Built to Last: A Blueprint for Lifelong Fitness, Mindset, and Vitality After 40
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David Amerland: Built To Last Book
Social: @davidamerland
In this episode, Brad Williams interviews David Amerland, a 60-year-old fitness enthusiast, black belt martial artist, and author of Built to Last. David shares insights from his 47-year personal fitness journey and breaks down the psychological and emotional components of sustaining health and vitality as we age.
Key Highlights:
David’s Backstory: Martial arts became his mental and emotional anchor from age 13. Despite building a career as a chemical engineer and bestselling author of 19 books, fitness has always remained his personal sanctuary.
Why We Don’t Stay Fit: Built on three years of research, Built to Last explores why people struggle to stay active despite knowing the benefits. Evolutionary biology hardwires us to conserve energy, and modern life rarely requires movement—making exercise feel unnecessary or stressful.
Mindset is the Key: David emphasizes that fitness isn’t just a physical pursuit—it’s an identity shift. When we emotionally connect with our future self and envision who we want to be in 20 years, we’re more likely to act now. This is critical to overcoming procrastination and excuses.
Small Wins Matter: Even one minute of intentional exercise (like 30 squats or 10 pushups) can trigger neurochemical benefits similar to longer sessions. Consistency, not duration, drives transformation.
Fitness Hacks David Wishes He Knew Sooner:
Breathwork: Conscious breathing to calm the nervous system and manage stress.
Sleep: Its profound impact on longevity and mental health.
Recovery: Gentler, more intentional training—especially with age—is smarter and more sustainable than going full throttle.
Built to Last Framework
Begins with defining what fitness means to you.
Contains customizable workouts for all ages and fitness levels.
Designed to make fitness fit your life, not the other way around.
Cultural Trends: The two generations most responsive to fitness due to environmental stress? Baby Boomers and Gen Z. Brad and David discuss Gen Z’s positive shift toward health, wellness, and mental health ownership.
Final Message: It’s never too late to start. Whether you’re 40, 60, or 70+, consistent effort—even in small doses—will transform your body, mind, and future.
If you're interested in online personal training or being a guest on my podcast, "Over 40 Fitness Hacks," you can reach me at brad@over40fitnesshacks.com or visit my website at:
Additionally, check out my Yelp reviews for my local business, Evolve Gym in Huntington Beach, at https://bit.ly/3GCKRzV
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