The Judd Lienhard Podcast

In this episode of the Judd Lienhard Podcast, Judd answers another round of listener questions covering one of the most misunderstood topics in fitness: how much training is actually enough? While social media has made minimalist workouts incredibly popular, Judd explains why the answer isn't as simple as "less is more."

He breaks down the relationship between training volume, frequency, intensity, and strength gains, explaining why beginners, intermediate lifters, and advanced athletes all require different approaches. While there is absolutely a point of diminishing returns, Judd argues that many people have swung too far in the opposite direction, believing they can maximize strength and muscle with the absolute minimum amount of work.

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⏱ TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:43 Does training get easier after 40?
00:02:28 Can 30-minute workouts actually build strength?
00:03:45 How training age changes your results
00:05:10 The ideal weekly training volume for muscle growth
00:06:08 Why fitness minimalism has gone too far
00:07:01 What Judd would tell his 25-year-old self
00:07:40 Mobility mistakes that lead to injuries
00:08:08 Why sprinting should never disappear from your program
00:08:45 The conditioning work Judd wishes he had done sooner
00:09:11 The Two-Five Method for beginner strength training
00:10:15 The five movement patterns everyone should train
00:11:40 Why women should lift heavier weights
00:12:45 How to structure supersets for strength
00:13:40 Why isolation exercises belong at the end
00:15:26 Are there exercises people should stop doing?
00:16:00 Why back squats aren't right for everyone
00:16:40 Better alternatives to forward lunges
00:18:24 The fitness metrics people obsess over too much
00:19:05 When strength stops being the priority
00:20:30 Why body fat doesn't define athleticism
00:21:55 Deadlifts vs. squats for back pain
00:24:10 Walking mechanics that improve your knees and hips
00:25:30 Why your feet should point mostly forward
00:26:20 How proper foot mechanics strengthen your arches
00:27:15 The connection between walking, glutes, and knee pain
00:29:18 Final thoughts
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This episode is brought to you by LMNT
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Most people believe progressive overload simply means adding more weight to the bar. While that can work initially, it's also one of the biggest reasons lifters eventually hit plateaus. In this solo episode, Judd explains why true progression involves much more than increasing load and how understanding every variable that makes an exercise difficult can help you continue building strength for years.
Judd breaks down his philosophy of progression, including why movement speed, range of motion, volume, fatigue, complexity, and exercise selection all play a role in long-term strength development. He also shares his preferred stepped progression model, why progression should always be paired with strategic regression, and how athletes and everyday lifters can identify the weakest links limiting their performance.
If you've been stuck at the same numbers in the gym, frustrated by recurring plateaus, or simply want to train smarter, this episode provides a practical framework for making consistent progress while reducing injury risk.
This episode is brought to you by David Protein
David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.
Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd
This episode is brought to you by LMNT
Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd
Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

In this Q&A episode, Judd answers listener questions covering recovery, athletic performance, injury prevention, progression, and the practical side of building strength for life.
Judd explains why scheduled deload weeks aren't necessary for everyone, how to recognize the signs of overtraining, and why understanding basic training principles helps you make better decisions than blindly following internet advice. He also shares simple ways to improve athleticism without overhauling your current workout routine and discusses how older lifters or those dealing with knee pain can continue building strength safely.
The conversation also covers Judd's biggest lessons from years of training, including the warning signs that often appear before injuries happen, why patience leads to better long-term progress, and how small adjustments to your training can help you stay healthy for decades.
Finally, Judd shares his thoughts on today's fitness industry: why the shift toward performance, longevity, and healthspan is a positive trend, and why many optimization hacks and influencer routines simply aren't realistic for people balancing careers, families, and everyday life.

This episode is brought to you by David Protein
David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.
Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd
This episode is brought to you by LMNT
Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd
Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

Want in-person coaching with Judd? Apply now for an invite to one of his 3-Day Training Immersions held at his private gym in Austin, Texas: 
https://us21.list-manage.com/survey?u=83e092c07ea55de8a86df56ea&id=e5872f62d4&e=*%7CUNIQID%7C*
Judd Lienhard sits down with Bert Sorin, CEO of Sorinex, to discuss what actually makes athletes better, why most coaches misunderstand strength training, and how elite performers think differently about training, recovery, and life.
Bert Sorin has spent decades working alongside the world's best strength coaches, collegiate athletic programs, professional sports organizations, military units, and Olympic athletes. Together, Judd and Bert explore everything from Olympic lifting and power development to coaching philosophy, parenting, leadership, and why chasing "optimal" isn't always the answer.
Judd and Bert explain why athletes often spend too much time trying to mimic sport inside the weight room instead of improving the physical qualities that actually transfer to competition. They discuss why chasing bigger numbers doesn't always make someone a better athlete and why coaching requires understanding when less is actually more.
Follow Bert:
https://www.instagram.com/bertsorin/
00:00:00 Introduction
00:01:45 Why Bert Sorin Became One of Strength Training's Biggest Influencers
00:03:27 Visiting Olympic Champion Valarie Allman
00:05:47 What Olympic Lifting Actually Measures
00:07:03 Summer Strong & Learning From Elite Performers
00:09:32 In-Season Strength Training for Olympic Athletes
00:11:02 Correlation vs. Causation in Sports Performance
00:13:20 Why Olympic Lifts Don't Build Athleticism
00:15:54 The Smarter Way to Program Power Cleans
00:17:23 The Biggest Olympic Lifting Technique Mistake
00:19:54 Why Rhythm Creates Better Athletes
00:22:23 Coaching Athletic Movement Through Rhythm
00:25:52 Touring Ways2Well & Recovery Technology
00:27:47 Military Intelligence, Hunting & Elite Performance
00:33:18 Learning From World-Class Specialists
00:36:44 The History of the Olympic Barbell
00:39:23 Why the Bench Press Became Popular
00:43:05 Why the Barbell Is Still King
00:45:43 Strength Training vs. Sport-Specific Training
00:47:31 The Real Goal of High-Performance Training
00:49:32 The Problem With Optimization Culture
00:52:04 Social Media, Authenticity & Validation
00:55:09 Raising Genuine, Confident Kids
00:57:23 Parenting Lessons They Learned Too Late
01:00:56 Fatherhood, Pressure & Emotional Intelligence
01:06:06 Why Every Parent Should Learn to Underreact
01:09:23 Training Kids Without Ruining Sports
01:12:16 Building Strong Young Athletes
01:16:01 Why Starting Sports Late Isn't Always Bad
01:19:08 The Case for Teen-Onset Athletic Development
01:22:16 What's Next for Sorinex
01:24:43 The Future of Strength Training Technology
01:25:49 Why Velocity Based Training Is the Future
01:28:15 Final Thoughts
This episode is brought to you by David Protein
David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.
Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd
This episode is brought to you by LMNT
Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd
Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥

Want in-person coaching with Judd? Apply now for an invite to one of his 3-Day Training Immersions held at his private gym in Austin, Texas: 
https://us21.list-manage.com/survey?u=83e092c07ea55de8a86df56ea&id=e5872f62d4&e=*%7CUNIQID%7C*
In this week's Q&A episode, Judd answers some of the most common questions from listeners about fitness, athleticism, strength training, longevity, and how training should evolve after 40.
What separates someone who's simply "fit" from someone who's truly athletic? Are there really bad exercises? How much training volume do you actually need? And what changes should you make as you get older?
Judd explains why athleticism isn't reserved for elite athletes, it's something every person needs to navigate everyday life with confidence, resilience, and strength. He also shares the three principles that should guide every training program: safety, consistency, and progression.
In this episode:
 Why training is different from simply working out 
 The biggest mistake people over 40 make 
 Why there are no universally "bad" exercises 
 The difference between fitness and athleticism 
 How to train for longevity and resilience 
 The three principles every training plan should follow 
 Managing recovery, inflammation, and life stress 
 Judd's philosophy behind the MASS Method
This episode is brought to you by David Protein
David Protein has the highest protein-to-calorie ratio of any leading bar in the market. David Protein Gold label has: 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar. And equally as important, this bar tastes delicious. Each bar features an indulgent, doughy texture, studded with satisfying chunks and airy crisps. Other bars are hard to choke down, but I often eat 2 David Protein bars in a sitting, they are that good. Try them for yourself.
Order here for free shipping on your first order: davidprotein.com/judd
This episode is brought to you by LMNT
Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd
Enjoyed this conversation? Consider sharing it with a friend. Subscribe, Rate, & Review to help us bring you more epic conversations. ⭐️🎧🔥