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Dr Mike T Nelson

Weekly Wrap Up March 16, 2026

Published about 4 hours ago • 2 min read

Hola from snowing Minnesota, as there is a snow-apocalypse going on. I’m back at the airport on my way to Vegas this AM via flight #5.

Here's what went down this week.

Newsletters:

  • ​Metabolic Flexibility, Fasted Cardio & VO₂ Max: I joined the Renaissance Periodization Podcast with Nick Shaw to break down metabolic flexibility, why carbs vs. fat matter for performance, and practical ways lifters can use cardio, fasting, and fuel timing to improve body composition and work capacity.
  • ​I Ran Bloodwork…: I finally ran a full bloodwork panel through Function Health, and what looked “fine” on the surface revealed a few cardiovascular markers drifting the wrong way, a reminder that real data beats guessing when it comes to long-term health.
  • ​Bloodwork Part 2: Bloodwork isn’t a one-time answer but a snapshot, so the real power comes from retesting over time to see whether your training, nutrition, and recovery are actually moving the markers in the right direction.

Recommendation of the week:

My buddy Dr. Tommy Wood on The Ready State with my friend Juliet and Dr. Kelly Starrett, talking about cognition and the prevention of dementia: https://thereadystate.com/trs_podcast/dementia-prevention-with-dr-tommy-wood/

You can still pre-order Dr. Tommy's new book, “The Stimulated Mind,” on Amazon.

Flex Diet Podcast:

  • ​Episode 372: PCOS Made Practical, Body Recomp Basics, and the Wild West of Peptides (w/ Dr. Ashley Dwyer)

Iron Radio:

Article of the week:

Instagram posts of the week:

Gym Tune of the Week: The Last One Alive by Demon Hunter

As a Christian and a metal head, you know I am a massive fan of the band Demon Hunter. I followed the lead singer, Ryan Clark, way back in the day when he was in his earlier bands, Training for Utopia and Focal Point. This one is a bit more “mellow,” but I love what Ryan recently said about this song:

“Sometimes it can feel like we walk alone in our beliefs and convictions. Although I know this isn’t the case, I’d like to think that if I were the only remaining person with my perspective, in the face of adversity, I would stand firm. The times you feel outnumbered and isolated can be those moments your stance rings the most true.” Ryan Clark

It is easy to feel like you are the only person who believes X or thinks Y, and you can feel isolated. Know that you are not alone. Hang in there. Call a friend, drink some coffee, crank the metal tunes and hit the gym. You will feel better. You can do it. I believe in you.

Much love,
Dr Mike

_____________________

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 Ph.D. 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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Dr Mike T Nelson

Creator of the Flex Diet Cert & Phys Flex Cert, CSCS, CISSN, Assoc Professor, kiteboarder, lifter of odd objects, metal music lover. >>>>Sign up to my daily FREE Fitness Insider newsletter below

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