PAC Talk with Pieter Vodden

In this special episode, Piet sits down with longtime friend Joe Riggio on The Business of Strength podcast to reflect on their 20 years in the fitness industry. Piet shares the story behind Pharos Athletic Clubs, from humble beginnings to their latest milestone—the opening of a 27,000-square-foot facility in Palm Springs. Tune in as they discuss the evolution of fitness, the Pharos philosophy, and how they are shaping the future of health and wellness in the desert. Plus, learn about exclusive offers for the new Palm Springs gym!Check it out at www.pharospalmsprings.com and join us in building something amazing in the desert. Listen, share, and enjoy!Join the PAC and learn how to set yourself up for success, one habit at a time.Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.If you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos and Piet on Instagram for more fitness related content.

In this episode of PacTalk, I’m taking you on a journey through the evolution of fitness. From my early days influenced by bodybuilding to the dynamic world of CrossFit, I’ve seen it all, and I want to share my perspective on where the industry is heading. We’re at a critical point in fitness, where the need for a balanced approach—combining strength training, functional workouts, and recovery—is more important than ever. Join me as I reflect on how fitness has transformed over the decades, what I've learned along the way, and how we can apply these lessons to achieve hormonal balance, mental well-being, and overall health.Join the PAC and learn how to set yourself up for success, one habit at a time.Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.If you are in Southern California come train with us Echo ParkRedondo BeachIdyllwildPalm SpringsFollow Pharos and Piet on Instagram for more fitness related content.

On this episode of PAC Talk, I am joined by my wife Emylee, as we dive into the concept of non-negotiables—the essential principles and habits that guide our daily lives. Starting with personal philosophies and extending into daily actions, we explore the importance of staying consistent and true to one's values in fitness, nutrition, and lifestyle. Emylee and I share our own non-negotiables, including our commitment to fitness, the importance of mental well-being, and daily habits like journaling and making time for movement. This episode is packed with insights on how to maintain a balanced and fulfilling life, even when faced with challenges. Whether you're looking to establish your own set of non-negotiables or simply seeking inspiration to stay on track, this conversation offers valuable takeaways for everyone. Join the PAC and learn how to set yourself up for success, one habit at a time.Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.If you are in Los Angeles swing by to our gym at 1316 Glendale Blvd in Echo Park.Check out our website here for class times and follow us Pharos and Piet on Instagram for more fitness related content.

In this episode of PAC Talk, I dive into the top 12 common mistakes people make in the gym that hold back their fitness progress. From excessive cardio and poor dietary habits to neglecting proper mechanics and the pitfalls of overtraining, I cover every aspect. Each of these errors can significantly impede achieving your fitness goals, and I'm here to guide you on how to avoid them.Mistakes Discussed:Endless Cardio and Calorie Restriction: Often referred to as "cardio bunny syndrome," this mistake involves excessive cardio and severe calorie restrictions.Never Doing Cardio and Eating Too Much: On the flip side, some neglect cardio and are not mindful of their dietary intake.Confusing Sweating with Working Out: Simply sweating a lot does not necessarily mean you are working out effectively.Overestimating Calories Burned: Many people overestimate how many calories they burn and underestimate the calories they should consume.Focusing on Weight Over Form: Prioritizing the amount of weight lifted over the correct form, tension, and range of motion.Choosing the Wrong Method for Your Goals: Not aligning your workout method with the fitness results you aim for.Ignoring Mechanics Over Strength: Failing to recognize issues with mechanics rather than strength.Doing the Same Thing Over and Over: Lacking variation in workouts or changing them too frequently without progression.Believing in a Magical Diet: Relying on an idealistic diet rather than practical nutritional balance.Not Getting Blood Work Done: Not monitoring bodily metrics which can lead to frustration from unseen issues.Overtraining and Undertraining: Both extremes can hinder progress and overall fitness.Blaming Others and Not Being Accountable: Faulting external factors without acknowledging personal responsibility in fitness setbacks.Welcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.If you are in Los Angeles swing by to our gym at 1316 Glendale Blvd in Echo Park.Check out our website here for class times and follow us Pharos and Piet on Instagram for more fitness related content.

Today is a very special episode. Our 100 episode! Thanks for staying with me on this journey. I can think of no guests I would rather have than two friends who have been members at PHAROS since the start. Jake Taylor and Robert Campbell. It’s even more special as this year Jake Taylor, one of our own homegrown talents, qualified for the final of the Crossfit Games! Both of these athletes are absolute specimens who have redefined what fitness can look like in your 40’s and 50’s. Always learning, always growing, and with no signs of slowing down, they have found the secret sauce to balancing work, family, and fitness. As their company BOLT (best cafe in LA) has grown, so has their ability and endeavor. We talk about the journey, the lessons, and how we went from the grit of the shed to the bright lights of the fittest show on earth.Connect with Robert & JakeInstagram: @rjcamp2011Instagram: @jakeztaylorBolt Instagram: @iboltlaWelcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.If you are in Los Angeles swing by to our gym at 1316 Glendale Blvd in Echo Park.Check out our website here for class times and follow us Pharos and Piet on Instagram for more fitness related content.

In this conversation, I have an in-depth chat with Lalo Torres, a CrossFit athlete, coach, and CrossFit P.A.C. athlete. We discuss Lalo's background in gymnastics and Cirque du Soleil, his transition to CrossFit, and the challenges of balancing coaching and competing. We also touch on the importance of social media for athletes and the need for great coaches in the industry. I share my passion for creating excellent gym spaces and the importance of offering a variety of equipment and accessories.The conversation explores the importance of creating a balanced fitness environment that caters to different needs and preferences. It discusses the need for gyms to offer more than just CrossFit classes and to provide a variety of training options. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of coaching and the ability to customize workouts for individuals. It highlights the value of discipline and consistency in fitness, as well as the need to prioritize overall well-being and avoid becoming overly consumed by competition. The conversation concludes with a discussion on building a personal brand and using fitness as a tool for self-expression.This is Part 1 of a 2-part conversation, as we had so much to cover. Please listen, enjoy, like, and share. Thanks always, and see you in the gym!Connect with LaloInstagram: @fitbylaloTikTok: @fitbylaloYouTube: @fitbylaloWelcome to the Pac, please make sure you subscribe wherever you are listening to this show and if you loved this show please leave us a 5 star review in the iTunes store. It is the currency of podcasts and it really goes along in helping us grow our show.If you are in Los Angeles swing by to our gym at 1316 Glendale Blvd in Echo Park.Check out our website here for class times and follow us Pharos and Piet on Instagram for more fitness related content.