On today’s episode, Karena is live from Miami with part one of her conversation with trainer, gym executive, and fitness industry veteran Jacqueline Kasen. Jacqueline grew up behind the scenes of the at-home fitness world (her dad's company helped launch Denise Austin), studied exercise science with plans to go the medical route, and lasted exactly 10 hours as a trainer before she knew fitness was where she belonged. Karena and Jacqueline dig into the current peptide and extreme-lean culture, why lifting heavy matters more than ever (especially on GLP-1s), supplement basics, and why "back to basics" beats chasing the next trend.
[06:56] How Fitness Has Changed Over 20 Years
From the Arnold Classic bodybuilder era and supplement-brand booth culture to calisthenics, the COVID minimalist-workout boom, and 10,000 steps.
Where the industry is now: an "odd phase" of extreme leanness driven by the peptide boom.
[11:05] The Peptide & "New Healthy" Conversation
Jacqueline shares her honest, non-judgmental take on GLP-1s and peptides in the fitness industry, and the long-term health concerns she sees.
[14:15] Simple, Non-Negotiable Basics
Move daily, lift heavy and often, get quality sleep, eat well, spend time outside — Jacqueline's no-frills formula for feeling better fast.
Karena connects it to "workout snacks" and short Tone It Up app workouts for low-motivation days.
[18:31] Lifting Heavy, Explained
What "heavy" actually means (RPE — rate of perceived exertion), why bone density and strength training matter especially for women as they age, and the muscle/bone loss risk tied to GLP-1 use.
Form and technique over ego — and why trainers should step in to help, not judge.
[23:21] Supplements, Protein & Wearables
Jacqueline's take on creatine, protein targets, and why she's wary of over-measuring and fitness trackers creating unnecessary stress.
[29:20] Back to Basics & the Medical-Fitness Divide
A candid conversation about prescriptions vs. root-cause care, including Jacqueline's personal experience navigating a family member’s treatment.
Where Jacqueline sees medicine and fitness merging — more in Part 2.
Connect with Jacqueline:
@kasenfitness on IG
Let's Connect:
Karena Dawn — @karenadawn on IG
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