How to be pain-free with Dr. John Rusin

On episode 718 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan sits down with Dr. John Rusin—an internationally recognized strength coach and injury prevention expert—to explore his latest book, Pain Free Performance: Move Better, Train Smarter and Build an Unbreakable Body. In this insightful conversation, you'll learn why our bodies often end up in pain, and how stability, proper bracing, and breathing are fundamental to a pain-free life. Dr. Rusin shares practical tools to turn warm-ups and cool-downs into powerful daily routines, reveals the importance of mobility and the six foundational movement patterns, and discusses the innovative "6x6" protocol for building strength, muscle, and athleticism at any age. You'll also discover Dr. Rusin’s take on training frequency, consistency, and why age doesn’t have to be a barrier to peak performance. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to take your fitness to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you live, move, and train pain-free well into your 40s, 50s, and beyond.   Time Stamps: 03:43 New Obesity Criteria Explained 10:55 Pillar Complex: Strength & Stability 13:47 College Fitness Class Lesson 15:19 Warmups and Cooldowns Matter 19:10 Mobility vs Flexibility Explained 24:38 Building an Unbreakable Body 26:33 6x6 Protocol for Longevity 30:16 Realistic Fitness Goals Over Optimism 34:30 Optimizing Training Splits for Results 38:02 Age Is Just a Number 40:47 Universal Blueprint for Strength Training 42:38 Holistic Health and Its Challenges https://painfreetraining.com  

On episode 717 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan and Justin Hai co-founder and CEO of Rebalance Health and author of the book, Stress Nation: Escape the Technology Trap, Eliminate Stress and Reclaim Rest, dive into one of the most pressing challenges we face today—managing stress in our technology-driven world. In this episode, Justin shares his insights on why stress is more challenging than ever, the role technology plays in keeping us perpetually "switched on," and why managing hormones—especially cortisol—is crucial for better sleep, improved mood, and healthy aging. Together, Allan and Justin explore practical strategies for breaking out of the technology trap, reclaiming rest, and building lasting wellness through better sleep, exercise, and nutrition. Time Stamps 04:31 Stress, Fitness, Rest Solutions 09:22 Technology-Induced Anxiety 13:19 Social Media Stress Cycle 16:26 High Hormones, Youthful Resilience 17:24 Aging, Hormones, and Energy Decline 23:23 Social Media and Tech Evolution 26:57 Stressful Gaming Consequences 28:55 Gaming Preferences and Platform Tactics 33:31 Rebalance: Tested Wellness Solution 34:33 Restoring Natural Sleep Cycles https:/rebalancehealth.com  

On episode 716 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, we’re diving deep into a topic that’s crucial as we age: bone health and osteoporosis. Coach Allan is joined by Dr. John Neustadt, a seasoned researcher, clinician, and author of Fracture-Proof Your Bones: A Comprehensive Guide to Osteoporosis. Dr. Neustadt breaks down the science behind why our bones are much more than just the framework of our bodies—they’re living tissues connected to everything from our hormone health to our immune system. In this conversation, you’ll learn why bone density tests don’t tell the full story, how to truly reduce your fracture risk, and what daily choices can dramatically improve your bone health. Dr. Neustadt explores holistic approaches—highlighting how the right exercise routine and following a Mediterranean-style diet can not only strengthen your bones, but also lower your risk for heart disease, dementia, and cancer. Whether you’re already concerned about osteoporosis or just want to future-proof your health, this episode is packed with actionable advice, insights on the surprising connection between chronic inflammation and bone loss, and tips on training safely and consistently as you get older. Time Stamps: 04:01 Holistic Bone Health Guide 06:41 Osteoporosis: Misplaced Focus on Testing 12:27 Serotonin's Impact on Bone Health 15:20 Early Osteoporosis Research Missteps 18:29 Bone Health and System Balance 21:07 Healthy Eating for Strong Bones 23:43 Safe, Effective, Consistent Exercise Advice 28:31 Mindset Shapes Everyday Exercise Benefits 32:08 Chronic Inflammation Destroys Health 35:02 Positive Focus for Well-Being 38:27 Medications, Fracture Risk & Solutions   https://https://www.nbihealth.com/   

On episode 715 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan sits down with acclaimed science journalist and author Caroline Williams to dive into her groundbreaking book, Inner Sense: How the New Science of Interoception Can Revolutionize Your Health. Together, they explore the fascinating science of interoception—the body's unique ability to detect and interpret signals from within. Caroline unpacks how tuning into our internal cues can revolutionize our health, boost energy, and help us make smarter decisions for our wellbeing. From understanding the role of fatigue and the mysteries of mitochondria to harnessing the power of rest, movement, and supportive relationships, this episode is packed with practical advice and eye-opening science for anyone over 40 looking to become the healthiest, fittest, and happiest version of themselves. Time Stamps: 04:50 Understanding Interoception: Internal Awareness 09:38 Brain-Body Communication Pathways Loop 13:47 Fuel Overload: Energy Production Myth 17:37 Bioluminescence of Living Cells 21:06 Effective Touch as Pain Therapy 24:44 Enhancing Body Signal Awareness 25:46 Mindful Body Awareness Skills 31:20 Exercise: Enhancing Emotional Awareness 33:17 Love Your Movement, Rest Properly     https://CarolineWilliams.net 

Are you looking and feeling as young as you should? On episode 714 of the 40+ Fitness Podcast, Coach Allan dives into the five key habits that people who appear and feel a decade younger consistently practice. You’ll get practical tips and expert insights to help you turn back the clock—no matter where you’re starting from. If you’re ready to unlock your full potential and live a happier, healthier life after 40, you’re in the right place.   Time Stamps: 02:21 - Stay hydrated/Hydration 04:42 - Reduce processed foods 06:02 - Avoid alcohol 06:58 - High-quality sleep 08:06 - Resistance Training 09:23 - Bonus - Find joy and gratitude  

On episode 713 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan sits down with Dr. Michelle Jorgensen—a health-based dentist, traditional naturopath, and whole-body health advocate—to dive into her transformative story and the cutting-edge insights from her book, "Living Well with Dr. Michelle: A Comprehensive Handbook for Optimal Health and Unlimited Energy." After mercury exposure from years of dental practice made her seriously ill, Dr. Michelle charted a new course integrating Western and Eastern medical philosophies. In this episode, she shares how she went from following conventional approaches to pioneering her own “Total Care Dental and Wellness Way,” merging modern science with time-tested wellness strategies. Together, Coach Allan and Dr. Michelle unpack approachable ways to move from "disease care" to “well care,” uncover why your body’s energetic signals matter, and break down complex topics—like the elements and seasons of wellness—into simple, everyday strategies. You’ll also learn what really counts as “processed” food, how to tune in to your body’s unique symptoms, and actionable steps for sustaining energy and optimal health as you age. Time Stamps: 04:55 Exploring Beyond Western Medicine 08:46 Embracing Traditional and Modern Medicine 10:54 Why Wait Until We're Sick? 14:36 Universal Elements in Traditional Medicine 19:08 Garden Abundance for Family Meals 19:45 Lettuce Growth and Seasonality 25:49 Health Information Overload 27:44 Understanding Food Processing Levels 31:19 Ultra-Processed Food Dilemma 35:22 Hectic Monday Salad Routine 37:56 Cell Healing and Regeneration Insight 40:34 Cell Support and Communication Basics 45:05 Overcoming Confusion with Clarity 45:40 Find Your Wellness Starting Point   https://livingwellwithdoctormichelle.com  

On episode 712 of the 40+ Fitness Podcast, Coach Allan welcomes Jacqueline Hooten, a personal trainer and fitness tutor with over 20 years of experience, to discuss her book Strong: The Definitive Guide to Active Aging. Together, they dive into what it truly means to “age strong,” focusing on how strength training, maintaining boundaries, and prioritizing our own wellness can transform the second half of life. Jacqueline shares her expertise on the importance of staying strong—not just for aesthetics, but to perform, function, and feel our best as we age. She shines a light on the realities of muscle and bone loss (sarcopenia and osteopenia), and why both men and women should prioritize strength and movement. Plus, Allan and Jacqueline talk about the crucial role of setting boundaries—what Jacqueline calls “ring fencing” time for yourself—and why it’s often the hardest, yet most important, change to make. This episode is packed with actionable advice for building a balanced fitness program that covers all the key components—cardiovascular health, strength, flexibility, agility, and more.   Time Stamps: 09:25 Health Over Numbers 11:16 Addressing Caregiver Shortage Crisis 15:48 Lunchtime Workout Strategy 18:42 Generational Boundaries and Responsibilities 22:51 Fitness Components Overview 26:19 Holistic Fitness Through Smart Training 30:11 Aging and Muscle Loss 33:31 Osteoporosis: Genetics vs. Strength Training 34:56 Fitness Key to Injury Recovery 37:24 Hydration Importance During Exercise 41:07 Menopause Linked to Shoulder Pain 45:42 Rapid Recovery Surprises PT 47:16 Strength Training's Role in Recovery 51:32 Avoiding Injury Through Balanced Training 55:53 Inclusive Fitness: Beginner to Advanced   https://www.instagram.com/hergardengym/  

In episode 711 of the 40+ Fitness Podcast, Coach Allan sits down with Heike Yates—fitness coach, former bodybuilder, ultramarathon runner, and author of Pursue Your Spark: Your Guide to Escaping Midlife Traps, Reclaiming Confidence and Living Fully. Together, they unpack the unique challenges and opportunities that come with midlife, exploring how both women and men can break free from old patterns, reclaim their confidence, and truly thrive. Drawing from Heike’s 40+ years of experience, the conversation dives deep into the emotional and practical “gaps” that hold people back—from lack of confidence and skewed expectations, to missing knowledge, support, and self-awareness. Heike shares her powerful SPARK framework—a step-by-step approach to self-assessment, planning, taking action, removing roadblocks, and keeping momentum—that empowers listeners to reimagine what’s possible for their health, fitness, and happiness in midlife. Time Stamps: 08:28 Book Launch Recap with Running Friends 11:55 Midlife Challenges: Managing Emotional Burdens 15:26 Balancing Career and Family Priorities 17:17 Mind the Gap 19:43 Expectation Gaps in Fitness Journeys 25:54 Adjustable Goal-Setting Confidence 29:53 Strength First, Stamina Later 30:53 Self-Assessment for Goal Achievement 33:41 Energy Boost: Planning & Walking Strategy 39:30 Consistency Over Perfection in Fitness 40:48 Perfectionist Client with Shifting Goals 43:55 Guided Healthy Eating Choices 47:01 Midlife Longevity Goals https://heikeyates.com  

On episode 710 of the 40+ Fitness Podcast, we welcome back Dr. Ken Berry, a board-certified family physician, passionate health educator, and the author of Common Sense Labs: A Practical Guide to Decoding Your Blood Work and Taking Control of Your Health. Host Coach Allan and Dr. Berry dive deep into the often confusing world of blood work, covering why so many people are left in the dark by standard lab reports and what tests you should actually be asking your doctor for—especially if you’re over 40. Dr. Berry shares down-to-earth advice from his book, explaining how simple lab markers can reveal the secrets of your metabolic health and empower you to take proactive steps toward better wellness. Together, they discuss the pitfalls of medication-first solutions, why so many doctors only skim the surface of your results, and what it really means to manage your health through lifestyle changes rather than prescriptions. Time Stamps: 04:34 Simplifying Medical Knowledge 09:02 Misdiagnosing Fibromyalgia Risks 10:55 Rethink Symptom-Driven Solutions 13:39 Comprehensive Thyroid Testing Guide 18:01 Traditional Diets Over Modern Foods 21:18 Low-Carb Diet: Traditional Diabetes Remedy 23:46 Insulin Test: Unrecognized by Doctors 29:07 Check Fasting Insulin Regularly 30:34 Reevaluating Prediabetes Diagnosis 36:10 LDL Particle Size Matters 38:07 Pharmaceutical Industry vs. Lifestyle Solutions 43:27 Fix Diet for Health Transformation 46:13 Fix Diet to Boost Fitness     https://DrBerry.com 

On episode 709 of the 40+ Fitness Podcast, Coach Allan sits down with Dr. Vonda Wright, an orthopedic surgeon, pioneering researcher, and internationally recognized expert on active aging and mobility. Dr. Wright joins us to discuss her new book, Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging With Power—a must-read for anyone interested in thriving as the years go by, regardless of gender. Together, Coach Allan and Dr. Wright dig into what it really means to age with power and vitality, busting myths about aging and emphasizing that it's not about dreading the years ahead—it's about managing your health as you age. You'll learn the science behind the "six aging time bombs" and, more importantly, the lifestyle strategies you can use to defuse them. From the critical role of movement and mobility to the game-changing benefits of resistance training, Dr. Wright shares actionable advice and fascinating insights, like why our muscles function as powerful endocrine organs and how activities from daily chores to powerlifting set us up for a longer, more satisfying life. Time Stamps: 05:43 Empowering Athletes with Estrogen Insights 10:01 Aging Time Bombs: Opportunities, Not Threats 11:25 Lifestyle's Impact on Health Formula 17:08 Prioritizing Functional Fitness Over Strength 19:39 Menopause Struggles: A Personal Story 22:59 Clotho: The Longevity Protein 24:19 Muscle Contraction Boosts Longevity 28:07 Balanced Muscle Development Essentials 31:01 High-Tech Orthopedic Office in Orlando 35:11 Defining HIIT: Bear Chase Intensity 40:00 Lifting: Endurance vs. Muscle Growth 40:46 Strength Training for Longevity 44:01 Muscle Memory Growth Process 47:49 Pursuing Strength, Defying Limits 53:06 Lift, Sleep, Consistent Routine https://theunbreakablebook.com