Best Diet & Workout Plan for Men Over 40 to Build Muscle (Backed by Science) w/ Stan Efferding | Ep. 294

The Super Human Life

What if everything you’ve been told about aging and muscle growth is wrong?

In this powerhouse episode, Coach Frank sits down with Stan Efferding—world record-holding powerlifter, IFBB pro bodybuilder, and creator of the Vertical Diet—to dismantle the lies about fitness after 40 and reveal what it actually takes to build a strong, high-performing body for life.

They dive deep into recovery, hormones, diet, and the brutal truth behind why most men fall off track. Whether you’ve been out of the gym for a decade or are grinding through plateaus, this episode is your wake-up call to get serious about your health span, not just your lifespan.

Forget gimmicks. Stan brings real science, real experience, and a relentless focus on what works.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• You can build muscle after 40—but you have to train differently

• Recovery is more important than ever as testosterone and growth hormone decline

• Frequency > volume when it comes to consistent gains

• Proximity to failure is the most important training variable most guys ignore

• Muscle memory is real—you can get back what you once had, and faster than you think

• Hormonal optimization starts with strength training, sleep, and diet—not just supplements

• Diet fads come and go—what matters most is compliance

• Weight loss (regardless of method) is still the #1 driver of most health improvements

• Strength training is non-negotiable for long-term vitality, resilience, and purpose

🧠 Expect to Learn:

• Why building muscle after 40 is not only possible—it’s necessary

• The #1 factor that determines whether or not you grow: proximity to failure

• The real reason you feel tired, sluggish, and stuck (hint: hormones + poor recovery)

• How gym culture has evolved—and how that affects your motivation

• The truth about the “sugar diet” and why carbs aren’t your enemy

• How to train smarter, not just harder (especially as you age)

• Why consistency and compliance will always beat intensity

• What actually drives health improvements—regardless of the diet you follow

💪 About Stan Efferding:

Stan Efferding is one of the most accomplished strength athletes in the world. Known as the “World’s Strongest IFBB Pro Bodybuilder,” Stan holds world records in powerlifting and has coached some of the biggest names in bodybuilding, MMA, and professional sports.

He is the creator of the Vertical Diet, a performance-based nutrition system used by elite athletes and everyday men alike to optimize digestion, hormonal health, and strength. Stan is also a successful entrepreneur, speaker, and advocate for smarter, sustainable fitness as we age.

Connect with Stan:

Website - https://stanefferding.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stanefferding/

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@stanefferding

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