
#184 – Dr Eric Helms: A Masterclass on Strength Training & Building Muscle
In this episode, I sit down with one of the OGs of evidence-based fitness: Dr. Eric Helms — pro natural bodybuilder, published researcher, author of the Muscle & Strength and Nutrition Training Pyramids, and co-founder of 3DMJ.
Whether you're a coach, business professional, or just someone who wants to train smarter and eat with purpose, this episode covers everything from time-efficient training to volume thresholds, cardio’s impact on gains, and more.
What You’ll Learn:
Strength Training for Busy Professionals
What matters most: volume, intensity, or frequency?How many sets per muscle group per week is enough (and too much)?
Time-efficient supersets and how Eric fits 24 working sets into 56 minutesThe difference between 8x4 vs 4x8 (and how it impacts strength vs hypertrophy)How Eric warms up — and how long gen pop clients really need
How to structure sessions for optimal growth, performance, and recovery
How often should you really deload?
Does cardio impact muscle building? And what about doing it post-lifting?
How Eric is preparing for his next contest
What’s different about this prep compared to past ones
And much more!Connect with Eric & Adrian:
Follow Eric Helms on Instagram
Checkout The Iron Culture Podcast
Checkout 3DMJ Coaching
Follow Adrian McDonnell on Instagram
Checkout Adrian’s YouTube Channel
1:1 Online Coaching Application
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The Lifestyle Lifters Show
The Lifestyle Lifters Show is a weekly podcast focusing on all things related to fitness, nutrition and mindset.Hosted by Adrian McDonnell from McLifestyle Fitness, it is our goal to teach you how to optimise your health, performance and lifestyle by arming you with simple & sustainable strategies you can implement immediately.To stay updated, follow me on Instagram @McLifestyleFitness or checkout my website - www.mclifestylefitness.com
- No. of episodes: 189
- Latest episode: 2025-08-27
- Health & Fitness