Uploaded April 2024 | Updated September 2026, 4 days ago

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Trextopia, this is your episode. We peel back the layers of pro natural bodybuilder, exercise science researcher & co-host of Iron Culture, Eric Trexler.

Learn how he got into lifting, what low bar squatting 500lb ATG will do to your body & why there might be more controversy in Iron Culture’s near future. This might be the peak of Iron Culture but Trexler is no fan of peak weeks.

00:00 Introduction to an episode with Eric without the other Eric
03:06 An inside peak into Trexler’s day as a scientist (Trex lore)
09:42 Trexler’s foray into powerlifting
19:47 T-Nation and what informed Trexler’s training practices
27:12 Wrestling, lifting, and experimenting with training
36:02 Change of perspective: different approaches to training
42:44 The evolution of Trexler’s training and getting into science
48:37 “Optimisation” for bodybuilding and peaking (Helm’s hat cameo)
1:00:45 The pros and cons of different approaches
1:04:53 Diving into different research topics and the recent challenges in Trexler’s fitness journey
1:16:57 Growing and learning from the experiences (and the return of the T-Rex)
1:30:41 Closing out this monster episode