Episode 383: Body Composition, Strength Training, and Sustainable Habits with Martin Silva

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