The Active Life Podcast

When faced with the choice between staying comfortable or moving 2,500 miles to pursue a dream, most people play it safe. Not Sam. In this inspiring episode, Sam shares her journey from a small town in Indiana to the flagship Active Life location in Long Beach, NY, building a career focused on helping people live pain-free, without compromise.From her early days as an overweight athlete sweating through grueling workouts, to coaching at multiple gyms, to making the bold leap across the country, Sam reveals the challenges and turning points that shaped her career. She talks openly about overcoming personal injuries, weight struggles, and the mental battles that come with change — and how these experiences made her a better coach.Whether you’re a fitness professional considering a big move, someone living with chronic pain, or just looking for motivation to make a major life change, Sam’s story offers a blueprint for resilience, self-awareness, and career fulfillment.

In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the rapidly growing role of artificial intelligence in the fitness industry—and why simply selling “sets and reps” will no longer cut it. Sean and Cody discuss how AI is already capable of building personalized training programs, tracking progress, and even providing habit-based coaching. The conversation highlights why the middle tier of fitness professionals is most at risk, and how those who integrate technology into their practice will thrive in the years ahead.The discussion takes a practical turn, outlining real-world ways coaches and gym owners can leverage AI today—like streamlining SOP creation, speeding up programming, and role-playing tough client conversations. It’s not about fearmongering—it’s about identifying where AI can free up your time so you can focus on the human side of coaching that technology can’t yet replace.You’ll also hear a forward-looking take on how advancements in pharmaceuticals, haptic technology, and automation might change what “fitness” even means over the next 50 years. The episode ends with a challenge: pursue excellence relentlessly, because that’s the last thing to be replaced—and the skillset that will help you pivot to any new opportunity the future brings.

What happens when a probation officer trades stability for purpose—and moves his whole family 600 miles to chase it? In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, Ken joins us to share the vulnerable, inspiring, and practical journey of betting on himself. From small-town CrossFit coach to personal trainer at Active Life’s flagship facility, Ken reveals how personal fulfillment and professional alignment came through saying “yes” to a massive life change.We dive into the early warning signs that his old path wasn’t fulfilling him, the shift from group coaching to one-on-one training, and the pivotal role that Active Life’s education and mentorship played in accelerating his trajectory. You’ll hear how a shadowing visit turned into a career-altering decision, and what it was like to uproot everything for a chance at long-term meaning.Ken also shares two remarkable client success stories—one of which includes helping a woman with Parkinson’s get off the ground unassisted. If you’re considering a major change or wondering whether your dream job really exists, this episode might be the nudge you need.

Many massage therapists are deeply skilled, but increasingly frustrated. Despite their ability to create short-term relief through manual therapy, more and more are recognizing a harsh truth: their clients keep coming back with the same problems. In this conversation, the team unpacks the most common challenges Licensed Massage Therapists (LMTs) face and why so many are now reaching out for more than just continuing education—they’re looking for transformation.The episode explores the limits imposed by licensure, the regulatory barriers to recommending exercise, and the emotional toll of watching clients remain in pain. LMTs are seeking ways to evolve from simply treating symptoms to helping clients resolve root causes and reclaim physical freedom. The ALP curriculum offers them a way forward: combining hands-on skill with coaching, assessment, and exercise prescription to create sustainable, long-term results.By becoming both manual therapists and movement professionals, these practitioners can create more client success, feel greater career satisfaction, and extend their professional longevity. This isn’t just about skills—it’s about building a business and a life that aligns with their values and truly helps people move freely and live fully.

In this transformative episode of the Active Life Podcast, the conversation centers on how to truly help clients—and yourself—become the person they aspire to be. Hosts explore the often-overlooked distinction between change and transformation, setting the stage for four essential principles that can catalyze deep, lasting growth.The discussion dives into how perception vs. perspective shapes reality, the difference between a victim mindset and a creator mindset, and the ways language subtly reinforces or undermines empowerment. You’ll learn how habits of thought and speech—like soft talk, negations, projections, and dramatics—either entrench you in limitation or free you to take ownership of your experience.This episode doesn't just teach theory—it delivers actionable tactics. Whether it’s using pattern interrupts like visual reminders or journaling perspective shifts, the tools offered here are simple, powerful, and designed for daily use. It's a must-listen for any coach looking to empower change from the inside out.

In this episode, Cody and the team dive deep into what made the latest in-person assessment seminar a transformative experience for both new and seasoned coaches. The conversation explores how rotating roles between coach, client, and observer enabled deeper learning, while practical sessions allowed attendees to immediately apply theory to movement assessments and modifications. They discuss the importance of contextual programming for both performance-driven and lifestyle-driven clients, and how heavy slow resistance (HSR) was introduced to help coaches understand its demands.Most importantly, this seminar became a space for critical thinking and experimentation. Attendees were encouraged to voice ideas, test them, and improve them collaboratively—creating a true incubator for growth. If you're a coach looking to refine your practice and gain real-life application experience, this episode will show you why the September seminar is a must-attend.

In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, we explore how mindfulness and presence aren't just buzzwords but true superpowers for coaches. Larry shares the five foundational pillars that transform a distracted presence into a powerful and grounded coaching experience. From mindful preparation to emotional regulation, every coach will walk away with tools that can be applied immediately.Listeners will learn how presence influences client trust, safety, and outcomes. Larry and the team discuss practical tools like breathwork, body scanning, and leveraging silence—all designed to improve session quality. They also cover the emotional intelligence needed to manage personal triggers, reflect honestly, and model the behaviors coaches want to instill in their clients.Whether you’re a new coach or a seasoned professional, this episode delivers clear, actionable strategies to improve your awareness, energy, and effectiveness. It’s a guide to showing up powerfully, consistently—and transforming client lives in the process.This is the Active Life Podcast where two fitness professionals with decades of experience tell their stories and hope to give you some tips and insights into what it takes to be successful for you and your clients.Follow Larry Gaier - https://www.instagram.com/larry_thehuman/Follow Cody Ringle - https://www.instagram.com/cody_ringle/Follow our main channel - https://www.youtube.com/theactivelifeActive Life Professionals help people who won’t take “if it hurts, don’t do it” for an answer. Want to learn how to get out of pain without giving up your active life, go to https://activelifeprofessional.com/find-a-pro-near-me/ Are you a coach or trainer who wants to learn how to build a fulfilling coaching business helping people get out of pain without giving up their active life? Head to https://activelifeprofessional.com/al-p-coaching-program/ Follow Dr. Sean Pastuch @ https://www.instagram.com/drseanpastuch/ Follow Active Life RX @ https://www.instagram.com/activeliferx/ Follow Active Life Professional @ https://www.instagram.com/activelifeprofessional

In this episode of the Active Life podcast, Cody and Larry break down the five essential behaviors that help coaches and professionals create trust and long-term commitment with clients. From first impressions to follow-through, they explore how trust isn't just a nice-to-have—it's foundational for client success and retention. Through practical examples and real coaching conversations, they highlight how intention, communication, and emotional safety fuel professional growth.The episode begins by underscoring the power of trust and its inverse relationship with the energy it takes to influence client behavior. They dive into rapport-building tactics like remembering personal details, asking consistent check-in questions, and using someone’s name intentionally. Listeners will learn why following through on even the smallest promises builds credibility and how consistency in actions, tone, and scheduling becomes a signal of reliability.Cody and Larry round it out with strong guidance on boundary-setting and the power of creating non-judgmental spaces where clients feel safe to be fully honest. This episode is a toolkit for any coach looking to deepen relationships and get long-lasting results—one small trust deposit at a time.

In this episode of the Active Life Podcast, the hosts break down the real financial differences between earning $100,000 as an employee versus as an entrepreneur. They explore the overlooked costs associated with entrepreneurship and compare them with the built-in support systems and predictability of employment. Using data-driven examples and personal experience, they debunk the myth that entrepreneurship is always the more lucrative path.The discussion covers key areas like autonomy, risk, tax implications, business expenses, and mentorship costs. With candid stories and real numbers, they calculate what both entrepreneurs and employees actually take home, emphasizing how a gross income of $100K can look very different depending on how it’s earned.Listeners are encouraged to assess their own values—freedom versus security, ceiling versus floor—and make informed decisions rather than emotional ones. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should start your own business or stay employed, this episode offers a clear financial lens to help guide your path.

Download the doc here - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1sFEr33Y2_7NKV27HkE_QmiNo4rV9A6oOF8jT_USN9MQ/edit?usp=sharingIn this episode, we explore what it takes to transition clients from dependency to autonomy in a coaching or training relationship. The conversation dives deep into the philosophy that the most successful client-coach relationships are built on empowerment, where clients continue working with coaches not out of need but out of choice. By outlining the importance of clear communication, process-driven decision making, and celebrating milestones, the speakers reveal how a well-structured approach can prevent early drop-offs and promote long-term success.We also examine a powerful tool called the “churn map,” which highlights when and why clients typically leave, and how this data can guide proactive support strategies. The episode details a proven eight-session transition framework to guide clients from one-on-one development phases into more autonomous small-group training. This structure emphasizes readiness through KPI benchmarks, progressive independence, and maintaining a high-touch experience even as clients take on more responsibility.Whether you're a coach, trainer, or fitness business owner, this episode offers a blueprint for improving client retention and fostering real transformation. By creating systems that support independence, you're not just providing a service—you’re helping clients become the type of people they aspired to be when they first sought help.