Food can have a dramatic effect on testosterone. Soy, for example, can soak up testosterone like a sponge. It increases levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which binds to testosterone and renders it inactive. The isoflavones in soy also bind strongly to androgen receptors, blocking free testosterone and even inducing estrogen-like effects in the body….
When it comes to building muscle, consuming too little or too much protein isn’t the answer—a moderate intake is best. Muscle protein is constantly being broken down and rebuilt. While certain factors can influence this rate, the body has a natural limit. Simply increasing the supply of raw materials (protein) won’t necessarily enhance muscle growth….
Liver tablets were once a staple among old-school bodybuilders, but their popularity faded toward the end of the 20th century. That’s unfortunate because this forgotten supplement offers powerful benefits for muscle growth and overall health. Liver is a true superfood, packed with nutrients that support performance and recovery. While most people shy away from eating…
I have hundreds of old muscle magazines tucked away in storage, but the one that started it all for me was the December 1985 issue of MuscleMag International, featuring Scott Wilson on the cover. I must have read that magazine every day for weeks. One of the standout pieces in that issue was an excerpt…
With food more abundant than ever, we should be thriving—but instead, many people feel lethargic, gain body fat instead of muscle, and suffer from chronic disease at increasing rates. Nutrition plays a key role in reversing these trends, and it all starts with a proper breakfast. Rethinking Breakfast You’ve likely heard the saying: “Eat breakfast…
A typical second or third meal of my day is a hearty salad. This “beast” of a meal delivers a balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates, covering all colors of the nutrient rainbow. It satisfies hunger, tastes great, and, as far as I’m concerned, a salad a day will keep the doctor away—provided the…
During an episode of The Motivation and Muscle Podcast Show, Brooks Kubik, author of Dinosaur Training Secrets, discussed how weightlifters in the 1930s and ’40s naturally gravitated toward high-protein, low-carb diets. Without modern nutrition courses or research, they relied on instinct. When they prioritized protein, salads, and vegetables, they felt better, looked better, and performed…
I hate to break the news, but in strength training, there’s really nothing new under the sun. Take the popular “10 sets of 10 reps” method. Most modern-day lifters were introduced to this system by Charles Poliquin in the July 1996 issue of Muscle Media 2000, but anyone familiar with Vince “The Iron Guru” Gironda…
I love studying the roots of the iron game, especially bodybuilding history. Over the years, I’ve written about many pioneers who paved the way for us—people like Harry Paschall, Peary Rader, Vince Gironda, and Arthur Jones. These were real training experts who knew their stuff. But when it came to nutrition, there weren’t many true…
One of my favorite TV shows was the Spartacus series on Starz, which ran from 2010 to 2013. The first season (Blood and Sand) and the six-episode prequel (Gods of the Arena) were fantastic. But in the second season (Vengeance), they introduced a new lead actor—one who didn’t have the type of muscularity you’d expect…