What if pushing your body to the limit in the name of fitness is actually aging you faster and stealing your vitality?
In this eye-opening episode of the Vitality Lounge, host Micol Bok sits down with Brad Kearns—former world-class triathlete, bestselling author, and health expert—for a conversation that shatters some of society’s most persistent beliefs about health, performance, and longevity.
Key Highlights:
- The Dark Side of Endurance Sports: Brad reveals how his years as a pro triathlete may have aged his body beyond his years, exposing the underappreciated risks of overtraining—even in pursuit of peak fitness.
- Redefining Vitality: Discover why vitality isn’t just about boundless energy, but about balance, restoration, and the ability to bounce back—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
- Sleep, Recovery & Downtime: Learn why sleep and true downtime are the cornerstones of Brad’s health philosophy, plus actionable tips to finally prioritize real rest in the digital age.
- Routines that Build Resilience: Brad shares his powerful (and simple) morning movement routine that anyone can use, regardless of fitness level, to lay the foundation for a vibrant day.
- Taming the ‘Reactive Brain’: You’ll be shocked by how most people start their day—and why you should reclaim those first moments for yourself instead of your phone.
- Micro-Workouts & Daily Movement: Brad busts the myth that you need hours at the gym; even a handful of squats at your desk can transform your health, no matter how busy you are.
- Vitality Beyond the Body: The discussion moves beyond physical fitness into relationships, mindset, and how to “clean up your act”—whether that means your diet, your thoughts, or your emotional habits.
Put It Into Action:
Wondering how to apply these insights to your own life? Start here:
- Audit Your Evenings: Tonight, pick one hour before bed to disconnect from screens and try a calming (not stimulating) activity to set yourself up for quality sleep.
- Try Brad’s Morning Routine: Set aside just five minutes tomorrow morning for a simple movement sequence before your phone even leaves the nightstand.
- Micro-Workout Challenge: Next time you find yourself sitting for 30+ minutes, stand up and knock out 10 squats, lunges, or even some marching in place—you’ll be amazed how quickly this stacks up.
- Declutter Your Diet: Today, toss one junk food item from your kitchen and make your next grocery run a “perimeter-only” trip (produce, proteins, healthy fats).
- Relationship Reboot: Challenge yourself to show up with more patience and authenticity in your closest relationship—maybe share one honest (but kind) truth that you’d normally hold back.
- Join the Conversation: Check out Brad’s B Rad Podcast and get even more resources on building a life of lasting vitality by visiting BradKearns.com or his new book website, borntowalkbook.com.
This episode isn’t just a wake-up call—it’s a toolkit for reclaiming your energy, your health, and your joy at every age. Subscribe, share, and start making vitality your daily reality!
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Triathlon: Finding Daily Motivation
03:48 "Strategic Balance in Sports"
08:15 Flexible Cardio Training Benefits
11:46 "Prioritizing Sleep Amid Digital Overload"
14:54 High-Stimulation Entertainment Hinders Sleep
18:15 Simple Steps to Improve Well-being
21:57 Morning Movement Routine Boosts Energy
27:28 "Embrace Deep Work for Success"
29:51 Balanced Social Media Use
33:35 Resisting Lifestyle-Induced Aging
38:20 "Micro Workouts Beat Sedentary Life"
40:47 "Embrace Micro-Movements for Health"
43:34 Building Resilience for Life's Ups and Downs
49:01 Prioritizing Harmony in Relationships
51:14 "Vitality Lounge & Born to Walk"
53:22 "Vitality Lounge Podcast Promo"