListenerLive question #1 – Will reducing my training limit my goals of building muscle and building my metabolism? (58:00)

  • #ListenerLive question #2 – Is it wrong that I sometimes perform exercises with my clients? (1:10:00)

  • #ListenerLive question #3 – Should I eat 130 grams of protein because that’s the weight the world thinks I should be? (1:26:23)

  • #ListenerLive question #4 – Would I be an appropriate client for your live webinars or coaching? (1:35:04)

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Feb 3, 2025

 5 Steps to Build a $10,000/month Fitness and Coaching Business in 2025

  • Fitness coaching is rewarding if you love fitness and people. (1:05)

  • Why is the turnover rate so high? (4:23)

  • 5 Steps to Build a $10,000/month Fitness and Coaching Business in 2025

  • #1 - Talk to people every day. (7:52)

  • #2 - Practice your presentation. (18:19)

  • #3 - Block 30 minutes a day for learning. (23:56)

  • #4 - Use social media properly (to support your clients). (29:45)

  • #5 - Use a mix of in-person and virtual is best. (35:11)

  • Questions: 

  • How much does the average trainer make? (37:36)

  • What kinds of clients are the best to get? (40:11)

  • What hours do trainers work? (42:08)

Related Links/Products Mentioned

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Feb 1, 2025

In this episode of Quah (Q & A), Sal, Adam & Justin coach four Pump Heads via Zoom.

  • Mind Pump Fit Tip: Top 3 signs you’re losing fat and NOT muscle. (1:53)

  • Are squeem’s becoming a trend again? (14:51)

  • Zoolander in real life. (22:01)

  • Fashion isn’t about what looks good, but WHO is wearing it. (24:34)

  • Who won the worst photo contest? (31:04)

  • A more appropriate route for fat loss for MOST people than GLP-1s. (32:57)

  • Will we see a change in pharmaceutical advertising? (36:43)

  • Vaccinations and neurodevelopmental disorders. (38:08)

  • Scary Apple wristband lawsuit. (44:59)

  • Fighting the urge when your kid shows an interest in something you love. (47:47)

  • The use of social media to build a fitness business has been misunderstood. (50:58)

  • #ListenerLive question #1 – I’ve recently switched over from CrossFit/competitive weightlifting to traditional strength training. Any advice on where I should go from here to keep up my peak fitness levels? (54:20)

  • #ListenerLive question #2 – Is my current programming too intense or unsustainable? (1:10:45)

  • #ListenerLive question #3 – Could my hypermobility be the reason I’ve been so slow to gain after being consistent for so many years, or is that just from my lack of food and overtraining? (1:28:03)

  • #ListenerLive question #4 – Any advice on how I look like a trainer and not like I need to hire one? (1:42:32)

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