Always Adaptive

Science based lifting is taking fire from every direction right now, and not just from trolls. After Aaron Solomon exposed major flaws in Mike Israetel’s PhD dissertation, a lot of people saw their chance to attack science itself.

Creators like Greg Doucette, Sam Sulek and a wave of others have been dropping reaction videos that paint evidence-based training as shaky, unreliable, or outright pointless. Some of the biggest names in the research world, including Jeff Nippard and Brad Schoenfeld, are getting dragged into the crossfire.

In this video, I break down several of these viral clips and bring some sanity back into the conversation. Science has flaws. Researchers make mistakes. Studies can be biased or poorly designed. None of that makes science useless.

My goal is not to defend anyone. My goal is to help lifters understand the difference between critiquing science, rejecting science, and how evidence, experience, and critical thinking actually work together.

00:00 Introduction
02:09 Sam Clips
07:38 Greg Clips
22:43 Things to Look for in Studies

Coaching inquiries email me at [email protected] or visit alwaysadaptive.com

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nic Verhoeven (Physionic) to break down the now-viral seed oil debate between Paul Saladino and Nick Norwitz.

Who’s Who:

Dr. Paul Saladino, MD – Carnivore diet advocate and founder of Heart & Soil. Known for his initial promotion of the carnivore diet and his strong anti–seed oil stance.  @Paulsaladinomd

Dr. Nick Norwitz, MD, PhD– Harvard-trained researcher in metabolism and nutrition science, presenting the pro–seed oil perspective. Known for his YouTube content on nutrition including the keto diet and other forms of metabolism.   @nicknorwitzMDPhD

Dr. Nic Verhoeven – PhD in molecular medicine and science communicator known for deep, evidence-based breakdowns of nutrition controversies.

Randall (Always Adaptive) – Strength and Running coach and researcher focused translating research into real-world performance and health in an unofficial capacity.

We review three clips from the debate and analyze the claims and the logic behind both sides so you can walk away with a clearer understanding of seed oils, inflammation, and what the science actually shows.

To me this, this video presents some of the MOST important questions that anti-seed oil people HAVE to answer in order to get their ducks in a row. Stay tuned till the end to hear them out!

Coaching inquiries email me at [email protected] or visit alwaysadaptive.com

You guys had A LOT to say this quarter, and some of these comments I couldn't ignore. From people defending David Goggins to calling me out on the lead in protein powder video, to sharing incredible real-life stories about why running actually matters, we're covering it all.

Some of you think I'm too hard on ultra-endurance athletes. Others shared stories about how being able to run literally saved lives or got you out of emergencies. And yes, someone compared me to RFK Jr over the California lead regulations video... so we need to talk about that.

If you've been engaging in my comments section, thank you. This channel exists because of conversations like these, and some of your real-world examples genuinely strengthened my arguments. 

Drop a comment below and let me know: Should I make a video on the Mike Israetel dissertation situation? 

Coaching inquiries email me at [email protected] or visit alwaysadaptive.com

Most people think weighted vests are just another short-lived fitness trend, but the science paints a different picture. When used properly, they can boost metabolism, improve blood sugar control, and even help preserve bone density during weight loss. In this video, I break down what the research actually shows about weighted vest walking, strength training, and cardio, from how short, frequent bouts of movement can outperform long sessions to how wearing extra weight can help your body maintain its metabolic rate after dieting. 

I also cover the limits and risks, when weight vests might backfire, who should avoid them, and how to use them safely without aggravating old injuries or gait issues. By the end, you’ll know whether a weighted vest can truly replace cardio or strength training and how to use it as a bridge between the two. This is practical, evidence-based fitness that you can actually apply, whether you’re walking after meals, training at home, or just trying to make your workouts more effective.

Coaching inquiries email me at [email protected] or visit alwaysadaptive.com

Consumer Reports just dropped a bombshell article claiming that many protein powders on store shelves today contain lead in amounts that should concern consumers. But is that the whole story? Not quite.

In this video, I dig into what the report actually says and what it doesn’t. We’ll look at how California came up with their proposition 65 number, what the FDA’s thresholds are, and whether these products are truly dangerous or just being sensationalized.

We’ll also talk about how heavy metals end up in protein powders in the first place and what smart consumers should look for on the label before buying.

Coaching inquiries email me at [email protected] or visit alwaysadaptive.com

Welcome back to the channel everyone. This week, we’re diving into Functional Patterns, the controversial training system founded by Naudi Aguilar that claims to “reprogram the body” through posture, gait, and biomechanics.

I’ll break down what Functional Patterns actually is, how they compare to functional training, core workouts, myofascial release, and kettlebell training, and why some people are calling it a cult while others swear by its results.

We’ll look at what the science says about fascia, myofascial release, and whether training can really influence your fascial system or if it’s just muscular and neural adaptations. 

I’ll also unpack FP’s testimonials, review real studies on myofascial therapy, and talk about what’s proven, what’s not, and where Functional Patterns might actually fit into athletic development.

If you’re into evidence-based fitness and have been curious about Functional Patterns stay tuned.

Coaching inquiries email me at [email protected] or visit alwaysadaptive.com

David Goggins is one of the toughest humans alive, but does his mindset actually lead to a longer, healthier life? Or does extreme discipline come with hidden costs?

In this video, I break down what makes Goggins so powerful, where his philosophy helps, and where it starts to destroy balance. We’ll talk about the difference between motivation and obsession, and how to stay disciplined without losing your health, family, or purpose in the process.

Whether you’re chasing a marathon PR or just trying to stay consistent in the gym, this is a real look at what the Goggins mindset gets right and what it gets dangerously wrong.

If you value training smart, building real resilience, and staying in the game for life, this one’s for you.

Coaching inquiries email me at [email protected] or visit alwaysadaptive.com

Does running make you lose muscle? Can you actually build muscle while running?

In this video, I break down what really happens to muscle mass during running and strength training, and why the old “cardio kills gains” idea doesn’t hold up. 

We’ll look at how zone 2 training, running intensity, and fueling impact your body composition, and what separates healthy endurance from muscle-burning overtraining.

I’ll walk you through key research comparing running vs lifting, showing how programmed running to lose fat can preserve or even increase lean mass when nutrition and recovery are dialed in. 

You’ll learn why fasted running increases the risk of muscle loss, how to use pre-run nutrition and running gels to maintain glycogen, and why post-run recovery is essential for rebuilding muscle protein.

We’ll also cover how fueling long runs at the right intensity supports VO₂ max improvements without sacrificing strength. Whether you’re a hybrid athlete balancing barbell work and mileage, or simply trying to improve running performance while staying strong, this episode gives you the science and strategy to do both.

If you care about optimizing strength for runners, maintaining a powerful physique, and understanding how running and body composition really interact, this breakdown will challenge what you’ve heard and give you a smarter way to train.

Coaching inquiries email me at [email protected] or visit alwaysadaptive.com

Testosterone therapy is one of the most debated topics in fitness right now. With more influencers promoting TRT as a cure all, it’s easy to get swept up in the conversation. But is the story really that simple? In this video, I respond directly to James Smith’s take on TRT and break down the parts of the conversation that most people are skipping over.

We’ll look at the studies being cited, the conflicts of interest nobody is talking about, and the data that rarely makes it into the headlines. By the end, you’ll see why this debate isn’t as cut and dry as it’s often presented and why asking the right questions might matter more than just chasing the quick fix.

Coaching inquiries email me at [email protected] or visit alwaysadaptive.com

In this video, I’m diving into the comments section and responding directly to what you had to say. A lot of the discussion centers around kettlebell training, bodybuilding versus athletic training, and whether certain exercises are actually effective for building power, strength, or performance.

Some viewers even defended Dr. Mike, so I break down those arguments and share my honest take. My goal here isn’t just to clap back. It is to clear up misconceptions, explain what the research actually says, and show you how to think about training in a way that makes you stronger, more athletic, and harder to break.

This episode is part reaction, part education, and part straight talk.

Coaching inquiries email me at [email protected] or visit alwaysadaptive.com