Shaping Resilience and Transformation: Tommy Europe's Journey from CFL Stardom to Fitness Mastery

When resilience meets transformation, it's a potent mix that can redefine lives.

Embrace this powerful combination as Tommy Europe, the former CFL star turned fitness guru, shares the playbook of his journey beyond the gridiron.

His touchstone 'shred' philosophy isn't just about sculpting bodies but crafting the discipline and mindset necessary for profound personal change.

From the lows of a career-threatening knee injury to the highs of transforming lives on screen and in the gym, Tommy's narrative is a masterclass in determination and adaptability.

Stumbling blocks and victories on the road to fitness are as universal as they are unique.

This episode celebrates stories like Danielle's awe-inspiring transformation, vividly depicting the emotional and physical hurdles overcome en route to health.

Underscoring the indispensable roles of discipline and a positive mindset, the dialogue with Tommy Europe illuminates how our formative years can forge lifelong habits that either bolster or undermine our future well-being.

In our candid conversation, Fitness enthusiasts and novices will find a treasure trove of inspiration and practical wisdom.

The golden years don't have to dim when it comes to our health. As we explore ways to age with grace and vitality, Tommy illuminates the synergy between nutrition, supplementation, and a sustainable fitness regimen.

By integrating his experiences with inflammation mitigation and sharing his stance on the judicious use of supplements, Tommy provides invaluable guidance for anyone looking to maintain peak physical condition throughout their life's seasons.

Please tune in and let Tommy Europe's unyielding spirit and insightful advice elevate your approach to health and longevity, and follow him for more fitness motivation beyond the podcast.

Connect with Tommy at:

• Website
• YouTube
• Instagram
• Facebook

Chapters

• 0:07 The Inspirational Journey of Tommy Europe
• 8:51 Struggles and Success in Fitness Journey
• 13:45 Success and Discipline in Fitness
• 28:14 Fitness and Community
• 34:52 Supplementation and Endorsed Products
• 41:36 Fitness and Aging

Transcript

Dai Manuel: 0:07

Hey, 2% Collective, get ready for an electrifying episode of the 2% Solution as we sit down with the amazing Tommy Europe, the man who's redefining fitness, resilience and determination. From his thrilling journey in professional football to becoming a celebrated fitness coach and a dynamic presence on TV and film, tommy's story is a testament to the power of relentless pursuit and transformation. Today, he's here to share his insights on the power of shred, his mission to transform lives and how his dedication to being above average fuels his every endeavor. With a career spanning over the gridiron to the gym, tommy's unique blend of drive, discipline and dedication to wellness is nothing short of inspiring. Tune in as we dive into how Tommy Europe is changing the game, one life at a time, and why learning from him could be your game changer. Get ready to be motivated, educated and maybe even a little entertained, because this episode is packed with stories, strategies and a whole lot of heart. Don't miss it. All right, everybody. Welcome back to the 2% Solution podcast.

Dai Manuel: 1:17

As I said in the intro, I am super stoked today to talk to a friend that I've known for gosh. I think it's over 15 years now. Tommy, I'm dating this buddy, I'm dating us, I'm dating Tommy, but it's the one and only Tommy Europe. We have a football star, tv celebrity, quite a well sought after fitness trainer too, and on top of that you've probably seen him in a major film at some point in time. I know I've seen him. I keep seeing him pop up in a bunch of sci-fi movies that are shot in Vancouver. I don't even know how many you've been in. I just saw him again, and there he is again.

Tommy Europe: 1:52

I love it. There's a few, there's a few.

Dai Manuel: 1:54

It's so good though it's great, I think girls fuck. It's Tommy again. So I want to be able to dive in that. But I thought today, tommy, let's just dive right in, because we are past a professional career in the football and I know that sort of also led to a career in fitness, but also created the opportunity for your last 10 pound bootcamp TV show, and I know there's this underlying mission to transform lives.

Dai Manuel: 2:23

So when you take us back to that and just give us the story man, because I know everyone's going to be interested to hear how this all came about. This story arc is super fascinating and I know I'm really into it. I'm going to let you take it away from there.

Tommy Europe: 2:36

No Rich, yeah, it has been over 16 years.

Dai Manuel: 2:40

It has been a long time.

Tommy Europe: 2:41

It's funny how time flies when you have fun and experience. But obviously my background coming in, coming out of the pool, I played for 11 years in the CFL, so training for me was something that was part of my life. I was 10 to 11th grade. I knew if I wanted to get better in athletics. It helps me to be bigger, faster, stronger. Started working out.

Tommy Europe: 3:03

Started really liking working out not just for sport, Just keeping myself still and obviously looking good, feeling strong. So when it came towards the latter part of my career I think it was, yeah, I had an E-initial in my sixth year and it was doubtful. It was questionable whether I was going to be able to come back from it Because I piece of land you kept us floating around. So I was like what am I going to do if I can't play? I don't want to wear a suit. I mean, I just know, I know that, Don't want to feel a suit on me and I'm going to get certified to be a trainer. And that's basically where the fitness as a profession came in.

Tommy Europe: 3:44

The idea started there and then I got certified, started taking different courses. I knew personally how to train myself and obviously getting into the steel, just seeing people from multiple backgrounds. Some people never trained before. Some people training basically literally to save their lives, losing weight, Some people training for aesthetics Everybody's got a different focus or initiation point. So as I educated myself, I ended up playing a few more years. I played for five more years so that when I was finished playing football, I basically just rolled into training with people and started training Rich, just paid for individuals boot camps, just to remember, I'll fit boot camp. That was one of the first camp I worked for.

Tommy Europe: 4:34

So for me it was trying to be as well rounded as possible just so that I could deal with or handle any client that I'm coming for us, being an athlete, so that's an easy part, because, being an athlete, I know how to push and pull. But when you're training in general public, there's a lot of different variables that come into play and I think that's what makes the difference between a good trainer and a trainer that might not be so good for certain people. My thing has always been knowledge and trying to help people. Initiatives from okay, I got to do this, I got to do that, and then I just focused on one client at a time and okay, this client needs this, so I'll give them everything that I can, so my knowledge might be used to give them where they want it to be.

Tommy Europe: 5:24

Fast forward, for years I had introduced you to training clients and bumped into Maratager, who was a news anchor, literally bumped into this client's party, and she asked me what I was up to. And then, two weeks later, I got a call from Maratager. Hey, we got this from Maratager because the same production company that she was doing. I think we're loading this together.

Dai Manuel: 5:52

Oh gosh, I forget what it was called, but I remember, yeah, she was busy. She's always been busy in the media anyways but, that's cool, Okay. So yeah, keep going.

Tommy Europe: 6:03

That's what it came to interview, interview or audition me and basically said, as a trainer I'm sure there's not a lot that come up through your mind, right, training people that you can't really say we want you to stay. This was at the beginning of reality television, where there are nobles bar.

Tommy Europe: 6:23

And that's honestly, that's how it all started. The last time I was boot camp and they networked, like me, and then that kick started and that led into, obviously, a lifetime of fitness and I've been very fortunate, very blessed, to be a part of some amazing experiences, meeting so great people like yourself, and I continued to grow and learn and, along with the training, as I was training people, I was also working in film and seeing how I was getting some background, and then I was introduced to the STEM community and 20 years later, here I am.

Dai Manuel: 7:04

There's been such an extensive career, but obviously health has had to be a really rock solid foundation. You wouldn't be able to continuously do and push the things that you do without that resiliency that comes through fitness and that care and mindfulness around health. And I guess I'm curious where did this mission to transform lives come in? Like, when did that first really become the clear mission for you? Because I know that you touch on that and everything that you do. I even I follow you on all your socials and I see your Instagram posts. But it's so motivating how you speak to the individual and I'm just curious, like, where did all that come from, that desire to help others?

Tommy Europe: 7:42

I think it grew. Or I started working with people and the more that kind of grew and some of the classes I had, obviously the show. I got to know all these people and I was with them for six to eight weeks so I got to know a bit about their story and then it just kind of came to me it's not about me, it's not about these, about this person and trying to get okay, how can I get them past their sticking point or points where they don't stay and have been successful in the past and try, and obviously we're doing this through the medium of fitness and it's something that everybody can do, regardless of whatever level. And I think, just the more I started seeing their profession, how much it meant to them, it was the best feeling in the world. It truly was.

Tommy Europe: 8:32

I'm seeing somebody succeed and knowing exactly where they started and where they are now and just see how the doubt and everything at the beginning and then seeing them work it's truly motivating for me. And that was just one of the things where you know they say this is something I really like to do and this is something I love to do. I love seeing people succeed and I can play a part in it. Awesome, it's like can be of any assistance. Awesome, too it's limitless what people can achieve. They just put their mind to it and just get to work one day at a time. Keep pushing forward.

Dai Manuel: 9:09

I love how simple you make that sound, and I know that you and I are lifelong. It's like we're married to this industry. We've had our ups, we've had our downs, but we stick it out no matter what, and it's usually because of the people that we're having the opportunity to connect with and impact, and I see that in you and how you lead your lives, but also how you father and how you show up for your kids.

Tommy Europe: 9:34

And yeah, go ahead. I want to add one more thing. I can't remember the assistance name to the last impound, but I can remember when I was doing it, first minute I was doing it you gotta meet died, you gotta meet died. I'm like, okay, I'm gonna meet you gotta meet died, you gotta meet died. I was like, who's your style guy? I was like, okay, I'll meet Margot me. It just came back the way. You just had to put that in.

Dai Manuel: 9:59

Thank you, I appreciate that. And yeah, I remember I was really excited to see you come in too, because I'm a CFL fan, so it was seeing you kick some butt on the field all the time. It was nice to see in real life with all the pads on. And then I was like, oh my God, he seems bigger without the pads. How's that even possible?

Dai Manuel: 10:13

And I was like dude you are a fit man and I remember being intimidated, but I was, like, also inspired to say hi and I guess this is actually, I think, a good opportunity for us to sort of segue, because you've worked with such a diverse amount of people like ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, demographically speaking young, old, professional athlete, novice athlete and I know that doesn't matter on the level of person that you're working with, their experience with fitness, that they're still common challenges that arise when we try to get fit and healthy, and what are some of?

Dai Manuel: 10:54

the most common challenges that you tended to see and you still see coming up.

Tommy Europe: 10:59

I think doubt always creeps in when people don't see. They don't see. So they can be working really hard, making strides, but may not be the ideal of where they think they should be right now. So when I do, and that's when people start asking me we've been training for a long time and then when you break it down and give them a snapshot of, I'm always looking forward, but it's always to take a good snapshot. Here's what you do and then looking at it and seeing it, oh okay, they don't see how much strongly they've gotten from what they're pushing and what they're doing and you've probably heard this multiple times as well and distance and clients have been training for a long time. I can't believe we're not getting any better. I'm getting tired. I'm like do you think I'm pushing it the same level I was a year ago? No, I'm always going to push. It's never going to be easy. Never going to be easy. If it's easy, that means I'm not doing my job or you're not pushing yourself hard. So that's one of the common things. And just seeing the meat, all of this and some clients will take longer for some people.

Tommy Europe: 12:16

But one thing I know for sure I work with people who had a hard time losing five or six pounds. I work with people who have lost literally hundreds of pounds over a period of a few years and one of one, one story I can say. Her name is Danielle. I was working, I did a promotion for which company? It was a perfect plan anyway and it was trained. I was kind of deprived, so it was her mission to lose weight and everything like that. So at this point she'd already lost close to a hundred pounds. So we started training if I would give her my house. And one day she came and I'm crossing to her and what do you mean said, oh, it wasn't much. And we started doing some business like and I'm looking at her and she's just looking at her stage, like miss, and how much she's going.

Dai Manuel: 13:11

Oh no.

Tommy Europe: 13:14

It's the happening to just remember by the office and then so I have her down, she's down. If you want to slow in my arms, I'm here for you.

Dai Manuel: 13:25

That party made her date. I bet she she fainted again a couple more times after that.

Tommy Europe: 13:32

We have a really good laughs and from that point on she knew I was in it with her and she was so proud of her for everything. And she's continued to continue the pace, and that's what I mean. It doesn't matter where you start from. As long as you're going after your goals and executing, you're going to be successful. It's not always going to be easy. There are going to be struggles. There are times you got to be pretty resilient, whether it's something happens. You get sick, you get injured. You're going to be on a track, but it's just keeping your mind, your eye in the prize and just continually and diligently going forward with it so wise and it's listen.

Dai Manuel: 14:16

I know sometimes I just hear me out here because I know when people hear people like you and I that have committed our lives to this right, like we've been very active, just very intentional, with what we do to maintain a certain level of health, and I often will hear from people you've probably always been like this, like you just say, you must come out of your mom's womb like just an athlete, a specimen, and I'm like no, and I was a big baby, I was 10.2.

Dai Manuel: 14:44

And I know I came to my mom some grades and she lets rise me up every day she can. But, that being said, tell me where you know this mindset that you have. You know for yourself because to reach the level of fitness that you did, to be able to compete for so long, because you had a long career, much longer than the typical, and like, where did that discipline and mindset come from? Or, more importantly also, how do you maintain that? Because I see you. Of course you're not competing on the field anymore, but, dude, you're competing in life, because I see you showing up and what you're doing. It's just gone field and I think you're busier off field now than you ever were on field. But that still requires the mindset and discipline and I'm just I'd be fascinated if you could speak to that for a little bit of where that comes from. But how do you maintain it? Because we all have down days.

Tommy Europe: 15:33

I imagine you have some down days, and so what happens in a down day.

Tommy Europe: 15:38

The down days. They don't last long, but when they happen, you deal with them as they are and you just continue to move forward. I think for me, my mindset has always been all right I'm far from where's. Where's that when ever. I don't want to be in, I want to be. My goal is always I'm not the average guy, and that's the mindset that I instill into people that I work with as well, Because average stuff yes, that's not really given full effort. If you're giving full effort, you're always going to be above average, not saying you're going to be number one, and it's not about being number one, but it's about driving yourself and keeping that in minds To continue to push. I think from the time I was little, I played hockey for 11 years as well, and I was a goalie.

Tommy Europe: 16:26

So I've always been in these divisions where it was like you're going to shine. That's right when are you going to look?

Tommy Europe: 16:33

Yeah, when are you going to look? So that's always been my mindset. I've always driven for, driven in the best and regardless of may sayers or regardless of what, what may or may not happen. My life is ups and downs but I always try to keep that mindset going forward. Everything starts with the mind, like I have my shred mentality, shred being an acronym for strength, heart, resilience, efficiency and discipline. The strength part it's about vital strength. So it's about setting the plan, going after the plan, executing the plan, and that involves meditation, visualization, all these different things that kind of tell me to play, and things I've learned over the years and continue to learn and share, and it's seeing things happen before they happen. Like you said, no, it must be so easy. Say it. I played professional football. I'm like right, I played professional football for 11 years.

Tommy Europe: 17:40

I played college football for four years and I went to high school for five years. So 20 years of high level to professional sport, plus 20 years of working stunts in film. I'm so damn thick. My body is better off now than yours Because I'm telling you it's not so. That's how I came around and for me it's, and I learned a long time ago. Actually, I learned my second after you're.

Tommy Europe: 18:09

In the league there was a couple of guys that I played with and that trained all the time. So we're trying to practice some things and they were older guys and they're like your body, doesn't forget. You're going to have to train for the rest of your life and I'm like that's, I love training. So for me that's not a thing, but it's very true. And where they, you're not. You don't have to be a pro athlete and it's even more paramount to the general public, especially as they get older and you have to. If you strength train, you're going to stay lost aging process, both mentally and physically. So don't think that it's something that stuck for professional athletes or things like that. Strength training is paramount for everybody, men and women, and it will elevate your life, it will enhance your life so that you can do the things that you want to do when you want to do.

Dai Manuel: 19:05

So good and so on point. But also I know a lot of my listeners who are the bulk of listeners right now currently are between 35 and 55. So in our demographic where you and I are, and I know that it's a very interesting time of life between those sort of two poles right between 35 to 55, because a lot of your habits that you have during that 20 years are the habits that either serve you well as you head into the second half of life or dive into the second half of life, or doesn't serve you well. Right, like it's very specific and I know that you are so inspiring for those that are just getting started, because I know the last 10 pounds, especially in your boot camps, you attracted a certain demographic because you were very inspiring but you also gave people belief in themselves and that is powerful. And so for the listeners that are there, they're on the edge and maybe just getting started or wanting to get started, like well, it'd be some of the best advice you can impart for them today, just around health and fitness.

Tommy Europe: 20:07

And then getting back to that, Don't make it harder than it is. Start by walking, something you know that most people can do unless they're injured or disabled Walking, walk some stairs, walk a little bit, park a little bit further from work Just little things to get you underway. And as you're doing that, start to formulate your plan. Okay, in the next two months or six months I'm going to complete ABC or this activity. I'm going to start working out a couple of days a week at a community center, or even going to get a trade out, or I'm going to get a friend who is actually invested in you, invested in me as well, and will help me to continue and push the pace. And then you'll see, within a very short amount of time, your confidence is going to improve.

Tommy Europe: 21:00

You're going to have a lot more fun in the first few weeks. I'm not going to lie. So be ready. You're going to be sore, you're going to feel things. If you're having a self, either before or in a very long time, it's natural you have to go through it. So, with that said, don't try killing yourself week one. Take it slowly and mentally, because you are going to struggle, you are going to hit some walls there are going to be more days where you don't feel like doing anything.

Tommy Europe: 21:31

You're not always going to know that, you're always not going to cultivate it as well, but if you're disciplined, you're going to go. You're going to go to that class, you're going to go down, go work out, go for a walk, do something, and just as you go, many of your top agency don't jump at that something's too fast, because the surefire way of you starting on something is you starting doing something that other than your level getting hurt, and that's why I didn't want to do that. So start slow, start mentally. You don't want to get hurt. You don't have to get. Choose what you want to do.

Tommy Europe: 22:09

So if you like classes, if you like socializing while you're training, join a class where there's some gym, many center outdoors, whatever the case may be. There's lots of virtual options as well. I've been doing a virtual boot camps since the pandemic, when we're forced inside, and I've just I've continued it because I've got amazing people that are part of my group. Pushes me as well. Saturday morning 8am, and let me tell you I don't feel very motivated sometimes Saturday morning at 8am as well. I don't get off and I'll get up like 6, 6, 30. And they go okay.

Dai Manuel: 22:47

I don't shoot myself.

Tommy Europe: 22:49

But as you can go to a class instructing a class, to be like I can't everybody.

Dai Manuel: 22:56

It's right, man.

Tommy Europe: 23:00

So you get yourself like I mean I like to me. It's funny, I can tell my group after I was like I'll tell you right now. So you guys weren't here, I was probably still being.

Dai Manuel: 23:11

Accountability is a powerful way, isn't it?

Tommy Europe: 23:14

It is, oh yeah, it is. So whatever, whatever is going to get you out and get you all kids and get you going, contain and what's the other thing I would also say to people starting out Do it for yourself, do it for yourself, because if you do it for yourself, it doesn't matter what the noise is. People don't want. People are going to be a trainer after it's done, play football People also, and you just never you're going to have to be a broadcast trainer, oh yeah.

Dai Manuel: 23:40

Oh yeah.

Tommy Europe: 23:44

So people aren't always going to be pushing you on. They're coming along to other kind of point in fact as well. Do it for yourselves. And one thing I guarantee you that if you keep on going, you're going to be very proud of yourself, very happy about the decision that you made. And if the life is not to lose 10 pounds, go to Mexico or do that. The lifelong things that don't expect them Quick turnaround. You want, play the long game and you're going to be ahead in states and have a joyful life.

Dai Manuel: 24:19

So well said Tommy, so well said I. And for those that are listening, I'm going to have links to Tommy's platforms, also his books, and I also know I know we had a meet and greet for us just to catch up before we had the call and I know you mentioned you're working on a new book. I don't know if I'm supposed to mention that or not, but I was like what's the new book about it, if you don't. If you want to talk about it, yeah.

Tommy Europe: 24:42

It's a certain project.

Dai Manuel: 24:44

Yeah.

Tommy Europe: 24:44

And it's you're talking about the delegates. People listen to the show, so it's for that. You know, mid 30 to mid 50 year old Percy Going through the lifestyle of kids and job changes, things like that, and lack of motivation sometimes, and it's going to pick up where the 10 pound of shred less dog I stole. That you know. I've charted the last five years of my life and then as I get closer to book release, which will be sometime next year, It'll mean I'll have a good round number and know what my body's gone through and changes and things that I've noticed, and just it'll be a story of automating story kind of process to get you to where you need to be and right now tentatively titled the shred project, the purposes and stuff in social media as well as I start to talk about it more and I will definitely have some more for you down the road.

Dai Manuel: 25:44

Well, I'm going to have you back before that book releases, so you can come on and we'll talk about it and we'll make sure everybody knows where to preorder.

Dai Manuel: 25:52

That's actually really important, especially on Amazon. People, yes, and on the preorder list helps us authors out hugely. I'm making it known now. So before that releases, tommy, we'll have you back here. But yeah, no man, I don't be great, I'm just stoked. I know we always have great conversations and I love your insights, especially because I know that you and I are.

Dai Manuel: 26:14

We were joking about this the other day but we're oh geez when it comes to this industry, and I know there's people that are like, oh, there's no gangster. I'm like no, no, old guys, okay, so we're all guys in this industry and we've both seen the fads come and go. All right, there's been a lot of them. But not to speak about fads that have been here and have let shake weights I mean running a company, a amount of phone calls I would shield on people with products that were coming out, and the amount of them that never actually make it market is remarkable. But because it's not stuff that actually is part of a long game, as you said, things are these quick little fixes and I know marketing does a really good job at making those things look sexy and appealing. And wow, I can actually get abs in six minutes and not to knock that program because it was one of the most successful fitness affiliate programs in history by an Indian mind you.

Dai Manuel: 27:18

That is what our industry is known for and I'm curious what is your thoughts on the future of where the industry needs to go, or where is it going from what you've been observing, and especially with the induction technology, because I know that you yourself have lots of cool technologies, I know you get lots of inquiries, like I do, to try new things that are coming to market. I'm just curious is there anything that you've seen that you think is going to help change the industry or make it better? What are your thoughts on the future of what's?

Tommy Europe: 27:46

going. Obviously, the fitness industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, so things are going to come and go all the time. There are people who are always looking to the easiest possible way and there are kinds of people that are going to invent things. So, like here, just stand on this and vibrate for 20 minutes and don't move. Obviously, now we're hearing about them. Now that's the end of the whole story. I'm like what's been a shrine in history through generations is, if you're eating properly eating your fats, your proteins, your carbs if you're exercising and you're doing some sort of cardio training as well whether it's walking, running, just moving around you're going to be going in the right direction. Whether you want to use weights, go body weights, dumbbells there's tons of different things for people, tons of different exercise activities.

Tommy Europe: 28:46

I think, obviously, real fitness is very big and I think that's something that will continue to grow, simply because it's scalable, it's cheaper for people. Many add some variety, especially people who are fitness and hypotedia isn't that exciting. So going to a group class as I started transitioning out of the last 10 times boot camp and then I started, I didn't go in a country with my shred boot camp, yeah, and for me it was a way to meet fans, put on a huge event and I've had literally hundreds of people in the boot camp and there's music and pride. I've made it a fun, made it a really fun event and I think group class and students then have continued to take off. For whatever people are doing, small group training is huge. That's where I see it saying I think technology is going to come and go. A lot of the things that have come in and gone out. I remember Lululemon tried to mirror.

Tommy Europe: 29:48

Yes, that's right, and then now I think I have a version of it in the States. But it's one of those things that you know, it's the method of your life. Yeah, you want to meet people on the train at their house and they all have said you know, and you can barely see the treadmill because it's a close hair. I know.

Dai Manuel: 30:10

Best of intentions. Right, Best of intentions.

Tommy Europe: 30:14

Best of intentions but yeah, and you're going to do it or you're going to do it. So, like I said, it's going to be interesting to see what comes in and comes out. But I think that people like touch points. And then online training is amazing and I love online training, but again, it's not for everyone. You have to have a little bit of automation. You have to definitely have to have some discipline to push yourself through. Some people need to go through the doors and see somebody keep themselves accountable. So it's all in knowing yourself and knowing what's going to keep you going. Well said.

Dai Manuel: 30:48

I think that's great, tommy, and also I appreciate that you and I aligned very well on this.

Dai Manuel: 30:55

It's like the basics are complicated enough, you know, for people that are just getting started, but the basics aren't going to change. It's not like we can take a millennium DNA to get it to where it is today and now we're going to try to change it overnight. Like I look at all these different diets that come out right, like just ways of eating, and I'm like, at the end of the day, you're still looking at the same building blocks, right Proteins, fats and carbs, and our bodies respond to those combinations in certain ways and if you never learn what works for your body from a fuel standpoint, yeah, you're always going to be playing that game. It's like the next thing, right? Maybe this will help me. Come on Like it's, the tried and true results often come from those that are most consistent and disciplined, but also the ones that are aligned with purpose, and I think that's the big thing, and I have to acknowledge that your communities, you really, I guess even before CrossFit was the thing. Like I know there was group fitness.

Dai Manuel: 31:53

Remember the old stepper rowing classes there's still rock and roll and my daughter does them now up in North Anne where she lives, and she loves it, right Loves it, but she loves the community element and you were building community. Before community was even a thing, Like we got spin class and all that. But I know that's a huge component of what you do. So I just I wanted to acknowledge that, because as much as you're talking about all the things in the industry, you didn't talk about your community. You hinted at it, but, man, your community is so wonderful.

Tommy Europe: 32:19

Well, it's huge because it's a coordinate, like you said. There's so many things within fitness that are common, regardless of fitness level. And where you're starting, from.

Tommy Europe: 32:32

So community it's just. It's a great way to go out and bank, and sometimes people will work hard in groups, especially if they're being supported Weight wise. I'll go to the gym. I like training by myself, but if I am in a group with people do I train harder? Maybe, maybe. But I also do Jiu Jitsu as well, and there's a big community in that also, where we're all trying to get better and nobody's trying to hurt anybody or do anything like that. We're all in it to get better and get stronger physically and mentally. So community plays a huge part in whatever you're doing. So just make sure that if you don't have the support that you need, just find there's a lot of different communities around online as well. Sometimes social media is a benefit, sometimes it's not.

Dai Manuel: 33:22

True, True.

Tommy Europe: 33:23

I'm just depending on yeah, there's so much stuff that's out there and sometimes it seems like people just throw stuff at the wall and seeing what's it, so I'm like look how it can be.

Dai Manuel: 33:34

Yeah, okay, there's some weird stuff out there. Man, I see stuff pop up on my feet every once in a while. I'm like, okay, well, 99.999% of people can't do that, so I don't. I guess it's inspiring to be able to see what the human body's potential is, but I just go and I watch Cirque du Soleil stuff If I really want that. It's just interesting, it's incredible. It's incredible. It is absolutely amazing what the body potentially can do. So I think, if anything, it just gives us an idea. That'd be like I probably have a lot more potential than I'm giving myself credit for. If people can go do that, I'm sure I can figure out a way to get a little bit healthier too.

Dai Manuel: 34:12

Let me ask you this, guys, we're getting closer to the end here. I know there's a couple supplement brands. Well, one in particular. You got that shirt on, and I want to make note of this because I think it's one of the few products Like you have been a supporter of that brand before you even started working with them. I know that you were a huge fan of it, especially during your competition days, or come to the tail end of that, especially with doing what you do the kind of stress you put your body under, especially with stunt work, and then just let's give you an opportunity because it's also it's a Vancouver shout-out, they're a Vancouver-based company and I think they're just a big product line and I think it's better to come from someone like you, because I know there's a few products that you are really a big proponent for.

Dai Manuel: 34:52

So for people because I get questions all the time about supplementation and my adage to that is supplements are to supplement what you're already doing. It fills in the blanks and because, if you think about, we got little cracks in the mortar, well, supplements will often fill that in and sometimes reinforce the actual foundation of what we do. But there's a lot of media out there, right, a lot of fancy bells and whistles that people talk about with a lot of backup. But I know there's a couple of products that you and I both endorse and for the fact that it works and it doesn't have all this fancy bells and whistles with this market, I love it. I get to see your commercial every once in a while too, so I laugh at it. But you want to just quickly talk about what are your core products that you'll never stop taking?

Tommy Europe: 35:37

You know one of them is Serifilm. I am sponsored by them but I have been taking my products that much longer than I've been sponsored. It's a bone and joint supplement, so once you start taking it it helps you get arthritis, helps any joint or pain issues that you might have, it takes the edge off and it also has a detoxifying effect. That capsule and powder form joint from the 14, you'll start feeling the benefits within the first 10 days guaranteed. And also they also have a great topical that I mentioned to you earlier topical spray, which is fantastic and I use it all the time when I'm working on set. I use it with my clients and different actors. Everyone who used it loves that's one of them. Supplements. Obviously, there's tons of different supplements around and I've been fortunate to be part of some some great companies. Fit Pludes is one of them. Pvl is a great product. I also use Fit Twin, and that's actually Ty Rasmus, the local guy, as well. Udo Rasmus, King of fats.

Dai Manuel: 36:51

Yes, that's right, he goes oil yeah.

Tommy Europe: 36:55

So I've been working with Ty for over 30 years. I've been working with him for the last 15 years with different actors and things like that. He'll do meal plans and he's actually created his own supplement line so clean, it's proven. I'll give you the details on that as well, anybody? Who needs any info? Just shoot me a message and like point you in the right direction, but those are definitely two that are highly endorsed, that's great.

Dai Manuel: 37:24

I appreciate that too, because I know those are also very functional supplements. I always like to remind people there should be a reason why you're taking it and there should be a very real bent. Yes, and that's. I noticed myself with Circell, like because of my autoimmune condition. Inflammation when it shows up, it's not a good thing for me, and especially in my joints. I've shot a lot of times and I've shot Circell. It's just awesome. It was one of the few products that was almost very noticeable within just a couple of days. I would double down on the dosages, so should I have?

Dai Manuel: 37:57

a heavy lifting session the next two days following. I'll double up the dose and I like it because I do the same with fish oil and, yeah, I love that. I think that's great. There you go people. I know I've been getting feeling a bunch of questions. Listen, you just are, tommy, talking about your products.

Tommy Europe: 38:12

You will. If you swap your fish oil for oodles of oil, yeah, you will notice huge difference.

Dai Manuel: 38:18

I got to do that, then I'm going to have to try that. I'm going to try that because I'm like, and also sometimes the fish burps, they really get to me, so I'm like anything that gets me away from that night. It's funny I used to use oil many times at different stages in my life and it's funny when you forget to buy it. It just it would go over these gaps, right? That's the problem with supplements is to really see the benefit. You got to be consistent, right.

Tommy Europe: 38:40

Be consistent with it and you said it right after start. It's the stuff on it. You actually die. Obviously you want to get your fast bro. You want to get your supplements. Some clients are there to supplement your regular diet, so you should be getting everything within that and if you are, then you can piggyback one of the things and I'll get this question like what should I be taking? You said we take on this. I don't take on stairs from the fat burners A lot of them and I'll say this have I do I use them. I use them once in a blue movement for times when I'm like yeah, I've been the same.

Tommy Europe: 39:22

Not feeling it and I have to get out. I'll use it for that. But what happens if you start taking a fat burn and start to take and you take it for every workout and just absolute people? I know when there's a day that you don't have a certain level of wisdom, you will not work out. So your workout depends on something, on taking something which you do not want. You might get scaps to reverse. Bcaa is on ways to people yeah. So if you're weightlifting, those will help you and I get protein powder. So you're not getting enough in your diet and that's all you need. Now I'll say those are things and other stuff that I will take for recovery and things like that.

Tommy Europe: 40:05

But again that's depending on your personal preference and what you're actually putting your body through.

Dai Manuel: 40:11

Yes, I love that you say that Because it's very subjective and I think supplementation should be subjective. It should be based on what your lifestyle is, what your goals and your vision is for kind of life you want to be leading, not only today or a year from now, but I'm like talking 5, 10 years down the road, like, yeah, it's amazing when you have a deficiency. The worst thing for a deficiency is time, because it compounds in a negative way. Right, it's just like constant and we see this, right, like I remember my grandma and Rastia.

Dai Manuel: 40:39

She wasn't born like that, but she had a really poor diet, never ate enough, and eventually, by the end of her life she had this pretty nasty curvature of the spine, right and all preventable, but again from that constant deficiency over decades. So keep in mind supplementation has a very specific purpose. Just like functional foods nowadays or in tropics there's. There has to be a reason why you're taking it and do your due diligence, do your due diligence. Trusting guy like Tommy. He does a lot of due diligence, but he's also for those that just listened to the audio and hasn't seen the video this day he's a specimen. Okay, I'm just saying he's a specimen and he's he's on my vision wall of the guy I want to be when I hit 50 plus and I know we're so close in age. But I look at you Tommy, I'm like, yeah, that that's my goals, right there.

Tommy Europe: 41:29

One thing, one thing I will say about 50 plus as well, because I was thinking was the Peter T or Uber menu. Some of us did no far chest within the last couple of months and they're talking about aging and what suitable exercise wise, and I think you said it very plainly it's use it or lose as you age. The reason you can't jump as fast or run as fast is because you haven't so thank you, can't always, like you know, they're not.

Tommy Europe: 42:03

They're limited to how much they stop doing things bounce related, strength related. Then yeah, you're going to need to fish, so keep on.

Dai Manuel: 42:11

Well said. Oh, we're getting to the time. You're already. I'm like holy smokes. I want to buy a quick one. Let me ask you this. I'd like to. There's just two more questions and then we'll close things up for today's conversation, because, of course, I know everyone's going to love this so much and if you really enjoyed it, make sure you reach out to Tommy. I'm thinking for his appearance today, but also, let me know if you'd like to have him back, which I already know you will, and, selfishly speaking, I want to have him back because it's things I want to ask you that I didn't get to ask him today. I'm coming back.

Dai Manuel: 42:37

I guess this idea of fitness. It's a forever thing, right, because it does. It staves off illness, and what you were referring to as we age is this natural thing called decrepitude, which is when we start muscle mass and bone density, and it's basically because we're not putting our bodies under any stress. You see, some stress is good stress that's how we evolved as a species is because we've learned to be very resilient when we do hard things. And I think if there's anything you've taken away from what Tommy's going to say today, it's don't ever stop trying to do hard things, and when it's the hard things, that's very subjective.

Dai Manuel: 43:12

Like I had a client this morning, they did their first set of box step ups without having to balance against a wall, you know, because just even stepping up to a 16 inch high was really challenging and when they started but now six weeks in, they're doing it for multiples, full set of it, without having to hold on to it. Oh, very quickly your body adapts. And I'd like to ask you, as for people that are looking to get started but let's just say they've only got 2% of every 24 hours right, that 30 minutes a day, to commit to their health and wellbeing what would you recommend? That they try for a consistent week or two weeks just to get started, to start feeling what?

Tommy Europe: 43:55

you've been talking about today. Walk, walk, move around, walking, go underrated and, depending on your neighborhood where I live, there's lots of pills. So it compounds the challenge. Oh, I'll use your walk. I wear a weight vest as well.

Dai Manuel: 44:13

Oh yeah.

Tommy Europe: 44:14

But just start walking, start moving around. If you're walking to 30 minutes a day and it's too easy, start to pick up the pace a little bit and turn that into a jog, turn that into a run, jump on a bike and start to push the pace. That way, just getting started is the most important part we can plan. So many people and I call it paralysis diagnosis I'm going to do this Okay, let's go to things, let's jump more. Just go now, don't wait. There's always things. We both have kids, a wife and kid so there's always something that are pulling at your time, pulling at your attention, from whether it's your family or your job or your friend. So start and then kind of do it for you and you'll be so amazed within a very short amount of time, provided that you're staying consistent, so it's not walking one day and then sitting down for a week.

Dai Manuel: 45:16

Yeah, keep on moving Stay, stay. I think I was going to ask you any words of advice for people, but you just gave them the perfect answer.

Dai Manuel: 45:25

Okay so what I like to say before we finish up right now is I know you're active on social. What would be the best channel for people just to start Because I know Ron saying follow me everywhere what's the channel that you enjoy using for one the most for yourself, but also, second to that, what's the best place for people to really get to start to connect with you and get to know you a bit?

Tommy Europe: 45:51

So right now. Instagram is probably the best place to post things both in film and fitness, and show some different exercises and, time to time and motivational things. I will be doing a subscription base at some point. That's right now. Instagram is the best way and then I will. I will plan for 2024 is to update my YouTube channel continuously with all these different things. I looked at my YouTube page and the last video I put up there was probably like five years ago.

Dai Manuel: 46:30

Hey man, that's better than mine Instagram that's Jack.

Tommy Europe: 46:36

If you're on HVALME in Instagram, at Tommy Europe, you're going to find out exactly what I'm up to and where I'll be, et cetera, et cetera. And TEFitnesscom is my website with a lot of different things there as well, absolutely Great site.

Dai Manuel: 46:52

And also I love following you on Instagram. I love your posts. I think it's just, it's nice to see role modeling and that's really how you lead. You're showing what you're doing and saying, hey, why don't you try this too? And here's some of the benefits you can expect if you do. And so I find that very motivating, but also very accessible, you know, because I can tell that you empathize with those people that are just getting started, or maybe it already began, but they're having some of those down days, but it's tough to keep going right. So it's nice to hear those inspiring and motivating but also very empathetic messages from here.

Dai Manuel: 47:26

And then, every once in a while, tommy throws down a gauntlet like, yeah, get up and just move. You get a bit of everything from Tommy. So I will include in the show notes that everyone just click over to that. There's a link there to Tommy's Instagram page, as well as to his website. Go check it out. Be sure to comment, leave any questions you have, especially through Spotify. We've got this great function where, on every episode, you can just leave a question. Those are questions that I feel personally, but I also pass them on to the guests when you leave them. Feel free to leave those or connect with us on Instagram. Outside of that, tommy, before we go today, I'd like to give guests last word. What do you like to say or leave for the audience before we call it goodbye?

Tommy Europe: 48:11

At the end of every day. Ask yourself this one question Did I get stronger or weaker today? That's the shred of a blood.

Dai Manuel: 48:22

Oh man, I was going to drop my mic, but it's expensive so I won't. That is great, I love that.

Tommy Europe: 48:33

And I imagine it puts it physically right?

Dai Manuel: 48:35

No yeah.

Tommy Europe: 48:37

Correct. It puts everything in perspective and puts you in my ear right now. Did I get better today or did I knock it? And if you didn't get better, you better, just better the next.

Dai Manuel: 48:49

Yeah, oh man, I love that Great advice and insights and I'm sure we're going to see that on a hat and a t-shirt one of these days, but I'm like it's very portable. I like it. I'm going to have a quote graphic of Tommy on my Instagram. Pretty quick here with that quote. Don't worry, tommy, I'll thank you and I'll be part of this episode and listen again. Thank you so much. I know you've got a really hectic schedule, very full and being pulled in lots of directions. I appreciate you taking the time today to be here with all of us and, as I said, I'm looking forward to having you back too.

Tommy Europe: 49:23

Likewise. Thank you very much guys. Always great talking to you and you've got a great platform and everybody strides to that 2% guys, Tommy, thank you, man.

Dai Manuel: 49:33

I didn't have to pay him for that. That was awesome. Thank you, brother. Wrapping up this electrifying episode of Tommy Europe, we've journeyed through a world of fitness, resilience and the transformative power of taking the first step towards a healthier life. Tommy's insights remind us that it's not about the quick fixes or the latest fads. It's about consistency, dedication and finding joy in the journey, From walking to embracing the shred mentality. Tommy has shown us that fitness is accessible to everyone at any stage of their journey.

Dai Manuel: 50:09

As we bid farewell, let's carry forward the challenge Tommy left us with. Did I get stronger or weaker today? Let this question guide our daily choices, pushing us towards our goals with determination and a whole lot of heart. If today's conversation sparked a fire within you, share this episode with someone who needs that extra nudge. Don't forget to subscribe to the 2% solution for more inspirational stories and actionable advice. Together, let's continue to strive for that 2% better version of ourselves, one day at a time. Thank you for tuning in and remember if you're not smiling daily, there's room for improvement. Here's to getting stronger every day. See you on the next episode.