Episode 125: Os Aponte: The Art of Lifelong Strength—How Discipline, Neural Training, and Kettlebells Build Resilient Bodies and Minds
At just 16, Os Aponte was running a martial arts school in Puerto Rico with over a hundred students. Today, he’s a U.S. Army veteran, author, and strength coach known for blending martial arts discipline, neuroscience, and movement mastery into a philosophy of lifelong fitness.
In this conversation, Os shares how leading soldiers in the Army shaped his approach to strength, why “less is more” in training, and how neural efficiency—not just muscle size—creates real, lasting power. You’ll also hear how kettlebells, gait mechanics, and breathwork can rewire your body for performance at any age.
Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or weekend mover, Os’s story will challenge how you think about fitness and inspire you to see training as a lifelong pursuit of self-mastery.
We discuss:
How Os became a martial arts instructor at 16
What the military taught him about leadership and physical mastery
The difference between strength, conditioning, and fitness
Why neurological training beats burnout
The power of the Turkish get-up and “leaving one in the tank”
How to make your fitness serve your life—not the other way around
💬 Sponsor Spotlight:
Feeling stressed, anxious, or restless? Discover how to calm your nervous system with Pulsetto, the vagus nerve stimulation device designed to lower stress and improve sleep—drug free.
👉 Try it here: https://pulsetto.sjv.io/jed7KM
📍 Connect with Os: Bird Rock Fit, La Jolla | StrongFirst Workshops | Follow Osvaldo on his website www.ironcoreway.com for insights, tips, andupdates on his upcoming workshops and events.
📘 Book: Iron Core in Four Chambers (coming soon)
At just 16, Os Aponte was running a martial arts school in Puerto Rico with over a hundred students. Today, he’s a U.S. Army veteran, author, and strength coach known for blending martial arts discipline, neuroscience, and movement mastery into a philosophy of lifelong fitness.
In this conversation, Os shares how leading soldiers in the Army shaped his approach to strength, why “less is more” in training, and how neural efficiency—not just muscle size—creates real, lasting power. You’ll also hear how kettlebells, gait mechanics, and breathwork can rewire your body for performance at any age.
Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or weekend mover, Os’s story will challenge how you think about fitness and inspire you to see training as a lifelong pursuit of self-mastery.
We discuss:
-
How Os became a martial arts instructor at 16
-
What the military taught him about leadership and physical mastery
-
The difference between strength, conditioning, and fitness
-
Why neurological training beats burnout
-
The power of the Turkish get-up and “leaving one in the tank”
-
How to make your fitness serve your life—not the other way around
💬 Sponsor Spotlight:
Feeling stressed, anxious, or restless? Discover how to calm your nervous system with Pulsetto, the vagus nerve stimulation device designed to lower stress and improve sleep—drug free.
👉 Try it here: https://pulsetto.sjv.io/jed7KM
📍 Connect with Os: Bird Rock Fit, La Jolla | StrongFirst Workshops | Follow Osvaldo on his website www.ironcoreway.com for insights, tips, andupdates on his upcoming workshops and events.
📘 Book: Iron Core in Four Chambers (coming soon)
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Osvaldo Aponte
Osvaldo Aponte is a fitness innovator, educator, and former U.S. Army Sergeant with a passion for optimizing human movement, strength, and resilience. With over two decades of experience, Osvaldo blends military discipline with cutting-edge science to create a holistic approach to fitness.
A graduate of San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science degree, Osvaldo holds certifications including CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist), StrongFirst Team Leader, and Z-Health Trainer. His diverse background includes martial arts (Praying Mantis Kung-Fu, wrestling, and boxing), contemporary dance, and functional strength coaching. Osvaldo currently leads movement workshops nationwide and mentors clients in achieving longevity, resilience, and peak performance.
Areas of Expertise
Longevity: Promoting sustainable health through functional movement and strength training.
Strength & Conditioning: Science-backed training techniques to build strength and optimize performance.
Functional Neurology: Leveraging neuro-focused methodologies like Z-Health for enhanced mobility and resilience.
Vision for the Fitness Industry
Osvaldo envisions a future where fitness transcends trends and aesthetics, focusing instead on sustainable, functional movement. By integrating strength, neurology, and holistic approaches, Osvaldo aims to bridge the gap between traditional training and cutting-edge science, empowering individuals to maintain resilience and health for life.
