In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I spoke with Health Coach & Research Psychologist Dr. Kasey Jo Orvidas. We discussed some of the key research and tactics for developing positive life changes. We talked about the prerequisites for making long-term changes for the better and also how to overcome challenges, set-backs, and roadblocks along the way. Kasey also provided her insight on creating the ideal support structure to optimize outcomes. 

Kasey has transformed hundreds of lives (and minds) in her coaching career, while also being published in multiple peer-reviewed scientific journals for her research exploring the relationship between our mindset and our health and fitness behaviors. As a health and fitness coach, she was the Mastermind behind the creation of the Health Mindset Coaching Certification for health & fitness professionals.

Dr. Orvidas completed her Ph.D. in Psychology at North Carolina State University where her research focused on health behavior change and mindsets – specifically dwelling on eating and exercise behaviors, body image, and self-regulation. In addition to her graduate training, she is also a certified nutrition coach and owner of KJO Coaching.

She is also a writer and member of the scientific review board for Legion Athletics, where she shares her knowledge and passion for all things fitness, nutrition, and psychology. In addition, Dr. Kasey also makes guest appearances sharing her knowledge on numerous health & fitness podcasts.

Find out more about Dr. Kasey on her website www.kjocoaching.com and on Instagram @coachkaseyjo.

*** 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: 41:14 — 38.2MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with CrossFit Games coach James Jowsey. We had a great conversation about programming, injury prevention, and nutrition. James talked about programming for building tissue tolerance and sustainability over the long term. We also talked about helping athletes and clients distinguish between good and bad pain to optimize performance while minimizing injury risk. 

Coach James Jowsey is a Sports Coach & Therapist who specializes in human movement for the treatment of injuries and increasing performance. He is the Head Coach of the Trinity Programme in Red Pill Generic and Founder of the JamesJowseyTraining.com and has trained some high level CrossFit Games athletes, including Sam Briggs and Emma McQuaid. 

Before beginning his fitness industry career, James was a professional goalkeeper playing in the Manchester United reserve team. Shortly afterward, James started as a personal trainer in 2005, and became fascinated with how all his clients moved differently and got different responses from the same exercises. These practical day to day observations sent James on a path to understand human function alongside a Level 5 Advanced Sports Therapy Diploma. 

Coach James found his love of CrossFit in 2006 and began to use his learnings helping CrossFitters to regain lost movement patterns. With over 17 years of experience in the fitness industry and working with athletes at the pinnacle of their sporting career, ranging from CrossFit, English Premier League and Championship football and Premiership rugby players. 

He has spent years being invited to travel around Europe to work with CrossFit Games champions, Games competitors, European Regional athletes, and CrossFit gym members.

The majority of his work comes from the CrossFit world, but James has also worked with professional MMA fighters and professional footballers, as well as amateur enthusiasts from cycling, triathlon, running, and golf. James’ most recent project is the SQUATFit service founded with friend and mentor Phil Mansfield.

Find out more about Coach James on his website www.jamesjowseytraining.com and on Instagram @jamesjowseytraining.

*** 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: 44:49 — 41.5MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I chatted with Matt Wenning, who is a world class strength athlete and coach. We talked about the key considerations for sustainable strength training for overall health and longevity. Matt outlined the components of his infamous Wenning warmup that has help build world class strength. He talked about the importance of exercise and programming variance to reduce training mileage, wear and tear, and allow for successful training for the long haul. Matt also detailed his philosophy for nutrition, recovery, and the key principles for avoiding injury past the age of 40. 

Matt is one of only a handful of people to total over 2,600lbs in a professional competition, hold an all-time world record of 2,665lbs in the 308-lb class, and bench press over 800lbs in a full powerlifting meet. He is a three-time world champion powerlifter who has led over 6,000 troops in strength, conditioning, and wellness for the U.S. Army including Infantry and Ranger Divisions. He graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science and a Master’s Degree in Biomechanics.

Matt was raised in Indiana by a hardworking, middle-class family. His mother was a nurse, and his father was a Marine and truck driver. When he was six years old, Matt was hit by a car going 50 mph, which took a toll on his physical development. After undergoing 12 months of full leg casts and 12 months in a boot, his legs were underdeveloped. 

Four years later, Matt discovered lifting. It allowed him to see he was capable of anything, despite what he had gone through during his recovery from injuries. At the age of 13, Matt started lifting in competitions when his father passed away due to cancer. In the beginning, lifting was just a stepping stone to the goal of football. However, it became a much larger path in his life which motivated Matt to further his education and become a strength coach. 

Matt has been an adviser for the NFL, an international speaker for the NSCA, as well as a contractor for border patrol, airborne divisions, and the pentagon. He is currently a private strength coach at Ludus Magnus gym in Columbus, Ohio, and a personal trainer to many executives and professionals at Capital Club Athletics. He also works with firefighters, physicians, children with disabilities, and all forms of athletes in the Columbus, Ohio, area. 

Find out more about Matt on his website www.wenningstrength.com and on Instagram @realmattwenning. 

*** 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: 55:37 — 51.4MB)

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