AGEnts of Movement

This podcast episode I discuss ageism in the fitness industry, highlighting how it manifests subtly and overtly. I discuss issues like: -the lack of older adults in marketing materials -age-specific exercise classes that pigeonhole older people into limited options -the youth-dominated landscape of fitness professionals I also provide real-life examples of professionals making assumptions about ol...

This is a recording of special meetup featuring members of the Second Act Fit Pros community discussing their use of social media for business. Guest speakers Carlos Reyes, Tracy Townsend, David Leopold, Patricia Linderman, and Dan Tatton share how they utilize different platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn to connect with clients over 50. The conversation explores various str...

Emily Johnson, the founder of StrongerU Senior Fitness, a program designed to simplify senior fitness instruction. Emily shares her journey from starting in kinesiology to her passion for working with older adults, leading her to create StrongerU. The program offers a comprehensive approach by providing not only theoretical knowledge but also practical class content for instructors, making it easy...

Joanne Groves is an inspiring fitness professional who brings a fresh and innovative approach to training. She has over 20 years of experience as a studio coordinator, personal trainer, coach, and group exercise instructor. She is currently a course director at Faster Health and Fitness, where she teaches and mentors other trainers. We talk about motor skill application—through game play, creative...

Lisa Dougherty, founder of the MedFit Network, shares her incredible journey, including her recent diagnosis that has deepened her passion for the work she does. She has been a driving force in bridging the gap between fitness and healthcare, helping professionals understand the vital role they play in managing chronic diseases and improving the quality of life for the over-50 population. We’ll ex...

Movement coach and anti-aging advocate David Wilson, shares his unique philosophy on movement, emphasizing the importance of a playful, curious, and compassionate approach that encourages daily activity in ways that foster long-term enjoyment and sustainability. Our discussion covers topics such as the socio-cultural influences on movement, the problematic term 'successful aging,' and the...

we dive into how health and fitness professionals can help individuals discover their potential—even in the face of injury or illness. This compilation brings together powerful insights from past guests who share a common belief: Shift the focus to what's possible. Create space for transformation. Help others see beyond physical limitations and societal ageism. We kick things off with an inspi...

Dan Ritchie and Cody Sipe, the founders of the Functional Aging Institute, about their new initiative, Marbles Brain Body Fitness—a brain gym franchise targeting the over-50 population. They discuss the importance of integrating cognitive and physical exercises to enhance brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's. Cody highlights the franchise's unique high-tech approach, featuring a...

Ruben Pereyra is the IDEA World 2024 Emerging Trailblazer of the year. He is a highly accomplished Certified Coach, Fitness Specialist, and speaker with a focus on improving the health and well-being of senior populations. As an entrepreneur, Ruben offers a comprehensive range of services catering to all age groups, including personalized training, group exercise classes, specialized programs for...

Susie Vanderlip is a Zumba Gold instructor who’s taken her passion for dance beyond the classroom, creating something truly magical. She founded the Seniors Over 60 Dance Crew, a group that brings joy, connection, and physical activity to life through spontaneous dance flash mobs in places like Starbucks and grocery stores. In our conversation, Susie shares her incredible journey from a background...

Jojo McDuffie is the Director of Corporate Affiliate Partnerships for Rock Steady Boxing. We discuss the powerful work the non profit is doing to enhance the lives of people with Parkinson's disease through their boxing-inspired exercise program. Jojo highlights the incredible benefits of forced intensity training—helping participants improve balance, strength, gait, and even regain control of...

Cheryl Whitelaw is a functional movement specialist,  Feldenkrais practitioner, and has a black belt in the  martial art of Aikido. Cheryl shares her experiences and philosophies on movement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining functional mobility throughout life. She discusses her work in helping clients from midlife and beyond to overcome physical limitations and achieve their movement goa...

Margaret Hoffman, a seasoned fitness professional with over 30 years in the industry. Margaret is certified by the American Council On Exercise (ACE) and holds specialty certifications in Senior Fitness, Functional Training, Fitness Nutrition, and Balance Training. Currently, she serves as a part-time Fitness Coordinator at a retirement facility in Ohio and does personal training with clients in t...

Deb is a retired teacher and a Ballroom Basics for Balance instructor. The conversation explores Deb's journey from classroom teaching to leading 'Ballroom Basics for Balance' classes aimed at the over 50 population. Deb discusses the importance of movement, music, and social connection in fostering balance and well-being. She shares insights into the benefits of dance, her teaching me...

Alison Crouch is a movement professional and specialist in osteoporosis and strength training who is also on a personal journey with osteoporosis. Our discussion covers: Importance of strength training beyond just increasing bone density Misconceptions about osteoporosis Benefits of having more information about bone health The role of genetics The nuanced approach required when dealing with low b...

Dr. Renee Rogers is an expert in bio-behavioral healthy lifestyle interventions. In this episode we discuss the hot topic of anti-obesity medications. These drugs have been making headlines and stirring up a lot of discussions, so I wanted to bring in an expert to shed light on what fitness professionals need to know, especially regarding their impact on the older adult population. Our conversatio...

Nearly 95% of adults over the age of 60 have one chronic disease. 80% have 2 or more (National Council on Aging) How do we address the psychology that comes with a diagnosis and not just the physiology? Christine Conti is a chronic disease fitness specialist, best selling author, keynote speaker, educator and was awarded the 2023 IDEA Fitness professional of the year.   She shares her journey from...

Carlos Reyes is a veteran health coach and personal trainer with over 34 years of experience. Carlos shares his unique approach to fitness that focuses on practicality, possibility, and productivity. He discusses the evolution of his practice from a body-centric philosophy to a holistic approach that addresses total well-being. Carlos highlights the importance of customizing workouts to fit client...

This episode features excerpts from a Second Act Fit Pros meetup with life coaches and former podcast guests, Sylvia Fox and Joan Virginia Allen, exploring their personal experiences with injuries. Learn the importance of community, alternative methods to maintain fitness, and find inspiration in the stories of these passionate advocates for dynamic aging.  Links: Dynamic Aging Coach Joan Virginia...

Robert Linkul covers the 7 research studies trainers should know about if you work with older adults. We cover: Research on the benefits of resistance training for women for bone health The impact of exercise on depression in older adults The effectiveness of training on unstable surfaces, Cognitive and physical benefits of creatine Advantages of power training, The importance of weighted walking...

[Repost] Dr. Emily Splichal, a functional podiatrist and human movement specialist. Dr. Splichal discusses the importance of movement for maintaining healthy circulation, cognitive function, and overall well-being as we age. She introduces her evidence-based fitness academy (EBFA) and its innovative programs for fitness professionals. Dr. Splichal also shares insights on assessing and improving fo...

 Annie Forrest, is a coach based in Madison, Wisconsin, who integrates applied neurology with physical fitness training. Annie explains her holistic approach to coaching that considers not just the physical but also the neurological and emotional aspects of health. She discusses the methods she uses to assess and improve movement, address chronic pain, and enhance stability, especially for older a...

[Updated] Martin Pazzani is the author of "Secrets of Aging Well: Get Outside the Fitness You Can't Get in a Gym." He discusses the numerous benefits of hiking, particularly for the over-50 population, including its impact on mental health, cardiovascular health, and overall longevity. Martin shares his inspiration for writing the book, including his research on non-gym-goers and the...

Interview with Joan Virginia Allen about her inspiring journey from an attorney to a fitness trainer and eventually to a life coach. Joan discusses the importance of dynamic aging - not just physically, but also mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. At 71, Joan had a transformative encounter with biomechanist Katy Bowman that led to her becoming a restorative movement coach. Today, at 85, Joan r...

Dan Tatton and John Sinclair are the co-founders of Seven Movements. We talk about their innovative approach to making non-movers into movers.  Their platform aims to make fitness accessible to those who feel alienated by traditional fitness models through 'microdosing' movement, focusing on small, manageable exercises that can significantly enhance mobility, and long term health. Starting...