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Beyond Fit

Beyond Fit

By Jake Parker

Build your Physique. Strengthen your Mind. Become Beyond Fit!
Host Jake Parker has been bodybuilding and studying health and fitness for over a decade. For years, following misinformed bro-science made him feel he could never achieve the body he dreamed of. That was until he found the proper way to apply scientific AND practical information to building his physique. This in turn led him to apply the same focus to strengthening his mind. Every other Monday and Wednesday, Jake and his guests share knowledge to help you optimize physique, health, and mindset, without an all or nothing approach.
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Currently playing episode

Episode 12: Danny Di Tofano (Owner @physiotrition, Co-Owner @TopGymTips)

Beyond Fit May 06, 2019

00:00
01:08:33
189: How to Be Less Stressed

189: How to Be Less Stressed

Stress. We all have it!


Lucky for you I'm a Zen master with absolutely zero stresses in my life and I'm here to teach you my ways.


Jk- but I do have six tips including managing your phone, developing routines, and being grateful (yes, this actually works) to help us both stress less.

Dec 14, 202321:35
188: Three Keys to Building a Workout Plan

188: Three Keys to Building a Workout Plan

I've built hundreds of workouts over the last decade. And in today's episode I go over (in order) the three most crucial variables. We'll cover-


  • SFR (stimulus-to-fatigue ratio)
  • Counting body part volume
  • The four main movement patterns
  • Progressive overload (and it's mis-application)
  • And much more!
Nov 29, 202331:21
187: 3 Tips for Your Best Sleep Ever!

187: 3 Tips for Your Best Sleep Ever!

Sleep is the most underrated aspect of a healthy life and healthy body.


Nothing else will give you the same returns as far as mental, physical, and emotional health!


Listen in to learn about circadian rhythms, cortisol management, and other sleep routines that will improve your sleep quantity and quality so you can feel your best.

Nov 15, 202319:51
186: Q+A with Coach Jake and Coach Kade Part 2
Oct 20, 202327:18
185: Deloads (How to Use Them & Who Needs Them)
Oct 18, 202316:60
Episode 184: Q & A with Coach Jake and Coach Kade

Episode 184: Q & A with Coach Jake and Coach Kade

Hello faithful listeners! After a long hiatus I am back to making new episodes of the podcast.


Today I talked with my fellow coach Kade Howell about:


  • Our post photo shoot to current day training/nutrition approaches including transitioning into not tracking.
  • Favorite muscle groups to train and how we program for clients.
  • Tips for traveling (or any period of potentially higher than normal calorie consumption).

I hope you enjoy the show and please keep up with me/give me your feedback on Instagram (@JakeParker.Fit)

Oct 13, 202344:60
An Announcement

An Announcement

Check out this announcement about the direction of the podcast if you're a frequent listener!

Sep 22, 202101:10
Episode 183: Notes on Macros and Mindset with Jake Parker

Episode 183: Notes on Macros and Mindset with Jake Parker

Hi guys! No guest for the full length Wednesday episode this week- so I wanted to share some thoughts on pragmatic staples of Beyond Fit with some notes on macros (how I've changed my mind on them, carb or fat emphasis, "power meals") and mindset (the hidden benefit to cold showers, loving yourself, the low-information diet). Enjoy! 

Sep 08, 202134:35
Mindset Monday: Ronnie Coleman Didn't Eat Vegetables

Mindset Monday: Ronnie Coleman Didn't Eat Vegetables

Some anecdotes have just always stuck with me, like the story of Ronnie Coleman throwing out the vegetables he had put with his chicken and rice. This episode offers a unique look at the 80/20 principle of diet and exercise and a reminder not to get caught up on the little things.

Sep 06, 202104:33
Episode 182: Nick Krantz on Brain/Gut Connection and Believing in Yourself

Episode 182: Nick Krantz on Brain/Gut Connection and Believing in Yourself

-Nick has been battling with PCS or post concussion syndrome for much of his adult life, recently he's had some acutely tough times. He was generous enough to come on my show to share some of his journey and how it has changed since he was last on the show, as well as sharing messages that are important to him about anxiety/depression and thinking you can "tough it out."

Timestamps:

  • 2:09- Nick’s personal updates from his last time on the show and the work he’s had to do on himself and with providers
  • 9:40- Finding yourself through your habits and embracing pain.
  • 21:27 The power of affirmations, everything happens for a reason.
  • 28:05 How Nick uses his personal struggles to help clients see the bigger picture.
  • 43:38 Addition by subtraction to improve your health.
Aug 25, 202152:50
Mindset Monday: How do You Think About Time?

Mindset Monday: How do You Think About Time?

We tend to think very rigidly about the way we spend our time, even though, unlike other resources like money, it's the only thing we can't get back! How do you balance things like spending time with friends and family or dating with your workouts? What's more important, a good night's rest or an early morning workout? Hear my thoughts on these questions in this episode.

Aug 23, 202108:06
Episode 181: Four Steps to Recover Faster and be Strong and Lean
Aug 11, 202128:13
Mindset Monday: Being Your Best Requires Seasons

Mindset Monday: Being Your Best Requires Seasons

We can't be on top of our game all the time. In this episode I talk about some of my recent struggles with not being able to eat and lift like I normally do, as well as what big rocks help keep me from losing too much progress, and how to avoid the perfectionist mentality.

Aug 09, 202108:41
Episode 180: Random Show! (Creatine, Maintenance, Mindful Living, Vacation)

Episode 180: Random Show! (Creatine, Maintenance, Mindful Living, Vacation)

Today I'm doing another random show filled with whatever is on my mind from recent conversations, thoughts, and deep dives, enjoy! Also please let me know if there's anything you'd like covered in future shows like this.

  • 1:11 The most researched molecule in all of sports!
  • 6:48 Takeaways from my current maintenance phase.
  • 17:41 Living mindfully and with intention.
  • 22:39 Vacation tips for staying fit.
Jul 28, 202127:21
Mindset Monday: To Improve, Ditch Perfectionism

Mindset Monday: To Improve, Ditch Perfectionism

Many of us pride ourselves on being "perfectionists" not realizing how this tendency can lead us astray. Here's what to do about it and how to look at it instead! 

Jul 26, 202107:31
Episode 179: Recovery and Anti-Fragility w/ Dr. Mike T Nelson
Jul 14, 202146:17
Mindset Monday: How to Be Happy and Live Forever

Mindset Monday: How to Be Happy and Live Forever

In this episode I discuss my main exercise objectives and why they're important for longevity/healthspan. I'll also go into appreciation for yourself and your body and balance continued growth with acceptance.

Jul 12, 202110:37
Episode 178: Art of Charm Co-Host Johnny Dzubak Returns!

Episode 178: Art of Charm Co-Host Johnny Dzubak Returns!

I wanted to bring my friend Johnny on today to talk like we have before about socializing, especially in the post pandemic world. Johnny is an expert on communication and social skills and you'll love his takes on confidence, getting to good conversation with anyone, and more!

  • 2:31 Reflections on the last year.
  • 10:04 The limits of interpersonal communication through technology and the results of anxiety/depression.
  • 19:28 Mass marketing and fear. Are we entering the next golden age?
  • 32:41 Using the FORD acronym to talk to anyone!
  • 41:39 Listen to listen, not to respond.
Jun 30, 202151:22
Mindset Monday: You Can't Eat All the Healthy Foods (The Detriment to Eating Healthy)

Mindset Monday: You Can't Eat All the Healthy Foods (The Detriment to Eating Healthy)

I am very wary to use the words "healthy" or "unhealthy" in terms of diet because black and whites don't exist in nutrition any more than they exist in training. In this podcast I explain a common problem that I've dealt with myself- the incessant need to eat healthy.

Jun 28, 202107:20
Episode 177: Pat Flynn on Strategies for Better Fitness and a Better Life

Episode 177: Pat Flynn on Strategies for Better Fitness and a Better Life

Life is busy. Sometimes it's hard to find time to think about personal or career enrichment. I brought Pat Flynn today (who you'll remember from Episode 152: Making Truth Your Target) to discuss these topics, and of course some great fitness and diet info too! Pat is a philosopher, author, and generalist among other things who through hard work, experimentation, and mentorship has carved out a path as a successful coach and entrepreneur. Check out his website and Instagram!

Timestamps:

  • 2:02 Pat’s backstory and how he got into fitness after winning a "man boob contest."
  • 9:28 Information vs. knowledge (we live in an age of information overload!)
  • 14:58 First principles when it comes to diet.
  • 21:08 Generalism vs. specialization and Warren Buffett’s 5/25 rule.
  • 34:25 Is college worth it? And- “you can’t escape doing philosophy, you can only escape doing it well.”
  • 45:16 The importance of reading and strategies for better reading comprehension.
  • 51:25 Is “do what you’re passionate about” good advice? Do you create passion or is it innate?
Jun 16, 202101:00:45
Mindset Monday: This is the Key (Get This Right Above All Else)

Mindset Monday: This is the Key (Get This Right Above All Else)

The perfect plan will get you nowhere if done haphazardly. It's fun to optimize but it's much more important to make sure you can be consistent. I share six ways I remain consistent with my nutrition and fitness in this episode.

Jun 14, 202108:43
Episode 176: My Friend Max Nottonson Joins the Show for Philosophy and Ramblings

Episode 176: My Friend Max Nottonson Joins the Show for Philosophy and Ramblings

Max Nottonson has been a friend of mine for over two years and he was long overdue to come back on the podcast! We got to talking about changing identity, and although it was mentioned, didn't quite get to talk about Max's automated fitness habits. He will be back soon! Max has worked as a fitness coach and is currently working in influencer marketing. We talked about a wide range of topics including the books we're into, instant vs. long term gratification, and happiness in life/career.

Timestamps:

  • 3:22- How do you switch courses?
  • 11:26- Communicating authenticity vs. competence and prescribing meaning.
  • 18:44- Happiness vs. enterprising and discipline.
  • 28:43- Gratitude and achieving success.
  • 35:25- The lack of black and whites in health and life.
  • 44:21- Mostly ramblings.
Jun 02, 202155:04
Mindset Monday: 2 Lessons Learned from 2 Years of Meditation

Mindset Monday: 2 Lessons Learned from 2 Years of Meditation

Meditation is of huge importance in my life. If you're a meditator yourself or are curious what effects it has, enjoy my reflections on about two years of consistent practice!

Jun 02, 202110:29
Episode 175: Phil White on Book Writing and Being a Leader

Episode 175: Phil White on Book Writing and Being a Leader

Today on the podcast I was joined by Emmy-Nominated writer and co-author of bestselling books: Unplugged, Game Changer, The 17 Hour Fast, Waterman 2.0 and coming in November, The Leader’s Mind. In this podcast we talked about writing as it relates to personal productivity and the delicate balance we try to strike between doing important work and just living life (plus dealing with burnout). We also talked about why and how everyone can be a leader as well as Phil's best interview tips.

Connect with Phil on his website.

Timestamps:

  • 2:22- The blueprints to leadership and why culture is not static.
  • 19:07- Perfect is the enemy of good, and deep work.
  • 27:28- How to make more connections, and do work that matters.
  • 51:37- Should you care what other people think? How we think about this question and the role social media plays.
  • 1:02:32- Getting over the voice in your head and the benefit of systems.
May 19, 202101:13:07
Mindset Monday: Giving a Shit is Cool

Mindset Monday: Giving a Shit is Cool

Sometimes it can seem we're living in a generation of apathy. Learn why giving a shit is cool in this episode and how to generate the courage to be curious and vulnerable.

May 17, 202108:32
Episode 174: Anders Varner on the Big Rocks of Fitness and Being a "Diesel Dad"
May 12, 202101:01:30
Mindset Monday: A Six Pack Won't Make You Happy (This is What You Really Want)

Mindset Monday: A Six Pack Won't Make You Happy (This is What You Really Want)

One of the unpalatable lessons about walking around with a six pack is that nobody really gives a shit. Don't set goals in hopes of affirmation from others, and realize that the journey is more important than the destination.

May 03, 202110:25
Episode 173: Bodybuilding Misconceptions and Bulking Applied w/ Alberto Nunez

Episode 173: Bodybuilding Misconceptions and Bulking Applied w/ Alberto Nunez

Alberto Nunez is a natural bodybuilder and 3DMJ coach, you can find him on Instagram! With a lifting career that's old enough to drink, Alberto has a wealth of knowledge that he shared on this show. We both got to nerd out a little bit on the specifics of bodybuilding while offering plenty of actionable takeaways no matter your experience level.

  • 1:29 Why we love bodybuilding, why training doesn’t have to be masochistic.
  • 15:29 Playing the long term game and bulking strategies.
  • 30:58 Progressive overload and finding your lifts.
  • 44:25 The importance of staying interested with your lifting plan, closing thoughts.

Click here if you're interested in working with me 1 on 1 to transform your physique!

Apr 28, 202156:34
Mindset Monday: The Dark Side of Improving Yourself

Mindset Monday: The Dark Side of Improving Yourself

Improving yourself whether health and physique wise, or in other areas, is one of the best ways you can invest your time! There are, however, possible downsides to improving yourself to look out for. In this podcast learn the importance of not resting on your laurels, and find out how I avoid stagnation in the effort to improve!

Apr 26, 202109:22
Episode 172: What Stage Lifter Are You? (And What Does it Mean For You?)

Episode 172: What Stage Lifter Are You? (And What Does it Mean For You?)

Although highly individual, finding out what stage you’re at compared to the aggregate on your muscle building journey can be useful in goal setting and comprehension. In this podcast I discuss some quantitative metrics for understanding lifting stages and how it relates to volume and overtraining.

Apr 21, 202133:03
Mindset Monday: The Four Best Books on Success (These Books Changed My Life)

Mindset Monday: The Four Best Books on Success (These Books Changed My Life)

As you know, I love that fitness gives me a framework through which to view success in every area of my life. In these books you'll find countless lessons that you can not only entertain but apply in your life to further yourself along the path of success, today! 

Apr 19, 202115:02
Episode 171: The Mindset Toolkit (For Transforming Your Body)

Episode 171: The Mindset Toolkit (For Transforming Your Body)

For years I struggled with working harder and harder and never changing my body, I hated what I saw in the mirror year after year. Since making some major changes and learning new principles, I've also found myself equipped with a new mindset that I wanted to share with you today. I talk about failure and what it can teach us, avoiding the victim mindset, how to look at your body objectively, and more. This podcast is actionable and information dense. Enjoy!

Apr 14, 202135:34
Mindset Monday: Two Things I Tell Every New Client (I Wish I Knew These Sooner!)
Apr 14, 202111:29
Episode 170: Bodybuilding Terms Explained
Apr 07, 202142:14
Mindset Monday: Your Bodybuilding Program Needs These 3 Things

Mindset Monday: Your Bodybuilding Program Needs These 3 Things

I see many mistakes in programming a bodybuilding routine stemming from 3 areas you can easily fix, today!

Apr 05, 202111:44
Episode 169: Five Reasons You Still Aren't Jacked

Episode 169: Five Reasons You Still Aren't Jacked

Do you spend 5-6 days a week in the gym, monitor your food intake a week, and still look the same month after month? Through working with clients I've seen a few key pieces that are missing when someone has the commitment without the results to show for it and I'll address those in this podcast.

Email or DM me on Instagram with any comments!

Timestamps:

  • 2:17 An important study on sleep and how to get better sleep.
  • 14:41 Your body doesn’t know the difference between life stress and training stress!
  • 16:03 What recovery ISN’T.
  • 20:36 Ways to mitigate stress.
  • 27:06 How I’ve come around on calorie counting.
  • 34:28 What progressive overload ISN’T.
  • 37:14 My maxims on perfection.
Mar 31, 202140:46
Mindset Monday: Worry About Only This

Mindset Monday: Worry About Only This

Focusing on improvement is difficult, especially when making the hard but worthy choice day after day to focus long term and sacrifice. Make it easier on yourself by doing this one thing.

Mar 29, 202106:56
Episode 168: Four Decades of Bodybuilding w/ Dr. Scott Stevenson

Episode 168: Four Decades of Bodybuilding w/ Dr. Scott Stevenson

Dr. Scott Stevenson is an experienced bodybuilder who is also well versed academically which always makes for a very exciting time on the show! I got to pick his brain on studies, finding what works for a bodybuilder, and even some Eastern Philosophy. Enjoy!

Follow Scott on Instagram and check out his website!

Timestamps:

  • 1:26 Scott’s journey (why college sucks, training fallacies).
  • 14:15 The personal bodybuilding inventory (progress variables, auto-regulation).
  • 20:39 Find the things that work for you and just get fucking strong.
  • 44:44 There’s more than one way, how far are you willing to go with it?
  • 1:04:29 The advantage of thinking long term with your body and judging your physique.
  • 1:19:28 A thought experiment on Beginner’s Mind.

Click here to apply for my coaching or here to email me about the show or with any questions/comments you have for me!

Mar 24, 202101:29:22
Mindset Monday: The Importance of Taking the Long Term Approach

Mindset Monday: The Importance of Taking the Long Term Approach

In this podcast I discuss taking the long term approach to your fitness goals. We'll discuss the four stages of competence, the relatively smaller effect of fuck ups, and the scale of muscle growth in the long term.

Mar 22, 202109:23
Episode 167: 6 Bodybuilding Lessons That Extend to Life

Episode 167: 6 Bodybuilding Lessons That Extend to Life

This week I'm sharing 6 bodybuilding lessons that have helped me take control of my physique and health. These lessons also apply to all areas of my life I strive to be my best self in! This series which I'm also sharing on Instagram and on my newsletter is part of a promotion I am doing for a brand-new program being offered through my coaching service. I am looking for self-starters who want to get in the best shape of their lives in the next 60 days with minimal effort (this is a remote program so you can join from anywhere in the world). Since I'm looking for beta testers to help me work out the kinks I'm offering a HUGE discount so if this sounds like you, email me or DM me!

Mar 17, 202135:39
Mindset Monday: Happiness Lies Between These Two Things

Mindset Monday: Happiness Lies Between These Two Things

When it comes to being happy with your life in any way whether it be with your body, your level of fitness, your relationships, etc. it's important to hone in on the disparity between two things. In this episode I discuss the "hedonic treadmill" and why the things we think will make us happy forever, don't. I also discuss the importance of realistic goal setting.

Mar 15, 202106:20
Episode 166: Random Show- Progressive Overload, Lean Bulking, Ab Training, Education vs. Knowledge, Reading Good Books
Mar 10, 202132:05
Mindset Monday: Confidence Requires Evidence

Mindset Monday: Confidence Requires Evidence

In this episode, I talk about why confidence (interpersonally/generally or with diet/exercise) is not innate and rather, comes from experience and increased competency.

Mar 08, 202108:10
Episode 165: How to Workout Smarter (Get Big and Save Time)
Mar 03, 202125:24
Mindset Monday: You Need Habits!

Mindset Monday: You Need Habits!

The difference between those who successfully attain and maintain a great physique and great health, is not an extraordinary willpower. Habits are what drive sustainable progress! Learn what I think are the top habits for me, and why time blocking is important for your habits in this episode.

Mar 01, 202107:23
Episode 164: Picking the Right Exercises for You (And 10 Exercise Substitutions)
Feb 24, 202136:57
Mindset Monday: Why Not to Copy Someone Else's Workout

Mindset Monday: Why Not to Copy Someone Else's Workout

It's tempting to do the workout you see posted by your favorite celebrity or athlete on social media, but doing this may prevent you from making the type of progress you're striving for and neglects the need to vary workouts based on body type, genetics, and sometimes use of steroids.

Feb 22, 202106:23
Episode 163: Explaining Bro Science (Tips That Made Me Fat)
Feb 17, 202126:36
Mindset Monday: Motivation Doesn't Work

Mindset Monday: Motivation Doesn't Work

Motivation is great when we can get it, like a scoop of pre-workout. If you rely on motivation to help accomplish your goals, however, you are setting yourself up for failure. 

Feb 15, 202107:09
Episode 162: Diverting Your Eyes From Metaphorical Car Crashes and Optimizing Your Environment w/ Austin Bagshaw

Episode 162: Diverting Your Eyes From Metaphorical Car Crashes and Optimizing Your Environment w/ Austin Bagshaw

Austin and I are both online fitness coaches who share similar views on the importance of habits for charting success in fitness and life. In this episode we discusses dealing with anxious thoughts, why motivation doesn't work, and the awareness that leads to action!

Check out Austin's website and Instagram!

Timestamps:

  • 4:25 Movement is everything & identifying with your habits.
  • 20:13 A rant about social media and technology.
  • 23:46 Law of Attraction & The Five Chimps Theory.
  • 35:49 How to respond rather than react.

Click here to apply for my coaching or here to email me about the show or with any questions/comments you have for me!

Feb 10, 202101:04:49