Sweet flaming chaos—your favorite nerd is almost airborne again, hurtling eastward through the blue ether toward Worcester, Massachusetts to deliver a keynote at the NSCA this Saturday, March 29 as I fly out tomorrow.

That’s right. I’ll be the one screaming about physiology and metabolic madness from the main stage delivering the keynote talk to 300 maniacs like you, probably still smelling faintly of airplane peanuts and protein powder.

But let’s rewind...

47 Days of Cardio Mayhem and the Gospel of Showing Up

Since February 8, I’ve strapped myself to the cardio beast every. single. day.

Forty-seven consecutive days of heart-thumping, breath-sucking movement.

It’s not always glamorous.

It’s not always impressive.

But darn it, t’s always done.

Forget your six-week program templates and TikTok workout trends.

The secret is far less sexy: violent consistency.

Small daily actions that, when stacked together, create seismic shifts.

We’re talking:

• 15 minutes of Zone 2 at 9pm, eyes half-shut, brain fried
• 6-minute progressive intervals before sunrise, fueled by nothing but black coffee and rage
• Assault Bike agony sessions in Vegas, where I aimed for 680 watts and hit the wall after two rounds, legs flaming, lungs howling

I hadn’t suffered like that in three years. It was glorious...I think.

The Fallout: Unexpected Victories from the Trenches

This cardio rampage hasn’t been just for masochistic giggles. It’s paid off:

• Energy levels? Through the darn roof.
• Recovery? My rough estimations say 30-40% faster—like I injected time itself.
• Vegas-style destruction? Recovered in half the time. That’s saying something, other than my neuro meltdown yesterday post neurology tune up as I crash into bed at 8pm. Good to roll today though!

What It Means for You, O' Wandering Meathead

Cardio doesn’t care how tough you are. It’s the great equalizer. It’ll eat you alive if you’re not paying attention.

But here’s the beauty—you get to choose your weapon:

• Air bike
• Rower
• Running from your poor life decisions in the streets of Mexico

Just pick one and ride it into the storm.

Your Mission: Crush Your Weak Point with Cold, Violent Repetition

You want results?

Stop waiting for perfect like those pour lost souls at PF.

Choose one small action and hammer the piss out of it for the next 30 days.

Don't worry if it's not pretty.

The gods of consistency reward savagery over elegance.

Much love,

Dr Mike

PS – Wanna See a Live Nerd Rant in the Flesh?

Catch me this Saturday in Worcester, MA for the NSCA Massachusetts State Clinic. I’m bringing science, stories, and maybe even a protein shaker onstage or maybe not. Come say hi, ask a question, or just stand awkwardly while I rant about stuff from the TriPhasic Training II book I co-authored with Coach Cal Dietz.

>>> Click here to register and witness the madness in MA.​

PPS -Quick Tip from the Trenches: Even ten minutes of Zone 2 cardio is better than nothing. Perfection is a siren’s song—consistency is your compass.

_____________________

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.

..