Guest: Dan Kachtik
Are you ever too old to start working out?
Dan Kachtik, a veteran in the health and fitness industry, has spent over 20 years helping people of all ages and backgrounds achieve the fitness they never thought possible. As the owner of King William District CrossFit in San Antonio, he firmly believes that anyone can attain lifelong fitness, no matter their age. In a recent podcast interview, Dan shared his insights into building a fit, healthy life through strength, power, and nutrition. His journey, both as an entrepreneur and a fitness coach, provides valuable lessons on staying active and healthy at any age.
The Dual Approach to Lifelong Fitness
Dan’s philosophy on fitness is rooted in two main pillars: building a body with a large work capacity and fueling that body with the right nutrition. “There are two aspects to living a fit, healthy life,” he explains. “The first is going out of your way to build a body that has a large work capacity… The foundation for all of these skills is essentially strength and power, and they’re being demonstrated in different ways for different tasks.”
This approach isn’t just about lifting weights or running marathons; it’s about being prepared for life’s challenges, whether that’s chasing after your grandchildren or carrying heavy groceries. Dan emphasizes that building strength and power is essential, and this can be achieved at any age. It’s not just for the young and fit—anyone can develop these abilities with the right training.
The Importance of Proper Nutrition
The second pillar of Dan’s fitness philosophy is nutrition. He warns that no amount of working out can overcome a poor diet.
“Our body is a machine, and if you feed it garbage… no amount of working out can overcome a bad diet,” he says.
Dan advocates for a diet based on whole foods, with a focus on protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates from vegetables and fruits. This kind of diet not only supports your workouts but also sustains long-term health and fitness.
One of the challenges Dan has observed is the difficulty people have in maintaining diets or meal plans. To address this, he developed the “Functional Feeding” program, which focuses on sustainable eating habits rather than temporary diet challenges. By using a simple app where clients take pictures of their meals, Dan and his team provide feedback and suggestions to tweak their eating habits for better health outcomes. This approach is adaptable, allowing individuals to find a way of eating that works for them long-term.
Building a Community and Overcoming Challenges
Dan’s journey as an entrepreneur in the fitness industry is a testament to resilience and belief in one’s vision. After a successful career in a large gym chain, Dan and his wife decided to start their own gym, King William District CrossFit. However, their path was not without obstacles. Just two years after opening, they were forced out of their leased space. But instead of giving up, Dan took a bold step—he contacted Union Pacific Railroad and negotiated the purchase of a piece of land that wasn’t even for sale. With no experience as a general contractor, Dan led the construction of their new gym, which opened its doors in October 2018.
“We risked everything to do this,” Dan recalls. “But if you do that, you also have to become the toughest boss you’ve ever had. You cannot give yourself any excuses, and you have to drive yourself harder than you would ever tolerate someone else driving you.”
Today, King William District CrossFit is more than just a gym—it’s a community hub for the Southtown area of San Antonio. Dan is proud of the role his gym plays in the local community. “We are the community gym for this area… When I go to restaurants in the neighborhood, I can’t go to a restaurant without meeting and running into members from my gym.”
Key Takeaways for Lifelong Fitness
Dan Kachtik’s story is a powerful reminder that achieving lifelong fitness is possible at any age. Whether you’re in your thirties, fifties, or beyond, the key is to combine consistent, functional training with a sustainable, whole-food-based diet. His approach to fitness and nutrition isn’t just about short-term gains—it’s about building a body that’s capable of meeting life’s challenges for the long haul.
Here are the main takeaways:
Strength and Power Training: Build a body with a large work capacity to handle various physical tasks throughout life.
Proper Nutrition: Focus on a sustainable diet based on whole foods, with an emphasis on protein, healthy fats, and low-glycemic carbohydrates.
Community and Support: Surround yourself with a supportive community that encourages you to stay active and healthy.
Resilience in the Face of Challenges: Whether in fitness or business, believe in yourself and push through obstacles with determination and hard work.
If you’re ready to start your journey to lifelong fitness, consider incorporating Dan’s principles into your routine. For more information on his programs, including remote coaching and functional feeding, visit King William District CrossFit. You can also follow Dan’s insights on his YouTube channel, “Ride On with Dan,” or connect with him on LinkedIn.
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