161 episodes

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.

Vigor Life Podcast Vigor Life Podcast

    • Health & Fitness
    • 4.9 • 175 Ratings

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.

    EP 160: The Training, Skillsets and Mindsets Of Being An Athlete For Life, & Winning In The Game Of Life

    EP 160: The Training, Skillsets and Mindsets Of Being An Athlete For Life, & Winning In The Game Of Life

    This was a interview that Ali Gilbert did with me on the Virtual Silverback Summit that I want to share with everyone as I dove into the Athlete For Life model of training, as well as diving into the mindset of growth, overcoming obstacles, and winning in life. I share how I approach my own training, both physical and mental, as well as that of my clients. 



    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:


    The experience from a combined 12,000+ clients we have coached between the two Vigor Ground gyms in Slovenia and Seattle.
    Why no one cares about how they look IF they feel like crap and can’t function and perform tasks they want to. 
    The reason why a weekend warrior without strength training is exposing themselves to injuries. 


    Why men miss the “locker room atmosphere” and that is a huge part of success in the training. 
    The 4 spokes of the wheel that create a body that looks, feels, and performs at it’s best.
    Why doing your best is only part of it, the key is to _________.
    The studies that show what is closely correlated to mortality and how to integrate into a comprehensive program. 


    NOT training speed and power is leading you to not be able to perform in sport, life, and is setting you up for injuries. 
    The BIG reason older clients should do speed and power training.
    How my parents who both have Parkinson’s influence my training with clients. 
    How I use the pie analgoy with the R7 training model to create Athlete for Life training programs. 


    Machines vs free weights, what, when, how and why I choose one or the other. 
    How to help clients believe the best is yet to come. The “never peak” mentality! 
    The way the Vigor Ground environment drives community and creates a culture of getting better. 


    Why more and more people are doing labs and tests to find out what is “under the hood”, their inner health.
    If you don’t have a path and a plan, your default is struggle, falling back to doing what you’re doing now. 
    3 levels of accountability you get at coaching gyms that are a superpower. 


    The mindset practices I use with clients to build their mental strength. 
    Why you must understand that our behaviors are bio-physio-social and how to affect your own personal change. 
    The reason you MUST dive deeper into these specific topics to become the highest level coach.


    Why a therapist, a group, and treatment changed my life once I actually asked for help. 
    How fighting for your limitations is keeping you stuck and the awareness that will break you free.
    Why you should be the first one, the example, for others you love to look up to.


    The power of stories and consistency. 



    LINKS & RESOURCES:

    Vigor Ground Fitness and Performance www.VigorGroundFitness.com

    Luka’s Courses and Workshops  www.LukaHocevar.com

    Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes)  h

    Vigor Life Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0gp1uXtwfRUcBkfS1P1uim?si=kcUu2vhPRwuxdV5kTzQrug

    Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

    • 1 hr 5 min
    EP 159: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Of Weight Loss Drugs w/ Dr. Christle

    EP 159: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Of Weight Loss Drugs w/ Dr. Christle

    I met Dr. Christle at an event we were both speaking at in Edmonton, Canada and after listening to her presentation, I knew I needed to get her on the podcast and talk about weight loss drugs, the why, what, how, and the misconceptions, challenges, and stigma around them as well as when they make sense, when they don’t, and the upsides and downsides. I wanted to learn more as I have clients on them and wanted to better navigate the space (it’s also something every coach should listen to as these conversations will become more and more frequent). 



    Dr. Christle Guevarra holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Minor in Mathematics from San Francisco State University, a Master of Science in Organic Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from the Western University of Health Sciences. Passionate about education, she was awarded a Pre-Doctoral Teaching Fellowship at the Western University of Health Sciences, where she taught first- and second-year osteopathic medical students.Christle completed her Family Medicine residency at Crozer Health in PA, where she was awarded “Resident of the Year.” She then completed her Sports Medicine fellowship at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, where she worked with Division I Football, professional (boxing, MMA, basketball), and recreational athletes. Currently, she maintains a telemedicine private medical practice and also serves as an official traveling Team Physician for US Figure Skating.

    As a firm advocate of Exercise Is Medicine, Christle believes in “practicing what you preach.” A former champion competitive powerlifter, she now enjoys lifting for physique enhancement while also training for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.



    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:


    What got Dr. Christle into medicine and the desire to be a doctor and jump to evidence based fitness.
    The shocking history of weight loss drugs and why theres a foundation of skepticism. 
    Semiglutide, Ozempic, and Wegovy, origins, do they work, how they work, and who should consider taking it. 
    What made Dr. Christle decide to start taking weight loss drugs herself and her thoughts, insights and experiences around it. 
    The stigma, judgement and sometimes shame of taking weight loss drugs. 
    The two missing ingredients that are a must when it comes to having success with weight loss drugs.
    Calorie restriction, hunger, and what the day to day is like when it comes to weight loss drugs.
    Is there a rebound weight gain after getting off the drugs, how much to expect, and how to battle it.


    Insights on dosages and whether the recommended dose is the right one for you specifically. 
    Side effects, both short and long-term, and the future of weight loss drugs (as well as other possible huger reducing drugs).
    Should the drugs be taken for a shorter period, for good, or not at all.
    Thoughts about calories and protein while on the drugs and how to improve your outcomes when you do not feel like eating. 


    How important strength training and exercise is when it comes to long term sustainable weight loss. 
    Why weight loss drugs may be the gateway for some to start exercising. 



    LINKS & RESOURCES:

    Dr. Christle Guevarra Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/dr.christle/

    Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes)  h

    Vigor Life Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0gp1uXtwfRUcBkfS1P1uim?si=kcUu2vhPRwuxdV5kTzQrug

    Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

    • 1 hr 7 min
    EP 158: Words That Sell & How To Use Email To Position Yourself, and Grow Your Fitness Business w/ Joey Percia

    EP 158: Words That Sell & How To Use Email To Position Yourself, and Grow Your Fitness Business w/ Joey Percia

    I met Joey as a coach in the fitness industry that was great at what he did and helped clients transform for close to a decade. From there her went online and built a six figure online coaching business and started to really understand copywriting, marketing, and especially offers and email marketing. He fell in love with it and has become a go-to high level copywriter and email marketing expert that helps blow up (all types) of businesses and it was great catching up and talking actionable steps for coaches to improve their copy, marketing, and email skills. 

    Joey Percia is a copywriter, marketing consultant, author, and fish taco slayer. 

    Over a decade ago after receiving his Master's degree in Exercise Science, Joey began traveling, learning, and being mentored by top health and fitness coaches. Now he writes and consults for some these same coaches who credit his approach to copywriting and marketing as “genuine, refreshing, and bad*ss.” 

    Although Joey primarily works with health and fitness businesses he’s had rockstar clients in many different industries including dating, pharmacy, cannabis, habit-building, digital marketing, online business development, self-development, real estate, chiropractic, and more. 

    Joey also writes about direct response marketing, fitness, business, and life on his blog. 



    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:


    How Joey went from being a successful in person coach to transitioning online.


    What did it take, and how long, to build a 6-figure online coaching business.
    What Joey did that everyone else was doing that DIDN’T WORK. 


    Why building the skillset is THE most important thing, and its something no one can take away from you.
    If you’re a coach, you ARE in the business of marketing, doing avoid it! 
    How marketing helps you become better at your coaching craft, a double whammy that will grow your business. 


    Joey breaks down a simple strategy of how you can instantly improve your marketing communication. 
    Copy is both emotional AND logic, and we must be like lawyers and structure our point in a certain way. 


    My secret strategy to attract more of your best clients with just a pen and a journal.
    The Pixar story framework in emails with an indirect offer that will help you get new leads and clients weekly.


    Marketing is pre-selling, it’s like moving people around the bases in baseball.
    Why the first month of doing things right with offers will crush it, and then it slows down; this is how you turn it around. 
    Why content can be so powerful and how to be omnipresent as the expert in your community.


    The “Super Signature” that will help you generate clients with every content post. 
    The reason you MUST repurpose content and how to do it effectively. 


    Turning one on one experiences into one to many content that can live for a long time and impact many thousands. 
    Joey’s APAA framework for writing great emails. 
    Why getting people to take action in emails is so important (hint: action is not just asking for the sale).


    My cheat sheet to writing great emails FAST.
    The list of email ideas I use to write headlines that people click and topics that engage people.
    How to build your email list with engaged followers (it’s not how it used to be). 



    LINKS & RESOURCES:

    Joey Percia site: www.JoeyPercia.com

    Joey Percia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joeypercia/

    Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes)  h

    Vigor Life Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0gp1uXtwfRUcBkfS1P1uim?si=kcUu2vhPRwuxdV5kTzQrug

    Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

    • 1 hr 7 min
    EP157: Doing Social Media & Branding Right, and How To Build A Real Online Coaching Business w/ Jordan Syatt

    EP157: Doing Social Media & Branding Right, and How To Build A Real Online Coaching Business w/ Jordan Syatt

    In 2020 because of what was going on in the world we had to turn our live Vigor Ground Fitness and Business Summit into a virtual event. While I love live events and was disappointed that we couldn’t put it on, we were able to bring close to 30 presenters on virtually with an incredible amount of value for the audience.



    My conversation with Jordan was excellent and worth sharing with so many valuable nuggets, and while this conversation is years old, everything he talks about is relevant today. For any coach that wants to build an online business, really any business for that matter, this is a great listen!



    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:


    When Jordan started his website and wrote articles without knowing an online business is even possible.
    Why the least read article Jordan wrote in 2012, led to Jordan training Gary Vaynerchuk in 2016.
    The biggest intent you must have behind creating your content.
    How Jordan blew up on Instagram, the most valuable insights.
    The number ONE thing you should be doing every single day on social media.
    Your brand is not your business and your business is not your brand.
    Jordan believes brand is ___________.
    Is it ok to post the same things or similar things over and over again?
    The best way to never run out of content ideas is to coach people.
    Why trying to sound smart could be the thing that stopping you from growing and help more people.
    You’re not interacting enough with your current followers! Here’s what you need to do.
    Jordan’s strategies for creating quality content you can use right away.
    All the WRONG things people focus on with social media that they shouldn’t care about.
    Jordan’s principles of powerful content.
    Every piece of content should have an “IPA”, discover what it is and why few people do it.
    How to best support and provide accountability to for online clients.
    How to deal with online clients that “ghost you.”
    What “calling bulls@*t” on someone’s nutrition is not going to help them improve or make you a better coach.
    Insights on dealing with challenging clients and how to turn it around to get them great results.



    LINKS & RESOURCES:

    Jordan Syatt website  https://www.syattfitness.com/

    Jordan Syatt Instagram https://www.instagram.com/syattfitness/

    Jordan Syatt Inner Circle https://www.syattfitness.com/join-my-inner-circle/

    Jordan Syatt mini-podcast h

    Vigor Life Podcast (iTunes)  h

    Vigor Life Podcast on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/0gp1uXtwfRUcBkfS1P1uim?si=kcUu2vhPRwuxdV5kTzQrug

    Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

    • 1 hr 8 min
    EP 156: Lessons From Building An 8-Figure Nutrition Coaching Business and Coaching 10’000’s Of Client’s w/ Mike Doehla

    EP 156: Lessons From Building An 8-Figure Nutrition Coaching Business and Coaching 10’000’s Of Client’s w/ Mike Doehla

    I was really looking to this conversation with Mike Doehla, both from a standpoint of getting insight of what type of nutrition approach has worked of the 10k’s of clients Stronger U has helped but then also how Mike built up a powerhouse online nutrition coaching company to an 8-figure business without much marketing spend, and the behind the scenes look of the growth and obstacles along the way. 



    Mike Doehla Founder/CEO of Stronger U Nutrition created an online nutrition coaching company that helps tens of thousands of individuals in more than 50 countries. His personal mission is to help people have a more enjoyable life and he loves being able to improve the way the world eats. Mike enjoys travel, fitness, entrepreneurship, and good food. He resides in New Windsor NY with his wife Crista and his cat.



    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:


    How Mike went from working a job he hated to pursuing something he enjoyed and “accidentally” having it blow up.
    The methods that help you lose fat are not the same than the methods that help you keep it off.


    Why “planners” have the greatest success when it comes to losing weight sustainably. 
    Discover who your teammates are when it comes to your body transformation, this is critical. 


    Too many food rules lead to an unsuccessful long term transformation, every time. 
    What are best way to help clients that have failed before instill sustainable habits and have patience. 


    Why people are intimidated by fitness apps and what is a better approach to help clients succeed. 
    Mike & I break down examples of how to create a habit that a client can successful do and build up their confidence. 


    How Mike was lunatic about response times and created an amazing customer experience. 
    The basic structure Stronger U used to build up to 10’s of thousands of clients. 


    Why creating too many boundaries in your coaching could be negatively affecting your success. 
    The step-by-step process Mike used to created the most engaged nutrition community online. 


    Growing the coaching team from the inside out with clients that have had success and understood peoples struggles. 
    How lack of certain systems and more autonomy was the reason Stronger U could grow at the speed it did. 


    What Mike spent more time, money and attention on than paid marketing and how it affected the company. 
    Hiring the right people, customer service standards, nutrition philosophy, and caring about your clients; the key factors in success of any coaching business. 
    Why being desperate is THE best way to repel sales and growth. 


    DON’T rush to build an app for your company, here’s what you need to do first! 
    The powerful steps that Mike took to initially market his business and grow it fast (most people don’t do this anymore!).
    How this one simple strategy can help you get leads and clients every day, starting today. 


    How Mike was able to handle 350 nutrition coaching clients by himself at the peak. 
    The structure of pay and growth for Stronger U coaching clients (and how the company was built up to 80 coaches). 
    What Mike believes about balance when it comes to building up your career and your business. 



    LINKS & RESOURCES:

    Mike Doehla Instagram https://www.instagram.com/mikedoehla/

    Stronger U Nutrition https://strongeru.com/

    Luka Hocevar Course www.LukaHocevar.com

    Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

    • 1 hr 3 min
    EP155: Building Speed and Athleticism & Avoiding Knee, Achilles Injuries After The Age Of 35 w/ Derek Hansen

    EP155: Building Speed and Athleticism & Avoiding Knee, Achilles Injuries After The Age Of 35 w/ Derek Hansen

    Always a pleasure with tons of insights talking with my friend Derek Hansen when it comes to training speed, athleticism and preventing injuries. This time around we talked about keeping yourself athletic and fast, while avoiding ACL and achilles tears after the age of 35.



    Derek M. Hansen has been a world-renowned sport performance consultant and advisor to some of the top organizations, teams, and athletes in professional and elite sports over the last 20 years. His coaching background and involvement in return-to-play protocols spans more than 30 years. His areas of expertise include sport speed development, running mechanics, return-to-play management, strategic program planning, and electrical stimulation technologies. His clients have included top organizations, such as the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, MLS, NCAA, and Bundesliga. He has also coached and advised thousands of athletes in the professional and collegiate ranks.



    IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:


    Building performance and athleticism after age 35 and doing it the smart way.
    What should be we blame on more injuries, surfaces, shoes, training, lack of training?
    What is the process and progression for getting somebody ready to get back into sports. 
    What can we learn from triathlon/ironman training when it comes to getting ready to perform on the court/field. 


    70% of NFL players don’t make it back after an achilles tears; put yourself back into the position to avoid them. 


    The step-by-step progression if you are lifting weights but not doing jumps or sprints, here’s what to do. 
    Why its KEY to work in dynamic movements, and which ones, to train reflexes, eccentric components, speed at which your tissues are prepared for the activity that you will go into.
    How changing up exercises selection, volume, intensity, and surfaces can improve your preparedness for sport. 
    Why micro-dosing works for many general population clients and how to apply it to your programs. 
    A missing link for most - the importance of improving your calf, achilles and foot strength inside of the gym.
    Getting zone 2 work in and aerobic plyometrics to improve the health of the tendon and prevent atrophy.
    Regeneration after the age of 35 and changing up your programming so you can recover and adapt. 
    The power of training journals and tracking your training to be able to see your progress and not over or under do it. 
    Non surgical approach to an achilles tear, how to repair it without surgery.
    A return to play process after pulling your hamstring.
    It’s important to not avoid the things that hurt you but rather dose them back in the right way to get back to 100% and beyond.
    Derek shares how to build yourself up to playing full court basketball games, a step-by-step approach.
    The 10 x 10 approach to return to play, as well as building up the tolerance of your tissues using this strategy. 



    LINKS & RESOURCES:

    Derek Hansen Instagram https://www.instagram.com/derekmhansen/

    Sprint Coach Website  https://www.sprintcoach.com/

    Running Mechanics https://www.runningmechanics.com/

    Luka Hocevar course www.LukaHocevar.com

    Luka Hocevar YouTube Channel  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ29YcBh-g6onRujX3wD_XA?view_as=subscriber

    • 1 hr 2 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
175 Ratings

175 Ratings

dwjr206 ,

Best in class

I have experienced this guys purpose up close and personal. He has helped me achieve levels of fitness/ strength/ health that would not be attainable on my own. It is a beautiful thing to watch someone so dedicated to their purpose use their gifts and talents to have such a huge effect on everyone around him. Impressive what you have done so far Luka and this podcast is another step. Keep learning and breaking it down for the rest of us. This dude is a blessing!

Astroworld85 ,

Luka Hocevar and vigor Ground

I really enjoy and love how Luka always brings in the communication and building relationships aspect. I’m order to be a really amazing coach you have to be able to relate and gain the persons trust you are working with. Luka prides himself on being his real authentic self at all times, which is why he is the amazing person and coach he is. Thank you Luka for everything you do.

ObtainFitnessCo ,

A gem of health and fitness podcast

I want to learn and I want to be inspired when consuming content and Luka never fails me. I’ve picked up so many tidbits of knowledge along the way listening to Luka which I’ve been able to turn around and apply to my programming and to that of my clients. His arsenal of exercises is vast… his application of them a mix of science and art. So happy to have come across Luka and very appreciative of the time he takes to share what he knows. Many thanks.

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