Episode 333: Coach Cal Dietz on Triphasic Training, Pain, and Performance – Q&A Edition
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.comAvailable now:Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here.Episode Chapters:03:16 Importance of Aerobic Training04:06 Electrolytes and Ketones Recommendations05:17 Q&A with Coach Cal Dietz Begins06:20 Water Bag Training Insights07:12 Practical Applications and Case Studies15:29 Advanced Training Techniques and Tools21:20 Rehabilitation and Pain Management24:17 Footwear and Gait Patterns26:47 Combining Drills for Enhanced Performance31:33 Addressing Pain and Compensation Patterns33:26 Resetting the Pain Signal34:04 Identifying Movement Compensations35:48 Starting Point for New Athletes39:07 Triphasic Loading for Powerlifters48:38 High Velocity Potentiation for Swimmers50:26 Modifications for Cross Country Runners55:40 Final Thoughts and Q&A59:42 Podcast Conclusion and Acknowledgements Flex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy:Episode 301: Unlocking Elite Athletic Development with Triphasic Training 2 with Coach Cal Dietz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNzuXHhdiU0 Episode 277: Listener Questions with Dr Mike T Nelson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQf1ir2TxDwConnect with Cal:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/triphasic_training/Website: https://www.xlathlete.com/Get In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: DrmiketnelsonYouTube: @flexdietcertEmail: Miketnelson.com/contact-us
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Episode 332: Muscles, Mind, and Metrics: Biomechanics with Dr. Doug Goldstein
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.comAvailable now:Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here.Episode Chapters:06:09 Dr. Doug's Journey in Physical Therapy07:05 Case Study: Demaryius Thomas12:28 The Role of Mental and Mechanical Components in Performance22:30 Exploring Springbok Analytics43:35 Understanding Tommy John and Elbow Injuries43:47 The Role of Lower Body Mechanics in Pitching45:06 The Importance of Hip Mobility and Pelvic Control47:54 Exploring Intramuscular Dry Needling48:58 The Impact of Dry Needling on Muscle Function50:26 Reevaluating Muscle Anatomy and Function54:05 The Role of Visual Data in Biomechanics01:02:11 Collaborative Approaches in Biomechanics01:05:02 The Importance of Asking Questions and Sharing Knowledge01:17:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Flex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy:Episode 311: Maximizing Athletic Performance with Neurology: Insights from Dr. Dylan Seeley: https://miketnelson.com/episode-311-maximizing-athletic-performance-with-neurology-insights-from-dr-dylan-seeley/ Episode 296: Enhancing Athletic Performance with Dr. Dani LaMartina: https://miketnelson.com/episode-296-enhancing-athletic-performance-with-dr-dani-lamartina/Connect with Doug:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/springboktech/Website: https://www.springbokanalytics.comGet In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: DrmiketnelsonYouTube: @flexdietcertEmail: Miketnelson.com/contact-us
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Episode 331: The Bloodwork Blueprint for Bodybuilders with Michael Warner
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.comAvailable now:Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here.Episode Chapters:00:16 Recap of the ISSN Meeting00:40 Guest Introduction: Michael Warner00:59 Importance of Blood Work for Health and Performance01:28 Personal Experience with Blood Work02:15 Basic Blood Tests and Their Accessibility03:19 Interpreting Blood Work Results03:37 Vitamin D and Lifestyle Factors04:08 Focus on Exogenous Compounds04:31 Sponsor Shoutouts06:48 Interview with Michael Warner Begins08:04 Blood Work in Physique Athletes08:57 Variability in Blood Work Results13:21 Blood Pressure and Easy Checks15:01 Proactive Health Monitoring15:48 Whack-a-Mole Lab Work19:11 Preparing for Lab Work26:33 Frequency of Blood Work29:45 Enhanced Athletes and Blood Work33:08 Risks and Rewards of Enhancement35:57 TRT and Personal Experiences38:18 Fertility and Performance Enhancing Drugs39:03 Introduction to Fertility Clinics and At-Home Sperm Tests40:27 Misconceptions About Testosterone and Fertility41:26 Essential Blood Work for Health and Performance44:26 Advanced Markers and Kidney Function46:25 Importance of Iron Panels and Sex Hormones50:16 Thyroid Panels and Additional Health Markers54:56 Merrick Health and Telemedicine Services01:04:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Flex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy:Episode 201: Coaching clients to look and feel their best: An interview with Lacey Dunn, RDEpisode 144: Peptides – Bleeding Edge Performance, Muscle, and Recovery with Dr. Andy Galpin & Dr. Ryan GreeneConnect with Michael:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mawsome_Website: https://marekhealth.com/Get In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: DrmiketnelsonYouTube: @flexdietcertEmail: Miketnelson.com/contact-us
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Flex Diet Cert Closes TONIGHT Mon June 23, 2025 + a Huge Body Comp Tip
Flex Diet Certification Enrollment Deadline (click here) & Optimal Weight Loss StrategiesIn 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. Dr. Nelson provides a key tip for weight loss. Listen in for more.00:24 Flex Diet Certification Enrollment01:50 Expert Interviews and Course Content03:41 Tip of the Week05:01 Prioritizing 2 Interventions 07:03 Exercise and Caloric Deficit11:04 Cardio and Activity Recommendations14:40 Upcoming Events
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Episode 329: Unlocking Metabolic Flexibility: The Flex Diet Cert Is Open!
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: https://drinklmnt.com/Available now:Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here.Episode Chapters:00:41 Overview of Flex Diet Certification02:53 Metabolic Flexibility and Flexible Dieting04:17 Expert Interviews and Additional Resources05:26 Importance of Protein in Diet07:34 Muscle Protein Synthesis Explained11:49 Role of Exercise in Muscle Building15:29 Combining Protein Intake and Exercise18:39 Conclusion and Certification Details19:49 Disclaimer and Final NotesFlex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy: Episode 274: How Muscle Fibers Influence Metabolism: Insights from Nathan Serrano: https://miketnelson.com/episode-274-how-muscle-fibers-influence-metabolism-insights-from-nathan-serrano/ Episode 203: Mind, Muscle, and Metabolism: An interview with Dr. Jade Teta from Next Level Human: https://miketnelson.com/mind-muscle-and-metabolism-with-dr-jade-teta/Get In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpgEmail: Miketnelson.com/contact-us
Dr. Mike T Nelson gets geeky with the latest research and scientific findings in the fitness world. Visit www.flexdiet.com to get Flex Diet Certified and www.miketnelson.com for more geeky goodness.
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