[@RenaissancePeriodization] Exercise Scientist Critiques Alex Eubank’s Training & Early TRT
Link: https://youtu.be/2FF3TfhxDaI
Short Summary
Here's a summary and key takeaway from the YouTube transcript:
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Number One Action Item/Takeaway: When starting Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT), begin with a conservative dosage (e.g., 100-150mg per week) and closely monitor blood work (testosterone levels) to optimize dosage for individual needs, rather than starting with a high dose like 200mg.
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Executive Summary: Dr. Mike reviews Alex Eubank's physique and training, focusing on chest, back, and shoulders. The video highlights Eubank's TRT journey and the importance of bloodwork in determining optimal trt dosage for individuals.
Key Quotes
Here are four quotes extracted from the transcript:
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"Anytime people with phenomenal bodies don't recognize genetics, h it's at least missing and at times disingenuous for them to think that like I just instantiated all of this." (This highlights the importance of recognizing genetics in bodybuilding success.)
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"If you're having qual 10 quality sets of chest every week, you are going to grow. It's probably true that for almost everyone, they are going to grow from 10 quality sets of chest per week. Are they going to grow the most? Probably not. Are more people going to grow more from 15 quality sets than 10? Yes, almost certainly." (This provides a practical and nuanced approach to chest workout volume.)
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"I think you do not have to do a dedicated pressing movement because if you are bench pressing consistently, your front delt's still going to grow. It's a lateral head is the one that's going to make you have that rounded shoulder look that from the front like someone looks at you and like you have like boulder shoulders. That's the lateral head." (This offers insight into shoulder development strategies, emphasizing the importance of lateral deltoid work for overall appearance.)
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"I got my testosterone results back. It was like two months into taking it and my testosterone results were way too high. They came back at like 1500 total tests." (This is the actual result the content creator was talking about and emphasizes the importance of monitoring levels and that starting dose may have been too high.)
Detailed Summary
Here's a detailed summary of the YouTube video transcript, presented in bullet points, focusing on the key information and arguments, excluding sponsorships:
Key Topics:
- Alex Eubank's Aesthetics: The video starts with a discussion of Alex Eubank's physique, specifically his aesthetic qualities (Dorito shape, shoulder and arm size, etc.).
- Chest Training Prioritization: Eubank's focus on incline movements for chest development is highlighted.
- Back Training Philosophy: Discussion on focusing on pull downs, heavy rows, and one-arm lat focused movements. Dr. Mike provides alternative back exercises.
- Shoulder Training: Importance of lateral delt development and various lateral raise variations are discussed.
- Alex Eubank's TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy): The core of the video shifts to a discussion of Eubank's decision to start TRT at 24 years old, the dosage he initially took (200mg/week), and the subsequent blood test results.
- TRT Ethics & Dosage: Dr. Mike provides his professional opinion on young people starting TRT and discusses the appropriateness of Eubank's initial dosage.
- TRT Adjustments and Current Levels: Eubank reports lowering his dose to 160mg/week, resulting in a more desirable testosterone level of 932.
Arguments & Information:
- Aesthetics Defined: Dr. Mike defines an aesthetic physique as one with a small waist relative to the upper back, pronounced shoulders, and large arms (the "Dorito" shape).
- Genetics Matter: Both speakers emphasize the role of genetics in achieving a good physique.
- Incline Bench Press: Eubank finds a 30-degree incline best for hitting the upper chest.
- Chest Volume: Dr. Mike suggests that 10 quality sets of chest per week will cause most people to grow.
- Pull-ups & Rows: Dr. Mike suggests light rows and pull ups for back workouts.
- Progressive Overload on everything is possible.
- Lateral Deltoids: The importance of lateral delt development through lateral raises for shoulder width is discussed.
- TRT at 24: Dr. Mike argues that starting TRT at 24 is justifiable if the individual has demonstrably low testosterone levels and isn't feeling optimal, despite his age.
- Initial TRT Dosage: Dr. Mike suggests a lower starting dose of TRT (100-150mg/week) is generally more appropriate than 200mg/week for replacement purposes.
- Individual Variation in TRT Response: It's emphasized that individuals respond differently to TRT, necessitating blood work monitoring and dosage adjustments.
- Eubank's TRT Level Adjustment: Eubank lowered his does because 1500 total test was too high. He landed on 932 total test after further adjustment.
Overall Tone:
- The video combines serious information with humor and banter between Dr. Mike and Scott.
- The analysis of Alex Eubank's physique and training choices is respectful and constructive.
- The discussion of TRT is balanced, addressing both ethical considerations and practical aspects of dosage and monitoring.
