What if one of the most confusing parts of strength training… is also one of the simplest?
In Episode 3 of The Research Debrief, our hosts break down a recent high-impact study that challenges one of the most persistent beliefs in fitness: that lifting heavier weights leads to greater muscle growth.
Drawing from research published in The Journal of Physiology by scientists at McMaster University, this episode explores what actually drives muscle hypertrophy — and why genetics, not load selection, plays a much larger role than the industry has long suggested.
This episode explores:
-Why “heavy vs. light” training doesn’t determine muscle growth
-What the research actually says about reps, load and training to failure
-Why genetics drive hypertrophy more than programming tweaks
-How perceived complexity keeps people out of the weight room
-Why clubs need to stop marketing offerings as “toning” vs. “muscle building”
-What this means for coaching, programming and strength training messaging
If you operate, lead or work in a health club, this episode will challenge how you think about strength training — and how you communicate its value to members.
📚 Access the show notes page for links to the research discussed: https://clubsolutionsmagazine.com/2026/01/how-to-talk-about-strength-training-without-confusing-members/
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or SoundCloud
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Es0iFGeEOBI
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