All protocols
5,340 protocols across every category, most recommended first.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsBody-Part Split
If training 5–6 days per week, split training further by body parts or movement categories.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsPractice Specific Lifts More Than Once Per Week
If improving strength in a specific movement like the squat is a goal, perform that movement more than once weekly because practice matters. If doing a lift twice weekly, one session can be lower-rep and the other moderate-rep.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsUse a Variety of Resistance Training Modalities
For muscle growth training, you can use barbells, machines, or dumbbells. Machines may be especially beginner-friendly.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsCompound Movements
Focus on compound lifts such as bench press, squats, and deadlifts.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsAuto-Regulated Rest Intervals
Rest based on readiness rather than rigid timing when possible. As general guidance: about 2 minutes for most exercises, around 3 minutes for demanding lifts like squats or deadlifts, and 4–5 minutes for one-rep-max-oriented strength work.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsCircuit Training
If you do not want to sit and rest, use a circuit structure as a better option than filler activities between sets.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsDrop Sets
Use drop sets as an optional finisher or time-efficient variation, especially on exercises more conducive to them such as biceps curls or leg extensions; not necessarily better than straight sets.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsMove the Weight as Quickly as Possible Under Control
During the difficult phase of a lift, try to move the weight as fast as possible while maintaining control; control the easier phase. Do not intentionally slow down either phase for hypertrophy or strength purposes.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsStandardize Technique Variables
Keep range of motion, tempo, and exercise execution consistent so progress in load or reps is meaningful.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsDo Strength or Hypertrophy Training Before Cardio
If strength or hypertrophy is the goal, perform resistance training before endurance work. If possible, separate endurance and resistance sessions by at least several hours, and avoid doing sprints before leg workouts.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsChoose Enjoyable Physical Activity for Cardio
If you prefer activities like tennis, bike rides, hikes, or pickleball, use those for cardiovascular fitness rather than forcing formal cardio sessions.
- ▶ 1DietNutritional Adjustments for Body Fat Reduction
For reducing body fat or fat loss, prioritize changing nutrition rather than relying on added cardio, Pilates, or ab work alone; nutrition changes are described as the more effective and efficient lever.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsTrain Even When Sleep-Deprived if You Can
There is no danger from training after getting 1–2 fewer hours of sleep than usual; performance may feel worse subjectively, but doing the workout is generally fine.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsGroup Fitness Classes
Use group fitness as an entry point into the gym; it provides social support, scheduled commitment, and exposure to movement patterns.
- ▶ 1DietEat Before Long Endurance Sessions
Before really long-form endurance training, it is probably wise to eat something beforehand to fuel the session.
- ▶ 1DietPre-Workout Meal Timing for Resistance Training
A meal like oats eaten immediately before a resistance workout likely will not be digested quickly enough to serve as fuel for that session, so pre-workout meal timing matters.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsTell Your Physician If You Take Creatine
Creatine can raise creatinine on blood tests; inform your physician so the lab result is interpreted correctly.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsAvoid Evening Training if It Disrupts Sleep
Some people should avoid evening training because it can disrupt sleep.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsMorning Training
May improve energy and productivity for the rest of the day for some people. If switching from afternoon/evening to morning training, expect an initial performance dip that should resolve within a couple weeks.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsBalance Training
Incorporate balance work into resistance training to help reduce fall risk and improve the ability to catch yourself. This can be done through unilateral exercises or movements like walking lunges.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsProgressively Load the Abdominals
If the goal is to hypertrophy the rectus abdominis, train it like any other muscle group with progressive loading rather than endless crunches.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsSingle-Leg Romanian Deadlift
Trains glute and hamstring on one side and can include a balance component. Use external support if needed for stability.
- ▶ 1ToolsBarbell Pad on Low Bar in Squat Rack
Place a barbell pad on a low bar in a squat rack to support the top of the rear foot more comfortably than a bench during split-stance work.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsDonate Blood
Suggested as a way to reduce excessive iron load; also framed as helpful because blood banks and hospitals need blood.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsAvoid Unprescribed Experimental Injections
Strong caution against getting injections of cells or other unproven interventions, especially from loosely regulated clinics; emphasized need for rigorous testing and trusted clinical oversight. Only use interventions prescribed by a clinician you trust.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsGrow a Home Garden
Guest says he has a vegetable garden and lots of fruit trees and tries to get food from his own garden; framed as a cleaner food source, though acknowledged as a luxury for many.
- ▶ 1DietOrganic Fruits and Vegetables
Host says he spends extra money on organic produce, while noting the evidence for major differences between organic and non-organic is mixed.
- ▶ 1DietSource Food from Local Farms
Presented as an ideal approach for cleaner produce.
- ▶ 1BehaviorsLongo Fasting-Mimicking Diet
Guest says he has tried Walter Longo's diet a few times; described as a five-day low-calorie fasting-mimicking protocol lowering intake to about 1,000 calories per day, then returning to normal eating, with a shift toward fat burning.
- ▶ 1SupplementsKetones During Long Fasts
Optional addition during 3-4 day medically supervised fasts; mentioned alongside water and electrolytes.