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Do Muscles Compete for Growth?

September 14, 2026 · 43 min

Show notes

If you train your legs hard, could they steal gains from your upper body? In today's episode, we discuss a new study that put the idea of muscles competing for growth to the test by having one group train only their biceps and another train both their biceps and quads.

Did adding all that leg training leave fewer resources for the biceps to grow? We dig into the results, what they tell us about local versus whole-body factors in muscle growth, and revisit the old claim that training your legs first and then your arms will actually make your arms grow more.

Finally, we answer a question about how to approach leg training at 60, including exercise selection and building up your range of motion and training volume.

Timestamps:

  • 00:00 - Opening banter
  • 07:15 - Program of the week: Armageddon
  • 12:00 - Main course: Do muscles compete for growth?
  • 31:15 - Listener question: Any advice on leg training for a 60-year-old? I'm looking for both strength and muscle.

***

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You can also follow us on Instagram. You'll find Daniel at @strengthdan, and Philip at @philipwildenstam.

Become a part of our Reddit community here.

***

This podcast is brought to you by Styrkelabbet AB, Sweden.

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