#1: The First: Growth, Perspective & Masters Taekwondo

Written By @gianluca.barbara

In the first episode of the podcast, I’ll share a little something about who I am, what I do, and why this space exists.

Drawing from my experience as a Taekwondo coach, Masters athlete, healthcare professional, and lifelong student, I’ll tap into personal growth beyond training, the mindset of adult athletes, and what it really means to pursue health, performance, and meaning later in life.

Tune in to the episode by clicking on the link below:

Any thoughts or feedback? Or maybe a suggestion on a subject to discuss? Just drop a line by email (gbnutritionist@gmail.com) or Instagram (coach_gian).

References

Masters Athletes & Aging / Physiology

Aguiar, S. S., Rosa, T. S., Neves, R. V. P., Leite, P. L. A., Maciel, L. A., Gutierrez, S. D., Rosa, E. C., Andrade, R. V., Degens, H., Korhonen, M. T., Lewis, J. E., & Simões, H. G. (2021). Master athletes have longer telomeres than age-matched non-athletes: A systematic review, meta-analysis and discussion of possible mechanisms. Experimental Gerontology, 146, 111212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.exger.2020.111212

European Commission. (2008). Anaerobic performance in masters athletes. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 6, 39–53. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11556-008-0041-6

European Commission. (2008). Endurance performance in masters athletes. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 5, 31–42. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11556-008-0029-2

Kopiczko, A., Adamczyk, J. G., Gryko, K., & others. (2021). Bone mineral density in elite masters athletes: The effect of body composition and long-term exercise. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 18, Article 7. https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-021-00262-0

Physical Activity / Inactivity Statistics

World Health Organization. (2024). Physical activity fact sheet. WHO. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity

Nikitara, K., Vardavas, C. I., & Filippidis, F. T. (2021). Prevalence and correlates of physical inactivity in adults across 28 European countries. BMC Public Health. (Eurobarometer secondary analysis)

European Commission. (2022). Sport and physical activity — Special Eurobarometer 525. European Union. https://europa.eu/eurobarometer/surveys/detail/2668

World Health Organization. (2024). Country physical activity factsheet 2024: Malta. WHO. https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/librariesprovider2/country-profiles/physical-activity/2024-country-profiles/physical-activity-2024-mat.pdf

@gianluca.barbara

Gianluca is a certified and registered specialist in exercise and nutrition science. He is also a journalist and avid researcher on a mission to find the healthiest lifestyle, even while living on the fattest island in Europe.