Eat Train Prosper #216 is our May 2026 Instagram Q&A. We have 15 questions. Notable questions of likely interest are: a framework for peaking a physique for a photoshoot, Zone 2 cardio before resistance training producing better sessions (question mark), and how much of an effect on gains would being vegan/vegetarian have when done right?

A big thank you as always to all of you who provide us great questions for these episodes.

Timestamps:

00:10:04 - For DB Shoulder press, any advantage to the bench with a shorter back rest? 

00:12:29 - What is the general framework to PEAK someone for a photo shoot? 

00:20:18 - Having a hard time finding the literature on appropriate maintenance volume. Lifted 15 years and getting into BJJ at age 36. Want to maintain 3-4 lifts a week with 3 BJJ sessions 

00:25:27 - I work in an office and don’t have time to cook eggs in the AM. What are some good breakfast options for meal 1? 

00:28:33 - Thoughts on purely frontal plane adduction movements when programming for lats?

00:32:25 - What is the hardest part of moving back stateside for Aaron?

00:35:56 - Is Bulking and cutting really necessary? Seeing lots about recomp and no need to bulk… 

00:40:25 - Loved the episode with blood test results! Have you guys looked at AM cortisol? How does stress impact eating and training and physique? How can you improve the impacts of stress?

00:46:20 - I know there is a threshold of hunger regulation around 7k steps per day, but is there another threshold? I often hear about marathoners gaining weight but then often see triathletes or Ironmen racers losing weight despite eating everything. Could it be genetic? 

00:49:21 - I’ve been messing around with 6x/week torso/limbs split with 1 set to failure (6 sets per session). Seems to be making good strength gains, but wonder if 2x/week frequency (vs 3x per area) with higher volume per session would be better for hypertrophy? Thoughts?

00:54:10 - Been starting workouts with 20-30 min of Z2 before lifting and surprisingly feel I perform better, counter to what you always hear to do lifting THEN cardio. Have you ever tried this? 

00:58:00 - Eric Trexler recently spoke on RP pod about how muscle gain on TRT can be underwhelming. Can you perhaps share your own experiences around these statements?

01:06:18 - Do you (Aaron) think you’d ever bring on an assistant coach?

01:08:42 - How much of an effect on gains would being vegan/vegetarian have when done right?

01:11:15 - Full time dad, work 50+ (hours), never done a show. What is the best way to mentally block out hunger noise?

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