Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

Strength training is about much more than being able to lift heavy weights in the gym—it’s a practice that, if applied correctly, can significantly improve our longevity and overall health. For this week’s episode of Health is a Skill Todd takes a look at what strength training actually entails, inviting certified athletic trainer and strength training specialist, Brett Jones to share his years of insight and expertise. 

After seeing strength training improve so many aspects of his own health, Todd is passionate about everyone adding this important piece of the puzzle to their health toolkit. Together Todd and Brett break down the four main components of a strength training practice, the biggest concerns or potential problems that come with working to get stronger, how to properly do exercises like deadlifts and bench presses, and where to start when developing a strength training program. Their conversation wraps up with Brett sharing a personal story about his own strength training journey and how it aided him during his fight against cancer. Strength is about so much more than lifting the heaviest weights or being muscular—it’s about living a long, enjoyable life where you're able to do the things you want and live independently and well. 

Learn more about Brett and his resources on his website: https://appliedstrength.com/ or follow him on Instagram at @brettjonessfg 

Get access to Todd's free health resource: https://podtodd.com   

Learn more about Stark at: https://www.stark.health  

CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Strength Training
08:42 The Benefits of Being Physically Stronger
19:21 Strength Training for Health and Longevity
24:07 The Practice of Strength Training
28:25 Key Components of a Strength Training Program
34:11 The Practice of Strength Training
36:31 The Importance of Movement Quality
43:33 Patience in Building Strength
51:18 Hip Mobility for Deadlifts
54:17 The Clean, Press, and Squat
01:00:37 The Greater Purpose of Strength

What is Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei?

Welcome to the Health is a Skill podcast with host Todd Vande Hei! Todd is the CEO of Stark, which exists to change the future of health and fitness in the communities they serve. For the last 15 years, Todd has been on a journey to discover what it means to be in a state of peak health. After suffering from a series of seizures and being diagnosed with high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation in his early 30’s, Todd decided it was time to make a change. Those changes fell into one of four categories: lifestyle, exercise, nutrition, and stress management. But the biggest thing Todd learned through it all? Health is a skill. You’re not born with it, like some would like you to believe, and it isn’t acquired by simply buying another product or starting that new diet. Health is something you can create for yourself, and over time it is possible to attain peak health.