Over 50 and Out of Shape? These Success Stories Will Restore Your Motivation (Like This Grandfather With Six-Pack Abs)

Think it’s too late to transform your body and health after 50? Think again! 

Discover the inspiring stories of everyday people who defied expectations and achieved incredible fitness transformations. 

From losing weight to building muscle, these individuals prove that age is just a number. Get ready to learn their secrets and unlock your own potential – because a healthier, more vibrant you is waiting. 

Read these inspiring success stories, or watch the video below.

Jim’s Journey at 51

Starting at 265 pounds, Jim at 51 thought his best days were behind him. 

Initially too weak for standard chin-ups or push-ups, he began with modified versions, demonstrating that starting small can still lead to big changes. 

Committing to 2-4 hours of basic exercise weekly, Jim made significant dietary changes. 

His perseverance paid off, and by 53, he was 69 pounds lighter and completing weighted chin-ups, showcasing the effectiveness of gradual intensity increases in exercise.

Wojciech Wectawowics at 69

Wojciech Wectawowics, a 69-year-old grandfather, now sports a six-pack, a stark contrast to his appearance three years ago. 

He embarked on his fitness transformation by preparing for the Master’s athletic championships in track and field with his son. 

Implementing intermittent fasting and reducing his carbohydrate intake significantly changed his diet, while his exercise routine focused on bodyweight exercises three times a week, proving that targeted nutritional strategies and consistent exercise can drastically alter one’s physique.

Trewfit’s Transformation

Trewfit, a YouTuber known for his fitness advice, had experienced a yo-yo pattern with his weight. 

Determined to break this cycle, he adopted a straightforward yet effective fitness regime. Incorporating walking, biking, and basic resistance exercises, Trewfit also focused heavily on cleaning up his diet and managing portion sizes. 

His transformation over a year underscores the power of consistency and lifestyle overhaul in achieving sustainable fitness results.

Mike’s Comeback at 64

Narrator of this story, Mike, found himself in a downward health spiral after decades of prioritizing business over well-being. 

In his late 50s, he pledged to change, beginning to train for Spartan races with his sons. Mike’s regimen included calisthenics, weight training, and martial arts, supplemented by a healthier diet. 

At 64, he competes regularly, exemplifying how diverse, engaging activities can rejuvenate one’s health and fitness.

The Domino Effect in Fitness

The “domino effect” plays a critical role in sustaining fitness progress. Beginning with small, manageable changes, like those made by Jim and Trewfit, sets off a chain reaction. 

As physical capabilities improve, so does the ability to engage in more strenuous and diverse activities. This cycle of positive reinforcement makes further fitness endeavors less intimidating and more rewarding, ultimately leading to a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Additional Strategies for Fitness Success After 50

Embracing Variety in Exercise

Diversifying your workout routine is not only engaging but also critical in promoting overall body health and preventing injury. Incorporating a mix of cardiovascular exercises, strength training, flexibility workouts, and balance exercises can keep the routine enjoyable and effective. 

Mike’s integration of martial arts, weight training, and obstacle course races is a prime example of how variety can maintain motivation and enhance physical resilience.

Nutrition: The Foundation of Fitness

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in achieving and maintaining fitness, especially as the body ages. As seen with Wojciech Wectawowics, tweaking dietary habits by incorporating methods like intermittent fasting or reducing carbohydrate intake can lead to significant changes in body composition and energy levels. 

It’s essential to focus on nutrient-dense foods that provide the vitamins and minerals needed to support an active lifestyle and overall health.

Building a Support Network

Engaging with a community or having a workout partner can greatly enhance your commitment and enjoyment of your fitness journey. Group classes, online fitness communities, or simple buddy systems help maintain accountability and provide social encouragement, which is crucial for long-term adherence. 

Jim’s story might have turned out differently without the support from trainers or a community who encouraged his gradual start and celebrated his progress.

Setting and Adjusting Goals

It’s important to set realistic, clear goals at the start, but also to reassess and adjust these goals as you progress. 

Fitness isn’t a destination but a continuing journey. As physical abilities and personal circumstances change, so too should the goals. This keeps the fitness journey aligned with personal needs and abilities, ensuring continuous progress and satisfaction.

Overcoming Setbacks

Setbacks are a normal part of any fitness journey, especially when starting later in life. Understanding that progress is not always linear can help maintain motivation. 

Learning from each setback, whether it’s an injury, a pause in routine, or a diet slip, is crucial. Taking a proactive approach to recovery and adjustment can turn setbacks into powerful learning experiences that contribute to fitness wisdom and resilience.

Watch the video below:

Conclusion

In conclusion, the experiences of Jim, Wectawowics, Trewfit, and Mike illustrate that improving fitness after 50 is not just a possibility but a pathway to reclaiming and enhancing one’s quality of life. 

These stories serve as powerful motivation for anyone considering a similar journey, proving that it’s never too late to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

How Form’s Co-Founders Use Social Media To Build a Winning Fitness Brand

While Form was initially created to leverage Sami Clarke’s large social media following, it has evolved into a fitness brand capable of standing on its own with offerings including workout content, activewear and more

Form was created in 2021 by Sami Clarke, a fitness influencer who gained a large and dedicated following for her Pilates-like workouts that are mostly under thirty minutes long. As her following grew, she brought in Sami Bernstein Spalter, a marketing executive, to build out the business.

Over the past year, Form’s membership has grown by 300%, and the “Samis” have also launched a podcast in partnership with Dear Media called “Transform,” where the pair share tips on wellness practices. 

Clarke grew up dancing but moved to Los Angeles at 17 to pursue a career in modeling. During the pandemic, Clarke built out her Instagram and YouTube fanbase to nearly one million followers and joined forces with Bernstein (now Spalter) to bring Form to life. A Forbes ’30 Under 30′ honoree for her work as an influencer marketing executive at Markett, Spalter’s personal wellness journey helped her lose more than eighty pounds and inspired her to join Form. 

The Form platform began with just workout videos but has since responded to feedback from the Form community to include nutrition, activewear, and more.

“We now provide self-guided meditations, affirmations, weekly recipes, meal plans, and local WhatsApp groups for members to connect,” Clarke tells Athletech News. “Additionally, we introduced merch and eventually launched our activewear line.” 

Sami Clarke (credit: FORM)

Form’s weekly workout schedule can be either purely Pilates or strength workouts or a combination of both. Users can also search the workout library based on workout type and length. Form releases new content each week, including workouts and healthy recipes. 

Because the brand was born from social media, Form extensively uses platform data to inform business decisions.

“We heavily rely on social media to guide our brand decisions, with the majority of our marketing efforts directed towards our social channels,” Spalter shares with ATN. “Regularly analyzing engagement metrics helps us understand which content is resonating with our audience and informs our strategy accordingly.”

“We’re really lucky that our community is continually sharing on social media where they are working out, what they’re wearing while they work out, and more,” Spalter says. “Additionally, we’ve started placing more focus on email marketing.” 

Sami Bernstein Spalter (credit: FORM)

Form’s latest release was in activewear. The brand’s first activewear line sold out in just ninety minutes, and the second line dropped on April 8th. Informed by feedback from Clarke’s social media followers and activewear trends, the line features neutral blue, brown, pink and black hues. Form will be launching new activewear lines monthly in response to follower demand. 

Although Form is driven by her social media presence, Clarke noted the importance of a consumer brand having an identity separate from her life as an influencer.

“It’s essential for the brand to have its own identity, capable of standing independently even if the influencer’s involvement were to change,” Clarke says.

The post How Form’s Co-Founders Use Social Media To Build a Winning Fitness Brand appeared first on Athletech News.

2024 Musclecontest Brasilia Pro Men’s Physique Show Preview

The 2024 Musclecontest Brasilia Pro Men’s Physique event is slated for Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Brasilia, Brazil. Nine athletes, all representing the host country, will be featured. The winner will earn qualification to compete in the 2024 Men’s Physique Olympia, a part of the 60th Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, NV on Oct. 10-13, 2024. 

Going into the show, none of the athletes have yet qualified for the 2024 Olympia. Out of the 28 athletes to already qualified in the Men’s Physique division, four represent Brazil.

The promoter for this event is Tamer El Guindy. The roster is below with names in alphabetical order, courtesy of IFBB Pro League:

2024 Musclecontest Brasilia Pro Roster

Gildevan Batista Dos Santos (Brazil)

Emerson Costa (Brazil)

Jussie Dantas (Brazil)

Felipe Gonclaves (Brazil)

Marivando Hermes Da Silva (Brazil)

Lucas Lage (Brazil)

Maiki Ono (Brazil)

Vinicius Resende (Brazil)

Vinicius Mateus Viera Lima (Brazil)

[Related: The 4,000-Calorie Diet That Helped Tristyn Lee Gain 40 Pounds]

[Opinion: Mike Mentzer Was a Good Bodybuilder With (Some) Bad Advice]

Maiki Ono

Maiki Ono is one of the few athletes in this lineup with competition experience. He ranked fifth overall at the 2024 Los Angeles Grand Prix Pro, won by Aundre Benson.

Ono turned pro at the Arnold South America in 2019. This will be his first time competing in Brazil since 2022. He still seeks his first pro win and Olympia qualification.

Lucas Lage

Lucas Lage is a fourth-year pro who turned pro at the 2021 NPC Worldwide Amateur Olympia Brazil contest. He has gradually improved each season, with his best placing being fifth at the 2023 Musclecontest International Mercosul Pro in December, won by Kaique Santos. This will be Lage’s 2024 competition debut.

Felipe Gonclaves

This will be Felipe Gonclaves’s IFBB Pro League debut. He was last onstage as an amateur at the 2023 NPC Worldwide Amateur Olympia Brazil contest, where he won the Class C group event.

Gonclaves has never competed outside of South America. If he wins his pro debut to qualify for the Olympia, he would be the 29th Men’s Physique competitor to punch a ticket to Las Vegas. 

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The post 2024 Musclecontest Brasilia Pro Men’s Physique Show Preview appeared first on BarBend.

Beat Your Murph PR This Year – Practical Tips to Train For One of the Toughest Workouts

Murph is a brutal test of fitness, but it doesn’t have to break you.

 If you’ve struggled with Murph in the past, or are looking to crush your personal best, Jordan Schaeffer Fitness has the plan to get you there. 

This structured approach will help you pace yourself effectively and partition the workout to avoid burning out early. Want to find out your potential Murph time? 

A ‘Quarter Murph’ test run will reveal the pacing and strategy adjustments you need to make for optimal performance.

Key Preparations for Murph

The intensity and volume of Murph often lead participants to start too strong and burn out early. 

Jordan Schaeffer Fitness emphasizes the importance of pacing and workout structuring to manage the rigorous demands effectively and ensure completion.

Structuring the Workout: A Methodical Approach

Jordan advocates for partitioning the workout into manageable sets to avoid early fatigue. 

The recommended strategy is 20 rounds of 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups, and 15 squats. 

This approach helps distribute the physical stress evenly, maintaining muscle function and stamina throughout the workout.

Practical Testing: Quarter Murph

Jordan recommends testing your training through a Quarter Murph, which involves a quarter-mile run, five rounds of 5-10-15 rep structure, followed by another quarter-mile run. 

This test run is crucial for adjusting pacing and strategy based on real-time physical responses and recovery needs.

Timing and Pacing Strategy

For ambitious goals like a sub-40-minute finish, Jordan suggests specific pacing strategies, such as completing each set at the top of every minute. 

This helps maintain a steady exertion level without peaking too early, crucial for enduring the entire workout without significant drops in performance.

Training Insights and Adaptations

Insights from the Quarter Murph play a significant role in final preparations. Depending on performance, adaptations might be necessary, such as adjusting the pace of the initial run or modifying rest periods between exercise sets. 

Jordan emphasizes the importance of listening to your body and adapting your strategy accordingly.

More Specific Tips:

Wear the vest in training: Jordan emphasizes the importance of training in a workout-specific outfit. For Murph, this might involve wearing a tactical vest and choosing apparel that’s similar to what you’ll wear on the day of the event. This helps simulate the conditions and challenges you’ll face during the actual workout.

Warm-Up Routine: Before attempting the Quarter Murph or any rigorous training session, Jordan recommends a comprehensive warm-up. This includes light running, dynamic stretches, and doing some of the exercise components of Murph (pull-ups, push-ups, squats) to prepare the body and reduce the risk of injury.

Hydration and Nutrition: Jordan suggests using specific hydration supplements like electrolytes. Maintaining proper hydration and nutrition is crucial for peak performance, especially during intense and lengthy workouts like Murph.

Strategic Rest Periods: It’s important to plan for strategic rest periods within the workout. For example, if you’re performing sets every minute on the minute (EMOM), knowing how much time it takes to complete a set allows for brief rest periods. This pacing strategy helps manage energy levels and prevents over-exertion.

Adaptability in Training: Flexibility in adapting your training is crucial. If fatigue sets in earlier than anticipated, it’s essential to adjust the pace or the structure of the workout. Jordan stresses the importance of listening to your body and modifying the workout plan to maintain performance without hitting a wall.

Testing and Feedback: Regular testing, like the Quarter Murph, provides valuable feedback on your fitness level and workout structure. It’s a practical way to gauge whether your current pacing and structure will allow you to meet your Murph goals.

Motivation and Mental Preparation: Jordan points out that while the physical preparation is crucial, mental readiness is just as important. Understanding the difficulty of Murph and mentally preparing for the challenge can make a significant difference in performance.

Watch the video:

Conclusion

Jordan Schaeffer Fitness equips you with strategies and insights to tackle Murph with confidence. Through structured training and practical tests, you can optimize your performance and possibly achieve a personal best. Remember, successful completion of Murph is a testament to not only physical strength but also strategic planning and perseverance.

Capitol Hill Gets Fit as Myzone Congressional Activity Challenge Returns

The annual challenge coincides with the Health & Fitness Association’s upcoming trip to D.C. to advocate for the passage of the PHIT Act

The fourth annual Congressional Physical Activity Challenge, organized by the Physical Activity Alliance (PAA) and Myzone, a fitness technology company and social platform known for its heart-rate tracking tech, is underway.

The challenge, which runs throughout May, encourages Congress members and their staff to help promote health and well-being while putting themselves to the test.

The Congressional Physical Activity Challenge comes during a crucial time. Not only is it National Physical Fitness and Sports Month, but the CDC reports that heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and hypertension are on the rise, as is a mental health epidemic. 

In addition to the challenge, the Health & Fitness Association (formerly known as IHRSA) is working with Congress members to encourage support for the Personal Health Investment Today (PHIT) Act, which, if passed, would allow Americans to use pre-tax dollars on gym memberships and fitness equipment.

“Investing in personal health is investing in national prosperity,” said Liz Clark, Health & Fitness Association president and CEO. “The bipartisan support for the PHIT Act underscores its significance in tackling our nation’s health challenges. Let’s empower Americans to prioritize their well-being through affordable access to physical activity options. Together, let’s move toward a healthier future.”

The Health & Fitness Association is hosting its annual Fly-In and Advocacy Summit May 7-8 in Washington, D.C., where it will disclose important economic impact data that shows the contributions of the health and fitness industry to the nation’s economy. The event will also empower attendees to educate lawmakers on the benefits of physical activity and connect with members of Congress.

Challenge participants can record their physical activity with Myzone’s MZ-Switch heart rate monitor, which rewards Myzone Effort Points (MEPs) for each minute of exercise and aligns with the World Health Organization’s activity guidelines. Participants can also use their Apple or Android smartwatch to record MEPs thanks to the launch of MZ-Open.

credit: Myzone

Winners will be judged on individual effort, office effort and most office staff participants.

“We are excited to support the 2024 Congressional Physical Activity Challenge and encourage the Capitol Hill community to adopt one of the most important lifestyle behaviors for mental and physical health,” said Mike Leveque, Myzone CEO for the Americas. “With the ability to record every minute of exercise using MZ-Switch or Apple and Android devices, this is a golden opportunity for our policymakers to lead by example and personally feel the benefits of exercise to inspire nationwide activity.”

Last year’s winning team, ‘Team Lummis,’ was led by Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and has been training to win again. 

“These competitions are always a fun bipartisan way to promote physical fitness while competing office vs office, Senate vs House and pencil pushers vs couch potatoes, whether they are Democrats or Republicans,” Lummis said.

The post Capitol Hill Gets Fit as Myzone Congressional Activity Challenge Returns appeared first on Athletech News.

Xponential CEO Pleased With ‘Strong Start’ to ’24, Lindora Growth

The boutique fitness and wellness franchisor sees immense potential for its newest brand, which offers GLP-1s and holistic wellness services

Xponential Fitness increased revenue by 12% in the first quarter of 2024 to $79.5 million, up from $70.7 million in the prior-year period, and is encouraged by the demand for Lindora, its most recent acquisition that provides GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and wellness therapies

“2024 is off to a strong start,” said Anthony Geisler, founder and CEO of Xponential Fitness. “Adjusted EBITDA margins in the first quarter expanded to 38% of revenue, fueled by continued growth in our studio footprint and leaner operating expenses.”

Despite the revenue jump, XPOF shares fell around 12% on Friday as quarterly earnings per share missed analysts’ estimates.

The boutique fitness and wellness franchisor sold 173 franchise licenses and opened 111 new studios in the quarter across its ten brands, including Club Pilates, Pure Barre and Stretch Lab.

There was a 17% year-over-year increase in total members (783,000) in North America and an 18% in-studio visit increase to 14.9 million, resulting in a North American system-wide sales of over $400 million, a 25% increase from Q1 2023. Xponential reported a net loss of $4.4 million, or a loss of $0.30 per basic share, compared to $15 million in the prior year period. 

All Eyes on Lindora 

Adding Lindora to Xponential’s portfolio of brands has allowed the franchisor to enter the growing metabolic health and wellness space, marking a departure from its fitness-related brands. Lindora’s 31 metabolic health clinics — the majority of which are currently in Southern California, with one in Washington — provide clients with weight loss medications, hormone replacement therapy, IVs, laser treatments, meal plans and more.

Since March, Xponential has sold nearly 40 Lindora licenses, attracting interest from both existing and new franchisee groups, as well as owners from various backgrounds — a point that Xponential says demonstrates Lindora’s widespread appeal as an investment opportunity. 

The brand will expand from the West Coast, entering new markets in Dallas, Boise, Idaho, Rochester, Buffalo, Atlanta, Chicago and Portland (Oregon) as it competes with Life Time’s Miora and Restore Hyper Wellness

Geisler told investors on Thursday’s earnings call that the Lindora deal has increased Xponential’s access to the broader health and wellness market. The metabolic health brand recently bulked up its leadership team in preparation for its growth. Some of the newer Lindora locations are expected to open later in Q4. 

“Buxton’s latest analysis illustrates our current TAM in the United States alone is approximately 8,400 studios,” Geisler said.

In addition to growing its metabolic health clinic locations, Xponential has several initiatives underway to improve Lindora’s service and product offerings and is currently expanding hormone replacement therapy and testosterone replacement therapy across its studios. The services are available through recurring memberships, subject to a prescription.

International Growth 

Xponential is also focused on scaling its international presence, opening its 400th international studio last month. The franchisor had onboarded Bob Kaufman late last year to drive its overseas expansion.

“We are starting to build a significant presence in select international markets, which will help drive consumer awareness and economies of scale,” Geisler said. “We have over 220 studios in Australia. In Japan, we now have 50 Club Pilates studios open.”

The post Xponential CEO Pleased With ‘Strong Start’ to ’24, Lindora Growth appeared first on Athletech News.

The 6 Individual Semifinal Workouts Are Out, This Will Be Exciting!

All Individual Semifinal events are live! Which is your favorite?

Support your favorite Semifinals athletes as they compete to secure their spot at the CrossFit Games.

Here are the key dates to look for:

Week 1 → May 17-19
Asia Semifinal by @fareastthrowdown
Europe Semifinal by @frenchthrowdown

Week 2 → May 24-26
Oceania Semifinal by @torianpro
North America West Semifinal by @thewestcoastclassic

Week 3 → May 31-June 2
South America Semifinal by @cfcopasur
North America East Semifinal by @syndicatecrown
Africa Semifinal by @renegadegames

The workouts:

INDIVIDUAL EVENT 1

5 rounds for time:

800-meter run

10 clean and jerks

TIME CAP: 30 MINUTES

Women: 125 lb

Men: 185 lb

INDIVIDUAL EVENT 2

5 rounds for time:

100 double-unders

20 toes-to-bars

10 front squats

TIME CAP: 18 MINUTES

Women: 155 lb

Men: 225 lb

INDIVIDUAL EVENT 3

7 rounds for time:

10-calorie Echo bike

1 legless rope climb

10 box jump-overs

1 legless rope climb

TIME CAP: 16 MINUTES

Women:  24-inch box, 15-foot rope

Men: 30-inch box, 15-foot rope

INDIVIDUAL EVENT 4

For time:

400-meter row

96-foot handstand walk

600-meter row

120-foot handstand walk

800-meter row

72-foot handstand walk

TIME CAP: 13 MINUTES

INDIVIDUAL EVENT 5

(2016 Regionals Event 1 redo)

For time:

10 squat snatches by 2:00

8 squat snatches by 4:00

6 squat snatches by 6:00

4 squat snatches by 8:00

2 squat snatches by 11:00

TIME CAP: 11 MINUTES

Women: 135, 145, 155, 165, 175 lb

Men: 185, 205, 225, 245, 265 lb

INDIVIDUAL EVENT 6

For time:

30/22-calorie Echo bike

15 muscle-ups

72-foot dumbbell walking lunge

TIME CAP: 6 MINUTES

Women: Two 70-lb dumbbells

Men: Two 100-lb dumbbells

Trainer Talks: Ami McMullen on the Power of Small Changes

Ami McMullen, a former dancer turned trainer, crafts personalized strategies to help clients overcome obstacles and achieve their goals

Personal trainer Ami McMullen, owner of Studio Hustle in Louisville, has been transforming lives since 2005. Drawing on her own experiences with injury and setbacks, McMullen has developed an approach that emphasizes small, achievable goals and seamless integration into daily life. 

Inspired by her performing arts background and her journey in overcoming her own injuries, McMullen understands the challenges her clients face. She breaks down big objectives into manageable steps, helping people build confidence and achieve lasting change.

From helping a client regain his passion for cooking to guiding another towards better hydration habits, McMullen’s success showcases the power of her philosophy, which hinges on empathy, expertise and encouragement.

Athletech News spoke with McMullen about how she helps her clients change, one small victory at a time.

This conversation has been lightly edited for clarity and length.

Athletech News: Why did you become a personal trainer and how your career has evolved over the years?

Ami McMullen: My entry into fitness was somewhat accidental, but it grew into a passion. It’s been a way to maintain my health and help others.

One of my teachers, who was a Juilliard grad and taught group fitness on the side, introduced us to conditioning classes to complement our dance training. It was my first taste of intense cardio and fitness outside ballet, and I loved the physical challenge and athleticism of it.

I pursued dance at a conservatory but had to take a break due to injuries. That’s when I switched to studying fitness, thinking it was just for a semester. But then I injured my ankle, and it turned out I needed more time off, which led me to dive into exercise and sports science. I started to see fitness as a viable career, one that allowed me to be active without the relentless strain dance put on my body.

credit: Ami McMullen/Studio Hustle

ATN: Have you ever had a physical setback, and did it help you understand the struggles your clients might face?

AM: A couple of years ago, I was playing in an annual kickball game with friends and I tore my quad tendon and some cartilage in my left knee during a pile-up. Initially, I thought I had just hyperextended my knee, but it turned out to be much more severe. The injury sidelined me for 2 years. I couldn’t do any lower body exercises, which led to a 25-pound weight gain. I couldn’t even walk upstairs without pain for a year.

Recovery was slow, and it was the longest I’ve been out of action. I’ve had other injuries, but nothing as debilitating. It took me about a year and a half just to get back to doing a full bodyweight squat and lunge.

The recovery has been very nonlinear. Sometimes I feel great and push myself, only to end up having to take a break for weeks because of swelling and instability. It’s getting better, but the recovery process highlighted just how challenging it can be to maintain physical health. It’s made me even more empathetic towards my clients’ challenges.

ATN: You emphasize small, manageable changes in your approach. Can you share a success story where this philosophy made a difference in someone’s life?

AM: One method I use comes from my babysitting days. When kids see a big mess, they’re overwhelmed, so I’d set a timer for just 3 minutes for them to clean as much as they can. After that, they could go back to playing. I’ve applied this same concept with my clients, setting a 5-minute timer for walking down the street and back or tackling a small task that’s been putting them off.

One client was overwhelmed by the chaos in his kitchen, which made him reluctant to cook. We started setting a 5-minute timer after meals to clear the kitchen table. It took a few weeks, but eventually, he managed to clear the clutter, which led him back to cooking regularly. This small step helped him regain his rhythm in the kitchen. 

Another client used to drink a 12-pack of soda a day and barely any water. When he first came in for a workout, he was gasping for breath within minutes. The thought of reducing his soda intake overwhelmed him. So, instead, we focused on adding one glass of water before each soda. Over time, this small change helped him improve his hydration without feeling deprived. 

Small steps can lead to significant changes, particularly when the idea of a big change seems too daunting. It’s about building confidence and helping clients see that they can indeed manage and improve their own health, one small step at a time. 

credit: Ami McMullen/Studio Hustle

ATN: How has your background in ballet influenced your approach to fitness with your clients?

AM: Growing up in ballet, I was lucky to have supportive teachers, which isn’t always the case. When I transitioned to fitness, I found it to be more motivating and less about perfection, which really shapes how I interact with my clients.

Most of my clients aren’t aiming to become professional athletes. They are looking for practical fitness solutions that fit into their lives without becoming a source of misery. They assume fitness is going to be too hard, and it doesn’t have to be.

I think it’s important to be realistic about what clients want from their fitness journey. It’s not about transforming them into someone obsessed with fitness, but helping them achieve a healthier lifestyle that suits them. For most, this means improving body composition or health without rigorous, overwhelming routines. Understanding the minimum effective dose of exercise helps in this, as most people benefit from moderate, consistent activity rather than extreme fitness regimens.

The post Trainer Talks: Ami McMullen on the Power of Small Changes appeared first on Athletech News.

ACE Names Industry Vet Cedric X. Bryant as New CEO

ACE’s former president and chief science officer, Bryant has been a key figure in the fitness org’s diversity, equity and inclusion initiative

The American Council on Exercise (ACE), a non-profit education and certification provider for health coaches and exercise professionals, announced that Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, will take over as CEO starting July 1. 

Bryant succeeds Scott Goudeseune, who has led ACE for over 15 years, during which time the organization expanded its influence in the global health and fitness community.

The leadership transition aligns with ongoing changes in the health and fitness industry, which is increasingly incorporating new technologies and focusing on health equity and accessibility. These developments aim to help individuals worldwide lead more active lives.

“I am deeply honored to lead ACE and build on the strong foundation laid by Scott. I look forward to advancing our mission and making a meaningful impact on public health globally,” Bryant said.

Bryant has been with ACE since 2001, serving most recently as president and chief science officer. He brings to his new role over 35 years of experience in health and fitness, with a background in exercise science and behavior coaching. 

His past roles include serving on advisory committees for the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Academies for Science, Engineering and Medicine.

A vocal advocate for health equity, Bryant has been a pivotal figure in the ACE Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiative. His commitment to fostering inclusive health practices is evident in his dedication to providing strong, science-backed educational resources to communities worldwide.

In an article he wrote on the topic of healthy equity, Bryant encouraged fitness and wellness professionals to explore their own implicit biases and “to show empathy by demonstrating an active interest in each individual’s internal perspective.”

Bryant’s academic contributions include authoring more than 300 articles and co-authoring or editing over 40 books. He earned both his doctorate in physiology and master’s degree in exercise science from Pennsylvania State University, receiving the institution’s Distinguished Alumni Award.

“We are thrilled to welcome Cedric as our new CEO. His vision for the future of health and fitness aligns seamlessly with the values and mission of ACE,” said John Lally, incoming Chair of the ACE Board of Directors.

Lally also noted that Goudeseune will continue to support the organization as a strategic advisor to the CEO.

In related industry news, the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) also recently announced a new CEO. This leadership change among certifying organizations could lay new groundwork for the industry in the coming years.

The post ACE Names Industry Vet Cedric X. Bryant as New CEO appeared first on Athletech News.

Here Are the 2024 World’s Strongest Man Finalists

The 2024 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) Qualifying stage is complete. The first two days of competition on May 1-2, 2024, in Myrtle Beach, SC, featured 30 of the world’s top strongmen competing in five groups of six.

After five events across two days, each Qualifying group winner advanced to the 2024 WSM Final. The sixth event paired the second- and third-place finishers of each group in a Stone-Off, wherein each pair lifting an Atlas Stone in a last-man-standing style endurance event to determine who else would join the 10-athlete Final roster.

[Related: 2024 World’s Strongest Man Results & Leaderboard]

The athletes who won their respective group or their respective Stone-Offs are below:

2024 World’s Strongest Man Final Roster

Tristain Hoath — Group One Winner

Luke Stoltman — Group One Stone-Off

Mitchell Hooper — Group Two Winner | Defending WSM Champion

Austin Andrade — Group Two Stone-Off

Matthew Ragg — Group Three Winner

Aivars Šmaukstelis — Group Three Stone-Off

Evan Singleton — Group Four Winner

Pavlo Kordiyaka — Group Four Stone-Off

Tom Stoltman — Group Five Winner

Wesley Derwinsky — Group Five Stone-Off

The 10 athletes above will compete in three events on May 4 and three events on May 5. The schedule is as follows:

2024 World’s Strongest Man Final Schedule

The following times are in EST.

Finals Stage — Day One (Saturday, May 4)

Finals Event 1: KNAACK Giant’s Medley — 10:00 am

Finals Event 2: Max Axle Press — 11:30 am

Finals Event 3: Keg Toss — 3:00 pm

Finals Stage — Day Two (Sunday, May 5)

Finals Event 4: Reign Total Body Fuel Conan’s Wheel — 10:00 am

Finals Event 5: BFGoodrich Tires HD Terrain Deadlift — 12:00 pm

Finals Event 6: Atlas Stones — 3:00 pm

[Related: Adam Bishop Withdraws From 2024 World’s Strongest Man Due to Ruptured Achilles]

[Related: Gavin Bilton Withdraws From the 2024 World’s Strongest Man Due to Injury]

2024 World’s Strongest Man Qualifying Stage Event Results

2024 World’s Strongest Man Event 1 “Webster Stones” Results

2024 World’s Strongest Man Event 2 “Deadlift Ladder” Results 

2024 World’s Strongest Man Event 3 “Sandbag Steeplechase” Results

2024 World’s Strongest Man Event 5 “Car Walk” Results

2024 World’s Strongest Man Event 6 “Stone Off” Results

Featured image courtesy of World’s Strongest Man

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