From Overwhelmed to Strong: How Jonny Built Muscle and Confidence with OSM (Ep. 257)

Dr. Anthony Balduzzi, NMD
Men's Health Doctor & Founder
Fit Father Project & Fit Mother Project

Dr. Anthony Balduzzi, NMD
Men's Health Doctor & Founder
Fit Father Project & Fit Mother Project

Episode 257 of the Fit Father Project Podcast.

In the latest episode of the Fit Father Project Podcast, Dr. Anthony Balduzzi sits down with Jonny Tullis, a young father of two, software engineer, and Fit Father community member whose journey shows the power of structure and commitment. Although Jonny isn’t in the typical “40+” age group the program is designed for, he found the Fit Father principles to be life-changing.

Jonny opens up about the moment he realized he needed to change—seeing unflattering photos that didn’t match how he perceived himself. That wake-up call led him to discover Old School Muscle (OSM), where for the first time he experienced a structured, progressive strength-training program paired with clear nutrition guidance. The early days were humbling, but by committing to the full eight weeks, Jonny saw dramatic before-and-after results that shocked both him and his wife.

He shares how building a home gym, tracking his workouts, and leaning into nutrition principles helped him gain strength, reduce pain, and improve his posture and confidence. Jonny also explains the game-changing role of nutrition tracking apps like MacroFactor, which gave him clarity about calories, protein, and portion control. Most importantly, he highlights how logging food changed his relationship with eating—helping him balance occasional treats with long-term progress.

This episode is packed with lessons on overcoming overwhelm, the importance of structure, the value of investing in yourself, and how small, consistent steps can add up to life-changing results. Whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or 60s, Jonny’s journey is proof that anyone can transform their health with the right mindset and system.

Key Takeaways

  • Motivation needs structure to last.
  • A simple home gym setup can be powerful for consistency.
  • Tracking workouts shows real progress and builds confidence.
  • “Newbie gains” are real—early commitment brings rapid results.
  • Proper form prevents injury and maximizes results.
  • Nutrition tracking is often the most eye-opening part of the journey.
  • Calories in vs. calories out is fundamental for fat loss.
  • Occasional treats are fine if you stay conscious and balanced.
  • Building muscle improves joint health and reduces chronic pain.
  • Family support (like affirmations from a spouse) fuels momentum.
  • Investing money into a program increases commitment.
  • Seasonal cycles (holidays, new year, summer) can be used strategically.
  • Small recipe tweaks can significantly reduce calorie intake.
  • Sustainability comes from finding a personalized system that works.

From Overwhelmed to Strong: How Jonny Built Muscle and Confidence with OSM (Ep. 257)

Try Troscriptions – With a Discount

If you’re on a mission to simplify and accelerate your path to health optimization and feel better now, Troscriptions is where to start. Give it a try at troscriptions.com/FITFAMILY or enter FITFAMILY at checkout for 10% off your first order.

BEAM Minerals can make a huge difference on your health!

Learn about Beam Minerals and what they can do for your health at beamminerals.com/fitfamily. Use the code FITFAMILY for 20% off your first order.

Want To Change Your Life? Check Out Foundations!

Foundations is a simple, sustainable, and specific weight loss program designed especially for busy men over 40. With short metabolic training workouts, an easy-to-follow meal plan, and an accountability team there for you every step of the way, Foundations can help you lose weight, regain energy and vitality, and live life to the fullest. 

Click here to see everything you get when you join Foundations, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, check out our blog, and follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Threads.

Dr. Anthony Balduzzi, NMD
Men's Health Doctor & Founder
Fit Father Project & Fit Mother Project

Founder, Fit Father Project & Fit Mother Project

After watching his own Dad lose his health and pass away at the young age of 42, Dr. Balduzzi founded The Fit Father Project and Fit Mother Project to help busy dads and moms get and stay healthy for their families.

Dr. Anthony Balduzzi holds dual degrees in Psychology & Nutrition from the University of Pennsylvania, a Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine, and is also a former national champion bodybuilder. He’s is most proud of the fact that he’s helped over 40,000 families in over 100 countries lose weight and get healthy for life.

*Please know that weight loss results and health changes/improvements vary individually; you may not achieve similar results. Always consult with your doctor before making health decisions. This is not medical advice – simply very well-researched information on building muscle, nutrition, and sustainable fitness habits. 

 

Want Lifelong Health?
Join FOUNDATIONS.

FOUNDATIONS is the 6-Week Doctor Designed Lifestyle Transformation for Men 40+

Dr. Anthony Balduzzi, NMD
Men's Health Doctor & Founder
Fit Father Project & Fit Mother Project

Want Lifelong Health?
Join FOUNDATIONS.

FOUNDATIONS is the 6-Week Doctor Designed Lifestyle Transformation for Men 40+

Fit Father Project Fact-Checking Standards

Our Fit Father Project Team’s deepest commitment is to helping you live healthier for both yourself and your family. And when it comes to online content, integrity and trust is everything. That’s why our Fit Father Project staff-writers are all trained professionals in the field of health and wellness (registered dieticians, licensed personal trainers, and licensed physicians) – see the full team here. We rigorously run all of our articles through a rigorous editorial process to ensure the accuracy, simplicity, and utility of the information. And we aren’t just a team of “academics” sitting in an ivory tower. We are real people – with jobs, responsibilities, and families – working hard in the trenches and testing our tips & methods out to make sure you can stay healthy for family.

Here is what you can expect from us on our Fit Father Blog and YouTube channel:

  1. All of our content is written and reviewed by licensed health professionals (dieticians, personal trainers, doctors).
  2. In nearly all of our articles, we link to published research studies from the most respected peer-reviewed medical & health journals.
  3. We include research-based videos to accompany our articles to make it easier for you to consume our content, put it into action, and see results.
  4. Inside our articles & videos, we do promote our free meal plans, workouts, and/or paid programs, because we know they have the potential to change your life.
  5. We openly take feedback here on our contact page. We welcome your content suggestions… and even feedback on grammar (we’d like to thing that we’re pretty OK at spelling and “stuff”).
  6. Above all, we are a community of likeminded men and women committed to living healthier. We do not advocate any health advice that we wouldn’t personally implement with our families. Because as far as we’re concerned, you’re our family too.

Thanks for checking out the blog. We can’t wait to support you toward greater health, energy, and vitality. – The Fit Father Project Team

 

Terms of Service & Privacy Policy

 
Search