Healthspan Digest
Healthspan Digest cuts through the noise to bring you science-backed strategies for staying strong, energized, and resilient. In just 20–30 minutes, each episode delivers one clear action step to boost your healthspan—how long you stay healthy and thriving. Hosted by Aaron Shaw, a seasoned expert with nearly 30 years in health and fitness, this podcast skips the fads and gives you real tools for better sleep, smarter nutrition, consistent exercise, and emotional well-being. Book a consult or start a conversation at https://www.healthspanpillars.com/contact/
Episodes
74 episodes
90% of Women Make These Arm Toning Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
If your arms still look soft and flabby no matter how many curls or kickbacks you do, you’re not alone—and it’s not your fault. Most women have been sold the wrong approach to toning their arms, leaving them frustrated, underloaded, and stuck w...
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28:24
7 Genius Ways to Waste Time at the Gym (And Stay Weak Forever)
Want to waste an hour in the gym and see zero results? Perfect—this episode is for you.If sarcasm were a sport, this would be the Pro Bowl. Join Healthspan Coach Aaron Shaw as he breaks down the most popular (and useless) ways p...
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3:50
High Reps vs High Resistance. Why You're Weak.
If you’re doing 20 reps with baby weights and calling it strength training, you’re not getting stronger—you’re just getting tired.In this episode of Healthspan Digest, strength & healthspan coach Aaron Shaw pulls zero punches....
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16:55
Weakness Will Kill You Before Disease Does
If you’re over 40 and still think jogging, yoga, or stretching will save your health—this episode is your wake-up call.Most people don’t end up in nursing homes because they lack flexibility. They end up there because they’re ...
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19:00
Can AI Fix Your Fitness? Only If You’re This Type of Person…
Everyone’s talking about AI. But can it actually be your health and fitness coach?If you’re struggling with motivation, follow-through, or building lasting habits—this episode is your wake-up call.Aaron breaks down exactly ...
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22:19
You’re Doing Protein Wrong: 3 Critical Mistakes Sabotaging Your Progress
Most protein powders are trash. Some are irritating your gut. Others are loaded with junk that’s actually slowing down your results.In this no-fluff episode, Concierge Health Coach Aaron Shaw breaks down 3 must-know rules...
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6:56
Fasting vs Exercise: Which One Activates Your Body’s Cellular Cleanup Crew?
Your body has a built-in janitorial crew—an internal system that clears out damaged cells, broken proteins, and toxic waste. It’s called autophagy, and it plays a key role in preventing disease, improving brain function, and extending yo...
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11:12
DOMS Demystified: What Soreness Really Means and How to Train Smarter
You crushed your workout—but two days later, you’re hobbling down the stairs like you’re 90. That deep, aching muscle soreness? That’s DOMS—Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness—and it’s not the sign of a great workout you think it is.In this ep...
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35:37
Why I Don’t Stretch—and Never Get Injured | Stretching vs. Mobility for Healthspan
Here’s something controversial: I’m a strength and conditioning specialist in my 50s, a competitive athlete, and I don’t have a stretching routine. Yet I don’t pull muscles, strain hamstrin...
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26:16
Burnout, Boundaries, and Career Identity: How to Reclaim Your Emotional Health with Dr. Amber Parks
Feeling overwhelmed at work? Thinking about quitting your job—or even your entire career—because of stress?In this powerful episode of Healthspan Digest, host Aaron Shaw sits down w...
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44:28
5 ‘Healthy’ Habits That Might Be Wasting Your Time (Here’s What to Do Instead)
Are you doing all the “right” things—but not seeing results?In this solo episode, I break down 5 popular health and wellness habits that might be holding you back. From fasted cardio to overhydration, we’ll unpack what the science...
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28:15
Grit Is a Health Tool: Daniel Gospodarek on Resilience, Recovery & Healthspan
When it comes to extending your healthspan, most people focus on the physical pillars—exercise, nutrition, sleep. But there’s one mental trait that quietly drives it all: grit.In this episode,
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42:00
You’re Not Too Old—You’re Just Out of Practice
The Second Half Can Be the Best Half… If You Train for ItYou’re not too old to feel strong, energized, and in control again—you might just be out of practice.In this episode, Healthspan coach Aaron Shaw breaks down why most of the p...
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30:15
Most Doctor Visits Are Useless -- Here's How to Fix That in 5 Questions
Tired of rushed doctor visits and generic advice? In this episode, Healthspan PhysioCoach Aaron Shaw shares five powerful questions to bring to your next primary care appointment—so you don...
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17:17
How Community Can Add Years to Your Life
“Don’t Go It Alone: How Community Can Add Years to Your Life and Healthspan”Feeling disconnected or going solo on your health journey? You might be missing the most powerful tool for living a longer, healthier life: community.<...
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22:29
Take Control Before It’s Too Late
If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond and coasting with your health, it’s time for a wake-up call. Most of the health issues we face later in life—chronic pain, disease, low energy—are preventable. But only if you stop outsourcing your...
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17:22
Overcoming Gym Anxiety: 4 Steps to Build Confidence and Get Started
Does the thought of walking into a gym stress you out? You’re not alone—and today’s episode of HealthSpan Digest is your guide to overcoming gym anxiety and getting started with resistance training the right way.Whether...
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26:28
Crohn’s, Comebacks, and the Grit of Middle-Aged Fitness: Back in the Saddle with Evan St. Clair
What happens when life throws you off the bike—literally and figuratively? In this powerful episode of Healthspan Digest, I sit down with Evan St. Clair: lifelong cyclist, business owner, and local legend, as he shares his journey thro...
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51:18
Breaking Fitness Myths
Getting fit after 40? Chances are, you’ve been lied to—by outdated science, bad Instagram advice, or even your own memories of a younger, fitter you. In this episode of Healthspan Digest, Aa...
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28:53
VO₂ Max: The Longevity Metric You’re Not Thinking About (But Should Be)
If you’ve ever thought VO₂ max was just for elite athletes or lab testing… think again.In this episode, Aaron Shaw breaks down why VO₂ max is one of the most powerful—and...
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29:47
Interview with Keri Cooper. You’re Not Just Tired—You’re Underslept
Are you tired of being tired?In this powerful and practical episode of Healthspan Digest, host Aaron Shaw sits down with certified sleep science coach and psyc...
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41:55
5-Minute Rule: The #1 Hack to Overcome Exercise Procrastination
Struggling to find the energy or motivation to work out? You’re not alone. In this short but powerful episode, Healthspan Coach Aaron Shaw breaks down the science-backed 5-Minute Rule—a sim...
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24:20
Why Your Workouts Aren’t Working—And the 7 Fixes That Will Change Everything
Ever felt stuck in your workouts, unsure if you’re making progress—or worse, dealing with soreness, burnout, or injury? I’ve been there. In this episode of HealthSpan Digest, I’m breaking down 7 game-changing resistance training strat...
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30:01