Topic 02 of 10
Training and movement
How to build muscle, get stronger, improve fitness and move well for life.
Thirty training guides written from the teaching of sports scientists, physiotherapists and strength coaches, from your first gym session to training in later life.
Guidance
Strong consensus
18The named experts point the same way, and the guidance has stayed stable.
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Gentle movement for mitochondrial and nervous system health
Engage in gentle movement to support mitochondrial, lymphatic, and nervous system health without overexertion.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Heavy lifting for muscle and metabolic health
Heavy lifting is strongly supported for strength, metabolic health, and resilience.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Movement breaks for sedentary behaviour mitigation
Short movement breaks throughout the day support metabolic and cardiovascular health.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Myofascial release for muscle recovery and pain management
Myofascial release is warmly supported for easing pain and helping recovery.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Physical therapy for pain and injury recovery
Physical therapy helps optimise movement and supports recovery from pain or injury.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Regular exercise for mental health
Regular exercise is a cornerstone for mood and metabolic health.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Sweating for daily detox and movement
Sweating through movement or heat supports natural detoxification and can help with overall vitality.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Zone 2 cardio for cardiovascular training
Zone 2 cardio is foundational for heart, energy, and mitochondrial health.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Physical activity for general lifestyle and ageing
Regular physical activity, even in small amounts, supports longevity and well-being.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Resistance training for general health and longevity
Resistance training is a cornerstone for long-term strength, health, and resilience.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Weight lifting for daily exercise routine for longevity
Weight lifting is strongly supported for healthy ageing, muscle, and metabolic resilience.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Walking for daily physical activity
Walking is a simple, effective way to support brain, metabolic, and overall health.
Strong consensusSome research -
Strength training for exercise and longevity
Strength training is a proven way to maintain muscle and support healthy ageing.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Aerobic exercise for exercise for brain health
Aerobic exercise supports brain health and emotional resilience.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Post-meal walk for blood sugar management
A short walk after meals helps regulate blood sugar and supports digestion.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Wearable device for biohacking beginners
Wearable devices can offer useful feedback and help track progress for many people.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Weight training for exercise protocol
Weight training supports mitochondrial health, muscle, and cardiovascular function.
Strong consensusLimited research -
Cold exposure for cold therapy
Cold exposure can boost mitochondrial health and metabolism, but moderation and adaptation are key.
Strong consensusLimited research
Recommended
11Most named experts recommend it. A few attach conditions, noted on each page.
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Functional training for improved physical function and balance
Engage in functional training to improve stability, energy, and nervous system safety for daily life demands.
RecommendedLimited research -
Raising VO2 max for cardiovascular fitness and endurance
Train consistently to improve VO2 max, supporting cardiovascular health, energy production, and longevity.
RecommendedLimited research -
Recovery management for balanced training and recovery
Manage recovery by adjusting training load based on recovery status to optimise performance and avoid burnout.
RecommendedLimited research -
Running for cancer risk reduction and mental wellbeing
Run regularly if you enjoy it, as it lowers cancer risk and supports mental and physical health, but consider heart and thyroid context.
RecommendedLimited research -
Shockwave therapy for pain relief and tissue repair
Consider acoustic shock wave therapy to reduce pain and stiffness in conditions like plantar fasciitis.
RecommendedLimited research -
Sprint interval training for fat loss and cardiovascular fitness
Incorporate sprint interval training once weekly to efficiently reduce body fat, build speed, and enhance cardiovascular efficiency.
RecommendedLimited research -
Strength training for women for functional strength and connective tissue health
Engage in strength training with organic loads to build functional muscle, support connective tissue, and improve stability and flexibility.
RecommendedLimited research -
High intensity training for cardiovascular fitness and longevity
Incorporate high-intensity training like Tabata twice weekly to improve fitness, immunity, and longevity.
RecommendedLimited research -
High intensity interval training for cardiovascular fitness
High intensity interval training is a well-supported method for boosting fitness, with proper recovery.
RecommendedLimited research -
Moderate exercise for perimenopause lifestyle adaptation
The panel is split on moderate exercise; it can help some with weight and inflammation, but results vary.
RecommendedLimited research -
Cardio exercise for hormonal health and exercise
Moderate cardio supports overall health, but balance with resistance training for best hormonal support.
RecommendedLimited research
Contested
3Credible experts land on different sides. Read both before deciding.
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Training volume for resistance training for muscle growth
The panel is split on optimal training volume for muscle and health.
ContestedLimited research -
Ice bath for exercise recovery and stress
The panel is split; ice baths help recovery but may blunt muscle growth if overused.
ContestedLimited research -
High intensity exercise for high-intensity interval training
The panel is split; high intensity exercise boosts health but can backfire without recovery.
ContestedLimited research
Nothing here matches. Try fewer words, or ask Entrain.
Guides
Training guides
All thirty guides, grouped.
Programming
6Building muscle
Sets, effort, rep ranges and progression for muscle growth.
ProgrammingGetting stronger
Heavy loading, progression schemes and peaking.
ProgrammingWeekly structure and splits
Full body or splits, and how often to train each muscle.
ProgrammingChoosing exercises
Machines, free weights and picking the right movement.
ProgrammingCardio and conditioning
Zone 2, intervals, VO2 max and hybrid training.
ProgrammingSpeed and power
Sprinting, jumping and explosive work.
Technique
6The squat
Depth, stance, bracing and common faults.
TechniqueThe deadlift and hip hinge
Hinging well, pulling from the floor, variations.
TechniqueThe bench press
Set-up, bar path and shoulder-friendly pressing.
TechniqueOverhead pressing and pulling
Pull-ups, rows and pressing overhead.
TechniqueSingle-leg training
Lunges, split squats and step-ups.
TechniqueCore training
Bracing, anti-rotation and trunk strength.
Movement and recovery
7Mobility and flexibility
Range of motion that lasts.
Movement and recoveryWarming up
What a useful warm-up includes.
Movement and recoveryBreathing and posture
Breathing mechanics, ribcage and pelvis position.
Movement and recoveryMovement screening
Assessing how someone moves before loading.
Movement and recoveryRecovery
Deloads, soreness, readiness and what helps.
Movement and recoveryPain and injury
Training around pain and coming back from injury.
Movement and recoverySleep for training
How sleep shapes performance and adaptation.
Fuel and body composition
5Protein and eating for training
How much protein, when, and from where.
Fuel and body compositionCreatine and training supplements
What is worth taking and what is not.
Fuel and body compositionFat loss and body composition
Losing fat while keeping muscle.
Fuel and body compositionTraining for long-term health
Strength, fitness and lifespan.
Fuel and body compositionEquipment and tools
Belts, shoes, straps and gadgets.
Who it is for
6Training for women
The cycle, pregnancy, postpartum and menopause.
Who it is forTraining in later life
Strength, balance and bone after 50.
Who it is forYoung athletes
Safe, effective training for children and teenagers.
Who it is forStarting out
The first year of training, done well.
Who it is forConsistency and motivation
Building a habit that sticks.
Who it is forExercise and the brain
Training for memory, mood and focus.