127: The Vegan Lifter: Get Stronger as You Age with Robert Cheeke

Plant-Based Fitness & Strength Training with Robert Cheeke

• Watch it on YoutTube HERE
• Read the Blog HERE

Episode Overview

Join Maxime Sigouin, founder of Fit Vegan Coaching, as he interviews plant-based fitness pioneer Robert Cheeke about resistance training, longevity, and building muscle on a plant-based diet. With 30 years of plant-based living and decades of strength training experience, Robert shares invaluable insights on training evolution, injury prevention, and the mindset shifts needed for sustainable fitness.

Key Topics Covered

Training Evolution & Mindset (00:01:50 - 00:15:00)

• How training approaches change from your 20s to 40s and beyond
• Shifting from performance-focused to longevity-focused training
• The importance of acceptance and removing comparison pressure
• Finding joy in movement vs. training as a burden

The Power of Consistent Movement (00:15:00 - 00:20:00)

• Choosing movement first: always taking stairs, walking meetings
• Non-exercise activity benefits for mental clarity and creativity
• Making conscious choices to incorporate movement throughout the day

Strength Training Benefits (00:24:00 - 00:35:00)

• Building skeletal muscle and bone density
• Preventing sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss)
• Enhancing mood and building character
• Creating an efficient fat-burning metabolism
• Functional benefits for all sports and activities

Debunking Fitness Myths (00:29:00 - 00:45:00)

• Why fear of "getting too bulky" is unrealistic
• The illusion component of looking fit (body fat % matters more than size)
• Cardio vs. strength training for fat loss
• Why you can't outwork a bad diet

Workout Structure & Injury Prevention (00:45:00 - 01:10:00)

Warm-up:

• Why cold muscles are injury-prone
• Dynamic vs. static stretching
• RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) under 5
• Synovial fluid and joint lubrication

Main Workout:

• Progressive loading strategies
• Form over ego lifting
• Self-awareness and accepting being a beginner
• Common injury patterns and prevention

Cool-down:

• Reducing DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)
• Maintaining range of motion
• The connection between stretching and posture

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