Join Our Newsletter!

Over the years, Starting Strength has done a solid job of compiling effective training and rehab protocols for a wide range of common lifting injuries. Their approach focuses on maintaining strength and movement — even when working around pain.

One of the most common issues lifters face is poor recovery — often due to inadequate nutrition. This is especially true for individuals dealing with dietary challenges such as Crohn’s disease or other gastrointestinal conditions.

We’ve found that Stan Efferding offers one of the clearest and most effective approaches to eating for recovery, strength, and overall performance. His Vertical Diet is designed with digestibility and nutrient density in mind — making it a helpful resource for lifters with restrictive diets.

Hormone levels can tell us a lot about our body’s ability to recover. When it comes to strength training, this information is critical for managing fatigue, avoiding burnout, and continuing to make steady progress under the bar.

That’s why we believe understanding the basics of hormone regulation — especially how hormones like testosterone, cortisol, and growth hormone affect recovery — is essential for any serious lifter.