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10 Gym Debates We Can't Settle

August 17, 2026 · 57 min

Show notes

In today's episode, we debate ten strength and fitness-related topics that science can't settle for us! How important are deloads really? Does exercise order matter a lot or a little? And will compound lifts really give you the best bang for your buck?

See the timestamps below for all topics. And please tell us what you thought about this episode format, since it's a bit looser and less formal than usual!

Timestamps:

  • 07:00 - Gym Debate no. 1: Machines vs free weights
  • 10:45 - Gym Debate no. 2: High vs low frequency
  • 16:45 - Gym Debate no. 3: Does perfect technique matter for hypertrophy and/or strength?
  • 22:00 - Gym Debate no. 4: How close to failure should most people really train?
  • 25:00 - Gym Debate no. 5: Are most people better off with fewer exercises?
  • 29:45 - Gym Debate no. 6: Does exercise order matter more/less than we think?
  • 33:45 - Gym Debate no. 7: Do compound lifts really give you 80% of the results?
  • 38:45 - Gym Debate no. 8: Would most lifters grow more from adding volume or from trying harder?
  • 42:00 - Gym Debate no. 9: Do deloads solve a problem that many lifters don't actually have?
  • 46:15 - Gym Debate no. 10: Would most people get better results if they consumed less fitness content? And, has training research really been a net positive?

***

Do you like what you hear so far? Please leave a five-star review in your podcast player. And hit that follow button!

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.

To support us, download the world's best gym workout tracker app StrengthLog here. It's completely ad-free and the most generous fitness app on the market, giving you access to unlimited workout logging, lots of workouts and training programs, and much, much more even if you stay a free user for life.

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