In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Denmark-based coach and hybrid athlete Andreas Stobberup to talk about bridging serious strength training with high-level endurance performance.

Andreas shares his journey from peaking around 250 lbs with a 405 bench and 600+ squat to dropping to 205 and completing a full Ironman in 9:52—while continuing to coach athletes across disciplines.

We discuss the reality gap between amateur and elite performance, how influencer culture often strips context from training advice, and why fundamentals still win: training, nutrition, sleep, and measurable outputs.

We break down common misunderstandings around Zone 2 training, why pros don’t train the way social media says they do, and how strength athletes can intelligently add conditioning without compromising lifting.

We also cover VO₂ max development, microdosing cardio, output-based tracking (times, power, lactate), and how to think about HRV and wearable data in context.

If you’re interested in hybrid training, improving conditioning without sacrificing muscle, or understanding how to measure what actually matters, this one is packed with practical insight.

🎧 Listen or watch here:

​iTunes << Listen here
​YouTube << Watch here

Episode Chapters:

• 03:14 Andreas’ Early Training Roots: Bodybuilding DVDs, Intensity, and Science
• 05:55 Powerlifting Peak + Coaching on the Gym Floor (and Genetic Outliers)
• 08:22 From 250 lbs to Ironman: Switching Gears During COVID
• 10:45 Influencer Culture vs Real Performance: Respecting the Elite Gap
• 21:10 Basics First: Exercise Beats Gadgets (Ice Baths, Red Light, Peptides)
• 22:22 Beginners to Pros: Why the Pendulum Swings Back to Volume, Food, Sleep
• 27:54 Zone 2 Confusion: What Pros Actually Do and Why Amateurs Misapply It
• 31:34 Measure Outputs, Not Hype: Testing, VO2 Claims, and What Really Changes
• 36:56 Individual Response & Coaching Art: Genetics, “Me-search,” and Iteration
• 43:18 Consistency, Habits, and Coaching Boundaries: Saying No and Referring Out
• 51:34 Elite Athletes, Blind Spots & the ‘Just Follow the Plan’ Problem
• 53:53 Endurance vs Strength: Train Your Limiting Factor (and What the Research Really Shows)
• 56:54 Smarter Strength Work for Runners & Cyclists: ROM, Structure, and Staying Healthy
• 01:01:19 Cardio for Lifters: VO₂max Intervals, Microdosing, and Building Buy-In
• 01:09:53 Why Aerobic Fitness Pays Off Fast: HR Recovery, HRV, and 3–6 Month Blocks
• 01:20:05 Fueling Extremes: High-Carb Intake, Gut Training, and What’s Actually Happening
• 01:29:51 Metabolic Flexibility & The Next Wave of Endurance ‘Mad Science’
• 01:33:52 Where to Find Andreas + Podcast Wrap-Up & Disclaimers

Much love,
Dr Mike

PS: Listen here:

​iTunes << Listen here
​YouTube << Watch here

_____________________

Mike T Nelson CISSN, CSCS, MSME, PhD
Associate Professor, Carrick Institute
Owner, Extreme Human Performance, LLC
Editorial Board Member, STRONG Fitness Mag

Mike T Nelson is a PhD and not a physician or registered dietitian. The contents of this email should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem - nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.

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