In this episode of Men of Influence, host Tim Holloway welcomes Carl Hultgren, a fitness coach with over 26 years of experience, who transitioned from a troubled youth of drugs and alcohol to a life-changing career in personal training. Based in Texas with two gyms and affiliates in California, Carl’s passion for preventative fitness stems from his own recovery, having been sober since age 16. After surviving challenges like the 2008 housing crash, he now helps clients transform their lives through fitness, nutrition, and mindset coaching. Carl ties physical fitness to influence, noting that a disciplined, fit physique exudes confidence and respect, signaling a willingness to sacrifice comfort for success, which inspires others.

Carl emphasizes discipline over motivation, advocating for foundational habits like lifting weights three times a week, getting 10,000 steps daily, and eating single-ingredient foods like chicken or steak to avoid processed junk. His daily routine—prayer, gym at 4:30 AM, 250 grams of protein, and reading—drives his excellence, rooted in his faith, which was reignited in 2015 after a personal crisis. Progressive overload, consistently increasing workout intensity, fuels exponential growth, while his faith guides him to honor his body as God’s temple. Carl’s message: don’t quit, and do the work you’ll stick with to live better.

Key Takeaways:

Discipline Signals Influence: A fit, disciplined body projects confidence and sacrifice, earning respect and inspiring others.

Foundational Habits: Lift weights three times a week, get 10,000 steps daily, and eat single-ingredient foods to build a healthy body.

Progressive Overload: Gradually increase workout intensity to adapt and grow stronger, avoiding plateaus.

Faith and Fitness: Honor your body as God’s temple through consistent exercise and clean eating, driven by purpose.

Actionable Step: Lift weights three times this week, even light ones, to start building muscle and longevity.

“Discipline trumps motivation every day. Do the work you’ll never stop doing to be the man God intended.” - Carl Hultgren