The Proof with Simon Hill

Building muscle for longevity | Dr Brad Schoenfeld and Alan Aragon

65 snips
Feb 23, 2026
Alan Aragon, evidence-based nutrition researcher who simplifies protein and diet for trainees. Dr Brad Schoenfeld, hypertrophy scientist and former bodybuilder studying muscle and training. They discuss protein targets, recomposition versus surplus, effort and failure in training, recovery strategies, cardio-resistance balance, and practical training frequency to preserve muscle with age.
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ANECDOTE

Ninety-Year-Olds Gained Strength And Independence

  • Brad recounts Maria Fiatarone's classic study where 90-year-olds did leg extensions 3×/week for 8 weeks.
  • Results included ~150% strength gain, 50% functional improvement, and three participants walking unaided after the program.
ADVICE

Lose Weight Slowly To Preserve Muscle

  • Limit weekly weight loss to ~0.5–1% bodyweight to best preserve lean mass during dieting.
  • Alan says this roughly equals a 10–20% calorie deficit; more aggressive deficits raise risk of substantial LBM loss even with high protein.
INSIGHT

Rapid Lean Loss Can Drive Future Fat Overshoot

  • Repeated aggressive weight loss that strips lean mass can trigger compensatory fat overshoot and higher long‑term appetite.
  • Brad describes the fat overshooting and collateral fattening phenomena explaining why severe dieting can worsen body composition long-term.
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