The Better Man Podcast

179: How to Avoid the Consequences of Your Scary Blood Test (Member Interview: Jason Gabrieli) Video

The Better Man Podcast

Show Notes

Today's guest, Jason Gabrieli (COO and co-founder of HFM), was mostly active growing up. But then, like what happens with most men, life got into the way:

He was building a business, raising a family, and let his health and wellness slip by the wayside. One day, he "came to" when he got stuck on the ground, writhing in back pain and hip tightness, unable to get up from playing with his 4- and 2-year-old kids.

He knew he needed to make a change, but wasn't sure what. He also noticed he picked up some unhealthy habits - like yelling at his kids or having a fuse that was too short. And since he came from a family with diabetes, he was starting to worry about his longevity.

So, he decided to get some blood tests done … and discovered he was in "pre-diabetes" territory. Diabetes would be coming to him soon if he didn't make serious changes to his lifestyle. And he was only 37 years old at the time.

That's when he decided to make one decision that changed the trajectory of his longevity, fitness, and life:

On December 31, 2023, Jason (having beaten up his body from years of using improper technique in the gym) logged into his Man Flow Yoga account, sat down and used the "7 Why's" exercise to create his New Year's Resolution.

Since then, he's dropped 58 pounds (and counting). He addressed every nagging injury and aching pain in his body one by one. He learned how to better control his breath and lower his stress. And, he's been a happier, healthier, and more present husband and father ever since.

Jason's story shows you what's possible when you pick a system and stick with it… he shares tips for motivating yourself when doing something healthy is the LAST thing you want to do… and he demonstrates that a scary blood test result does NOT mean that you're destined to suffer the consequences of living a poor lifestyle.

Here's what Jason and I discuss:

How to see the silver lining after getting a scary blood test result

Why adjusting your routine (like going from being a night owl to an early riser) can be THE thing that starts the snowball effect to better health

How spending one dedicated evening going through the "7 Why's" exercise can change the trajectory of your fitness journey, your relationships, and your life

Other highlights include:

How Jason finally stopped fluctuating up and down with his weight and instead lost weight and kept it off for good (5:00)

Why Jason discovering that he was pre-diabetic, at only 37 years old, scared him enough to take his longevity seriously (9:32)

The slow and subtle way using bad technique in the gym haunts your body for years and even decades afterwards (10:50)

How to realize if your natural instinct to be a night owl is actually serving you (or, if like Jason, it's actually making you exhausted, irritable, and burnt out) (12:18)

Why making intentional trade-offs can save you from the life of despair that comes naturally equipped to "making it work" (15:59)

The "7 Why's" method that Jason used on New Year's 2024 that forever changed his routine, his relationship with his family, and his expected lifespan (16:49)

Why stretching your back is the WORST way to eliminate low back pain (do this instead) (24:02)

How turning your chores into "transition activities" make them more fun, eliminate more stress, and allow you to be more present (32:58)

How Jason has consistently been under 220 lbs for the first time in 15 years (42:45)

Guest Bio:

At HFM, as Chief Operating Officer and firm co-founder, Jason Gabrieli is the integrator in the truest sense of the word. He takes all the moving parts, lines them up, and builds the systems and processes that turn good intentions into real outcomes for the firm and for the business owners he serves every day.

Jason leads the design and execution of HFM's service models, ensuring every client gets what they need. Whether it's a young family trying to figure out their first steps or a contractor run

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