Q&A: Deadlift Variations, Problem-Solving Tips, Best Foods for Gains, & More @MikeMatthewsFitness
Q&A: Deadlift Variations, Problem-Solving Tips, Best Foods for Gains, & More  @MikeMatthewsFitness
Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 hour ago
Want some help gaining your next 10-to-15 pounds of muscle? Or losing your next 10-to-15 pounds of fat? Or both at the same time?
Here are 5 ways I can assist whenever you’re ready, including free fitness plans, coaching, books, and more: mikematthews.co/yt
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In this episode, I discuss the best carb and calorie-efficient foods for muscle growth, how to optimize deadlift variations, my top tips for problem-solving, and lots more.

As always, these questions come directly from my Instagram followers, who take advantage of my weekly Q&As in my stories.

If you have a question you're dying to have answered, make sure you follow me on Instagram (@muscleforlifefitness) and look out for the Q&A posts. Your question might just make it into a podcast episode!

If you like this type of episode, let me know. Send me an email (mike@muscleforlife.com) or direct message me on Instagram. And if you don’t like it, let me know that too or how you think it could be better.
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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
03:59 Behind neck press safer?
05:58 Are you natural?
06:15 Alcohol?
06:44 Night shifts, thyroid issues
08:05 Problem-solving tips?
12:51 Trapper vs. sumo
14:27 Trump conviction
15:37 Eating disorders?
19:37 Best recent books?
31:17 Bulking/cutting duration
32:05 Zone 2 during workouts?
33:19 Carb-efficient foods?
34:21 Favorite oblique exercises?
35:01 CrossFitters jacked?
35:46 Best reps for growth?
37:57 Lean bulking tips?
40:16 Why no Legion in stores?
43:27 Kayaking step count?
43:48 No TRT?
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Mentioned on the Show:
Whey+: legionathletics.com/products/supplements/whey-protein-powder/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=WheyCTA
Thinner Leaner Stronger: legionathletics.com/products/books/thinner-leaner-stronger/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=tlsCTA
Coaching Page: legionathletics.com/coaching/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=CoachingCTA
The Story of Philosophy: amazon.com/Story-Philosophy-Will-Durant/dp/1420981684/?tag=mflweb-20
The Martian: A Novel: amazon.com/Martian-Novel-Andy-Weir/dp/0804139024/?tag=mflweb-20
Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds: amazon.com/Cant-Hurt-Me-Master-Your/dp/1544512287?tag=mflweb-20
Never Finished: Unshackle Your Mind and Win the War Within: amazon.com/Never-Finished-Unshackle-Within-Clean/dp/1544536828/?tag=mflweb-20
The Four Pillar Plan: amazon.com/Four-Pillar-Plan-Longer-Healthier/dp/0241303559/?tag=mflweb-20
The Art of Strategy: A Game Theorist's Guide to Success in Business and Life: amazon.com/Art-Strategy-Theorists-Success-Business/dp/0393337170
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Muscle for Life with Mike Matthews |

Q&A: Deadlift Variations, Problem-Solving Tips, Best Foods for Gains, & More

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