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Writer's pictureLeNae Goolsby

Unlocking Athletic Potential with Levi Jaeckel: A Your Infinite Health Podcast Interview


Trip Goolsby, MD, Levi Jaeckel, and LeNe Goolsby
Trip Goolsby, MD, Levi Jaeckel, and LeNe Goolsby

In the heartland of small-town Iowa, Levi Jaeckel always felt like he was lagging behind in terms of access to the latest innovations in technology and medicine. Growing up in a modest setting, where exposure to advanced tools for fitness and health was limited, Levi nevertheless carried an insatiable curiosity for personal improvement, especially when it came to physical fitness. His journey, one defined by perseverance and a relentless pursuit of athletic excellence, took a transformative turn when he embarked on an academic career at the University of New Mexico.


The Turning Point at the University of New Mexico


Levi's time at the University of New Mexico became the pivotal moment in his life. It was here that he was first exposed to formal strength and conditioning programs, under the guidance of the university’s athletic strength coaches. These professionals opened Levi’s eyes to a new world—one that married science with physical performance. This newfound understanding of exercise physiology and the role of strategic strength conditioning ignited a passion that would later define Levi’s career.


Levi began to understand that strength and conditioning were more than just lifting weights. It was about balance, coordination, endurance, flexibility, and—most importantly—longevity. The program at the university didn’t just help Levi improve his own athletic performance; it set him on a path toward becoming a fitness professional with a deep-rooted passion for helping others reach their full physical potential.


Diving Into Exercise Science and Professional Pursuit


After being introduced to the scientific aspects of athletic performance, Levi knew he had found his calling. He took this new passion and transformed it into a professional pursuit, enrolling in exercise science courses, shadowing experienced coaches, and dedicating himself to understanding the intricate relationship between body mechanics, strength, and performance. This period of intense study laid the groundwork for Levi’s career and eventually led him to elite training environments like EXOS, a global leader in human performance.


At EXOS, Levi sharpened his knowledge and training skills. This elite performance institute caters to athletes, military personnel, and fitness enthusiasts who seek to optimize their physical capabilities through evidence-based practices. It was here that Levi began to master the art of personalized fitness programming, understanding the importance of assessing individual physical abilities and crafting customized plans that would lead to measurable improvements over time.


Founding Perform 24: Bringing Elite Fitness to the Community


Levi’s journey culminated in the founding of Perform 24, a fitness and performance training center located in Tampa, Florida. Perform 24 was created with a singular mission: to bring the principles of elite, evidence-based fitness training to the everyday person. Levi wanted to empower his community by giving them access to the same high-level fitness strategies that elite athletes use to achieve success, both on and off the field.


What sets Perform 24 apart is Levi’s holistic approach to fitness. His belief that athletic potential exists in everyone drives him to provide personalized, detailed programming for each client. He recognizes that there is no "one-size-fits-all" solution when it comes to fitness, and therefore, each individual receives a unique plan based on their current abilities, goals, and preferences. Whether someone is training for a marathon, trying to lose weight, or simply wanting to feel more energetic throughout the day, Levi and his team are dedicated to guiding them toward success.


The Importance of Customized Fitness Programming


A key element of Levi’s approach is the emphasis on customized fitness programming. Through his experience at EXOS and his own practice, Levi learned that evaluating a client’s physical abilities before creating a training plan is crucial. By taking the time to assess strength, mobility, flexibility, and cardiovascular health, Levi and his team can design a personalized program that not only addresses the client’s specific needs but also progresses at a pace that ensures both safety and results.


Levi uses mini training phases to gradually build up his clients' fitness levels. These phases are periods of time where clients focus on improving one or two aspects of their physical fitness, such as endurance or strength. By breaking down the training into manageable phases, clients can see steady progress, which is both motivating and effective in achieving long-term success.


This phased approach ensures that clients don’t feel overwhelmed or burned out, which is a common pitfall in many cookie-cutter fitness programs. Levi’s goal is not just to help people achieve their fitness goals but to maintain those goals in the long term.


Personal Effort and Client Participation: Keys to Success


While having a professional like Levi guiding your fitness journey is invaluable, he emphasizes that personal effort and participation are paramount. The best-designed program will only be successful if the individual is fully engaged and committed to their own progress. At Perform 24, clients are encouraged to take ownership of their fitness goals, actively participate in their training, and put in the necessary work to achieve real results.


Levi’s philosophy is that fitness is a journey that requires continuous effort, both inside and outside the gym. It’s not just about showing up for a training session—clients need to maintain healthy habits at home, practice mindfulness, and adopt a lifestyle that supports their physical efforts. This is why Levi places a significant focus on educating his clients about how to live healthier lives in all aspects, from nutrition to sleep to stress management.


Planning for Success: The Power of Detailed Fitness Plans


Success in fitness, according to Levi, is largely about detailed planning. Whether it’s breaking down long-term goals into smaller, actionable steps or meticulously tracking progress over time, a well-thought-out plan makes all the difference in achieving results. Levi works with each client to set realistic, measurable goals and then creates a roadmap to get there. This not only helps clients stay focused but also provides them with a sense of accomplishment as they reach each milestone.


Additionally, Levi’s commitment to detail extends beyond just the physical aspects of training. He believes that mental focus and a positive mindset are integral parts of the fitness journey. At Perform 24, clients are encouraged to cultivate mental resilience, push past their perceived limits, and develop a winning attitude—both in the gym and in life.


Levi Jaeckel’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to helping others unlock their full athletic potential. From small-town Iowa to elite training environments like EXOS, Levi has dedicated his life to mastering the art and science of fitness and performance training. Now, through Perform 24, he brings this knowledge and experience to his community, helping individuals achieve greater health, fitness, and success.


To check out the complete episode on the Your Infinite Health podcast CLICK HERE and for more content on fitness, health optimization, and longevity, join the Your Infinite Health Community by CLICKING HERE

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