The ALWELLCO Podcast

Robert Rettmann: How Crunch Fitness Trains World-Class Coaches and Scales Culture

Robert Rettmann, VP of Education at Crunch Fitness, takes us inside the playbook that helped his franchise group grow from 28 to 86 clubs within a network of 500 plus locations. We trace his journey from NASM and PTA Global to building a modern education engine at Crunch with three day training camps, an in house LMS, and a head coach model that keeps learning alive on the gym floor. Rob shares how they turn new hires into confident coaches, why sales, science, and service belong in the same sentence, and how simple habit changes beat extreme programs for long term results. We dig into culture at scale, the importance of a real hello at the front desk, and a new tech platform that gives clients full visibility on sessions, logs, scheduling, and ratings while helping managers coach from live data. We close with trends he is betting on, why in person still wins, and practical advice for any trainer who wants to become indispensable.

Vikash Sharma: The Pursuit of a Perfect Stride, from Rehab to Performance

Physical therapist and Perfect Stride founder Vikash Sharma joins us to unpack how a one-on-one, education-first model can take people from pain to performance. We trace his origin story in NYC, why “perfect” is a moving target, and how clinical reasoning plus honest communication outperforms cookie-cutter protocols. Vikash breaks down bridging rehab and sport, VO₂ max as a practical longevity tool, when recovery trends help or hurt, and why most injuries come from doing more than your tissues are prepared to handle. We talk about tech he loves, coaching runners through busy life seasons, and the identity side of long-term pain. He also shares how to build trust, mentor clinicians, and bring community education outside the clinic. A valuable listen for PTs, coaches, runners, and anyone who wants to move well for life.

Michelle Dand: Designing purpose-led group fitness at David Lloyd Clubs

David Lloyd Clubs’ Head of Product and Programming, Michelle Dand, joins us to break down what modern GroupX really means in 2025. She shares how David Lloyd scales premium, family-first experiences across 130+ clubs, why programming now starts with “how do you want to feel,” and how community events like Blaze Community Games build loyalty. Michelle unpacks the evolution from choreography to experience, multi-modality design across Blaze, Battlebox, Cycle, and Rebels youth formats, and the rise of spa retreats and recovery. She gets candid on instructor recruitment and education, translating programs across six languages, sustainability wins, and where tech and wearables actually help members. Quick-fire highlights include myths she wants to retire, her favorite classes, and advice for coaches who want to stand out. It is a masterclass in building programs with purpose, data, and heart.

Colleen Cutcliffe, PhD: Microbiome Science, GLP-1, and Next-Gen Probiotics That Actually Deliver

Colleen Cutcliffe, PhD, co-founder and CEO of Pendulum, joins us to demystify the microbiome and explain what “next-generation probiotics” really are. Colleen shares how DNA sequencing opened the door to mapping the gut, why Akkermansia is a keystone strain for gut integrity and GLP-1 stimulation, and how Pendulum approaches clinical evidence with randomized, double-blind trials. She walks through what to look for on labels (enteric coating and time-delayed release), when and why people become depleted in key strains, and the real-world use cases for metabolic health, GI stability, travel, stress, aging, and sport performance. You’ll also hear the personal story that fueled Pendulum’s mission, how food choices like high-polyphenol and high-fiber options feed a healthier microbiome, and Colleen’s take on pairing natural tools with medications when appropriate. We wrap with leadership lessons, building trust in a crowded supplement market, and one big misconception about gut health she hopes more people understand. Takeaways: • Next-gen probiotics target more than bloating • Akkermansia supports gut lining, tight junctions, and GLP-1 • Delivery tech matters as much as what’s inside • Polyphenols and fiber are powerful prebiotics • Evidence and education build lasting trust Tune in to learn how smarter microbiome choices can support metabolism, energy, and overall health.

Phil Heath: Beyond Mr. Olympia – Vulnerability, Resilience, and Legacy

In this episode, Phil Heath shares his journey from a Division 1 basketball player to becoming one of the most celebrated bodybuilders in history. He discusses the importance of mental health, the influence of family, and the evolution of his training philosophy. Phil emphasizes the significance of vulnerability and authenticity in his documentary 'Breaking Olympia,' which highlights his struggles and triumphs. The conversation also delves into the science of bodybuilding, including nutrition, recovery, and the importance of adapting training techniques to overcome challenges.  Check out his new venture that is launching November 13th, SVN X LABS here: https://svnxlabs.com