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The GFY PodcastAuthor: Michael Bruno DC, ATC and Michael Stant MS, ATC, CSCS
We help people who are confused/ overwhelmed with healthcare understand it and give them helpful resources to "Go Fix Yourself" Language: en-us Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Episode 68: The Bilateral Deficit, "Chasing the Shake," and Women's Strength Anomalies
Episode 68
Wednesday, 3 June, 2026
Are you prioritizing getting "wiped out" in the gym over actual progression? In this episode, We sit down with Matt Jennings, a veteran personal trainer who started his business in New York City in 1993 and currently owns The Lift Gym in Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. Matt specializes in small group personal training for the 40 to 65+ demographic, focusing strictly on progressive, conservative strength training using the big lifts. The group dives deep into the mechanics of bilateral versus unilateral deficits, exploring why single-leg strength combined often exceeds the force production of bilateral exercises like the traditional squat. They also debate the pitfalls of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) classes, the brutal effectiveness of Mike Mentzer-style training to momentary muscular failure, and a curious anomaly about how women respond to sub-maximal lifting percentages. In This Episode, We Cover:The Bilateral Deficit: Matt explains why the total force production in a bilateral lift is typically less than the sum of an individual's unilateral capabilities. Stability vs. Strength: Why using a "kickstand" modification for single-leg movements is crucial for older adults who struggle with balance, allowing them to focus on moving weight safely. Chasing the Shake: Michael explains how the initial "shake" during unilateral isometric holds is a sign of neurological fatigue, noting that true hypertrophic muscle growth takes at least six weeks, while early gains are purely neurological. The Problem with HIIT: Why high-intensity interval classes often cause participants to plateau after about 10 weeks, largely because these models prioritize feeling exhausted over tracking measurable progression and recovery. Mike Mentzer's High-Intensity Protocol: A breakdown of taking exercises to absolute "momentary muscular fatigue" and why this brutal method requires massive amounts of central nervous system recovery between sessions. The Female Rep Anomaly: Matt shares his observation that women can inexplicably perform significantly more reps (sometimes 18-23 reps) at 70-75% of their 1-rep max compared to men, sparking a debate on how 1-rep max formulas apply to female physiology. Support the showSupport the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a 5-star review and subscribe on YouTube! It helps us continue to bring you the best health insights so you can Go Fix Yourself.You can also so your support through donations! You can click here and pledge a monthly amount to help keep this podcast running! We'll give you a shout out and answer a question of your choosing on an episode!Find us on the Following!Instagram: @gfy.podcastSpotify: Website: Youtube: Available on all podcast streaming sites!If you have general questions about pain you're experiencing send us a DM on instagram or email at wellinformed24@gmail.comMichael Stant has also launched a weekly blog, Well-Informed. If interested in following. You can subscribe to the following link: https://wellinformed24.substack.com/
