J3 University

Peak Week PEDs explained: what actually matters before stepping on stage.

Too many bodybuilders make last-minute drug changes hoping for a harder look, but those decisions often make physiques worse. In this episode, we break down which peak week PED strategies are worth considering, which ones are based on bodybuilding myths, and why testing and individualization consistently outperform cookie-cutter protocols.

If you want more episodes like this — where we translate research into practical coaching decisions — subscribe and follow along each week.

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How to lose the last bit of body fat for contest prep without destroying your physique.

Getting stage lean isn't about doing more cardio, eating less food, or throwing more supplements and drugs at the problem. In this episode, we break down the biggest mistakes bodybuilders make in the final weeks of contest prep—and what actually works to get peeled while preserving muscle, recovery, and performance.

Whether you're a bodybuilding coach or competitor, this episode explains why more isn't always better when chasing your best conditioning.

If you want more episodes like this — where we translate research into practical coaching decisions — subscribe and follow along each week.

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Most lifters don't need a new workout—they need better exercise selection.

In this episode, we break down the exact framework we use to evaluate every exercise in a bodybuilding program. We cover movement redundancy, range of motion, fatigue cost, progression, and how to choose lifts that actually match your body instead of blindly following trends. 

If you want more growth without adding more volume, this episode will change how you build your training forever.

If you want more episodes like this — where we translate research into practical coaching decisions — subscribe and follow along each week.

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How often should you train each muscle for maximum muscle growth? The answer isn’t as simple as “twice a week.”

In this episode, we break down the science behind training frequency, why more sessions don’t always produce more muscle, and how elite physique coaches actually decide when to increase—or decrease—training frequency. We also discuss volume, specialization phases, recovery, exercise selection, and the biggest mistakes lifters make when designing their training splits.

If you’re trying to build more muscle, bring up lagging body parts, or optimize your bodybuilding program, this episode will help you make smarter programming decisions.

If you want more episodes like this — where we translate research into practical coaching decisions — subscribe and follow along each week.

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Are electrolyte powders actually improving your workouts, or are most bodybuilders paying for something they don't need?

In this episode of the J3 University Podcast, we break down the science behind electrolytes, hydration, sodium, potassium, magnesium, sweat loss, and resistance training. We explain when electrolyte supplements can improve performance, when plain water is enough, and the few situations where adding extra sodium actually makes sense during contest prep or training in extreme heat.

If you're a bodybuilder, physique athlete, or coach looking to optimize hydration and performance without wasting money on unnecessary supplements, this episode gives you the evidence-based answer.

If you want more episodes like this — where we translate research into practical coaching decisions — subscribe and follow along each week.

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Most lifters obsess over protein—but they're focusing on the wrong things.

In this episode, we break down the biggest protein mistakes that can limit muscle growth, hurt digestion, and make your nutrition harder than it needs to be. We cover how much protein you actually need, whether trace protein counts, protein timing, meal frequency, whole foods vs shakes, and common bodybuilding myths that are still circulating today.

Whether you're in an offseason gaining phase or contest prep, these evidence-based strategies will help you get more from your nutrition without overcomplicating it.

If you want more episodes like this — where we translate research into practical coaching decisions — subscribe and follow along each week.

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Has science-based bodybuilding started creating more myths than answers?

In this episode, we break down five popular "science-based" training concepts that may be doing more harm than good when taken to extremes. We discuss training to failure, optimal exercise selection, volume, frequency, and stretch-mediated hypertrophy and explain what the research actually says versus how it's often interpreted online. If you're a coach, competitor, or serious bodybuilder, this conversation will help you separate evidence from internet hype.

If you want more episodes like this — where we translate research into practical coaching decisions — subscribe and follow along each week.

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Everyone says insulin is the secret to getting huge, but is it actually necessary?

In this episode, we break down the real role of insulin in bodybuilding, why many athletes are using it less than ever, and what actually drives muscle growth, nutrient partitioning, and offseason progress. We also discuss the few situations where insulin may make sense, plus the biggest mistakes that are destroying progress long before insulin becomes relevant.

If you want more episodes like this — where we translate research into practical coaching decisions — subscribe and follow along each week.

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What female IFBB pros are actually using to turn pro might surprise you.

In this episode, we break down the real PED protocols being used across Bikini, Wellness, Figure, and Women’s Bodybuilding — and why most female competitors are starting with the wrong approach. We cover HRT, DHT derivatives, Masteron vs Primo, escalation strategies, side effects, coaching mistakes, and what actually drives progress long term.

If you’re a female competitor, coach, or serious physique athlete, this is one of the most honest conversations you’ll hear about female PED use in bodybuilding.

If you want more episodes like this — where we translate research into practical coaching decisions — subscribe and follow along each week.

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How do you know when it’s time to move up a bodybuilding division—or if you’re competing in the wrong one entirely?

In this episode, we break down how to choose the right bodybuilding division based on structure, physique potential, health, and long-term progress. We also talk through the hard reality of staying in a division too long, the mental side of chasing wins, and when moving up could actually improve both your physique and quality of life.

Whether you compete in Classic Physique, Bodybuilding, Figure, Wellness, Bikini, or Men’s Physique, this conversation will help you make the right call.

If you want more episodes like this — where we translate research into practical coaching decisions — subscribe and follow along each week.