My Blog

Sitting on your ass too much will lead to age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) and you’re almost sure to be old before your time. Here are the key consequences of sarcopenia that will significantly impact quality of life and overall health. Getting old isn’t a bad thing – considering the alternative – but here’s a sure-fire recipe for getting “old and miserable.” Loss of Strength and Physical Function: Reduced ability to perform daily activities, like climbing
Muscle Up for Life   , , , , , ,
I am strangely inspired by The Pittsburgh Steelers for reasons that you might never guess. Growing up in Erie, PA, I started life as a Cleveland Browns fan because that was my stepdad’s team and Sunday football was one of the first areas where he and I connected. But in the early 70s, as the Browns started becoming perennial losers and the Steelers started winning, my loyalties began to shift culminating with the Steelers’ first
Mental Toughness & Motivation   , , , ,
Think you’re losing muscle because you’re getting older? Nah, you’re just not eating right! Today, I’m going to give you the top three things you need to eat to retain muscle as you age. Spoiler alert: It’s all about the protein, baby! First up, PROTEIN! I’m talking lean meats, poultry, and fish. These bad boys are packed with the good stuff to keep your muscles from waving goodbye. Chicken breast, turkey, salmon – you name
Fuel for Life   , , , , ,
If you don’t own a massage unit, you’re doing your aging, active body a grave injustice. I use mine on a regular basis for recovery and there are two kinds you should consider. There’s percussion massage and vibration massage. Both are forms of soft tissue therapy but differ in intensity and technique: Percussion Massage uses rapid, deep strokes to penetrate deeper muscle layers, promoting muscle recovery, reducing soreness, and increasing circulation. It’s ideal for athletes or those with muscle stiffness.
Move Pain-Free   , , , ,
understand how our feet are supposed to work, therapies and exercises to restore my natural foot function and minimalist shoes.
Several years back the podiatrist told me that the source of my Achilles tendon pain and plantar fasciitis was that I had flat feet. I would need to wear special orthotics (arch supports) for the rest of my life and never go barefoot. So I got the prescribed $300 custom orthotics… and hated them. I found them stiff and uncomfortable, which the doctor said would disappear once I got used to them. Something didn’t seem
Move Pain-Free   , , , ,
Do you think sitting on your ass all day is harmless? NO—it’s not! In fact, it’s the fastest way to turn into a creaky, immobile mess. Let’s talk about it. Here’s the hard truth: Passivity isn’t just lazy—it’s downright dangerous. You don’t move, your muscles don’t care—they’ll peace out faster than your internet when the Wi-Fi’s down. Next thing you know, you’re wondering why you can’t get up off the couch without groaning like a
Mental Toughness & Motivation   , , , , ,
Pickleball isn’t just a game—it’s a fantastic way to boost your overall fitness, especially if you’re looking to stay active as you get older. Drilling, or practicing specific shots and movements repeatedly, is a hidden gem that can supercharge your performance and support your functional fitness. Whether you join a dedicated drill session in your area or gather a few friends to run drills of your own, here’s why that extra practice matters—and a few
Fit for Pickleball   , , , , ,
See video at the bottom of this page
Time for a reality check about the fitness industry. We often get swept away by the allure of fitness models with their chiseled bodies and perfect physiques. Well, here’s the bad news: you, me, none of us are ever going to look like that. Here’s the second truth bomb: there are no tricks to achieving fitness goals. You’ve seen those headlines promising magical shortcuts to 6-pack abs or the perfect booty. Well, brace yourself—there are
Mental Toughness & Motivation   , , , , ,
If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to live to 100—not just existing, but thriving—Dr. Walter M. Bortz lays it all out in his groundbreaking book, Dare to be 100. This isn’t just a book; it’s a blueprint for longevity, perfectly aligned with my Proactive Aging Blueprint philosophy. Dr. Bortz doesn’t believe in aging passively, and neither do I. His approach focuses on taking deliberate action in key areas of life to build not just years, but quality years.
Mental Toughness & Motivation   , , , , ,
See video at the bottom of this page
This is the real formula for fitness: 10% exercise, 20% diet, and a whopping 70% mindset. It’s not just about convincing yourself; it’s about making it FUN. My number one job is not to motivate you, but to help you find the joy in staying fit. Fitness isn’t a short-term commitment; it’s a lifelong journey, and doing something for the rest of your life that isn’t fun is, well, a little crazy. My joy as
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Why isn’t anyone talking about what your excess belly fat is doing to kill your groove? OK… let’s talk about the elephant in the room (pardon the pun!) – It’s that stubborn belly fat that’s been hanging around like an unwanted guest at your 70s funk party! You need to kick that belly fat to the curb to reclaim your strength, energy, and confidence – and here’s why… #1. Belly Fat is The Silent Poison
Fuel for Life   , , , , ,
Smart Cardio
Listen up, you silver-haired warriors: cardio isn’t just for pint-thirsty teenagers on treadmills. As you rack up birthdays but refuse to sack your athletic edge, picking the right sweat-session is non-negotiable. Do it wrong, and you’ll end up hobbling around like a constipated scarecrow. Do it right, and you’ll keep your heart blasting, your lungs roaring, and your legs charging—decade after decade. 1. Embrace “Smart HIIT,” Not “Suicidal HIIT” You don’t need to blow your
Badass Coaching LIVE Series, Endurance For Life   , , , ,
Sometimes, in order to transform yourself into a true badass, you’ve got to break some bad habits and form some new ones. EASIER SAID THAN DONE!! Struggling to make exercise stick? You’re not alone. Most people know they should be working out but find it tough to keep the habit going. That’s where Atomic Habits by James Clear comes in. I loved how this book breaks down how to create small, sustainable changes that eventually turn into
Mental Toughness & Motivation   , , , , ,
If you’re looking for inspiration to level up your health and longevity, the 6-part National Geographic series “Limitless with Chris Hemsworth” is a must-watch. This isn’t your typical celebrity fitness showcase—it’s a deep dive into the science of aging, resilience, and what it means to push your limits. For those of us who are all about proactive aging (aka everyone here), this series hits all the right notes. Hemsworth takes on challenges that test his
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Here’s the truth, Badasses: Muscle isn’t just about looking good—it’s the key to your independence, energy, and longevity. Lose it, and you lose your ability to move, play, and live on your terms. Keep it, and you’ll stay strong, confident, and unstoppable. From the Proactive Aging Blueprint: By the time you hit 50, you could be losing 1-2% of your muscle mass per year if you’re not strength training. Think about that—by 70, you could be down 20-30%.
Muscle Up for Life   , , , ,
Don’t make these 5 BIG mistakes if you’re over 50 and just starting to exercise again! Mistake #1: Thinking You’re 20 Again. You’re not! … and your body will let you know it!. Leave the insane boot camp workouts to your grandkids. Start slow, build up, and avoid the agony of defeat! Mistake #2: Ignoring Warm-Ups. This a recipe for disaster! Warm up your muscles, knees, back, hips, and shoulders. Trust me, they’ll all get
Move Pain-Free   , , , , ,
My-Top-5-Keys-to-Maintaining-Strength-and-Mobility
As an online trainer and coach who focuses on combating REACTIVE AGING with PROACTIVE AGING activities, one of the BIGGEST questions I get about regaining the strength and mobility from my youth is “HOW?” What do I need to do to live stronger without hating the process? Here are my 5 keys to “growing old without getting old.” #1 – “Ya got ta git ya mind right.” (In my best Smother Martin voice. If you’re
Mental Toughness & Motivation   , , , , ,
Rickela and Rick
I’m throwing it back to another video I filmed about five years ago, where I spilled the beans on a crucial aspect of the fitness journey – finding a good workout partner. In this video, I get real about how challenging it is to find a truly great workout companion. I share my belief that a reliable workout partner is gold when it comes to keeping those fitness habits alive and kicking throughout life. Whether
Mental Toughness & Motivation   , , , , ,
Let’s talk about the foundation of every great pickleball shot: footwork. Whether you’re dinking, dropping, or driving, your feet set the stage for consistent and controlled contact. Without proper footwork, you’re likely to find yourself jammed or overreaching, which can ruin your spacing and throw off your shot. The Key to Spacing and Control: Move Your Feet Here’s the deal: good pickleball players know that success starts with positioning. Proper footwork allows you to: Set
Fit for Pickleball   , , , , , , , ,
Let’s get real: Stress is the silent assassin of your health. It messes with your sleep, wrecks your recovery, and even tightens your muscles until you feel like a walking ball of knots. Chronic stress doesn’t just make you miserable—it can literally shorten your lifespan. But here’s the badass news: You can fight back. The Proactive Aging Blueprint is packed with stress-busting tools, and today I’m sharing a few of my favorites to help you take control before stress
Stress-Free Living   , , , ,