Vigor Life Podcast

Vigor Life Podcast
Vigor Life Podcast

Luka Hocevar is the owner of the nationally renowned Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance gym in Seattle and founding father of Vigor Move & Live in Slovenia, featured in Men's Health, Stack Magazine, Onnit Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, and on CBS. As a leading fitness and personal development coach this Vigor Life podcast is an extension of what Luka coaches every day and will provide tips, stories, motivation and inspiration to help you forge daily habits for a better body—through fitness, nutrition and mindset—build better relationships, create purpose in your career/business, increase productivity, be happier, and succeed (success comes from succession as in the "next step" - constant growth and expansion in your life). The Vigor Life podcast will help you piece together the puzzle pieces to your own extraordinary life.

  1. APR 5

    EP 197: The No BS Guide To Upgrading Your Mindset and Life w/ Paul Mort

    Catching up with my close friend Paul Mort is always insightful, loaded with value, combined and combined with a lot of laughs. If you want to get better as a father, husband, business man, and human, and achieve your goals, then this is a can’t miss episode.  Paul Mort is a two time UK Master Coach of The Year, world class coach, and international speaker. A straight talking, high  performing leader of business men. Formerly suicidal, overwhelmed, diagnosed bi-polar. Stood on the edge of a cliff, ready to end it all... until his wife stood in front of him and asked him ONE pivotal question: "Do you really want the kids to grow up as the kids whose Dad killed himself..." At that moment Paul knew he had to fight one last fight for his family. And set upon seeking out the worlds foremost experts and since - his books, courses, videos and content has literally reached the lives of millions of people... Now Paul spends his time coaching men around the world to RECLAIM their power, take control, find clarity, direction and inner peace while lighting a FIRE under their ass to CHASE their dreams and lead their family.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: => Why Paul Mort wrote his book before even going to the publisher and changed the same from “Unfuckwithable.” => The biggest obstacle from growing in business and life is _______ (not what you think).  => Paul believes you should do things you doubt you can do, here’s why! => The power of getting into the mental weight room and why you must plan it just like the physical weight room.  => Discomfort is a sign that you’re growing or are about to grow, seeking it out is the key.  => Why belief is NOT important in achieving your goals but doing this is CRITICAL.  => The “5 Wins” strategy that has changed Pauls confidence and life.  => You feel what you are focused on and most people focus their attention on all that has gone wrong in their life. => The science of reliability and one of the most powerful questions you can ask yourself.  => Excuses are the language of the unreliable, and reliability is the currency of trust.  => Why expecting things to go wrong is a smart thing to do (and the Stoics knew it). => The reason your goal setting isn’t working, because first things you have to do is eliminate.  => Why Paul stopped doing stand up comedy even though he got TV offers (as it was hurting his business).  => How failing fast is a key in success and why Paul started doing BBJ competitions more often.  => Paul’s experience in a European sauna and how something uncomfortable can become normal.  => How Paul has built a multi million dollar business with his main marketing strategy being email marketing.  => A critical business strategy, being able to buy back your time - Paul breaks down how to do it.  Shout out to our sponsor Live Momentous, the most high quality, 3rd party rigorously tested supplements on the market, that have exactly what they say they have on the label. It’s what I use myself, and the only when protein my girlfriend has been able to take and feel fine with her ulcerative colitis (15 other brands wrecked her stomach!). You can check out their top line supplements at www.LiveMomentous.com/luka and use code “LUKA15” to get 15% off.  Another thank you to our sponsor the RP Hypertrophy app that has 30 different programs created by Dr. Mike Israetel to help you build lean muscle, change your physique, and not have to worry about what to do. With 250+ exercises explained clearly, sets and reps, rest periods, even adjust your weights from week to week, it takes the stress out from knowing what to do to achieve results. It’s a foolproof way to change your body and they even have a 30 day money back guarantee. If you train for 29 days, don’t like, let them know and they’ll refund you. Right now you can get $50 off the Hypertrophy app! LINKS & RESOURCES: Paul Mort's IG Unstoppable Alliance   Paul Mort Will Save Your Life  12 Week Year Luka Hocevar YouTube

    1h 7m

  2. MAR 25

    EP 196: How To Become Extremely Productive & The Dark Side of Discipline w/ Craig Ballantyne

    I’ve known Craig for over 15 years and met him when he was one of the first successful online coaches in the fitness space with Turbulence Training. Since then Craig has become one of the most sought after business coaches helping people get a lot more done in less time and cutting out all the BS that doesn’t matter.  When Craig first started his entrepreneurial journey, he was just a dumb farm boy from Ontario, Canada, trapped in the lifestyle of being a broke, anxious, binge drinking personal trainer who had no desire to be any of those things. But with the help of his mentors, he evolved into an Empire Builder with the discipline, clarity, and systems he needed to succeed. And he’s gone on to build five 7-figure businesses in five different industries, write three books (including one Wall Street Journal best-seller), and mentor thousands of entrepreneurs all over the world. Ranging from 9-Figure CEOs and industry titans down to busy fathers and high school teachers and every one in between. He’s helped more than 260 entrepreneurs earn their first 7-figures and helped countless others make more and work less.  We talk about what matters in life and business, how to build REAL productivity and how these days discipline may be taking you away from your life goals.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: => Why Craig moved from Canada to Mexico where all his 3 kids were born. => Why wanting it all can lead you to a life that’s not very productive.  => Don’t add anything, start ruthlessly cutting out things of your calendar, here’s what and how! => Entrepreneurs take on things because of FOMO not because it will make their life or business better.  => Craig’s system for improving your productivity 3x with this ONE change.  => One of our top 3 business books every entrepreneur MUST get.  => What’s an unusual habit the most successful and productive people do that you likely don’t. => Why ice baths are the soy latter of personal development (and how “discipline” may be stopping your results). => Why you should block out your time like Warren Buffet to do THIS (less than 3% of business owners do this). => The perfect day formula and how to create the most effective and productive day.  => How discipline can go from being a savior to being a master (and how it can negatively affect your life). => Why a 3 year vision for your personal and professional life is so important (so you can have a straight line to success).  => Success looks different for different people, get clear on YOUR definition.  => How you may be influenced in the wrong direction for you from people you follow.  => Seasons of your career and what to say “no” and “yes” to.  => The paradox of choice and why you’re frozen from all the choices you have. => How Craig has taken his on stage and selling skills to the next level and focusing on ONE thing.  => What old school skills is Craig working on that help him make millions of dollars.  => The power of live events and why you should do them no matter the business you’re in.   LINKS & RESOURCES: Craig Ballantyne Website https://www.craigballantyne.com/ Craig Ballantyne Instagram https://www.instagram.com/realcraigballantyne/ Book: The Dark Side of Discipline https://a.co/d/9XESJTi Luka’s Courses and Workshops  www.LukaHocevar.com Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes)  h Luka's YouTube  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

    1h 6m

  3. MAR 17

    EP 195: Off Season & In Season Basketball Sports Performance, and Becoming A Great Coach w/ Zack Zillner

    Zack is someone I knew of and followed through our network and the great work he does. We were formally introduced to by our mutual friend, Megan. From there we connected in Austin, TX then I went on the Coach Em Up Podcast which he co-hosts, and hit it off. He’s an incredibly smart, experienced, and successful performance coach that has been with the University of Texas women’s basketball for 7 years and had a wealth of knowledge to share.  Zack Zillner enters his seventh season as women's basketball sports performance coach at the University of Texas. Zillner develops, implements and supervises the training regimen for the Texas women’s basketball team in the areas of speed, strength, agility, conditioning and flexibility. Zillner also works collaboratively with the areas of sports medicine and performance nutrition.  We dive into off-season, in-season strength and conditioning, how to build buy in with athletes, developing as a strength coach and much much more.   IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: => Why what you do doesn’t matter until you get your clients/athletes to buy into the program.  => A unique approach Zack used to get his basketball athletes to buy into the strength and performance program. => What is more important, performance training, skills, both, and how much of each for a player; we answer the questions.  => Why the first phase of the off season is “chasing health” and what that looks like in programming. => The collaboration of coaching staff, skill staff, and performance staff to develop the players to their best ability. => The best sales people on the team that will get everyone on board (and why you have to focus on them).  => What is “guided autonomy” and “theme” based training and how it plays out in a training week at University of Texas women’s basketball.  => The break down of every day of strength and performance training for a basketball team.  => Why Zack chooses total body as the best type of training for athletes.  => What is the “bodyshop training day” and why athletes love it.  => How does conditioning play into the off-season and how hard should players go in pick up basketball (you’ll be surprised by the answer).  => What does collaboration with a player in the weight room look like.  => The exact break down of a 30-minute strength and performance in-season training session.  => The overlooked and biggest obstacle for players coming from high school into college when it comes to adapting.  => The effect of lifestyle factors (sleep, food, stress) on basketball players performance and how it will grow or stunt success. => Coaching and communication insights to get players to take on behaviors that will make them a better athlete (that they are avoiding).  => The key principles of becoming a successful strength coach.  => Why work ethic and dependability is a critical factor in getting ahead of everyone else when it comes to the strength coach.  => The power of taking pride in the work that you do no matter how small the task. => Why being a sponge and submerging yourself into learning from the greats around you should be a focus for every coach.  => Setting standards for yourself on a daily basis as a coach and why mimicking works.  => What is Zack learning and excited about in the field of sports performance for basketball. LINKS & RESOURCES: Zack's IG  Coach Em Up Podcast   Micro Dosing Performance Course  Luka’s Courses and Workshops   Luka's YouTube

    1h 3m

  4. MAR 5

    EP 194: Debunking Nutrition Myths, The Truth About Overcoming Weight Loss Plateaus, & GLP-1 Insights w/ Allan Bacon

    I’ve been excited about having a conversation with Allan as I’ve been following him for a while and love his approach to coaching and education when it comes to nutrition and fitness. I specifically wanted to dive deeper into his thoughts on nutrition coaching, weight loss plateaus, as well as insights on GLP-1’s. This episode is packed full of value and insights for any person looking to improve their nutrition, or coaches dedicated to their clients health and fitness. Dr. Allan holds a Doctorate in Dental Surgery from the University of Maryland. He is a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, a certified physique & bodybuilding coach, a certified nutritionist (x2), a certified coach for USA Powerlifting, and has formulated professionally for industry-leading dietary supplement companies since 2009. You can find his published fitness articles in outlets such as Muscle & Fitness, Sci-Fit, the Alan Aragon Research Review, and The Personal Trainer Development Center and more. His practice focuses on helping driven adults master their physique, performance, and health for lifelong results. In his free time, Dr. Allan enjoys outdoor activities, EDC, sports, hanging out with his wife and dog, bodybuilding, gaming, and reading. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: => How do you take the X’s and O’s of nutrition and actually get people doing it consistently so they can sustain it. => Mastering the basics is always the answer, and here’s what the real basics are. => Why novelty, “secrets & tricks” are so easy to fall for when trying to change your diet; and how social media amplifies it. => How uninformed optimism leads us to start a diet with excitement, and informed pessimism leads us to keep switching it.  => All the factors that can make you misinterpret your weight loss and why need things seem like they “work like crazy.” => A powerful coaching question that will filter where the nutrition approach will work for the client.  => Any diet approach without agency will be unsuccessful; here’s the framework to helping clients choose a successful diet plan. => Plateaus happen for 1 or 2 reasons; here’s how to address each one of them in detail.  => Why the RMR (Resting Metabolic Rate) of daily caloric expenditure is not what you think it is (what the science says and how it’s affecting your weight loss results). => The truth about “starvation mode” and “metabolic damage” and why it’s still confusing people. => What approach to nutrition has you moving less and getting hungrier. => One of 4 things that can help you overcome a weight loss stall. => How many calories does the average American underestimate daily and why eating out is part of what’s stopping your progress. => Why NEAT and step count can be a very effective strategic approach to program into your weight loss journey. => The hidden factors that could be culprits in your weight loss stalling.  => Effective ways to track food without counting calories (and why you should still count calories…at least for a while). => How to communicate with clients when coaching to get adherence with habits and routines for lifelong success. => Why twins with identical DNA can have very different responses based on different environments, behaviors and experiences. => The power of a food diary that helps on how you respond to stress; awareness precedes change. => A strategic short term detox of foods and how it can help you with your weight loss journey.  => Why GLP-1 can be great drugs but many times they’re not (because they are abused).  => The right reason to use GLP-1’s and when NOT to use them.  => Why GLP-1’s are the “training wheel” and not the bike, and what that means for you and your clients.  => The dangers of GLP-1’s for menopausal women and what you MUST do in this phase.  LINKS & RESOURCES: Dr. Allan Bacon's Website Dr. Allan Bacon's Instagram  Luka’s Courses and Workshops  Luka's YouTube

    1h 13m

  5. MAR 3

    EP 193: Building and Maintaining Strength & Athleticism in Pregnancy/Postpartum w/ Brianna Battles

    Having this conversation with Brianna was so impactful as my life partner, Wytia, is currently in week 28 of her pregnancy and is an woman dedicated to fitness and staying athletic and this pregnancy has been very challenging for her. I talk with Brianna who is an expert in the field of continuing to be an athlete postpartum, as we discuss and dive into the so many misconceptions of training during and after pregnancy to build and rebuild fitness and athleticism.  Brianna is a lifelong athlete and strength and conditioning coach. After having her first son over a decade ago, she realized how underserved, misunderstood and shortsighted the advice was for pregnant and postpartum athletes like herself, and so many of her athlete and coaching peers. She is the  CEO and Founder of Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism. This business has grown from a local coaching program into an internationally recognized brand for education, coaching, resources, fitness programs and a certification program for coaching professionals, Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: => What made Brianna go into learning more about training the pregnant and postpartum athlete.  => While there’s a lot of information (much of it not great on social) about pregnant and postpartum training, there’s very little about building and maintaining athleticism as Mom.  => Athleticism doesn’t end when motherhood begins; and why this message is not a belief system shared enough or often.  => Adapting your training to seasons of life that fit best and not falling for “social media viral advice.” => Why pregnancy is SO different for so many people and what training advice is wise for women that feel they lost a huge part of their identity. => What is “athlete brain” and how it affects women’s mindset that feel “sidelined” during pregnancy.  => Why the desperation to “get back” and feel like yourself again can lead women to train in a way that hurts more than it helps.  => “Staying in the game as the game changes” and why you’re not washed up, but you need to know which season of athleticism you’re in. => The reason you should keep lifting and doing cardio during pregnancy BUT this is the key principle people miss that you must adhere to.  => How does intensity look like during training in pregnancy.  => A changing or changed body requires shifting the training variables (loading, volume, intensity, movement, etc).  => Why pelvic floor health is so important and its often overlooked during pregnancy and postpartum. => Understanding Diastasis Recti and how it’s related to pelvic health, symptoms, how to address it, and what to do to overcome it. => The reason “gripping your glutes” and creating tension can affect your pelvic floor in negative ways; and how to “tension techniques” can be something to stay away from.  => Going “hard” after pregnancy is not a good idea considering that your lack of sleep, stress levels are extremely high; so high intensity training is not a good idea right away.  => Why postpartum is NOT the time for weight cuts, especially when nursing.  => A calorie deficit right after birth will create other set backs; learn how to fuel the right way to get your athleticism back. => Understanding how long it takes to get “back” and breaking down timelines. => The similarities and differences between rehabbing from injury and coming back to full athleticism postpartum. => Why the “4th trimester” is challenging and the mindset that will help you adapt and overcome that phase of your life.  LINKS & RESOURCES: Brianna's Site  https://www.briannabattles.com/ Brianna Battles IG https://www.instagram.com/brianna.battles/ Pregnancy & Postpartum Athleticism Certification https://go.pregnancyandpostpartumathleticism.com/ppa-coach 8-week Postpartum Training Program https://go.ppaprograms.com/pp-program Luka’s Courses & Workshops  www.LukaHocevar.com Luka's YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

    57 min

  6. FEB 11

    EP 192: The Busy Guy Off Season Strength Program, 4 Traits of Elite Athlete & Coaches, How To Implement Plyometrics Q & A

    I answer 4 questions in depth from in person clients, DM’s I received, comments to some of my posts, as well as a nutrition coaching scenario from a client I’m coaching. I love doing these episodes and sharing real world examples, programs, and coaching that I’m doing in the real world.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: => If you had a period of time where you could train more (3 months) to build strength and muscle, here’s the program I’d create for you.  => Why at times a mix of body split AND full body may be the vest way to go.  => The 4 day split and which days I’d train on (and what modifications I would make). => What I would do for conditioning to maintain athleticism, get fit, and still being able to build size and strength. => The exact exercises I’d use with most of my clients if I was doing this program.  => Why the most elite athletes (as well as coaches and gym owners) are “gym rats.” => 4 traits of elite athlete, coaches, and gym owners (do you have them? And how do you build them?). => Why it’s so important to have the apprenticeship approach and be a student even when you’re far along in your career.  => Why squatting double your bodyweight before doing plyometrics is not a great peace of advice. => I share the different forces associated with jumps, depth drops, etc (and how to progress the exercises safely). => An example and breakdown of the coaching strategies to help a client lose 20 lbs while maintaining their muscle.  => Why is it better to give clients ranges of calories and protein rather than hard numbers.  LINKS & RESOURCES: Built To Last www.BuiltToLastGym.com Download Our 3 Powerful and FREE Gym Playbooks https://free.builttolastgym.com/ Luka’s Courses and Workshops  www.LukaHocevar.com Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

    54 min

  7. FEB 5

    EP 191: 20 Years Of Wisdom To Be A Better Coach & Build A Better Coaching Career w/ Dean Somerset

    It was great to catch up with Dean as we haven’t talked in a while since he was busy being fully booked as a coach 40-50 hours a week (and what he’s been doing for 20 years!). We talk about how to become a great coach and build a successful career in the industry.  We’ve hosted Dean for seminars and workshops both at my Vigor Ground location in Seattle, as well as our Slovenia locations (one of the few presenters that have been in both).  Dean Somerset, CSCS, a personal trainer and post-rehab specialist in Edmonton, Alberta, is owner of Somerset Fitness Ltd. He has a degree in kinesiology from the University of Alberta and is certified by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He’s written articles for the PTDC as well as T Nation and Bodybuilding.com, and contributed to Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Shape, Men’s Fitness, and many other magazines and websites. Dean also has a new book coming out called “Rock Solid Resilience.” IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: => What does Dean’s schedule look like with a 40-50 hour coaching week, doing what he loves.  => The journey of building up his name and book of business over the 20-years and the biggest lessons. => 3 simple but powerful tips to help you improve as a coach right now.  => Thoughts on 1:1 personal training, semi-private personal training, and online; a mix of which Dean does right now.  => How to crush it in a big box gym and why this may be the best place for you to build your skills and success (as well as the downsides). => Why service should be a huge part of your skill building as a personal trainer (as important as your trainer skills).  => 3 books in hospitality that I recommend everyone should read.  => This simple tip that will help you stand out to clients right away.  => How to make someone feel like they “belong” in your coaching or gym, and how that matters MOST.  => The #1 reason you should go watch a coach that has a packed schedule do their thing (hint: you could hire them to experience it). => The communication secret Dean shares that most coaches don’t do but will make you stand out from the rest.  => Why you have to become fluent in speaking “client” and how the curve of knowledge is hurting your retention. => How to set goals with clients and coach them through different stages of life (each client is individual).  => Proactive vs reactive coaching in in-person and online training (why you MUST be a good in person coach first).  => The phases of growth as a personal trainer and how you should approach your career.  => Creating a vision for what you want your career to be like and mapping out your plan to achieve that (as well as preventing burnout).  => 3 things EVERY coach should do to build their business (and most aren’t).  LINKS & RESOURCES: Dean Somerset Website https://deansomerset.com/ Dean Somerset Instagram https://www.instagram.com/dsomerset1/ Book: Rock Solid Resilience https://a.co/d/9FKg3Nr Download Our 3 Powerful and FREE Gym Playbooks https://free.builttolastgym.com/ Luka’s Courses and Workshops  www.LukaHocevar.com Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

    56 min

  8. JAN 29

    EP 190: Becoming A Great Coach vs. A Social Media Influencer, and Building The Life You Want w/ Jason Brown

    Jason and I have had a cadence of doing a podcast a month talking about program design, both offline and online, coaching, career success in the fitness industry and much more. This time around the conversation to why Jason is leaving social media and focusing on other aspects and laser focusing on the audience that he’s served rather than trying to become “bigger” with a larger audience. This conversation turned into a must listen to any coach, gym owner, or someone working on building a career in the fitness industry.  IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: => Why Jason is leaving social media and what he’s focusing to grow his business and reduce his stress. => How Jason’s Crossfit programming business was purely a passion project that turned into a real business.  => Why a viral article turned Jason onto a new game that wasn’t beneficial for his mindset or business (and how many people are doing the same).  => The power of creating a clear target of what you want to achieve and why. => How to put your best foot forward for the people that matter most (and it’s NOT a growing audience and going viral).  => The Louie Simmons quote that will fire you up and the people that Jason is focused on serving.  => The 4 stages of social media revisited and the 2 stages coaches should live in (offline and online).  => Why your content should do two things: help you learn and help you educate your specific audience (and how most people do it wrong).  => How Kevin, one of our biz clients built a $300k+ a year online coaching business that serves special operators and military (staying in stage 1 and 2 of social media).  => We break down different platforms that make sense for you based on what you’re trying to achieve.  => The secret to going deeper with audience topics rather than trying to go wider and losing your sense of self and integrity.  => Why some of the most successful coaches and business owners have a very small following on social media (and the lessons you should take and apply).  => What our low engagements posts that created more clients will teach you about the truth about “popular posts.  => The “Results In Advance” model of content creation you MUST start using.  => Our view on “Reaction Posts” and why negativity will lead to more negativity.  => 3 ways to get endless ideas on what to share with your audience that will never go out of style and get you clients.  => How to play to your strength and stand out and be different than ANYONE else.  LINKS & RESOURCES: Jason’s site www.JasonBrownCoaching.com  Jason’s IG https://www.instagram.com/jasonbrowncoaching/ Download Our 3 Powerful and FREE Gym Playbooks https://free.builttolastgym.com/ Luka’s Courses and Workshops  www.LukaHocevar.com Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

    1h 10m
See All (198)

4.9
out of 5
191 Ratings

About

Luka Hocevar is the owner of the nationally renowned Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance gym in Seattle and founding father of Vigor Move & Live in Slovenia, featured in Men's Health, Stack Magazine, Onnit Magazine, Entrepreneur Magazine, and on CBS. As a leading fitness and personal development coach this Vigor Life podcast is an extension of what Luka coaches every day and will provide tips, stories, motivation and inspiration to help you forge daily habits for a better body—through fitness, nutrition and mindset—build better relationships, create purpose in your career/business, increase productivity, be happier, and succeed (success comes from succession as in the "next step" - constant growth and expansion in your life). The Vigor Life podcast will help you piece together the puzzle pieces to your own extraordinary life.

Information

  • Creator
    Vigor Life Podcast
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    198
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Vigor Life Podcast
  • Show Website
    Vigor Life Podcast

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