Beyond the Workout

Coach E, Eric Dunston

Practical strategies for building strength, improving nutrition, and staying active after 50. The Beyond the Workout Podcast helps adults over 50 build strength, maintain mobility, and stay independent through simple training and nutrition systems.

  1. 6d ago

    E84 The Protein Problem After 50 (Why Most Adults Are Undereating It)

    Many adults over 50 are unknowingly under-eating one of the most important nutrients for maintaining strength, energy, recovery, and independence… protein. In this episode of Beyond the Workout, Coach E breaks down: why protein becomes MORE important as we age common signs you may not be eating enough how muscle loss quietly begins over time why many adults struggle with recovery and strength and simple ways to increase protein intake without overcomplicating nutrition This episode is not about bodybuilding or extreme diets. It’s about maintaining: strength mobility energy recovery and quality of life as you age. Coach E also discusses: practical protein habits simple protein meal ideas how much protein many adults actually need why recovery matters and how nutrition supports life outside the gym. If you’ve ever: struggled with low energy felt weaker than you used to had difficulty recovering from workouts or wondered why maintaining muscle becomes harder with age… this episode is for you. 🎧 Topics Covered: Protein and aging Muscle preservation Recovery after 50 Strength and nutrition Healthy eating habits Practical protein strategies Sarcopenia awareness Healthy aging nutrition 🌐 More from Coach E:Beyond the Workout Podcast And remember… “The best time to start was when you first thought about it — maybe 20 years ago. The next best time is now.”

    35 min

  2. May 11

    E83: Balance After 50: The Skill Most People Ignore Until It’s Too Late

    Most people don't think about balance until something happens — a stumble, an unsteady moment, or a fall. But balance isn't just about staying on your feet. It's about confidence, independence, and trusting your own body. In this episode, Coach E breaks down why balance declines after 50, what's actually causing it, and what you can start doing about it today. In this episode: Why balance is a skill — and what happens when you stop training itThe CDC stat that every adult over 50 needs to hearHow medications like statins can affect your leg strength and stabilityWhy walking alone isn't enough to protect your balance4 simple things you can start doing right now to improve your balance and confidenceFree Resource: Download Coach E's Balance After 50 Guide at ericdunston.com/balance Want a plan built around your body and your goals? Schedule a free discovery call at ericdunston.com Beyond the Workout is for educational purposes only. Consult a qualified professional regarding your health.

    21 min

  3. May 4

    E82 Weight Loss After 50: I Was Asked About GLP-1s as a Fitness Coach… Here’s What I Said

    GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy are everywhere right now. Social mediaCelebritiesCommercials But what do they actually do… and are they the right solution for you? In this episode, I break down a real conversation I had with someone I’ve worked with — someone who simply asked: “How do you feel about these weight loss drugs?” I’m not here to hype them.And I’m not here to speak against them either. I’m here to give you a clear, grounded perspective as a coach. In this episode, we cover: • What GLP-1 medications actually do (based on research)• Why weight loss results can be significant• The side effects directly from the manufacturer• The risk of losing muscle — especially after 50• What happens when you stop taking them• Why celebrity results don’t tell the full story• The importance of having structure, guidance, and accountability Because at the end of the day… Medication is a tool — not a replacement for your habits. If you’re considering GLP-1s, currently using them, or just trying to understand your options — this episode will help you think more clearly about your next step. 🎧 Listen to more episodes:https://ericdunston.com/podcast/ 💬 Let’s Connect If you’re trying to figure out what the right approach looks like for your health: 👉 http://ericdunston.com “The best time to start was when you first thought about it — maybe 20 years ago. The next best time is now.”

    23 min

  4. Apr 27

    E81: Recovery After 50: Why Your Body Isn’t Keeping Up (And How to Fix It)

    If you’ve been working out consistently…but instead of feeling stronger, you feel worn down… This episode is for you. In this episode of Beyond the Workout, Coach E breaks down one of the biggest mistakes adults over 50 make: You’re focusing on workouts… but ignoring recovery. And that’s exactly why your body isn’t keeping up. As discussed in the episode, you’re not getting stronger during the workout —you’re actually breaking your body down. The real progress happens after the workout…when your body repairs, rebuilds, and restores energy.   If that recovery process doesn’t happen… You stay stuck feeling:• sore longer than you should• low on energy throughout the day• frustrated because your results don’t match your effort 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why working out more is NOT the answer after 50• How poor recovery keeps you in a constant state of fatigue• Why sleep is the most important recovery tool you have• How too much intensity actually slows your progress• What a structured recovery plan really looks like 🧠 What Proper Recovery Actually Looks Like (From the Episode) This is not about doing less. It’s about doing things correctly: • Giving your body enough time between workouts to fully recover• Keeping a consistent sleep schedule (same time every night)• Structuring your workouts instead of doing random sessions• Managing intensity (not every workout should feel hard)• Adding low-intensity movement like walking to support recovery 🧰 Recovery Tools Mentioned Coach E also talks about using tools like foam rolling to support recovery—not replace it. Foam rolling helps:• reduce muscle stiffness• improve blood flow• release tension in the tissue around your muscles• speed up recovery between workouts If you’re looking for simple options to get started: • TriggerPoint CORE Foam Roller (softer compression):https://amzn.to/48qymFz • Deep Tissue Massage Stick (portable recovery tool):https://amzn.to/4ucI1I9 • Amazon Basics High-Density Foam Roller (firmer option):https://amzn.to/4cLmq2n As mentioned in the episode, you don’t need to overcomplicate this—even 10 minutes, a few times a week can make a difference.   🔑 Key Takeaway You don’t need to train more. You need to recover better. Because after 50… Recovery is part of training. 🎧 Listen to More Episodes: https://ericdunston.com/podcast/ If you’re putting in the effort but not seeing results… It’s probably not your workouts. It’s your system. And that’s something we can fix. 👉 Reach out or learn more here:http://ericdunston.com

    31 min

  5. Apr 20

    E80: The 5 Strength Exercises Adults Over 50 Should Never Skip

    You don’t lose strength because you’re getting older. You lose strength because you stop training the movements your body actually needs.   And most people over 50 are doing exactly that. They go to the gym. They stay consistent. But they’re skipping the movements that actually keep them strong, stable, and independent. So even though they’re working out… they still feel weaker. In this episode of Beyond the Workout, Coach E breaks down the five foundational strength movements that directly impact your ability to move, function, and stay independent as you age. This is not about random workouts. This is about training your body for real life. 💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS Strength loss is not caused by age alone Skipping foundational movements leads to functional decline Lower body strength directly impacts independence Proper movement patterns reduce injury risk Training should translate to real-life activities, not just gym performance 🧠 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why squats are critical for daily movement and independence How hinge movements protect your back and improve strength The role of pushing and pulling in maintaining balance and posture Why carries are one of the most underrated exercises for longevity How to structure your workouts for real-world strength 📚 RESEARCH & REFERENCES Lower body strength and independence in aging adults (functional mobility research) Posterior chain strength and injury prevention studies Upper body strength and functional capacity research Grip strength as a predictor of longevity and overall health If you’re ready to stop guessing and start training with purpose: 👉 Go to ericdunston.com Learn more about the BETTER Fitness Program and schedule your strategy call

    30 min

  6. Apr 13

    E79: The Energy Crisis After 50 (Why You’re Always Tired)

    You’re not just tired. Your system is working against you. And most people over 50 never fix it… they just learn to live with it. They assume it’s age. They assume it’s normal. But it’s not. In this episode of Beyond the Workout, Coach E breaks down what’s actually happening inside your body when your energy starts to drop—and why it has nothing to do with “just getting older.” You’ll learn how your body really produces energy, and why things like muscle loss, poor nutrition, inconsistent sleep, and the wrong type of training can leave you feeling drained… even if you’re trying to do everything right. This is not about motivation. It’s about understanding your system—and fixing it. If you’ve ever said: “I just don’t have the energy anymore…” This episode will show you why—and what to do about it. What You’ll Learn: Why energy is something your body produces, not something you “find” How muscle loss directly impacts your energy levels The hidden role blood sugar plays in your daily fatigue Why poor sleep disrupts your body’s ability to function How the wrong workouts can actually make you more tired What actually works to rebuild energy after 50 Ready to stop feeling tired all the time? Learn how to build a system that works for your life. 👉 Go to ericdunston.com to learn more about the BETTER Fitness Program and schedule your discovery call. References: McArdle, Katch & Katch — Exercise Physiology Cruz-Jentoft et al., 2019 — Sarcopenia consensus Shulman GI — Insulin resistance research Spiegel et al., 1999 — Sleep restriction study Van Cauter et al. — Sleep & metabolic function

    26 min

  7. Apr 6

    E78-Why You Start and Stop Fitness (And How to Make It Stick After 50)

    If you’ve ever started a fitness routine… made progress… and then stopped — you’re not alone. And it’s not because you lack discipline. In this episode of Beyond the Workout, we break down why so many people over 50 get stuck in the cycle of starting and stopping… and what actually needs to change to make results last. Most people believe they need more motivation. Others think they just need to “try harder.” But the real issue is this: Their plan doesn’t fit their life. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why motivation fades (and why that’s normal) The real reason most fitness plans fail after 50 The difference between chasing results vs building identity How to create a structure that works in real life — not just on paper Because if your plan doesn’t survive your schedule… it won’t survive long enough to create results. This is where things have to change. You’re not just trying to get in shape anymore… you’re becoming someone who stays in shape. 🎯 Key Takeaway You don’t need more discipline or motivation. You need a system that fits your life. 🔗 Take the Next Step If you’re tired of starting and stopping… and you’re ready for a system that actually fits your life… learn more about the BETTER Fitness Program here: https://ericdunston.com/program 📚 References Habit formation and behavior change: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20184960/ Exercise adherence and consistency: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16015122/ Identity and long-term behavior change: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24560923/

    47 min

  8. Mar 30

    E77 – The 4 Pillars of Training After 50 (Strength, Protein, Recovery, Structure)

    If you’re over 50 and feel like you’re doing everything right—you’re exercising, trying to eat better, staying active—but the results don’t match the effort… There’s a good chance one of the four pillars of training is missing. In this episode, I break down the four pillars that determine whether your body continues to improve—or starts to struggle: • Strength training • Protein intake • Recovery • Structure Because when even one of these is off, progress slows, energy drops, and frustration builds. What You’ll Learn • Why muscle loss after 50 affects metabolism, mobility, and independence • How much protein your body actually needs—and how to spread it throughout the day • Why recovery is where real progress actually happens • The role of structure—and why motivation alone isn’t enough • How to identify which pillar is holding you back Key Takeaway You’re not training for a beach season anymore. You’re training for more years of independence, strength, and confidence. Take the Next Step If you’re ready to train smarter and build strength that lasts: 👉 https://ericdunston.com Learn more about my Better Fitness Program, where we combine: • Structured workouts • Real-world nutrition (no extreme dieting) • Recovery strategies that actually work …and build a system that fits your life. Final Thought The best time to start was when you first thought about it… maybe 20 years ago. The next best time is now.

    29 min
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About

Practical strategies for building strength, improving nutrition, and staying active after 50. The Beyond the Workout Podcast helps adults over 50 build strength, maintain mobility, and stay independent through simple training and nutrition systems.

Information

  • Creator
    Coach E, Eric Dunston
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Coach E, Eric Dunston
  • Show Website
    Beyond the Workout