#400 Holly Baxter - Muscle Building: Volume, Frequency, and Intensity

#400 Holly Baxter - Muscle Building: Volume, Frequency, and Intensity

Author: Andrew Coates September 18, 2025 Duration: 1:04:28

Holly Baxter is a prominent evidence based coach and research communicator with a Masters in Dietetics, all while being a competitive IFBB Pro.

Holly joins me to deep dive into research and practical application of:

-Do we need to train to failure to optimize muscle growth

-Volume and muscle growth

-How many weekly sets do you need to grow muscle and to optimize for muscle growth

-Is one set per week enough for robust muscle growth

-Does training frequency matter

-Do squats, deadlifts, and other heavy compound lifts “thicken your core muscles”

-Self selection bias in body type and sport

-Do older women need more protein

-Plus how Holly manages to balance her coaching and competitive careers

-And much more

00:58 Training to Failure: Do We Need It?

01:52 Research Insights on Training to Failure

04:49 Experienced vs. Beginner Lifters: Knowing Failure

10:20 Effective Reps and Training Volume

12:16 Research on Training Volume and Muscle Growth

18:23 High Volume Training: Pros and Cons

23:11 Practical Advice for General Population

32:01 Exploring Training Frequency and Volume

35:17 Benefits of Full Body Training

38:42 The Debate on Compound Lifts and Core Thickness

49:22 Balancing Life and Competitive Training

01:00:17 Protein Needs for Older Women

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Andrew Coates hosts Lift Free And Diet Hard, a conversation grounded in the belief that strength and wellness are built on more than just routines. This podcast moves beyond quick fixes to examine the principles and personal stories that shape a sustainable, intentional life. You’ll hear from a variety of inspiring guests who share not only their expertise but also the real-world challenges and triumphs they’ve faced. The discussions naturally weave together the science of fitness with the practicalities of daily choices, offering a nuanced look at what it means to truly care for your physical and mental health. Each episode is designed to provide actionable insights you can use to navigate your own path, fostering resilience and confidence whether you're in the gym or the kitchen. By focusing on informed decision-making over dogma, the Lift Free And Diet Hard podcast becomes a resource for anyone looking to cut through the noise of wellness culture. Andrew facilitates these explorations with a focus on empowerment, ensuring every conversation adds a layer of understanding to the complex journey of building a strong, healthy life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Lift Free And Diet Hard with Andrew Coates
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