127: The Vegan Lifter: Get Stronger as You Age with Robert Cheeke

Plant-Based Fitness & Strength Training with Robert Cheeke

• Watch it on YoutTube HERE
• Read the Blog HERE

Episode Overview

Join Maxime Sigouin, founder of Fit Vegan Coaching, as he interviews plant-based fitness pioneer Robert Cheeke about resistance training, longevity, and building muscle on a plant-based diet. With 30 years of plant-based living and decades of strength training experience, Robert shares invaluable insights on training evolution, injury prevention, and the mindset shifts needed for sustainable fitness.

Key Topics Covered

Training Evolution & Mindset (00:01:50 - 00:15:00)

• How training approaches change from your 20s to 40s and beyond
• Shifting from performance-focused to longevity-focused training
• The importance of acceptance and removing comparison pressure
• Finding joy in movement vs. training as a burden

The Power of Consistent Movement (00:15:00 - 00:20:00)

• Choosing movement first: always taking stairs, walking meetings
• Non-exercise activity benefits for mental clarity and creativity
• Making conscious choices to incorporate movement throughout the day

Strength Training Benefits (00:24:00 - 00:35:00)

• Building skeletal muscle and bone density
• Preventing sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss)
• Enhancing mood and building character
• Creating an efficient fat-burning metabolism
• Functional benefits for all sports and activities

Debunking Fitness Myths (00:29:00 - 00:45:00)

• Why fear of "getting too bulky" is unrealistic
• The illusion component of looking fit (body fat % matters more than size)
• Cardio vs. strength training for fat loss
• Why you can't outwork a bad diet

Workout Structure & Injury Prevention (00:45:00 - 01:10:00)

Warm-up:

• Why cold muscles are injury-prone
• Dynamic vs. static stretching
• RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) under 5
• Synovial fluid and joint lubrication

Main Workout:

• Progressive loading strategies
• Form over ego lifting
• Self-awareness and accepting being a beginner
• Common injury patterns and prevention

Cool-down:

• Reducing DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)
• Maintaining range of motion
• The connection between stretching and posture

Keys to Long-term Success (01:10:00 - 01:15:00)

• Creating structure and systems
• Building identity through consistent actions
• Connecting today's actions to future outcomes
• Finding motivation through results, not just willpower

Notable Quotes

• "Consistency is possibly the most important word in the world after love"
• "The fear of getting too muscular is like the fear of accidentally becoming a billionaire"
• "You can't fail if you don't quit"

Action Items for Listeners

1. Start with 3x/week, 30-minute strength training sessions
2. Always warm up properly - never rush this phase
3. Focus on form over weight lifted
4. Include 5 minutes of post-workout stretching
5. Track workouts to create accountability
6. Remove comparison to others - train for your own goals

Resources Mentioned

• Maxime Sigouin's YouTube channel - 100+ exercise form videos
• Books by Robert Cheeke:
  • "The Plant-Based Athlete"
  • "The Impactful Vegan"
• Fit Vegan Coaching program

Key Takeaways

Strength training is essential for longevity, bone density, and quality of life at any age. Success comes from consistency, proper form, and training for your own goals rather than comparing yourself to others. The journey from performance-focused to longevity-focused training requires mindset shifts but ultimately leads to more sustainable, enjoyable fitness practices.