Clinical & Community Impact
For more than two decades, my work has focused on helping people protect strength, mobility, metabolic health, and heart and brain function so they can remain active, independent, and capable as they age.
That work has taken place across cardiac rehabilitation, oncology and cancer survivorship programs, metabolic and diabetes support, neurological and balance training, and community health education. Its impact is reflected in the experiences of the physicians I’ve partnered with and the individuals I’ve worked alongside.
The Lens Behind the Work
The philosophy that guides this work is expressed through my book, Athletes in Aprons. It reflects a simple, evidence-based belief: that people have far more influence over how well they age than they’ve often been led to believe.
The book brings together decades of clinical experience, real-world application, and lived observation — not as a program or prescription, but as a practical framework for resilience, functional longevity, and everyday decision-making that supports real life.
Why I Do This Work
Every session I lead, every patient I’ve guided in cardiac rehab, and every piece of writing I create is rooted in one purpose: helping people stay strong enough — physically, mentally, and emotionally — to live the life they want to live.
Not to chase youth.
Not to fit into a mold.
But to stay independent, joyful, resilient, and hopeful as they age.
Athletes in Aprons
A practical philosophy for living younger longer.
Athletes in Aprons reflects a simple, evidence-based belief: that people have far more influence over how well they age than they’ve often been led to believe.
The book brings together decades of clinical experience, real-world observation, and everyday application — not as a program or prescription, but as a practical framework for functional longevity, resilience, and decision-making that supports real life.
It’s written for real people — cardiac patients, cancer survivors, busy professionals, caregivers, and anyone who wants to feel stronger, steadier, and more capable over time.
At its core, the book explores a longevity lifestyle rooted in:
• Strength and mobility
• Metabolic health
• Cardiovascular and brain vitality
• Everyday habits that support real life
• Food as nourishment, not restriction
• Hope, resilience, and joy
Before reading further, this short video captures the heart of the book — and the philosophy behind my work. It explains why I refer to people as “athletes,” why that identity matters, and how small, consistent choices shape how we age.
Book Trailer — Athletes in Aprons
Editorial Reviews
Dr. Neil Okamura
Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician; Former Chief of Staff, San Ramon Regional Medical Center
“A good coach improves your skills, but a great coach teaches you life lessons, and Karen Owoc has done both in her book, Athletes in Aprons.
Over the past 20 years, Karen has educated many of my patients through cardiac rehabilitation, adult fitness, cooking classes, and as a celebrity TV health and nutrition expert. She is always energetic, sincere, and humble through all of her unique educational and professional experiences.
Athletes in Aprons is not a cookbook or an exercise program — it transcends far more value as a guide toward longevity and a way of life. The lessons learned are easily understandable, simply obtainable, and enjoyably challenging for everyone’s daily use.”
Dr. Richard Aptaker
Retired Chief, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation; Director, Spine Clinic, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Francisco
“Athletes in Aprons is a very well-written and intelligently designed book. Karen Owoc has brought us a very accessible review of the aging process and what we can do about it, along with great recipe ideas. It is not just another ‘diet’ book but rather a practical, step-by-step guide for healthy living and a smart approach to mindfulness around eating.
The foundational science in the introductory chapters is clear, concise, and easily understood. And while the book is written for the layperson, it would also benefit my physician colleagues when communicating with their patients.
Karen does a nice job of reinforcing the science that is known to us while dispelling many of the myths associated with diets and nutrition, for example her discussion around olive oil and the errors of faulty associations in research. The book is well referenced and annotated, and the table of contents and index make it easy to look up specific topics. While the book is packed with information, the writing style is light and easy to follow, and just enough humor to keep us engaged.
Chapters 27 (‘The Equipment Room’) and 28 (‘Stock Your Locker’) are worth the price of the book to get real-world suggestions on cooking supplies and utensils and stocking one’s fridge and pantry with healthy, basic teas, sauces, condiments, breads, pastas, oils, etc.
This is a very important work to be read by people of all ages. Why should a 20- or 30-year-old wait till they’re 50 or older to start living healthier? I highly recommend this book to anyone hoping to enjoy a healthier aging process.”
Selected Reflections
Bob Schmidt
Open-Heart Surgery Survivor
“Karen Owoc has been working with me since shortly after my triple bypass in 2015 at age 58 — and again after my total hip replacement. She started me on a healthy modified Pilates routine and easy-to-follow eating plan to lose weight and manage my diabetes.
She is one of the many great humans — doctors, nurses, surgeons, and Karen — that I credit for keeping me alive. I just shot the best round in years today! My body hasn’t felt this good on the course in a very long time. I still have weight to lose, but I feel great!”
Kirk Brown
‘Widow Maker’ Cardiac Arrest Survivor
“One year after my cardiac arrest, my cardiologist said, ‘I love the weight loss, I love your EKG. Your blood pressure is excellent. Frankly, I’m surprised.’ I told him Karen Owoc’s care got me back on my feet.
In April 2016, at age 59, my heart stopped for 7 minutes. I was shocked three times and revived. I weighed 275 lbs., had a stent placed in the artery of my heart, the Widow Maker.
I was out of breath tying my shoes and walking stairs. Then I was ‘KO’d’ — rehabbed by Karen Owoc — and dropped 40 pounds. I greatly improved my aerobic function, flexibility, and overall health. I went off all medication, and I’m just on aspirin therapy now.
Working with Karen could have prevented the massive heart attack that cost over $100,000 in medical bills.
After being in her cardiac rehab class and getting advice on nutrition, I lost weight and got in excellent shape. I reduced my risk of stroke and another heart attack by 50%.
Karen really cares. She is motivating, very knowledgeable, and fun. And I loved her educational whiteboards!”
Explore Related Resources
For those who’d like to explore further, the following resources provide additional context and depth:
➜ Athletes in Aprons
➜ Free Excerpt (PDF)
Closing Message
Aging well isn’t about chasing youth — it’s about protecting the systems that let you live fully, joyfully, and independently.
My mission, whether through this book, my clinical work, or the conversations I lead, is to help people feel stronger in their bodies, clearer in their decisions, and more confident in the years ahead.