Vigor Life Podcast

Vigor Life Podcast · EP 132: Becoming A Better Coach, Building A Career In Fitness, and Financial Smarts w/ Mike Boyle It was only a matter of time before I had Mike on the show and it was great to catch up with an industry legend and talk about how to become a great coach, getting results for clients while not getting them hurt, and how to build a successful career in fitness while being smart with your finances. Michael Boyle is one of the foremost experts in the fields of Strength and Conditioning, Functional Training and general fitness. He currently spends his time lecturing, teaching, training and writing. In 1996 Michael co founded Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning, one of the first for-profit strength and conditioning companies in the world. Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning exists for one reason: to provide performance enhancement training for athletes of all levels. Athletes trained range from junior high school students to All Stars in almost every major professional sport. Prior to Co- fou

Vigor Life Podcast · EP 131: The Nutrition For A Leaner, Better Performing, Healthier Body, For Good w/ Alan Aragon Alan Aragon has over 20 years of success in the fitness field. He earned his Bachelor and Master of Science in Nutrition with top honors. Alan is a continuing education provider for the Commission on Dietetic Registration and National Strength & Conditioning Association. Alan lectures at national and international conferences, and maintains a private practice designing programs for recreational, Olympic, and professional athletes, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Kings, and Anaheim Mighty Ducks. Alan is a contributing editor and resident Weight Loss Coach of Men’s Health magazine. His book Girth Control is considered to be one of the most in-depth manuals for improving the body and understanding nutrition for fitness & sports. Alan has co-authored the most-viewed article in the history of the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Last but not least, Alan writes

Vigor Life Podcast · EP 130: How To Book Yourself Solid & Create A Successful Career In Fitness w/ Andrew Coates I’m joined by my friend Andrew Coates, who’s a personal trainer, speaker, fitness writer for publications such as Muscle And Fitness, T-Nation, Generation Iron Bar Bend, and many more; and host of the “Lift Free Diet Hard” podcast. Andrew has had a journey of “starting late” as a coach in the industry and yet building a very successful in person coaching business, as well as becoming a sought after writer, speaker and now launching online offerings for his services. We dive into the principles of success for becoming the go to person in your area, the blueprint to building powerful relationships in the industry and becoming a super connector, and the steps to not only Crete great content, but also get paid for it through the medium of writing, speaking, and mentoring. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: How going to events and connecting with and learning from the right people, supercharged the traje

Vigor Life Podcast · EP129: Results Based Programming, Offline and Online Coaching Success Principles with Jason Brown Jason Brown, a combat veteran, and former box owner is the founder of Box Programming & Jason Brown Coaching, and published Author of "Lower-body Training" via Human Kinetics. Jason has a Masters of Science degree in Exercise Science, is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the NSCA, and is a Certified Special Strengths Coach with Westside Barbell. He regularly writes for T-Nation.com, EliteFTS.com, and serves as a presenter with the National Strength & Conditioning Association. Jason and I finally get to do a show on the Vigor Life Podcast and since we both love the conjugate training model, owned gyms, and do some form of education of coaches nowadays, this conversation was full of insights on best program design principles, insights to succeed as a in person coach or gym owner, or how to develop your brand online. There’s so many nuggets to take away from the co

Vigor Life Podcast · EP 128: How To Master The Skills Of An Elite Coach, Programming & Success in Fitness w/ Lee Boyce I finally got a chance to get Lee on the show as we couldn’t sync up for the Vigor Ground Summit last time because of travel restrictions, as he’s someone that I’ve followed his work and got a lot of value from it. He’s a coach in the real world, training real people from all walks of life, has been doing it for a long time and only continues to get better. He’s also a professor at a university and teaching up and coming students practical programming, building coaching skillets, and sharing how to have success in the industry. To top it off he is also a very prolific writer. Here’s the official bio: Lee Boyce is an internationally known fitness writer and strength coach, and owner of Boyce Training Systems, based in Toronto, Ont. His work is published regularly in many major fitness magazines including Men's Health, Men's Fitness, Esquire, TNATION, Muscle & Fitness, Bodybuilding.com, and I

Vigor Life Podcast · EP 127: A Masterclass On How To Build Your In Person and Online Fitness Business While I was in San Francisco speaking at the Vagaro conference, one evening I asked my video guy Tyler to just start recording and I’m gonna do an episode on how to build your fitness business, starting with in-person and adding online coaching strategies as well. We ended up diving in so deep that it ended up being a 2.5 hour episode with a lead up to part 2 that I’ll do sometime in the near future. If you’re a coach or gym owner in the fitness industry and you want to learn how to grow your clientele, whether 1 on 1, semi-private, or groups, this is a blueprint. It goes beyond that though as it also breaks down how to build authority and positioning, becoming the go-to expert, create systems, not just in the gym, but also when it comes to creating content, email marketing, SEO, and much more. I don’t hold back anything, I just run out of time as had to finish the episode since it was 1am and I had to speak

  Vigor Life Podcast · EP 126: All About Metabolic Optimization, Living A Longer, Healthier, & Better Life w/ Joel Jamieson Joel Jamieson is widely considered one of the world’s foremost authorities on strength and conditioning for combat sports, having trained many of the sports best athletes since 2004. He is the author of the bestselling book Ultimate MMA Conditioning and is a contributing writer to several top magazines and a frequent guest speaker at conferences and seminars all over the world. Joel has worked with and consulted extensively for teams and organizations ranging from Navy SEALS to Life Time Fitness and his Bioforce HRV system was used by teams in the NFL, NBA, MLS, NCAA, and more (now called “Morpheus). He is best known for an individualized approach that is both based on solid science and yet practical to apply. Joel created 8weeksout.com in 2009 to help clear up the misinformation and confusion surrounding energy systems. Since then, the site has become one of the authorities on strengt

Vigor Life Podcast · EP125:The Power Of Communication, Connection & Coaching In Training & PT w/Dr.Michael Mash & HIDEF   This is a comeback episode for the Vigor Life Podcast and I couldn’t be more excited to bring it back and share my own knowledge, experience and insights again, as well as bring on the best guests to educate, entertain, and inspire. This first episode I sat down with Dr. Michael Mash of Barbell Rehab, as well as our partners Zach and Mitch from HIDEF Physical Therapy. We were hosting Michael for the Barbell Certification at Vigor Ground this weekend with over 40 attendees. Barbell Rehab was created by Dr. Michael Mash, Physical Therapist and Barbell Coaching Expert to help fitness and rehab professionals improve their management of clients with pain or mobility limitations. He received his Doctor of Physical Therapy in 2016 from Duquesne University and his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Saint Vincent College in 2014. In this episode we go over training limitations for clients and h

Vigor Life Podcast · EP124: How To REALLY Build A Fitness Business Of The Future & Manage Your Finances w/ Jon Goodman   Jonathan Goodman is the creator of the Personal Trainer Development Center. Since 2011, he has supported fitness professionals by publishing over a million words, growing some of the largest online communities, publishing several books, and establishing the first-ever certification for online trainers, the Online Trainer Academy. He's been featured in most major business and fitness publications including Men's Health, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Muscle & Fitness, Inc., and many more. Originally from Toronto, Jon spends his winters exploring the World with his wife and son. In this value-packed episode which was a special edition never released fireside chat from the 2020 Virtual Vigor Ground Summit. We touch on everything from what Jon would do right now if he were to go into opening a brick & mortar business and how the online space is shaping itself, to the finances of a fit pro and how to b

Vigor Life Podcast · EP123: How to Succeed with Your Diet & A Coaches Guide to Financial Health w/ James Krieger James Krieger is a scientist, trainer, bodybuilder, and author of the Weightology Research Review. He has a master’s degree in nutrition from the University of Florida and another in exercise science from Washington State. James also started Fit Pro Financial to help coaches develop financial health and learn how to manage and invest money so that it works for them. I catch up with James to talk about the principles that help anyone succeed with nutrition long-term. We also break down some myths that have become obstacles for people to simplify and win when it comes to their diet. In the second part of the podcast, we dive into financial habits for coaches and how to be “financially healthy”, touching on principles, mindsets, as well as specific strategies to help you build your bank account and security.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN Why most people who try to lose weight succeed, they just

Vigor Life Podcast · EP122: The Art Of Nutrition Coaching And Getting Clients Results w/ Dr. Mike Roussell   Dr. Mike Roussell is one of my go-to people when I have questions about nutrition. Dr. Mike is famous for transforming complex nutritional concepts into practical nutritional habits that his clients can use to ensure permanent weight loss and long-lasting health. He holds a degree in biochemistry from Hobart College and a doctorate in nutrition from Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Mike’s academic background, coupled with his broad range of experience consulting with pharmaceutical and food companies, medical schools, top-rated fitness facilities, professional athletes, and individual clients, gives him the unique ability to translate scientific findings into relevant, understandable, and actionable strategies that get results. As a scientist, his research has been published multiple times in the world's premiere clinical nutrition journal, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Dr. Mike ov

Vigor Life Podcast · EP121: Strength and Reinvention No Matter The CircumstancesIn Life w/ Chris Duffin   I have been looking forward to talking with Chris Duffin for some time. His incredible story proves that what happens to you doesn’t have to define who you become. Chris went from growing up homeless in the Pacific Northwest wilderness—raised in an abusive and chaotic household where his childhood was composed of skinning rattlesnakes, foraging for food, and protecting his sisters and mother (many times dealing with murderers, drug running and abuse, human trafficking, death, a serial killer, and extreme poverty—to multiple engineering degrees. From there he worked his way up the ladder to become a corporate executive in aerospace, turning companies around, starting and building multiple 7 figure companies in the fitness space (including Kabuki Strength), while also building up to 1001 lb x 3 sumo deadlift and 1000 lb x 3 squat (which are both Guinness Book World Records). It sounds fascinating and incr

Vigor Life Podcast · EP120: The Best Way To Train To Build Muscle and Strength In The Long Term w/ Jay Ferruggia One of my best friends, world renowned strength coach, and fitness industry thought leader, Jay Ferruggia is back on the show. Even though we were in lockdown when this episode was recorded, we pick up right where the industry left off. In this episode we talk about overcoming adversity, building resilience, taking control of your mind, as well as diving deep into how to build strength and muscle while maintaining healthy joints in the long term. Jay drops his nuggets of wisdom from almost 30 years in coaching to share what works for almost anyone when it comes to picking training splits, exercises, rep ranges and more. Let's go. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN Why Jay “missed” our initial scheduled podcast recording. 3 big life takeaways Jay has throughout the lockdown that we should all remember on the daily to make our life more fulfilled and less stressful. The key habits, mindsets and

Vigor Life Podcast · EP119: A Masterclass On Building A Profitable & Sustainable Online Coaching Business w/ Jon Goodman Jonathan Goodman is the creator of the Personal Trainer Development Center. Since 2011, he has supported fitness professionals by publishing over a million words, growing some of the largest online communities, publishing several books and establishing the first-ever certification for online trainers, the Online Trainer Academy. He's been featured in most major business and fitness publications including Men's Health, Forbes, Entrepreneur, Muscle & Fitness and Inc. – to name a few. Originally from Toronto, Canada, Jon spends his winters exploring the World with his wife and son. Jon and I dive deep into the foundational principles of what it takes to build a successful business and then pivot to get specifically into building and online coaching brand that is profitable, sustainable and stands the test of time. If you’re a coach looking to build an online business (or ANY type of busines

Vigor Life Podcast · EP118: Writing Like A Pro To Influence & Build Your Business w/ Nate Green   Nate Green is one of my closest friends and a great human being who also happens to be a fantastic writer. Nate is a marketing strategist and writer at Precision Nutrition. A former personal trainer and gym-owner, he’s also the author of four books, including Built for Show. He’s written extensively for online and print magazines, including Men’s Health, Men’s Fitness, and Tim Ferriss’ blog. Nate is one of the people I reach out and talk to when I want to clear out ideas, thoughts, share life experience and talk them out as he always has deep, powerful insights. In this episode we cover everything from how to write better and insights on how to influence through your writing, to meditative inquiry, the benefits of training with no music or stimulants. Let's go.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN Why Nate stays off social media, except for Twitter (it has something to do with a blue checkmark and ego). What

Vigor Life Podcast · EP117: The Power of Communication and Why You MUST Get Better at It as a Coach w/ Brett Bartholomew   I finally got my good friend Brett Bartholomew on the show to talk about something we both feel very strongly about: the power of communication. Brett speaks on this on so many levels – including his must have book, Conscious Coaching and his program Bought In. 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. In this episode we dive into the nuts

Vigor Life Podcast · EP115: Raise Your Coaching Game and High Performance Secrets from the Best w/ Alan Stein Jr. When at the airport I always make a pitstop at the bookstore. While traveling to a speaking engagement, a book title entered my line of vision: "Raise Your Game.” As I read the cover, chapter topics and testimonials I knew I had to get it. Especially given it was from the world of basketball. From first crack, I couldn't put it down. I finished it in two days and knew I needed to get the author, Alan Stein Jr on the podcast to talk about the principles. I later realized both Alan and I were featured in Anthony Renna’s book, “Be Like The Best”, which led me to connecting with Alan… and here we are. Alan is a world-renowned coach, speaker and author. He spent 15+ years working the highest performing basketball players on the planet and now teaches audiences how to utilize the same strategies in business that elite athletes use to perform at a world-class level. Alan specializes in impro

Vigor Life Podcast · EP114: Training, Nutrition & Lifestyle Wisdom from 25 Years of Coaching and Writing w/ Bryan Krahn   Bryan and I met almost 13 years ago at a Perform Better Summit through our mutual friend Nate Green. At that point in time Bryan was writing a lot of quality fitness articles for top publications. I really enjoyed his writing style: real world wisdom from training his real world clients. The thing about Bryan is that while he wrote for T-Nation, Mens Health, Mens Fitness, Bodybuilding.com, Ask Men, and many more, he had so much actual coaching experience and real world results with his clients. Not to mention himself. He’s 47, jacked and lean. Today he continues to write, train, and have a successful online coaching business. In this podcast episode we dive into the principles of the “How” in coaching to get the best possible results with your clients; whether face to face, or online. Let's go.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN How Bryan started training people but k

Vigor Life Podcast · EP113: The Soulful Art of Persuasion & Becoming A Better Human w/ Jason Harris   I met Jason Harris at my friend Adam’s 212 entrepreneur event when he was one of the mentors. At the event, Jason gave a presentation on connecting your business to social good and philanthropy. He talk resonated deeply with me and led to what I now consider a great relationship with him. A little history about Jason. He is the President and CEO of award-winning creative agency, Mekanism. Where he works closely with brands through a blend of "Soul & Science" to create shareable and provocative campaigns that engage audiences. Under Harris' leadership, Mekanism has been named to Ad Age's "Agency A List" and twice to their "Best Places to Work", as well as been listed on Creativity "The Creative 50" and recognized by Effie as one of the "Most Effective Independent Agencies". He has been profiled by The New York Times, Fast Company and ABC's Nightline. Harris serves on the board of directors for

Vigor Life Podcast · EP112: Business & Mindset Wisdom from 20 Years of Coaching & Gym Ownership w/ Alwyn Cosgrove I’ve known Alwyn Cosgrove for close to 13 years, after meeting him while attending one of his mentorship programs. Alwyn has been a big influence in my development as a gym owner and is considered an O.G. in both coaching and gym ownership. A couple of weeks ago he and his wife (and business partner) Rachel celebrated the 20 year anniversary of Results Fitness. Alwyn is a sought after expert for several of the country's leading fitness publications, and is a regular contributor to Men's Health magazine, Alwyn has co-authored two books in the "New Rules of Lifting" series and currently spends his time training clients, training his staff at Results Fitness, speaking on the lecture circuit, and coaching fitness trainers worldwide in their businesses. Alwyn's gym, Results Fitness specializes in programs for real-world busy people and prides itself on "changing the way fitness is done - p