Healthspan Digest

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! The Essential Guide to Creatine Supplementation for Women: Benefits, Dosage, and Risks   Welcome to the HealthSpan Podcast ! In this episode, host Aaron Shaw dives into the fascinating world of creatine supplementation, specifically tailored for women. Whether you're a young adult, middle-aged, or a senior, whether you're a fitness enthusiast,...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! One minute I was cruising on my gravel bike, the next I was bleeding all over the road with a broken thumb, torn-up back, and blood everywhere. In less than a heartbeat, life threw me a curveball that completely derailed my plans. But here’s the thing—setbacks like this happen to all of us. The question isn’t if—it’s how you respond. In this episode of H...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! I trained for months. I thought I could handle it. But on Day 3 of one of America’s toughest mountain bike races, I didn’t even start. In this episode, I take you inside my attempt at the Breck Epic —a high-altitude sufferfest that chewed me up and taught me more about toughness, humility, and goal-setting than any race I’ve done before. You’ll hear: • H...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! If your arms still look soft and flabby no matter how many curls or kickbacks you do, you’re not alone—and it’s not your fault. Most women have been sold the wrong approach to toning their arms, leaving them frustrated, underloaded, and stuck with zero results. Message me for a consult and personalized plan HERE . Subscribe to my YouTube channel HERE for...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! Want to waste an hour in the gym and see zero results? Perfect—this episode is for you. If sarcasm were a sport, this would be the Pro Bowl. Join Healthspan Coach Aaron Shaw as he breaks down the most popular (and useless) ways people burn time in the gym pretending to train. From high-rep fluff workouts to BOSU ball biceps and influencer copycat routine...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! If you’re doing 20 reps with baby weights and calling it strength training, you’re not getting stronger—you’re just getting tired. In this episode of Healthspan Digest , strength & healthspan coach Aaron Shaw pulls zero punches. Backed science, he breaks down the real difference between high reps and high resistance—and why most people over 40 are tr...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! If you’re over 40 and still think jogging, yoga, or stretching will save your health—this episode is your wake-up call. Most people don’t end up in nursing homes because they lack flexibility. They end up there because they’re weak . If you’re not doing resistance training multiple times a week, you’re accelerating the decline of your strength, balance,...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! Everyone’s talking about AI. But can it actually be your health and fitness coach? If you’re struggling with motivation, follow-through, or building lasting habits—this episode is your wake-up call. Aaron breaks down exactly how AI can build shockingly good workouts, nutrition plans, and even sleep routines in seconds. But there’s a catch: If you’re not...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! Most protein powders are trash. Some are irritating your gut. Others are loaded with junk that’s actually slowing down your results . In this no-fluff episode, Concierge Health Coach Aaron Shaw breaks down 3 must-know rules for choosing the right protein supplement—without getting lost in the hype. Whether you’re over 40 and trying to build muscle, lose...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! Your body has a built-in janitorial crew—an internal system that clears out damaged cells, broken proteins, and toxic waste. It’s called autophagy , and it plays a key role in preventing disease, improving brain function, and extending your healthspan. But here’s the problem: Most people never give this crew the signal to clock in. In this episode of Hea...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! You crushed your workout—but two days later, you’re hobbling down the stairs like you’re 90. That deep, aching muscle soreness? That’s DOMS—Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness—and it’s not the sign of a great workout you think it is. In this episode, we unpack: What actually causes DOMS (spoiler: it’s not lactic acid) Why eccentric movements trigger more soren...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! Here’s something controversial: I’m a strength and conditioning specialist in my 50s, a competitive athlete, and I don’t have a stretching routine. Yet I don’t pull muscles, strain hamstrings, or tweak my back. Why? In this episode of HealthSpan Digest, I unpack the stretching debate: The real science behind flexibility and injury prevention Why most peo...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! Feeling overwhelmed at work? Thinking about quitting your job—or even your entire career—because of stress? In this powerful episode of Healthspan Digest, host Aaron Shaw sits down with Dr. Amber Parks , a veterinarian turned burnout and stress coach, to explore why changing your job might not be the answer… and what to do instead. You’ll learn: • Why hi...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! Are you doing all the “right” things—but not seeing results? In this solo episode, I break down 5 popular health and wellness habits that might be holding you back. From fasted cardio to overhydration, we’ll unpack what the science really says—and what to do instead if you want more energy, strength, and longevity. Whether you’re in your 40s, 50s, or bey...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! When it comes to extending your healthspan, most people focus on the physical pillars—exercise, nutrition, sleep. But there’s one mental trait that quietly drives it all: grit . In this episode, Aaron Shaw is joined by Licensed Clinical Social Worker Daniel Gospodarek , founder of Revitalize Mental Health. Daniel shares his extraordinary story of survivi...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! The Second Half Can Be the Best Half… If You Train for It You’re not too old to feel strong, energized, and in control again—you might just be out of practice. In this episode, Healthspan coach Aaron Shaw breaks down why most of the physical decline we associate with aging is actually due to disuse—not destiny. And more importantly, how to flip the scrip...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! Tired of rushed doctor visits and generic advice? In this episode, Healthspan PhysioCoach Aaron Shaw shares five powerful questions to bring to your next primary care appointment—so you don’t just get treated, you get prevented . Learn how to spark real conversations about longevity, optimize your blood markers, explore VO₂ max testing, and shift your ca...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! “Don’t Go It Alone: How Community Can Add Years to Your Life and Healthspan” Feeling disconnected or going solo on your health journey? You might be missing the most powerful tool for living a longer, healthier life: community. In this raw and real episode, recorded just 24 hours after moving across the country, Healthspan Coach Aaron Shaw reflects on th...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond and coasting with your health, it’s time for a wake-up call. Most of the health issues we face later in life—chronic pain, disease, low energy—are preventable . But only if you stop outsourcing your health and start acting like the CEO of your life. In this short, no-nonsense episode, Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS , c...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! Does the thought of walking into a gym stress you out? You’re not alone—and today’s episode of HealthSpan Digest is your guide to overcoming gym anxiety and getting started with resistance training the right way. Whether you’re brand new to fitness, returning after a long break, or just feel out of place in the gym environment, Aaron Shaw —Healthspan coa...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! What happens when life throws you off the bike—literally and figuratively? In this powerful episode of Healthspan Digest , I sit down with Evan St. Clair: lifelong cyclist, business owner, and local legend, as he shares his journey through Crohn’s disease, injuries, family challenges, and the road back to fitness in his 50s. We talk about: 🚵 Overcoming...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! Getting fit after 40? Chances are, you’ve been lied to—by outdated science, bad Instagram advice, or even your own memories of a younger, fitter you. In this episode of Healthspan Digest, Aaron Shaw —occupational therapist, strength coach, and founder of Healthspan PhysioCoaching—exposes the 3 biggest myths that derail middle-aged adults from getting str...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! If you’ve ever thought VO₂ max was just for elite athletes or lab testing… think again. In this episode, Aaron Shaw breaks down why VO₂ max is one of the most powerful—and overlooked—predictors of how long and how well you’ll live . Whether you’re a former athlete who’s fallen out of routine or just someone who wants more energy and resilience, this one’...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! Are you tired of being tired? In this powerful and practical episode of Healthspan Digest , host Aaron Shaw sits down with certified sleep science coach and psychotherapist Keri Cooper to uncover the truth about why you’re not sleeping well—and what to do about it. You’ll learn: • Why sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a non-negotiable for physical and mental hea...

Got a question or feedback? Send me a text! Struggling to find the energy or motivation to work out? You’re not alone. In this short but powerful episode, Healthspan Coach Aaron Shaw breaks down the science-backed 5-Minute Rule —a simple yet effective strategy to overcome procrastination and get moving. Learn why motivation is overrated, how action creates momentum, and how this small mental shift...