WATCH: Joe Rogan’s insane workout at 56 years old leaves exercise scientist Mike Israetel shocked, critiques some methods
Holding a PhD in sports physiology, fitness coach Dr. Mike Israetel is one of the most renowned personalities in the bodybuilding and fitness sphere. He also has a YouTube channel by the name of 'Renaissance Periodization,' where he often critiques celebrities, sportsmen, and Hollywood stars' workout regimens and diets.
The most recent personality on his radar was none other than UFC color commentator and podcaster Joe Rogan. Despite being in his late 50s, Rogan maintains a physique that even most elite sportsmen don't possess. In the video, Israetel gave his honest take on Joe Rogan's intense training routine, strict diet, and TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) protocols, and critiqued some of his methods.
The first part of the video focused on Rogan's obsession with the kettlebells. Although Dr. Israetel agreed that kettlebells are useful for weight training, there are better alternatives available.
"Almost everything kettlebells do well, barbells and dumbbells do better," Mike explained.
He then touched upon Rogan's favorite exercise - the Turkish get-up, deeming it not beneficial for building strength and improving fitness.
“It’s entirely purposeless, it looks like a waiter fell down and is still trying to make sure he doesn’t spill the rice all over the place.”
Joe Rogan's PED usage and dietary methods critiqued by Dr. Mike Israetel
Rogan has been open about his TRT cycles for a while now. Being in your 50s and gaining or maintaining muscle mass is not child's play. For this and a few other health benefits, Joe Rogan uses doctor-prescribed testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). However, sharing valuable insights on the same for the audience, the exercise scientist stated (via the aforementioned source):
“The thing with TRT is it can be absolutely transformational if you need it. But if you get your test levels back and they are totally normal, you probably don’t need it. One of two things will happen- You’ll take it and you’ll get all these nasty side effects and you’ll have to inject yourself all the time for no reason or you’ll take the TRT and the injections are fine and everything is fine, it’s not a bother, but kind of nothing will happen.”
However, when it came to Rogan's carnivore-only diet, Mike Israetel pointed out how it can be restrictive of several important nutritional content including carbs:
"The good thing is a carnivore diet can keep your energy levels relatively stable. The bad thing is the carnivore diet; how do I put this? Carbohydrates are the undisputed forever king of performance and nutrition. You want to perform your best in grappling, in lifting, in running.”
Joe Rogan's training regimen
UFC podcaster Rogan strictly believes in planning his week, especially his workouts. He practices yoga twice a week, lifts weights thrice a week, and goes running twice a week. Applauding Rogan for the same, Dr. Israetel said (in the same video):
"Joe seems to be architecting his plan for the week ahead...and then holding himself to make sure he checkboxes all those things. Huge mega respect to Joe...Joe really gives a s**t, he really cares about his diet, he tries really f**king hard in his training. 56 years old and still f**king crushing it. Joe Rogan, you are the f**king man."
What are your views on Joe Rogan's hardcore diet and training style? Let us know in the comments.