Get fit by rucking with Kayla Girgen

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

On episode of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan is joined by one of the UK's most innovative osteopaths, David Vaux, to talk about his new book, Stronger: How to Build the Secret to a Longer, Healthier Life. Together, they dig into why strength training is crucial—especially for those over 40—and how it impacts not just your healthspan, but your "strength span," shaping your independence and quality of life as you age. During this episode, you'll discover how building practical, functional strength is the key to enjoying life's moments, from playing with grandkids to traveling without limitations. David shares personal stories and research-backed insights about grip strength, overcoming pain, and preventing frailty through smart, consistent movement. Whether you're just starting out or looking to up your game, you'll find tips and inspiration to fuel your fitness journey. Time Stamps: 05:26 Strength Training for Beginners 08:56 Strength Training for Longevity 13:28 Healthy Aging Through Strength Training 16:55 Grip Strength: Proxy for Active Life 19:10 Grip Strength for Healthy Aging 23:15 Avoid Overtraining, Aim for Consistency 27:39 Midlife Fitness: Consistency Over Intensity 31:42 Pain Gate and Distraction 37:23 Functional, Full-Body Exercise Priorities 40:53 Progressive Strength Training Tips 43:28 Simple Fitness for Lifelong Health 48:31 Strength Snacking and Resilience Instagram David Vaux - https://www.instagram.com/david_vaux/

On episode of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Allan dives into the hard truths about alcohol with sober coach, speaker, and author Chris Najera. After over three decades of drinking, Chris found freedom on the other side and is now dedicated to helping others break free from alcohol's grip. On this episode, you'll hear Chris talks about his journey, the science behind how alcohol hijacks the brain, and the widespread—yet often ignored—health consequences linked to drinking. The conversation also covers practical advice, including Chris Najera's 30-day alcohol break protocol and what it takes to truly reclaim your best life. Time Stamps: 05:49 Alcohol Journey and Reflection 10:04 Questioning Alcohol and Science 10:49 No Alcohol Amount is Safe 16:37 30-Day Alcohol Detox Guide 22:42 Breaking Free from Cravings https://thehardtruthaf.com

On episode 720 of 40+ Fitness, host Allan sits down with entrepreneur, coach, and author Rand Selig to explore the key principles from his book, Thriving: How to Create a Healthier, Happier, and More Prosperous Life. Together, they dive into practical strategies for aging well—not just by focusing on physical health and longevity, but by cultivating emotional resilience, meaningful relationships, and a sense of purpose. Rand Selig shares the eight character strengths that drive life satisfaction and achievement, discusses the power of making intentional choices, and reveals how we can overcome fear and self-sabotage to unlock our full potential. There's something here for everyone seeking not just more years in their life, but more life in their years. Time Stamps: 01:13 Hello Segment 02:14 Bio - Rand Selig 02:40 Start Interview  04:50 Keys to Success and Happiness 08:38 Driving Your Own Bus 11:27 Midlife Changes and Aging Well 14:48 Stay Curious, Lower Conflict 19:32 Friends of All Ages 20:20 Being Love in Everyday Life 25:17 Fear of Failure in Fitness 29:11 My Ethical Will Journey 31:02 Ethical Wills and Bequests https://www.randselig.com/ 

On episode 719 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan sits down with Dr. Patrick Porter, renowned author, educator, and creator of the BrainTap brain training platform, to explore the cutting-edge world of brain fitness. Diving into Dr. Porter's book, Brain Fitness Blueprint: Integrating Ancient Wisdom and Modern Technologies for Peak Performance, you'll discover how the latest neuroscience is combining with age-old traditions to help you unlock optimal brain health—no matter your age. During this fascinating conversation, Coach Allan and Dr. Patrick Porter break down the concept of the "three brains"—head, gut, and heart—and explain why coherence between these systems is essential for overall vitality. You'll learn why all stress is ultimately brain stress, how to leverage brainwaves to elevate performance, and simple, actionable strategies for better sleep, movement, nutrition, and self-awareness. Time Stamps: 06:22 Conscious vs Subconscious Control 08:45 Epigenetics and Light Transmission 10:42 Heart Matters for Vitality 13:44 Alpha Training Unlocks Speech 17:17 Mindset Shapes Health and Energy 21:11 Chaos, Harmony, and Coherence 25:47 Choosing Energizers Over Drainers 28:10 Blueprint for Self-Improvement 32:23 Boosting Neuroplasticity Through Exercise 35:07 Improving Sleep and Nervous System 39:11 Unlocking Mind's Infinite Potential 43:03 Better Sleep and Morning Tips 44:13 Morning Breath and Nervous Energy 49:05 Embrace Change, Focus on Growth 51:07 Learning Through Failure 56:13 Brain Fitness Bonuses & Trial   https://brainfitnessblueprint.com