Ep 131: Andy Baker on Bodybuilding for Hypertrophy and an Aesthetic, Muscular Physique

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of bodybuilding? Do you know the most effective way to build muscle mass? What is the most common mistake people make when trying to build muscle? Philip ( @witsandweights ) is thrilled to have the incredible Andy Baker back with him today. They discussed Andy’s programming philosophy, strength training for the elderly, coaching principles, and lifting techniques during his previous appearance on episode 60. Andy, a renowned strength coach, co-author of Practical Programming and The Barbell Prescription, and Baker Barbell Podcast host, owns Kingwood Strength and Conditioning in Texas. His three programming tracks in the online Baker Barbell Club include a bodybuilding track that Philip is running for the final three months of his building phase and plans to continue into a fat loss phase. Philip and Andy thought it would be fun today to talk about bodybuilding, not the big B competitive physique sport but the little b method of hypertrophy-oriented bodybuilding-style training for aesthetic muscle development to improve one’s physique. They talk about bro splits, the top-set/backoff-set approach, intensity and frequency, the interplay between hypertrophy and strength, and some of the techniques and philosophy behind this training style. __________ Click here to apply for coaching! __________ Today you’ll learn all about: (2:30) Why bodybuilding (10:08) Muscle mass, motor recruitment, and intermuscular efficiency (13:11) Advantage of having lower body fat (26:42) Five-day full-body program (32:56) Why Andy is running this program (43:08) Tweaks for women or someone with weaker legs (46:22) How to modify the exercise to focus on body parts (50:25) The six-day program (51:45) The split and top-set/backoff-set (1:09:14) The mind-muscle connection for a new lifter (1:19:25) Common mistakes (1:28:50) Six-week progression (1:45:26) Where to find Andy (1:46:06) Outro Episode resources: Ep 60: Strength and Programming for Maximum Gains at Any Age with Andy Baker Andy’s website: www.AndyBaker.com IG - @bakerbarbell Support the show 📱 Get Fitness Lab - Philip’s science-based AI app for fat loss, muscle building, and strength training for people over 40. It adapts to your nutrition, recovery, and training to improve body composition without guesswork. 🎓 Try Physique University - Evidence-based nutrition coaching and strength training to help you lose fat, build muscle, and master your metabolism with support and accountability (free custom nutrition plan with code FREEPLAN ). 👥 Join our Facebook community - Free fat loss, muscle building, and body recomposition strategies for adults over 40 who want practical, science-backed fitness guidance. 👋 Ask a question or find Philip Pape on Instagram