NBSV 210: Minimal time, maximum strength — Coach Matt Taylor on training that fits your life
- Karina Inkster
- Nov 25, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 9
In this episode, I’m joined by strength coach Matt Taylor to talk about what it really takes to get stronger when life is busy. We dig into the concept of bare-ass minimums: the essential actions that keep you progressing even during chaotic weeks—and how to build a training routine that fits into real life.
Matt shares how he coaches lifters to make meaningful gains in under five hours a week, why anchoring habits matters more than willpower, and how to set goals that won’t burn you out. We also dive into his own journey: from world records to an autoimmune diagnosis, and back to competitive lifting using a more flexible, sustainable approach.
Whether you’re short on time, struggling with consistency, or just want a smarter strength plan, this conversation will help you rethink what “effective training” actually looks like.
Important topics we discussed:
>> Why most people overestimate how much training they need, and underestimate what’s possible in 30 minutes
>> How to structure 30-minute workouts (warm-up, primary lift, accessories)
>> The importance of habit anchoring and how to tie workouts to existing routines
>> Navigating competing priorities, and how to choose goals that fit your life and values
Connect with Matt:
>> Matt's [free] powerlifting community
>> Matt on Instagram
Mentioned in this episode:
>> Matt's free [and downloadable] case study
Episode transcript:
>> Access a full transcript of this episode here
Share your thoughts:
>> Comment on the episode's Facebook post.
>> Leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Your reviews really help, and I read each one!
Subscribe to the show:
>> Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify.
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