In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I’m on the road and sit down with strength coach Martin Silva to talk about how to improve body composition, performance, and long-term health, especially for high-achieving clients in the 35–60 range. We get into unlearning a lot of the nutrition beliefs people bring in, why I still like keeping nutrition simple, higher protein, fewer ultra-processed foods, and how short-term tracking can build awareness without becoming a crutch. Martin also walks through how he structures coaching check-ins, his own background going from bodybuilding and restriction to a more health and strength-focused approach, and what actually works in the real world. We also cover programming, including full body vs upper/lower splits, single-leg work, squat and deadlift variations (I’m a fan of the trap/hex bar here), mobility priming, and how to monitor technique even when coaching online. Plus, we dig into stress, sleep, managing distractions (your phone is probably not helping), and a few rapid-fire tips—including “never miss twice.” Sponsors: Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8 Available now: Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here. Episode Chapters: 02:21 Body Comp Framework 04:00 Nutrition Basics Protein 07:01 Adherence Tracking Habits 10:21 Check Ins Coaching System 13:28 Mindset Lessons Reverse Diet 15:01 Bodybuilding Backstory Shift 18:14 Performance First Training 20:47 Programming Frequency Splits 25:15 Mastering Compound Lifts 27:25 Squat Alternatives Single Leg 28:47 Deadlift Hinge Progressions 29:54 Hip Thrust Debate 30:42 Hip Thrusts for Athletes 31:30 Front Loaded Squat Options 33:09 Single Leg Strength Focus 34:18 Z Press and Pressing Variations 36:05 Mobility and Priming 37:57 Trap Bar Deadlift Preference 39:27 Stress and Sleep Routines 43:03 Phone Distraction Strategies 46:48 Four Tips for Body Comp 51:52 Mindset Never Miss Twice 52:43 Where to Find Martin 53:26 Wrap Up and Disclaimers Flex Diet Podcasts you may enjoy: Episode 365: Carb Cycling for Performance and Body Comp with Jon Heck YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19VSFiYWhVw Episode 358: Navigating Body Composition, Weight Loss & Real-World Coaching with Aram Grigorian YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5NryXdButk&t=1s Connect with Martin: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/martinsilvafitness/ Website: https://optimiseyourbody.transistor.fm/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Martinsilvafitness Get In Touch with Dr Mike: Instagram: Drmiketnelson YouTube: @flexdietcert Email: Miketnelson.com/contact-us