We're back with another quarantine episode of the Strength System Podcast and we're joined by Lavangi S, a Chennai-based gynecologist.

Varun and Prashanti chat with Lavangi about:

- Parameters that define a 'normal' period

- When someone needs to see a gynecologist to troubleshoot issues with the menstrual cycle

- What PCOS really is and why it's so often misdiagnosed

- Some commonly asked questions about the menstrual cycle - PMS, training around the period, factors that support a healthy period.

This week on the Strength System podcast, we're talking about progress and why it's often not linear.

Most textbooks and most fitpros make it sound like progress is a straight arrow, all you need to do is set a goal, train hard, eat right, and you're there.

But this doesn't match what actually happens in practice. More often than not, progress plateaus for a while and even regresses before really accelerating.

Nivedhan and Varun dive into just why that might be, and give you some practical rules of thumb to make sure that you're not panicking prematurely because progress has temporarily stalled.

Maybe the isolation's got to us, but the Strength System podcast has had enough!

Sick and tired of all the BS health and fitness claims we see all the time, we're giving you a primer on just why they're wrong.

We use the examples of (1) the uncritical respect given to Ayurvedic claims (2) the harmful narratives around the treatment of back pain to make a larger point: we need to be much more critical of all claims in the health and fitness world.

This is an entertaining listen, so sit back and prepare to be offended.

In episode 45, Varun (remotely) interviews two of our long-time clients, Praveen Ananth and Vrunda Maroo, about their experiences with combining strength training and running.

Praveen and Vrunda are avid runners, and we thought it would be great to get their thoughts on just how strength has helped them run better, faster and become more bulletproof.

If you're interested in the nitty gritty of strength training for runners, register for our (free) webinar on Saturday, June 13. Just email us at [email protected], and we'll get in touch!

Varun and Nivedhan discuss returning to training after an enforced lay-off and what to expect. Some of the questions they discuss:

- Will you have lost all your gains? Spoiler: not as much as you think.

- Why your first few workouts back will be pretty rough.

- How your training might look in terms of sets, reps, weight and frequency

- Why you probably won't take too long to get to your pre-lockdown levels.

It's been almost a month since our last podcast, so like everyone else in the world, we got on a Zoom call!

We talk about:

* Whether it's possible to maintain or build strength and muscle mass if you're stuck at home.

* Some simple nutrition strategies to keep yourself on track.

* A lot of off-topic chat.

No gym? No problem! We still have a podcast for you.

Varun, Chirag and Prashanti host, all seated at a safe distance from each other.

We discuss how to keep your fitness and nutrition on track while at home and without access to the gym.

Basic principles of bodyweight training? Nutrition tips if you're at home? It's all here.

Have a listen and subscribe if you like the podcast!

We have a special guest for this week's episode of the Strength System podcast, and it's none other than Coach Greg Robins!

Greg is the co-owner of The Strength House (fun fact: they like purple just as much as we do), a seasoned coach who has coached many lifters through their first meet, and an accomplished lifter in his own right.

We chat with Greg about:

- His background in sports and how he got interested in powerlifting.

- Why someone might benefit from powerlifting-style training even if they don't want to compete.

- How to train the lifts year-round while still building your skill.

- Some mindset tips during meet prep.

- His top 5 pieces of advice for first-time lifters.

In this podcast, coaches Varun and Nivedhan talk about just why the deadlift is their favourite lift of all time. They discuss:

- Why even deadlift? What does it do for you?

- The many ways you can deadlift - it doesn't have to involve a barbell.

- Why deadlifts are NOT dangerous for your back.

- Our 3 biggest technique pillars for the deadlift.

- The most common technique mistakes we see.

- Our favourite variations of the deadlift and when to choose them.

Coach Varun and nutritionist Sharmada Venkat discuss:

- Her background in nutrition science

- Her approach to nutrition and why she emphasizes long-term behavioural change.

- Why she doesn't like a restrictive approach to eating that only tells you what you NOT to eat.

- The role physical activity can play in a long-term approach to nutrition.

And a lot more!