De Novo Nutrition

Squat shoes, belts, wrist wraps, and knee sleeves. There is a deceiving amount of equipment involved in the world of Raw Powerlifting. How should you go about choosing the equipment that is appropriate for you without breaking the bank? Is there a method for experimentation which allows you to determine if your equipment is the best fit? Listen as Ben, Ryan, and Jake discuss these questions and elaborate why copying your favorite lifter's gear may not be the best bet.

Do you control your sport or does your sport control you? In this episode of Physiology and Philosophy Ben, Ryan, and Jake discuss how sport and serious competition have the potential to dominate our lives. Is this an inevitable consequence of "giving it everything you've got?" At what point does sport begin to feel oppressive and obligatory? Surely, it is our prerogative to choose whether or not we participate - or is it? Listen-in as we attempt to reason our way through these philosophical quandaries.

We've been waiting a long time for this one… Finally, on our second-to-last stop of the De Novo Lift & Chill Tour, Matt Gary and Sioux-z Hartwing-Gary of SSPT were kind enough to welcome us into their home for a truly epic podcast. After stuffing our faces with burgers and cake, we embarked on our feels-driven discussion involving the history of powerlifting, where it might be going, and how we sustain our passion – for the sport and everyday life. It's a long ride folks, but trust us, you'll want to hang in there for this one!

With the Arnold Sports Festival now past, Ryan, Ben, and Jacob reflect on some wise words uttered by Matt Gary behind the scenes of the powerlifting stage. As Ryan prepared for his second attempt on bench, he made a brief comment about 'making weight' to which Matt replied, "Well, that's all part of competing." This got us thinking: What are ​all of the factors that go into powerlifting competition - or competition at all for that matter? We all become so focused on the lifting aspect, that we sometimes forget about the necessary minutiae that contribute to the entire process. How prepared should we be before actually stepping onto the platform? What variables can we control? Listen as we delve into these often overlooked, but important questions. Hopefully, we'll get you thinking a little bit more about your own level of preparedness.

In this edition of physiology and philosophy, Ben, Ryan, and Jacob discuss coach-a-bility and non-traditional education in fitness. Everyone has a different style of learning and perhaps it is time for our industry to devise an educational model that seeks to get everyone on the same page. What are the fundamentals? Where do we go from there? We don't have all the answers, but have a listen this week and let's get the conversation started.

Former Powerlifting Lone-Wolf, LS McClain came by the De Novo Headquarters to talk about the importance of community in this week's podcast. Listen as we discuss the benefits of a close-knit community, powerlifting as a team sport, and the bigger picture of raw powerlifting within the fitness industry as a whole.

Another randomcast coming your way! This time, both Katie Rutherford and Jorge Rosado stop by the De Novo Headquarters for some Physiology and Philosophy action.  Listen as we discuss some important topics including female entrepreneurship in the fitness industry.

Knowledge of Daily Undulating Periodization (DUP) has spread like wildfire through the fitness community over the past year and has really put an emphasis on smart programming for strength athletes. While most are familiar with the concept of DUP and programming on a small scale, how are these principles applied through an entire year of training? Perhaps there are some important lessons that we may take away from full time athletes like scheduling for time off from training. Listen as Ben, Ryan, and Jacob discuss these and other important considerations when looking at the big picture of programming.

In this holiday edition of Physiology and Philosophy, Ryan and Jacob go "rapid-fire" through some trending topics in the fitness world. Can you keep up?

On this special edition of Physiology and Philosophy, De Novo Nutrition Creative Director, Brandon Wells, and Brand Manager, Anna Wilder, join Ben and Ryan to discuss some of the unique challenges and frustrating issues presented to entrepreneurs in the world of fitness.

No one likes to talk about it, but we all have to deal with injuries at some point.  As more athletes continue to flock toward powerlifting, it is important to consider this frustrating aspect of the sport. What steps can we take to avoid injury? What physiological and psychological issues arise after an injury has occurred? In this episode Ben, Ryan, and Jacob contemplate the intricate balance of pushing your limits while staying healthy and maintaining longevity.

Athlete and friend Jorge Rosado happened to stop by the De Novo House with a lot on his mind.  So, we broke out the microphones and started recording the first Random Cast!

Where does 'fitness' fit into your life? Is it your obsession or your hobby? How can you tell when you've crossed the line from confidence to disillusionment? Listen to Ben, Ryan, and Jacob as they discuss where fitness fits into your life and how to evaluate its impact.

As natural bodybuilding and powerlifting continue to rise in popularity, a curious interplay between the two has surfaced in the fitness community. While some individuals remain purists in one domain or the other, cross-over athletes have also become more prevalent. Certainly these sports differ when it comes time for competition, but are they really that different in terms of training methodology? What about other physiological, psychological, and social differences? Tune in to hear Ben, Ryan, and Jacob think through the contrasts between Bodybuilding and Powerlifting.

With more and more people seeking coaching for bodybuilding and powerlifting prep,  some misconceptions have arisen regarding the client-coach relationship. What can realistically be expected when seeking a coach? Surely, some are more skilled than others in their coaching ability, however, there are no magicians in this industry. Listen to Ben, Ryan, and Jacob explain some common misconceptions of programming and how to avoid them.

Do we need the traditional institution or has the individual surmounted this need through social media? Perhaps competing in the conventional institutional sense (through fitness and/or powerlifting organizations) is no longer necessary now that we have gained an understanding of our relative skill through Instagram, Facebook, and the like. Still, institutions may provide an important base for helping the individual get started at the outset of self-actualization. But when is it time to break from the institution's rule? How do you stop yourself from falling into the trap of institutionally defined success? Listen as Ben, Ryan, and Jacob discuss the role of institution in the fitness industry and everyday life.

As we know, scientific research has become more and more accessible with the advent of the internet. But what do we do with this information? Why do you like science? While some use science as a means to be progressive and further their knowledge, science "celebrities" seem equally prevalent these days. How do we distinguish between these individuals? Join Ben, Ryan, and Jacob on a discussion of science, its benefits, and potential abuse.

With the rising popularity of evidence-based approaches to training and nutrition and the demand for further research in the field of exercise physiology, there has been a stigmatization of "bro-scientists" everywhere.  We look down on them from our ivory tower of knowledge only to laugh at their seemingly silly methods of training and eating... but perhaps we are a being a bit hasty in our judgment. Perhaps the "bro's" aren't so silly after all. Listen to Ben, Ryan, and Jacob discuss the "Importance of Bro."