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Health & Fitness Redefined

Anthony Amen
285 episodes   Last Updated: Jun 02, 25

Health and Fitness Redefined with Anthony Amen. Take a dive into the health world as we learn how to overcome adversity, depict fact vs fiction and see health & fitness in a whole new light.Fitness Is Medicine

Episodes

Send us a textWhat does it really take to thrive in life's most challenging moments? Rand Stoess joins Anthony Amen to explore this question through lessons drawn from decades of entrepreneurship, mentorship, and personal growth.The conversation quickly dives into the critical difference between seeking external validation versus developing internal clarity. Rand emphasizes how our greatest strength comes from looking within first—understanding our values and boundaries—before seeking outside input. This self-awareness creates a foundation for resilience when life inevitably throws obstacles our way.One of the most powerful insights revolves around our sphere of influence. Rand shares his personal evolution from believing his success came from controlling everything to realizing he only truly controls four things: attitude, effort, behavior, and chosen actions. Everything beyond that is influence rather than control. As Anthony adds, this influence isn't neutral—it pushes people in either positive or negative directions, making our choices profoundly consequential.The discussion takes an especially practical turn when exploring how we become the average of the five people we spend most time with. Want to develop grit? Surround yourself with resilient people. Need more optimism? Spend time with positive thinkers. This principle extends beyond physical relationships to include the podcasts we listen to and content we consume—all shaping who we become.Rand reveals seven research-backed qualities that lead to life satisfaction: zest, grit, mental toughness, optimism, curiosity, social intelligence, and humor. Each quality creates a foundation for bouncing back from setbacks—like a rubber ball that temporarily deforms upon impact but always regains its shape. This resilience isn't just innate; it can be developed through mindset shifts, forgiveness practices, and viewing life as a series of experiments where not every attempt succeeds on the first try.Ready to transform how you respond to life's challenges? Listen now and discover practical strategies for becoming your most resilient, thriving self.Support the showLearn More at: www.Redefine-Fitness.com
Send us a textThe devastating reality of childhood obesity in America demands our immediate attention. With a staggering 20% of our children—nearly 15 million kids—suffering from obesity, we're facing a generational health crisis that's cutting lives in half before they've truly begun.This episode dives deep into the shocking statistics and life-altering consequences of childhood obesity. When severely overweight children face four times higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and triple the risk of heart disease by age 39, we can no longer pretend this isn't an emergency. The most heartbreaking statistic? Severely obese children face a 50% reduction in life expectancy. We are literally watching half their lives disappear before our eyes.I examine the myths surrounding healthy eating, particularly the persistent belief that nutritious food must be expensive. By breaking down real costs and nutritional value, I demonstrate how this dangerous misconception perpetuates unhealthy choices, especially in lower-income communities where obesity rates soar highest. The government's role comes under scrutiny too—from ineffective school lunch programs undermined by food industry lobbying to SNAP benefits that currently enable junk food purchases with taxpayer dollars.Beyond policy failures, we confront the uncomfortable question: Is allowing a child to become morbidly obese a form of child abuse? When parents introduce infants to soda and processed foods, establishing lifelong unhealthy relationships with nutrition, are we not setting them up for shortened, compromised lives? The solution requires action on multiple fronts—government policy reform, complete overhaul of nutrition education, parental accountability, and consumer choices that drive market change.Join me in this crucial conversation and share it widely. Our children's futures depend on us recognizing this crisis and taking immediate action. Through our votes, our wallets, and our voices, we can create the change needed to save our next generation.Support the showLearn More at: www.Redefine-Fitness.com
Send us a textRick Richey, a 20-year fitness industry veteran and NASM educator since 2006, shares insider knowledge on personal training certifications and what makes NASM stand out in the industry.• The journey from personal trainer to NASM educator, including turning down a celebrity training tour opportunity• Explanation of NASM's Optimum Performance Training (OPT) model and its progression from stabilization to strength to power• Comparison of major fitness certifications (NASM, ACE, ACSM, NSCA) and their different focuses• Deep dive into the evolution of nutrition guidance in personal training and appropriate scope of practice• The philosophy of client empowerment rather than dependency in trainer-client relationships• The importance of continuous learning and choosing accredited certifications• Announcement of NASM's upcoming Certified Wellness Coach certification• The critical connection between education and practical application in fitnessFind Rick on Instagram @drrickrichey or email him at rickrichey@nasm.org.Support the showLearn More at: www.Redefine-Fitness.com
Send us a textMasculinity is under attack, yet most critics don't understand what they're criticizing or how their rhetoric harms young men. Through historical context and personal reflection, we explore what masculinity truly means and why it's essential for a functioning society.• Masculinity is biologically rooted in the Y chromosome, creating different tendencies and drives than those found in women• Throughout history, masculine roles have centered around providing, protecting, and pursuing goals for the benefit of family and community• Modern society has swung from demanding emotional suppression to criticizing action-oriented masculine traits• Men derive happiness from working toward goals and seeing progress, particularly when their efforts benefit their families• Depression rates among men aged 20-39 have nearly tripled since 2005, reaching 14.3% between 2021-2023• Obesity affects nearly 40% of young American men, lowering testosterone and exacerbating identity issues• Exercise is the most underutilized antidepressant with no negative side effects, particularly beneficial for men• Complementary gender roles aren't oppressive when communicated clearly and respected by both partners• Men need to feel valued in society through having responsibility and purposeFitness is medicine.Support the showLearn More at: www.Redefine-Fitness.com
Send us a textFood dyes derived from petroleum offer zero health benefits while potentially causing serious health problems and driving poor food choices. The government is finally taking action against these substances, but true change requires both regulatory efforts and educated consumers.• RFK Jr. is targeting eight petroleum-based food dyes to be removed from foods by next year• Food dyes like Red 40 and Yellow 5 serve no nutritional purpose and exist purely for visual appeal• Double-blind studies have linked Red 40 to increased hyperactivity in children with ADHD• Yellow 40 has been connected to a 2-3% increase in asthmatic events• Animal studies show high concentrations of dyes may increase tumor development tenfold• Natural alternatives like beet and carrot colorings offer some nutritional benefits with none of the risks• The regulatory process to remove harmful ingredients can take 5-10 years due to industry pushback• Trans fats were banned six years ago but still appear in many foods through labeling loopholes• European food standards are significantly higher than American standards• Companies often market unhealthy, artificially colored products specifically to children• Many common food additives banned in the EU remain legal in the USDon't forget, hit subscribe, share. It's the only way this grows. Let's start some topics. Let's make America simple again when it comes to food.Support the showLearn More at: www.Redefine-Fitness.com
Send us a textAnthony and Dom explore the challenges of navigating fitness misinformation and provide practical strategies for identifying trustworthy advice in an industry flooded with conflicting information.• Physical appearance doesn't guarantee expertise – someone with a six-pack isn't necessarily knowledgeable about exercise science• The fitness industry lacks standardized regulation, allowing anyone to claim they're a trainer without proper credentials• Fear-mongering tactics and promises of "special formulas" or "magic solutions" are major red flags• Formal education provides some credibility but isn't the only factor to consider• Fundamentals like strength training, cardio, proper sleep and nutrition remain the most reliable approaches• Contract-free training options demonstrate a company's confidence in their product• Focus on fitness professionals who specialize in what you need rather than claiming expertise in everything• Consistency with basic principles matters more than perfect optimization or trendy approachesDon't forget to share, subscribe, and remember: fitness is medicine.Support the showLearn More at: www.Redefine-Fitness.com
Send us a textMind fitness is as crucial as body fitness, serving as preventative medicine for our mental health before we reach crisis points. Brain fitness expert Arnold shares how we can break free from societal conditioning to live our authentic lives rather than meeting others' expectations.• Modern mental health struggles began long before COVID-19• We spend 20-25 years being conditioned to be the same as everyone else• Most people are living "someone else's life" rather than their own• Constant comparison on social media creates a "fitting in" mentality• Education systems focus on conformity rather than helping students express uniqueness• Helicopter parenting prevents children from developing mental resilience• Experiencing adversity is essential for personal growth and development• Replacing your inner critic with an inner cheerleader is the first step to mental freedom• Exercise is the most effective antidepressant with zero negative side effects• The will to live and mental determination are powerful healing forces• Arnold's 15-week program helps remove the 34 "straitjackets" limiting our potentialVisit braingymfitness.com to learn more about Arnold's training program and masterclasses or to schedule a personal consultation.Support the showLearn More at: www.Redefine-Fitness.com
Send us a textConrad shares his unique journey into fitness from working as an executive assistant to a Venezuelan billionaire to becoming an EMS training specialist focused on helping special populations achieve results.• Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) uses a suit with electrodes to stimulate all muscle fibers simultaneously• A 20-minute EMS session can deliver results equivalent to 1.5-2 hours of traditional weightlifting• EMS activates both slow-twitch and fast-twitch muscle fibers regardless of the weight being used• The technology particularly appeals to women over 40 who feel uncomfortable in traditional gym environments• Proper intensity management is crucial - aim for challenging but not painful stimulation levels• EMS shows potential for rehabilitation applications, possibly helping with nerve damage and activation issues• The suit allows for targeting specific muscle groups while still engaging the entire body during single exercisesFitness is medicine. Share and subscribe to the show - it's the only way we grow!Support the showLearn More at: www.Redefine-Fitness.com
Send us a textKevin shares his transformative journey from a health crisis in his mid-40s to becoming a fitness coach specialized in helping people over 50 build strength and optimize health through sustainable lifestyle changes. His wake-up call came after a hospital stay where he thought he was having a heart attack, prompting him to reconsider his approach to health beyond traditional "eat less, exercise more" advice.• Kevin's health deteriorated in his 40s despite previous marathon experience• Traditional advice of "eat less and do more cardio" led to underwhelming results• Discovering strength training completely transformed his approach to fitness• The dangers of "skinny fat" syndrome and muscle wasting from extreme dieting• Why GLP-1 medications like Ozempic may create long-term health problems• The importance of building muscle for long-term health and independence• How our cultural victim mentality undermines personal health responsibility• Why the medical system often fails to address root causes of health problems• Taking radical responsibility as the foundation for health transformation• The power of small, consistent habit changes compounded over timeDon't forget to share this episode with someone who needs it because we care about you. Remember, fitness is medicine.Support the showLearn More at: www.Redefine-Fitness.com
Send us a textSupport the showLearn More at: www.Redefine-Fitness.com