Embracing "Lifting Heavy Sh*t" Can Make All the Difference in Your 50s

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Embracing "Lifting Heavy Sh*t" Can Make All the Difference in Your 50s

When my FABULOUS client Sarah told me she wanted to “lift heavy sh*t” it was music to my ears. We’ve worked together for years and over time we’ve shifted focus of her program to strategically align with evolving priorities including improving body composition and health markers through an integrated approach to exercise, nutrition and recovery; easing the transition into perimenopause; enabling her active lifestyle and love of tennis and scuba; and ensuring her vitality, mobility and agility as she inches toward early retirement. Her love of metrics, data and science have given us the insights necessary to build her ideal program for her unique body which is yielding incredible results. Her continual efforts to learn and try new approaches is inspiring and I’m so grateful she took the time to discuss her journey here.

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Client Spotlight: Sean I (and family!)

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Client Spotlight: Sean I (and family!)

“Working with JJ literally changed my life. He’s the only trainer who I’ve had a breakthrough with in terms of achieving my personal fitness objectives. He’s super knowledgeable in the space and uses data to drive decision making, which I love! I appreciate his holistic approach to fitness that not only includes exercise, but also nutrition and sleep. It’s obvious that he cares about his clients and wants them to be successful – and frankly, if you do what he says, you will see results.”

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Client Spotlight: Kimberly Su and Her "Virtual Fitness" Journey

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Client Spotlight: Kimberly Su and Her "Virtual Fitness" Journey

When I met Kimberly in February 2020 for a quick chat to discuss training together I was super excited. She wanted to build a strength training program to help her recover from a hip injury and to get her feeling strong and balanced in her body. She was everything I look for in a client: ready, willing and energetic. And then COVID hit.

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Client Spotlight: How a 56-Year Old lawyer Crushed a Dipsea "Quad Quad"

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Client Spotlight: How a 56-Year Old lawyer Crushed a Dipsea "Quad Quad"

I'm super proud of my client and friend Bradley Fenner who hasn't let 2020 stop him from reaching his fitness goals. This month Bradley, a 56-year old lawyer, successfully completed a Dipsea "Quad Quad". That means this avid runner managed to traverse the iconic 7.1-mile Dipsea Trail between Mill Valley and Stinson Beach 16 times for a total of 113.2 miles (and nearly 37,000 feet) in just under 34 hours. Let that sink in and read all about Bradley’s journey.

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How Intention, Data and a Few Barbells Can Change Your Body and Mind

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How Intention, Data and a Few Barbells Can Change Your Body and Mind

It’s very hard in this busy, tech-driven world to find time for fitness. And not everyone sees the value in building a strong foundation by addressing mobility, posture and core strength needs before tackling larger goals like Olympic lifting and endurance running. But my client Julian has done things the right way. Over the years he has diligently done the work. Integrating resistance training, mobility work, massage and LOTS of data points, he has achieved his body comp goal of getting lean (hello, abs!) and his posture is on point. His running has improved. He is now safely starting to Olympic lift. As a trainer, I’m gushing over his success.

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How Cardio, Mobility and Complex Training Keeps This Athlete Fit and Balanced in the "Real World"

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How Cardio, Mobility and Complex Training Keeps This Athlete Fit and Balanced in the "Real World"

My client Chase gives me hope. When I transitioned my personal training business to the Bay Club I didn’t know what to expect. He was the first client I was paired with. I immediately knew I had made the right decision. Though only in his early 20s, Chase has maturity and discipline beyond his years and it’s been my pleasure helping him transition from a college athlete to the professional world. It’s my honor helping him define his fitness goals, stay motivated and learn new styles of training beyond lifting the heaviest weight possible. The fact that he truly cares about his health, his posture and his mobility makes me beam with pride. I had to interview him to share his inspiring story.

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Brides, Body Image and Building a Strong Fitness Foundation

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Brides, Body Image and Building a Strong Fitness Foundation

I recently started working with a young, successful and fierce bride-to-be who has infinitely impressed and charmed me. It's easy for clients to succumb to pressure (from themselves, the media, family, etc) to look "perfect" on the big day. Sometimes the quest for the ideal body can lead to negative self talk, unhealthy behaviors and mental and physical stress. What impresses me about Erica is her primary desire to BE healthy and happy. In this post she shares her journey and perspective with us on body image, building a strong fitness foundation and setting expectations.

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If This Busy Law Firm Partner and Husband Learned to Make His Health a Priority, You Can Too!

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If This Busy Law Firm Partner and Husband Learned to Make His Health a Priority, You Can Too!

I started training Tom Gaynor about two years ago. And looking back at how far he’s come I can barely remember some of the challenges we used to face. If I squint my eyes and think back really hard I can vaguely remember a heavier guy with an inhaler in one hand and a Blackberry in another frequently complaining about how his back hurt. Now when I see Tom, I see a man with a body that moves pain free, is 25# lighter and has greater capacity lungs. And he still gets to enjoy the occasional steak frites and martini. Tom is the kind of client that inspires me with his genuine commitment to his health while still successfully managing a thriving law practice, clamoring clients and a family (husband - who I now also train - and dog, Louis) in Marin. If you don’t think small changes over time can really add up, then you have to read his story below.

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