In this engaging conversation, Dr. Mike Israetel, co-founder of Renaissance Periodization and a sports physiology expert, shares his remarkable journey from Moscow to Detroit. He candidly discusses the impact of ADD on learning and personal growth, revealing how it shaped his identity. The dialogue also delves into strength training principles, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches to fitness. Additionally, Mike draws intriguing parallels between the systematic nature of beer production and effective training methods, showcasing his innovative mindset.
Dr. Mike Israetel's early struggles with Attention Deficit Disorder shaped his relentless drive for achievement and personal excellence.
He emphasizes the importance of understanding training volume concepts to optimize athletic performance and enhance recovery strategies.
Mike highlights the need for balance between work and personal life to prevent burnout and sustain long-term success in fitness coaching.
Deep dives
Mike Isertel's Background and Expertise
Dr. Mike Isertel is a highly educated professional in sport physiology, with a PhD from East Tennessee State University and a long history of teaching exercise science, nutrition, and strength training. He has authored various books and is involved in creating apps and digital products through Renaissance Periodization. Throughout his career, he has worked with a team of coaches to help clients optimize their fitness and health, demonstrating his commitment to practical application of scientific principles in the fitness industry. His knowledge extends beyond theory, as he actively implements evidence-based strategies in his coaching practices.
The Impact of Attention Deficit Disorder
Mike candidly shares his experiences with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), describing how it affected his academic performance and focus throughout his childhood. He explains that while he had a strong ability to focus on interests, he struggled significantly in traditional school settings, leading to feelings of disappointment and inadequacy. After receiving a diagnosis in his adolescent years, he began treatment with medication, which dramatically changed his ability to concentrate and perform academically. This transformation allowed him to excel in subjects like math, ultimately reshaping his life and career trajectory.
The Drive for Success
Mike reflects on how his early struggles with education shaped his relentless drive for achievement. He believes that the desire to overcome feelings of inadequacy motivated him to push himself toward excellence in various pursuits. Drawing parallels to a song he recalls, he emphasizes that the motivation to not be weak has propelled him throughout his life. This striving for success is not only personal but also extends to his desire to impact others positively by sharing knowledge and fostering growth in the fitness community.
Work Ethic and Balance
Mike discusses his workaholic tendencies and the fine line between productivity and burnout. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a sense of balance in life, ensuring that he prioritizes both work and personal time. Despite the drive to accomplish more, Mike recognizes the necessity of recovery and leisure to sustain long-term success. His method of utilizing recreational activities, such as taking weekends off or engaging in hobbies, illustrates his proactive approach to managing work-related stress.
Principles of Training and Athletic Development
Mike delves into the complexities of training theory, emphasizing the significance of understanding principles such as minimum effective volume and maximum adaptive volume. He explains that knowing these parameters allows coaches and athletes to optimize their training regimens effectively. The conversation touches on the idea that many people falsely believe that higher training volumes are necessary for progress, when in fact much lower volumes can maintain muscle mass and strength. This understanding can lead to more efficient and effective training strategies, particularly in managing recovery and performance.
Cofounder of Renaissance Periodization, Dr. Mike Israetel holds a PhD in Sport Physiology from East Tennessee State University.
Mike was formerly a professor of Exercise and Sport Science in the School of Public Health at Temple University in Philadelphia, where he taught several courses, including Nutrition for Public Health, Advanced Sports Nutrition and Exercise, and Nutrition and Behavior.
He has worked as a consultant on sports nutrition to the U.S. Olympic Training Site in Johnson City, TN, and has been an invited speaker at numerous scientific and performance/health conferences, including nutritional seminars at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, NY.
A co-founder of Renaissance Periodization, Mike has coached numerous athletes and busy professionals in both diet and weight training. Originally from Moscow, Russia, Mike is himself a competitive bodybuilder and professional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu grappler.
In this episode, Mike and I discuss some of his early life experiences that set the stage for him pursuing academics to a high degree. We also discuss concepts related to complete system development for training models.
