Ali Fitness Podcast

How exactly do you score a job as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Los Angeles Lakers? What is the secret to earning the players’ respect and producing at a high level—without losing focus on their long-term health and fitness? Tim DiFrancesco spent six seasons with the LA Lakers, and he is a respected thought leader in sports medicine and athletic performance. Tim earned his undergraduate degree in Athletic Training from Endicott College as well as a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from the University of Massachusetts—Lowell, and he is a certified Physical Therapist, Athletic Trainer and Strength and Conditioning Specialist. He is also the founder of TD Athletes Edge, an in-person and online training platform where Tim teaches his evidence-based, scientific approach to fitness, nutrition and recovery for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.   Today, Tim shares his background and education, explaining how he came to work for the Lakers. He describes his experience working with an NBA team, discussi

"I truly believe in earning your stripes and working all the positions you can—being the first one to put up your hand and say, ‘I’ll take on that initiative. I’ll take on that new responsibility,’ and not expect anything in return… It gives you more substance as a leader. When you’ve worked every position and you say to an employee, ‘I need you to clean this toilet,’ and they know that you’ve done that before and you’ll do it again, there’s a built-in respect.” Tonya Jacobs is the COO of Mercedes Club New York, a luxury health and fitness oasis boasting an elite personal training staff and unparalleled member service. Tonya began her lifelong athletic career as a formally trained dancer, and she spent eight years touring the world as a performer at luxury resorts and casinos. In 1993, she moved to New York City and began her journey in the health club industry. Mentored by leading fitness executives, Tonya worked her way up from an entry level reception position to the upper echelons of management. She has m

Have you been settling for less than in your life? Making decisions out of survival rather than creation? Are you ready to hit the reset button and show up differently for your work, your workout AND your family? Mike Bledsoe is the CEO of the Shrugged Collective, a network of fitness, health and performance shows that spotlight premiere thought leaders in the fields of emotional and intellectual expansion, behavioral change, sexuality and alternative medicine. Mike also serves as the host of The Bledsoe Show, a podcast dedicated to acting as a positive force for physical, psycho-emotional and spiritual health. Mike served in the US Navy from 2001 through 2005, and he has a degree in Health and Human Performance from the University of Memphis. Today, Mike shares the story of his recent transformation, explaining how he went about setting the reset button on several aspects of his life and what inspired him to stop settling. He offers insight around his struggle with negative self-talk and how his training reg

Social media can be a source for good when it comes to health and wellness, giving us access to information, holding us accountable, and inspiring us make positive choices and live a better life. But social media also has the capacity to make us miserable, feeding us inaccurate information and making us feel badly about ourselves when we don’t live up to entirely unrealistic standards. So, how do you choose the RIGHT influencers to follow? Who will help you define your WHY when it comes to fitness and nutrition and inspire you to develop a strong mind-body connection? Taylor Walker is a Wilhelmina fitness model and influencer based in Miami. She is also a Certified Personal Trainer, Barre Instructor, Spartan SGX and Nutrition Coach. Taylor has been featured in ads for major brands including Nike, Under Armour, FILA, and Champion USA, among many others. A former ninth-grade PE teacher, Taylor now advocates for healthy living online through her website and 32K-strong Instagram following. She has appeared in the

Curious what goes on behind-the-scenes in elite organizations at the highest levels of sport? What do teams do to foster the long-term health of their players as well as the sustained success of their programs? How much do teams invest in sports science and how is that spending measured against their win-loss record? What lessons can be taken from performance coaching and applied to other facets of life? Fergus Connolly is the only applied sports scientist to have worked full-time across every major field sport from the English Premier League to the National Football League to International Rugby. Committed to implementing the most innovative protocols and technologies in human performance, Fergus serves as a performance director and sports science mentor, keynote speaker, and team sport auditor for clubs all over the world. Most recently, Fergus was the Director of Performance for the San Francisco 49ers and the University of Michigan football program. He is the author of Game Changer: The Art of Sports Scie

Why are polarizing diets so successful? Dr. Mike Roussell argues that the extremes speak to human nature, blaming our problems on a singular villain and offering us a simple solution. And when we buy-in and follow the guidelines consistently, we get results—even if the diet in question doesn’t provide us with optimal nutrition. But Dr. Mike contends that we can make ANY diet work, provided that we apply his six pillars of nutrition. Dr. Mike Roussell is the founder of Naked Nutrition, a consulting firm that translates nutritional research into actionable advice clients can use to ensure permanent weight loss and long-lasting health. Dr. Mike holds a degree in biochemistry and a doctorate in nutrition from Pennsylvania State University, and his consulting experience includes pharmaceutical and food companies, medical schools, top-rated fitness facilities, professional athletes and individual clients. His research has been published in the prestigious American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and he is a well-kno

Being sidelined due to injury is a struggle for athletes of all skill levels. The ability to move well and achieve peak performance is part of who you are, and it is beyond frustrating to feel like you may never get that back. Finding the right practitioner—be it a physiotherapist, chiropractor or osteopath—can be just as challenging. What certifications should you be looking for? What modalities are the most effective? How much one-on-one time will your therapist be willing to spend learning about you and your condition? Dr. Brian Gurney is a physical therapist and personal trainer at beFIT, a clinic founded on the philosophy that every client deserves the full attention of their therapist. Brian is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy and certified Sports Clinical Specialist, and his area of expertise is movement disorders related to sports and spine injuries. Before beFIT, he was the head of a large private practice in New York City, and he has treated a number of high-profile clients including NFL, NHL,

Close your eyes and imagine the perfect gym… What do you see? Does it have the best in specialty equipment to serve elite athletes? How about regenerative technologies like hyperbaric oxygen therapy to accelerate healing? Does it employ a holistic approach to health and wellness, offering meditation and yoga programs? What about data? Does your ideal health club identify nutritional deficiencies, create an individualized program, and track your progress on the Cloud? Hunter Manuel and Tatiana Somers are founding partners of The Omni Club of New York, an integrated fitness, wellness and sports performance facility on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Hunter has more than 25 years of experience in the industry, and he has led teams at top NYC clubs including Equinox, New York Sports Club and Palestra at the Penn Club. A competitive athlete his entire life, Hunter has a background in martial arts, bodybuilding, power lifting, running, biking and extreme obstacle racing. Tatiana is also a life-long athlete with a

‘The energy of passion and obsession, they live on the same plane. It depends how we choose to use it.’ The obsession and dedication that drives a competitive athlete can easily turn that very same person into an addict by offering a similar feeling of freedom. And if your self-worth is tied solely to your body and its physical capabilities, drugs and alcohol offer an escape from the feelings of worthlessness that arise when you learn that your Olympic dream is just that—a dream. Joe Putignano is the best-selling author of Acrobaddict, a memoir exploring the relationship between athletics and drug addiction. He has performed with Cirque du Soleil, on Broadway and at the Metropolitan Opera, and appeared on film and television as an actor, dancer and acrobat. Joe is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer, and he served as the strength and conditioning coach for Cirque du Soleil’s Totem. Joe has also modeled for a number of publications, appearing on the cover of Instinct Magazine, Driven Magazine and Apollo, among

To stay at the top of your game as a fitness professional, continuing education is key… But some coursework is better than others. Best case, you earn CEC credits while you learn practical applications that make you better at your job. Brent Brookbush is the founder and CEO of the Brookbush Institute of Human Movement Science, a platform that seeks to optimize the delivery of human movement science education by integrating technology with evidence-based, skill-centric coursework. Brent has been in the health and wellness industry since 1998, and he has dedicated the last 14 years of his career to education for movement professionals. He holds a doctorate degree in physical therapy from the CUNY Graduate Center. Today, Brent covers his personal fitness journey, explaining his career shift from jazz trombone to movement science. He gives us a rundown of the Brookbush Institute, discussing its mission around educating health and fitness professionals and the online coursework available to subscribers. Brent shar

Circus hurts. In training sessions, you get bruised and burned, you fall down. But the joy that comes from having a platform to express yourself, to become something outside yourself and communicate through art inspires Amy Schulster to pursue a career as a performer. Amy is a freelance aerial dance artist in New York City specializing in dance, aerial and choreography. She has a background in classical ballet and a BFA in Dance and Urban Design from Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. Amy trained with the Professional Training Program at the New England Center for Circus Arts before joining the Company and Teaching Faculty at Frequent Flyers Aerial Dance in Boulder for the 2015-2016 season. Today, she trains clients in acrobatic conditioning, performs with aerial partner Christie Palermo as Femmes de Flight, and does solo appearances at venues like Webster Hall, Dixon Place, and Muse Brooklyn. On this episode of Ali Fitness, Amy explains the lifestyle of a freelance aerial dancer, sharing her training schedule

Two of the top personal trainers in New York City are advocates of Gymnastic Strength Training, a balanced approach to training that combines strength and mobility. If the word ‘gymnastics’ has you feeling intimidated, don’t be—the purpose of the discipline is to fix your mobility gaps and gain strength without having to lift weights. So where did Gymnastic Strength Training come from? How does it work? And how can it help you? Nick Ebner is on a mission to help his clients meet their physical goals in a holistic, self-sustainable manner. At his gym, Nick Ebner Integrative Fitness, he uses a unique blend of Gymnastic Strength Training, mobility work, and customized support. Paul Watson is the founding partner and master trainer at Transform Fitness, where they focus on providing a well-rounded routine and ongoing education to help clients achieve balanced energy for optimum health and fitness. Both Nick and Paul have worked with the developer of Gymnastic Strength Training, Coach Christopher Sommer. Today Nic

It’s only natural to have the blues in the winter months when the days are shorter and there is less available sunlight. This mild form of seasonal affective disorder can be exacerbated by long hours working indoors, shift work or even long-distance travel. Jusso Nissilä was studying neurobiology at the University of Oulu in 2005 when he made the connection between the photosensitivity of the human brain and the potential to deliver bright light therapy through the ear. Jusso founded Valkee in 2007, and by 2010, the HumanCharger was ready to go to market. Using the device for 12 minutes each day has been proven to increase energy levels, improve mood and increase mental alertness. To date, the HumanCharger has 70,000 users worldwide. Today Jusso explains how he came to invent the HumanCharger, the benefits of using the device, and the science behind how light therapy affects the brain. He covers the research studies around recovery from jetlag and reaction time in athletes. Listen in to understand why Valkee

Sustained excellence over time. Isn’t that what we’re all working toward? In every aspect of our lives—from sport to our personal and professional lives—maintaining a high level of performance for the long-term is the ultimate goal. So, what can we learn from the simple approach of teams like the Golden State Warriors? Phil White is an Emmy-nominated writer and frequent contributor to The Inertia, SUP the Mag and Canoe & Kayak. He collaborated with Dr. Fergus Connolly on Game Changer: The Art of Sports Science, a new release that walks us through an athlete-centered model that promotes long-term health and longevity. He is also the co-author of Unplugged, The 17 Hour Fast and the forthcoming Flight Plan with Dr. Kelly Starrett. Today Phil outlines the holistic approach to team sports laid out in Game Changer. He covers the importance of looking at stats in context and considering the technical, tactical, psychological and physical aspects of competition. Phil discusses the concept of the ‘simple principle

We all know that quality is more important than quantity. But it’s tricky to determine quality when it comes to something like sleep. How restorative was the eight hours you got last night? Did that sleep allow your body to recover enough to do the training session you have scheduled for today? Petteri Lahtela is a serial entrepreneur with 25 years of experience building high tech products and managing international businesses. Petteri’s passion for designing solutions that offer meaningful health benefits led him to create Oura, the world’s first wellness ring. Oura combines sophisticated design, ground-breaking technology and three decades of research to guide users in improving their sleep, health and readiness to perform. Today Petteri describes the differences between the first generation Oura ring and the new version coming out in April. He covers Oura’s core use cases, what the ring measures, and what sets Oura apart from other wearables on the market. Petteri explains how athletes might utilize Oura t

An interest in health and fitness may begin with a desire to look good on the outside, but most of us stick with sport because of the internal benefits—the sense of aliveness and vitality, the feeling of strength and connection to our bodies and the world around us. Training gives us a few hours away from our busy lives, and if we’re lucky, it allows us to be fully present. Now imagine turning those few hours of escape into a few days, a few weeks, or even a year! What would it be like to leave the modern world and spend time in the wild, developing a deep connection with yourself and the earth? Claire Dunn was living a typical fast-paced, urban lifestyle. Working as a lobbyist and environmental activist in a high-pressure, highly political environment, she longed for the opportunity to get closer to the wilderness she was fighting for and explore the human-nature connection. Starting in 2010, Claire spent a year in the wild, and that experience became the subject of her subsequent memoir, My Year Without Mat

“[People] are empowered, and that’s exactly why I love doing what I do is because you have everything you need to get yourself to feel better... Breathing is something that’s yours, and we’ve forgotten that. We’ve forgotten how powerful it can be. We’ve forgotten how to do it right.” Dr. Belisa Vranich is the Director of Breathing Science at the Ash Center for Comprehensive Medicine in New York City. Dr. Belisa began her career as a clinical psychologist with the intention of having a long-standing therapy practice. As she explored different methods of reducing stress, Dr. Belisa developed an interest in yoga breathing and martial arts-based breathing techniques. The result of her study is The Breathing Class, a practical, science-based method that addresses the physical and psychological problems related to ‘bad breath.’ Dr. Belisa is also a sought-after public speaker and the author of Breathe: The Simple, Revolutionary 14-Day Program to Improve your Mental and Physical Health. A regular guest on platforms

The vast majority of yoga teachers are freelancers, teaching at multiple studios and gyms. And following your favorite teacher can mean navigating multiple websites for access to classes and events. What if there was a platform where you could follow your favorite teachers and studios, getting all of your information in one place? And what if you could make a small investment in the platform, owning a part of the startup that is creating that community? Alexander Klein is the co-founder and CEO of Yoga Trail, a global yoga network that connects yogis with their favorite teachers in an effort to make the world a healthier and happier place. The platform provides yoga teachers with free tools to manage and grow their business, while students can find and book classes online in one convenient location. Alexander has a diverse background that ranges from punk musician to sound engineer to plasma physicist. After a failed attempt to build a fusion reactor that would provide the planet with unlimited clean energy,

What if your fitness studio supported you in more than just the physical aspects of health? What if your gym could guide you in eating well? And pursuing mental and emotional wellness? Scott Capelin is on a mission to usher in a new era of fitness with Embody, a boutique gym focused on holistic wellness. The unique Embody philosophy inspires members to Move, Replenish and Unplug as they pursue wellbeing through physical, mental and emotional fitness. Scott left the corporate world to join his brother in the fitness industry in 1999. Though he enjoyed his work in marketing management, Scott had always had a passion for health and fitness, so he found greater job satisfaction and financial success in personal training and gym management. After 12 years with Vision PT, Scott and his brother established Tribe Social Fitness in 2011. Then he observed a shift in the industry toward boutique studios, and Scott saw an opportunity to design an elegant, eco-conscious space that offered its members a fusion of fitness a

‘The best athletes on the teams I’ve worked with have always been the best sleepers. The bottom third of the sleepers are usually gone within a few years.’ We live in a world where functioning on less and less sleep has become ‘the new normal,’ so we may not realize just how much insufficient sleep impacts our performance. Of course, there are elements of this that are out of our control, like the travel schedule associated with competition. But if you are struggling to get close to the recommended 7½-9 hours, it is likely that your reaction time and your ability to focus are suffering. What is the best way to monitor how much sleep you’re actually getting? And how do you determine what’s causing the problem if you’re falling short? Pat Byrne is an authority in the field of sleep science with 30-plus years of experience in health and safety, risk management, and performance optimization. Pat’s fatigue management systems utilize state-of-the-art technology to revolutionize the way professional sports teams and