Thankfully, Tony Little (America’s Personal Trainer) is calmer during interviews than the hyperactive persona he adopts for infomercials. We were worried that he’d be shrieking, “You can do it!” at Jason before episode #64 of The Longevity & Biohacking Show was complete. From humble beginnings, Little has transformed himself into a television fitness personality and businessman best known for his fitness information products. Let’s hear from the man himself.
Background
Little is a certified personal trainer and identifies himself as “America’s Personal Trainer.” He is known for his over-the-top, hyper-enthusiastic personality and long blond ponytail. Some of his favorite catchphrases are “You can do it.” “It’s technique,” and “Always believe in yourself.” Tony’s infomercials have generated more than $4 billion in sales globally. In addition, he is also the author of “There’s Always a Way: How to Develop a Positive Mindset and Succeed in Business and Life.”
Strength Training Works
Jason’s first line of questioning for Tony is in regard to lifespan exercises. Little is quick to reveal that your best bet for a long and healthy life is to maintain muscle as you age. This is not to say you must build your musculature to the level of a Mr. Olympia, but there are some key reasons you need to retain muscle mass and functional strength.
It’s no secret that muscle keeps your metabolism clicking along at a good fat-burning pace. To stay healthy, active, and avoid the falls that plague so many older people, you’ve got to prevent sedentary behaviors from taking control. Have you heard of the Gazelle? Not the animal you might see on safari but rather one of Tony Little’s fitness products that has sold over 7 million globally. It’s low impact design saves joints while working your heart, lungs, and muscles at the same time.
We sound like an infomercial, don’t we? That’s what happens when you get around Tony.
Where the Buffalo Roam
Despite his gargantuan success as a fitness promoter, Tony made his first serious money as a supplier of – wait for it – bison meat! In fact, his distribution company (BodyByBison) now sells 36 different bison food products. Why bison? According to Little, it’s healthier than almost any other meat you can find. As a smaller niche industry, bison in America are all grassfed and free from the growth hormones and antibiotics that plague products from the industrial food industry. Bison is high in protein, low in fat and calories, and provides a supercharged dose of iron for those who need it, like women.
Early in his bodybuilding career, Tony was introduced to bison by a friend. Having grown tired of the eternal workout diet of chicken, he was excited for an option that made it possible to eat burgers again.
After noting that Tony emphasized the grassfed aspect of bison, Jason wondered if there was any fear that Big Food might see the opportunity for profit and pervert the process. Little didn’t seem too concerned. Despit its growing popularity, the industry remains small, with only about half a million head right now. History buffs will recall that commercial hunting and slaughter in the 19th century nearly led to an extinction of the species. At one point estimates placed the total number of bison at only about 1,000.
Tony Little’s Temple Theory
To anyone who has seen a recent picture of Tony, it is hard to fathom that the man is only a few months from turning 60. Everyone wants to know the real story about how he does it. He must live the life of an ascetic, right? Not exactly. He attributes his secret to success to an early embracing of the idea of moderation. He calls it the Temple Theory, and it goes like this.
For five days of the week, treat your body like a temple. Eat right and exercise regularly. The other two days you can go off the rails a bit. Eat some junk. Be lazy, Have a beer or two if you want. All in moderation, though. These are what he calls amusement days.
As far as diet, his preference is to eat 4-6 small meals daily, operating on the theory that your body is not able to properly process three large meals. To him, everything is about moderation. Don’t over do it. Don’t underdo it.
The Tony Little Business Mind
As one might suspect, Tony Little didn’t just luck into his global financial success. There’s a reason his nine infomercials log more time on televisions sets around the world in a year than any other celebrity. Not far into early adulthood Tony was a bodybuilder who saw his career cut short after a serious car crash.
With no real career or backup plan in mind, he decided to start a cleaning company that specialized in health spas. But where other entrepreneurs might have spent weeks or months actually creating the company, Tony decided to solicit clients first. It was only after he had enough contracts in hand to stay busy full time that he actually opened the company.
From there, he talked a local tv network into selling him time for a fitness show that only reached 200,000 homes, but the deal also included four minutes of commercial time to do whatever he wanted with. The show grew in popularity. Before long, he had an exercise video to market. A mentor told him to go to a marketing convention in Las Vegas. He had six offers from studios when he left.
In Closing
When asked for advice for others who still seek success, Tony’s response is simple but dramatic. Never be afraid to ask questions. Work harder. Work smarter. When one path is blocked, find another. Something worthwhile is never easy, and never be afraid to go for it. Learn more about America’s Personal Trainer at www.TonyLittle.com .
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