Episode 365: Cardio vs. Lifting: Which Should You Prioritize for Health? A short solo update.
A physician buddy asked me whether the general population should focus on cardio or lifting — and I wanted to share my answer with you. In this solo cast, I break down why cardio and resistance training produce different adaptations, offer my go-to weekly framework for getting started, and talk about zone two training, high-intensity intervals, VO2 max assessments, and why compliance beats the perfect program every time. Plus, the Flexible Meathead Cardio Course is open for enrollment through Wednesday. Sponsors: Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://miketnelson.com/
Flex Diet Podcast · Dr Mike T Nelson, Jodie "Fabulous" Nelson, Suzie Glassman
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Show Notes
A physician buddy asked me whether the general population should focus on cardio or lifting — and I wanted to share my answer with you. In this solo cast, I break down why cardio and resistance training produce different adaptations, offer my go-to weekly framework for getting started, and talk about zone two training, high-intensity intervals, VO2 max assessments, and why compliance beats the perfect program every time. Plus, the Flexible Meathead Cardio Course is open for enrollment through Wednesday.
Sponsors:
- Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://miketnelson.com/
Enroll in the Flexible Meathead Cardio course. Enrollment ends Wednesday, April 1, at midnight PST.
Available now:
- Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here.
Episode Chapters:
- 01:11 The Cardio vs Lifting Question
- 01:29 Research Case for Lifting
- 03:02 Short Answer Do Both
- 03:34 Context Matters and Zone 2
- 04:24 Compliance and Daily Steps
- 04:57 Can Lifting Improve Cardio
- 06:23 Simple Weekly Training Split
- 07:29 Adding HIIT for VO2
- 10:16 Assessing VO2 Max Baseline
- 12:13 Limits of Metcon for Cardio
- 14:14 Practical Template and Retesting
- 15:45 Zone 2 Nuance and Wrap Up
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