Guest Podcast: Four Levers of Phsyiological Flexibility

In this episode of Barbell Shrugged, I had the chance to return and talk about one of my favorite topics: physiological flexibility. Anders Varner and Doug Larson asked some great questions as we dug into the four pillars I use to help people build a more resilient and adaptable physiology—temperature regulation, pH balance, expanded fuel use, and breath work.

We broke down what it means to train your body to handle extremes: staying sharp through big temperature swings, managing pH shifts from diet and exercise, tapping into different fuel sources efficiently, and using breath control as a performance tool. These aren’t just abstract ideas—they translate directly into better performance, faster recovery, and stronger long-term health.

If you want to understand how to push your body further while making it more adaptable, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Topics discussed

00:19 Understanding Physiological Flexibility
04:42 Diving into Temperature Adaptation
07:03 Heat and Cold Adaptation Strategies
09:30 Practical Applications and Personal Experiences
13:48 The Importance of Environmental Adaptation
25:20 Exploring pH and Buffering Systems
27:03 Sodium Bicarbonate: Benefits and Drawbacks
27:39 Personal Experimentation with Sodium Bicarbonate
28:41 Beta-Alanine vs. Sodium Bicarbonate
31:37 Physiological Flexibility and Performance
33:42 Cross Adaptation and Its Benefits
35:43 Ketones and Cognitive Benefits
41:31 Metabolic Flexibility and Performance
44:42 Breath Work and Stress Regulation
47:54 Balancing General Health and Specific Goals
53:29 Conclusion and Where to Find Us

Listen here

Dr. Mike T Nelson

PhD, MSME, CISSN, CSCS Carrick Institute Adjunct Professor Dr. Mike T. Nelson has spent 18 years of his life learning how the human body works, specifically focusing on how to properly condition it to burn fat and become stronger, more flexible, and healthier. He’s has a PhD in Exercise Physiology, a BA in Natural Science, and an MS in Biomechanics. He’s an adjunct professor and a member of the American College of Sports Medicine. He’s been called in to share his techniques with top government agencies. The techniques he’s developed and the results Mike gets for his clients have been featured in international magazines, in scientific publications, and on websites across the globe.