Keiser Human Performance Podcast

Keiser Fitness

This podcast aims to educate, inspire, empower you with the knowledge needed to make the most out of your fitness journey.

  1. 11/12/2025

    Ep 35 | Kirk Gibson Center: Parkinson's Wellness

    In this conversation, Gabe Derman sits down with three leading professionals from the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s — Angee Ludwa, Emily Borchers, and Jill Magill — to explore how resistance training is reshaping the way we understand and treat Parkinson’s disease. Together, they discuss the science, the stories, and the human side of exercise-based care, centered around the new Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness in Farmington Hills, Michigan. The group dives into the evolving landscape of Parkinson’s treatment — from compensatory to restorative approaches — and how targeted strength and power training can dramatically improve mobility, balance, and quality of life. They also share insights on the challenges individuals with Parkinson’s face, the critical role of early intervention, and how their holistic approach integrates assessment, individualized programming, and community connection. Beyond the physical benefits, the conversation highlights the emotional and social power of movement — how a supportive community can inspire hope, resilience, and empowerment for people living with Parkinson’s and their families. Learn more about the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s: https://www.kirkgibsonfoundation.org/ https://kirkgibsoncenter.org/ Stay connected with Keiser: Instagram: @Keiserfitness Twitter: @keiserfitness Facebook: @keiserfitness LinkedIn: Keiser Corporation Website: https://www.keiser.com/

    44 min
  2. 11/12/2025

    Ep 34 | Christian Straka: Mindfullness

    In this conversation, Gabe Derman and Christian Straka explore the concept of mindfulness, particularly in the context of athletic performance. They discuss the three core skills of mindfulness—attention, awareness, and equanimity—and how these can be applied to enhance performance in sports like tennis. Christian shares personal experiences and insights on how mindfulness can help athletes manage emotions, improve focus, and recover effectively. The discussion also touches on the importance of teaching mindfulness in academic settings and the potential benefits for young athletes. Throughout the conversation, Christian emphasizes that mindfulness is a practice that can be developed over time, leading to greater success both in sports and in life. Connect with Christian Instagram: @straka.la Website: https://www.straka.la Stay connected with Keiser: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keiserfitne... Twitter: @keiserfitness Facebook: @keiserfitness LinkedIn: Keiser Corporation Keiser Fitness Website: https://www.keiser.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Mindfulness and Book Writing 02:48 Defining Mindfulness: Skills and Techniques 05:26 Mindfulness in Athletic Performance 08:09 The Importance of Mindfulness in Tennis 11:07 Analyzing Performance: Strengths and Weaknesses 14:02 Practical Application: Mindfulness in Golf 16:47 Navigating Thoughts and Emotions in Sports 19:36 Refining Mindfulness Skills for Athletes 32:17 Navigating Thoughts and Emotions 32:59 Skill Building and Individualization 37:44 Mindfulness in Recovery 47:15 Understanding and Managing Frustration 50:41 Success Stories in Mindfulness 56:20 Teaching Mindfulness at USC a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BehykKsdL-0&t=3466s" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    1h 9m
  3. 08/20/2025

    Ep 33 | Crystal Johnson: STEP Program

    In this conversation, Gabe Derman and Crystal Johnson discuss the STEP program, a comprehensive fitness solution designed to empower older adults through power training. Crystal shares insights from the pilot program, highlighting significant improvements in participants' strength and quality of life. The discussion emphasizes the importance of power training for aging individuals, the safety and educational aspects of implementing STEP in communities, and the future vision for expanding this program globally. Crystal's passion for enhancing the lives of older adults through effective fitness solutions is evident throughout the conversation. Keiser STEP: Email crystalj@keiser.com for more info! Stay connected with Keiser: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keiserfitne... Twitter: @keiserfitness Facebook: @keiserfitness LinkedIn: Keiser Corporation Keiser Fitness Website: https://www.keiser.com/ Introduction and Personal Connection 01:05 Understanding the STEP Program 02:13 Inspiration Behind STEP 04:28 Pilot Program Insights 06:12 Impact on Residents' Lives 07:46 Testing and Results 10:54 Importance of Power Training 16:05 Community Feedback on Kaiser Equipment 19:36 Safety and Speed in Training 21:30 The Impact of Training on Performance 22:22 Implementing the STEP Program 26:25 Education and Community Engagement 28:00 Programming and Specialization in STEP 29:40 The Evolution of STEP and Its Importance 34:07 Flexibility and Adaptability of STEP 37:18 The Role of Testing in STEP 38:22 The Importance of Power Training 43:50 Future Vision for STEP and Power Training 45:43 Personal Experiences with Kaiser Equipment

    54 min
  4. 07/09/2025

    Ep 31 | Carmen Del Mastro: Problem-Solving With Curiosity

    In this conversation, Gabe Derman and Carmen Del Mastro of Bracey Performance discuss a range of topics related to performance coaching. The discussion includes Carmen's journey from being a Division 1 athlete to a performance coach, his coaching philosophy, the importance of movement proficiency, and the diverse populations he works with. They also touch on the significance of building trust with professional athletes, fostering curiosity in training, and the innovations in performance training. Carmen shares insights on problem-solving in coaching, the use of data to inform training, and the culture at Bracy Performance, highlighting the importance of community and support in athletic development. Connect with Carmen Instagram: @Nooch_13 & @Braceyperforamance Stay connected with Keiser: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keiserfitne... Twitter: @keiserfitness Facebook: @keiserfitness LinkedIn: Keiser Corporation Keiser Fitness Website: https://www.keiser.com/ Chapters00:00 Introduction and Culinary Preferences 02:53 Transitioning from Athlete to Coach 05:30 Finding Your Coaching Style 08:20 The Importance of Movement Proficiency 11:11 Working with Diverse Athletic Populations 14:08 Maximizing Short Training Periods 17:03 Building Relationships in Coaching 19:34 Involvement with Unrivaled Basketball 21:58 Building Trust with Professional Athletes 25:22 Innovations in Performance Training 28:35 Problem Solving in Athletic Training 32:35 Evaluating Performance Through Data 37:25 The Role of Communication in Training 41:04 The Unique Culture at Bracy Performance 43:43 Future Trends in Performance Training

    45 min
  5. 05/07/2025

    EP 28 | Ben Dubin: Into the Fire (Tempe Fire Dept)

    In this conversation, Gabe Derman interviews Ben Dubin, a firefighter with the Tempe Fire Department, discussing his journey into firefighting, the unique structure of fire services in the Phoenix area, and the importance of training and performance in the field. Ben shares insights on the Jaws of Life, the collaborative nature of firefighting in the valley, and the evolution of fitness training for firefighters. He emphasizes the significance of longevity in the profession and the need for firefighters to maintain their health and fitness for their families and personal lives beyond their careers. In this conversation, Ben discusses the importance of holistic performance in firefighting, emphasizing the need for mental and physical wellness. He shares insights on innovating fitness programs within fire stations, addressing cancer risks, and the significance of feedback and buy-in for new equipment. Ben also outlines a pilot program aimed at enhancing firefighter training and highlights the key performance indicators essential for their roles. He concludes with a vision for the future of firefighter wellness, advocating for comprehensive support and resources. Follow our guest on social media: @Connect2It @TempeFirefighters Stay connected with Keiser: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keiserfitne... Twitter: @keiserfitness Facebook: @keiserfitness LinkedIn: Keiser Corporation Keiser Fitness Website: https://www.keiser.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Background 03:00 Experiences with the Jaws of Life 05:50 Overview of Tempe Fire Department 08:47 Path to Becoming a Firefighter 17:56 Training and Performance in Firefighting 29:04 Longevity and Life Beyond Firefighting 36:38 Holistic Performance in Firefighting 37:36 Innovating Fire Station Fitness 44:37 Addressing Cancer Risks in Firefighting 46:41 Feedback and Buy-In for New Equipment 50:07 Pilot Program for Firefighter Training 55:46 Key Performance Indicators for Firefighters 01:00:09 Vision for the Future of Firefighter Wellness

    1h 7m

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This podcast aims to educate, inspire, empower you with the knowledge needed to make the most out of your fitness journey.