Physiologically, men and women's muscles respond to exercise very similarly. The idea that women need fundamentally different training programs, rep ranges, or nutrient timing is a narrative created to make them feel specifically catered to, but it is not supported by scientific data.

Dorian Yates questions blind faith in "science-based training," noting that many lab studies don't apply to elite athletes. He argues that if a theoretical model, like protein synthesis timing, doesn't translate to better real-world results, it should be discarded in favor of practical experience.

The act of training creates damage and stress; it doesn't build muscle directly. Growth occurs during the recovery and overcompensation phase. Training again before this process is complete is counterproductive, like constantly demolishing a half-built wall.

It's common to have days where a workout feels significantly harder due to fatigue, stress, or other factors. However, this subjective feeling often doesn't correlate with a drop in objective performance; you can still lift the same weight, even if the experience is more challenging.

Women should not fundamentally change their training principles during menopause. Data shows that the transition itself does not accelerate muscle loss. Sarcopenia is primarily exacerbated by physical inactivity, making resistance training a crucial constant throughout a woman's life.

Female metabolism fluctuates significantly with the ovarian cycle. During the first (follicular) phase, women are highly efficient fat-burners and enter ketosis faster than men. However, in the second (luteal) phase, high progesterone levels act as a powerful hunger hormone, making low-carb diets more challenging.

Instead of pushing for linear gains indefinitely, Yates recommends periodizing training. Go all-out for five to six weeks, then intentionally back off for two weeks with lighter, submaximal workouts. This "sawtooth" pattern allows for full recovery and prevents plateaus.

The idea that you must consume protein within a narrow window post-exercise is a myth. Research shows that muscle protein synthesis remains elevated for over 24 hours after resistance training, making immediate protein intake unnecessary for optimizing muscle growth.

Within the wide, normal range of testosterone for both men and women, hormone levels are not predictive of one's ability to gain muscle. Only supra-physiological levels, such as those from anabolic steroids, create a significant, predictable advantage in muscle growth.