Barbell Shrugged Physiology Friday: How to Build a Killer Cardiovascular System w/ Dr. Mike T. Nelson, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash
9 snips
Mar 14, 2025 Dr. Mike T. Nelson, a cardiovascular fitness expert and coach at Rapid Health Optimization, joins Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash to discuss optimizing endurance training. They explore innovative strategies for achieving a sub-six-minute mile, emphasizing the importance of personalized assessments and motivational goal-setting. Listeners will learn about effective cardiovascular testing methods and the distinct benefits of various fitness machines. The conversation also highlights balancing strength training with cardiovascular fitness for maximal performance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Initial Assessment
- Start with a thorough assessment of the athlete's current state, including form and conditioning.
- Don't take athletes at their word; test their abilities to understand their true starting point.
Performance Testing
- Use specific tests like a one-mile time trial and a VO2 max test (e.g., Cooper test or 2k row) to gauge current fitness levels.
- Assess both conditioning and technique to identify areas for improvement.
Cooper Test Inspiration
- Anders was inspired to run a sub-six-minute mile after a Cooper test where he ran a seven-minute mile with ease.
- This realization led to setting a concrete goal based on personal motivation.