On our latest episode, we go toe-to-toe with the topic of pain and how it's crucial in achieving peak performance. Joining us is Dr. Jonathan Mike, a strength and conditioning professional, and educator at Grand Canyon University, who sheds light on the fine line between striving for superior performance and sidestepping unnecessary injuries.  Timeline: 1:35 Dr. Ricci and I have a new publication in “Physiologia” on Weight Loss and Competition of UFC fighters in the Flyweight division. 4:44  No pain, no gain is actually true; perhaps substitute “discomfort” for pain. 10:00 Competing at high levels is not about health. 17:50  Sets and reps – nickel and dime science 23:13 What are some things fighters do (resistance training) that are not typical of the “sets and reps” crowd, the smallest dose with the best possible results? 29:50 Common mistakes women make vis a vis training and nutrition 37:20 Do both hip thrusts and squats; Jonathan can barely fit in the Nautilus hip thruster. 47:00 Would you have sumo wrestlers doing cardio? (To win). Jonathan Mike, Ph.D., currently teaches in the exercise science and sports performance program at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ, USA. He has worked as a strength and conditioning coach and has contributed to dozens of online fitness, strength, and consumer outlets in the country. He has been involved with NSCA and previously served on numerous committees and special interest groups and has spoken at over 70 events including many for NSCA, ISSN, NASM, and numerous other fitness organizations. Jonathan has authored numerous peer-reviewed and scientific publications and has written 12 book chapters related to sports nutrition and strength and conditioning. Jonathan is a sought-after presenter nationally and internationally.   About the Show We cover all things related to sports science, nutrition, and performance. The Sports Science Dudes represent the opinions of the hosts and guests and are not the official opinions of the International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN), the Society for Sports Neuroscience, or Nova Southeastern University. The advice provided on this show should not be construed as medical advice and is purely an educational forum. Hosted by Jose Antonio PhD Dr. Antonio is the co-founder and CEO of the International Society of Sports Nutrition and the co-founder of the Society for Sports Neuroscience, www.issn.net. Dr. Antonio has over 120 peer-reviewed publications, and 16 books, and is a Professor at Nova Southeastern University, Davie, Florida in the Department of Health and Human Performance. Twitter: @JoseAntonioPhD Instagram: the_issn and supphd Co-host Anthony Ricci EdD Dr Ricci is an expert on Fight Sports and is currently an Assistant Professor at Nova Southeastern University in Davie Florida in the Department of Health and Human Performance. Instagram: sportpsy_sci_doc and fightshape_ricci