#429 Kevin Carr - Is the Fitness Industry Failing to Save Americans’ Health?

Kevin Carr is an author, educator, and co-owner of multiple fitness businesses and brands, including Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning (MBSC) and the Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC) certification.In this episode, Kevin joins Andrew Coates to have a candid conversation about the state of the fitness industry—and why, despite unprecedented access to gyms, information, and technology, the overall return on investment for public health remains shockingly poor.Rather than blaming individuals, Kevin explores the structural, cultural, and experiential barriers that prevent people from engaging in fitness long-term, while also highlighting the renewed importance of in-person coaching, community, and practical strength training as we age.In this episode, Kevin shares insight on:• Why massive investment in fitness has produced minimal population-level health outcomes• Why only 1 in 4 Americans have a gym membership—and why half quit within six months• Common misconceptions about gyms and why many people find them intimidating• How environment and culture shape whether people stay active or drop out• The importance of community and support for long-term fitness adherence• Why aging is not just an “old person’s problem”• The idea of “aging milestones” where people quietly stop sprinting, jumping, or playing• Underrated movement qualities that matter more as we age• Why in-person coaching and gym attendance are seeing a resurgence• Practical approaches to reducing injury risk through smarter training• Why experience often matters more than credentials in coaching• And much moreCHAPTERS01:16 Fitness Industry Challenges02:38 Making Fitness More Accessible05:19 Creating a Welcoming Gym Environment15:04 The Importance of Community in Fitness23:53 Parental Expectations in Youth Sports29:28 Strength and Conditioning for Career Longevity34:32 The Impact of Modern Strength and Conditioning on Athletes35:52 Athletes Advocating for Their Health and Longevity37:13 Exercise Selection and Execution40:56 Injury Prevention and the Benefits of Strength Training42:18 The Importance of Lifelong Fitness48:37 Personal Reflections on Fitness and Longevity50:39 The Value of Practical Experience in Coaching01:02:58 Upcoming Events and ResourcesSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you, you can help me by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to a friend who’s trying to stay strong, active, and engaged long-termFOLLOW ANDREW COATESInstagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.com/MacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst → During setup, answer “How did you hear about us?”Type: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trial (2 steps)Go to: https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email [email protected]) and let them know Andrew sent you