Latest news with #ToddAnderson
Entrepreneur
10-07-2025
- Business
- Entrepreneur
This Former NFL Player Built a Brand Around Nasal Breathing
Todd Anderson had no entrepreneurial experience, but he had a nose for a good business idea. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. As a former NFL player and lifelong high performer, Todd Anderson was obsessed with optimization. He'd tried every hack, supplement, and tool he could find. But when he began taking a closer look at sleep, he noticed a glaring gap in the wellness conversation. That shift started when he began working with Dr. Jennifer Martin, a leading sleep researcher at UCLA. After learning he had mild sleep apnea, he began taping his mouth shut at night to encourage nasal breathing. The results, he said, "were life-changing. What began as a personal breakthrough soon turned into a mission. After experiencing the effects of nasal breathing firsthand, Anderson launched Dream Performance & Recovery, which enhances sleep through products such as mouth tape and nasal strips. He joined me on the One Day with Jon Bier podcast to talk about how he built the brand from scratch. Learn on the fly Anderson had no background in business, just a personal breakthrough and a drive to build. But that was just fine. "I think if I had all the funding in the world, I probably would've done it the wrong way. Instead, we had to figure it out, build slowly, and then scale once we knew it worked," he said. With no outside funding, Anderson bootstrapped every step of the way. "We were writing checks every month, paying for all this stuff," he said. "Because of that, I think it allowed us to learn at a really rapid pace." He points to a quote from Spanx founder Sara Blakely as his guiding principle: "Start small, dream big, and scale fast." The result was Dream Mouth Tape, then Second Wind Nasal Strips. One product keeps your mouth closed for improved oxygen uptake, and the second maximizes airflow into your nose. Related: 5 Lessons I Wish I Didn't Learn the Hard Way During My 20 Years in Business Let the product speak for itself In the early days, the team leaned heavily on Anderson's own social following and podcast appearances. He accepted every opportunity he could: "I said yes to every event, every speaking thing, every podcast, and it ended up paying off." Awareness happened organically. On a 46-mile run through the Grand Canyon, Anderson brought the first prototypes of his nasal strips to the event. "Everyone tried them and they were blown away." That approach helped build a customer base that spread the word on its own. "When people do buy into it and they start sleeping better, and it does change their life… they tell everybody," Anderson said. Focus on retention A major turning point came when Anderson moved manufacturing from overseas to the U.S. The goal wasn't just faster shipping—it was better quality. "Our product got exponentially better," he said. In a low-trust category like wellness, consistency matters more than hype. "We had no choice but to get it right," Anderson said. "If people didn't come back, the business wouldn't work." Related: 5 New Tech Products Worth Showing Off to Houseguests Find the right partners Eventually, Anderson found some heavy-hitting investors who believed in the product and could offer valuable branding expertise. "We brought on Sara Blakely and Jesse Itzler as pretty substantial partners," he said. "They own a good chunk of the business." Blakely is the founder of Spanx and one of the most successful female entrepreneurs in history. Her husband, Jesse Itzler, is a serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and part-owner of the Atlanta Hawks. "Their values are lined up exactly how I would want to have my values lined up. And so knowing that's how they operate, and then getting advice through that lens, I don't think we could ask for anything better." Anderson is starting to see the cultural shift he hoped for. What once felt like a niche message is now gaining traction. "I think people realize it's not about having the most hours in the day," he said. "It's about having the best hours in the day." Related: A Bad Business Partner Could Cost You Millions — Here's How to Avoid a Toxic Partnership
Hindustan Times
07-07-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Want to lose weight? This one simple daily habit can make morning workouts more effective
If you are looking to shed some weight, getting your workout done first thing in the morning might be your best bet, but it only works if you are sleeping right. According to new research, early morning exercise can support weight loss and improve mental and physical health, but it hinges on one simple thing: proper rest. Research shows morning exercise may enhance weight loss and health, contingent on sufficient sleep.(Representative Image: Pexel) A recent study published in the journal Obesity tracked 5,285 adults as part of the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, as reported by Fox News. It found that people who exercised between 7 am and 9 am had lower body mass index (BMI) and smaller waist sizes compared to those who worked out later in the day. The study suggests people who work out in the morning may also have a lower risk of obesity. Fitness trainer Alissa Mosca, with Planet Fitness in New York, said morning workouts are a "great way" to start the day. "When the day begins with a morning workout routine, the body releases multiple different chemicals, which aid in our overall functionality," she told Fox News Digital. Also Read: What is the 'fridge cigarette' trend? Gen Z's Diet Coke habit explained Why sleep makes or breaks your fitness goals Getting up early for a workout is great, unless you are cutting into your sleep. Todd Anderson, a sleep and wellness expert and co-founder of Dream Performance & Recovery in Nashville, believes sleep should never take a backseat. The first couple of hours of exercise in a week are 'insanely impactful," he said. And it doesn't have to be intense. "Our bodies are meant to move. Getting two hours of movement or exercise in a week should be very high on the priority list," Anderson explained. But when sleep is sacrificed for early gym time, that is when things go downhill. "When it comes down to body composition and weight loss or just fitness in general, you'll probably have a better outcome from that hour of sleep when you're already at a pretty decent level of activity," he said. Also read: TikToker reveals three benefits of 'skinny privilege' she learnt after shedding 170 pounds Recovery is essential Seven to eight hours of sleep is key for proper muscle repair, Mosca shared. This means winding down at night and limiting screens is essential for early morning fitness success. "Getting on a regular sleep schedule, unwinding earlier, putting the electronics down, and focusing on calming the mind will allow someone to recover faster, have more energy in the morning, and release those happy brain chemicals that make us feel accomplished," she added. FAQs 1. Is morning exercise good for weight loss? Yes, research published in the journal Obesity found that exercising between 7 am and 9 am is linked to lower BMI, smaller waist sizes, and a reduced risk of obesity. 2. Does sleep affect your fitness and weight loss goals? Absolutely. Experts stress that sleep is crucial for both muscle recovery and weight management. 3. How much sleep is needed to support morning workouts? To support early exercise, you should aim for 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Fox News
07-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Morning workouts can boost weight loss if one key habit is followed, experts say
Exercising first thing in the morning can be beneficial for mental and physical health. In terms of weight loss, previous research suggests that early morning may be the best time to exercise, according to the CDC's National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The research, published in the journal Obesity, recorded the activity levels of 5,285 participants, taking into consideration the time of day they exercised. Those who consistently engaged in morning activity, between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., were found to have a lower risk of obesity than those who were most active in the midday or evening. The morning exercisers also had a lower average BMI (body mass index) and waist size. Certified fitness trainer Alissa Mosca with Planet Fitness in New York agreed that morning workouts are a "great way" to start the day. "When the day begins with a morning workout routine, the body releases multiple different chemicals, which aid in our overall functionality," she told Fox News Digital. "This includes chemicals like endorphins and dopamine, which are the chemicals that make us feel good and help us move forward with positive energy. Additionally, we wake up our muscles, stimulate the brain and prepare to take on the day." Sleep and wellness expert Todd Anderson, co-founder of Dream Performance & Recovery in Nashville, Tennessee, emphasized the importance of striking a healthy balance between exercise and rest. 22The first couple hours of exercise in a week are "insanely impactful," Anderson said — and it doesn't have to be strenuous activity. "Our bodies are meant to move," he said. "Getting two hours of movement or exercise in a week should be very high on the priority list." While it might seem that morning exercise is cutting into sleep time, Anderson pointed out that regular exercise could actually result in a higher quality of slumber. "The sleep you're getting will be more impactful," he said. "Getting two hours of movement or exercise in a week should be very high on the priority list." But for people who hit the gym daily and don't get sufficient shuteye, Anderson said he considers it a "no-brainer" to opt for adequate sleep over an early-morning workout. "When it comes down to body composition and weight loss or just fitness in general, you'll probably have a better outcome from that hour of sleep when you're already at a pretty decent level of activity," he said. "When you sleep, it allows you to respond effectively to the stress from the workouts." Mosca agreed that proper rest and recovery requires seven to eight hours of sleep, which allows the muscles to have the greatest amount of repair and growth. "If someone is going to bed at 12 a.m. to 1 a.m. nightly and then trying to wake up for a 6 a.m. workout, the progress will stall and the effects of the hard work that is put in will take that much longer to come to light," she told Fox News Digital. "Getting on a regular sleep schedule, unwinding earlier, putting the electronics down and focusing on calming the mind will allow someone to recover faster, have more energy in the morning, and release those happy brain chemicals that make us feel accomplished." The trainer stressed that morning workouts are not for everyone, and there are certain factors that can prevent success. For those considering a morning workout, Mosca recommends that they ask themselves the following questions. "Did I get enough sleep the night before?" "How was my nutritional intake?" "Am I overly stressed?" "Do I keep hitting snooze when the alarm goes off?" "If we find that the answers to those questions [aren't] on the positive side, consider an afternoon mini-workout: 15 to 20 minutes after work or on break, to get the muscles moving and stimulated," Mosca suggested as an alternative. "The body adjusts the more that it moves and the more it is in a consistent routine. Taking the right steps to change the routine is crucial, so we don't overload the body all at once." For more Health articles, visit Mosca reiterated that sleep and recovery play a "crucial role" in fitness journey success. "If we shorten the timeframe for our bodies to recover, they will constantly be trying to play catch-up, but never reaching that finish line," she said. "We want to set clear goals and reasonable expectations."
Fox News
25-06-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Mouth taping touted by some for better sleep as experts cite safety concerns
Mouth taping has again become a popular bedtime trend on social media — just as it trended a few years ago. The idea is to tape the mouth shut at night to promote nasal breathing, which some experts claim can have health benefits. Others, however, warn of potential risks and questionable results. The Sleep Foundation, based in Seattle, Washington, says the benefits of mouth taping are "mostly anecdotal," with few studies backing up the benefits. "The main proposed benefit of mouth taping is promoting nasal breathing, which helps filter and humidify air and may reduce snoring or dry mouth for some individuals," sleep expert Wendy Troxel, Ph.D. — a RAND Corporation senior behavioral specialist and licensed clinical psychologist in Utah — told Fox News Digital. Breathing through the nose helps people absorb more oxygen, according to Todd Anderson, sleep and wellness expert and founder of Dream Performance & Recovery in Nashville. When you breathe out through your mouth all night, you're expelling most of the carbon dioxide in your body, Anderson said — but it can be beneficial to have some CO2 in the system. "When you start exercising, you're under stress and your CO2 starts to rise," he told Fox News Digital. "So the more comfortable you are with carbon dioxide in your system, the more adaptable to stress your body is." Breath is like the "steering wheel" of the nervous system. Anderson said breath is like the "steering wheel" of the nervous system, as breathing through the nose promotes longer exhalations and relaxes the body. "Your nose [also] produces nitric oxide, which you breathe down into your lungs. That expands your blood vessels and relaxes your cardiovascular system," he said. "Top to bottom, it calms your body down. That's why it impacts sleep in such a positive way." Some claim that using the tape could also help achieve a more defined jaw structure and could protect dental health, Anderson noted, as mouth breathing leads to dryness and more acidity, which can break down tooth enamel. Sleep expert Troxel said she approaches mouth taping with "considerable caution" — as scientific evidence shows that its effectiveness is "limited." "While some people report less snoring or better sleep, most of these claims are anecdotal and not well-supported by rigorous research with large and diverse samples," she told Fox News Digital. While there is some "preliminary evidence" that mouth taping can reduce snoring for some sleep apnea patients, Troxel noted that the overall effect is "modest." She added there is "no strong evidence" that mouth taping changes jaw shape. For those who have nasal congestion, blockages or allergies, Troxel and Anderson agreed that mouth taping is not recommended, as it can make it harder to breathe at night. "This can lead to feelings of anxiety and disrupted sleep — and in some cases, it may lower oxygen levels while sleeping," Troxel warned. One big concern is that using mouth tape may delay or prevent people from getting proper treatment for sleep apnea, she added, which could pose serious health risks. Anderson also recommended against mouth taping for people who are overweight, those who drink alcohol or other substances, and those who are feeling sick. Troxel encouraged those who experience mouth breathing or snoring to consult with a healthcare provider to address any underlying issues. "Treating the root cause is safer and more effective than taping the mouth shut," she said. For more Health articles, visit "For otherwise healthy, low-risk individuals who do not have sleep apnea and want to experiment with mouth taping, I suggest approaching it scientifically and with caution." "Treating the root cause is safer and more effective than taping the mouth shut." For those who do decide to try it, Troxel suggested testing the tape on the skin first to check for irritation, using medical-grade tape, or considering a tape with a slit so that the mouth is not fully covered. Anderson added that consumers should consider where the mouth tape is made and what adhesive is used, to prevent skin irritation and allergic reactions. The Sleep Foundation cautions on its website that some side effects of mouth taping include difficulty breathing, skin irritation and anxiety. Using a sleep tracker before and during the use of mouth tape for a few weeks could help gauge how it's working, Troxel advised. "If you do not see improvements, that's your answer — it may not be effective for you," she said. "Always stop immediately if you experience discomfort or difficulty breathing." There are other ways to promote nasal breathing, according to Troxel — including targeted exercises. "Alternating nostril breathing or belly breathing during the day can help train your body to breathe through your nose more naturally at night," she said. "It's also a great strategy to manage stress and promote relaxation."
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Noon memorial in Marion to honor officers lost in the line of duty
Steve Young Memorial Lodge No. 24 will hold its annual Law Enforcement Memorial on Wednesday, May 21. The event will take place at noon at the Marion Cemetery. The keynote speaker will be Marion Common Pleas Judge Todd Anderson, according to an announcement. The memorial honors five fallen officers from Marion County. They are: Patrolman Jerome Hostetter, who was shot and killed in 1910 Capt. Edward Masterson, who died in a traffic accident in 1922 Deputy William Bender, who was fatally injured in a traffic accident in 1973 Trooper William 'Randy' Bender, who died in a traffic accident in 1982 Deputy Brandy Lyn Winfield, who was shot and killed on Oct. 14, 2004. There will be no parking available on site, but parking will be available off Superior Street behind the old City Hall. This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at or share your thoughts at with our News Automation and AI team. This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Five Marion officers remembered in emotional cemetery tribute
