Episode 335: Grip, Guts & Gas Tanks: Aerobic Training for Meatheads with Levi Earl

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I’m joined by the always-interesting Levi Earl, who's tuning in all the way from Finland, to nerd out on all things aerobic training, grip strength, and how to make your meathead conditioning actually work for you, not against you.We dive into why strength athletes need better aerobic systems (no, it’s not just for skinny endurance types), how mountain training builds freakish capacity, and why grip training is way more than just farmer’s carries until your soul leaves your body.We also delve into sport-specific gems, such as what wrestlers, hockey players, and other power athletes can glean from these methods to enhance their performance without tiring out.Whether you’re a high-level athlete or want to stop sucking wind between sets, you’ll walk away with some highly usable intel.Give it a listen—grab your notebook, and consider bringing a pulse oximeter if you're feeling particularly curious.Sponsors:Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20%LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.comAvailable now:Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here.Episode Chapters:05:22 Conversation with Levi Earl Begins05:30 Grip Training Insights and Techniques08:51 Aerobic System Benefits for Grip Athletes10:12 Training Methods and Recovery11:53 Grip Training Tools and Techniques21:34 Aerobic Conditioning for Lifters32:01 Maintaining Aerobic Base During Sports Season39:30 The College System and Athlete Development39:37 Isometric Training in Greco Style Wrestling40:01 Mountain Training: Benefits and Challenges41:12 Altitude Training: Science and Practical Insights43:53 Mental and Physical Benefits of Mountain Training47:26 High Altitude Training for Different Sports52:38 Hypoxic Training and Its Applications54:53 Weight Cutting and Altitude Training01:01:38 Aerobic Training and Cognitive Benefits01:10:00 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFlex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy:Episode 177: Training Principles from Gonzo Grip Strength with Adam Glass and Dr Mike T Nelson - https://youtu.be/u7659KqTKWQ Episode 264: Finding Your Aerobic Sweet Spot for Peak Health with Dr Phil Batterson - https://youtu.be/AbX9VyB8DscConnect with Levi:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leviearl/Website: https://www.leviearl.com/About Levi:Levi Earl is an Olympic-level Strength & Performance Coach based in Finland. With over a decade of experience coaching elite athletes in wrestling, hockey, and combat sports, he’s helped produce world champions, Olympians, and national-level talent across Europe. Known for his no-fluff, results-driven coaching style, Levi blends strength training, sports nutrition, and mindset development into a system built for real performance - on and off the field.Get In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: DrmiketnelsonYouTube: @flexdietcertEmail: Miketnelson.com/contact-us