Episode Details

Think you know how to build muscle? In our third episode, co-host Martin Gibala does some mythbusting with two of the world’s most prominent experts in the science of strength development, co-host Stuart Phillips and special guest Dr. Brad Schoenfeld, a professor of exercise science at Lehman College in the Bronx, New York.

In addition to being a former bodybuilder and joining Stu on the ACSM strength position statement, Schoenfeld literally wrote the textbook on strength training. Together, Phillips and Schoenfeld use science and savvy to correct some of the resistance world’s most pervasive myths, including:

* Light loads don’t increase muscle size

* Train to failure to maximize muscular adaptations

* Short rest periods are best for hypertrophy

* Cardio kills gains

* Narrow post-exercise anabolic window of opportunity

Join us to discuss these myths and more in the latest episode of Exercise Science!

Have a listener question or an idea for an episode? Email us at realexercisescience@gmail.com

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LINKS

Exercise Science is everywhere @realexercisescience: Substack. YouTube. TikTok. Instagram. Apple Podcasts. Spotify. On X you can find us @realexscience.

Stu is everywhere, too, but mostly on Instagram and X. Follow him on TikTok to make him feel nice!

Marty just started his own Instagram. Give him a follow! He’s also on X!

Whoa Brad Schoenfeld is HUGE on Instagram! One of the best feeds out there for the up-to-the-minute science on strength training. Plus here’s his lab at Lehman College.

ACSM Position Statement on Resistance Training 2026

Brad’s textbook: Science and Development of Muscle Hypertrophy, 2nd Edition

Resistance Training Beyond Momentary Failure - Brad Schoenfeld, co-authorDivergent strength gains but similar hypertrophy after low-load and high-load resistance exercise training in trained individuals: many roads