Physique Development Podcast

If YOU'RE ready to make real, sustainable change in your life, jump on a free call with us - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

Welcome back to Part 2 of How to Build Muscle While Minimizing Fat Gain.

In this episode, Sue and Alex continue answering your most common questions about building muscle in a way that feels controlled and sustainable.

Muscle gain is an expensive process; your body won't prioritize it unless you’re placing the right demand on it and giving it enough time. Building off last week's foundation, they dive into what realistic muscle gain actually looks like, how to track it, and which metrics are worth paying attention to if you want to see real progress.

They unpack macros, tackle the big cardio question, and explain the important role of gut health and proper digestion. This episode brings clarity, realistic expectations, and a reminder that true muscle gain is a slow, methodical process.

Have questions or comments for the podcast? Drop them here - https://forms.gle/AEu5vMKNLDfmc24M7

Check out our FREE 4-Week Glute Program - https://go.physiquedevelopment.com/freegluteprogram701788

And keep the gains rolling with 12 MORE weeks of glute growth (use code POD at checkout for $25 off!) - https://train.physiquedevelopment.com/workout-plans/963551

As always, it is our goal not only to supply you, the listener, with valuable insights on the topics or questions but also to plant some seeds for further research and thought. Be sure to like and subscribe and leave us a review wherever you're listening if you loved this episode!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Today's topic

(0:55) The hierarchy of macronutrients

(9:02) Why digestion matters more than you think

(14:03) Movement: NEAT & cardio considerations

(18:20) How to catch fat gain early (tracking the right metrics)

(26:57) What is *actually* realistic for lean muscle gain

(28:08) If you only take ONE thing from this episode...

Follow us on Instagram:

Coach Alex - https://www.instagram.com/alexbush__

Coach Sue - https://www.instagram.com/suegainz

Physique Development - https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopment_

Physique Development Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopmentpodcast

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Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

© 2025, Physique Development LLC. All rights reserved.

If YOU'RE ready to make real, sustainable change in your life, jump on a free call with us - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

If you've been trying to lose body fat year after year and keep hitting the same wall, you might be dealing with true weight loss resistance. In this episode, Alex walks you through his personal step-by-step checklist to assess what's actually holding you back, so you can finally see the fat loss you've been working for.

He breaks down how digestion, hormonal function, sleep, and stress all influence fat loss, and how your relationship to training and nutrition will only strengthen when these are dialed in.

And if you're still stuck, he explains how your environment and close relationships may be playing a bigger role than you realize.

As always, it is our goal not only to supply you, the listener, with valuable insights on the topics or questions but also to plant some seeds for further research and thought. Be sure to like and subscribe and leave us a review if you loved this episode!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Today's topic

(0:51) Digestion

(1:44) Hormonal function

(3:45) Sleep

(5:35) Stress

(6:58) Your relationship with training & nutrition

(9:23) Meal structure & total calories

(10:16) Training structure & effectiveness

(10:55) Cardio considerations

(12:18) Environment & relationship

(13:45) Recapping the checklist

(14:29) If you need individualized help

(15:13) How far into the checklist we typically need to go to find success

Additional Resources:

Omni Calculator - https://www.omnicalculator.com

Connect with Coach Alex & Team PD:

Coach Alex: https://www.instagram.com/alexbush__

Physique Development: https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopment_

Physique Development Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopmentpodcast

Inquire to work with Team PD: https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

Have questions or comments for us? Submit them here - https://forms.gle/AEu5vMKNLDfmc24M7

Check out our FREE 4-Week Glute Program - https://go.physiquedevelopment.com/freegluteprogram701788

And keep the gains rolling with 12 MORE weeks of glute growth (use code POD at checkout for $25 off!) - https://train.physiquedevelopment.com/workout-plans/963551

Looking to hire the last coach you'll ever need? Apply here - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

Interested in competition prep? Apply here - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/Ii2UNA

For more videos, articles, and information, head to - https://physiquedevelopment.com

If you would like to support Physique Development and this podcast, please head over to your favorite podcast app and leave us a rating and review! This goes a long way in supporting this podcast and helps us continue to bring high-quality, honest content to you in the form of a podcast. Thank you for listening and we will see you all next time!

----

Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

© 2025, Physique Development LLC. All rights reserved.

If YOU'RE ready to make real, sustainable change in your life, jump on a free call with us - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

Want to build muscle without feeling fluffy, puffy, or uncomfortable in the process? Then this episode is for you!

Sue and Alex break down what actually drives lean, controlled muscle gain—because muscle building shouldn't mean losing definition or control—it's about strategy, structure, and sustainability.

If you've been in the gym for years, training hard, tracking, and still not seeing the visual results you want, just "trying harder" isn’t the answer. It's about creating a favorable muscle-to-fat ratio so the weight you gain actually improves your physique.

Come back next week for Part 2, where Sue and Alex dive into hunger regulation, digestion, and cardio while building muscle!

Have questions or comments for the podcast? Drop them here - https://forms.gle/AEu5vMKNLDfmc24M7

Check out our FREE 4-Week Glute Program - https://go.physiquedevelopment.com/freegluteprogram701788

And keep the gains rolling with 12 MORE weeks of glute growth (use code POD at checkout for $25 off!) - https://train.physiquedevelopment.com/workout-plans/963551

As always, it is our goal not only to supply you, the listener, with valuable insights on the topics or questions but also to plant some seeds for further research and thought. Be sure to like and subscribe and leave us a review wherever you're listening if you loved this episode!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Today's topic

(1:07) Achieving a favorable muscle-to-fat ratio (what lean gaining actually looks like)

(4:03) The importance of training quality

(4:46) The most common training mistakes we see

(12:10) What proper training intention looks like

(17:13) Recovery: where muscle is ACTUALLY built

(17:32) Signs of poor recovery

(20:29) The key drivers to better recovery

(28:05) What we've covered so far

(28:37) What we're covering next (in part 2!)

Follow us on Instagram:

Coach Alex - https://www.instagram.com/alexbush__

Coach Sue - https://www.instagram.com/suegainz

Physique Development - https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopment_

Physique Development Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopmentpodcast

----

Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

© 2025, Physique Development LLC. All rights reserved.

If YOU'RE ready to make real, sustainable change in your life, jump on a free call with us - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

If you're listening to this one, it's probably because your digestion is... Well, not great.

In this Fit Bit, Coach Mia walks you through her "Digestion Betrayal List"—the simple, often-overlooked habits that could be working against your gut. From fiber and water intake to protein, stress, and sleep, she breaks down how small foundational shifts can dramatically improve digestion—without fancy supplements or extra spending. Because better digestion isn't about doing more, it's about doing the right things consistently.

As always, it is our goal not only to supply you, the listener, with valuable insights on the topics or questions but also to plant some seeds for further research and thought. Be sure to like and subscribe and leave us a review if you loved this episode!

Connect with Coach Mia & Team PD:

Coach Mia: https://www.instagram.com/mia.ferguson

Physique Development: https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopment_

Physique Development Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopmentpodcast

Inquire to work with Team PD: https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

Have questions or comments for us? Submit them here - https://forms.gle/AEu5vMKNLDfmc24M7

Check out our FREE 4-Week Glute Program - https://go.physiquedevelopment.com/freegluteprogram701788

And keep the gains rolling with 12 MORE weeks of glute growth (use code POD at checkout for $25 off!) - https://train.physiquedevelopment.com/workout-plans/963551

Looking to hire the last coach you'll ever need? Apply here - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

Interested in competition prep? Apply here - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/Ii2UNA

For more videos, articles, and information, head to - https://physiquedevelopment.com

If you would like to support Physique Development and this podcast, please head over to your favorite podcast app and leave us a rating and review! This goes a long way in supporting this podcast and helps us continue to bring high-quality, honest content to you in the form of a podcast. Thank you for listening and we will see you all next time!

----

Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

© 2025, Physique Development LLC. All rights reserved.

If YOU'RE ready to make real, sustainable change in your life, jump on a free call with us - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

Think you need to "bulk hard" and gain a ton of weight to build muscle? If you've ever tried to push calories up, only to end up feeling uncomfortable, disconnected from your body, and wondering if it's even worth it... This episode is for you.

Today, Sue breaks down how to build muscle smarter. She covers how much of a surplus you actually need, what determines whether those extra calories turn into muscle or body fat, how to structure your nutrition for growth, and the biggest mistakes people make when bulking. Because the goal isn't to chase the scale, it's to gain muscle while minimizing fat gain.

Have questions or comments for the podcast? Drop them here - https://forms.gle/AEu5vMKNLDfmc24M7

Check out our FREE 4-Week Glute Program - https://go.physiquedevelopment.com/freegluteprogram701788

And keep the gains rolling with 12 MORE weeks of glute growth (use code POD at checkout for $25 off!) - https://train.physiquedevelopment.com/workout-plans/963551

As always, it is our goal not only to supply you, the listener, with valuable insights on the topics or questions but also to plant some seeds for further research and thought. Be sure to like and subscribe and leave us a review wherever you're listening if you loved this episode!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Today's topic

(1:07) The problems with the eat big narrative

(4:15) How muscle growth *actually* works

(5:49) What an effective surplus looks like

(7:39) How fast the research says you should gain

(10:34) Why patience is key

(11:59) The BIGGEST mistakes to avoid

(13:59) Key takeaways

Follow us on Instagram:

Coach Alex - https://www.instagram.com/alexbush__

Coach Sue - https://www.instagram.com/suegainz

Physique Development - https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopment_

Physique Development Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopmentpodcast

----

Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

© 2025, Physique Development LLC. All rights reserved.

If YOU'RE ready to make real, sustainable change in your life, jump on a free call with us - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

You want the freedom to stop tracking. To go out to dinner without spiraling. To finally eat intuitively and trust yourself around food.

In today's episode, Sue breaks down the truth about food freedom- why it doesn’t come from avoiding structure, but from mastering it. Structure is the bridge to freedom, not the barrier. And intuition without education? That’s just guessing.

If you're craving control without the constant mental weight of it, let us teach you how to build the skill set and systems that create true, lasting food freedom.

As always, it is our goal not only to supply you, the listener, with valuable insights on the topics or questions but also to plant some seeds for further research and thought. Be sure to like and subscribe and leave us a review if you loved this episode!

Connect with Coach Sue & Team PD:

Coach Sue: https://www.instagram.com/suegainz

Physique Development: https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopment_

Physique Development Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopmentpodcast

Inquire to work with Team PD: https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

Have questions or comments for us? Submit them here - https://forms.gle/AEu5vMKNLDfmc24M7

Check out our FREE 4-Week Glute Program - https://go.physiquedevelopment.com/freegluteprogram701788

And keep the gains rolling with 12 MORE weeks of glute growth (use code POD at checkout for $25 off!) - https://train.physiquedevelopment.com/workout-plans/963551

Looking to hire the last coach you'll ever need? Apply here - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

Interested in competition prep? Apply here - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/Ii2UNA

For more videos, articles, and information, head to - https://physiquedevelopment.com

If you would like to support Physique Development and this podcast, please head over to your favorite podcast app and leave us a rating and review! This goes a long way in supporting this podcast and helps us continue to bring high-quality, honest content to you in the form of a podcast. Thank you for listening and we will see you all next time!

----

Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

© 2025, Physique Development LLC. All rights reserved.

If YOU'RE ready to make real, sustainable change in your life, jump on a free call with us - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

You're consistent in the gym. You're following a program. You're tracking your food... But your body still isn't changing the way you want it to.

In today's episode, we're breaking down one of the most common questions we get asked:

"Why am I not building muscle even though I lift all the time?"

We'll cover the six biggest reasons you're not seeing the results you've been working for—from training with true intensity (not just checking a box), to fueling and recovering properly, and giving your body enough time to actually grow.

If you've been putting in the work but not seeing the payoff, this episode will help you finally understand what's missing—and how to fix it. Because progress shouldn't be a mystery, and with the right guidance, you can stop guessing and start growing.

Have questions or comments for the podcast? Drop them here - https://forms.gle/AEu5vMKNLDfmc24M7

As always, it is our goal not only to supply you, the listener, with valuable insights on the topics or questions but also to plant some seeds for further research and thought. Be sure to like and subscribe and leave us a review wherever you're listening if you loved this episode!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Today's topic

(0:45) Reason #1

(7:59) Reason #2

(14:20) Reason #3

(21:09) Reason #4

(24:36) Reason #5

(28:54) Reason #6

(30:33) Key takeaways

OPTIMIZE Your Muscle-Building:

Why You're Not Building Muscle Even Though You Lift Weights - https://pod.fo/e/3542c6

Why You DON'T Need a Huge Surplus to Build Muscle - https://pod.fo/e/358b03

How to Build Muscle While MINIMIZING Fat Gain (Part 1) - https://pod.fo/e/35d759

How to Build Muscle While MINIMIZING Fat Gain (Part 2) - https://pod.fo/e/361fc8

How Long Should a Muscle‑Building Phase Really Last? - https://pod.fo/e/366a56

Follow us on Instagram:

Coach Alex - https://www.instagram.com/alexbush__

Coach Sue - https://www.instagram.com/suegainz

Physique Development - https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopment_

Physique Development Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopmentpodcast

----

Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

© 2025, Physique Development LLC. All rights reserved.

If YOU'RE ready to make real, sustainable change in your life, jump on a free call with us - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

Life won't pause just so you can make progress, so stop waiting for things to be perfect before you start. If you only count progress when conditions are ideal, you'll stay stuck in the cycle of starting over.

In today's episode, Coach Sue breaks down how to build a system that works with your real life, not against it. You'll learn how to stay on track when things feel heavy, unpredictable, or exhausting—without throwing your goals out the window.

Because real progress doesn’t come from perfection... It comes from never losing full contact with your goals—no matter what life throws at you.

As always, it is our goal not only to supply you, the listener, with valuable insights on the topics or questions but also to plant some seeds for further research and thought. Be sure to like and subscribe and leave us a review if you loved this episode!

Connect with Coach Sue & Team PD:

Coach Sue: https://www.instagram.com/suegainz

Physique Development: https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopment_

Physique Development Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopmentpodcast

Inquire to work with Team PD: https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

Have questions or comments for us? Submit them here - https://forms.gle/AEu5vMKNLDfmc24M7

Check out our FREE 4-Week Glute Program - https://go.physiquedevelopment.com/freegluteprogram701788

And keep the gains rolling with 12 MORE weeks of glute growth (use code POD at checkout for $25 off!) - https://train.physiquedevelopment.com/workout-plans/963551

Looking to hire the last coach you'll ever need? Apply here - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

Interested in competition prep? Apply here - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/Ii2UNA

For more videos, articles, and information, head to - https://physiquedevelopment.com

If you would like to support Physique Development and this podcast, please head over to your favorite podcast app and leave us a rating and review! This goes a long way in supporting this podcast and helps us continue to bring high-quality, honest content to you in the form of a podcast. Thank you for listening and we will see you all next time!

----

Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

© 2025, Physique Development LLC. All rights reserved.

If YOU'RE ready to make real, sustainable change in your life, jump on a free call with us - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

You're doing all the "healthy" things—walking daily, hitting yoga and Pilates—but still not seeing the physique changes you want... You might be missing the key stimulus your body actually needs to build and preserve muscle (and bone).

In this episode, Sue and Alex break down the pros and cons of walking, yoga, and Pilates—plus how to bridge the gap between movement and true body composition change. They unpack why muscle is the foundation for not just how you look, but how you age, recover, and perform in everyday life.

Have questions or comments for the podcast? Drop them here - https://forms.gle/AEu5vMKNLDfmc24M7

Check out our FREE 4-Week Glute Program - https://go.physiquedevelopment.com/freegluteprogram701788

And keep the gains rolling with 12 MORE weeks of glute growth (use code POD at checkout for $25 off!) - https://train.physiquedevelopment.com/workout-plans/963551

As always, it is our goal not only to supply you, the listener, with valuable insights on the topics or questions but also to plant some seeds for further research and thought. Be sure to like and subscribe and leave us a review wherever you're listening if you loved this episode!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Today's topic

(0:53) Why yoga, Pilates, and walking ISN'T enough

(1:04) Walking: What it does and doesn't do

(2:59) Yoga: The flexibility vs. strength confusion

(5:30) Pilates: Closer, but still missing key elements

(8:17) The social and cultural factors: Why high-performing women gravitate toward these modalities

(14:18) What actually drives muscle preservation and growth

(17:15) What matters most when it comes to resistance training - your keys to success

(19:03) The PD methodology

(22:25) Final thoughts

Follow us on Instagram:

Coach Alex - https://www.instagram.com/alexbush__

Coach Sue - https://www.instagram.com/suegainz

Physique Development - https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopment_

Physique Development Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopmentpodcast

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Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

© 2025, Physique Development LLC. All rights reserved.

Apply for our Veteran's Day Scholarship here - https://go.physiquedevelopment.com/veteransdayscholarship-702521

**Applications close Friday, November 7th at midnight EST. Winners announced on Veteran's Day.**

Our client was so impacted by her transformation that she wanted someone else to experience the same, and offered to pay for their coaching.

In today's episode, Coach Sue shares the story behind our Veterans Day Scholarship and how one client's generosity sparked a chain reaction- turning one scholarship into three full-ride opportunities for service members and their families.

This scholarship isn't just about free coaching—it’s about rebuilding strength, resilience, and self-trust. Because taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s what allows you to keep showing up for the people you love.

If YOU'RE ready to make real, sustainable change in your life, jump on a free call with us - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

As always, it is our goal not only to supply you, the listener, with valuable insights on the topics or questions but also to plant some seeds for further research and thought. Be sure to like and subscribe and leave us a review if you loved this episode!

Connect with Coach Sue & Team PD:

Coach Sue: https://www.instagram.com/suegainz

Physique Development: https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopment_

Physique Development Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/physiquedevelopmentpodcast

Inquire to work with Team PD: https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

Have questions or comments for us? Submit them here - https://forms.gle/AEu5vMKNLDfmc24M7

Check out our FREE 4-Week Glute Program - https://bit.ly/podcastglutes

And keep the gains rolling with 12 MORE weeks of glute growth (use code POD at checkout for $25 off!) - https://train.physiquedevelopment.com/workout-plans/963551

Looking to hire the last coach you'll ever need? Apply here - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/ToP9TYLE

Interested in competition prep? Apply here - https://physiquedevelopment.typeform.com/to/Ii2UNA

For more videos, articles, and information, head to - https://physiquedevelopment.com

If you would like to support Physique Development and this podcast, please head over to your favorite podcast app and leave us a rating and review! This goes a long way in supporting this podcast and helps us continue to bring high-quality, honest content to you in the form of a podcast. Thank you for listening and we will see you all next time!

----

Produced by: David Margittai | In Post Media

Website: https://www.inpostmedia.com

Email: [email protected]

© 2025, Physique Development LLC. All rights reserved.