The MVP Challenge (feat. Gunnar Peterson)

In this episode of Unlocked, we welcome fitness expert and close friend, Gunnar Peterson, who shares his journey from being a talent manager to becoming a renowned personal trainer. Gunner discusses his philosophy on fitness, emphasizing the importance of treating every client like a star, regardless of their background. He also gives the inside scoop on his time as the strength coach for the Lakers! He takes a holistic approach to health, where nutrition, sleep, and mental well-being play crucial roles in achieving fitness goals.

A significant portion of our conversation centers around Gunnar's daughter, Monroe, who was diagnosed with leukemia and is currently fighting her own battle against the disease. He shares the emotional journey his family has faced, including the challenges of navigating the healthcare system and the incredible support they've received from friends and the community. Gunnar emphasizes the importance of communication and support for caregivers, as well as the need for families to take care of their own well-being during such trying times.

We also discuss the upcoming MVP Challenge on Gunnar's app, Common Ground, aimed at raising awareness and funds for pediatric oncology. His passion for helping others shines through as he recounts the outpouring of support from friends and colleagues in the fitness industry.

Throughout the episode, Gunnar's candidness and humor provide a refreshing perspective on the challenges of parenting, health, and the importance of community support. This episode is not just about fitness; it's a heartfelt reminder of resilience, love, and the power of human connection in the face of adversity.

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About Gunnar Peterson:
Gunnar Peterson is a Nashville based personal trainer whose clients include celebrities, professional athletes, and everyday people. He is the former Los Angeles Lakers’ Director of Strength and Endurance. He is widely recognized for his expertise in functional training and his commitment to developing and implementing innovative fitness techniques. Gunnar’s dynamic approach, boundless energy and (sometimes risky) humor only add to the effectiveness of the experience his clients enjoy. With a client list as diverse as his training methods, Gunnar emphasizes strength training modalities that can be transferred from the gym to daily life, from training camp to championship game. He has worked with athletes from the NBA, NHL, NFL, MLB, USTA, professional boxing (male AND female!) and various NCAA sports. Many film and television celebrities have also sought Gunnar’s guidance in preparing for roles and have stayed on to become year-round clients, making him a cornerstone of their fitness regiment. Through his own fitness product development company, Outside Shot, Gunnar has created The Bottom Line, a total body exercise machine, The RAC, an accessory that incorporates weighted upper body work with Spinning, and Hoop Hands, a basketball-specific resistance training aid. He is an editor and wrote a regular column for Muscle and Fitness magazine for over a decade, he is on the advisory board for Fitness magazine as well as contributor to Clean Eating magazine. Gunnar is also regularly featured in Allure, Elle, In Style, In Touch, Us, Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, and other magazines. His television appearances include The Today Show, Fox & Friends, CNN, CNN Headline News, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, Extra, Keeping Up...