Have your muscle gains stalled? Do you struggle to build muscle as fast as others despite your best efforts in the gym?Philip (@witsandweights) connects with anatomy expert Justin Cottle to dive deep into the cellular world of muscle hypertrophy. You'll learn why some people build muscle faster, what happens inside your muscles as they adapt to strength training, and how understanding these processes can unlock your muscle-building potential. If you want to go beyond the surface level and truly understand how to build muscle efficiently, this is for you.Justin Cottle, a former lab director at the Institute of Human Anatomy, returns to the show to break down the science of muscle fibers, the role of protein synthesis, and how our genetics influence muscle growth.🔔 Make sure to hit “follow” to be notified of more episodes like these!Today, you’ll learn all about:2:02 Cellular differences between hypertrophied and untrained muscle3:37 Breaking down muscle fibers and tissue layers7:15 Fast-twitch vs. slow-twitch muscle fibers10:03 The role of protein and amino acids in muscle growth15:30 The connection between carbs and glycogen storage20:22 The three types of muscle tissues24:18 Eccentric vs. concentric contractions and training28:48 Training variation and breaking through plateaus32:44 Genetic variability in muscle fiber composition36:43 Mechanisms beyond individual fiber growth (e.g., hyperplasia)39:09 The importance of rest and recovery for hypertrophy45:30 Role of muscle damage in hypertrophy 49:34 Practical strategies and training methods for lifters52:21 Advancements in muscle growth science55:50 Where to find Justin56:24 OutroEpisode resources:Youtube: @thedissectionroom Substack: @thedissectionroom Instagram: @realjustincottleLearn anatomy faster: kenhub.comRelated episode:How Anatomy Impacts Your Gut, Muscle Mass, Hormones, and Health with Justin Cottle | Ep 177Support 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

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.