Living your midlife fully with Heike Yates

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 

Welcome to episode 708 of the 40+ Fitness podcast; the show dedicated to helping you look, feel, and perform at your very best, no matter your age. I’m your host, Coach Allan, and today we’re tackling a topic that’s crucial whether you’re just getting started with fitness, coming back after a break, or ready to take your training to the next level: the first principles of starting (or restarting) a fitness program. In this episode, we’ll break down the ten essential principles you need to know to get the most out of your fitness journey. Time Stamps: 08:08 Starting Fitness: 10 Key Principles 10:41 Overexertion Leads to Workout Failure 15:44 Optimal Fitness Requires Intensity & Recovery 18:08 Optimal Rest Periods in Workouts 21:26 Listen to Your Body 25:56 Accountability and Expert Guidance https://40plusfitness.com/waitlist   

On episode 707 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, we're diving into the fascinating world of nitric oxide—one of the most important, yet often overlooked, molecules for human health. Host Coach Allan sits down with Dr. Nathan Bryan, a renowned biomedical scientist and author of The Secret of Nitric Oxide: Bringing the Science to Life, to uncover what nitric oxide is, why it's vital for cardiovascular health, energy, blood pressure regulation, and even sexual wellness, especially as we age. Dr. Bryan shares groundbreaking insights from his decades of research, revealing how our bodies naturally produce nitric oxide, why production can decline after 40, and the real reasons why common supplements and leafy greens might not be giving you the boost you need. Plus, he breaks down the critical role of diet, oral health, and lifestyle habits in optimizing your body’s nitric oxide production. Time Stamps: 05:29 Nitric Oxide: A Crucial Hormone 09:39 Innovative Nitric Oxide Delivery Solution 12:36 Nitric Oxide's Role in Angina 15:07 Nitric Oxide Reduces Blood Pressure 18:25 Nitric Oxide's Role in ED Treatment 22:20 Nitric Oxide and Endothelial Health 25:42 Diet, Nitric Oxide, and Vegetables 28:56 Arginine Supplements: Potentially Harmful Effects 33:25 Enhancing Nitric Oxide Production 35:24 Enhancing Oral Bacteria Naturally 37:58 Nasal Breathing Benefits and Risks   https://n1o1.com  https://www.youtube.com/@DrNathanSBryanNitricOxide 

On episode 706 of the 40+ Fitness, we’re diving deep into the world of GLP-1 agonist medications—those buzzy drugs you've likely seen in the headlines helping people tackle obesity and type 2 diabetes. Joining Coach Allan is David Knapp, a leading voice in the GLP-1 community and author of Decoding GLP1: A Guide for Friends and Family of Those on the Pen. David opens up about his own weight loss journey, struggles with type 2 diabetes, and why traditional "eat less, move more" advice often isn’t enough. He demystifies the science behind GLP-1 medications, shares the fascinating history of their development (think lizard venom, not snake oils!), and breaks down the latest options and future innovations in this rapidly evolving space. Whether you’re considering these medications, supporting a loved one who is, or just curious about the hype, this episode will give you clear, compassionate, and evidence-backed insights. Plus, you'll hear candid discussions about stigma, navigating the world of compounded versus branded medications, and practical advice on achieving lasting wellness—no matter where you’re starting from. Time Stamps: 05:32 Beyond "Calories In, Calories Out" 07:17 Struggles with Weight Loss Mismanagement 11:17 Yo-Yo Dieting to Diabetes 14:00 Insulin's Role in Weight Challenges 17:26 Incretin Hormones and DPP4 in Diabetes 20:16 Ozempic's Origins: Gila Monster Venom 24:06 Understanding Tirzepatide’s Brain Effects 28:51 Novel Peptides in Weight Management 29:54 Retatrutide's Role in Body Composition 36:26 GLP1 Drug Shortage and Compounding 40:07 Pharmacy Oversight and Safety Concerns 41:14 Sketchy Weight Loss Injections 46:29 Obesity Stigma and Personal Struggle 51:00 OnThePen.com: Medication News Hub   https://onthepenn.com https://obesity.news 

On episode 705 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan welcomes Jeff Bailey, author of "Mobility for Life: Healthy Joints, Strong Bones, and a Peaceful Mind with Avita Yoga." Together, they dive into why mobility is so important as we age—and how it’s not just about stretching or traditional yoga. Jeff shares his journey from a serious hip injury to discovering the life-changing benefits of Avita Yoga, a unique practice focused on restoring joint health, building bone strength, and finding peace of mind. In this insightful discussion, you’ll learn the difference between flexibility and mobility, why many of us develop compensation patterns that wreck our movement as we age, and how targeting the joints—rather than just the muscles—can help prevent or even delay the need for joint replacements. You’ll also hear about the importance of approaching movement with mindfulness and why peace of mind is Jeff’s number one strategy for lasting wellness. Time Stamps: 03:24 Mobility for Life Book Overview 09:22 Mobility's Vital Role in Aging 12:07 Mindful Body Awareness Exercise 16:01 Understanding Body Flexibility 20:16 Avoiding Extremes in Fitness Trends 21:44 Superficial Change vs. Practical Function 26:18 Embracing Pain: Stay and Transform 28:34 Post-Surgery Recovery: Physical Therapy Steps 31:03 Synovial Membrane Function Overview 36:51 Less Is More: Rethinking Health 38:10 "Mobility for Life" Book Promotion   https://mobilityforlifebook.com | 00:38:17.058 - 00:38:18.570  

On episode 704 of the 40 Plus Fitness podcast, Coach Allan sits down with Dr. Kyra Bobinet, author of Unstoppable Brain: The New Neuroscience That Frees Us from Failure, Eases Our Stress, and Creates Lasting Change. Dr. Bobinet brings nearly three decades of expertise in neuroscience and behavior change, and together they explore the concept of "failure disease"—that sense of being stuck or losing motivation, especially when it comes to health and fitness over 40. In their conversation, Dr. Bobinet reveals the groundbreaking science behind what really drives our habits and why so many of us feel like we’re destined to fail—spoiler alert: it’s not just a lack of willpower! You’ll learn about the role of the brain’s “motivation kill switch,” the habenula, and get practical tools for working with your brain instead of against it. Whether you struggle with all-or-nothing thinking, motivation loss, or the weight of past failures, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you break the cycle and create lasting change. Time Stamps: 05:35 Learned Helplessness Misunderstood 06:49 "Learned Helplessness in Elephants" 12:30 Addiction Swap Ineffectiveness 15:40 Status and Ego on the Leaderboard 18:07 "SMART Goals and Workplace Deception" 21:07 Marginal Gains in Elite Sports 24:05 "Rethinking Failure in Goal Setting" 28:32 Understanding Brain Patterns and Negativity 33:07 Adapting and Iterating with AI 35:33 Idea Generation & Iteration Tool 38:11 Introducing Change Through Friction & Spice 41:23 Keys to Iterative Success https://drkhirabobinet.com

On episode 703 of the 40 Plus Fitness Podcast, Coach Allan welcomes Dr. Rafael Cuomo, a professor of science at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and author of The Hidden Biology of Addiction and Cancer. Together, they dive into the fascinating world of cravings—how our everyday patterns and habits, from a morning coffee to bedtime doom scrolling, silently shape our biology and impact our long-term health. Dr. Cuomo breaks down the invisible yet powerful effects of chronic cravings on metabolism, inflammation, and even our cancer risk, revealing why small daily choices matter so much more than one-off events. You'll hear enlightening stories, practical strategies to break free from damaging routines, and surprising insights into the links between stress, sleep, processed foods, and disease.   Time Stamps: 05:36 Dense Content, Immediate Engagement 07:08 Automatic Behavioral Patterns 11:06 The Cycle of Chronic Stress 13:21 Caffeine Habits Impact Health Risks 17:04 Reflecting on Past Work Routines 22:26 Metabolism, Not Activity, Affects Cancer 23:36 Glucose, Insulin, and Cancer Growth 28:13 C Reactive Protein and Cancer Risk 31:32 Mindset-Driven Cancer Prevention 35:00 Healthy Habit Transformation Steps 36:41 Rewiring Cravings: A Seven-Day Detox 41:41 Meme-Worthy Habits Signal Caution 43:34 Promoting Healthy Work-Life Balance Get the book, Crave on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4kBlq2D.

Are you aging faster than you should? On episode 702 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan welcomes back Jim Owen, a living example of how purposeful action can redefine aging. Jim, a 40-year Wall Street veteran turned passionate advocate for healthy aging, didn’t even begin his fitness journey until he was 70—proof that it’s never too late to take charge of your health. Together, they discuss Jim’s transformative story and dive into his acclaimed documentaries, “The Art of Aging Well” and “Super Agers: Getting Old, Living Young,” both of which have aired on PBS and resonated with audiences nationwide. Throughout their conversation, Jim outlines the practical steps that helped him go from struggling with chronic pain and low energy to becoming functionally fit, vibrant, and motivated well into his 80s. From the fundamentals of exercise, nutrition, stress management, and quality sleep, to the powerful force of purpose and passion, Jim shares hard-earned wisdom and actionable advice for anyone looking to invest in their future well-being. If you’re determined to play an active role in your health, spend more quality years with family, or simply want to feel your best as you age, this episode is packed with motivation and tips to help you become a “superager” too. Time Stamps: 05:51 Discussing Aging and Documentaries 08:12 Core Concepts for Health Improvement 10:42 My Future with Family 13:22 Action Plan for Success 17:47 Turning Point: Embrace Change 22:06 Personal Growth Over World Change 23:44 Focus and Perseverance Offshore 26:53 Getting "Geezer Fit" 32:27 Aging and Osteopenia in Men 35:54 Healthy Habits and Celebrations 38:47 Struggling with Sleep After Retirement 41:41 Unchecked Stress Causes Health Issues 43:24 Beach Walks Relieve My Stress 48:45 Positive Energy: Key to Longevity 50:17 The Power of Positive Energy 54:02 Inspiration Over Income