Jeff Martin helped shape what group fitness looks like today.

Over nearly five decades, he built one of the early studio environments in New York City where people trained together, showed up consistently, and stayed connected to the work. That model spread, and companies like Equinox and Crunch grew out of foundations that started in studios like his.

For 47 years, Jeff has been teaching classes. Tens of thousands of sessions. Movement has been a daily part of how he lives and works.

He is now sharing publicly for the first time that he has Parkinson’s.

In this conversation, Jeff speaks about his diagnosis, the hesitation around saying it out loud, and what shifted once he did. He reflects on how his relationship with training has changed, why exercise has become non-negotiable, and how he is adjusting to changes that show up day to day.

While his experience with Parkinson’s is still new, he is actively working through it in real time and beginning to open up to others while continuing to train.

Key Moments:

00:32 — Reconnecting and Jeff’s background in NYC fitness
02:18 — First public disclosure of Parkinson’s diagnosis
02:47 — Early symptoms and initial misdiagnosis
03:25 — Receiving the diagnosis
04:26 — Hesitation around engaging with the Parkinson’s community
06:13 — Humility and asking for help
06:44 — Changes in daily behavior and awareness
13:00 — Lifestyle shifts and consistency with exercise
17:15 — Processing the diagnosis and perspective shifts
19:30 — Changes in social life and routine
21:08 — Decision to share publicly
23:57 — Redefining strength and showing up
28:58 — Managing outside advice and information
32:00 — Training, coordination, and staying active
36:08 — What he continues to hold onto

Connect with Jeff:

Website: https://jeffmartinfitness.com

About the Hosts

Eric Von Frohlich and Todd Vogt are athletes living with Parkinson’s, sharing the day to day reality of training, adapting, and figuring it out as they go. Through honest conversations, they explore what helps, what does not, and how to keep moving forward with purpose.

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Disclaimer

This podcast shares personal experience and general education, not medical advice. Always talk with a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to medication, treatment, or exercise.