ERIC HELMS: APPLYING THE TRAINING VOLUME RESEARCH IN THE REAL WORLD | EP. 201
Tue Feb 03 2026
Training volume makes sense on paper. Applying it in the real world is where most lifters get stuck.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Eric Helms for part two of our training volume discussion. In the previous episode, we broke down the research, dose-response relationships, and what the hypertrophy literature actually shows.
Today, we shift to the applied side.
We cover:
HOW MUCH TRAINING VOLUME BODYBUILDERS ACTUALLY DO IN THE REAL WORLDPRACTICAL TRAINING VOLUME RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE 3RD EDITION OF THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDSA FRAMEWORK FOR PROGRESSING VOLUME WITHOUT BLINDLY ADDING MORE SETS
Too often, volume discussions get stuck at the extremes. Either doing as little as possible because it feels easier to justify, or piling on volume without a framework for recovery, progression, or sustainability.
This episode is about clarity.
We talk about what successful physique athletes actually do, how to interpret volume recommendations intelligently, and how to progress training over time without burning out or stalling.
If your goal is long-term muscle growth, better performance, and sustainable progress, this episode will help you bridge the gap between research and real-world training.
WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:
Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/
Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com
For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry
Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com
My Reading Recommendations:
THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS
https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw
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Training volume makes sense on paper. Applying it in the real world is where most lifters get stuck. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Eric Helms for part two of our training volume discussion. In the previous episode, we broke down the research, dose-response relationships, and what the hypertrophy literature actually shows. Today, we shift to the applied side. We cover: HOW MUCH TRAINING VOLUME BODYBUILDERS ACTUALLY DO IN THE REAL WORLDPRACTICAL TRAINING VOLUME RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE 3RD EDITION OF THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDSA FRAMEWORK FOR PROGRESSING VOLUME WITHOUT BLINDLY ADDING MORE SETS Too often, volume discussions get stuck at the extremes. Either doing as little as possible because it feels easier to justify, or piling on volume without a framework for recovery, progression, or sustainability. This episode is about clarity. We talk about what successful physique athletes actually do, how to interpret volume recommendations intelligently, and how to progress training over time without burning out or stalling. If your goal is long-term muscle growth, better performance, and sustainable progress, this episode will help you bridge the gap between research and real-world training. WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME: Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/ Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com For Info on Brandon’s Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry Brandon’s Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com My Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw