Lift For Life with Graham and Angus

Angus & Graham discuss the very emotive and controversial topic of ‘juicing’, ‘juice cleanses’ and ‘juice retreats’. They struggle to find evidence as to the efficacy of these activities, but give extensive detail on their impact on the digestive system, and other bodily functions. Nonetheless, consuming nothing other than juices for extended periods can impact a persons weight. The ‘Juice Master’, who has become quite wealthy, is highlighted.

Graham & Angus discuss barefoot running and the history of training shoes. Graham wonders if his new trainers have contributed to his recent calf injury, whilst Angus questions why he was diagnosed with ‘flat feet’ when he was younger, which contributed to knee pains. They also discuss the history of Nike, Adidas and how training shoe designs have adapted. A key conclusion is that we are all being too protective of our feet.

Graham & Angus discuss the disadvantages and advantages of online fitness apps, from the Nike Training Club to Strava etc. The lack of progressive overload is key, whilst community building can be a motivator. Graham also lists some surprising, and amusing. challenges that app users have faced in recent years, including President Putin’s security entourage.

Angus & Graham discuss whether continuing to exercise when ill is a good idea or not. They detail studies from international medical and academic institutions which suggest that not only can exercising accelerate recovery, but maintaining a resistance training regime can prevent illness from occurring in the first place.

In this week’s episode Graham & Angus discuss the vital power of carbohydrates in a weight loss and training journey. Carbs work in tandem with the other macronutrients, increasing absorption of protein and boosting metabolism. Despite this, carbs are often demonised by some who are persuaded by corporate marketing, without reading the science.

Angus & Graham discuss how anabolic steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) have had a deeply damaging impact on the fitness industry generally and weight training specifically. They also update their HYROX training programme. Graham describes all the different types of PEDs and their side effects such as testicular shrinkage and reduced sex drive. They discuss what Arnold Schwarzenegger said about the topic (he obviously took them himself). The growth of the heart muscle and liver damage are also discussed. Finally, Graham lists the multiple deaths that have resulted from PED usage.

Graham & Angus discuss the power of non-exercise activity thermogenesis and multiple easy lifestyle hacks to aid fat loss. Obesity is not just about appearance; it’s a serious medical condition that can lead to a host of devastating physical, emotional, and social consequences if not managed. Some basic health and nutrition education can help to prevent its onset.

Graham & Angus discuss how the gym is a force for positivity. Graham digs into scientific research on how positive and negative thinking affects your brain, your body and even your immune system. They also discuss how the community in the gym always seems to be upbeat.

Graham & Angus discuss training plateau. Graham feels that he was at a plateau for a decade, making no progress and being demotivated. It is in fact quite simple to escape such situations via adapting your programme, focusing on progressive overload, improving your nutrition, focusing on your weak points, and setting new goals. Arnold Schwarzenegger also discussed these issues and he used a training partner to help.

Angus & Graham discuss all aspects of calorie consumption vs calorie expenditure. Watching overweight people running to try and lose weight is so dispiriting. It won’t work and may just end up injuring them and cause long term démotivation. A much more successful process would be a proper study of their current diet and making small tweaks that could have an outsized impact. They can then start to slowly exercise.