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Dr. Erik Jensen bridges the gap between medical science and strength training wisdom, sharing insights from his dual perspective as an anesthesiologist and competitive strongman at age 55.

• Trained in Buffalo and worked at Erie County Medical Center as an anesthesiologist for decades
• Found weightlifting during college, used it as stress relief during medical residency
• Competed in powerlifting before transitioning to strongman competition
• Weighs under 200 pounds but competes successfully against much heavier athletes
• Set a goal to own the world record in deadlift for the over-80 age class

• The mental health benefits of intensive training: "The harder I beat my body, the quieter the voices in my head became"
• How strongman training naturally incorporates the conjugate method through implement variety
• Why physicians typically have poor knowledge of strength training and exercise science
• The importance of training smarter but not necessarily easier as we age
• Why protein supplementation is overhyped compared to actual resistance training
• Effective supplements with scientific backing: creatine, caffeine, and occasionally beta-alanine
• Finding enjoyable activities is crucial for long-term exercise adherence
• The social aspect of training becomes increasingly important as we age
• Exercise should involve some degree of "strain" to activate physiological mechanisms

Find something you enjoy that gets you moving. Medical evidence clearly shows that movement reduces hip fractures, spine fractures, stroke and heart disease rates – and the more movement, the better the outcomes.

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New episodes come out every other Thursday!

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We chat with Denny Labresh, founder of Valkyrie Strength Team, about thriving in strength sports after 40 and his journey from basketball player to successful strongman competitor and coach.

• Denny shares how he transitioned from basketball to strongman in his late 20s and is now hitting lifetime PRs at age 41
• The evolution of strongman from showcasing athletes from other sports to becoming its own codified discipline with specialized athletes
• Why recovery becomes the most critical factor for masters athletes compared to younger competitors
• Training philosophy changes for masters: intense but less frequent training (3 days/week) versus high volume for younger athletes
• The importance of weighted carries like sandbags and husafell stones for developing functional strength for all masters athletes
• How Valkyrie Strength Club developed from making equipment during the pandemic to providing high-quality, affordable strongman gear
• Denny's coaching approach focuses on teaching independence and progression rather than creating dependency
• Online coaching benefits: more economical, provides accountability while promoting independence
• Key advice for masters athletes: "Enjoy the process" and remember why you fell in love with the sport

Find Denny and Valkyrie Strength at valkyriestrengthclub on Instagram or valkyriestrengthclub.ca online.

@masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG

New episodes come out every other Thursday!

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Scott Fike shares the inspiring story behind the Love Like Ben Foundation and its annual strongman charity event honoring his son's memory while raising funds to help children afford sports participation. What began as a heartfelt tribute has grown into a thriving community event raising over $17,000 this year to provide equipment, memberships, and tuition assistance to young athletes in need.

• Detailed recap of the four main competition events: Circus Dumbbell, Sandbag Over Bar, Seated Arm Over Arm Sled Pull, and Hummer Tire Deadlift
• The event's accessible approach allowing athletes across nine divisions to participate
• Incredible community support from sponsors like Serious Steel Fitness and Valkyrie Strength
• Beautiful custom metal awards created by Wicked Welding and Fabrication
• Pain Face Photography's professional documentation of the event
• The Benjamin Fike Memorial Award given to individuals embodying Ben's spirit of making people smile
• This year's successful fundraising total of $17,000 gross, with approximately $14,000 going directly to the foundation

Visit lovelikeben9.com to learn more about the foundation, donate, or apply for a grant if you know a young athlete who needs financial assistance to participate in sports.

@masters_athlete_survival_guide on IG

New episodes come out every other Thursday!