The Evolution of Fitness: A Conversation with Dr.Mike Israetel

In this special edition of the Strong New York podcast, Kenny Santucci travels to Ohio for The Arnold Sports Festival and meets up with Dr. Mike Israetel, co-founder of RP Strength. With a doctorate in Sport Physiology and extensive experience in fitness and performance, Dr. Mike has taught at several universities and served as a sports nutrition consultant for the U.S. Olympic Training Site. He’s shared his expertise at global conferences, including seminars at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid, and continues to push his limits as a competitive bodybuilder and professional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grappler.In this episode, Kenny and Dr. Mike discuss the evolution of fitness education, from in-person seminars to digital platforms, and the importance of practical, hands-on learning in real-world coaching. Dr. Mike shares his insights on bodybuilding, Jiu-Jitsu, and the dedication needed to excel in both sports. They also explore modern training trends, the vital role of nutrition, and the growing influence of social media in fitness. Tune in for an in-depth conversation on what it takes to achieve excellence in personal fitness and coaching others.00:00 Welcome to the Strong New York Podcast00:57 The Evolution of Fitness Education02:20 The Importance of Practical Experience04:04 Bodybuilding vs. Just Lifting05:12 The Discipline of Bodybuilding08:07 The Brutality of Weight Management Sports11:48 Diet and Long-Term Health in Bodybuilding14:04 Alcohol and Fitness Lifestyle16:49 Feeling Good Through Clean Eating17:46 Social Media Fame and Connections18:47 Celebrity Crushes and Preferences20:31 Passion for Jiu Jitsu25:09 Balancing Work and Personal Life27:14 Marketing and Success Strategies29:25 Fun Q&A and Closing Remarks

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Being STRONG is more than just how much weight you can lift. The Strong New York Podcast is dedicated to inspiring you to become your strongest self- in the gym, in business, in relationships and in life. Join Kenny as he sits down with his strong as fuck buddies and shoots the shit on what it takes to be strong willed, strong minded and physically strong. Season one features everyone from entrepreneurs and local business owners to doctors and industry leaders in the fitness and wellness space. With over a decade of experience, Kenny Santucci has made himself known as one of New York City’s top trainers and a thought leader in the health and wellness industry. After transforming his life at 15 years old through fitness, Kenny made it his mission to transform the lives of those around him. Kenny has trained some of Hollywood’s biggest stars, including Jon Bon Jovi, Liev Schreiber, and Frank Ocean, and has been tapped as a fitness expert sharing his training approach with Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Runner's World, SHAPE, Well+Good, among other publications. Kenny is the creator of STRONG New York, NYC's only Health and Fitness Expo. Strong New York is an immersive day of workouts, wellness experiences, panel discussions, and inspiring conversations with the best in-class wellness professionals, industry leaders, and change makers who are sharing their expertise on today's hottest wellness trends and first-hand experiences on how to optimize your overall health and life. You can find Kenny at The Strength Club, his private training and group strength training facility in the heart of Manhattan located on 28th and 5th Ave in New York City.