On episode 734 of 40+ Fitness Podcast, we dive into the world of hybrid athleticism with Alex Viada, renowned coach, educator, and author of The Ultimate Hybrid Athlete: A Definitive Guide to Achieving Peak Athleticism Across All Disciplines. Hosted by Allan, this episode explores what it really means to be a "hybrid athlete"—balancing strength, endurance, and overall resilience no matter your age.

Alex shares his journey from clinical research to coaching more than 1,000 athletes, and explains how anyone—regardless of body type or background—can train to be both strong and enduring.

You'll learn about eliminating "junk volume" in your workouts, the true meaning of progressive overload, and how to periodize your training when you're balancing multiple athletic goals.

Plus, Alex introduces the RAMP warm-up system, and offers practical strategies for staying healthy, fit, and mentally sharp well into your 40s and beyond. Time Stamps:

05:38 Embracing Growth Beyond Identity

07:21 Training with Intent

10:17 Progressive Overload Simplified

15:06 Hybrid Training and Progression

18:43 Steps to Optimize Workout Prep

22:56 70/30 Diet Planning Approach

23:52 Balance Life and Sharpen Mind

https://completehumanperformance.com

On episode 733 of the 40+ Fitness Podcast, we have a fascinating conversation with Ken Stern, author of Healthy to 100: How Strong Social Ties Lead to Long Lives. Ken is a nationally recognized expert on longevity and aging, founder of the Longevity Project, and host of the Century Lives podcast at Stanford.

In this episode, Ken Stern and Allan dive deep into the evolving science of longevity, shining a light on the critical role that social ties and connections play in our health, happiness, and longevity—often as important as diet or exercise. They explore how changing demographics, lifelong learning, intergenerational relationships, and even ageism impact the way we live and age today. Whether you want to stay healthy, keep your mind sharp, or simply ensure you're thriving well into your later years, this conversation offers practical strategies and inspiring insights. Time Stamps:

05:18 Shifting Trends in Aging & Parenthood

08:52 Rethinking Life's Traditional Stages

13:04 Loneliness: A Health Risk

14:47 Lifelong Learning and Connection

19:37 Presidio's Longevity Mystery

23:05 Breaking Age Segregation in Society

24:03 Spotify Age and Musical Diversity

27:42 Ageism and the American Workforce

31:19 Health: Beyond Diet and Exercise

https://www.longevity-project.com

On episode 732 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan welcomes strength and fitness legend Dan John to the show, a man whose decades of experience span from elite athletics to coaching and academia.

In this episode, Coach Allan, fresh off celebrating his 60th birthday, shares a hard-hitting statistic: only 22% of people actually follow the bare minimum guidelines for strength training. This sets the stage for a powerful conversation on why resistance training isn't just a good idea. It's absolutely vital for anyone over 40 who wants to maintain their health, function, and independence into their later years.

Dan John unpacks his concept of "everyday strength," the kind of lasting fitness that lets you handle anything life throws your way, from carrying all your groceries in one trip to chasing after grandkids without missing a beat. Together, Coach Allan and Dan John break down how your focus should evolve with age: building foundational strength in midlife, prioritizing muscle mass, joint mobility, and regular walking as you move through your 50s, 60s, and beyond.

Tune in for actionable tips, insights on how to structure your training for the long haul, and the wisdom you need to invest in your future health.

Time Stamps:

04:29 Embracing Strength and Growth

09:15 Strength Retention Over Time

11:20 Everyday Strength and Progression

13:51 Focus on Joint Mobility

18:04 Planning for Independence and Mobility

21:47 Longevity vs. Modern Enhancements

23:53 Pot Belly and Happiness Link

29:22 Walking Routine and Steps

30:43 Why Walking Beats High-Intensity Workouts

35:15 Muscle Beach Memories, 1977

38:39 Steps, Meals, and Caloric Balance

41:44 Embrace the Obvious for Wellness

42:58 Visit Dan John University - https://danjohnuniversity.com

On episode 731 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan welcomes Cori Lefkowitz, founder of Redefining Strength and author of The Strong System: Transform Your Mindset and Build Your Best Body at Any Age. This conversation is packed with real talk about what truly drives long-term fitness success—beyond the fad diets and quick fixes. Cori shares her straightforward, blueprint-style approach, emphasizing the power of mindset, aligning your goals with your lifestyle, and making sustainable changes that actually stick.

If you've ever struggled to get consistent with strength training, felt stuck chasing someone else's tactics, or sabotaged yourself after a setback, this episode is full of insights and practical strategies to help you break free from the cycle. Cori explains her STRONG acronym, the importance of reflection, and why knowing your non-negotiables is essential—not just for your fitness journey, but for your overall well-being.

Tune in as we dive deep into personalized fitness tips, the strength-cardio continuum, and actionable ways to optimize your health and performance, no matter your age. Time Stamps

05:03 Start Where You Are

07:43 Shaping Habits Through Reflection

11:22 The Power of the Pause

14:24 Unlearning to Build Better Habits

19:01 Focusing on Mile Markers

21:45 Balancing Habits and Sacrifices

26:17 Aligning Habits with Lifestyle

29:44 Managing Life's Stress Overflow

32:31 Long-Term Fitness Over Quick Fixes

36:10 Balancing Habits Checkbook

36:59 1% Improvements for Lasting Growth

https://Redefiningstrength.com/book

On episode 730 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan welcomes back Hilary Topper, an inspiring endurance athlete, coach, and author. Once a self-proclaimed non-athlete, Hilary Topper shares her extraordinary journey from lacing up her running shoes for the first time at age 48 to becoming a triathlon competitor and coach. Together, they dive into her new book, Unlocking the Triathlon: A Beginner's Guide to Competing in a Triathlon, providing a roadmap for anyone curious about trying a triathlon—especially if the idea has ever felt intimidating or out of reach.

In this episode, you'll learn what a triathlon really entails, the different types and distances you can try, and how to take those crucial first steps, no matter your fitness level. Hilary Topper and Coach Allan cover practical advice on gear, training, and overcoming common fears, plus the importance of mindset, nutrition, and celebrating your personal progress. Whether you're looking for a new fitness challenge, want to shake up your routine, or simply enjoy stories of transformation and perseverance, this conversation is packed with expert tips and encouragement to help you unlock your full potential at any age. Time Stamps

05:39 Progression to Endurance Challenges

07:54 Multisport Options for Everyone

14:01 Running vs. Triathlon Costs

16:12 Wetsuits and Goggles Tips

17:48 Tech-Enhanced Swimming Gear Tips

21:36 Understanding Training Zones

25:38 Effort Zones Explained

27:48 Positive Self-Talk for Confidence

On episode 728 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan is joined by special guest Kayla Gergen, a certified personal trainer and licensed dietitian. Together, they dive into the world of rucking—a powerful way to boost strength and endurance simply by walking with weight. Drawing from her book RuckFit, Kayla Gergen shares actionable tips for safely getting started, explains the unique benefits rucking offers for joint health, muscle building, posture, and bone density, especially for those over 40. Whether you're looking for a low-impact but effective fitness routine, or just eager to shake up your regular walk, this episode has practical advice, inspiration, and a few entertaining stories from Allan's own rucking experiences. Learn how rucking can fit into your life—no matter your age or fitness level—and how you can adapt, improve, and stay consistent on your journey to better health. Time Stamps:

05:22 Don't Carry Excess Weight

06:22 Carrying the Radio for Others

11:24 Rucking Benefits for Over-40s

15:35 Beginner Rucking Tips

16:29 Rucking: From Backpack to Weight Plates

20:40 Rucking Tips and Recovery Basics

24:51 Grace and Flexibility in Setbacks

28:06 Benefits of Joining a Ruck Club

31:13 Holistic Health and Lifestyle Balance Get the book on Amazon: Ruck Fit - https://amzn.to/3N84BRW https://www.instagram.com/kaylagirgenrd/

On episode 727 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan dives into the theme of "What it takes to live better, longer." Reflecting on the habits and resolutions we often revisit as the calendar turns, Coach Allan sheds light on why most people struggle to make lasting changes and shares practical strategies for setting successful goals as we head into a new year.

You'll hear about the three biggest mistakes people make when looking back and planning ahead, from failing to take responsibility to setting vague or irrelevant goals.

Through personal stories and actionable advice, Coach Allan guides listeners in finding their "why," embracing self-awareness, and crafting goals that truly matter. If you're ready to unlock your full potential and age stronger, this episode is packed with wisdom to help you start your journey to a healthier, fitter, and more energetic version of yourself.

On episode 726 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan sits down with Dr. Mindy Pelz to dive into her groundbreaking book, Age Like a Girl: How Menopause Rewires Your Brain for Mental Clarity, Increased Confidence, and Renewed Energy.

For too long, menopause has been seen as a decline, but Dr. Mindy is here to flip the script—showing us how this stage of life can be a powerful transformation for women.

Together, they unpack the science behind menopause, its impact on neurochemistry, and why these changes don't have to signal the end, but rather the start of a vibrant and empowering new chapter.

Dr. Mindy shares her personal journey, the ancestral roots of the "grandmother hypothesis," and practical, research-backed lifestyle changes to help women thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally after 40.

Plus, this episode acknowledges the importance of support from partners and why open conversations with the men in our lives are crucial during this transition. Time Stamps

03:47 Menopause & Marital Communication

09:26 Breaking Under Online Pressure

12:58 Redefining Life Through Menopause

15:35 Grandmother Hypothesis and Menopause Energy

17:56 Grandmother Hypothesis and Aging

22:47 Post-40 Nutrition: Stabilizing Glucose

25:46 Fasting for Brain & Mood Boost

28:08 Mastering Glucose for Health

32:01 Unexpected Hard Work and Adaptation

36:13 Estrogen: The Brain's Timekeeper

39:40 Resetting the Timekeeper Naturally

https://agelikeagirlbook.com https://drmindypelz.com

On episode 725 of the 40+ Fitness podcast, Coach Allan discusses one of the most pressing questions for anyone striving to live a healthier, fitter life after 40: Why is improving our health and fitness so hard—and what can we do to make it easier? Drawing on personal experiences, science, and practical mindset strategies, Coach Allan explores the real reasons we struggle with weight loss, building fitness routines, and maintaining healthy habits. From biological tendencies and processed food temptations, to misleading media messages, unhelpful diet books, and even the challenges within our own minds, we'll uncover the obstacles sabotaging our progress—and more importantly, how to fight back.

04:14 Why Losing Weight Is Hard

09:38 Fitness Advice Isn't One-Size-Fits

11:05 Misleading Headlines and Health Studies

16:27 Diet Books and Weight Cycles

18:12 Barriers to Lifestyle Change Compliance

21:11 Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

24:32 Burn the Boats to Win

28:57 The Power of Strong Alliances Get the Long-Life Readiness Quiz at https://40plusfitness.com/llrq.