Jeff Cavaliere, founder of Athlean-X and former New York Mets strength coach, believes most people are looking at fitness all wrong.
In a recent appearance on The Diary of a CEO podcast, Cavaliere broke down common myths surrounding fat loss, longevity, and one of the most misunderstood supplements in the industry: creatine.
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Creatine Supports Brain and Body
“Creatine has been shown to improve cognitive performance in people who are sleep-deprived or under high stress,” Cavaliere explained.
While most people take creatine to build strength or improve performance in the gym, Cavaliere highlighted research showing it may do much more. A 2022 review in Nutrients found that creatine can boost memory and mental performance, particularly during periods of fatigue. According to Cavaliere, this makes creatine one of the most effective and underrated supplements for both physical and mental performance.
Why Fat Loss Starts With Food, Not the Gym
When asked about belly fat, Cavaliere didn’t name a workout or a supplement. He named the kitchen.
“Abs are made in the kitchen, not with endless sit-ups,” he said. His advice is to cut the obvious problems first—sugary drinks, processed snacks, and oversized portions. He pointed out that most people already know what’s holding them back. “The real challenge is staying consistent with better choices over time.”
Strength Is Nothing Without Longevity
Cavaliere stressed that building muscle is only part of the equation. Longevity, he argued, comes down to how well you move. He shared five movements that everyone should master to stay strong and mobile for life. These include the single-leg Romanian deadlift, squat and reach, sumo stance hold, posterior chain push-up, and hip abduction. These exercises help improve balance, mobility, and joint stability—key factors in staying injury-free as you age.
The Risks of Rushing Into TRT
With testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) gaining popularity, Cavaliere warned that it shouldn’t be the first solution people reach for.
“Once you start TRT, you may have to rely on it for life,” he cautioned.
He advised focusing on natural methods first—improving sleep, managing stress, and maintaining consistent training—before considering medical intervention.
Fitness Builds Resilience, Not Just Results
For Cavaliere, fitness is about much more than physical appearance. He shared stories of clients overcoming serious health challenges, including multiple sclerosis and stage four cancer. These examples, he explained, show that fitness is ultimately about resilience, not just results.
“Most people don’t quit because they fail physically. They quit because they never build a system they can actually stick to,” he said.
The Bottom Line
Cavaliere’s message is clear. Supplements like creatine can support your journey, but they aren’t the solution. Real progress comes from building habits, staying consistent, and training with longevity in mind. Whether your goal is fat loss, strength, or long-term health, the work you put in today will pay off for life.
Discover more about creatine, supplements and nutrition here
