🧬 NABBA North West Performance Lab
New Science on Hypertrophy & Fat Loss – Sept 2025 Edition
Smart strategies for serious physiques
If you’re chasing maximum muscle with minimum fluff, this is your science edge.
We dig through the latest peer-reviewed studies, skip the fluff, and drop only what works — no bro-science, no hype. Whether you're prepping for the stage or growing in the off-season, these new studies can upgrade your strategy.
🥩 1. Protein Timing = Cleaner Gains
Source: Escalante et al. (2025)
Forget random eating. The data shows that post-workout protein (20–40g) leads to better hypertrophy and less fat gain — especially when you’re in a slight surplus.
✅ Pro tip: Hit that shake or steak within 30–60 mins after lifting. Fast protein, full recovery.
⚡ 2. Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS): Next-Level Recovery Tool
Source: Butts et al. (2025), Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies
New evidence shows EMS can enhance muscle mass and reduce local fat in athletes — especially during injury recovery or low-mobility phases.
✅ Not a replacement for lifting, but a sick tool for pre-contest muscle preservation or injury rehab.
🥜 3. Almonds: More Than a Snack
Source: Chandrakar et al. (2025)
They’re not just tasty. Almonds help repair muscle, cut cravings, and support fat loss — all backed by data.
✅ Add a handful post-lift or mid-afternoon to stay anabolic and satisfied.
🔥 4. Training = Anti-Aging for Fat Cells
Source: Tang et al. (2025), Lipids in Health & Disease
Fat cells get lazy with age. But resistance training reprograms them, making them burn fat better and keep your metabolism high.
✅ Bottom line: Training keeps you leaner, longer — literally rewires your fat cells.
💩 5. Your Gut Might Be Sabotaging Gains
Source: Liu et al. (2025)
Probiotic strains like Lactobacillus improved muscle thickness and recovery — through gut-brain-muscle pathways.
✅ Greek yogurt, kefir, or a legit probiotic = better digestion, better gains.
🌱 6. Plant Proteins Hold Power (Yes, Really)
Source: Ahmed et al. (2025)
Animal study showed cassava leaf protein improved muscle hydration and fat profile over soy. Could shift how we look at off-season protein variety.
✅ Worth testing plant-based as a secondary source, especially in high-volume diets.
🧬 7. Testosterone-Boosting Foods = Natural Edge
Source: HealthHub SG (2025)
Foods like tuna, spinach, garlic, and eggs help elevate natural testosterone, support lean mass retention, and promote fat oxidation.
✅ Clean up your cutting diet with these. Old-school foods, new-school science.
🏆 NABBA NW LAB WRAP-UP
If you’re trying to grow in the off-season or dial it in for stage day, here’s the play:
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Post-lift protein is non-negotiable.
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Gut health and recovery tools matter more than most think.
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Testosterone-boosting nutrition gives you the edge without gear.
Train smart. Eat sharp. Compete like a pro.
💪 Want Pro Coaching with Classic Results?
Follow and DM us on Instagram for prep coaching, nutrition plans, and 1:1 hypertrophy strategies:
👉 @old_school_bodybuilding_prep_1