Dr.Mike Israetel: Bodybuilding Science

Dr. Mike Israetel holds a PhD in Sport Physiology and is currently the Head Science Consultant for Renaissance Periodization. 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, 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 a competitive bodybuilder and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu grappler. In this podcast, Dr.Israetel and I discussed topics on training and nutrition related to bodybuilding Some of the topics we cover are: (3:30) What is the worst myth regarding training or nutrition for bodybuilding? (14:20) Can you still gain muscle by only training each muscle group once a week? (21:45) How should you incorporate failure training into your program? (29:20) A lot of bodybuilders use “partial reps” to keep the tension on the muscle. Is that more effective than using a full range of motion? (39:40) How would you periodize periods of massing, cutting and maintenance phases? ​ (45:40 ) Many bodybuilders will claim that mixing carbohydrates and fats in a meal is not optimal. What is your take on that? (50:10) What is your take on refeeds/cheat days/cheat meals when trying to cut? (54:50) For someone just starting out with bodybuilding, what would be your best advice?