Strength Matters: Real. Simple. Results.

Join Josh Kennedy and James Breese on Season 2, Episode 1 of the Fit Over Thirty podcast by Strength Matters. Find out what's been going on behind the scenes...Show Your Support: Rate and Review Us!If you enjoyed today's episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating and a review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. Your support helps us reach more people and bring you even more quality content. Click the link below to rate and review us now! Rate and Review us on Apple Podcasts FREE DownloadsTo learn more about Strength Matters and our high-performance training system, download your FREE copy of The Strength Matters System of Athletic Development. Get it at - www.strengthmatters.com/system

You don’t have to be a top athlete to find the benefits in professional training. Ordinary, everyday people can benefit from learning how to improve your mobility, practice mindfulness, and find an exercise progression strategy that works for you.Today’s guest is Ryan Hurst from GMB Fitness. Ryan has multiple black belts and is a former competitive gymnast who loves yoga and has years of experience in strength and movement coaching. Ryan is certified in multiple systems and has a philosophy of training for a healthy life. Listen to today’s interview to hear what Ryan has to say about how to come back after an injury, what training looks like at GMB Fitness, and what it really means to “embrace the suck”.Topics Discussed in This Episode: Ryan’s background in gymnastics What GMB is all about Coming back to training after an injury Ryan’s experience with martial arts What is taught at GMB Training techniques and strategies used at GMB The fundamental exercises for regular people Exercise progressions in relation

There are many programs out there for athletes that are looking for ways to push themselves to their physical and mental limits. But most programs designed for civilians don’t measure up to the kinds of training that military members endure in order to serve their country. However, today’s guest joins the podcast today to talk about his experience with a program that’s designed to mimic one of the most difficult challenges military members can face – a training program based on the U.S Navy SEALs “hell week”.Jason Kane is a trainer at Impact Strength and Fitness in Dublin. In addition to his other qualifications, Jason is a skilled martial artist and one of the leading kettlebell instructors in Ireland. In today’s episode, Jason describes what it was like to participate in SEALFIT Kokoro, a 50-hour training program designed to push athletes to their limits and build mental toughness. Listen to the episode to hear more about Jason’s background and about what it was like to live through one of the most challeng

It can be both daunting and exciting to push yourself to take on a new challenge that tests your limits. The Marathon des Sables is nothing if not challenging – it’s a multi-day marathon that covers 250 kms and takes place in the Sahara desert. In today’s episode, you’ll meet one of the athletes who has taken on that incredible challenge.Michelle Steenhuis is a personal trainer and strongwoman. Michelle joins the podcast today to talk about her experience competing in the Marathon des Sables. Listen to the episode to hear how Michelle ended up signing up for the marathon, what the training process was like, and where she finished at the end of the race.Topics Discussed in This Episode: Michelle’s background How Michelle got into personal training Michelle’s experience with Commando Temple What it’s like to be a woman in the fitness industry The Marathon des Sables How Michelle trained for the Marathon des Sables What the terrain was like during the marathon How Michelle approached nutrition during the maratho

It’s easy to think of training as a purely physical activity, but your brain has more to do with your physical ability and your perception of pain than you may think. How does neurology relate to your training and your perception of pain? What is the vestibular system, and what does it have to do with your balance and coordination? Today’s guest is here to answer those questions and more.Taylor Kruse is the co-founder of The Movement Project and Kruse Elite in Boston. Taylor holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and Health and has studied Z Health, the Burdenko Method, and Neurokinetic Therapy. He’s a martial artist, a collegiate wrestler, and a former high school wrestling coach. Listen to the episode to hear what Taylor has to say about brain-based training, how your eye position is linked to strength and mobility and what you need to know about the threat neuromatrix.Topics Discussed in This Episode: How Taylor got started in the health and fitness industry The Movement Project Kruse Elite The Bu

There are all kinds of different diets out there. Many of them encourage you to limit things like fat and carbs and often suggest that you eat more vegetables. More surprising is a diet that eliminates vegetables entirely. In this episode, you’ll be introduced to that unusual all-meat diet.Today’s guest is Steve Kiely of Be Strong Training. This wide-ranging interview covers everything from Steve’s health and fitness background, his training philosophies, and his love of competition. Listen to the episode to hear Steve talk about being falsely accused of steroid use, recovering from a serious back injury, and of course, the all-meat diet: what it consists of, how it takes, and how it affects the body.Topics Discussed in This Episode: How Steve got into the health and fitness industry How Steve dealt with accusations of steroid use Steve’s back injury and how he recovered from it Where Steve thinks his love of competition came from Steve’s philosophy in training and work at Be Strong Training What types of cli

The brain plays an important role in health and fitness. The brain has a lot of power over the rest of the body and understanding how the brain works can help when it comes to relieving pain and treating injuries or illnesses. Today’s guest is an expert on the importance of understanding the brain and neurology.David Fleming is the creator and co-founder of the Applied Movement Neurology (AMN) Academy. David holds a BSc in holistic health sciences and is pursuing an MSc AND Ph.D. in integrative medicine with quantum physics. David also holds a variety of certifications including strength and conditioning, functional biomechanics, and functional neurology. Listen to the episode to hear what David is doing at ANM Academy, what effects emotion can have on the brain, and how modern technology is influencing health.Topics Discussed in This Episode: How David got into his current field David’s experience with health problems What applied movement neurology means What David is doing at ANM Academy Some of the assess

Just like every other industry, the fitness industry is changing, in large part as a result of technology. Consumer demand also has an effect on the industry, and technology allows consumers to have much more information about fitness and the fitness industry, which may affect the kinds of demands they have.Today’s guest, Michael Cunico, is the National Fitness Manager for Fitness First Australia. In this role, Michael develops both fitness products and programming, which means that he’s familiar with the way that the industry is changing, where consumer demand is headed, and what’s driving the changes in the industry. Listen to the episode to hear what Michael has to say about wearable tech, fat loss myths, convincing older generations to practice strength training, and more.Topics Discussed in This Episode: Michael’s experience representing Australia at the World Cup How Michael got into the fitness industry How the fitness industry has changed over the last five to ten years Current trends in the fitness i

Many kinds of people, from athletes and celebrities to average people who just want to lose weight or get healthier, turn to personal trainers to help them achieve their goals. But how do personal trainers learn what they need to know to help their clients effectively? Who trains the trainers? Today’s guest is one person that personal trainers may go to for their own training.Today’s guest is Nick Tumminello, whose nickname is “Trainer of Trainers”. Nick is a personal trainer himself and was voted NSCA Personal Trainer of the Year in 2016. Nick is also the owner of Performance University International, and an author of three books as well as numerous articles that appear in publications like Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Muscle Mag, and GQ. Listen to today’s episode to hear what Nick has to say about his training ethos, whether men and women should work out differently, and how to build muscles without using weights.Topics Discussed in This Episode: How Nick got into the health and fitness industry What it’s

What does it take to achieve good health? Many people think that being healthy and fit is an elusive goal. But in today’s episode, Phil McDougall talks about the six pillars of health and longevity – six relatively simple things that you need in order to be healthy and live a long life.Phil McDougall is the Director of Athletic Performance at Strength Matters. In today’s wide-ranging episode, Phil talks about the six pillars of health and longevity, Strength Matters Professional Certification, and the importance of self-healing. Listen to the episode to learn how to do breathing reps, the many benefits of walking, and how you can improve your diet by making meal plans. You’ll also learn about blue zones and why they matter.Topics Discussed in This Episode: What Phil does for Strength Matters What SMP certification is The six pillars of health and longevity How to do breathing reps What daily joint mobility means The benefit of walking 10,000 steps a day How making a meal plan can improve diet habits How best

Your diet is an important part of your overall health, and bread and other products containing gluten are staples in most diets in our society. So what happens to your diet – and your health – when you’re diagnosed with a disease that requires eliminating bread and other gluten-containing products from your diet entirely?Today’s guest is an authority on that topic, and he’s written a book about it. Paul Graham is an English professor and author who loved beer and bread before he was diagnosed with celiac disease. Paul is joining the podcast today to talk about his new book, In Memory of Bread, and what it’s like to live life without gluten.Topics Discussed in This Episode: Paul’s book, which follows his experiences the year he was diagnosed with celiac disease How Paul discovered he had celiac disease, and what that was like What celiac is and how it affects the body The cultural significance of bread and other gluten-containing food and beverages How Paul got into microbrewery What it was like to go complete

Outdoor athletics are about more than just getting in shape. They’re about having adventures, taking risks, and seeing what you can learn along the way.Today’s guest is Peter Frick-Wright, a writer, radio-maker, and host of the Outside Podcast. Peter studied at the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies and has reported from a range of diverse locations like Bosnia, Burma, Burundi, and Bolivia. Peter’s taste for adventure and journalistic instincts have helped him accumulate some fascinating stories. Listen to today’s episode to hear what Peter has to say about outdoor adventures, recovering from injuries, and reporting from interesting locations.Topics Discussed in This Episode: Why Peter got into journalism How Peter found the first story that he published Peter’s podcast, Outside Podcast, and what got him started in podcasting The audience that Peter is trying to reach with Outside Podcast Peter’s history with adventure What Peter learned writing about running clubs in Burundi What Peter’s training schedul

It’s easy to think of personal training as something that takes place in a gym, but many of the best physical challenges take place in the great outdoors. That means that great personal trainers can be found outdoors as well.Today’s guest is Matt Shore, found of Train Strong personal training, and an expert with 18 years in the fitness field. Matt conducts outdoor training classes and boot camps, and he’s also not afraid of taking on some tough physical challenges himself. Listen to the episode to hear Matt talk about the personal training business and climbing Mount Aconcagua in Argentina.Topics Discussed in This Episode: Matt’s background in the fitness field and how he got into personal training Why Matt decided to go into outdoor training and boot camps instead of being a personal trainer in a gym How Matt charges for his classes Advice for trainers who are interested in setting up boot camps How social media, website rankings, and word-of-mouth advertising factor into the marketing strategy for Matt’s bo

If you’re a personal trainer or someone who wants to run their own fitness business, you know that things like physical fitness and nutrition are important. But do you also know that having the right mindset is just as important?In today’s episode, I’ll talk to Simon Lovell, an author, speaker, and CEO of Fitpreneurs. Throughout Simon’s interesting career, which involves personal training, turning an ebook into a bestseller, and becoming a pro at business and marketing, he’s learned the value of having the right mindset. Listen to the episode to hear Simon talk about overcoming personal demons, building a strong mindset, and taking your dreams from thoughts to realities.Topics discussed in this episode: Why Simon wears onesies How bullying affected Simon in his youth and led him to get into martial arts and other fitness pursuits Simon’s history as a personal trainer How Simon overcame his addictions The importance of having support groups and mentors How dreams can become realities The best way to deal with

In order to get more physically fit and improve your athletic abilities, it’s important to be able to assess your current physical condition and track how it changes over time. Assessing the health and condition of your muscles is particularly important, and today’s guest is an expert on that subject.Andy Jackson is the President and CEO of MuscleSound. Andy has a long track record in the industry, including 20 years working in product development, sales, and marketing for FitPro Group and as the former CEO of Cloudtag. Listen to the episode to hear what Andy has to say about Musclesound’s technology and what it can do for everyday athletes.Today’s topics include: Andy’s history with FitPro and Cloudtag, and how he came to MuscleSound What MuscleSound can do The technology used by MuscleSound The different factors are looked at when assessing muscles, and the different kinds of assessments Examples of how athletes use and benefit from MuscleSound How MuscleSound technology can be used by physical therapists t

Missy Bunch and Ryan Steenrod are co-founders of the company Death of the Desk, a company that’s committed to combating the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle.Missy was a professional dancer who became interested in movement, health, and fitness after a knee injury that left her struggling to fund a way to relieve the pain. Ryan’s experience with working a desk job inspired him to find a healthier profession and lifestyle and encourage others to break out of the sedentary routine. Listen to the episode to hear Missy’s and Ryan’s thoughts on Z-Health, posture, breathing mechanics, and more.Today’s topics include: Z Health: what it is and how it works The mission behind Death of the Desk and what it means How 2-minute drills can be incorporated into your day to help alleviate the problems caused by a sedentary lifestyle How Missy and Ryan approach in-house workshops The importance of posture in reducing pain How mood affects posture The role that proper breathing mechanics plays in fitness How deep belly

Matt Berenc is the Director of Educations for the Equinox Fitness Training Institute’s In-house education department. He’s also a writer for Equinox’s online magazine, Furthermore.Matt has been passionate about fitness since childhood and started lifting weights at the age of ten. That passion led Matt to study fitness in college, earning a Bachelor of Science in Nutritional Sciences. From there, Matt began his career as a personal trainer and strength coach. While on the path from the beginning of his career to his current position, Matt has continued to learn and his field and increase his skills. He has amassed a variety of certifications along the way.Today’s topics include: Discussion on the importance of having a ritual Matt’s memories of how his brothers inspired him to get interested in fitness at an early age What Matt likes about working for Equinox The Equinox philosophy, and what it means Differences Matt has noticed between the things that he learned for his degree and the things that he’s learne

Brandin Cohen is the CEO and co-founder of Liquid I.V. an electrolyte product that improves the hydration capability of water when added to it. Brandin started out as a collegiate golfer who was interested in entrepreneurship. After college, he began working for the Arizona Diamondbacks and noticed that the players were drinking Pedialyte. The question of why professional baseball players would be drinking a product created for babies stuck in his mind.Brandin was intrigued by the science of hydration and started looking into better hydration alternatives. In 2012, Brandin and his college friend Hayden Fulstone found a study by the World Health Organization that focuses on Oral Rehydration Therapy. The combination of glucose, sodium, and water provided an absorption mechanism for the body. Eventually, they founded Liquid I.V. and created a company and science based product that uses a specific ratio of sodium, glucose, and potassium to deliver water and other key nutrients directly to the bloodstream. Brandin

Dr. Stuart McGill is the man who restores very difficult backs. He is a professor emeritus, University of Waterloo, where he was a professor for 32 years. He conducted laboratory and experimental research into the causal mechanisms that cause back pain. His work has resulted in books, products, courses, over 240 peer-reviewed scientific journal papers, textbooks, and the answers to fixing back problems and pain. He has mentored graduate students and taught thousands of clinicians and practitioners.He is the Chief Scientific Officer for Backfitpro Inc. where all products offered have been tested in his laboratory. He has helped elite athletes and everyone in between. His website is full of testimonials from people he has helped including actor Ed O’Neill from Modern Family, and father of Kettlebell workouts Pavel Tsatsouline. He is here today to talk about his new book Gift of Injury: The strength athlete’s guide to recovering from back injury to winning again which he co-authored with powerlifter Brian Carrol

Georgie Fear RD CSSD is the Chief Science Officer of One By One Nutrition. She is also a coach, a lover of helping people, and the author of Lean Habits For Lifelong Weight Loss: Mastering 4 Core Eating Behaviors to Stay Slim Forever. One By One Nutrition helps people achieve and maintain healthy weight, and Georgie has the scientific knowledge to back up her teachings.They offer courses and an entire system backed up by research to achieve the healthy wins most people want. They use a skill based system based on empowerment. They offer courses, a DIY system, and coaching. Along with a blog full of useful information. Georgie talks about her love of nutrition. Her work with her business, working online, and how she has had a back issue.Today’s topics include: Georgie shares how she went to school and almost got her PhD. She didn’t quite finish because she was ready to start working with people right away. She also worked at a hospital in clinical nutrition. Georgie and her husband started One By One Nutrition