#340 Joe DeFranco - How To Evolve Your Training As You Get Older
Feb 20, 2025
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Joe DeFranco, an iconic fitness educator and gym owner, shares his insights on adapting training as we age. He discusses the shift from performance goals to overall well-being, emphasizing recovery and family balance. Joe highlights the importance of functional exercises and injury prevention in longevity training. He addresses the misleading fitness standards perpetuated by social media, advocating for authenticity and healthy living. Additionally, he emphasizes the significance of tracking nutrition for better eating habits.
Training for longevity emphasizes prioritizing how exercises feel and adapting routines to maintain health as one ages.
Adopting a holistic view of strength encourages appreciation for various forms of progress beyond just lifting heavier weights.
Deep dives
Prioritizing Longevity in Training
Training for longevity has become a key focus for many fitness enthusiasts, emphasizing the importance of how one feels outside the gym rather than solely on performance metrics within it. Many individuals, as they age, have experienced injuries and changes in their bodies, prompting a shift in mindset from lifting heavier weights to engaging in exercises that enhance overall quality of life. Strategies such as focusing on how exercises feel and avoiding movements that cause bad pain have become essential. This mental shift allows for continued progress in fitness while maintaining a healthy balance between physical activity and daily responsibilities, like family and work.
Evolving Workout Structures
As individuals age, modifying workout structures becomes crucial for maintaining joint health and overall wellbeing. Adapting workout orders, such as performing lighter exercises like leg curls or unilateral movements before heavy lifts, reduces excessive strain and injury risk. This reverse workout order promotes better joint function and leads to improvements in strength by allowing individuals to lift heavier weights at the end of their routine. Clients, often initially resistant to these changes, may find that they experience less soreness and better recovery, ultimately leading to a more sustainable approach to fitness.
Understanding Progress Beyond Weight
The notion of progress in training extends beyond merely lifting heavier weights. Various methods can demonstrate progress, such as improving technique, increasing range of motion, or reducing rest time between sets. Many individuals may struggle with the perception that increased weight is the only indicator of improvement, but there are multiple ways to measure progress. Emphasizing a holistic view of strength and personal growth encourages clients to appreciate their journey rather than fixate on traditional metrics, fostering a healthier relationship with fitness.
Nutrition and Sustainable Eating Habits
Maintaining a healthy diet does not require strict adherence to fad diets but instead can be achieved through simple, mindful eating habits. Tracking caloric intake for a limited time can provide valuable insights into portion sizes and nutritional values, leading to long-term dietary changes. Consistently prioritizing protein, staying hydrated, and including fruits in daily meals can mitigate cravings and promote overall health. By focusing on intuitive eating based on satisfaction rather than deprivation, individuals can cultivate a sustainable approach to nutrition that aligns with their fitness goals.
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