This holiday season, ditch the tired “burn off the pie” message.

In this episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, Jay Croft shares seven high-impact messaging strategies for gym owners, trainers, and health coaches who serve the 50+ population. You’ll learn how to communicate with compassion—not guilt—while keeping your clients engaged and consistent through the holidays.

From practical travel workout tips to mindful eating reminders and ways to foster deeper community, this episode is a complete framework for turning holiday chaos into authentic connection and retention.

What You'll Learn:

• How to replace fear-based fitness messaging with hope and encouragement
• Why older adults ignore shame-based calls to action
• Real-world tactics to keep clients active during travel
• How to highlight community and member wins to build your brand

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – The holiday fitness guilt trip: why it doesn’t work
• 01:00 – People over 50 want support, not shame
• 02:00 – Reflection, connection & gratitude as holiday fitness themes
• 03:00 – Strategy 1: Reframe messaging with positive reinforcement
• 04:00 – Using gratitude and consistency as motivators
• 05:00 – Strategy 2: Promote meaningful self-care (not spa fluff)
• 06:00 – Strategy 3: Smart travel fitness tips for staying active
• 08:00 – Gear to pack + travel-friendly routines
• 09:00 – Strategy 4: Mindful eating without restriction
• 10:00 – Nutrition swaps, healthy recipes & realistic advice
• 11:00 – Strategy 5: Stay visible with social + event content
• 12:00 – Showcase member fun to boost retention and reach
• 13:00 – Strategy 6: Holiday gift ideas + pre-sales that convert
• 14:00 – Promote habits, not resolutions
• 15:00 – Strategy 7: Build connection to build your business
• 16:00 – Final thoughts + where to get more support

🎤 Host: Jay Croft
Jay helps fitness professionals grow their business by communicating effectively with the 50+ demographic.

🌐 Podcast Website: https://primefitcontent.com

📬 Contact: [email protected]

📘 Book: Selling Longevity on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/Selling-Longevity-Over-50-Transform-Business/dp/B0FHF6W8FL

📱 Instagram: @primefitcontent

🔗 LinkedIn: Jay Croft

🎧 Related Resources:

• Prime Fit Content for Fit Pros → https://primefitcontent.com
  
  
• Travel Workouts PDF – Email Jay to request: [email protected]
  
  

👍 Rate the show on Apple Podcasts

📬 Join the community newsletter → https://primefitcontent.com

Love this episode? Share it with your team or tag us on social with #OptimalAgingPodcast.

In this episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast, host Jay Croft talks with Dave Appel, Chief Health and Fitness Officer of KORB Health Group. KORB’s mission is to bridge the gap between medicine, wellness, and fitness, creating a more integrated and accessible approach to health—especially for people over 50.

They dive deep into the controversy around GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy. Rather than viewing them as shortcuts or “cheating,” Dave urges fitness professionals to see these tools as gateways for deconditioned people to finally walk into the gym. This is a forward-thinking episode for anyone in fitness who wants to grow their reach and impact.

Guest Name:
Dave Appel

Bio:
Dave Appel is Chief Health and Fitness Officer of KORB Health Group, where he leads the integration of GLP-1s, hormone therapy, and telehealth solutions into fitness environments. A former PE teacher and gym owner, Dave has decades of experience building programs that meet people where they are and help them transform their lives.

Links:

• Website: https://korbhealth.com

Topics Covered

GLP-1s Are Tools, Not Cheating

• Why the fitness industry needs to stop judging people using medical help to get started.

Dave’s Journey into Integrated Health

• From PE teacher to CrossFit owner to health-tech innovator.

KORB’s Mission and Model

• How KORB is bridging medicine, wellness, and fitness in gyms nationwide.

The Business Case for Gym Owners

• Why GLP-1s can grow your membership and your bottom line.

Serving the Over-50 Population

• Making fitness more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable through tech and telehealth.

🎤 Host: Jay Croft
Jay helps fitness professionals grow their businesses by reaching more people over 50 through Prime Fit Content.

🌐 Podcast Website: https://primefitcontent.com

📬 Contact: [email protected]

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primefitcontent

👍 Rate the show on Apple Podcasts 
 📥 Join our email list – https://primefitcontent.com

📢 Share this episode with a fitness pro who needs to hear it!

In this inspiring episode, Jay Croft talks with Diane Firmani — a 71-year-old triathlete, women’s hockey player, and standout on the latest season of The Golden Bachelor. Diane shares what led her from snowy Wasilla, Alaska, to a national TV spotlight, and how she uses fitness, community, and a bold spirit to redefine aging.

You’ll learn why movement matters, how friendships support longevity, and what The Golden Bachelor gets right about older adults. Diane also opens up about her training routines, motivation after loss, and why looking good is still a valid goal.

🏒 Guest: Diane Firmani

Bio:
Diane Firmani is a 71-year-old athlete and Alaskan native who competes in triathlons, plays women’s hockey, and recently appeared on The Golden Bachelor. She embodies what it means to age boldly and actively.

🔹 Episode Outline

Sign Up and Show Up

• Diane's motto for life and staying active in Alaska’s cold, dark winters

Behind the Scenes of The Golden Bachelor

• Why she auditioned, how she got picked, and what filming was really like

Fitness, Friendship, and Motivation

• The role of like-minded women in keeping each other accountable and moving

Competing in Hawaii

• How she trains for triathlons year-round despite harsh weather

20 Years of Women’s Hockey

• Organizing the annual Sea Cup tournament and staying competitive at 70+

Representing Alaska on National TV

• How her appearance resonated with audiences — and what she told the Bachelor himself!

📚 Resources Mentioned:

• Prime Fit Content: https://primefitcontent.com
  
  

🎤 Host: Jay Croft
Jay helps fitness professionals reach the over-50 market with content that connects and converts. Learn more at https://primefitcontent.com

📱 Follow Jay:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primefitcontent
  
  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/croftjay
  
  

📥 Contact: [email protected]

👍 Rate the show on Apple Podcasts 
 📬 Join the email list – https://primefitcontent.com

Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or tag us on socials using #OptimalAging.

Hosting a simple, purposeful event before the end of the year could be the key to attracting your next five best clients over 50. In this solo episode, Jay Croft shares a step-by-step strategy that any gym owner or fitness professional can implement—even during the busy holiday season.

You’ll learn:

• Why older prospects prefer low-pressure, educational events over discounts or sales pitches
• How to plan, promote, and host a small but mighty event
• The best way to convert attendees into paying clients without being pushy
• How to make the most of your event with content, follow-up, and partnerships

Jay also breaks down a simple five-step action plan to help you pick a date, choose a topic, and start generating new leads this week.

If you serve the 50+ market, this is your playbook for ending the year strong—and heading into 2026 with momentum.

📝 Episode Highlights

🎯 Why Host a Fitness Event Now?

• The holidays create urgency and reflection for your over-50 audience.
• Events offer trust-building opportunities that discounts can’t.

📆 Planning Your Event

• Pick a topic with seasonal relevance and strong appeal (e.g., “Stay Strong Through the Holidays”)
• Make it experiential: mix teaching, light participation, and Q&A
• Collaborate with local health professionals to boost reach

📣 Promotion Tips

• Treat it like a campaign: email, social posts, flyers, personal invites
• Offer an exclusive, low-barrier next step (e.g., a “Holiday Tune-Up” package)

🛠️ Post-Event Follow-Up

• Send personalized emails to attendees
• Repurpose photos, video, and quotes into evergreen content
• Build an event cadence (quarterly rhythm)

🎤 Host: Jay Croft
Jay is the founder of Prime Fit Content and host of The Optimal Aging Podcast. He helps fitness professionals grow their businesses by connecting with the over-50 market through powerful storytelling and authentic content.

🌐 Podcast Website: https://primefitcontent.com

📬 Contact Jay: [email protected]

📱 Follow on Instagram: @primefitcontent

🔗 LinkedIn: Jay Croft

👍 Rate the show on Apple Podcasts 
📥 Join the email list – https://primefitcontent.com

Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or tag us using #OptimalAgingPodcast.

In this episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, host Jay Croft sits down with Seth Scrimo, a former Marine and now a thriving fitness business owner in Wooster, Ohio. Just a few years ago, Seth was barely scraping by—earning around $4,000/month. Today, he regularly brings in up to $30,000 per month.

How did he do it?

By writing books that build trust and launching a local podcast that spotlights other business owners in his small town. It’s a grassroots, connection-driven approach that proves old-school community building still works—especially for serving people over 50.

Seth shares the mindset shifts, tactics, and systems that helped him grow—and how you can apply the same strategy in your business.

🧑‍💼 Guest Info

Guest Name: Seth Scrimo

Bio:
Seth is a Marine veteran turned fitness entrepreneur who went from struggling to make ends meet to generating $30K+ months—all from his rural Ohio town. His tools? Books that build credibility and a local podcast that puts him in front of movers and shakers. He’s a proud co-author of Thrive: The New Rules of Lasting Health and Fitness and runs Scrimo Fitness.

Links:

• Website: https://scrimofitness.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seth.scrimo
• Books: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=seth+scrimo
  
  

🧭 Episode Outline

From Marine to Fitness Pro

• Seth’s post-military journey and starting Screamo Fitness in a small town.

Writing Books to Build Trust

• How contributing a chapter in a collaboration book changed everything.
• The launch of “Slimming Secrets of Super Parents.”

Launching the “Best of Wooster” Podcast

• How he used a local podcast to build relationships and grow referrals.
• His clever system for guest referrals and follow-ups.

Books as Lead Magnets

• Giving books away in person, tagging local businesses, and building buzz.

Community + Content = Clients

• Seth’s boots-on-the-ground approach that brought massive returns.
• How business owners started referring family members to train with him.

📘 Resources Mentioned:

• Thrive – The New Rules of Lasting Health and Fitness: https://a.co/d/bYZe4be
  
  
• Screamo Fitness: https://screamofitness.com
  
  
• Best of Wooster Podcast: [VERIFY LINK]

🎤 Host: Jay Croft
Jay helps fitness professionals grow by reaching more people over 50. Learn more at https://primefitcontent.com

👍 Rate the show on Apple Podcasts
 📱 Follow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/primefitcontent

📬 Join the newsletter – https://primefitcontent.com

Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or tag us on socials using #OptimalAgingPodcast

What happens when a national fitness brand realizes its best members are over 40? For Row House, it sparked a powerful new direction—and a brand refresh rooted in vitality, community, and smart training.

In this episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast, Jay Croft chats with Noel Miller, Row House's Manager of Training and a 30-year fitness pro. Noel shares how the indoor rowing franchise took a close look at its data, saw who was showing up, and leaned all the way into a smart, low-impact, high-intensity training model that's ideal for midlife adults.

This is more than a business case study—it's a roadmap for fitness professionals who want to grow by speaking directly to people over 40 in ways that are authentic, inclusive, and deeply motivating.

👤 Guest: Noel Miller

Bio:
Noel Miller is a longtime group fitness instructor and coach who now serves as the Manager of Training at Row House, a growing boutique fitness brand with more than 40 studios across the U.S. His passion for community, music-driven workouts, and lifelong vitality fuels his mission to make fitness accessible—and exciting—for people at every stage of life.

Links:

• Row House: https://www.therowhouse.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noelmilleratl/

🧭 Episode Highlights

00:00 – Vitality at any age
Noel and Jay discuss redefining fitness as you age, and what it really means to feel “vital.”

02:00 – Meet Noel
A 30-year industry veteran, Noel shares his journey from aerobics classes in college to national leadership at Row House.

05:00 – From pandemic pivot to passion
How a job search in 2021 led Noel to Row House and eventually into a leadership role.

06:30 – The breakthrough research
Row House hired an agency to evaluate its brand, audience, and growth strategy — and found their core customer was over 40.

08:00 – Rowing as a longevity tool
Why rowing is ideal for people with joint issues, recovering from injuries, or wanting sustainable fitness.

10:00 – The full-body workout myth
Jay shares his surprise at how demanding rowing really is, and Noel explains why it works 85% of your muscles.

13:00 – Creating a campaign
How Row House launched a marketing refresh rooted in real testimonials, vitality, and inclusivity.

17:00 – HILIT: High-Intensity, Low-Impact Training
Why this training style is gaining ground and is ideal for midlife adults.

21:00 – From vanity to vitality
Jay and Noel reflect on shifting motivations for exercise, from looks to lifestyle.

25:00 – Social proof matters
Why Row House’s marketing now features real clients over 40 — and what other businesses can learn from it.

30:00 – The path forward
How Row House plans to keep growing with authenticity and purpose.

📚 Resources Mentioned

• Row House: https://www.therowhouse.com

🎤 Host: Jay Croft
Jay helps fitness professionals grow their businesses by serving the over-50 market with clarity, confidence, and proven messaging.

🌐 Podcast Website: https://primefitcontent.com

📬 Contact: [email protected]

📱 Follow Jay:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primefitcontent
  
  
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/croftjay

Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or tag us on social using #OptimalAgingPodcast.

In this solo episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, host Jay Croft opens up about the powerful, often misunderstood topic of consistency—and why it matters more than intensity in fitness, business, and life.

Jay shares how showing up steadily over time—through writing, podcasting, and growing his business—has led to meaningful progress. But he also gets candid about where he’s falling short, particularly in emailing his prospects. If you're a gym owner or coach feeling stuck or impatient, this episode offers a refreshing reminder: Slow growth is not no growth.

You’ll learn:

• Why consistency beats intensity in fitness and marketing
• How Prime Fit Content is growing through steady effort
• Where even seasoned pros struggle with follow-through
• Tactics for getting back on track with grace and strategy
• Why self-compassion might be the key to long-term success

This is a must-listen for anyone building a business to serve people over 50—and anyone who’s ever felt like they’re not doing “enough.”

🕒 Timestamps

0:00 – Why consistency matters more than intensity
 1:00 – The fitness lesson every coach knows
 3:00 – Jay’s wins in 2025: book, podcast, YouTube
 4:30 – Growth through daily habits, not viral hits
 5:00 – Where Jay’s falling behind: his own email list
 7:00 – Lessons from Pat Rigsby’s accountability system
 8:30 – Compassion for yourself and your clients
 10:00 – Progress isn’t always visible—track it smartly
 11:00 – Final thoughts on consistency and mindset
 12:00 – Takeaways: show up, imperfectly but persistently

👤 Host: Jay Croft

Jay helps fitness professionals grow their businesses by marketing to the over-50 crowd through his company, Prime Fit Content. He brings honesty, experience, and practical strategies to every conversation.

🌐 Website: https://primefitcontent.com

📬 Contact: [email protected]

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primefitcontent

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/croftjay

📢 Calls to Action
👍 Rate & review on Apple Podcasts
📱 Follow on Instagram: @primefitcontent
📥 Got consistency tips? Email Jay!

Reconnecting with old college friends after 40 years might sound nostalgic, but in this solo episode of The Optimal Aging Podcast, host Jay Croft uncovers deeper insights about aging well — insights that can reshape how you approach your business and connect with clients over 50.

Jay reflects on a recent reunion at Colorado State University and the three big takeaways that emerged: the power of lifelong friendships, the need for reinvention after disruption, and facing mortality with joy and purpose.

This is a heartfelt, thoughtful episode full of lessons on how connection, resilience, and perspective can enrich the aging experience — and how fitness professionals can use those insights to better serve their clients.

🔍 Episode Highlights:

💬 Lifelong Friendship & Health

• How social connection supports longevity and wellness
• Why gyms and fitness businesses must create community

🔄 Reinvention After Disruption

• Newspaper careers upended — and what that teaches about adapting with age
• How older clients may be navigating life reinventions when they come to you

⏳ Mortality Without Morbidity

• Honest reflections on aging and loss — without becoming morbid
• Why purpose, laughter, and joy matter in your message

⏰ Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & personal message
 01:00 – The reunion at Colorado State University
 03:20 – Lifelong friendships and healthy aging
 05:10 – The role of community in fitness for older adults
 06:40 – Reinvention after career disruption
 08:30 – Reinvention and resilience in fitness as we age
 10:00 – Mortality and mindset: acknowledging without fear
 11:30 – Final 3 takeaways for fitness professionals
 12:10 – Wrap-up: gratitude, purpose, and reflection

🎤 Host: Jay Croft

Jay is the founder of Prime Fit Content and host of The Optimal Aging Podcast, helping fitness pros market effectively to the over-50 population.

🌐 Podcast Website: https://www.primefitcontent.com

📬 Contact Jay: [email protected]

📱 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primefitcontent

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/croftjay

👍 Love the show? Rate us on Apple Podcasts and share this episode with a friend who’d appreciate it.

In this episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast, Jay Croft speaks with Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford, a Mayo Clinic neurologist and co-author of the new edition of the Mayo Clinic Guide to Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias. They discuss how Alzheimer’s disease begins 20 years before symptoms appear, what can be done to prevent or delay it, and what health and fitness professionals working with people over 50 need to know now.

Dr. Radford shares powerful new insights on early detection tools, lifestyle factors like exercise and hearing loss, and how fitness protocols can support cognitive health. You'll also hear how dual-tasking workouts, VO2 max, and neuroplasticity play a role in long-term brain health.

If you serve older adults in health, fitness, or wellness, this is a must-listen.

👤 Guest: Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford

Bio:
Dr. Jonathan Graff-Radford is a neurologist at the Mayo Clinic and co-author of Mayo Clinic on Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias. His research focuses on early detection, prevention, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

Resources & Links:

• Mayo Clinic Guide to Alzheimer’s: https://mcpress.mayoclinic.org/product/mayo-clinic-on-alzheimers-and-other-dementias/
  
  
• Mayo Clinic Brain Health Tips: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/healthy-aging/in-depth/brain-health-tips/art-20555198
  
  
• Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Resources: https://www.mayo.edu/research/centers-programs/alzheimers-disease-research-center/research-activities/mayo-clinic-study-aging/patients-families/resources
  
  

🧠 Topics Covered

What Is Alzheimer’s Really?

• Difference between Alzheimer’s and general dementia
• Amyloid and tau proteins in the brain

Why Prevention Starts Now

• Alzheimer’s can start 20 years before symptoms
• 40–45% of dementia may be preventable

Lifestyle Factors That Matter

• Exercise, diet, sleep, stress, and social connection
• Hearing loss as a major (and treatable) risk factor

How Exercise Affects the Brain

• Growing the hippocampus with aerobic exercise
• VO2 max and brain resilience studies

The Role of Neuroplasticity

• How the brain adapts and rewires itself
• Dual-tasking in fitness for cognitive engagement

New Tools and Treatments

• Blood tests with 90% accuracy
• Two new FDA-approved drugs slow progression
• Early detection through the Ahead & Trailblazer studies

📱 Follow Jay Croft
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/primefitcontent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/croftjay

🌐 Website: https://primefitcontent.com

📬 Contact: [email protected]

👍 Like this episode? Share it with a friend or leave a review on Apple Podcasts!

In this episode of the Optimal Aging Podcast, Jay Croft talks with Dr. Alan Rozanski, a New York City cardiologist with five decades of experience in cardiac rehab and prevention. Dr. Rozanski introduces the concept of "resistance snacks"—short, simple bursts of resistance training that anyone can incorporate into their day.

Whether you're a fitness professional or a healthcare provider, this conversation breaks down how micro-movements can build strength, prevent decline, and serve as an accessible gateway for deconditioned adults over 50.

Dr. Rozanski explains why resistance training is often overlooked in traditional medical advice—and what needs to change. He also shares how even soup cans and wall pushups can be powerful tools for building resilience later in life.

🧑‍⚕️ Guest: Dr. Alan Rozanski

Bio:
Dr. Alan Rozanski is a renowned cardiologist based in New York City, with over 50 years in preventive cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation. He is a national leader in lifestyle medicine and passionate advocate for incorporating strength training into everyday health routines for older adults.

Links:

• Website: https://alanrozanski.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-rozanski-md
  

📌 Episode Highlights

The Resistance Snack Revolution

• What resistance snacks are and why they matter
• Examples of snackable exercises anyone can do

Muscle Loss, Longevity & Prevention

• Sarcopenia’s silent effect on older adults
• How doctors can better guide patients toward strength

Breaking the “Too Old” Mindset

• How to reframe aging and vitality
• Why even minimal movement yields maximum results

🎧 Resources & Links

• Prime Fit Content: https://primefitcontent.com
  
  
• Contact Jay: [email protected]
  
  

🎤 Host: Jay Croft
Jay helps fitness and health professionals reach more people over 50 with better marketing, storytelling, and engagement.

🌐 Podcast Website: https://primefitcontent.com

👍 Rate us on Apple Podcasts
 📱 Follow @primefitcontent on Instagram
 📬 Join our email list: https://primefitcontent.com

📢 Loved this episode? Share it with a friend or tag us using #OptimalAging