The Biggest Training Mistakes After Novice Progression (Starting Strength CEO Nick Delgadillo) | Ep 334

Get your free Muscle-Building Nutrition Blueprint to optimize your diet and tracking so you have the energy and recovery to maximize your lifting – Why did your strength gains stall, and what can you actually do about it? Are you overtrained or just under-recovered? And when is it time to change the program, not your goals? I’m joined by Nick Delgadillo, CEO of Starting Strength Gyms and host of the Stronger Is Better podcast. We break down what really causes lifters to hit that dreaded wall after the novice phase and how to break through it with intention and sustainability. Nick explains why small tweaks, not full overhauls, are key to continued gains and how your form, food, and follow-through matter more than fancy programs. Today, you’ll learn all about: 2:38 – The psychology of the post-novice wall 5:25 – Why recovery outside the gym matters 10:23 – Novice vs. intermediate isn’t black and white 13:11 – How to troubleshoot your progress 17:21 – Three-part self-check before changing programming 28:26 – Training through tendon pain safely 34:59 – Returning to strength after surgery 50:15 – How mindset shapes long-term success 53:20 – Starting Strength Gyms and the future of lifting Episode resources: Starting Strength Podcast Stronger is Better Podcast on Spotify / Stronger is Better Podcast on Apple Website: startingstrengthgyms.com Instagram: @liftfightwin 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