Lift Free And Diet Hard with Andrew Coates

#415 Kris Gethin - How To Transform Your Body, Mind, and Life

Nov 11, 2025

Kris Gethin, a prominent fitness entrepreneur and longtime Editor-in-Chief of Bodybuilding.com, shares his insights on personal transformation in this engaging conversation. He argues that real change begins in the mind, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the right environment. Gethin highlights key traits of successful individuals and explains how quantification tools can help sustain transformations. He also discusses the evolution of fitness culture, hybrid training, and the value of tackling hard challenges for growth and resilience.

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INSIGHT

Mind-First Transformations

Transformations must start in the mind, not just the body.
Lasting change requires rewiring habits and identity, not temporary fixes.

ADVICE

Extend Accountability Beyond Programs

Provide long-term accountability to prevent relapse after a program ends.
Keep clients connected via community channels and ongoing support.

ADVICE

Use Biomarkers As Motivation

Use biological data to motivate behavior change, like biological age tests.
Track consistent metrics to keep clients focused and accountable.

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Kris Gethin is one of the most recognizable figures in the global fitness industry, known for his role as the longtime Editor-in-Chief of Bodybuilding.com, his transformation programs, and his relentless commitment to physical and mental growth.

In this conversation, Kris shares his philosophy and experience around personal transformation - physically, mentally, and emotionally.

He dives into:
• Why some corners of the industry resist the idea of “transformations”
• How real transformations start in the mind before the body
• Why being selfish can actually make you a better person
• The power of surrounding yourself with the right people
• The character traits that predict lasting success in fitness and life
• When and why you might need to change your environment - or even your relationships - to sustain growth
• Lessons from decades in bodybuilding and endurance sports
• How Kris approaches hybrid training for longevity and performance
• Whether something like Bodybuilding.com could ever happen again in today’s social media era
• Why we should all do more hard things
• And much more

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:16 Meet Kris Gethin: Fitness Legend
01:12 The Importance of Transformations
03:27 Sustaining Weight Loss and Healthy Habits
10:40 The Role of Technology in Fitness
13:22 Selfishness vs. Selflessness in Fitness
17:52 The Rise and Influence of Bodybuilding.com
23:12 The Shift Towards Longevity and Biohacking
25:39 The Importance of Purpose and Longevity
27:44 The Impact of Social Media Algorithms
29:46 Embracing Hardship for Growth
35:26 Balancing Hybrid Training
42:19 The Power of Digital Detox and Meditation
45:27 Seasonal Training and Personal Fulfillment
47:39 Final Thoughts and Resources

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