In this episode, Max and Ryan break down their personal fitness goals for 2026. What we're prioritizing, what we’re scaling back, and how we’re training differently this year. We talk through our approach to strength vs. hypertrophy, technique and biomechanics, effective training volume, body composition goals, and recovery. It’s an honest look at how we’re cutting through the noise and building a plan we can actually sustain in 2026.

The Iron Summit podcast provides general health and fitness information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or engaging in new fitness activities mentioned on the podcast. The hosts and producers of Iron Summit are not liable for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on the podcast content. The podcast does not endorse specific products or services unless explicitly stated. Always seek professional medical advice for any health concerns.

Chapters

00:00 Dad Mannerisms and Personal Growth

04:28 Setting Fitness Goals for 2026

07:20 Strength Training Insights

10:25 Hypertrophy vs. Powerlifting

13:27 Technique and Biomechanics in Lifting

16:20 Maximizing Strength and Performance

21:14 Bodybuilding Goals and Muscle Growth

23:56 Body Composition and Caloric Surplus

27:10 Training Plans and Bodybuilding Strategies

30:17 Effective Training Volume and Muscle Growth

36:04 Hypertrophy Training Techniques

41:10 Navigating the Noise in Fitness

45:32 The Importance of Recovery and Consistency

Level up your training with Iron Summit.

Strength Programs that Actually Work: Built for real results — not fluff. https://www.bridgeathletic.com/store/ironsummitgainsemporium-56379

All Iron Summit Links, our Website, Episodes, and Resources: https://bio.site/ironsummit

Our go-to training gear, built to last. 20% off with code IRON: https://centricwear.com/IRON

In this episode, we break down practical ways to actually invest in your health, focusing on high-impact habits like better sleep, quality breathing, strength training, smarter nutrition choices, and stress management. We also cover how to avoid overhyped health gimmicks and stay focused on the fundamentals that deliver real results. Simple. Sustainable. High return.

The Iron Summit podcast provides general health and fitness information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or engaging in new fitness activities mentioned on the podcast. The hosts and producers of Iron Summit are not liable for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on the podcast content. The podcast does not endorse specific products or services unless explicitly stated. Always seek professional medical advice for any health concerns.

Chapters

00:00 Holiday Hustle: The Stress and Joy of the Season

04:04 Investing in Health: The Importance of Sleep

10:28 Breathing and Sleep Quality: Key to Recovery

16:26 Strength Training: The Foundation of Health

30:46 Nutrition: The Cost of Convenience

38:47 Stress Management: Investing in Recovery

48:25 Avoiding Health Gimmicks: Focus on the Basics

Level up your training with Iron Summit.

Strength Programs that Actually Work: Built for real results — not fluff. https://www.bridgeathletic.com/store/ironsummitgainsemporium-56379

All Iron Summit Links, our Website, Episodes, and Resources: https://bio.site/ironsummit

Our go-to training gear, built to last. 20% off with code IRON: https://centricwear.com/IRON

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Chernow to unpack his journey from chaos to clarity. Michael shares how commitment, structure, and a simple 24-hour plan helped him rebuild his life, navigate addiction and darkness, and ultimately create a purpose-driven brand in Creatures of Habit. We dive into the power of daily routines, the role fitness played in his transformation, and why authenticity, not perfection, is the foundation of lasting success. This conversation is a powerful reminder that resilience is built one day at a time, and that asking for help can be the first step toward real change.The Iron Summit podcast provides general health and fitness information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or engaging in new fitness activities mentioned on the podcast. The hosts and producers of Iron Summit are not liable for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on the podcast content. The podcast does not endorse specific products or services unless explicitly stated. Always seek professional medical advice for any health concerns.

Chapters

00:00 From Chaos to Clarity: Michael Chernow's Journey

12:43 The Power of Commitment: Building a New Life

26:16 The 24-Hour Plan: Structure for Success

33:24 Facing Darkness and Finding Hope

35:04 The Birth of Creatures of Habit

37:18 Transitioning from Restaurants to Wellness

39:48 The Oatmeal Revelation

42:27 Building a Brand Around Authenticity

45:24 Evolving Fitness Journey

53:14 Lessons on Resilience and Asking for Help

Level up your training with Iron Summit.

Strength Programs that Actually Work: Built for real results — not fluff. https://www.bridgeathletic.com/store/ironsummitgainsemporium-56379

All Iron Summit Links, our Website, Episodes, and Resources: https://bio.site/ironsummit

Our go-to training gear, built to last. 20% off with code IRON: https://centricwear.com/IRON

Are seed oils actually destroying your health—or is the truth far more nuanced? In this episode, we break down the science behind seed oils, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, and why the ratio between fats matters far more than fear-based headlines. We dive into how cooking methods affect oil quality, why correlation often gets confused with causation in nutrition research, and what breast milk and infant formula reveal about essential fats. You’ll also get practical, real-world advice on choosing the right cooking oils, plus myth-busting clarity on one of the most controversial nutrition topics online. If you’re tired of extremes and want a balanced, performance-driven approach to fats, this episode is for you.

The Iron Summit podcast provides general health and fitness information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or engaging in new fitness activities mentioned on the podcast. The hosts and producers of Iron Summit are not liable for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on the podcast content. The podcast does not endorse specific products or services unless explicitly stated. Always seek professional medical advice for any health concerns.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Seed Oils and Controversy
05:43 Understanding Omega-6 and Omega-3 Fatty Acids
10:16 The Importance of Ratios in Diet
15:08 Cooking Oils: Choosing the Right Fats
19:58 Causation vs Correlation in Health Claims
24:35 The Omega Ratio in Breast Milk and Formula
27:22 Nuances of Seed Oils in Infant Nutrition
31:04 Understanding Fats: Quality Over Quantity
34:44 Practical Advice on Cooking Oils
38:15 Debunking Myths About Seed Oils
46:48 The Complexity of Nutrition Research

Level up your training with Iron Summit.

Strength Programs that Actually Work: Built for real results — not fluff. https://www.bridgeathletic.com/store/ironsummitgainsemporium-56379

All Iron Summit Links, our Website, Episodes, and Resources: https://bio.site/ironsummit

Our go-to training gear, built to last. 20% off with code IRON: https://centricwear.com/IRON

Ryan and Max sit down with Pondering Pat for a powerful conversation on strength, masculinity, and the standards men hold themselves to today. They explore the mental side of fitness, the mind-body connection, generational health trends, and why purpose and discipline matter now more than ever. From the idea of a “Manhood Combine” to defining elite and average fitness benchmarks, this episode breaks down what it really takes to build a strong, capable man—physically and mentally. A must-listen for anyone looking to level up their strength, mindset, and direction in life.

The Iron Summit podcast provides general health and fitness information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or engaging in new fitness activities mentioned on the podcast. The hosts and producers of Iron Summit are not liable for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on the podcast content. The podcast does not endorse specific products or services unless explicitly stated. Always seek professional medical advice for any health concerns.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Pondering Pat

03:31 The Virtue of Strength and Fitness

07:23 The Loss of Masculinity and Purpose

11:04 The Mental Side of Fitness

15:25 Historical Perspectives on Strength

22:38 The Mind-Body Connection in Strength

29:09 Creating a Manhood Combine

31:01 Incentivizing Fitness: A Government Proposal

33:35 Defining the Average Man's Fitness Standards

38:10 The Societal Implications of Physical Fitness

41:04 Trends in Health and Fitness Among Generations

43:25 The Role of Education in Physical Fitness

45:59 Parental Responsibility in Health Education

49:18 Instilling Values of Fitness in Future Generations

55:09 Strength Training Strategies and Endurance Challenges

58:01 Defining Elite Fitness Standards

59:55 The Importance of Body Composition and Nutrition

01:03:39 Exploring Athletic Testing and Competitions

01:09:22 Reflections on Masculinity and Personal Growth

Level up your training with Iron Summit.

Strength Programs that Actually Work: Built for real results — not fluff. https://www.bridgeathletic.com/store/ironsummitgainsemporium-56379

All Iron Summit Links, our Website, Episodes, and Resources: https://bio.site/ironsummit

Our go-to training gear, built to last. 20% off with code IRON: https://centricwear.com/IRON

In this episode of Iron Summit, Ryan and Max break down practical holiday fitness tips to help you stay consistent through Thanksgiving and the winter season. They cover how to manage eating and drinking at holiday gatherings, strategies to stay active during busy travel weeks, simple routines to maintain strength, and mindset shifts that keep you on track without sacrificing tradition or fun. Whether you want to avoid the holiday slump or come out of the season stronger, this episode gives you the tools to stay dialed in while still enjoying the celebrations.

The Iron Summit podcast provides general health and fitness information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or engaging in new fitness activities mentioned on the podcast. The hosts and producers of Iron Summit are not liable for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on the podcast content. The podcast does not endorse specific products or services unless explicitly stated. Always seek professional medical advice for any health concerns.

Chapters

00:00 Morning Rituals and Nutrition

03:50 Freshmen Wrestlers Making Waves

06:24 The Impact of Early Season Competitions

09:00 Wrestling Season Dynamics

11:35 Thanksgiving and Holiday Fitness Tips

14:17 Navigating Holiday Eating and Drinking

22:37 The Role of Alcohol in Social Interactions

25:59 Navigating Holiday Drinking and Recovery

28:06 Making Healthier Choices During Holiday Meals

30:24 Balancing Tradition and Health in Thanksgiving

32:24 Exploring Fitness Competitions and Personal Goals

Level up your training with Iron Summit.

Strength Programs that Actually Work: Built for real results — not fluff. https://www.bridgeathletic.com/store/ironsummitgainsemporium-56379

All Iron Summit Links, our Website, Episodes, and Resources: https://bio.site/ironsummit

Our go-to training gear, built to last. 20% off with code IRON: https://centricwear.com/IRON

In this episode, we sit down with nutrition coach Jon Heck to break down the truth about carbs, cutting, bulking, and fueling peak performance. He explains how wrestlers and strength athletes can manage weight without sacrificing muscle and how to read your body’s feedback for smarter training cycles. We also dive into micronutrients, seed oils, fructose, and what really matters for long-term health. This one is packed with no-nonsense nutrition and performance insights you can apply today.

The Iron Summit podcast provides general health and fitness information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or engaging in new fitness activities mentioned on the podcast. The hosts and producers of Iron Summit are not liable for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on the podcast content. The podcast does not endorse specific products or services unless explicitly stated. Always seek professional medical advice for any health concerns.Chapters
00:00 Introduction to John Heck and His Background
03:31 Carbohydrates: The Fuel for Performance
06:43 The Importance of Nutrition in Strength Training
09:30 Debunking Myths About Carbs and Insulin
12:46 Strategies for Weight Management in Wrestling
16:35 The Role of Cardio in Muscle Gain
19:25 Training Phases: From Cutting to Bulking
33:33 Recognizing Body Feedback and Training Progress
35:22 The Cutting Phase: Strategies and Considerations
37:32 Body Composition Analysis: Beyond the Numbers
39:09 The Bodybuilding Journey: Goals and Realities
41:26 Fructose: Debunking Myths and Understanding Its Role
45:21 Micronutrients and the Importance of Whole Foods
49:18 Organic vs Non-Organic: Making Informed Choices
52:20 Understanding Seed Oils: Context Matters
57:05 Longevity vs. Muscle Mass: Finding BalanceCheck out Jon's Socials

http://hammerchiselperformance.com/

https://youtube.com/@hammerandchiselperformance?si=6Gxyh-yudqhiF3zs

https://www.instagram.com/what_the_heck71?igsh=cW8wd2ZpY2hmdGto&utm_source=qr

Level up your training with Iron Summit.

Strength Programs that Actually Work: Built for real results — not fluff. https://www.bridgeathletic.com/store/ironsummitgainsemporium-56379

All Iron Summit Links, our Website, Episodes, and Resources: https://bio.site/ironsummit

Our go-to training gear, built to last. 20% off with code IRON: https://centricwear.com/IRON

In this episode we talk to Greg Bulsak, 2 x NCAA All- American who breaks down the full body-transformation journey—how wrestling shapes bodybuilding discipline, how to balance corporate life with serious training, and how to push intensity without sacrificing recovery or form. We dig into muscle-building nutrition, carb timing, digestion, cardio for bulking and cutting, core strength, lower-back sensitivity, mobility work, and long-term longevity strategies, finishing with a look at how peptides and medical interventions can support a sustainable, high-performance lifestyle.The Iron Summit podcast provides general health and fitness information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or engaging in new fitness activities mentioned on the podcast. The hosts and producers of Iron Summit are not liable for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on the podcast content. The podcast does not endorse specific products or services unless explicitly stated. Always seek professional medical advice for any health concerns.Chapters
00:00 Body Transformation Journey
04:11 The Impact of Wrestling on Bodybuilding
07:17 Balancing Corporate Life and Bodybuilding
10:26 Training Intensity and Recovery
13:09 Form vs. Intensity in Lifting
16:28 Nutrition Strategies for Muscle Gain
19:21 Setting Goals in Bodybuilding
28:29 Carb Consumption and Digestion Insights
34:29 Nutrition Strategies for Bodybuilding
38:08 The Role of Cardio in Bulking and Cutting
46:04 Core Training: Importance and Strategies
51:50 Understanding Lower Back Sensitivity
54:41 The Importance of Mobility and Flexibility
58:38 Future of Weightlifting and Longevity
01:04:41 The Role of Peptides in Health and Weight Loss
01:10:40 Balancing Lifestyle Changes with Medical InterventionsIron Summit Strength Training Programs: https://www.bridgeathletic.com/store/ironsummitgainsemporium-56379

Iron Summit Bio Site: https://bio.site/ironsummit 

Check out the training gear we use. 20% off with code IRON: https://centricwear.com/IRON

In this episode of Iron Summit, Ryan and Max sit down with Cayden Henschel, wrestling social media expert, to talk about the rise of a new era in the sport. They dive into how RAF is reshaping wrestling’s image and professional wrestling options.  Through Cayden’s innovation in gear, design, and social media. From creating durable, stylish shoes to building a brand that speaks to the next generation of athletes. Cayden shares insights on training, content creation, and navigating the pressures of modern sports while giving his takes on D1 wrestling, NIL, and the evolving landscape of competition.This episode blends wrestling, business, and creativity — a look into what it means to build the future of the sport from the mat up.The Iron Summit podcast provides general health and fitness information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or engaging in new fitness activities mentioned on the podcast. The hosts and producers of Iron Summit are not liable for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on the podcast content. The podcast does not endorse specific products or services unless explicitly stated. Always seek professional medical advice for any health concerns.Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Kayden Henshaw
03:26 The Rise of RAF Wrestling
06:41 The Future of Wrestling and Its Image
09:29 Social Media and Wrestling's New Faces
13:07 Training and Preparation for Matches
16:14 Business Ventures and Wrestling Gear
19:08 Designing Wrestling Shoes
22:05 The Evolution of Wrestling Gear
29:07 The Evolution of Shoe Durability
31:19 Navigating Social Media Pressure in Sports
35:37 The Power of Long-Form Content Creation
37:29 The Art of Editing and Content Production
40:23 Hot Takes on D1 Wrestling Season
47:28 The Impact of NIL and Transfer Rules on Wrestling

Cayden's Linkshttps://chgearwrestling.com/
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wrestle-ai/id6751189075https://youtube.com/@caydenhenschel?si=CtmenocumYwPiz6iIron Summit

Iron Summit Strength Training Programs: https://www.bridgeathletic.com/store/ironsummitgainsemporium-56379

Iron Summit Bio Site: https://bio.site/ironsummit 

Check out the training gear we use. 20% off with code IRON: https://centricwear.com/IRON

In this episode of Iron Summit, Ryan and Max break down everything you need to know about building muscle the right way—from training and nutrition to recovery and mindset. They cover how to set up a proper caloric surplus, why food quality matters, and the practical steps to make clean eating sustainable.

The conversation dives deep into hypertrophy training, emphasizing smart programming, volume, and recovery instead of ego lifting. You’ll learn how to introduce novel stimuli, manage fatigue, and master the fundamentals that drive real muscle growth.

Whether you’re just getting started or chasing your next level of gains, this episode gives you the blueprint for getting jacked—the Iron Summit way.

The Iron Summit podcast provides general health and fitness information for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult with your healthcare provider before making any health-related decisions or engaging in new fitness activities mentioned on the podcast. The hosts and producers of Iron Summit are not liable for any consequences resulting from actions taken based on the podcast content. The podcast does not endorse specific products or services unless explicitly stated. Always seek professional medical advice for any health concerns.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Weightlifting Gear and Techniques

03:32 The Importance of Nutrition in Muscle Gain

06:14 Caloric Surplus: The Key to Building Muscle

09:13 Quality of Food Matters: Clean Eating for Muscle Gain

11:59 Practical Tips for Eating in a Surplus

14:51 The Role of Carbohydrates in Muscle Building

18:31 Rest and Recovery: Essential for Muscle Growth

23:56 The Importance of Wind Down Rituals

25:17 Training Fundamentals for Muscle Growth

26:28 Understanding Hypertrophy and Training Techniques

29:41 The Role of Novel Stimuli in Training

32:07 Maximizing Hypertrophy: Key Principles

35:35 Ego Lifting vs. Effective Training

39:18 Optimizing Muscle Growth Through Volume

42:52 Practical Tips for Getting Jacked

Iron Summit Strength Training Programs: https://www.bridgeathletic.com/store/ironsummitgainsemporium-56379

Iron Summit Bio Site: https://bio.site/ironsummit 

Check out the training gear we use. 20% off with code IRON: https://centricwear.com/IRON