From leading covert counter-terrorism operations for the British military for two decades to becoming the fastest Briton to solo row the Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge – achieving the 3000-mile crossing from San Sebastian in the Canary Islands to Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua in just 46 days – Mike Bates knows a thing or two about performing under pressure.

Whether the enemy was a Taliban insurgent in the middle of Afghanistan or a 40-foot wave in the middle of the night, Bates’s preparedness and resilience has empowered him to rise to every challenge.

Yet not even men like Mike, who has more motivation and determination than most of us can imagine, can do it alone.

That’s why after his distinguished military career and fresh from his endurance challenge heroics he co-founded NXT45, an innovative health, performance and wellbeing company dedicated to supporting men through midlife.

More than just an events and community-building company, Bates wants NXT45 to be more like a movement, helping men navigate the often tumultuous transition from the first half of their lives to the second. The name NXT45 signifies this shift, focusing on the next 45 years and beyond.

For many men the first half of their life is driven by testosterone-fuelled pursuits such as power, ambition, money and success. Yet as men approach middle age, these goals often shift towards more family-oriented values like support, community and mentorship. Navigating this shift successfully, Bates argues, is crucial for your long-term health and happiness.

In our exclusive Unfiltered interview, Bates sheds light on why understanding this transition will empower men to take back control of their lives and find new purpose and meaning. Knowledge, communication and support, he says, will also prevent them descending into a pit of despair and depression as they contemplate their lost youth and the inevitable march towards their own mortality.

One of the most compelling aspects of Bates’s message is his belief in the power of community, something many men at all stages of their life don’t feel or experience. Through NXT45 he aims to foster environments where men can connect, share experiences and support each other. This sense of camaraderie and mutual support, an essential asset in the military, can be a lifeline for those struggling with midlife transitions.

Bates’s unique perspective, shaped by his diverse and hair-raising experiences, makes him a compelling voice for men approaching middle age. His blend of practical advice, motivational insights and personal anecdotes can provide you with the blueprint for navigating your midlife with grace and purpose.

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Over the past decade Nick Shaw, the co-founder and CEO of Renaissance Periodization (RP Strength) has transformed RP Strength from a niche service into a powerhouse in the fitness and nutrition world, recently experiencing explosive subscriber growth on YouTube and other social media platforms, including Instagram.

RP’s unique model includes highly credentialed coaches – almost all with PhDs – who also compete or have competed in high level athletic competition. Not to be outdone, Shaw’s own efforts have not only earned him an IFBB Pro card but have also positioned him as a coach to world-class athletes, including CrossFit Games champions, Olympians, UFC fighters, and Navy SEALs.

The recent growth of RP Strength, particularly on YouTube, underscores Shaw’s impressive ability to recognise talent and connect with a wide audience. In an industry saturated with dodgy influencers, pseudoscience and competing content, Renaissance Periodization has not only managed to stand out, but also to bring evidence-based health and fitness content to the masses.

Moreover Shaw’s resilience, particularly highlighted during his wife Lori’s battle with breast cancer, adds a profound human element to his professional narrative. This experience has reinforced his commitment to helping others navigate their health and fitness journeys, regardless of the different challenges they face. Always eager to give credit to and help others achieve success, Shaw has established a scholarship for Kinesiology students at the University of Michigan, with ambitious plans to expand Renaissance Periodization’s educational and charitable contributions.

Shaw’s ability to merge elite athletic coaching with accessible, evidence-based fitness solutions has made RP Strength a beacon in the health and fitness industry. For anyone looking to understand the dynamics of fitness success or seeking inspiration to overcome personal and professional hurdles, Shaw’s insights and the rapid ascent of RP Strength tell a fascinating and compelling story.

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“The Fittest Man on Earth”. That’s the title that was bestowed upon Jason Khalipa after he won the 2008 CrossFit Games.

That alone makes him a man worth listening to, but Khalipa’s legacy transcends the boundaries of fitness and personal development to something far more consequential.

Khalipa retired from CrossFit in 2016 following his daughter Ava’s devastating leukaemia diagnosis. In the face of this and other challenges, Jason and his wife Ashley embraced what he calls the “AMRAP Mentality” – a philosophy drawn from the CrossFit term “as many reps as possible.”

This mindset emphasises focusing on what you can control, earning confidence through hard work, and maintaining a positive attitude in even the toughest times. The AMRAP Mentality not only helped Jason and his family navigate Ava’s treatment but also inspired him to share this approach with others, and led to a book titled “AMRAP Mentality”, which outlines how this philosophy can be applied to overcome life’s challenges and achieve personal goals.

His daughter’s diagnosis ultimately led to the creation of Ava’s Kitchen, a non-profit founded by Jason and Ashley which – among other things – hosts an annual benefit dinner featuring renowned chefs and live auctions to raise funds for families impacted by paediatric cancer. Partnering with the Jessie Rees Foundation, it helps to support these families through various programmes including Breakaway Adventures, which provides memorable experiences for children undergoing treatment.

From dominating in the CrossFit Games to overcoming personal trials and now leading the charge in the fitness industry with his innovative programmes, Jason’s story is one of relentless dedication and resilience. His TRAIN HARD philosophy isn’t just about physical training; it’s about being as capable as possible to protect and provide for your family and community. Khalipa’s journey is a testament to the power of determination, the importance of a supportive community, the relentless pursuit of excellence, and the ability to turn adversity into strength.

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