Coach Em Up Podcast How to Maximize Health & Longevity with ALEC BLENIS & ZACK TELANDER | Ep. 81
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Sep 16, 2025 
Fitness experts Zack Telander and Alec Blenis dive into the essentials of maximizing health and longevity. They debunk the myth that cardio kills gains, stressing the importance of cardiorespiratory fitness for long-term health. Discussing hybrid training, they share insights on navigating fitness advice and recognizing misinformation in the industry. With personal anecdotes and innovative training methods, they advocate for a balanced approach that integrates strength and cardio. Prepare for a lively conversation filled with actionable wisdom for athletes at any level!
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Cardio Fitness Predicts Longevity
- Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is the single strongest predictor of all-cause mortality in large cohort studies.
- Top vs bottom quartile CRF differences showed roughly 3.9x higher mortality risk for low CRF.
Cardio Lost Priority To Bodybuilding
- The culture swung toward bodybuilding and dieting while neglecting cardiovascular conditioning.
- Improving VO2 and aerobic fitness often outweighs marginal gains from diet optimization for health.
Don’t Chase Ultra Distances To Improve CRF
- You don't need to chase marathons to hit high aerobic fitness; modest, consistent effort works.
- Train consistently and you can reach the top quartile of aerobic fitness without extreme endurance.