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Iron Culture presented by MASS

Iron Culture presented by MASS

By: Eric Helms & Eric Trexler
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About this listen

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.(c) 2024 Eric Helms Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Ep 373 - Does Bone Predict Hypertrophy?
    Apr 22 2026

    This episode begins with a discussion about the importance of scientific rigor in fitness research and science communication. After that, hosts Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss the relationship between skeletal structure and muscle growth, including whether or not your bone structure can predict how much muscle you gain in response to training or your maximum level of muscularity.

    Iron Culture is proudly presented by the MASS Research Review (massresearchreview.com)

    If you're in the market for some high-quality gym gear or apparel, be sure to support our friends at elitefts.com and use code "MRR10" for a 10% discount.

    Chapters
    00:00 Intro
    11:19 Expert Creep and Science Communication
    21:22 Responsibly Expanding Your Domain of Expertise
    31:42 Exploring Bone Structure and Muscle Growth
    32:51 Study Overview: Bone Characteristics and Hypertrophy
    41:13 Interpreting the results of a new study
    47:50 Methodological nuances
    58:30 Hypertrophy versus total muscularity
    01:02:48 Finding the right sport for your frame and bone structure
    01:12:23 Practical applications

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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • Ep 372 - New ACSM Lifting Guidelines
    Apr 15 2026

    In this episode, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms discuss the latest updates in resistance training research, the evolution of training principles since 2009, and practical applications for trainers and athletes. They explore key points from the new ACSM position stand, the importance of training frequency, volume, and specificity, and reflect on how scientific understanding has advanced over the years. In this engaging discussion, Eric Trexler and Eric Helms explore the evolution of training philosophies, hypertrophy research, and practical applications for lifters. They reflect on past training trends, dissect scientific findings, and share insights on optimizing workout strategies for strength and muscle growth.


    If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" at elitefts.com for a 10% discount


    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates
    07:37 The new ACSM Position Statement
    17:50 Overview
    34:47 Key findings
    37:44 The Impact of Training Frequency on Strength
    44:45 The Role of Volume in Strength Training
    59:12 Training For Hypertrophy & Proximity to Failure
    01:09:17 Eccentric Training
    01:12:57 How Perspectives About Training to Failure Have Changed
    01:19:08 The Role of Structured Training Programs
    01:25:06 The Evolution of Fitness Communities
    01:30:25 "Power Training"
    01:39:05 Wrapping Up

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    1 hr and 44 mins
  • Stronger Culture - The Mental Side of Bodybuilding Nobody Talks About
    Apr 8 2026

    Join us for an in-depth discussion with Steve Hall & Eric Helms on supplement testing, polygraph use in bodybuilding, sleep optimization, and the power of acceptance in training and life.


    This episode offers practical insights for natural bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts looking to optimize health, performance, and mental resilience.


    If you're in the market for some new lifting gear or apparel, be sure to use code "MRR10" at elitefts.com for a 10% discount


    Chapters
    00:00 Introduction and Connection
    02:09 Understanding Supplementation and Third-Party Testing
    08:04 Microplastics and Health Concerns
    09:58 The Importance of Third-Party Testing for Competitors
    15:59 The Risks of Supplements and Marketing Influence
    21:56 Polygraphs in Natural Bodybuilding
    30:06 Navigating False Positives in Polygraph Testing
    37:11 The Stress of Competition and Polygraph Testing
    38:45 Personal Struggles with Lifestyle Constraints
    40:59 Sleep Quality Challenges and Optimization
    43:41 Navigating Workload and Recovery
    45:01 Injury Management and Training Adjustments
    50:14 Mental Strategies for Performance and Recovery
    58:56 Acceptance and Its Role in Bodybuilding and Life

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    1 hr and 11 mins
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