Why I Do This Work
The short answer: I realized that everything I was learning about aging didn't matter if people did not know about it.
Who I Am
I'm a researcher. I spend a lot of time in labs, analyzing data, running clinical trials. I've been doing this for over 25 years.
But I'm also a son who watched my parents get older and saw how their choices affected their quality of life. I'm someone who made mistakes with my own health in my 30s. I'm a person who realized that the research I was publishing in top medical journals wasn't helping most people who actually needed it.
That's what changed everything for me.
The Turning Point
For years, I published my work in the New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, and other top medical journals. The research was solid. It was making an impact in academic circles.
But then I realized something: Most people never read those journals. Most people don't know what’s in them because scientific writing can be hard to understand without a PhD. The important information about how to slow aging, optimize metabolism, and stay sharp as we age was not reaching the public, and was getting lost in academic language.
I got frustrated with that. I knew I had something valuable to share, but I wasn't sharing it in a way that actually reached people.
So I made a decision: I was going to translate what I know into simple, actionable strategies that real people could actually use.
That's what I'm doing now.
Popular Blogs
Power Walking for Beginners – How to Walk for Better Health
For years, walking has been a favorite choice in the world of exercise.
Whether you walk in a gym, on a treadmill, or out in nature around your neighborhood, it is a great source of exercise.
However, new research states that leisurely walking doesn’t have the heart-healthy results that power walking leads to (1).
What Is Power Walking?
Power walking means to walk at a vigorous pace.
The increase in your speed and endurance gives the results of a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Four Power Walking Benefits
Let’s stroll through some of the reasons that power walking is best!
Power walking is a great exercise, and like other endurance exercises, it can:
Keep you healthy
Improve your fitness
Increase your heart rate and breathing
Help you do the tasks you need every day
Power Walking Technique
Turning your normal walk into a fitness stride requires good posture and purposeful movements.
Ideally, here is how you should walk:
Your head is up, looking forward and not at the ground
Your neck, shoulders, and back are relaxed, not stiffly upright
You’re swinging your arms freely with a slight bend in your elbows
A little pumping with your arms is OK
Your stomach muscles are slightly tightened, and your back is straight, not arched forward or backward
You’re walking smoothly, rolling your foot from heel to toe
How to Start Power Walking
For some, walking for the recommended 30 minutes a day might be difficult. If so, try walking for 10-minute intervals and build up to three times a day. As your endurance improves, walk longer until you can advance to a single 30-minute walk.
A great target should be a minimum of 60 minutes a week, but as much as 150 minutes a week.
As your walk becomes easier, add new challenges, such as climbing a hill, extending the time you walk, increasing your walking pace, and an additional day of walking.
Keep Track of How Much You Are Walking
Step counters can help you keep track of your walking, set goals, and measure your progress.
Most inactive people get fewer than 5,000 steps a day, and some very inactive people get only 2,000 steps a day.
Try wearing a step counter for a few days to see how you’re doing. You will be surprised by your current step levels.
If you get:
Fewer than 5,000 Steps a Day: Gradually add 3,000 to 4,000 more steps a day
About 8,000 Steps a Day: You’re probably meeting the recommended activity target
10,000 or More Steps a Day : You can be confident that you’re getting an adequate amount of endurance activity
10,000 Steps a Day Comfortably : Try for 15,000 steps a day, which would put you in the high activity group
Five Steps to Help Plan Your Power Walking Routine
As you start your walking routine, remember to:
Set Realistic Power Walking Goals
For most healthy adults, the new research guidelines recommend at least:
150 minutes of aerobic activity per week
75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week
Or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous aerobic activity
You can spread activity throughout the week. The guidelines also recommend strength training exercises of all the major muscle groups at least twice a week.
As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. If you can’t set aside that much time, try several 10-minute sessions throughout the day.
Remember, it’s OK to start slowly — especially if you haven’t been exercising regularly. You might start with five minutes a day the first week and then increase your time by five minutes each week until you reach at least 30 minutes.
Five Power Walking Activities to Stay Active
Walking is a simple way to stay active. You can do it alone, with friends, even with your dog!
Try one of the following activities to get active today:
Nordic walking | Hiking | Walking the dog | Mall walking | Race walking
Four Rules to Stay Motivated
Starting a walking program takes initiative. Sticking with it takes commitment.
To stay motivated:
Power Walk to Better Health
Keep in mind that according to this research, power walking (vigorous walking) is best to reduce cardiac risks.
You need to be doing this type of exercise at least several times a week for 30 minutes each, but the most valuable is 150 minutes a week.
By doing this exercise, you can expect to be feeling better, giving your body the workout it needs and reducing your risk for heart disease.
So, to walk or not? I say walk, and walk a lot!
What I've Learned (The Research, Simplified)
For the past 25+ years, I've studied one main question: How can people actually age well?
This includes research on:
How metabolism changes with age and what you can do about it.
The role of intermittent fasting and eating patterns.
How cardiovascular health affects longevity.
What keeps your brain sharp and protects against cognitive decline.
How lifestyle choices impact obesity and metabolic disease.
The key finding: You have way more control over your aging than you think.
Most people believe that aging is just something that happens to you. Energy loss, weight gain, brain fog, losing strength—they think it's inevitable.
It's not.
The research shows that your daily choices - what, when, and how much you eat, how you move, how you sleep, and how you manage stress - all directly impact how you age. These choices can actually impact your rate of aging. Not someday. Now. And in ways you can feel and measure.
That's what the science says. And that's what I see in the people I work with.
How I Help You Age Better
I've organized everything I offer around five core areas. You probably need help in more than one of these areas - most people do. The good news is if you improve in one area, you are likely to see improvements in other areas.
More Energy & Better Metabolism
You want to wake up ready to go, not drag through the day. This is about optimizing how your body processes food and fuel. Better metabolism means better energy, easier weight control, and stronger physical performance.
Brain Health & Sharp Thinking
Protecting your brain and maintaining your mental clarity as you age isn't something that happens by accident. It requires specific nutrition, sleep habits, movement, and lifestyle strategies specific to brain health. I'll show you exactly what works.
Stay Strong & Move Without Pain
Maintaining muscle, balance, and mobility is what allows you to live a full life and stay independent as you age. Whether it’s hiking, skiing, playing with your kids (or grandkids) or just moving through your day without stiffness - this matters.
Recovery & Physical Resilience
Your body needs proper recovery to stay healthy. This includes good quality sleep, stress management, and movement strategies that help you bounce back faster.
Purpose & Peace of Mind
Physical health is part of the equation. So is feeling like you're in control of your future, living with purpose, and knowing you're doing the right things at the right times.
How I Help You Age Better
I've organized everything I offer around five core areas. You probably need help in more than one of these areas - most people do. The good news is if you improve in one area, you are likely to see improvements in other areas.
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My Background (What Makes Me Qualified)
Education:
BA in Psychology from Florida State University.
Master's degree in psychology from the University of Florida.
PhD in Clinical and Health Psychology from the University of Florida.
Post-doctoral fellowship at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center.
What This Means: I studied how people actually change their behavior. How to help them adopt healthier habits that stick. How to design interventions that work for real people in real life, not just in labs.
Research & Publications:
Over 200 peer-reviewed scientific articles.
Multiple published book chapters.
Research recognized nationally and internationally.
Cited thousands of times by other scientists.
Co-Author of The Man Diet.
What This Means: My work has been tested, reviewed by other experts, and built upon. It's not opinion. It's evidence.
Current Role:
Full Professor at the University of Florida.
Associate Director, University of Florida’s Institute on Aging.
What This Means: I'm still actively researching, training the next generation of researchers, and staying current with the latest science. I'm not just relying on old knowledge. I'm learning new things all the time.
But Here's What Really Matters
All of that research and all those credentials would mean nothing if I couldn't translate what I’ve learned over the years into something useful for you.
So I've spent the last several years focusing on this: How do I take 25+ years of research and turn it into simple, clear strategies that actually work for busy adults who want to feel better and age well?
That's the real goal. And that's what I bring to the people I work with.
My Philosophy About Aging
You're Not Broken
The goal isn't to "fix" you or make you into someone else. It's to help you feel like yourself again, with the energy and clarity you want.
Small Choices Add Up
You don't need to overhaul your entire life. Consistent, small changes in nutrition, movement, sleep, and stress management compound over time. That's how real change happens.
Understanding Matters More Than Willpower
If you understand why something works, you don't need to white-knuckle it. You just follow the program because it makes sense. That's why people stick with this approach long-term.
Evidence Beats Opinion
I'm not going to tell you to do something because I think it's trendy or because an influencer is promoting it. Everything I recommend is backed by research and real-world results.
You're the Expert on Your Own Life
I provide the knowledge and framework. You know your schedule, your preferences, your challenges, and your goals. The best approach is the one that fits your actual life—not someone else's.
What People Tell Me
Finally, someone who explains why instead of just giving me rules.
I thought this kind of change wasn't possible at my age.
The strategies are practical. I can actually do them.
I feel in control of my health for the first time.
These conversations remind me why I do this work. It's not about credentials or publications. It's about helping real people take back control of their aging.
What I'm Not
I'm not a cheerleader selling you hope and motivation. Motivation fades. What lasts is understanding and practical systems.
I'm not selling quick fixes or magic pills. There aren't any. What works is science-backed strategies applied consistently.
I'm not here to shame you or make you feel bad about past choices. You're here because you want change. That's what matters.
I'm not a one-size-fits-all coach. People are different. Your program should fit your life, your goals, and your preferences—not some generic template.
What I Am
I'm someone who's spent 25+ years studying how people age well and how to help them actually implement that knowledge.
I'm committed to explaining the science in plain language so you understand why something works.
I'm focused on creating practical systems that fit your real life.
I'm dedicated to helping you feel more energetic, stronger, sharper, and more confident in your future.
I believe you have more control over your rate of aging than you think, and I want to help you take it.
Let's Work Together
You're here because you're ready to do something different. You're tired of guessing about what works. You want clear, evidence-based guidance that actually results in change.
That's exactly what I provide.
Ready to Get Started?
Or if You Have Questions:
Recent Blogs
Power Walking for Beginners – How to Walk for Better Health
For years, walking has been a favorite choice in the world of exercise.
Whether you walk in a gym, on a treadmill, or out in nature around your neighborhood, it is a great source of exercise.
However, new research states that leisurely walking doesn’t have the heart-healthy results that power walking leads to (1).
What Is Power Walking?
Power walking means to walk at a vigorous pace.
The increase in your speed and endurance gives the results of a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Four Power Walking Benefits
Let’s stroll through some of the reasons that power walking is best!
Power walking is a great exercise, and like other endurance exercises, it can:
Keep you healthy
Improve your fitness
Increase your heart rate and breathing
Help you do the tasks you need every day
Power Walking Technique
Turning your normal walk into a fitness stride requires good posture and purposeful movements.
Ideally, here is how you should walk:
Your head is up, looking forward and not at the ground
Your neck, shoulders, and back are relaxed, not stiffly upright
You’re swinging your arms freely with a slight bend in your elbows
A little pumping with your arms is OK
Your stomach muscles are slightly tightened, and your back is straight, not arched forward or backward
You’re walking smoothly, rolling your foot from heel to toe
How to Start Power Walking
For some, walking for the recommended 30 minutes a day might be difficult. If so, try walking for 10-minute intervals and build up to three times a day. As your endurance improves, walk longer until you can advance to a single 30-minute walk.
A great target should be a minimum of 60 minutes a week, but as much as 150 minutes a week.
As your walk becomes easier, add new challenges, such as climbing a hill, extending the time you walk, increasing your walking pace, and an additional day of walking.
Keep Track of How Much You Are Walking
Step counters can help you keep track of your walking, set goals, and measure your progress.
Most inactive people get fewer than 5,000 steps a day, and some very inactive people get only 2,000 steps a day.
Try wearing a step counter for a few days to see how you’re doing. You will be surprised by your current step levels.
If you get:
Fewer than 5,000 Steps a Day: Gradually add 3,000 to 4,000 more steps a day
About 8,000 Steps a Day: You’re probably meeting the recommended activity target
10,000 or More Steps a Day : You can be confident that you’re getting an adequate amount of endurance activity
10,000 Steps a Day Comfortably : Try for 15,000 steps a day, which would put you in the high activity group
Five Steps to Help Plan Your Power Walking Routine
As you start your walking routine, remember to:
Set Realistic Power Walking Goals
For most healthy adults, the new research guidelines recommend at least:
150 minutes of aerobic activity per week
75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week
Or an equivalent combination of moderate and vigorous aerobic activity
You can spread activity throughout the week. The guidelines also recommend strength training exercises of all the major muscle groups at least twice a week.
As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day. If you can’t set aside that much time, try several 10-minute sessions throughout the day.
Remember, it’s OK to start slowly — especially if you haven’t been exercising regularly. You might start with five minutes a day the first week and then increase your time by five minutes each week until you reach at least 30 minutes.
Five Power Walking Activities to Stay Active
Walking is a simple way to stay active. You can do it alone, with friends, even with your dog!
Try one of the following activities to get active today:
Nordic walking | Hiking | Walking the dog | Mall walking | Race walking
Four Rules to Stay Motivated
Starting a walking program takes initiative. Sticking with it takes commitment.
To stay motivated:
Power Walk to Better Health
Keep in mind that according to this research, power walking (vigorous walking) is best to reduce cardiac risks.
You need to be doing this type of exercise at least several times a week for 30 minutes each, but the most valuable is 150 minutes a week.
By doing this exercise, you can expect to be feeling better, giving your body the workout it needs and reducing your risk for heart disease.
So, to walk or not? I say walk, and walk a lot!
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About
Stephen Anton PhD in Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida 25+ years researching longevity and healthy aging. Published in NEJM, JAMA, American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and more. Recognized expert in intermittent fasting, metabolism, and cardiovascular health
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Please consult your physician before making changes to your health routine.