Rob Dionne is a certified personal trainer and nutrition expert, and -- with his wife -- half of the team behind Open Sky Fitness. He’s the creator and co-host of the Open Sky Fitness podcast. He’s been featured in Men’s Health and on Wellness Force Radio, and, at 39 years old, is in the best shape of his life.

It hasn’t always been like this. Like many of us, he was athletic and active growing up. After college, though, he stopped working out and gained 30 pounds. It wasn’t until he was 30 that he realized he needed to make a change, and experiencing this himself led him to what he does now: help men and women over the age of 35 lose weight and live healthier.

Find Out More About Rob Here:

Open Sky Fitness: About Rob
Open Sky Fitness - Rob Dionne on Facebook
@OpenSkyFitness on Twitter

In This Episode:

• [01:35] - Rob walks us through the beginning of his transformational journey. We hear about the specific moment that he realized he had let himself go physically.
• [04:29] - What made the biggest impact for Rob during his transformation? He explains how he began getting more physically fit, and how that led to changes in his views on food and eating.
• [07:54] - Stephan mentions his previous Marketing Speak podcast episode featuring Aaron Ross, who discussed the concept of having a “forcing function.” He applies this to what Rob has been saying. Rob elaborates on this, agreeing with the concept.
• [14:00] - Rob talks about listening to Louis CK talking about how what stops most of us is the fear of failure. He then gives an inspiring speech about how important it is to say “yes” to new experiences.
• [17:10] - Stephan discusses his goal in joining the gym, but reveals the problems with having no social pressure to follow through. Rob asks a question with the purpose of reframing the issue for Stephan. We also hear about the difficulties of being trained or taught by a loved one, and the importance of accountability.
• [23:48] - We hear more from Stephan about accountability, both in how hard it is to have only for yourself. He and Rob then talk about learning lessons from the universe, with Rob using the examples of his sister and niece.
• [31:57] - When you pay, you pay attention, Stephan points out. Rob agrees with the concept, and explores more complicated aspects of the issue. He also elaborates on two kinds of people who hire him as a personal trainer.
• [37:38] - Stephan points out that investing alone isn’t enough, and gives an example of how people behave in the office and at the gym. Putting in time (without effort and goals) doesn’t lead to results.
• [40:37] - Someone who just clocks in and clocks out is called a “clocker” in the book From Impossible to Inevitable by Aaron Ross. Stephan also talks about his interview with Cal Newport about his book Deep Work.
• [44:46] - Rob gives advice for how to reconnect to your body, if you’ve been disconnected from it. We also hear about the importance of focusing on the journey instead of the destination.
• [49:25] - Rob talks about the problem with being accustomed to immediate gratification, and how it can lead to jealousy and doubting yourself and your path. Instead, try to be gentle with yourself and accept your own path.
• [51:14] - Social media can be counterproductive and make us narcissistic and insecure. Tim Ferriss suggests going on a “low information diet,” but Stephan suggests we need a low social media diet instead.
• [55:30] - Rob points out that some people are excited to follow or join in, while others (like himself and Stephan) need to lead to feel empowered.
• [61:46] - We hear a final pitch from Rob about his podcast, Open Sky Fitness, and the related Facebook group.

Get Optimized!

Find one physical event that will be challenging (but not impossible) for you and sign up to take part. If you aren’t ready for a full marathon, start with a half marathon!

Figure out what you want physically, then write down a list of your top priorities. Is your goal to look good? To be able to run a certain distance, or lift a certain weight, or achieve a certain speed?

For your top two physical priorities, commit to specific related events (a race if your goal is speed, or a physique competition if your goal is appearance). This will help keep you accountable.

Links and Resources:

Open Sky Fitness: About Rob
Open Sky Fitness - Rob Dionne on Facebook
@OpenSkyFitness on Twitter
Open Sky Fitness
Open Sky Fitness podcast
Aaron Ross
Louis CK
Tony Robbins
From Impossible to Inevitable
Cal Newport
Deep Work
“Like a Boss” by The Lonely Island
Tim Ferriss
Mark Sisson
Open Sky Fitness Podcast Facebook Group