Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 22 hours ago
Brian, Eric, and Brad discuss the misconceptions and utility behind using periodization to help maximize muscular hypertrophy. How important is periodization for muscular hypertrophy? How is periodization different from programming adjustments? Is there a way to sequence your training that maximizes hypertrophy? How do the coaches typically adjust an athlete’s training program from mesocycle to mesocycle? What are the most-common constraints to hypertrophy in the real world? Does research suggest that variation may help increase muscular hypertrophy? What are good reasons for replacing an exercise in your program? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode.
Timestamps:
0:00- The definition of periodization and how it’s different from programming adjustments
8:20- Is there a way to sequence your training that maximizes hypertrophy?
18:36- Ways the coaches adjust programming from mesocycle to mesocycle and why they make those adjustments
34:27- The value and roles of education and coaching
40:53- Flexible, enjoyable, and realistic
57:00- The most-common constraints to muscular hypertrophy in the real world
1:02:12- Variation is probably a good thing
1:05:50- Example starting structures
1:09:23- Hiding behind variation
1:18:44- Make sure to audit your approach
SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Coaching By Team 3DMJ- 3dmusclejourney.com/coaching
Hypertrophy Programming For Bodybuilders (Online Course)- 3dmusclejourney.com/hypertrophy
Monthly Applications In Strength Sport (MASS)- 3dmusclejourney.com/mass
Thanks for watching The 3D Muscle Journey Podcast 💪
SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY: open.spotify.com/show/4E61iRCD1qSZUTRactySTj?si=kiONmQJqSaC3EWUncGgfsg
SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/3d-muscle-journey-podcast/id1115048476
**3DMJ COACHING & COURSES: 3dmusclejourney.com/coaching
**APPAREL & MERCH: redbubble.com/people/team3dmj/shop
**FULL WEBSITE & BLOG: 3dmusclejourney.com
**FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Team 3DMJ: instagram.com/team3dmj
Jeff Alberts - instagram.com/3dmj_godfather
Brad Loomis - instagram.com/3dmjcoach
Alberto Nuñez - instagram.com/nunez3dmj
Eric Helms - instagram.com/helms3dmj
Brian Minor - instagram.com/bdminor
Brian, Eric, and Brad discuss the misconceptions and utility behind using periodization to help maximize muscular hypertrophy. How important is periodization for muscular hypertrophy? How is periodization different from programming adjustments? Is there a way to sequence your training that maximizes hypertrophy? How do the coaches typically adjust an athlete’s training program from mesocycle to mesocycle? What are the most-common constraints to hypertrophy in the real world? Does research suggest that variation may help increase muscular hypertrophy? What are good reasons for replacing an exercise in your program? The answers to these questions and many more are covered in this episode.
Timestamps:
0:00- The definition of periodization and how it’s different from programming adjustments
8:20- Is there a way to sequence your training that maximizes hypertrophy?
18:36- Ways the coaches adjust programming from mesocycle to mesocycle and why they make those adjustments
34:27- The value and roles of education and coaching
40:53- Flexible, enjoyable, and realistic
57:00- The most-common constraints to muscular hypertrophy in the real world
1:02:12- Variation is probably a good thing
1:05:50- Example starting structures
1:09:23- Hiding behind variation
1:18:44- Make sure to audit your approach
SELECTED LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Coaching By Team 3DMJ- 3dmusclejourney.com/coaching
Hypertrophy Programming For Bodybuilders (Online Course)- 3dmusclejourney.com/hypertrophy
Monthly Applications In Strength Sport (MASS)- 3dmusclejourney.com/mass
Thanks for watching The 3D Muscle Journey Podcast 💪
SUBSCRIBE ON SPOTIFY: open.spotify.com/show/4E61iRCD1qSZUTRactySTj?si=kiONmQJqSaC3EWUncGgfsg
SUBSCRIBE ON APPLE PODCASTS: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/3d-muscle-journey-podcast/id1115048476
**3DMJ COACHING & COURSES: 3dmusclejourney.com/coaching
**APPAREL & MERCH: redbubble.com/people/team3dmj/shop
**FULL WEBSITE & BLOG: 3dmusclejourney.com
**FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
Team 3DMJ: instagram.com/team3dmj
Jeff Alberts - instagram.com/3dmj_godfather
Brad Loomis - instagram.com/3dmjcoach
Alberto Nuñez - instagram.com/nunez3dmj
Eric Helms - instagram.com/helms3dmj
Brian Minor - instagram.com/bdminor
