When I do nutrition consults — whether it’s with new clients at the gym or online — I always start the same way:

We look at what they’re currently doing.

And more often than not, empty calories are hiding in plain sight.

It could be sugar.
It could be snacking.
It could be late-night eating.
And of course — another huge one is:

Alcohol.

Now, maybe that’s one glass of wine a night.
Maybe it’s a few beers with the guys.
Maybe it’s just the weekend margaritas.

But here’s the deal —
Every drink you have contains anywhere from 100 to 300+ calories…
…and it often leads to eating more, too.

It’s not just a health thing.
It’s a fat loss thing.

If someone is drinking two glasses of wine a night?
That’s an extra 300–400 calories daily.
Do the math, and you’re talking a pound or more per week, just by cutting it.

No extra workouts.
No fancy diet.
Just one change.

I’ve seen it over and over again —
Drop the drinks, and the scale finally starts to move.

Now it doesn’t always work automatically.
Some people swap drinking for something else (like sugar).
But if you stay aware, and swap in the right tools?

It can be the simplest, lowest-effort place to start.

That’s why I created the Sober Warrior 30-Day Challenge.

It’s a high-performance, faith-fueled reset — designed to help you:

— Lose fat
— Sleep better
— Get mentally clear
— Break the cycle of “one too many”

…and do it in a way that feels empowering, not restrictive.

Whether you’re looking to slim down for summer —
Or just want to see how good you could feel without alcohol…

This is your playbook.

We start Monday.

Join here:

-> Sign Up for the 30-day Sober Warrior Challenge

– Forest

PS – Even if alcohol isn’t your thing — I challenge you to take a minute to see where those empty calories might be coming from.

Cut just one of those sources — whether it’s drinks, snacks, or late-night treats — and you could drop 5–10 pounds fast.

I ran the 100-rep kettlebell snatch test and scored better than in years.

I didn’t change the kettlebell. I didn’t add extra volume. I didn’t push harder.

I just cut alcohol for 30 days.

And it made a big difference.

• Better sleep
• Faster recovery
• Less overall inflammation
• Sharper focus in my training

For context: the 100-rep kettlebell snatch test is a classic KB benchmark. It’s 100 reps—usually with a 24kg bell for men / 16kg for women—done in under 5 minutes.

It’s brutal on your grip, lungs, and mental toughness. And it exposes anything that’s off in your recovery, hydration, or sleep.

When I dropped the alcohol, all of those things got better.

I’m coming up on five years alcohol-free this Saturday, July 5th.

And it all started with a simple experiment just like this one.

That’s why I’m putting together a new challenge to help others test it for themselves—just for 30 days.

We’re calling it the Sober Warrior Challenge—and we’re doing it in honor of Dry July.

We kick off this coming Monday, July 7th.

I’ll send you all the details and a link to sign up tomorrow.

But if you’ve been training hard and still not seeing the results you expect…
This might be the missing piece.

Talk tomorrow,

– Forest

I’ve held off on writing this for a while.

But everyone is talking about it.

And it’s time to weigh in.

Here’s the question on a lot of people’s minds:

Should I jump on Ozempic (or Wegovy or Mounjaro) if I’m trying to drop weight fast?

DISCLAIMER: I’m not a doctor, and this isn’t medical advice.

But after 20 years of coaching real people—especially folks over 40 looking to lose 10 to 50 pounds—here’s what I’ve seen:

Where GLP-1 weight-loss drugs can make sense

• Morbid obesity or serious health markers (A1c, blood pressure, joint load)
• Doctor-supervised plan + lifestyle coaching
• Clear exit strategy so you’re not on an injection forever

If that’s you, talk to your physician. For some, it’s life-changing.

The big problems I’m seeing in the real world

1. Side effects and cost: Nausea, muscle loss, unheard-of cravings once you stop, $800+ per month out-of-pocket if insurance won’t cover it—no free ride.
2. “Flabby but smaller” – Because the drug crushes appetite, many people just eat less junk—zero strength training, zero protein focus. Result: same body-fat%, just in a smaller, weaker package. (Not the athletic look you’re reading this newsletter for.)
3. No long-term habits – When the injections stop, hunger roars back—and weight often rebounds. You traded one battle for another.

The kettlebell alternative

What if, instead, you spent the next 28 days on a strength-focused, fat-burning kettlebell plan that:

• Preserves (and builds) muscle – short EDT sessions 3-4×/week keep metabolism humming.
• Teaches sustainable nutrition – my 21-Day Eat-to-Lose plan lets you enjoy real food, no calorie counting.
• Costs $29 once – not $800 every month.
• Leaves you leaner, stronger, and more athletic – not just “smaller.”

That’s precisely what the EDT “Drop-a-Size” Kettlebell Challenge 2.0 is built for.

You’ll also get:

• EDT 1.0 (a second 28-day program to keep momentum)
• 30-Day Flexibility Challenge to move and feel better
• Private coaching group for accountability

-> Ready to drop a pants size, keep the muscle, and skip the injections? Grab your spot here

– Forest

PS – If your doctor says a GLP-1 is medically necessary, that’s between you and them. But if you’re in that 10-30 lb range and want a lean, athletic look, this kettlebell path is the one I’d recommend.

PPS – Summer’s in full force—imagine stepping onto the dock or beach feeling tighter, stronger, and proud of what you see in the mirror. Hit this link, and let’s get to work.

Today at my kettlebell training studio in Lee’s Summit, we kicked off day two of the new KB EDT 2.0 method workouts.

(And this is what makes what I do different—unlike internet gurus who only talk about training, I actually run these workouts in person with real clients… and use them myself.)

After Monday’s session, the group rolled in today saying they were sore, really sore.

Not surprised. EDT (Escalating Density Training) looks simple on the surface… but it hits hard.

This method helps you get more work done in less time. It improves conditioning, torches fat, and builds muscle as a side effect—without pounding your joints.

Now, I’ve taken what’s worked for years… and leveled it up.

Try a Free Sample from the EDT 2.0 Program:

Part 1 – 7-Minute AMRAP

• 10 alternating reverse KB goblet lunges (per leg)
• 10 recline rows, or max pull-ups (leave one in the tank), or 10 single-arm KB rows per side

Part 2 – 7-Minute AMRAP

• 15 two-arm KB swings (beginner) OR 8 one-arm swings/side (intermediate) OR 8 snatches/side (advanced)
• 10 push-ups OR feet-elevated push-ups

Part 3 – 7-Minute AMRAP

• 12 KB towel curls
• 10 KB halo + tricep extensions
• 30 jumping jacks

*Traditional EDT blocks are 12–15 minutes, but I’ve adapted them to kettlebell training with fast-paced 7-minute rounds. Pick weights at ~70-75% effort. Aim for 3+ rounds per block—progress each week by increasing total volume.

If you like this and want to train this way for 28 days straight?

My Kettlebell EDT 2.0 Challenge is open now.

We combine innovative training, a dead-simple nutrition plan, and built-in accountability to help you drop up to one full clothes size in 28 days.

Sign up now and get:

• The full 28-day training plan
• Simple fat-loss meal guide
• Private group coaching + support
• Bonus #1 – Eat to Lose 21-Day Power Plan
• Bonus #2 – 30-Day Flexibility Challenge
• Bonus #3 – KB EDT 1.0 (a second month of programming)

-> Click here to join the challenge now

– Forest and the Team at FVT Warrior Wellness

PS – If your current workouts and meal plan aren’t working, it’s probably not you—it’s the strategy. This challenge gives you the training, nutrition, and coaching all in one.

PPS – Imagine what it would feel like to drop a size, feel stronger, and move better in just 4 weeks. Don’t wait—spots are going fast.

-> Click here to grab your spot

Got a good one for you today.

This is a sample routine from PreHab Revolution, the full four—week plan I’m giving away FREE right now when you sign up for The 8-Minute Hip Fix.

It’s a low-impact, bodyweight-only circuit that targets your hips, glutes, and core — built to improve movement, reduce pain, and build strength where it counts.

You can do it today. Shouldn’t take more than 15-20 minutes total:

PreHab Hip + Core Circuit (2x/week)

Warm-Up:

• Glute Bridge x 10
• 90/90 Hip Rotation x 5 each side
• Bird Dog x 8 each side
• World’s Greatest Stretch x 3 each side
  → Move through once, slow and controlled.

Main Circuit:

• Reverse Lunge to Knee Drive x 8 each side
• Side Plank with Reach-Through x 6 each side
• Single-Leg Glute Bridge x 8 each side
• Deadbug x 10
  → No rest between moves. Rest 45 sec. Repeat 2–3 rounds.

Finisher (Optional):

• Bear Crawl x 20 yards
• KB or BW Suitcase Carry x 30 sec per side (or heavy object)
• Wall Sit x 45 sec
  → Repeat 1–2 rounds

Try it and let me know how it goes.

Then — if you want the full PreHab Revolution plan (plus the 8-Minute Hip Fix) — grab it while the bonus is still available:

-> Grab it now – PreHab bonus ends soon

– Forest
Corrective Exercise Specialist
FVT Personal Training

Want to know one of the best indicators of your hip mobility — and your ability to move well in general?

It’s the squat.

So here’s a simple test you can try right now. It requires no equipment or warm-up. It’s just a fast check-in to see how your hips are doing.

30-Second Squat / Mobility Test

1. Stand facing a wall — your chest should be about 8–12 inches away.
2. Do five slow, controlled bodyweight squats.
3. On the last rep, hold the bottom position for 10 seconds.

Now go through this quick checklist:

Y/N – My weight shifted toward my toes
Y/N – I felt like my face was going to hit the wall
Y/N – My knees caved in
Y/N – My feet turned out to get depth
Y/N – I had to go super wide to squat deep
Y/N – I couldn’t get thighs below parallel

If you answered yes to any of these, your hips probably hold you back.

And if you don’t work on it? You’re more likely to get injured, perform worse in your workouts, and stay stuck in frustrating patterns.

That’s why I created the 8-Minute Hip Fix — a 28-day program to help guys 40+ improve mobility, relieve pain, and boost performance with just a few minutes daily.

-> Click here to learn more and join now

It’s simple, effective, and it works — especially if you’re training hard and want to stay in the game long-term.

To move well,
– Forest Vance
MS Human Movement | Corrective Exercise Specialist | RYT-200

P.S. In the 8-Minute Hip Fix, we actually start and finish with a full 3-part mobility test — so you can see exactly how much you improve.

Here are the other two tests we use:

Seated Hip External Rotation Test
Sit on the floor with one leg bent 90° in front of you (like Pigeon Pose), the other 90° behind.
Can you stay upright without tipping or leaning?

Active Straight Leg Raise Test
Lie on your back and lift one leg as high as you can — while keeping the other flat.
How close do you get to 90°?

-> Click here to check out the 8-Minute Hip Fix

Most programs out there are just the same thing with a new name.

This one’s different.

Kettlebell Isometrics is about building real strength without beating up your joints. It uses old-school tension and total control. This is the kind of training that helps you move better, recover faster, and stay strong for the long haul.

Tactical 10-20-30 is where things get fun. It turns that strength into conditioning—fast, efficient kettlebell intervals that torch fat and build endurance in under 30 minutes.

Usually $29 each. Today, you get both for the price of one.

-> Grab the 2-for-1 deal here before it ends

This combo is potent if you’re 40+ and want to keep training hard without feeling wrecked afterward. I use it myself and with clients at the studio, and now you can do it too.

– Forest Vance
MS, Human Movement
Kettlebell Coach for Lifters 40+

PS – Want to try it first? Here’s a full workout pulled straight from the Kettlebell Isometrics program:

CIRCUIT #1 – 3 rounds
Rest 30 sec between exercises, 45 sec between rounds

1. KB Goblet Pause Squat – 12 reps, 3-sec pause at the bottom
   (Women: 16kg+, Men: 24kg+)
2. KB Push Press w/ 4-sec lower – 5 each side
   (Women: 12kg+, Men: 20kg+)
3. 1-Arm KB Swing – 10 each side
   (Women: 12kg+, Men: 20kg+)

CIRCUIT #2 – 3 rounds
Rest ~30 sec between rounds

1. Push-Up Hold + Push-Ups
   • Hold bottom position – 30 sec
   • Push-Ups – 10 reps
2. Pull Option:
   • 8 Eccentric Pull-Ups (5-sec lower)
   • OR 15 Recline Rows
   • OR 10 KB Rows (Women: 12kg+, Men: 20kg+)
3. Towel Biceps Curls – 15 reps
   (Women: 12kg+, Men: 20kg+)

FINISHER – 3 rounds
No rest between A + B, 30–45 sec rest between rounds

1A. Plank Jacks – 30 sec
1B. Box Plank Row – 30 sec
2A. Plank-to-Push-Up Burpees – 30 sec
2B. Squat Hold – 30 sec

-> Get the full program + all the bonuses before the deal expires

Have you heard of 10-20-30 interval training?

It’s the method we base our Tactical 10-20-30 Kettlebell Challenge around — which you can actually get for free this weekend when you order Kettlebell Isometrics. Learn more here:

-> Tactical 10-20-30 Kettlebell Method: Free 4-Week Program

The 10-20-30 interval training method is one of my favorite ways to train. It’s especially great for those of us in our 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond — because it gives you all the benefits of interval training without destroying your joints.

Here’s how it works:

• 30 seconds at a lower intensity
• 20 seconds at a moderate intensity
• 10 seconds all-out sprint

You typically repeat the sequence 3 to 5 times in a row, take a short rest, and then go again.

It’s also backed by research to:

• Improve performance
• Lower blood pressure
• Reduce body fat
• Improve diabetes management
• Save time (it’s highly efficient)

Sample Tactical 10-20-30 KB Workout

PART 1
Set a timer for 60-second intervals.

• First 30 sec: easy pace
• Next 20 sec: moderate pace
• Last 10 sec: max effort
  Move to the next exercise without rest. After the full circuit, rest 60 seconds. Repeat 3 rounds total.
• H2H KB Swing → One-Arm KB Swing → KB Snatch
• Push-Ups (progress difficulty through round; e.g., incline → decline → explosive)

PART 2
Same interval setup as above.

• Alternating Reverse Lunges (BW → Add weight → Tactical Lunges)
• 1-Arm KB Rows (start light, go heavier; switch arms at 15/30/40/50/55 sec marks)
• Jumping Jacks → Jump Rope/High Knees → Double Unders (last 10 sec)

As you can see, it’s straightforward — but highly effective.

Personally, I like it because I can build up each round and really go all-out for just 10 seconds. I get way more out of that last burst than I would trying to push hard for 60 seconds straight.

If you want the entire 4-week Tactical 10-20-30 Kettlebell Program FREE, just pick up a copy of Kettlebell Isometrics at the link below:

-> Tactical 10-20-30 Kettlebell Method: Free 4-Week Program

Got questions? Hit reply and let me know.

Talk soon,
Forest

If you are looking to:

– Torch body fat
– Forge new lean muscle
– Crank your cardio
– Preserve your joints
– Cut your recovery time in half

…you are going to LOVE Kettlebell Isometrics 2.0!

Plus, when you pick up a copy this week, you’ll receive a free copy of my KB Tactical 10/20/30 program.

More info at the link below:

-> Kettlebell Isometrics + Tactical 10/20/30 = 2-for-1

Alright – let’s get to today’s free sample KB-ISO Workout.

These isometric workouts are perfect for building strength, stability, and core control without stressing your joints.

Plus, they’re surprisingly effective when you’re short on time or space:

KB-ISO Workout (free sample)

PART 1 – Do as many reps as possible of exercise 1 in 45 seconds. Rest for 15 seconds. Do as many reps as you can of exercise 2 in 45 seconds. Rest for 15 seconds. Repeat for four rounds total:

• Single / Double KB goblet squats (recommended weight = 12/16k men – 8/12k women)
• ISO – Side plank w/ hip lift hold (22.5 sec per side)

PART 2 – Do as many rounds as you can of the circuit below in 9 minutes:

• 5 KB goblet step-ups OR alternating KB goblet lunges (recommended weight = 12/16k men – 8/12k women) (do same leg for consecutive reps this week)
• 10 squat jumps (react off the ground and be explosive!)
• 15 two hand KB swings (recommended weight = 20/24k men – 12/16k women)
• :30 ISO – low squat holds – add weight

PART 3 – Do as many rounds as you can of the circuit below in 9 minutes:

• 15 Single / Double KB floor press (recommended weight = 16/20k men – 8/12k women) (take a one-second pause at the top of each rep; no rest on the ground!)
• 15 recline rows OR 8 one arm KB rows per side (recommended weight = 16/20k men – 8/12k women)
• 5 burpees – “hardstyle”
• :30 ISO – low push-up holds

*Check out video walk-thrus of all the moves in the full program HERE

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Enjoy that one.

And if you’re ready to get after it, my Kettlebell Isometrics Program is on sale for a short time—plus, you get a free copy of my KB Tactical 10/20/30 program when you pick one up this week.

Grab it here while it’s still up:

-> Kettlebell Isometrics + Tactical 10/20/30 = 2-for-1

— Forest Vance, MS
Certified Kettlebell Instructor and Personal Trainer
ForestVanceTraining.com