If you’re over 40 STOP jumping into fitness programs until you do these 3 things! #1. Loosen Up Those Tight Muscles! – I’m not talking about doing a few warmup stretches. I start all of my over 40 clients with a program of 2 to 8 weeks of nothing but stretching and foam rolling. Because by the time you’re in your 40s, 50s or 60s… You gotta admit – your ass is really tight. And

We all know it’s essential for heart health, endurance, and staying energized, but what if your joints aren’t on board with high-impact activities? Or maybe the thought of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) makes you want to curl up on the couch instead? Here’s the good news: You can still crush your cardio goals with low-impact exercises that are easy on your joints but still pack a punch for your heart. Why Cardio Matters From the Proactive Aging

If you’re experiencing fatigue, joint pain, or gut issues, gluten could be a culprit. I’m pretty sure it is for me! Gluten, a protein in wheat, barley, and rye, can trigger inflammation, especially in those sensitive to it. For some, gluten-free diets reduce inflammation and may ease symptoms of osteoarthritis. Yes, I’ve really had to cut back on the bread!  Going gluten-free isn’t just about avoiding bread; it requires checking sauces (like soy sauce), snacks,

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

Want to boost your mobility and strength effortlessly? Incorporate a daily deep squat into your routine! This simple yet powerful position does the following:  Stretches the 3 major joints of the lower body (hips, knees, ankles) by placing them in full flexion. That means bending them as far as they will go. This keeps those joints healthy and improves your ability to walk run and everything else you use your legs for.. (that’s a lot

Let’s clear up the misuse of the word “Diet.” It’s not about crazy, short-term eating plans that promise rapid weight loss. Instead, it’s a daily way of eating that can sustain you for life. Simply put, if you gain the weight back, the diet didn’t work. No matter the name or specifics of the diet, the principle remains the same. Your diet should be about developing healthy eating habits and sustaining your wellness throughout life.

Let’s get real: not every ball is an invitation to attack. When you’re out of position, in trouble, or stuck in transition, the smartest move is to reset the ball. Think of it as tucking the ball gently into the kitchen, like putting a baby to sleep. Unless the ball is floating high and begging for a smash, resist the urge to go beast mode—it’s not worth the risk. The Power of the Reset Keeps

In this video from a few years back, I take on a sensational headline claiming “Stretching does no long-term good.” As a Corrective Exercise Specialist (CES), my initial reaction was, “That’s such crap.” But then I had a revelation. I share the truth about maintaining our bodies — whether it’s stretching, exercising, or even basic hygiene. The key takeaway? Anything you do for your body works, but only if you do it continuously. There’s no

Aging isn’t a passive process—it’s something you take control of. If you’re here, you already know that Proactive Aging means taking deliberate action to stay strong, mobile, and independent. But let’s be honest—doing it alone isn’t always easy. That’s where hiring an online trainer changes the game. The Proactive Aging Blueprint is all about having a plan, tracking progress, and staying accountable. And that’s exactly what you get when you work with an online coach.

If you want to improve your footwork and dominate the pickleball court, it’s time to add the L.E.F.T. Drill (Lower Extremity Functional Training) to your routine. Originally designed as a staple in agility training for basketball and tennis players, and often seen on the practice track and in football camps, this drill is the foundation for quick, controlled movement in any sport. And when adapted for pickleball, it becomes a powerful tool to level up

Let’s talk about the most underrated part of fitness: Recovery. It’s not optional; it’s the glue that holds your progress together. Without proper recovery, you’re setting yourself up for burnout, injuries, and plateaus. And the MVP of recovery? SLEEP. From the Proactive Aging Blueprint: “When you sleep, your body goes into full-on repair mode. Muscle tissues damaged during exercise are rebuilt, and your energy stores are replenished. Growth hormone—your body’s natural anabolic steroid—is released during deep sleep, helping you

Let’s face it: pickleball can be murder on your shoulders if you’re not careful—especially as we get older and our joints start voicing their opinions. In my “blueprint” philosophy, we focus on total-body harmony—which means we don’t just play; we prepare and protect so we can keep playing for years to come. Your rotator cuff is a prime example of where that matters most. What’s the Rotator Cuff, and Why Does It Matter? Your rotator

Your neck and upper back are killing you and you’re 3 inches shorter than you used to be because of your lousy posture! Here are 3 stretches that’ll get rid of that pain and have the NBA taking a second look! #1 – The Chest Opener Stretch #2 – Upper Back Stretch And #3 – An Upper Trap Stretch and here’s how you should do them and why #1 – Chest Opener Stretch: Stand tall

Let’s delve into something you do every day without thinking: breathing. The catch? HOW you breathe could be impacting your health right now! To elevate your wellness, let’s focus on the art of deep breathing. Remember, you can go without food or water for a while, but only about 4 minutes without breathing. That’s how vital it is! Try this. Take a deep breath. If your chest moves more, you’re chest breathing. If your stomach

Let’s get real for a second. Having a plan is great, but you know what separates dreamers from doers? Consistency. It’s not about starting strong or waiting for motivation to strike—it’s about showing up every day, even when it’s hard, inconvenient, or boring. That’s how progress happens. From the Proactive Aging Blueprint: “Consistency isn’t sexy, but it’s the secret sauce to success. It’s the quiet grind that turns small actions into big results. The key isn’t perfection; it’s

Let’s talk about something most people overlook: Recovery. If you think the magic happens during your workouts, think again. Your muscles grow, repair, and get stronger when you recover—not when you’re banging out reps. Without a recovery plan, you’re spinning your wheels and risking burnout or injury. So, here’s the big question: What’s YOUR recovery plan? Why Recovery Matters From the Proactive Aging Blueprint: “Workouts break your muscles down; recovery is when they rebuild stronger than before. Without proper recovery,

If your backhand feels like your Achilles’ heel on the court, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many players struggle with backhand consistency, but the solution lies in refining your technique and building the strength, balance, and coordination to make it reliable. And here’s the kicker: the same principles that improve your backhand can enhance your everyday life. 3 Backhand Mistakes That Hold You Back—and How to Fix Them 1. Too Much Wrist Action Your wrist might

STOP saying “I don’t have the energy to work out” and do these 3 things instead… #1. Get up early and catch the worm! – Get up early and stop sleeping in. It’s not making you any less tired… it’s sapping your energy. Get up and move… take a walk… do some stretching… ride your bike… It’ll fire you up and elevate your mood for the rest of the day #2 – Fuel your body’s

Let’s talk about a game-changer in fitness – Corrective Exercise. A lot of folks avoid working out because of pain – bad knees, hips, shoulders, you name it. That’s where corrective exercise comes in, and it’s one of my specialties. The mistake many make is diving into intense workouts without addressing these imbalances first. We modify, work around, and often end up aggravating the issue, leading to injuries. That’s where corrective exercise becomes crucial. Check