Let me introduce you to my friend Dr. Ray Benedetto.

He’s the kind of person who makes you feel better just being around him. A good man. Honest. Optimistic. Full of energy—but the quiet, steady kind that comes from purpose and compassion. Ray’s a chiropractor, sure—but not your typical “crack-your-back-and-see-you-next-week” doc.

He and his wife, Dr. Alison Benedetto, specialize in helping folks who suffer from autoimmune disorders—you know, the ones with names that sound like they were made up by a Scrabble champion. Like systemic lupus erythematosus. Try saying that five times fast. Or once slowly.

My wife, Coach Sharon Arangio, is one of Ray’s patients. And I’ve seen firsthand how impactful the Benedettos’ work can be—not just treating symptoms, but giving people their lives back.

Maybe you’ve felt some of these symptoms but brushed them off as “just getting older.” Let’s do a quick check-in:

• Always tired?
• Feel cold even when it’s warm?
• Gaining weight without any dietary crimes?
• Struggling with sleep?
• Moody or anxious for no clear reason?
• Noticing thinning hair, dry skin, or mental fog?

If any of that feels familiar, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. But you may need a fresh strategy.

Even though Dr. Ray spends his days helping others, there came a point when he knew he needed to focus on his own health. He joined my fitness and nutrition coaching program—and the man put in the work. The result? He lost 20 pounds of bodyfat, gained energy, and became a role model in our coaching community. That’s what I call leading from the front.

How Ray Lost 20 Pounds

He's leaner and stronger than he's ever been. More energy too. I had an opportunity to sit down with Ray and talk about what's important.

Joseph Arangio: What have you accomplished in your life that you're most proud of?

Ray Benedetto: Raising three independent, free-thinking, goal-setting and goal-achieving children.

JA: If you could take three months off and do whatever you wanted, what would that time look like?

RB: A decent amount of golf. LOL. I'd also like to buy a run-down house and rehab it.

JA: Before finding Coach Joe, what was your struggle? What were your biggest frustrations?

RB: Consistency and accountability. Consistency in my workouts, sleep and daily habits. Accountability to someone other than my wife. Anyone who is married knows that spouses will let each other 'slide' much more so than a coach.

JA: How did your struggle and frustrations affect your life?

RB: I was fatigued. My work suffered, I wasn't the best husband or father I could have been. I was being hypocritical asking the best from my children and my patients and not giving it myself.

JA: How did Coach Joe help you?

RB: By helping solve the above frustrations and struggles. By asking and challenging me to be a better version of myself that he knew I could be.

JA: How is your everyday life different now?

RB: I wake up and go about my day with more energy and clarity than ever before. My wife comments all the time on the changes she sees in my body and my patients comment about my appearance but more importantly they see the change in my attitude, commitment to helping them and the energy I bring to the office every day.

JA: What is one unexpected result you have had since you began working with Coach Joe?

RB: I never expected to get to the body weight and body fat levels that I have reached. And had NO IDEA I would feel this good once I got there. I'm 41 and have been athletic and 'worked out' my whole life. I can honestly say that I've NEVER been in better health than right now thanks to Coach Joe. Not even close.

JA: Moving forward, what are your goals... personal, professional, family?

RB: Maintenance of my health as I age so I am physically and mentally able to enjoy whatever is in store.

JA: What's your favorite band?

RB: Counting Crows

JA: Best place to travel that you've ever been?

RB: St. Andrew's Scotland. Bucket-list golf trip.

JA: What do your kids remind you that’s okay to do?

RB: Ride bikes. Play more kick ball.

JA: What has failure taught you about success?

RB: Fail. Forward. Faster. The faster I can fail at something and keep moving forward to eventually succeed, the better.

JA: Best piece of advice you've ever received?

RB: Your ACTIONS speak so loudly, I can hardly hear what you are SAYING

JA: Words to live by or favorite quote?

RB: "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy" ~Martin Luther King Jr.

JA: What adventure do you plan to have in the future?

RB: Italy. 15th Wedding anniversary.

JA: Favorite book and why?

RB: "Think and Grow Rich" And not because it is timeless advice on how to obtain more money. But because it is timeless advice on how to obtain ANY goal.

JA: Something interesting we don't know about you?

RB: I played Div. 3 collegiate baseball. Not very well but I love the game.

JA: What do you like most about being a part of the Arangio Athletic Fitness Family?

RB: Being lean and strong. For probably the first time in my life. And then keeping it that way!

Want to Feel Better? Start Here.

Imagine having energy to do the things you love again. Feeling in control of your health—maybe for the first time in years. It’s all possible. If you’re tired of the “start-stop” cycle and ready for lasting change, now’s the time. Not next month. Not when life “slows down.” Now.

After delivering thousands of age-management programs over the years, I’ve noticed a pattern. The folks who succeed? They commit to doing a few important things really well. They don’t chase trends. They don’t overcomplicate things. They don’t quit after two weeks. Instead, they build habits—and they master them.

Here’s a step-by-step roadmap that Dr. Ray—and many other successful clients—followed. Whether you’re in your 50s, 60s, or beyond, these fundamentals still work. In fact, they become even more important as we age.

1. Get Clear on Your Goal

Maybe it’s dropping 20 pounds of fat. Maybe it’s walking up the stairs without feeling winded. Maybe you want to play with your grandkids, not just watch from the porch. Whatever it is—define it. You can’t hit a target you can’t see.

2. Give Yourself a Deadline

Want to lose 30 pounds? Great. Give yourself 30–60 weeks. That’s one pound every one to two weeks. Completely doable. Slow and steady is more sustainable—especially after 40. No crash diets. No fads. Just progress.

3. Strength Train Four Days a Week

Lifting weights isn’t just for 20-somethings. It’s essential for bone health, joint strength, and keeping your metabolism running strong. You don’t need to lift heavy barbells—start with resistance bands, dumbbells, or bodyweight. Add in short interval-style conditioning (like walking fast for 30 seconds, then slower for 90) to train your heart without overdoing it.

4. Track Your Nutrition (It’s Easier Than You Think)

You don’t need a PhD in math to eat well. Start simple: Learn your calorie needs. Divide by 7 to get your daily intake. Then build meals around that. Example: 3 oz of grilled chicken + 4 oz of sweet potato = 300 calories. It’s not about restriction—it’s about awareness. What gets measured gets managed.

5. Sleep Like It’s Your Job

If you’re not sleeping well, nothing else will work. Make your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet. Avoid screens before bed. And try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Yes, even on weekends. (No, staying up to watch reruns doesn’t count as “me time.”)

6. Find Your Circle of Support

Maybe it’s a walking group. Maybe it’s a world-class age-management coach. Maybe it's a longevity coaching program. Maybe it’s one friend who reminds you that your health is worth the effort. Surround yourself with people who want the best for you—who are walking the same path. And limit your time around those who say things like, “It’s too late for you.” Because it’s not.

Choose Consistency Over Intensity

We all know that guy who eats whatever he wants and still has abs. But let’s be honest—he’s the exception, not the rule. Odds are, he used to track and measure. Now he’s just eyeballing it based on years of practice. You can get there too. But not by guessing.

Start small and stay consistent. Let’s not turn this into a near-death bootcamp. Try one of these small, doable wins:

• Drink a glass of water first thing every morning.
• Walk after dinner.
• Add a handful of veggies to lunch.
• Stretch for five minutes before bed.

Over time, these little efforts compound. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be consistent.

Summary:

Dr. Ray Benedetto is not only helping patients fight autoimmune disorders—he’s also a shining example of how consistency pays off. By focusing on mastering a few key habits—like resistance training, tracking nutrition, improving sleep, and surrounding yourself with the right people—Ray dropped 20 pounds of fat and regained his energy. If you’re feeling stuck, tired, or out of sync with your health, remember: it’s never too late to change. Start with one habit. Do it well. And build from there. You don’t need extreme measures—you need consistent, sustainable effort. That’s how you win the long game of aging well.

To your success,

Coach Joe

Joseph Arangio helps 40+ men and women get leaner, stronger, and happier. He's delivered over 100,000 transformation programs to satisfied clients around the globe. If you want to lose weight from home, with the best online age-management personal trainer, or you want to visit the best longevity personal trainer in the Lehigh Valley, you can take a free 14-day trial.