Podcast Summary: I Am Charles Schwartz Show – Episode: Fitness Secrets of The Ultra Wealthy

Host: Charles Schwartz
Guest: Ted Rice, Health Coach
Release Date: June 25, 2025
Episode Title: Fitness Secrets of The Ultra Wealthy

Introduction

In this episode of the I Am Charles Schwartz Show, host Charles Schwartz welcomes Ted Rice, a renowned health coach who has trained high-profile clients including Richard Branson, Ricky Martin, and Robert Downey Jr. Ted brings over a decade of experience in coaching entrepreneurs and executives, focusing on transforming their health to achieve optimal performance and longevity.

Essential Health Tests for Optimal Fitness

Ted Rice emphasizes the importance of comprehensive health assessments beyond just monitoring weight. He advocates for essential tests that provide a holistic view of one’s health status.

• DEXA Scan: Provides detailed measurements of body fat percentage, muscle mass, and visceral fat. Ted states, “I want to know what your body fat is. I want to know how much muscle mass you have” (05:11).

• VO2 Max: Measures cardiovascular fitness and how efficiently the body utilizes oxygen during exercise. Ted recommends lab-based assessments with exercise physiologists or utilizing wearable technology for estimations.

• Blood Work: Critical for monitoring fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1C, cholesterol levels, and other vital markers. Ted explains, “If you have a history of heart disease...you just don't even know your calcium score yet” (04:41).

Notable Quote:

Ted Rice (05:11): “If you have a belly, you're not doing things right with your diet… there are other tests that you really need to break down.”

The Role of Muscle Mass and Exercise in Metabolic Health

Building muscle mass and engaging in high-intensity interval training (HIIT) are pivotal for improving metabolic function and reducing the risk of diseases like diabetes.

• Muscle Mass: Acts as a storage unit for sugar, enhancing insulin sensitivity. Ted asserts, “Your muscles are a sink for sugar… you need to build muscle to improve your metabolism” (10:07).

• HIIT Training: Increases VO2 max and cardiovascular health. Ted outlines starting with simple steps and progressively incorporating HIIT, stating, “Most people have 5,000 steps or less… find what you can do and keep adding” (32:29).

Notable Quote:

Ted Rice (10:07): “Exercise is the number one thing you can do for your health, for longevity. It’s not diet, it’s exercise.”

Effective Diet Strategies for Fat Loss and Metabolic Health

Achieving a calorie deficit is fundamental for fat loss, but the approach to diet can vary based on individual preferences and lifestyles.

• Calorie Deficit: The cornerstone of fat loss. Ted emphasizes tracking calorie intake, recommending tools like MyFitnessPal.

• Diet Types: While various diets (e.g., Mediterranean, keto, paleo) can be effective if they maintain a calorie deficit, Ted prefers the Mediterranean diet due to its extensive research backing (24:32).

• Sustainability: Importance of choosing a diet that one can adhere to long-term without extreme restrictions. “What matters is whether you are eating too much and maintaining a balance” (25:46).

Notable Quote:

Ted Rice (24:32): “They all work provided that they follow the calorie deficit framework. It’s simpler to follow because it’s lower carb.”

Supplements that Support Health and Longevity

Certain supplements can aid in managing appetite, improving sleep, and enhancing overall health.

• Fiber Supplements: Essential for appetite control and improving gut health. Ted recommends psyllium husk, stating, “The number one supplement period for health longevity is fiber” (60:07).

• Magnesium Glycinate: Enhances sleep quality and supports various bodily functions.

• Creatine: Benefits cognitive function and muscle growth. Ted advises, “Take 10 grams of creatine… It’s a game changer” (63:49).

Notable Quote:

Ted Rice (60:07): “Fiber is a way to manage your appetite and feel full while improving your health.”

Advanced Health Interventions: Stem Cells and TRT

Ted discusses more sophisticated interventions like stem cell therapy and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), outlining their potential benefits and risks.

• Stem Cell Injections: Can aid in pain management and injury recovery. Ted shares his personal experience with stem cell injections at Dream Body Clinic, noting significant pain relief without surgical interventions (44:36).

• TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy): While popular, TRT has limitations and potential side effects. Ted argues that building muscle and reducing body fat are more sustainable solutions for maintaining healthy testosterone levels. “TRT isn’t a game changer… You cannot get around doing the work” (52:18).

Notable Quote:

Ted Rice (52:18): “TRT can be a bonus, but it’s really the training that you’re missing.”

Practical Tools for Tracking Progress

Using technology to monitor health metrics is crucial for staying on track and achieving fitness goals.

• Wearable Devices: Tools like the Oura Ring, Fitbit, and Garmin help track steps, sleep, and VO2 max. Ted suggests, “Start tracking your steps… tracking your calories with MyFitnessPal will do more for you” (32:29).

• Calorie Tracking: Essential for maintaining a calorie deficit. Ted recommends MyFitnessPal as an effective tool for this purpose.

Notable Quote:

Ted Rice (32:29): “Most people have 5,000 steps or less… start with walking first before jumping into HIIT.”

Client Success Stories and Expected Results

Ted shares insights into the tangible results his clients achieve through his coaching programs.

• Weight Loss: Clients typically lose 15 to 20 pounds in 90 days, with complete transformations taking closer to a year based on dedication (66:15).

• Improved Health Metrics: Reduction in body fat percentage, enhanced muscle mass, and better blood work results.

• Enhanced Quality of Life: Clients report feeling more energetic, stronger, and healthier, even into their 80s. Ted cites a client, Trevor, who achieved a lean physique and gained confidence beyond expectations (66:15).

Notable Quote:

Ted Rice (66:15): “We help people lose somewhere in the neighborhood of 15 to 20 pounds in 90 days… close to a year to completely transform your body.”

Conclusion

The episode underscores the importance of a holistic approach to fitness and health, emphasizing comprehensive testing, consistent exercise, mindful eating, and strategic supplementation. Ted Rice’s no-nonsense strategies, tailored for high-performing individuals, provide actionable insights for listeners aiming to optimize their health and longevity.

Final Thoughts:

Charles Schwartz: “Your health is your most valuable asset, and the strategies that work for billionaires will work for you too.”

Resources Mentioned:

• MyFitnessPal: myfitnesspal.com
• Dream Body Clinic: legendarylifepodcast.com (for masterclass and services)
• Wearable Devices: Oura Ring, Fitbit, Garmin, Whoop

Access Companion Guide: For a detailed companion guide summarizing Ted Rice’s key strategies, visit podcastimcharlesschwarz.com.

Notable Timestamped Quotes:

• 04:41: Ted Rice on the necessity of comprehensive health testing.
• 05:11: Importance of body composition over simple metrics like weight.
• 10:07: Ted on the supremacy of exercise over diet for longevity.
• 24:32: Flexibility in diet types while maintaining a calorie deficit.
• 32:29: Steps tracking as a foundational fitness strategy.
• 60:07: Fiber as the top supplement for health longevity.
• 63:49: Creatine’s multifaceted benefits.
• 52:18: Limitations of TRT compared to natural fitness approaches.
• 66:15: Expected client results and transformation timelines.

Disclaimer: The advice and strategies discussed in this podcast are based on Ted Rice’s professional experience. Listeners are encouraged to consult with healthcare professionals before making significant changes to their health and fitness routines.