EFR 616: Andy Chan on How to Get Stronger, Recover Faster, & Understanding Fascia Using Chinese Medicine

As the world of health, wellness, and longevity continues to evolve, Eastern and Western philosophies continue to inform and integrate with one another. This means we have a more holistic approach to health, wellness, and longevity than we’ve ever had before.

Let us introduce you to Andy Chan, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, Master Trainer, and educator who blends Traditional Chinese Medicine with his training philosophy to help clients build a more dynamic and balanced body.

His training philosophy was founded on the concept that harmony between all aspects of life is a prerequisite to optimal health and human performance.

In this discussion, Chase and Andy talk about his book, Dynamic Balance, and what it means to be a dynamic human being both in the gym and in life. They discuss the interconnectedness of diet, emotion, and fascia as well as how you can apply the principles of traditional Eastern medicine to strength training and conditioning. This is a fascinating “East meets West” conversation that unveils simple, yet practical strategies for intuitive eating, training, and living.

Follow Andy Chan @tszchiuandy

Follow Chase on Instagram @chase_chewning

Follow him on Twitter @chasechewning

Key Highlights

• Andy breaks down his understanding of the mind body connection and the philosophical aspect of movement, strength, and resilience. He describes the poetry of the human body along with how you can begin to understand the poetry of your own body.
• He details the Eastern approach to health and wellness, including the relationship between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the fluidity of the human experience.
• What does it mean to have an imbalance in the body? Andy explains how to find imbalances in your body and mind as well as some key imbalances that are important to address. He also breaks down the ying yang philosophy and relates that to imbalances you may experience in the gym.
• Andy and Chase talk about why breathing (yes, breathing) is a vital health and wellness practice. He touches on the role of breath in decreasing stress, regulating the fight or flight response, and even decreasing the rigidity of your muscles. Plus, they explain why right before and after eating is a perfect time to practice breath work.
• Embrace the yin. Embrace the rest and recharge period. “We are born to sleep and we are born to recover,” Andy says. Rest and recovery is essential if we want to reach the health outcomes we’re working towards.
• The #1 concept Andy says you can apply to your life today: Live according to how you should be living, meaning eating and living intuitively. 
• Plus, Andy divulges the strategy he uses with clients for practicing intuitive living and training.

Episode resources:

• Visit his website
• Buy his book Dynamic Balance