083: How Ted Stern, a Former Cop, Lost the Weight, Ditched the Badge & Built a Fitness Empire

Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “This isn’t who I’m meant to be”? In this episode of The Lizzie Ens Show, Lizzie welcomes Ted Stern—former deputy sheriff turned fitness coach and founder of Fit Responder—who turned a wake-up call into a mission to help over 3,500 first responders reclaim their health, purpose, and personal power.

Ted opens up about what it was like to fall out of shape while working in law enforcement, how a blood pressure scare at just 24 years old changed everything, and why he believes fitness should be non-negotiable for those who serve and protect.

Whether you're a first responder juggling shift work and stress, a parent trying to model healthy habits, or simply someone ready to take radical ownership of your health, Ted’s story and straight-shooting wisdom will leave you feeling fired up and fiercely capable.

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways:

✅ The Hidden Health Crisis in Law Enforcement: Why first responders are among the most obese professional groups—and how systemic issues contribute.

✅ Excuses vs. Accountability: Ted shares how mindset, not motivation, is the real game-changer in sustainable weight loss.

✅ Structure, Support & Sustainability: The 3 pillars of the Fit Responder program—and how they lead to real, lasting transformation.

✅ The Power of Perspective: From gratitude to mental resilience, Ted shares how a shift in thinking can ignite physical change.

✅ Environment Over Ego: Why your social circle, not your willpower, might be sabotaging your success—and how to course-correct.

✅ No One Is Coming to Save You: Why self-leadership, not external validation, is the secret to becoming your strongest self.

✅ Why Quick Fixes Fail: The long-term dangers of GLP-1s, crash diets, and shortcuts that skip over the mindset and habits that truly matter.

We talk about:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:56 Challenges of Fitness in Law Enforcement
• 05:15 The Importance of Fitness for First Responders
• 14:37 Ted's Coaching Program and Approach
• 21:10 The Pitfalls of Quick Fixes
• 25:17 The Importance of Perspective
• 27:36 The Value of Coaching
• 36:20 Authenticity vs. Ego
• 38:02 Self-Validation and Relationships
• 40:05 Handling Criticism and Opinions
• 42:18 Conclusion and Contact Information

Connect with Ted

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitresponder
• X: https://x.com/Thefitresponder
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FRTfitness/
• https://fitresponder.com/
• Get One month of free coaching by mentioning this podcast episode

Connect with me

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizzieens_wellness
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lizzieenswellness
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lizzieh_wellness
• Website: https://undietyou.com/