In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Ben Skutnik, PhD, CSCS*D — Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and Human Performance Lab Director at Butler University, and Head of Nutrition Coaching at Power Athlete — to separate fact from fad in aerobic training.

We debunk Zone 2 hype, dig into why VO2 max matters but isn't everything, and talk about the psychology of performance and why anecdote often runs ahead of the research.

We also get into hypertrophy training and uncontrolled variables in research, why consistency beats trying to "hack" optimization, the ethics of placebo and "closing the loop" with clients, and Ben's own experience taking deconditioned clients from a VO2 max of 18 all the way to 35.

​Listen to the full episode here​

Episode Timestamps:

• 1:46 Why Ben was recommended for this conversation on cardiovascular and aerobic programming
• 7:31 Reading scientific literature is a skill set of its own
• 14:05 Hypertrophy training to failure and uncontrolled variables in research
• 16:27 Debunking myths about training around the menstrual cycle
• 18:20 Human resilience and the danger of treating people as fragile
• 22:09 Why consistency beats trying to 'hack' optimization
• 22:40 Nutrition fear-mongering and overly restrictive diets
• 27:25 Changing one variable at a time vs. the 'kitchen sink' approach
• 29:55 Why anecdotal evidence in human performance is often ahead of the research
• 34:48 The ethics of placebo and 'closing the loop' with clients
• 37:34 The psychology of performance: the NFL kicker example
• 43:13 The Norwegian 4x4 method and zone 2 training myths
• 46:40 Why most zone 2 research relies on the wrong zone model
• 52:53 HYROX, CrossFit, and Goodhart's Law in training
• 1:05:18 Is VO2 max overrated? Performance vs. health tradeoffs
• 1:15:25 Building VO2 max: interval protocols and the critical power model
• 1:26:02 Life-changing results: taking deconditioned clients from VO2 max 18 to 35
• 1:30:09 Where to find Ben Skutnik and his work at Butler University and Power Athlete

If you prefer to watch the podcast, check it out below:

​Watch the episode on YouTube​

Much love,

Dr. Mike

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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.