In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I caught up with 7-time CrossFit Games Athlete and 4-time podium finisher Dr. Patrick Vellner. Pat discussed how he balances clinical work, training, and education. We chatted about his journey from a gymnast and lacrosse player to becoming a professional athlete in the sport of CrossFit. Pat outlined his approach to his training, key lessons he’s learned over the years, his personal CrossFit Games highlights, and his approach to managing and preventing injuries.

Dr. Patrick Vellner earned a Bachelor of Kinesiology from McGill University and then completed a Chiropractic degree from the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. Since 2015, he has been competing in the CrossFit Games, where he has qualified for 7 consecutive years, finishing on the podium four years times, with third-place finishes in 2016 and 2017, and second place finishes in 2018 and 2021. He is current reigning 2nd Fittest Man on Earth.

In addition to being one of the fittest people on the planet, Patrick is also a licensed chiropractor. Clinically, he is constantly seeking new innovative tools to help people feel better so they can live healthier for longer.

You can follow Pat via Instagram @pvellner

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:57 — 39.8MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with CrossFit Games Coach Caroline Lambray. We started our discussion with Caroline’s athletic background and what lead her into coaching. During our conversation, she laid out the steps for how she helps her athletes realize their full fitness potential. We discussed everything from warmups and training to nutrition and recovery. 

Caroline completed her undergrad degree from University of McGill, where she competed as a collegiate cheerleader and rower. She has been training athletes since 2011 and she has been coaching CrossFit since 2013. Over that stretch she has helped hundreds of athletes improve their fitness. Caroline has worked with some high level athletes, including 3-time CrossFit Games competitor Jeff Adler.

You can find more about Caroline via Instagram @lambrayliving or her gym website: crossfitwonderland.com

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 51:18 — 47.4MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Dr. Stephan Poulter on some powerful strategies for emotional management and mental healing. We talked about the theme of mental health and wellness, the strategies to help cope with the stresses of life, improving cognition, and developing authentic self-confidence. Stephan outlined a series of strategies for assessing your emotional well-being and finding emotional harmony. He also provided some great practical tips for reaching a meditative parasympathetic state to improve mental wellness and function.

Dr. Stephan Poulter is a renowned licensed clinical family psychologist in private practice with over thirty years of experience specializing in family relationships and mental health. His professional directive has always been to help diagnose, treat and strengthen relationships. He has worked with hundreds of families in a variety of social, spiritual, and psychological settings. Dr. Poulter is also a public speaker and has authored seven books such as “The Shame Factor”, “The Father Factor”, “The Mother Factor”, “Your Ex-Factor”, “The Art of Successful Failure” and “Father Your Son”.

You can find more about Dr. Stephan on his website.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:53 — 25.1MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with 2-time CrossFit Games competitor Paul Tremblay. We talked about his athletic background and how he got started in competing and reaching elite levels of performance in strength and conditioning. As a member of the CrossFit seminar staff, Paul talked about recent personnel and visionary changes to the business and how he sees things looking for CrossFit in future years.

Paul is one of the few personalities within CrossFit space who has worn many hats as he has. He began his career in finance after earning a business degree, but he later left to pursue training and coaching. After completing his Level 1 CrossFit Certification, he then co-founded CrossFit NCR with two of his business partners in 2013. Paul is a multiyear competitor in the CrossFit Games. He participated in the team competition in 2012 and became an individual competitor in 2014. He also represented Team Canada at the CrossFit Invitational in 2014 and competed at the CrossFit Regionals from 2012 to 2018. Since 2015, he’s been a member of CrossFit HQ Seminar Staff and a member of the CrossFit Games demo team for five years. Currently, he was recently named as the Country manager for Canada for CrossFit.

You can find more about Paul on his website at CrossFit NCR.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:00 — 29.8MB)

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