PodcastsHealth & WellnessIron Culture presented by MASS

Iron Culture presented by MASS

Eric Helms & Eric Trexler
Iron Culture presented by MASS
Latest episode

370 episodes

  • Iron Culture presented by MASS

    Ep 367 - Q&A

    2026/02/27 | 1h 21 mins.
    In this episode, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms explore a wide range of topics including the culture of bodybuilding, the impact of step counts on health, protein intake nuances, and the effects of various performance-enhancing drugs. They also address common misconceptions and recent research findings, providing practical insights for fitness enthusiasts and professionals alike.
    Be sure to support us (and our friends!) by using code "MRR10" for 10% off your order at elitefts.com
    Chapters
    00:00 Intro
    05:26 Who can claim to be a "Bodybuilder"
    14:35 Protein Intake and Muscle Protein Synthesis
    25:39 Soy Intake and Its Effects on Hormones
    31:10 Step count "limits"
    39:44 Clarification related to soy intake
    44:32 Trex research updates & Constrained Energy Expenditure Model
    56:50 Exercise energy compensation: natural vs enhanced lifters
    01:04:52 Hypertrophy and Proximity to Failure: Insights from Meta-Analysis
  • Iron Culture presented by MASS

    Ep 366 - New Studies: Long Muscle Lengths & Muscle Swelling

    2026/02/18 | 1h 16 mins.
    In this episode of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss perpetually hot topics in the fitness and bodybuilding community, focusing on recent research findings related to training at long muscle lengths and the implications of muscle swelling on hypertrophy reserach. They explore the nuances of lengthened bias training, the importance of sampling variance in research, and the impact of muscle swelling on hypertrophy measurements.
    If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to use discount code "MRR10" for a 10% discount at elitefts.com
    Chapters
    00:00 Intro
    04:39 Research Roundup: Lengthened Bias Training
    07:20 Study Findings and Interpretations
    10:24 Contextualizing Research in Fitness
    13:53 Incremental Improvements in Research
    17:10 Understanding Muscle Mechanics and Training Equipment
    23:23  Sampling Variance and Its Impact on Research Interpretation
    37:33 The Debate on Lengthened vs. Shortened Training
    49:20 New Insights on Muscle Swelling and Hypertrophy
    58:46 Understanding Muscle Performance and Recovery
    01:03:39 The Debate on Training Volume and Hypertrophy
    01:12:09 Wrapping up
  • Iron Culture presented by MASS

    Ep 365 - The Science Behind Toxic Online Fitness Culture

    2026/02/12 | 1h 7 mins.
    Have you noticed that real life fitness culture is awesome, but online fitness culture sucks?
    Yeah, us too.
    In this episode, the Erics discuss why toxic online fitness culture is the way it is, leaning on actual scientific research on which personality types are dictating discourse and driving engagement. The conversation ends with practical tips for strategically cultivating a better experience on social media platforms.
    By the way - are you in the market for some fitness gear or apparel? If so, head over to elitefts.com to support our friends and use code "MRR10" for a 10% discount.
    Chapters
    00:00 Intro
    6:58 IRL fitness versus online fitness
    17:33 Personality traits and states; types of narcissism
    21:51 Traits of influencers
    32:00 Traits of frequent posters/users
    35:44 How being on social media (transiently) changes personality states
    44:45 Skepticism versus cynicism
    54:51 Practical tips for strategically cultivating a better experience
  • Iron Culture presented by MASS

    BONUS - Confidence, Self-Doubt & Thinking Clearly in the Fitness Industry - Eric Helms & Steve Hall

    2026/02/02 | 1h 22 mins.
    In this episode, Eric Helms and Steve Hall engage in a deep conversation about their experiences in bodybuilding, academia, and personal growth. 
     
    They discuss the challenges of naming their podcast, the impact of ADHD on Eric's life, and the importance of critical thinking in the fitness industry. The conversation also touches on the concept of imposter syndrome, the black-pilled perspective on muscle growth, and the significance of maintaining a positive mindset in training. 
     
    Throughout the discussion, they emphasize the value of process over outcome and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the pursuit of fitness goals.
     
    If you're in the market for some lifting gear or apparel, be sure to check out EliteFTS.com (and use our code "MRR10" for a 10% discount)
     
    Chapters
    00:00 Podcast Naming Dilemma
    03:04 Personal Reflections and Mutual Respect
    06:03 Academic Journey and Self-Discovery
    11:47 Understanding ADHD and Personal Growth
    18:02 Imposter Syndrome and Its Impact
    32:47 Critical Thinking in the Fitness Industry
    37:54 The Importance of Self-Review
    38:21 Confidence vs. Imposter Syndrome
    40:16 Navigating Guru Culture in Fitness
    42:22 Critical Thinking and the Role of Gurus
    45:23 The Dangers of Blind Trust in Experts
    48:17 The Mixed Bag of Fitness Influencers
    49:42 Ego and the Quest for Clout
    51:39 Teaching Critical Thinking in Fitness
    53:32 The Journey of Personal Growth
    57:16 Debating Natural Muscle Growth Potential
    01:01:23 Understanding Individual vs. Population Data
    01:06:05 The Optimistic Bodybuilder's Mindset
    01:10:49 Pushing Limits and Personal Growth
    01:15:13 The Process Over Outcome Mindset
    01:20:54 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement
  • Iron Culture presented by MASS

    Ep 364 - The Evolution of Physical Culture (ft. Dr. Conor Heffernan)

    2026/01/27 | 1h 11 mins.
    In this episode of Iron Culture, Dr. Eric Helms and Dr. Conor Heffernan delve into the rich history of fitness and physical culture, exploring how exercise has evolved globally and the impact of historical figures on modern fitness paradigms. They discuss the globalization of exercise practices, the marketing strategies that have persisted since the 1890s, and the importance of understanding fitness history to inform current practices. The conversation emphasizes the interplay between science and history in fitness, encouraging listeners to be curious and explore the past to enhance their understanding of the present and future of fitness.
     
    If you're in the market for some lifting gear or apparel, be sure to check out EliteFTS.com (and use our code "MRR10" for a 10% discount)
     
    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back
    03:07 The Evolution of Fitness and Physical Culture
    05:50 Exploring Globalization in Fitness
    09:02 The Concept of a Global Body
    12:13 Historical Context of Fitness Practices
    15:04 The Marketing of Fitness Through History
    17:57 The Role of Historical Context in Modern Fitness
    20:59 The Innate Human Desire for Strength
    23:59 The Impact of Industrialization on Fitness
    26:51 The Controversies in Fitness History
    30:00 The Future of Fitness and Historical Lessons
    35:49 The Intersection of Science and Tradition in Fitness
    38:11 Understanding Historical Context in Bodybuilding
    40:29 The Evolution of Fitness Standards Over Time
    42:25 The Fluidity of Fitness: Adapting to Change
    48:13 The Role of Equipment in Shaping Training Outcomes
    53:12 Exploring Alternative Paths in Fitness History
    01:01:37 The Specialization Era: A Double-Edged Sword
    01:06:18 Curiosity and Engagement in Fitness History

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About Iron Culture presented by MASS

Iron Culture was started by Eric Helms and Omar Isuf as a means of exploring the world of physical culture and attempting to distill a unified philosophy of lifting and to help listeners find greater meaning from the iron. It's now hosted by Eric Helms and Eric Trexler, who repeatedly beg Omar to return as a guest. Iron Culture focuses on dispensing practical, useful information to the listener, bouncing from history, to philosophy, to contemporary lifting culture issues, to science. The format includes casual conversations between the two hosts on a variety of topics, discussions with a panel of experts and interviews with authoritative figures in the lifting community. Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review.
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