Building everyday strength at wellness with Dan John

On episode 732 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan welcomes strength and fitness legend Dan John to the show, a man whose decades of experience span from elite athletics to coaching and academia. In this episode, Coach Allan, fresh off celebrating his 60th birthday, shares a hard-hitting statistic: only 22% of people actually follow the bare minimum guidelines for strength training. This sets the stage for a powerful conversation on why resistance training isn't just a good idea. It's absolutely vital for anyone over 40 who wants to maintain their health, function, and independence into their later years. Dan John unpacks his concept of "everyday strength," the kind of lasting fitness that lets you handle anything life throws your way, from carrying all your groceries in one trip to chasing after grandkids without missing a beat. Together, Coach Allan and Dan John break down how your focus should evolve with age: building foundational strength in midlife, prioritizing muscle mass, joint mobility, and regular walking as you move through your 50s, 60s, and beyond. Tune in for actionable tips, insights on how to structure your training for the long haul, and the wisdom you need to invest in your future health.   Time Stamps: 04:29 Embracing Strength and Growth 09:15 Strength Retention Over Time 11:20 Everyday Strength and Progression 13:51 Focus on Joint Mobility 18:04 Planning for Independence and Mobility 21:47 Longevity vs. Modern Enhancements 23:53 Pot Belly and Happiness Link 29:22 Walking Routine and Steps 30:43 Why Walking Beats High-Intensity Workouts 35:15 Muscle Beach Memories, 1977 38:39 Steps, Meals, and Caloric Balance 41:44 Embrace the Obvious for Wellness 42:58 Visit Dan John University - https://danjohnuniversity.com 

On episode 731 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan welcomes Cori Lefkowitz, founder of Redefining Strength and author of The Strong System: Transform Your Mindset and Build Your Best Body at Any Age. This conversation is packed with real talk about what truly drives long-term fitness success—beyond the fad diets and quick fixes. Cori shares her straightforward, blueprint-style approach, emphasizing the power of mindset, aligning your goals with your lifestyle, and making sustainable changes that actually stick. If you've ever struggled to get consistent with strength training, felt stuck chasing someone else's tactics, or sabotaged yourself after a setback, this episode is full of insights and practical strategies to help you break free from the cycle. Cori explains her STRONG acronym, the importance of reflection, and why knowing your non-negotiables is essential—not just for your fitness journey, but for your overall well-being. Tune in as we dive deep into personalized fitness tips, the strength-cardio continuum, and actionable ways to optimize your health and performance, no matter your age. Time Stamps 05:03 Start Where You Are 07:43 Shaping Habits Through Reflection 11:22 The Power of the Pause 14:24 Unlearning to Build Better Habits 19:01 Focusing on Mile Markers 21:45 Balancing Habits and Sacrifices 26:17 Aligning Habits with Lifestyle 29:44 Managing Life's Stress Overflow 32:31 Long-Term Fitness Over Quick Fixes 36:10 Balancing Habits Checkbook 36:59 1% Improvements for Lasting Growth   https://Redefiningstrength.com/book 

On episode 730 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan welcomes back Hilary Topper, an inspiring endurance athlete, coach, and author. Once a self-proclaimed non-athlete, Hilary Topper shares her extraordinary journey from lacing up her running shoes for the first time at age 48 to becoming a triathlon competitor and coach. Together, they dive into her new book, Unlocking the Triathlon: A Beginner's Guide to Competing in a Triathlon, providing a roadmap for anyone curious about trying a triathlon—especially if the idea has ever felt intimidating or out of reach. In this episode, you'll learn what a triathlon really entails, the different types and distances you can try, and how to take those crucial first steps, no matter your fitness level. Hilary Topper and Coach Allan cover practical advice on gear, training, and overcoming common fears, plus the importance of mindset, nutrition, and celebrating your personal progress. Whether you're looking for a new fitness challenge, want to shake up your routine, or simply enjoy stories of transformation and perseverance, this conversation is packed with expert tips and encouragement to help you unlock your full potential at any age. Time Stamps 05:39 Progression to Endurance Challenges 07:54 Multisport Options for Everyone 14:01 Running vs. Triathlon Costs 16:12 Wetsuits and Goggles Tips 17:48 Tech-Enhanced Swimming Gear Tips 21:36 Understanding Training Zones 25:38 Effort Zones Explained 27:48 Positive Self-Talk for Confidence

On episode 728 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan is joined by special guest Kayla Gergen, a certified personal trainer and licensed dietitian. Together, they dive into the world of rucking—a powerful way to boost strength and endurance simply by walking with weight. Drawing from her book RuckFit, Kayla Gergen shares actionable tips for safely getting started, explains the unique benefits rucking offers for joint health, muscle building, posture, and bone density, especially for those over 40. Whether you're looking for a low-impact but effective fitness routine, or just eager to shake up your regular walk, this episode has practical advice, inspiration, and a few entertaining stories from Allan's own rucking experiences. Learn how rucking can fit into your life—no matter your age or fitness level—and how you can adapt, improve, and stay consistent on your journey to better health. Time Stamps: 05:22 Don't Carry Excess Weight 06:22 Carrying the Radio for Others 11:24 Rucking Benefits for Over-40s 15:35 Beginner Rucking Tips 16:29 Rucking: From Backpack to Weight Plates 20:40 Rucking Tips and Recovery Basics 24:51 Grace and Flexibility in Setbacks 28:06 Benefits of Joining a Ruck Club 31:13 Holistic Health and Lifestyle Balance Get the book on Amazon: Ruck Fit - https://amzn.to/3N84BRW  https://www.instagram.com/kaylagirgenrd/  

On episode 727 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan dives into the theme of "What it takes to live better, longer." Reflecting on the habits and resolutions we often revisit as the calendar turns, Coach Allan sheds light on why most people struggle to make lasting changes and shares practical strategies for setting successful goals as we head into a new year. You'll hear about the three biggest mistakes people make when looking back and planning ahead, from failing to take responsibility to setting vague or irrelevant goals. Through personal stories and actionable advice, Coach Allan guides listeners in finding their "why," embracing self-awareness, and crafting goals that truly matter. If you're ready to unlock your full potential and age stronger, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you start your journey to a healthier, fitter, and more energetic version of yourself.

On episode 726 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan sits down with Dr. Mindy Pelz to dive into her groundbreaking book, Age Like a Girl: How Menopause Rewires Your Brain for Mental Clarity, Increased Confidence, and Renewed Energy. For too long, menopause has been seen as a decline, but Dr. Mindy is here to flip the script—showing us how this stage of life can be a powerful transformation for women. Together, they unpack the science behind menopause, its impact on neurochemistry, and why these changes don't have to signal the end, but rather the start of a vibrant and empowering new chapter. Dr. Mindy shares her personal journey, the ancestral roots of the "grandmother hypothesis," and practical, research-backed lifestyle changes to help women thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally after 40. Plus, this episode acknowledges the importance of support from partners and why open conversations with the men in our lives are crucial during this transition. Time Stamps 03:47 Menopause & Marital Communication 09:26 Breaking Under Online Pressure 12:58 Redefining Life Through Menopause 15:35 Grandmother Hypothesis and Menopause Energy 17:56 Grandmother Hypothesis and Aging 22:47 Post-40 Nutrition: Stabilizing Glucose 25:46 Fasting for Brain & Mood Boost 28:08 Mastering Glucose for Health 32:01 Unexpected Hard Work and Adaptation 36:13 Estrogen: The Brain's Timekeeper 39:40 Resetting the Timekeeper Naturally   https://agelikeagirlbook.com  https://drmindypelz.com 

On episode 725 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan discusses one of the most pressing questions for anyone striving to live a healthier, fitter life after 40: Why is improving our health and fitness so hard—and what can we do to make it easier? Drawing on personal experiences, science, and practical mindset strategies, Coach Allan explores the real reasons we struggle with weight loss, building fitness routines, and maintaining healthy habits. From biological tendencies and processed food temptations, to misleading media messages, unhelpful diet books, and even the challenges within our own minds, we'll uncover the obstacles sabotaging our progress—and more importantly, how to fight back. 04:14 Why Losing Weight Is Hard 09:38 Fitness Advice Isn't One-Size-Fits 11:05 Misleading Headlines and Health Studies 16:27 Diet Books and Weight Cycles 18:12 Barriers to Lifestyle Change Compliance 21:11 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs 24:32 Burn the Boats to Win 28:57 The Power of Strong Alliances Get the Long-Life Readiness Quiz at https://40plusfitness.com/llrq.

On episode 724 of the 40+ Fitness Podcast, Coach Allan sits down with mindset coach and fitness mentor Jolie Glassman, author of 101 Rules for Being the Champion of Your Own Life According to the Rules of Boxing. Together, they dive into how the principles of boxing translate into powerful lessons for living your best life, especially as we age. Boxers are known for their incredible strength, resilience, and commitment—and Jolie shares how adopting a champion's mindset, facing your fears head-on, and building integrity are essential ingredients for real transformation, both in and out of the gym. From practical strategies to overcome temptation, to the importance of building strong routines and never giving up, Jolie brings over 30 years of experience helping people unlock strength, balance, and confidence at any age. Time Stamps 04:49 Intense Boxing Training Insights 09:14 No Excuses, Full Commitment 12:36 Fear, Motivation, and Action 13:50 Know When to Surrender 17:07 Late-Night Eating Triggers 20:22 Patience Starts With Yourself 25:39 Book Reading and Patience Advice 27:50 Be an Anomaly 29:31 Fun as Life's Guiding Principle https://JolieGlassman.com

On episode 723 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan sits down with Louis Bezich, a seasoned healthcare executive, author, and advocate for men's health, to dive into the challenges—and solutions—men face when it comes to living healthier lives after 50. Together, they explore Louis Bezich's new book, Saving Men from Themselves: 20 Proven Tactics with a New Approach to Living Healthy for Men Over 50, and unpack the deeply rooted cultural ideas of masculinity that sometimes hold men back from seeking the care and making the choices they need. Through candid conversation, Allan and Louis Bezich address everything from the importance of regular doctor visits and the power of social motivation to adjusting exercise routines as we age. They talk about building a purpose-driven lifestyle, the role of happiness and fulfillment in sustaining healthy habits, and why it's vital for men to rethink traditional notions of strength—including the courage it takes to ask for help.   Time Stamps: 06:03 Exploring Masculinity's Complexity 09:16 NFL: Balancing Career and Health 10:52 Redefining Masculinity Across Generations 14:49 Purpose-Driven Men's Health Advocacy 19:35 Staying Healthy for the Future 21:42 Challenging Masculinity in Health 23:25 Exercise: The Ultimate Medicine 28:39 Healthy Holidays: Adapt and Thrive 30:03 Build Fulfillment and Health Foundations