Vigor Life Podcast

In this podcast, the host and guest discuss the Athlete for Life model of training, the importance of mindset and growth, and winning in life. They touch on the role of strength training in injury prevention, the importance of speed and power training for older clients, and the influence of Parkinson's disease on training. Additionally, they explore the benefits of incorporating athleticism into general population workouts and the pros and cons of machines vs. free weights.

I met Dr. Christle at an event we were both speaking at in Edmonton, Canada and after listening to her presentation, I knew I needed to get her on the podcast and talk about weight loss drugs, the why, what, how, and the misconceptions, challenges, and stigma around them as well as when they make sense, when they don’t, and the upsides and downsides. I wanted to learn more as I have clients on them and wanted to better navigate the space (it’s also something every coach should listen to as these conversations will become more and more frequent).  Dr. Christle Guevarra holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Minor in Mathematics from San Francisco State University, a Master of Science in Organic Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Western University of Health Sciences. Passionate about education, she was awarded a Pre-Doctoral Teaching Fellowship at the Western University of Health Sciences, where she taught first- and second-year osteopathic medical students.Christle completed her Family Medicine residency at Crozer Health in PA, where she was awarded “Resident of the Year.” She then completed her Sports Medicine fellowship at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where she worked with Division I Football, professional (boxing, MMA, basketball), and recreational athletes. Currently, she maintains a telemedicine private medical practice and also serves as an official traveling Team Physician for US Figure Skating. As a firm advocate of Exercise Is Medicine, Christle believes in “practicing what you preach.” A former champion competitive powerlifter, she now enjoys lifting for physique enhancement while also training for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: What got Dr. Christle into medicine and the desire to be a doctor and jump to evidence based fitness. The shocking history of weight loss drugs and why theres a foundation of skepticism.  Semiglutide, Ozempic, and Wegovy, origins, do they work, how they work, and who should consider taking it.  What made Dr. Christle decide to start taking weight loss drugs herself and her thoughts, insights and experiences around it.  The stigma, judgement and sometimes shame of taking weight loss drugs.  The two missing ingredients that are a must when it comes to having success with weight loss drugs. Calorie restriction, hunger, and what the day to day is like when it comes to weight loss drugs. Is there a rebound weight gain after getting off the drugs, how much to expect, and how to battle it. Insights on dosages and whether the recommended dose is the right one for you specifically.  Side effects, both short and long-term, and the future of weight loss drugs (as well as other possible huger reducing drugs). Should the drugs be taken for a shorter period, for good, or not at all. Thoughts about calories and protein while on the drugs and how to improve your outcomes when you do not feel like eating.  How important strength training and exercise is when it comes to long term sustainable weight loss.  Why weight loss drugs may be the gateway for some to start exercising.  LINKS & RESOURCES: Dr. Christle Guevarra Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/dr.christle/ Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes)  h Vigor Life Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0gp1uXtwfRUcBkfS1P1uim?si=kcUu2vhPRwuxdV5kTzQrug Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

I met Joey as a coach in the fitness industry that was great at what he did and helped clients transform for close to a decade. From there her went online and built a six figure online coaching business and started to really understand copywriting, marketing, and especially offers and email marketing. He fell in love with it and has become a go-to high level copywriter and email marketing expert that helps blow up (all types) of businesses and it was great catching up and talking actionable steps for coaches to improve their copy, marketing, and email skills.  Joey Percia is a copywriter, marketing consultant, author, and fish taco slayer.  Over a decade ago after receiving his Master's degree in Exercise Science, Joey began traveling, learning, and being mentored by top health and fitness coaches. Now he writes and consults for some these same coaches who credit his approach to copywriting and marketing as “genuine, refreshing, and bad*ss.”  Although Joey primarily works with health and fitness businesses he’s had rockstar clients in many different industries including dating, pharmacy, cannabis, habit-building, digital marketing, online business development, self-development, real estate, chiropractic, and more.  Joey also writes about direct response marketing, fitness, business, and life on his blog.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How Joey went from being a successful in person coach to transitioning online. What did it take, and how long, to build a 6-figure online coaching business. What Joey did that everyone else was doing that DIDN’T WORK.  Why building the skillset is THE most important thing, and its something no one can take away from you. If you’re a coach, you ARE in the business of marketing, doing avoid it!  How marketing helps you become better at your coaching craft, a double whammy that will grow your business.  Joey breaks down a simple strategy of how you can instantly improve your marketing communication.  Copy is both emotional AND logic, and we must be like lawyers and structure our point in a certain way.  My secret strategy to attract more of your best clients with just a pen and a journal. The Pixar story framework in emails with an indirect offer that will help you get new leads and clients weekly. Marketing is pre-selling, it’s like moving people around the bases in baseball. Why the first month of doing things right with offers will crush it, and then it slows down; this is how you turn it around.  Why content can be so powerful and how to be omnipresent as the expert in your community. The “Super Signature” that will help you generate clients with every content post.  The reason you MUST repurpose content and how to do it effectively.  Turning one on one experiences into one to many content that can live for a long time and impact many thousands.  Joey’s APAA framework for writing great emails.  Why getting people to take action in emails is so important (hint: action is not just asking for the sale). My cheat sheet to writing great emails FAST. The list of email ideas I use to write headlines that people click and topics that engage people. How to build your email list with engaged followers (it’s not how it used to be).  LINKS & RESOURCES: Joey Percia site: www.JoeyPercia.com Joey Percia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeypercia/ Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes)  h Vigor Life Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0gp1uXtwfRUcBkfS1P1uim?si=kcUu2vhPRwuxdV5kTzQrug Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

In 2020 because of what was going on in the world we had to turn our live Vigor Ground Fitness and Business Summit into a virtual event. While I love live events and was disappointed that we couldn’t put it on, we were able to bring close to 30 presenters on virtually with an incredible amount of value for the audience. My conversation with Jordan was excellent and worth sharing with so many valuable nuggets, and while this conversation is years old, everything he talks about is relevant today. For any coach that wants to build an online business, really any business for that matter, this is a great listen! IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: When Jordan started his website and wrote articles without knowing an online business is even possible. Why the least read article Jordan wrote in 2012, led to Jordan training Gary Vaynerchuk in 2016. The biggest intent you must have behind creating your content. How Jordan blew up on Instagram, the most valuable insights. The number ONE thing you should be doing every single day on social media. Your brand is not your business and your business is not your brand. Jordan believes brand is ___________. Is it ok to post the same things or similar things over and over again? The best way to never run out of content ideas is to coach people. Why trying to sound smart could be the thing that stopping you from growing and help more people. You’re not interacting enough with your current followers! Here’s what you need to do. Jordan’s strategies for creating quality content you can use right away. All the WRONG things people focus on with social media that they shouldn’t care about. Jordan’s principles of powerful content. Every piece of content should have an “IPA”, discover what it is and why few people do it. How to best support and provide accountability to for online clients. How to deal with online clients that “ghost you.” What “calling bulls@*t” on someone’s nutrition is not going to help them improve or make you a better coach. Insights on dealing with challenging clients and how to turn it around to get them great results. LINKS & RESOURCES: Jordan Syatt website  https://www.syattfitness.com/ Jordan Syatt Instagram https://www.instagram.com/syattfitness/ Jordan Syatt Inner Circle https://www.syattfitness.com/join-my-inner-circle/ Jordan Syatt mini-podcast h Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes)  h Vigor Life Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0gp1uXtwfRUcBkfS1P1uim?si=kcUu2vhPRwuxdV5kTzQrug Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

I was really looking to this conversation with Mike Doehla, both from a standpoint of getting insight of what type of nutrition approach has worked of the 10k’s of clients Stronger U has helped but then also how Mike built up a powerhouse online nutrition coaching company to an 8-figure business without much marketing spend, and the behind the scenes look of the growth and obstacles along the way.  Mike Doehla Founder/CEO of Stronger U Nutrition created an online nutrition coaching company that helps tens of thousands of individuals in more than 50 countries. His personal mission is to help people have a more enjoyable life and he loves being able to improve the way the world eats. Mike enjoys travel, fitness, entrepreneurship, and good food. He resides in New Windsor NY with his wife Crista and his cat. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How Mike went from working a job he hated to pursuing something he enjoyed and “accidentally” having it blow up. The methods that help you lose fat are not the same than the methods that help you keep it off. Why “planners” have the greatest success when it comes to losing weight sustainably.  Discover who your teammates are when it comes to your body transformation, this is critical.  Too many food rules lead to an unsuccessful long term transformation, every time.  What are best way to help clients that have failed before instill sustainable habits and have patience.  Why people are intimidated by fitness apps and what is a better approach to help clients succeed.  Mike & I break down examples of how to create a habit that a client can successful do and build up their confidence.  How Mike was lunatic about response times and created an amazing customer experience.  The basic structure Stronger U used to build up to 10’s of thousands of clients.  Why creating too many boundaries in your coaching could be negatively affecting your success.  The step-by-step process Mike used to created the most engaged nutrition community online.  Growing the coaching team from the inside out with clients that have had success and understood peoples struggles.  How lack of certain systems and more autonomy was the reason Stronger U could grow at the speed it did.  What Mike spent more time, money and attention on than paid marketing and how it affected the company.  Hiring the right people, customer service standards, nutrition philosophy, and caring about your clients; the key factors in success of any coaching business.  Why being desperate is THE best way to repel sales and growth.  DON’T rush to build an app for your company, here’s what you need to do first!  The powerful steps that Mike took to initially market his business and grow it fast (most people don’t do this anymore!). How this one simple strategy can help you get leads and clients every day, starting today.  How Mike was able to handle 350 nutrition coaching clients by himself at the peak.  The structure of pay and growth for Stronger U coaching clients (and how the company was built up to 80 coaches).  What Mike believes about balance when it comes to building up your career and your business.  LINKS & RESOURCES: Mike Doehla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mikedoehla/ Stronger U Nutrition https://strongeru.com/ Luka Hocevar Course www.LukaHocevar.com Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

Always a pleasure with tons of insights talking with my friend Derek Hansen when it comes to training speed, athleticism and preventing injuries. This time around we talked about keeping yourself athletic and fast, while avoiding ACL and achilles tears after the age of 35. Derek M. Hansen has been a world-renowned sport performance consultant and advisor to some of the top organizations, teams, and athletes in professional and elite sports over the last 20 years. His coaching background and involvement in return-to-play protocols spans more than 30 years. His areas of expertise include sport speed development, running mechanics, return-to-play management, strategic program planning, and electrical stimulation technologies. His clients have included top organizations, such as the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, NCAA, and Bundesliga. He has also coached and advised thousands of athletes in the professional and collegiate ranks. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Building performance and athleticism after age 35 and doing it the smart way. What should be we blame on more injuries, surfaces, shoes, training, lack of training? What is the process and progression for getting somebody ready to get back into sports.  What can we learn from triathlon/ironman training when it comes to getting ready to perform on the court/field.  70% of NFL players don’t make it back after an achilles tears; put yourself back into the position to avoid them.  The step-by-step progression if you are lifting weights but not doing jumps or sprints, here’s what to do.  Why its KEY to work in dynamic movements, and which ones, to train reflexes, eccentric components, speed at which your tissues are prepared for the activity that you will go into. How changing up exercises selection, volume, intensity, and surfaces can improve your preparedness for sport.  Why micro-dosing works for many general population clients and how to apply it to your programs.  A missing link for most - the importance of improving your calf, achilles and foot strength inside of the gym. Getting zone 2 work in and aerobic plyometrics to improve the health of the tendon and prevent atrophy. Regeneration after the age of 35 and changing up your programming so you can recover and adapt.  The power of training journals and tracking your training to be able to see your progress and not over or under do it.  Non surgical approach to an achilles tear, how to repair it without surgery. A return to play process after pulling your hamstring. It’s important to not avoid the things that hurt you but rather dose them back in the right way to get back to 100% and beyond. Derek shares how to build yourself up to playing full court basketball games, a step-by-step approach. The 10 x 10 approach to return to play, as well as building up the tolerance of your tissues using this strategy.  LINKS & RESOURCES: Derek Hansen Instagram https://www.instagram.com/derekmhansen/ Sprint Coach Website  https://www.sprintcoach.com/ Running Mechanics https://www.runningmechanics.com/ Luka Hocevar course www.LukaHocevar.com Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

Back on the show I’ve got one of my closest friends Andy McCloy and we dove into how we’d build the greatest coaching gym of the future based on what we know now and our combined 40 years in the gym industry. Andy McCloy is the owner of BCI Sports Performance and Fitness, an Alabama-based fitness company providing a wide range of performance enhancement and strength training programs to clients ranging from high school and college players to pro athletes. We dive into how we would build the most successful  IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: A recipe book and ingredients to build the greatest coaching gym of the future A path and playbook for any coach to build a gym with great client results and successful business, even if you don’t have a lot of money to invest  The #1 missing ingredient Andy shares that most coaches are missing that will surprise you!  The blueprint to create clarity and vision of your fitness career.  Be REALLY good at the thing that you’re selling - training, FIRST. The EOS/Traction operating system for gym owners as Andy has modified it. Why every coach and gym owner MUST have a financial management system. The model of coaching for the gym of the future, what offerings do we plug in. How Andy sells a year long sports performance program at BCI rather than having seasonal offerings. The 4 front end offers that we use very successfully at our gyms to generate leads year round. Andy’s flagship transformation challenge and why he changes his mind on 6-week challenges and how he positions it.  The Fat Loss Forever seminars that educate and drive clients into the gym. Facebook ads performance, when to use them, and how Andy approaches marketing with success at his gym. Why you should NEVER sell a trial for athlete memberships and the step-by-step process that Andy integrates. The most underrated marketing and positioning strategies for gyms that can help you stand out. The blueprint of how Andy created relationships in the community that led to a non-stop feeder system of athletes for his gym. Why it IS important to think of yourself as a media company to build the most successful business and brand.  How Andy batches his media marketing, email marketing structure as well as “boots on the ground” marketing. Why you don’t need to do anything new, first you need to do things MORE and BETTER.  My media strategy to create as much useful content, create value and get as many eyeballs as possible and generate more leads.  What other revenue streams would we implement into the gym of the future to help clients get better results and make more gym profits.  Supplements, apparel, cold plunges, VO2 max testing, blood work testing, physical therapy, etc - when and how to implement it into your gym. A framework to develop and educate your team so that they’re the best possible for the clients. Why hosting seminars and certifications in your gym becomes a foundation for growth of your team and business.  Why you MUST use a scorecard and the key performance indicators every gym must track to have success. LINKS & RESOURCES: BCI Sports Performance and Fitness https://bodycreationsinc.com/ Andy McCloy Instagram https://www.instagram.com/andymccloy_bci/ Luka Hocevar Course www.LukaHocevar.com Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

It was great to catch up with my brother Brett Bartholomew and talk about our favorite topic, coaching and communication. We dive deep into it and not only break it down but also give tactical strategic applications.  Brett Bartholomew is a strength and conditioning coach, author, consultant, and Founder of Art of Coaching™. His experience includes working with athletes both in the team environment and private sector along with members of the United States Special Forces and members of Fortune 500 companies. Taken together, Brett has coached a diverse range of athletes from across 23 sports world-wide, at levels ranging from youth athletes to Olympians. He’s supported numerous Super Bowl and World Series Champions, along with several professional fighters in both professional boxing as well as the UFC. As an advisor/entrepreneur, Brett has proudly served as a teammate and supporting partner in the strategic growth of two separate performance companies. He is a highly sought-after consultant and mentor for many world-wide. His work and expertise has been featured in numerous media outlets such as ESPN, FOX Sports, Inc. Magazine and Outside Magazine. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: What is a great coach based on the science and definition of coaching. Coaching can’t take place in absence of this one skill and you’re not practicing it enough. Brett and I discuss building a “Super Coach” as if we’re building a character in a video game.  How do you actually evaluate coaching, what tools do you use to discover how you’re doing as a coach. Coaching is NOT a linear process, it can be messy and ugly, here’s what you need to know to stand out. The holy trinity of coaching: communication, problem solving and technical expertise - which ones are you not focusing on. The future of coaching is going into social interaction and what skills you must have to prepare for it.  Why doing more training workshops isn’t going to help you be a better coach and build your fitness business.  AI will be able to write good programs but only a great coach will be able to problem solve on the spot.  Are you losing clients and not keeping them for long enough because of your programs or is it something else? What are “change choke points” and how they’re stopping you from becoming the best coach for your clients.  Brett and I share tactical practices you can use to improve your communication and problem solving, as well as implement it with your team.  Using video to assess yourself and your team at coaching and taking your classes and sessions to the next level. How the “Time Traveler” exercise will improve your coaching communication. The equivalent to overload, eccentrics, bands/chains and other training methods but now used to train your communication!  THIS skillset will allow you to charge multiples of what other coaches charge for your services. And much, much more… LINKS & RESOURCES: Art Of Coaching  https://artofcoaching.com/ Brett Bartholomew https://brettbartholomew.net/ Brett Bartholomew Instagram https://www.instagram.com/coach_brettb/ Book: Conscious Coaching - The Art & Science Of Building Buy In  https://a.co/d/0gTKye7 Luka Hocevar Course www.LukaHocevar.com Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

I’m going to be doing at least one Q & A episode to dive deeper into some questions I receive on topics that deserve more than a quick response and will give actionable steps to apply into your training and life. I dive deeper into the conjugate training method and how I use it, as well as my philosophy of nutrition when it comes to being an athlete for life.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: The breakdown of the conjugate method and why its so applicable to training like an athlete for life. How to build athleticism while maintaining (or even increasing) your lean muscle mass. My favorite training structure for myself and most clients that has created the best results.  A smart joint friendly approach to become athletic AND more resilient to injuries.  The 5-steps to build your athlete for life nutrition plan in a simple and effective way. The biggest mistakes people make when working to create a sustainable nutrition plan. My thoughts about TRT, dealing with low testosterone, and when to decide and make the step to take it.  The “sentence stemming” method you can use to figure out your next step to achieve your goals (a great tool for coaching clients!). How to overcome the “editor” in your head and put yourself out there, create content, and stop being controlled by what other people think. LINKS AND RESOURCES: Vagaro Iconic.23 Event https://bit.ly/3UcfSQF Vigor Ground Gym www.VigorGroundFitness.com Luka Hocevar Courses www.LukaHocevar.com Athlete For Life Article; Training https://vigorgroundfitness.com/vse/athlete-for-life-part-i-training/ Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes)  h Vigor Life Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0gp1uXtwfRUcBkfS1P1uim?si=kcUu2vhPRwuxdV5kTzQrug Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

I was looking forward to having a conversation with Kyle as someone who’s been there, done that and still doing it, and a coach that went from fully booked, to leading and educating, then starting his own companies.  Kyle is the owner of Compound Performance and the Compound App. He has 17+ years of experience working in the fitness industry coaching 20,000+ sessions, 10 years of experience in leadership positions overseeing all levels of management from individual facilities to national level positions, and 5 years of experience in entrepreneurship  launching two business’s that have provided thousands of clients with growth focused solutions. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: Kyle was the “The often injured athlete” who found training through rehab and got him curious about performance.  The simplest and most effective way to achieve success as an in person personal trainer! How to shadow successful coaches (as a young coach) and learn everything from them. Why you ought to teach and educate other coaches for free as soon as possible. The lessons on the journey from packed personal coaching schedule, to managing and educating in private gyms, to building multiple businesses. The power of “old school strategies” to promoting yourself and your business.  The most important place to start for coaches: financial management and literacy - know your numbers.  Knowing the “who” of your audience, are you marketing to the right people? Most coaches don’t, do this _______.  The perspective of “accumulation” and “intensification” in your coaching business. THIS is a crucial perspective for success!  Kyle’s perspective on when a coach ought to go before coaching online. The wisdom you receive from real world coaching and how it will make you a significantly better online coach.  What a GREAT online coach is doing and knowing who your competition is (this may be a reminder to step your game up).  The first step in building an “Athlete For Life.” The biggest mistakes coaches make when writing programs to help clients be more athletic. If you’re doing this in your programming, you may be leading people to injury.  Why conditioning is a MUST regardless of your goal, here’s what you need to work on to be able to get back on the field/court.  Choosing the best exercises for people so they can continue to perform at their best.  Why plyometrics are better than isometrics for regenerating tendon health and strength (and why even older clients should do it). The model of programming Kyle uses to get his clients “Ready for anything!” What is Kyle currently studying and focusing on as he’s continuing to improve as a coach and business owner.  Shout out to our sponsor Vagaro Pro! It’s the leading booking & management app for any size business whether you are a solopreneur or you own multiple gym locations. They’re also our new partner for the Vigor Life podcast! We can’t wait to bring you more insight & knowledge to help you reach those goals, both physically AND fiscally. So, keep tuning in, and tell a friend, because this year we’re taking it to new levels! Check out their ⁠website⁠ & go to ⁠https://bit.ly/3IaU9Ux⁠ to see how your business could benefit too! LINKS AND RESOURCES: Compound Performance https://www.compoundperformance.com/ Kyle Dobbs Instagram https://www.instagram.com/compoundperformance_/ Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes)  h Vigor Life Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0gp1uXtwfRUcBkfS1P1uim?si=kcUu2vhPRwuxdV5kTzQrug Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber