Join me on The Flex Diet Podcast as I break down the iconic 1996 Tabata study that’s been hyped for its fat-burning benefits. Tabata training has become a fitness staple, but is it really all it’s cracked up to be? I’ll uncover the myths, dive into the science, and explain why true Tabata isn’t exactly beginner-friendly. Learn about its real effects on body composition and how you can modify it for better results. Plus, I’ll give you the lowdown on Flexible Meathead Cardio: Level 2 that closes for enrollment at midnight on Tuesday, August 12, 2025. Tune in for a no-BS look at one of the most talked-about training protocols in fitness.

On this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I chat with Dr. Mike Roberts, a full professor at Auburn University and head of the Nutri Bolt Applied and Molecular Physiology Lab. Mike’s one of the sharpest minds in muscle science, and we go deep into the nitty-gritty of hypertrophy, including everything from rodent studies to human trials to the molecular pathways that drive muscle growth. We get into some serious geekery: ribosome biogenesis, muscle stem cells, the extracellular matrix — yeah, all the stuff happening behind the scenes when you train. Mike also shares his take on how HIIT and consistent resistance training impact muscle adaptation, and we riff on where nutrition fits into the equation. If you're into the science of muscle or you're a coach looking to better understand the mechanisms behind hypertrophy, you’ll dig this one. Tons of actionable nuggets and some fascinating research. Check it out!

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I break down how to train your cardio without wrecking your strength gains. We’re digging into the real roles of your aerobic and anaerobic systems—why most lifters skip the boring base work, and why that’s a big mistake if you want better performance and recovery. I also share a sneak peek at the upcoming Flexible Meathead Cardio Level 2 course, which covers high-intensity interval training (HIIT), anaerobic power, and how to program it all without turning your training into a dumpster fire. Whether you're a meathead trying to breathe between sets or just want to recover faster and hit harder—this one's for you. Sponsors: Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20% LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I’m joined by the always-interesting Levi Earl, who's tuning in all the way from Finland, to nerd out on all things aerobic training, grip strength, and how to make your meathead conditioning actually work for you, not against you. We dive into why strength athletes need better aerobic systems (no, it’s not just for skinny endurance types), how mountain training builds freakish capacity, and why grip training is way more than just farmer’s carries until your soul leaves your body. We also delve into sport-specific gems, such as what wrestlers, hockey players, and other power athletes can glean from these methods to enhance their performance without tiring out. Whether you’re a high-level athlete or want to stop sucking wind between sets, you’ll walk away with some highly usable intel. Give it a listen—grab your notebook, and consider bringing a pulse oximeter if you're feeling particularly curious. Sponsors: Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20% LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com

On this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Antonella Schwarz to geek out over her recent study on myo-reps, which she presented at the International Society of Sports Nutrition. We break down what myo-reps are, where the concept came from, and how they stack up against more traditional hypertrophy protocols. Sponsors: Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20% LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com We also dive into some broader topics, including muscle growth principles, physical therapy applications, injury recovery strategies, and how to train efficiently when time is tight. Dr. Schwarz shares how she uses myo-reps in her own training and why performance-based goals are such a big deal. Plus, she gives us a sneak peek at her upcoming research. If you’re a coach, trainer, or just a curious nerd like me, you’ll get a ton out of this one. Enjoy!

Welcome back to the Flex Diet Podcast. I’m Dr. Mike T. Nelson, and in this episode, I’m joined by the legendary Coach Cal Dietz from the University of Minnesota. This was originally a bonus call for the Phasic 2 book, but it was packed with so much gold, I had to bring it to the podcast. We dig into a wide range of performance topics, including everything from the surprising benefits of using water bags in training to how footwear can affect pain and mechanics. Cal and I also discuss strategies for building muscle and improving body composition, including phasic loading for powerlifters, the nuances of cluster training, and how to train the aerobic system without compromising recovery. We even touch on some sport-specific advice, like adjusting training for cross-country athletes and the critical distinction between EU stress and distress in programming. Tons of actionable takeaways here for coaches, athletes, and curious nerds alike. Sponsors: Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20% LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com Available now: Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here.

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Doug Goldstein for a deep dive into biomechanics, performance, and recovery. We get into the weeds on muscle performance, body comp, and how to reduce injury risk—stuff that matters whether you're an elite athlete or just trying to move and feel better. We also explore some cutting-edge tools like Springbok Analytics and dive into how intramuscular dry needling can change muscle properties to enhance performance. Plus, we break down contralateral adaptations, mental performance strategies, and smart approaches to overload. Lots of real-world applications and case studies in this one — don’t miss it. Sponsors: Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20% LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I’m diving into the nitty-gritty of blood work and why it matters for your health, performance, and longevity, especially if you're an athlete, bodybuilder, or serious about your training. Fresh off the ISSN (International Society of Sports Nutrition) conference, I’m joined by Michael Warner, a sharp coach at Marek Health and the owner of Set the Standard. Together, we unpack some of the most important markers in blood work, how training and nutrition can influence your results, and how to actually interpret those lab numbers in the real world. We also discuss the importance of hydration, the context behind the numbers, and why proactive health monitoring should be an integral part of every performance plan. And yes, we touch on the impact of PEDs (performance-enhancing drugs) and what they can do to your blood markers. Whether you’re optimizing for gains or longevity, this is a must-listen for anyone who wants to truly understand what’s going on under the hood. Sponsors: Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20% LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, Dr. Mike Nelson discusses the closing of the Flex Diet Certification enrollment, emphasizing its comprehensive program for improving body composition, muscle gain, and performance through nutrition and recovery.

Hey there, Dr. Mike T Nelson here. In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I’m excited to announce that the Flex Diet Certification is officially open! I’m recording this one from Europe, and I’ll walk you through what the cert is all about. The Flex Diet Cert is my comprehensive program that dives deep into the worlds of nutrition and recovery, all built around the concepts of metabolic flexibility and flexible dieting. But we don’t just stop at macros and science—we also dig into habit-based techniques and the psychology behind behavior change, so you can help clients actually follow through and see real results. In this episode, I also geek out a bit on the role of protein in muscle growth, including a breakdown of muscle protein synthesis and how it ties into exercise. If you’ve ever wondered how to optimize training and recovery to build more lean muscle, you’ll want to tune in. You’ll also hear about the eight key interventions I cover in the cert, plus highlights from expert interviews and some simple, actionable steps you can use with your clients right now to improve performance, body composition, and overall health. Check it out, and if you’re ready to level up your coaching, the Flex Diet Cert is open now for a limited time. Let’s go! Sponsors: Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20% LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com

Welcome back to the Flex Diet Podcast! I'm Dr. Mike T Nelson, and in this episode, I’m joined by Ben Mayfield Smith, a coach, researcher, and all-around grit expert from Australia, for a deep dive into what it really means to build resilience in both training and life. We unpack the science and psychology behind grit, perseverance, and stress adaptation and how you can strategically apply these principles to become more robust as an athlete, coach, or everyday human. Ben and I get into the weeds on why mental toughness isn’t about grinding yourself into the ground, and how balancing physiological stress with psychological readiness is key to long-term progress. You’ll also hear some practical takeaways you can implement today, whether it’s developing a growth mindset in your coaching or using tools like cold water immersion to toughen both body and mind. Plus, I give a quick update on the next Flex Diet Certification cohort, perfect for anyone looking to level up their coaching toolbox. Sponsors: Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20% LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com

Welcome back to the Flex Diet Podcast! I’m your host, Dr. Mike T. Nelson, and today’s episode is a special rebroadcast of a conversation I had on the Barbell Shrugged podcast with Anders Varner. We dive deep into what I call the Flexible Meathead Cardio Approach — a method designed specifically for strength athletes and lifters who know they need cardio but don’t want it to kill their gains. In this episode, I break down how to build a cardio plan that enhances, not competes with, your strength and performance goals. We cover why aerobic conditioning is a secret weapon for recovery, how it helps you train harder over time, and how to structure your week for maximum benefit. We also get into the weeds on VO2 max testing, different cardio modalities (and when to use them), and how to leverage health data from wearables like the Oura Ring for smarter training decisions. If you’re a lifter who wants to be strong and fit without living on a treadmill, this one’s for you. Sponsors: Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20% LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com Fexible Meathead Cardio Level 1: Sign-up here

Welcome back to the Flex Diet Podcast! I’m your host, Dr. Mike T. Nelson, and in this episode, I sit down with my good friend Dr. Kenneth Jay, a PhD in Physiology and Biomechanics, coach to Olympic-level athletes, and creator of the Row Forge app. We go deep on all things cardiovascular performance, especially how to improve aerobic capacity without losing your hard-earned strength. You’ll hear us geek out over the Concept2 rower (yes, it’s a love-hate relationship), and dig into the science of rowing mechanics, training protocols, and how to crush your 2k time, including Kenneth’s brutal but effective “Mjolnir” workout. We also cover key concepts like VO2 max, zone two training, and when to use HIIT vs. steady-state cardio. Whether you’re a strength athlete trying to up your conditioning game or just looking to improve overall performance, there’s something here for you. We even touch on practical tools like ketone esters, electrolytes, and how to maintain conditioning without burning out.

Welcome back to the Flex Diet Podcast. I'm Dr. Mike T. Nelson, and today I’m diving into the frigid but fascinating world of cold water immersion with Dr. Thomas P. Seeger — a true pioneer in sustainable engineering and a leading voice on cold exposure. We break down the latest science behind cold plunges, including how they impact brown fat, metabolism, HRV, testosterone and overall resilience. Tom also shares key takeaways from his excellent book Uncommon Cold, and gives us a peek into the thinking behind his company, Morozko Forge — makers of some seriously high-tech cold tubs. We even get into my own experiences with cold immersion, what’s hype and what’s helpful, and how to safely integrate it into your routine for health and performance gains. Sponsors: Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20% LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8 Flex 4: Aaron's top 4 factors to consider before starting TRT or PEDs

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Dr. James Fadiman and Jordan Gruber to talk all things microdosing—what it is, what it isn’t, and why it’s gaining so much traction in health, performance and even mental clarity. We dig into their new book, Microdosing for Healing, Health, and Enhanced Performance, and cover everything from the history of psychedelics to the latest research and how people are using tiny doses of these compounds to potentially improve cognitive function, mood and physical performance. We also talk about personal experience—what they’ve seen, what they’ve felt, and what they’ve learned along the way. Of course, none of this is medical advice. These substances still live in legal gray zones depending on where you are, so proceed with caution and do your homework. If you’re curious about the science and the real-world implications of microdosing, this episode is a must-listen. Let’s get into it. Sponsors: Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Aaron Straker for a deep dive into his journey from natural bodybuilding to the enhanced side of the sport. We talk openly about the trade-offs, risks, and insights he's gained along the way—including the use of compounds like testosterone and growth hormone. We also get into the mental and physical shifts that come with that transition, and how Aaron approaches training, nutrition, and recovery with intention. He shares his thoughts on everything from sauna use to how he stays grounded while optimizing performance. Whether you're just curious or seriously considering the enhanced route, this episode offers a nuanced, no-BS perspective. Sponsors: Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20% LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8 Flex 4: Aaron's top 4 factors to consider before starting TRT or PEDs

In this episode of Iron Radio, hosts Coach Phil Stevens, Dr. Mike Nelson, Coach Jerell, and Dr. Lonnie Lowery discuss recent studies on the impact of cold water immersion on muscle protein synthesis and recovery. Dr. Nelson shares insights from a study published in March 2025, examining how post-exercise cooling affects blood flow and amino acid incorporation into muscle tissue. The team debates the pros and cons of cold water immersion, particularly for muscle hypertrophy and recovery, and shares personal experiences and practical applications. Later, they delve into the mind-muscle connection, exploring its use in both bodybuilding and strength training, and how to effectively incorporate this technique into workouts. The conversation wraps up with a discussion on posing in bodybuilding and how internal and external cues affect performance.

Welcome back to the Flex Diet Podcast. I’m Dr. Mike T. Nelson, and today I’m joined by my good friend and colleague, Dr. Mike Ormsbee. We’re digging deep into how to optimize metabolism using strategies from the Flex Diet Certification, as well as why both aerobic and resistance training are crucial for long-term success. We also delve into some advanced topics, such as how growth hormone and lipolysis contribute to effective fat utilization, and how cutting-edge techniques like microdialysis enable us to study metabolism at a local level. Along the way, we hit on key concepts like fat metabolism, body composition changes, and even how evening eating affects the process. We’ll share insights from some of the studies we’re working on now, and why combining resistance training with smart nutrition could be the game-changer you’re looking for. Hope you enjoy this deep dive into the science (and practice) of fitness and health! Sponsors: Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20% LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8 Flex 4: Dr Ormsbee's top four things to do to maximize fat loss

Welcome back to the Flex Diet Podcast! I’m Dr. Mike T. Nelson, and in this episode, I sit down with Dr. Hemal Patel, Chief Scientific Advisor to Discovery and the brilliant mind behind the ME screen blood test for mitochondrial function. We dive into Dr. Patel’s fascinating journey into the world of mitochondrial research, how mitochondria impact everything from metabolism to resilience, and why he developed a personalized blood test to better understand mitochondrial health. We also get into some really cool topics like how heat and cold exposure affect your mitochondria, the intersection of meditation and cellular health, and even the emerging role psychedelics might play in this space. Dr. Patel also shares his top tips for optimizing mitochondrial function and explains the science behind this cutting-edge testing method. If you're curious about performance, longevity, or just want to geek out on mitochondria with two scientists, this episode is for you. Let’s dig in. We dive into Dr. Patel’s fascinating journey into the world of mitochondrial research, how mitochondria impact everything from metabolism to resilience, and why he developed a personalized blood test to better understand mitochondrial health. We also get into some really cool topics like how heat and cold exposure affect your mitochondria, the intersection of meditation and cellular health, and even the emerging role psychedelics might play in this space. Dr. Patel also shares his top tips for optimizing mitochondrial function and explains the science behind this cutting-edge testing method. If you're curious about performance, longevity, or just want to geek out on mitochondria with two scientists, this episode is for you. Let’s dig in. Sponsors: Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20% LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8

Join me, Dr. Mike T. Nelson, on this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast as I sit down with peptide expert Anthony Castore for a deep dive into the world of peptides and performance. We cover everything from what peptides actually are to how they may support recovery, muscle growth, and immune function. We also explore the difference between standard peptides and bioregulators—plus how I’ve personally used compounds like BPC-157, Thymosin Beta-4, and ketone esters (including brands like Teton and KetoneAid) in my own routines. Anthony brings some fantastic insights on sourcing quality peptides, proper hydration protocols, and the latest in supplement strategies to enhance your health and performance. If you’re curious about the science behind these compounds and how to potentially integrate them into your training and recovery toolkit, you won’t want to miss this one. Sponsors: Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20% LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8