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Ever wonder if your go-to protein bar is secretly a sugar trap? Join us as we promise to uncover the truth behind these so-called health snacks. Scott Fike and I, John Katalinas, embark on a spirited taste-test journey through the colorful world of protein bars. From Gorilla Bar to Built Puff Bars and even meat-based options, we critique the good, the bad, and the sugary pitfalls. With Scott's emphasis on taste and dietary restrictions and my scientific approach focusing on protein and carbs, our candid discussions are packed with humor and insightful banter that will leave you questioning your own protein bar choices.

Our exploration doesn't stop with conventional flavors. We indulge in the more unusual offerings from Legendary Foods, which invoke nostalgic memories of pop tarts and cinnamon rolls, and the exciting flavors from One Bar, like blueberry cobbler and maple donut. The conversation gets heated over the Pure Protein chocolate peanut butter caramel bar, as we debate its candy-bar-like taste despite its impressive macros. From plant-based options like No Cow's Chocolate Fudge Brownie to the gold-standard Quest bars, we analyze the balance between taste, nutritional value, and availability, all in the pursuit of the perfect protein snack.

Finally, we invite you to weigh in on our protein bar adventures. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or simply a snack lover, we want to hear your recommendations and critiques as we wrap up our taste-test quest. Let's connect on social media to continue the conversation, share your thoughts, and maybe even discover the next big thing in protein bars. Thanks for joining us, and remember to stay active, curious, and always on the lookout for a better bar!

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Riccardo Magni's journey from the basketball court to the grip contest arena is nothing short of extraordinary. As president of Armlifting USA, he brings a wealth of experience and resilience to our discussion, sharing how he thrived in sports beyond 40 despite facing significant health challenges. From his early days as a track and field athlete to his remarkable discovery of passion in individual sports at the 2014 San Jose Fit Expo, Riccardo highlights the empowering nature of controlling one’s athletic destiny. His story of adaptability and tenacity serves as a beacon of inspiration for athletes of any age.

Riccardo’s tale is also one of immense personal resilience, showcasing his recovery from a major heart attack and stroke. Despite these setbacks, his unwavering spirit saw him through rehabilitation and an era of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic. This episode dives into the surprising phenomenon of angiogenesis and the contrasting medical opinions he faced, underscoring the mental fortitude necessary to overcome significant health challenges. Through gratitude, reflection, and perseverance, Riccardo's journey reframes adversity as an opportunity for growth, offering listeners a source of comfort and motivation in their own challenges.

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In this episode, you'll get to hear our personal wish lists as we explore the world of gifting for masters athletes, where humor meets practicality in a festive setting. From essentials to quirky items, we've got you covered with ideas that will not only entertain but also enhance your athletic prowess.

Ever wondered how a simple sniff could supercharge your workout? We unravel the mystery of Zone Smelling Salts, a surprisingly potent training tool that has an unforgettable story attached from the Arnold Sports Festival. Posture perfection might sound like a dream, but with our recommended tools, it's more achievable than ever. Discover the bow tie posture corrector—a game-changer for countering those bad habits we picked up during the pandemic. We also delve into the Big Ray Strap, a genius alternative to inversion tables that provides relief for back discomfort. And let's not forget the unsung hero of muscle recovery: the foam roller. We'll provide tips on choosing the right firmness for optimal results, ensuring you or your loved ones can enjoy improved flexibility and wellness.

Fitness meets travel in our exploration of apps and recovery tools that elevate your lifestyle. Whether you're a masters athlete looking to boost your performance with Great Ape Grips or a road trip enthusiast eager to enhance your journey with the Guide Along app, there's something here for everyone. On the tech side, we discuss Strava, Lose It, and Headspace, offering innovative ways to track, manage, and meditate your way to better health. Finally, we highlight the power of infrared saunas and massage guns in recovery, providing you with the ultimate guide to maintaining peak physical condition. Join us for an episode packed with fun and functional gift ideas that promise to enrich your life.

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What if you could reignite your athletic passion after a major life setback? Discover the transformative power of relentless support and friendship in our latest episode of the Masters Athlete Survival Guide. We sit down with Dr. Charles Infurna, an expert in education and executive leadership, who shares his incredible journey of motivating John Katalinas to return to athletics post-divorce. Dr. Charles's unwavering dedication, from providing gear and transportation to fostering an accidental team dynamic in track and field, offers a poignant look at how camaraderie in sports can lead to profound personal growth and lasting friendships.

In a segment that truly highlights the impact of coaching, we delve into the innovative methods of Judd Logan, a four-time Olympian in the hammer throw. Learn how Logan turned Ashland University into a unique Olympic training hub, offering housing, health insurance, and meal plans to post-collegiate throwers. Through the inspiring story of AG Kruger, who rose from a Division II National Champion to an Olympic athlete under Logan's guidance, we underscore the critical role of coaches in reigniting an athlete's potential. Additionally, we discuss the importance of having a coach for masters athletes, illustrated by a personal anecdote involving an Olympic distance triathlon.

Balancing training with personal responsibilities and physical limitations is no easy feat, especially as athletes age. Dr. Charles provides valuable insights into realistic goal-setting and the financial and time commitments required for coaching. He also highlights the evolving motivations of athletes, emphasizing the value of community and the importance of staying healthy. Through stories of athletes like Luis Rivera, Dr. Charles champions a coaching philosophy that prioritizes supportive relationships over performance metrics, culminating in the release of the inspiring new book, "The Throwing Circle." Tune in to explore how modern coaching techniques can help athletes of all ages and stages achieve their dreams.

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Ever wondered how to maintain peak endurance as you age? Join us on the Master's Athlete Survival Guide, where Scott and I share our personal stories and hard-earned wisdom on navigating the unique endurance challenges faced by master's athletes. We'll discuss the inevitable decline in strength and muscle fibers, focusing on fast twitch fibers, and reveal practical strategies to counteract these changes. Our real-world observations, sprinkled with humor, offer valuable insights on maintaining both cardiovascular and muscular endurance to maximize your healthspan.

In another segment, we dive into the crucial aspects of recovery and injury prevention. Reflecting on our own experiences, we'll talk about the toll intense workouts can take and the importance of proper recovery techniques. Consistency is key, but so is knowing when to push your limits and when to ease off to avoid burnout. We'll share personal anecdotes about lingering injuries, the significance of choosing the right sports for your capabilities, and how age necessitates adjustments in your training regimen to sustain an active lifestyle.

Finally, we explore the intricacies of endurance training. From the benefits of zone two cardio and HIIT to the impact of diet on performance, we cover it all. Scott shares his disciplined dietary journey following a diabetes diagnosis, while I discuss my low-carb, high-protein approach. Join us for practical tips on staying consistent, managing stress, and enjoying your cardio routine, all while keeping your energy levels high and your performance optimal.

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Can competition really be the cornerstone of a master's athlete's journey? Join Scott Fike and John Katalinas as we unpack the essential role of competition in tracking progress, setting realistic goals, and finding sheer joy in participation. Through our candid conversation, we underscore the importance of humility and the immense satisfaction of simply moving your body. Learn how staying active and being part of a community can be fulfilling in ways that transcend winning.

Have you ever wondered why the masters athlete community feels like a close-knit family? Scott and I dive into the unique camaraderie in competitive strength sports, spotlighting how high-level athletes like Wes Derwinsky and Dave Labbe uplift and mentor their peers. Discover the profound mental and social benefits of these supportive environments, where genuine friendships and true connections flourish, enhancing both personal and athletic growth.

Feeling like an imposter in your athletic pursuits? We understand. Listen as we explore powerful stories of overcoming self-doubt, particularly in older athletes. From the camaraderie in Highland Games to the continuous learning in sports like pickleball, we reveal how shared experiences build confidence and a sense of belonging. By embracing failures and actively engaging in life, you can enhance your physical and mental health, ensuring long-term enjoyment and fulfillment in sports.

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Unlock the secrets to optimizing your athletic performance with Certified Posturologist Mike Saffell (@saffell_posturology) in this enlightening episode of the Masters Athlete Survival Guide. Discover how you can dramatically improve your speed, endurance, and recovery times by addressing alignment issues from head to toe. Mike takes us through the fundamentals of posturology, explaining the far-reaching consequences of misalignments and how they can impede athletic success across all age groups, from young athletes to seasoned masters.

Gain practical insights into improving posture and correcting imbalances with tools like the Donnie Thompson bow tie. Mike shares fascinating anecdotes about how unconventional developmental stages, like crawling patterns, impact adult posture and muscle flexibility. Through real-life examples, we highlight how making small adjustments can lead to significant improvements in both performance and comfort. Our conversation also delves into the gender nuances of posturology and how these considerations can affect training routines, using the log press event as a vivid example.

Join us for a memorable mix of expert advice and entertaining stories, including a humorous detour to Grandpa's Cheese Barn. Look forward to Mike's sneak peek into the upcoming Posturology Week and practical tips for enhancing grip and overall physical readiness as athletes age. Whether you're a competitive athlete or simply looking to stay fit and strong, this episode is packed with valuable insights to keep you motivated and performing at your best.

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What if achieving balance in life is not about finding a fixed point, but managing the chaos within? Join us as John Katalinas and Scott Fike unpack the intricate dance of life balance in the realm of masters athletics. Through engaging discussions, we reveal how activities like hitting the gym, playing golf, or even a round of darts, offer more than just physical exercise—they provide a sanctuary of control and calm. You'll hear personal stories about the power of community and support, and why sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself is to simply take a moment to breathe.

In a world full of daily commitments and unexpected surprises, how do we keep fitness and well-being in check? We highlight the challenges and triumphs of balancing fitness with life's many demands, from dental appointments to flat tires. Learn the value of setting small, achievable goals and the profound impact of staying active for mental health. Through our experiences in events like the Highland Games and even the lighthearted fun of a Savannah Bananas game, we emphasize the need for reflection, meditation, and enjoying life's lighter moments. Achieving balance is an ongoing journey, and this episode offers you the tools and insights to navigate it with grace and flexibility.

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New episodes come out every other Thursday!