New Year, Same Muscle: Why Strength Beats Willpower for Resolutions That Last – A Personal Opinion
Every January, millions of people hit the ground running with lofty health goals. Some chase steps. Others slash calories. Many count days, streaks, or weigh-ins. But what if the real secret to lasting change isn’t willpower at all? What if it’s strength? In my last two NFPT articles—Strength, Not Streaks: Resistance Training as the Real […]
Protein Is the Plan: Why RDA Isn’t Enough for Body Composition Goals in the New Year
If resistance training is the spark, protein is the fuel. In the first article of this series, we explored how resistance training serves as a powerful behavioral anchor for lasting transformation. It’s consistent, empowering, and muscle-centric. But without the right nutritional foundation—especially adequate protein intake—clients risk spinning their wheels. Consequently, this second installment reframes protein […]
Strength, Not Streaks: Resistance Training as the Real Resolution and Missing Link Between Motivation, Muscle, and Momentum
Every January, fitness professionals see the same pattern repeat itself: renewed motivation, lofty goals, and genuine optimism that this year will be different. And yet, by February, adherence drops, routines unravel, and confidence erodes. This is not because clients lack discipline—but because many programs still emphasize outcomes over systems. Resistance training offers a fundamentally different […]
The Mirror vs. The Lab Report: Rethinking Transformation Photos in a GLP-1 World
In the age of semaglutide selfies and Ozempic “after” photos, personal trainers are facing a growing challenge: helping clients redefine the concept of transformation. It’s tempting (understandably so) to look in the mirror and see success staring back when the number on the scale drops dramatically. But here’s the real question: what happens when the […]
Integrating Personal Trainers into Multidisciplinary GLP-1 Care Models
As the fitness industry continues to evolve, personal trainers are increasingly becoming more than just exercise professionals; they are becoming essential members of multidisciplinary healthcare teams, particularly in the context of GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy. Specifically, these medications are transforming the approach to chronic disease management by addressing weight management, metabolic health, psychological well-being, and […]
Tracking Progress Beyond the Scale: New Metrics for GLP-1 Clients
In the era of GLP-1 medications, it’s easy to fall into the trap of celebrating every pound lost. But if you’re a personal trainer working with clients on GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide or liraglutide, you know that weight loss is only the beginning. In this regard, true transformation isn’t just about what’s coming off […]
Should You Train Differently on GLP-1s? A Retired Strength Coach & Professor’s Take on Muscle, Missteps, and Mastery
As I’ve mentioned up to this point in this series on GLP-1 agonist medications and fitness, we’re in a new era of body recomposition. The GLP-1 revolution—led by medications like semaglutide and tirzepatide—has shifted the conversation from willpower to physiology. For the first time in decades, people struggling with obesity have access to pharmaceutical tools […]
GLP-1s and Longevity: A Dual-Edged Sword?
In the fast-moving world of metabolic medicine, GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) have earned a reputation as miracle molecules. Simply listen to any well-known podcaster like Dr. Mark Hyman or Dr. Mike Israetel give their “two cents,” and it is apparent that their ability to regulate appetite, drive weight loss, and improve glycemic control has […]
Strength Training, GLP-1s, and Executive Function: A Muscle-Forward Strategy for Mental Performance
Based on recent articles in this series, GLP-1 receptor agonists have emerged as a promising pharmaceutical option for individuals dealing with the complexities of weight loss, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes. However, while much of the discussion tends to revolve around metabolic and aesthetic outcomes, there is an equally important yet often underexplored […]
What Happens When the Shot Stops? Coaching Clients Beyond GLP-1 Use
There’s a question more and more personal trainers are starting to hear at the end of a training session or over coffee after a client has achieved remarkable progress: “What happens when I stop taking the shot?” The “shot,” of course, refers to a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Whether it’s semaglutide, liraglutide, or tirzepatide, these medications […]