About Me

Aaron Waddell

8 years ago, I was literally killing myself to try in shape. I had just turned 40. I was waking up at 4 AM to get my 10,000 steps in. Then trying to squeeze in strength training, some cardio and eat a healthy diet, while working a full time job as a software engineer, and doing my best to be a good father to two young daughters.

Despite my best intentions, I was falling apart. My T level tanked, I was constantly exhausted. I was showing what I now recognize as early signs of insulin resistance. I was suffering with Plantar Fasciitis and chronic prostatitis. My HDL Cholesterol was very low. And my weight was slowly creeping up.

Around this time I was listening to a podcast and heard Vinnie Tortorich extolling the benefits of a low carb diet. His advice ran counter to everything I had been taught about nutrition. I was intrigued, but basically ignored it and went on.

Then one day, I had an experience that changed my life. I was walking into the office one morning. All of sudden, my co-worker in front had a change of gait, paused for a second, and collapsed from a heart attack. I called 911 while another person performed CPR. Thankfully, the gentleman ended up surviving.

Later, it hit me like a ton of bricks: I needed to do something or that could be me in 10 years. I decided I had to change. I decided to try out the “crazy” low-carb diet and see how it went. I immediately cut sugar and grains from my diet.

almost immediately, I experienced more clarity and reduced inflammation. As I learned more and more, I pared down my fitness regimen. I researched the most efficient methods to stay fit, and incorporated them into my routine.

Fast forward to today. I feel fantastic! I prioritize sleep. I spend 1/2 hour in the morning doing a combination of mindfulness and mobility practice. My strength training consists of one session per week! And even with a warmup it only takes half an hour! I eat the most nutritious, most delicious foods. And I never stress about weight. In fact I weigh myself exactly once a year; at my annual physical. I am constantly amazed at how well I feel!

If you’re interested in hearing how I can help you, I’d love to set up a consultation. Please click the link below to set up a time to meet.

Yours in Health,

Aaron

picture of me

My Principles

Diet

I strongly believe in a Whole Foods, animal based diet. A large majority of people are not over fat but rather undermuscled. The best way to address is through a diet with adequate protein. This gets increasingly important as we get older, and our bodies ability to process protein decreases.

Training Philosophy

My philosophy is based on the principles laid down by Doug McDuff in his seminal work Body By Science. I believe that training should be brief, intense and progressive. Training makes huge inroads into our bodies recovery capability. Especially as we get older, it is vital not to overwhelm the system.

Mindfullness

A daily mindfulness practice is so important to well-being. I use a morning routine that incorporates a short meditation. I also practice the Wim Hof Method, which is a method of hyperventilation combined with breath holds. I find it highly beneficial. You can find more about it here:

Wim Hof Method

Movement Practice

Especially as we move into middle age and past, a movement practice is essential for maintaining good health and function and avoiding injuries. There are many good follow-along routines on YouTube. I use them every day to maintain and increase mobility.

Realistic Expectations

There is no shortage or air-brushed, perfectly lighted, surgically enhanced and drug assisted fitness models on social media. They promise “amazing results overnight” or something similar. I will never do that. I’m not a fitness model and will never be one. Neither will you. But I can promise I will give you the best support in your health journey. If you put in the work, I will show the way to sustainable fitness for a lifetime.