Michael Wood, CSCS

Michael Wood, CSCS, is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and Content Manager for JeFit app. Michael is a former Assistant Strength & Conditioning Coach at the University of Connecticut and Exercise Physiologist at the USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University. He is the Founder of Michael Wood Fitness, named twice to "Top 100 Trainers in America" by Men's Journal and voted Best of Boston by Boston Magazine. Michael previously taught at the University of Connecticut and Boston University. He is the author of TBC30: 6 Steps to a Stronger, Healthier You.

Free Weights vs. Machines: What Does Science Really Say?

Introduction The debate between free weights and machines has been around for decades, but recent research has reshaped the conversation. Today, the question isn’t which is better—it’s how to use both more effectively.For JEFIT users tracking progress, this shift matters. Smarter programming leads to better long-term results. What the Latest Research Shows Several high-quality studies

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Do Cluster Sets Build More Strength and Muscle?

Summary • Cluster sets split traditional sets into smaller groups using short rest intervals.• This method helps maintain higher strength output and better lifting technique.• Short intra-set rests partially restore energy, allowing more quality reps.• Effective for both heavy strength lifts and hypertrophy-focused workouts.• Helps maintain power output in explosive exercises like squats, presses, and

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Carb Cycling for Strength Training

Summary Carb Cycling: A Smart Nutrition Strategy for Athletes Strength athletes often focus heavily on protein intake when trying to build muscle. While protein remains critical for muscle repair and growth, carbohydrate intake plays an equally important role in fueling training performance and supporting recovery. One emerging nutrition strategy that has gained attention among strength

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What is Muscle Longevity Training?

Summary Muscle Longevity Training Defined Muscle longevity training is one of the most discussed strength trends in 2026 across fitness blogs, podcasts, and research communities. Unlike traditional hypertrophy programs that focus on short-term muscle gain, this approach prioritizes preserving muscle mass, strength, and power over decades. The goal is not just to build muscle, but

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Clean Eating in a Processed World: Rethinking GRAS

Summary Introduction In February 2026, CBS’s 60 Minutes aired a major report on ultra-processed foods and GRAS ingredients. The segment focused on how food companies classify many additives as safe. Correspondent Bill Whitaker led the discussion with Dr. David A. Kessler. Together, they examined how current the regulations affect public health. They also questioned whether

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Training Specificity: Why Workouts Must Match Your Goals

If you want better results in the gym, your training must match your goals. It’s that simple. One of the most overlooked principles in fitness is training specificity. Many lifters train hard but fail to train with purpose, leading to slow progress, frustration, and plateaus. Understanding and applying specificity can dramatically improve strength, muscle growth,

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Chrono-Nutrition to Improve Strength Training

Intro Summary • Chrono-nutrition focuses on when you eat, not just what you eat.• Aligning meals with circadian rhythm improves muscle protein synthesis and recovery.• Strategic carb, protein, and fat timing can enhance both strength and body composition changes.• Especially impactful for aging lifters, shift workers, and early-morning or late-day trainers.• Supported by emerging research

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Velocity-Based Strength Training: Lift Smarter, Not Heavier

Velocity-Based Training, often referred to as VBT, is rapidly becoming one of the most talked-about topics in modern strength training. Once reserved for elite athletes using expensive gym technology, VBT is now making its way into mainstream gyms and fitness apps as lifters look for smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to build strength. At

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Optimal Recovery Time for Strength Training

Recovery is one of the most misunderstood and underutilized components of strength training. Many lifters focus almost exclusively on exercises, volume, and intensity while treating rest as an afterthought. In reality, recovery time (1) between sets and recovery days and (2) between workouts, play a central role in muscle growth, strength development, injury prevention, and

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Train Smarter With MED: Minimum Effective Dose Strength

Introduction For decades, strength training culture has promoted a simple message: more sets, more exercises, more days in the gym equal better results. But in 2026, that belief is being challenged by one of the fastest-growing movements in strength science and real-world coaching—Minimum Effective Dose (MED) strength training. MED training flips the traditional approach on

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