Judd Lienhard: The Priorities Pyramid That Fixes Your Fitness

Jul 1, 2025

Discover why prioritizing fitness over quick fixes is crucial for long-term success. The Priorities Pyramid breaks down essential layers: safety, consistency, a comprehensive approach, and intensity. Learn why many obsess over supplements when foundational safety matters most. Judd emphasizes the importance of adapting routines as you age and making fitness a true priority in your life. He shares hard truths about spending on health versus habits and urges a focus on basic movements for lasting results.

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INSIGHT

Priorities Pyramid Framework

Judd Lienhard's Priorities Pyramid orders fitness from safety up to supplements and hormones.
The pyramid means higher layers only matter after the lower layers are solid and wider.

ADVICE

Make Safety Your Foundation

Focus on safety first by using proper progression, exercise selection, and warm-ups.
Avoid adding too much weight or reps too soon and skip exercises you're not ready for.

ANECDOTE

Why He Started Testosterone

Judd describes starting testosterone before turning 40 due to low energy, poor sleep, and life stress.
He reports better sleep and mood but notes he should've improved lifestyle first.

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Most guys don’t need a new program, a better supplement stack, or the “perfect” exercise they saw on Instagram. They need a reality check on their priorities.

In this solo episode, I break down the Priorities Pyramid—a six-layer system I’ve used for 20+ years as a strength coach, Army Ranger, and athlete. This is the blueprint for getting strong, moving well, and staying in shape for life.

If you’re the type of man who’s built a career, supports your family, and still holds yourself to a higher standard physically—this episode is for you.

What You'll Learn:

Safety – Why you're getting hurt and how to stop being dumb about it
Consistency – The only “secret” worth talking about
Comprehensive Approach – Strength, cardio, mobility… quit skipping what matters
Intensity – How to push yourself without breaking down
Specialized Techniques – What to use after you’ve earned it
Supplements & Hormones – The least important part (but most abused)

Who This Is For:

Former athletes who still expect more from themselves
Military & first responders
Fathers, leaders, and hard workers who train like it matters
Men who value strength, discipline, and real results

What This Isn’t:

This isn’t a hype-up. It’s not a shortcut. It’s not about aesthetics.
It’s about building a system that keeps you strong and capable—for decades.

Hard Truths I Get Into:

If fitness isn’t one of your top 3 priorities, don’t expect results
If you can spend $250 a month on booze but not a gym membership, your priorities are off
If you're still blaming genetics or age—look in the mirror

Stop looking for hacks. Most people are spending 90% of their effort chasing 10% of the outcome. The work that matters is simple, boring, and hard.

Do it anyway.

This episode is brought to you by LMNT.

Optimal hydration doesn’t just mean more fluids, it means getting the right electrolyte balance. Make your purchase through my link to receive a free LMNT Sample Pack featuring the most popular flavors: drinklmnt.com/judd

The Judd Lienhard Podcast delivers unfiltered conversations with elite athletes, military leaders, and top coaches, exploring performance, mindset, and resilience. From NFL vets to Special Forces operators, each episode is packed with real-world lessons on training, leadership, and pushing limits.

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