In this wide-ranging, end-of-year conversation, Matt and Chris explore what it really means to hire a personal trainer—and what both clients and trainers should expect from that relationship in the future. Drawing on decades of experience, they argue that training should move beyond “just sweating” to a high-value, holistic model where the trainer acts as a long-term health “quarterback,” guiding fitness, recovery, nutrition, behavior change, and accountability. The discussion emphasizes the importance of discovery sessions, shared philosophy, strong communication, thoughtful follow-up, and an exceptional client experience from start to finish. Rather than frequent, price-driven sessions, the hosts advocate for less frequent but higher-impact coaching, where value comes from expertise, personalization, and connection to a broader healthcare team—positioning fitness as the true future of healthcare.

In this episode of the Rest, Eat, Move podcast, the Matt and Chris run through a light-hearted “12 Days of Health” series, exploring popular fitness and wellness trends with a mix of experience, skepticism, and common sense. They discuss saunas, cold plunges, fasted cardio, peptides, hormone therapy, intermittent fasting, zero-calorie drinks, spot reduction, protein recommendations, the carnivore diet, oatmeal, barbell squats, and wearables—emphasizing that most trends become problematic when taken to extremes. Throughout the conversation, they reinforce long-term fundamentals such as balanced nutrition, realistic expectations, thoughtful training, and tuning into the body’s own signals rather than blindly following hype or shortcuts. While many modern approaches have potential benefits, the hosts caution that most require context, moderation, and an understanding of how the body naturally works.

Matt and Chris open December by encouraging listeners to use the month not for drastic health changes but for honest reflection, stillness, and envisioning where they want to be by 2026. They discuss how constant busyness, stress, and survival-mode thinking prevent people from dreaming, planning, and believing that meaningful change is possible. Instead of reacting or relying on quick fixes, they advocate slowing down, creating space for stillness, and identifying what one truly wants for their health—less inflammation, better sleep, reduced stress, greater vibrancy—then breaking that vision into small, achievable habits. They emphasize that real transformation comes from tiny wins, consistency, and a willingness to be uncomfortable, reflect deeply, and build sustainable habits over time. Ultimately, they urge listeners to paint a clear picture of their desired health future and start laying the groundwork now, one small step at a time.

How much protein do you REALLY need? ???? Join us in this enlightening episode of the Rest Eat Move podcast, where we dive deep into the power of food and unravel the mystery behind protein requirements. Our expert duo is back in the studio to break down the noise and misconceptions surrounding protein intake.

Understanding the balance of macronutrients is essential for optimal health and wellness. We discuss the potential pitfalls of overconsuming protein, the importance of maintaining a balanced pH, and the amazing ways to improve your overall nutrition. From personal anecdotes about bodybuilding and nutrition to practical advice on sustaining a healthy lifestyle, we cover it all.

Discover natural remedies and learn how to prevent and aid common health issues by improving the issue at the source. This episode is packed with practical tips and insights that will help you challenge your current goals and optimize your health journey.

Ready to take control of your wellness? ???? Watch now and start making informed decisions about your protein intake and overall nutrition. Remember, balance is key! For more information and helpful resources, visit our website. ????

In this episode, Matt explores “stillness” as an overlooked yet essential tool for mental clarity, emotional regulation, creativity, and overall well-being—especially during the busy holiday season. He explains that stillness isn’t laziness but intentional space for breathing, recalibrating the nervous system, and processing the stress we usually outrun with constant stimulation, technology, and busyness. Because stillness forces us to confront what we avoid, most people resist it, yet it remains the doorway to presence, abundance, and higher performance. Matt highlights the power of the exhale, the importance of creating moments of quiet, and offers practical ways to practice stillness—from brief silent pauses and technology boundaries to mindful walks, reflective habits, and gratitude. Ultimately, he urges listeners to “allow” stillness instead of trying to earn it, recognizing it as a foundational practice for clarity, energy, and a more fulfilling life.

In this episode, Matt and Chris return to the studio to tackle the growing obsession with supplements and synthetic nutrients in modern health culture. Using creatine, peptides, and GLP-1 drugs as examples, they question whether our fixation on isolated nutrients is leading us further away from true health. Drawing from decades of nutrition and wellness experience, they argue that the real solution lies in returning to whole, unprocessed foods — “eating food, not nutrients.” The hosts break down how overreliance on synthetic supplements and appetite-suppressing drugs contributes to nutrient deficiencies, muscle loss, gut issues, and declining metabolic health. Through stories, research, and real-world insights from the supplement industry, Matt and Chris make a compelling case for rethinking our relationship with food, simplicity, and balance.

Discover the simple change that doubled my testosterone levels and transformed my overall health! In today's video, I share my personal journey from dealing with high cholesterol, acid reflux, and even erectile dysfunction, to achieving remarkable hormonal balance and vitality. This isn't just about men – women can benefit from increased testosterone too!

Join me as I dive into the importance of testosterone for both men and women, and how it acts as a key indicator of aging. Learn about the "challenge goal" I set for myself and the amazing ways to improve your health through natural remedies and lifestyle changes. From stress management and better sleep to omega-3 fats and strength training, I'll reveal the practical steps that can help you prevent and aid hormonal imbalances and improve the issue at the source.

Ready to take control of your health and wellness? Watch the video to see how you can start your journey towards better fitness and a balanced lifestyle. Don't forget to visit our website for more information and additional helpful resources. Your path to feeling and being your best starts now!

In this conversation, Matt and Chris explore the idea of creating a new future by taking responsibility for personal health and well-being. They discuss how many people live reactively—blaming genetics, circumstances, or lack of time—rather than proactively shaping their own outcomes. Drawing from personal stories, coaching experiences, and examples of individuals who “broke the chain” of unhealthy family patterns, they emphasize that transformation starts with self-awareness, curiosity, and intentionality. The discussion challenges the notion that health and happiness are dictated by luck or external forces, framing responsibility not as blame, but as empowerment. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to embrace discomfort, rethink their habits, and envision what’s truly possible for a healthier, more fulfilling life.

In this episode of the Rest Eat Move podcast, Matt explores the concept of blind spots in his personal health journey, particularly around sleep. Despite thinking he was doing well, data from a wearable revealed overlooked issues like screen time, alcohol, and bedtime habits affecting sleep quality. He reflects on the difference between surviving and thriving, stressing the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and staying committed to the process—not just the outcomes. Matt encourages listeners to examine their own blind spots and embrace discomfort as a path to real growth.

Chris and Matt Johnson dive deep into what it really takes to move from “good” to “great” in your personal fitness journey. Building on recent interviews, they bring the focus back to practical, in-house action steps — from designing a realistic workout plan to understanding the deeper connection between movement, mindset, and recovery.

They explore the importance of place and time, how to build a sustainable exercise routine, and why most people start in the wrong place when trying to get back into shape. The conversation unpacks the concept of periodization — training in cycles that balance effort, rest, and adaptation — and introduces the 89-day Fibonacci Training Plan, a system based on natural rhythms found in nature.

Listeners will learn how to use tools like the Four F’s of Strength Training (Focus, Form, Feel, Fatigue) and the Three R’s (Rate, Range, Resistance) to train smarter, avoid burnout, and rediscover curiosity in movement. From the science of recovery to the art of listening to your body, this episode reframes fitness as a journey of awareness and intention — not just intensity.

Whether you’re new to exercise or a lifelong mover looking to reignite progress, this episode gives you a thoughtful framework for becoming more efficient, more mindful, and ultimately, more fulfilled in how you move.