In this episode of the Lift Podcast, Coach Harry breaks down progressive overload—the #1 key to muscle growth. While trendy training methods focus on lengthened partials, slow eccentrics, and advanced techniques, the truth is that 95% of your gains come from simply getting stronger over time. Whether you’re lifting for hypertrophy or strength, this episode clears up misconceptions and gives you a practical roadmap to progress efficiently.

Key Takeaway:

Progressive overload is the most important factor for muscle growth. It comes down to two things:

1. Lifting more weight than before.
2. Doing more reps with the same weight.
   That’s it. Not more sets, not slowing down reps—just increasing the challenge on the muscle over time. Stick to lower rep ranges (5–8 reps) to maximize strength gains and ensure faster, more efficient progression.

Call to Action:
If you got value, do me a MASSIVE favour and subscribe to the LIFT Podcast. We will never run ads here, so the only way this grows is through word of mouth.

If you want help to drop 5kg in the next 6 weeks and start putting on muscle FAST using science, send me a DM on Instagram with the word 'GAMEPLAN,' and I'll send you some details.

You can find my Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/harry_tmp/

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In this episode of the Lift Podcast, Coach Harry breaks down the concept of specialist training programs—what they are, why they work, and how to use them to overcome genetic weak points and build a balanced physique. Whether you're struggling to bring up lagging muscle groups or looking to optimize your recovery, this episode provides practical insights to help you tailor your training for maximum growth.

Key Takeaway:

A specialist program allows you to focus on weaker muscle groups by reducing volume on stronger ones, freeing up recovery resources and energy to enhance muscle growth where you need it most. For most lifters, 2-6 working sets per week can maintain a muscle, while targeted muscles benefit from higher frequency and volume. Specialist programs are especially useful for advanced lifters or those with noticeable imbalances.

Call to Action:

If you got value, do me a MASSIVE favour and subscribe to the LIFT Podcast. We will never run ads here, so the only way this grows is through word of mouth.

If you want help to drop 5kg in the next 6 weeks and start putting on muscle FAST using science, send me a DM on Instagram with the word 'GAMEPLAN,' and I'll send you some details.

You can find my Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/harry_tmp/

I post more exercise science made simple daily here!

In this episode of the Gym Basics series - Lift Podcast, Coach Harry dives deep into the topic of reps—debunking common myths, breaking down the science, and explaining the pros and cons of different rep ranges. Whether you're training for strength, muscle growth, or just trying to optimize your workouts, this episode provides a clear and actionable guide to understanding how reps influence progress.

Key Takeaway:

The ideal rep range for most people is 5–8 reps, as it promotes faster strength progression, builds muscle efficiently, and minimizes unnecessary fatigue. However, muscle growth can occur in any rep range as long as you're training close to failure. Prioritize form and technique to maximize gains and reduce the risk of injury.

Call to Action:

If you got value, do me a MASSIVE favour and subscribe to the LIFT Podcast. We will never run ads here, so the only way this grows is through word of mouth.

If you want help to drop 5kg in the next 6 weeks and start putting on muscle FAST using science, send me a DM on Instagram with the word 'GAMEPLAN,' and I'll send you some details.

You can find my Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/harry_tmp/

I post more exercise science made simple daily here!

In this episode of the Lift Podcast, we dive into one of the most debated topics in fitness: how many sets you should do to optimize muscle growth. Coach Harry simplifies the science behind muscle growth, explaining why doing too much volume can hinder your progress and how finding the sweet spot can maximize your results. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate lifter, this episode provides actionable insights to fine-tune your training program and grow muscle effectively.

Key Takeaway:
Optimal muscle growth happens when you balance stimulation and recovery. The research suggests 5-6 heavy working sets per muscle per workout, training twice a week, is ideal for most people. Avoid doing excessive volume, as it can lead to unnecessary fatigue and limit growth. Recovery is key to ensuring your body has the resources to build new muscle.

Call to Action:
If you got value, do me a MASSIVE favour and subscribe to the Lift Podcast. We will never run ads here, so the only way this grows is through word of mouth.

If you want help to drop 5kg in the next 6 weeks and start putting on muscle FAST using science, send me a DM on Instagram with the word 'GAMEPLAN,' and I'll send you some details.

You can find my Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/harry_tmp/

I post more exercise science made simple daily here!

In part two of the Gym Basics series, we dive into the cornerstone of muscle growth—intensity. Coach Harry explains why intensity is the most crucial factor for hypertrophy, breaking it down into practical steps for ensuring your training is challenging enough to yield results. From understanding velocity loss to recognizing the importance of technique as the foundation of your training pyramid, this episode equips you with the tools to elevate your gym sessions to maximize muscle growth effectively.

Key Takeaway:

Muscle growth depends on intensity, which is reflected in the slowing of your reps as you approach failure. Prioritize excellent technique first, then focus on training hard enough to see velocity loss during your sets. A grinder rep—where you’re pushing as hard as possible, but the movement is slow—is a sign you’re in the optimal range for hypertrophy.

Call to Action:

If you got value, do me a MASSIVE favour and subscribe to the Gym Basics Podcast. We will never run ads here, so the only way this grows is through word of mouth.

If you want help to drop 5kg in the next 6 weeks and start putting on muscle FAST using science, send me a DM on Instagram with the word 'GAMEPLAN,' and I'll send you some details.

You can find my Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/harry_tmp/

I post more exercise science made simple daily here!

In this episode of the LIFT podcast, we’re kicking off the Back to Basics mini-series, diving into the essential, yet often misunderstood, fundamentals of gym training. Starting with rest times, Coach Harry explains why they’re not as simple as they seem. He breaks down the science of optimal rest intervals between sets, covering how exercise type, individual recovery rates, and mental readiness all play a role. With a clear three-step framework, you’ll learn how to maximize your performance and results by mastering rest times.

Key Takeaway:
Rest times aren’t one-size-fits-all. Use the three-step framework—monitor your heart rate, ensure your target muscle is ready, and be mentally prepared—to tailor your rest for each exercise. By doing this, you’ll ensure every set is as effective as possible, no matter your fitness level.

Call to Action:
If you got value, do me a MASSIVE favour and subscribe to the LIFT podcast. We will never run ads here, so the only way this grows is through word of mouth.

If you want help to drop 5kg in the next 6 weeks and start putting on muscle FAST using science, send me a DM on Instagram with the word 'GAMEPLAN,' and I'll send you some details.

You can find my Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/harry_tmp/

I post more exercise science made simple daily here!

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the LIFT Podcast, we dive deep into the science and strategies behind pre- and post-workout nutrition. Harry explains how nutrient timing, glycogen stores, and the glycemic index play crucial roles in fueling your workouts and recovery. Learn practical tips for crafting the perfect pre- and post-workout meals, whether you train in the morning or later in the day, and discover how to avoid common nutrition mistakes that could hold back your performance.

Key Takeaway:

Nailing your pre- and post-workout meals is all about timing and balance. Prioritize fast-digesting carbs and lean protein pre-workout to fuel your sessions and support recovery. Post-workout, focus on replenishing glycogen stores and stimulating muscle growth with a combination of carbs and protein.

Call to Action:

If you got value, do me a MASSIVE favour and subscribe to the LIFT podcast. We will never run ads here, so the only way this grows is through word of mouth.

If you want help to drop 5kg in the next 6 weeks and start putting on muscle FAST using science, send me a DM on Instagram with the word 'GAMEPLAN,' and I'll send you some details.

You can find my Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/harry_tmp/

I post more exercise science made simple daily here!

In this episode of the LIFT podcast, we’re tackling one of the most common (and misunderstood) questions in fitness: What are the best exercises for each muscle group? Spoiler alert: there’s no single “best” exercise, but there are ways to evaluate and choose exercises that give you the most bang for your buck.

Here’s what we cover:

The Two Pillars of Exercise Selection:

• Overload capability: How easy and efficient it is to progressively overload an exercise.
• Lengthened position: Does the exercise effectively load the muscle when it’s in its lengthened state?

Breaking Down Muscle Groups:

• Chest: Why machines often outperform free weights for overload and stability.
• Back: The importance of stable rows and vertical pulling movements like lat pulldowns.
• Shoulders: Why cables and machines are superior for lateral and rear delt training.
• Arms (biceps & triceps): Exercises like preacher curls and Smith machine JM presses that tick all the right boxes.
• Legs: Why hack squats, leg presses, and seated hamstring curls are more effective than traditional barbell lifts for most people.
• Calves: The underrated importance of straight-leg calf raises and why seated calf raises miss the mark.

The Trap of Social Media Clickbait:

• Debunking viral “best exercise” posts and why flashy variations often don’t deliver results.
• How to evaluate exercises critically using the two key criteria above.

If you got value, do me a MASSIVE favour and subscribe to the LIFT podcast. We will never run ads here, so the only way this grows is through word of mouth.

If you want help to drop 5kg in the next 6 weeks and start putting on muscle FAST using science, send me a DM on Instagram with the word 'GAMEPLAN,' and I'll send you some details.

You can find my Instagram here: @Harry_tmp

I post more exercise science made simple daily here!