Episode 34: Over and Underrated with Brad Jensen

In this episode of Training Age, hosts Heather Adams and Valerie Lusvardi sit down with Brad Jensen (@thesoberbodybuilder) for an insightful and candid conversation about his journey through addiction, fitness, and personal growth. Kicking things off with lighthearted banter about skiing in Utah and everyday adulting moments, the conversation quickly shifts to Brad’s milestone of turning 40—complete with humorous reflections on aging and its inevitable aches and pains.

Brad shares his powerful story of struggling with substance abuse despite growing up in a supportive family. He opens up about how fitness became a transformative outlet at age 15, helping him overcome childhood bullying and weight challenges. Through raw and honest storytelling, he walks listeners through the rock-bottom moment that led to his recovery and the profound realization that choosing the hard path often leads to lasting growth and fulfillment.

Heather, Val, and Brad explore the parallels between addiction recovery and fitness, emphasizing the importance of a firm resolution for change. They discuss the delicate balance of supporting loved ones through struggles while allowing them to find their own way. The conversation also delves into the role of empathy in coaching, where Brad’s personal experiences with addiction and weight struggles have shaped his approach to helping others. He shares practical wellness strategies, including breath work for stress management and how fitness and nutrition tools impact decision-making.

As the episode wraps up, the discussion takes a fun turn, tackling fitness myths, the role of resistance bands and rucking, and a playful debate on the pros and cons of eating kiwi skin. This conversation is filled with honesty, humor, and valuable takeaways on resilience, self-improvement, and the mindset shifts necessary for meaningful transformation.

Episode Summary

(0:00:09) - Life of the Sobriety Journey (12 Minutes)

This chapter brings us an engaging conversation with the esteemed Brad Jensen, known as the sober bodybuilder. Kicking off with a light-hearted recount of weekend activities, we touch on skiing in Utah with friends from Florida and the routine adult tasks that define a weekend. We then introduce Brad, celebrating his recent 40th birthday and sharing humorous anecdotes about age-related aches and pains. The focus shifts to Brad's journey, beginning with his teenage years when he battled substance abuse, contrasting with his supportive LDS family background. He reflects on his early experiences with alcohol, which eventually led him to discover a passion for fitness at 15. Brad's story underscores a transformation from an overweight and teased child to someone who found solace and identity in fitness, hinting at the discipline and challenges that shaped his path.

(0:12:22) - The Power of Desire for Change (10 Minutes)

This chapter explores the transformative journey of overcoming addiction and the pivotal moments that lead to lasting change. We hear a powerful story of being arrested in a stolen car and experiencing a profound moment of surrender, which ultimately became the catalyst for recovery. As we discuss the struggle of addiction, we highlight the challenges parents face in deciding when to step back and let their children find their own path to recovery. The importance of having a genuine desire for change is emphasized, alongside the realization that making life easier in the short term can lead to long-term hardships. I share how these experiences have shaped my approach as a coach, helping clients understand the importance of choosing the hard path that leads to growth and fulfillment. This chapter offers valuable insights into the parallels between overcoming addiction and pursuing fitness goals, emphasizing the necessity of a firm resolution to make meaningful and lasting changes.

(0:22:16) - Exploring Empathy and Wellness Strategies (14 Minutes)

This chapter explores how personal struggles with weight and addiction can enhance empathy and effectiveness as a coach. Reflecting on childhood experiences with weight challenges and overcoming addiction highlights the strength gained from adversity. The conversation also touches on the power of breath work, with a shoutout to Jen's breath work classes that offer emotional release and help regulate the nervous system. I share personal insights on using breath work and other calming practices to manage stress and emotional reactions. We discuss practical strategies for clients struggling with compulsive eating behaviors, emphasizing the power of pausing and using techniques like box breathing to break habit loops. Overall, this chapter emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and intentional pauses in fostering healthier behaviors and reactions.

(0:35:51) - Nutrition Nuance and Personal Needs (8 Minutes)

This chapter explores the influence of food-related apps and their impact on personal decision-making, emphasizing the potential harm in relying too heavily on such tools for grocery shopping and nutritional guidance. We discuss the problematic nature of labeling foods as strictly "good" or "bad," advocating instead for a balanced perspective that considers personal goals and the social aspects of eating. The conversation shifts to evaluating the role of electrolytes, where we argue they are often overrated but can be beneficial in specific contexts, like when consuming a diet low in processed foods or for those with unique health needs. We stress the importance of individual assessment and understanding one's own dietary requirements, noting that supplements should address personal nutritional gaps rather than following generalized advice.

(0:43:52) - Fitness Myths and Realities (13 Minutes)

This chapter explores the effectiveness and appropriateness of using resistance bands and rucking as part of a fitness routine. We discuss the pros and cons of resistance bands, noting that while they have their place, particularly for beginners or during situations like COVID when gym access is limited, they may not provide sufficient progressive overload for more advanced lifters. We emphasize the importance of moving towards heavier resistance as one's fitness level improves. Additionally, we address the topic of rucking and zone two cardio, considering them slightly underrated and valuable for overall fitness, while highlighting the need to balance these activities with strength training for optimal results. Overall, the conversation stresses the importance of tailoring fitness strategies to individual goals and circumstances.

(0:57:14) - Training Intensity and Kiwi Skin Controversy (7 Minutes)

This chapter explores the intricacies of training intensity and the common misconceptions surrounding it. We discuss how many individuals may not truly understand what training to failure entails, sharing experiences with clients who often underestimate their capacity to push harder. We emphasize the importance of understanding the nuances of Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) and Reps In Reserve (RIR), highlighting the value of experiencing true failure to accurately gauge one's intensity levels. The conversation also touches on the psychological aspects of training, particularly with leg exercises, and how safe environments like leg press machines can be instrumental in testing one's limits. Additionally, we engage in a lighthearted debate about the pros and cons of eating kiwi skin, ultimately finding it overrated due to its unappealing texture.