Brian Mazza has been an athlete all his life, but after years of navigating a high-pressure career in New York City, he felt like he lost that side of himself. So in 2018, he launched immersive, intense, and intentionally designed events to push participants’ physical, mental, and emotional limits. He wanted to surround himself with people who would encourage him toward progression, self-fulfillment, and becoming better in all aspects of life.
Today, as vice president of brand performance for Life Time, Mazza continues to bring like-minded individuals together through High Performance Life Time summits and with the launch of The High Performance Playbook, his new program in the Life Time app that’s built to help participants train hard and build strength for a high-performance lifestyle.
The High Performance Playbook program is designed by Mazza’s longtime trainer, Tommy Pomatico, senior manager of signature programs for Life Time. We asked Pomatico and Mazza to tell us more about it.
Life Time | Tell us about The High Performance Playbook — what can participants expect from the program?
Tommy Pomatico | This is an 8-week program where participants can expect to build serious strength and muscle. It’s designed for anyone who’s looking to get stronger.
Many of the exercises included in the programming are basic compound movements —think squats, deadlifts, bench presses, pull-ups — because I believe they give the best bang for your buck when it comes to building muscle effectively and efficiently.
The volume of training is much lower than what some people may be used to and that’s because we’re really focused on bringing intensity to each workout. I believe the volume of how much or how long we’re training doesn’t drive results. Instead, building muscle is about giving 100 percent to fewer exercises. That’s why each day we’re focusing on only two foundational exercises.
The plan includes a full 8 weeks of workouts with rest and optional walking days included. Each week, you’ll experience:
- Day 1: Upper Body: Bench Press and Rows
- Day 2: Lower Body: Back Squat and Split Squat
- Day 3: Upper Body: Pull-Ups and Incline Press
- Day 4: Rest Day or Optional Solitude Walk (no headphones or entertainment)
- Day 5: Lower Body: Deadlift and Lunges
- Day 6: Upper Body: Strict Press and Accessories
- Day 7: Rest Day or Optional Solitude Walk (no headphones or entertainment)
Brian Mazza | I take solitude walks on Sundays to strip away noise and reconnect with my thoughts without distraction. In that quiet space, I sharpen perspective, regulate emotion, and return grounded with clarity and intent.
LT | Can you talk about the inspiration behind bringing The High Performance Playbook to the Life Time app?
BM | I’ve been working with Tommy for two years, and I’ve seen huge success implementing this program into my own training. I’m eager for it to now be a source of inspiration and discipline for anyone who chooses to participate in it. Tommy is hands-down the best trainer and performance coach, and I’m excited for anyone and everyone to get to experience his craft through The High Performance Playbook.
LT | What results have you seen from the program? What do you appreciate about how it’s designed?
BM | I am the strongest I have ever been. My endurance is up and I feel I look my best as well. The simplicity of the program makes it easy to follow, and you can’t beat the results.
LT | What does “high performance” mean to you and how can this program help participants live a high-performance lifestyle?
BM | To me, high performance means asking the questions: “How can I live the most optimal life possible? How can I be the happiest, healthiest, strongest, most fit I can be?” It all leads me to being the best father possible to my kids. (Read more about Mazza’s perspectives on this in his Experience Life cover feature.)
LT | How is this program designed to progress?
TP | This program utilizes progressive overload, which is a simple and effective way to progress as you get stronger. We gradually increase load and/or reps, which is what helps your muscles grow stronger.
LT | Can I do this program at home? What equipment do I need?
TP | This program only requires dumbbells, so all the movements are accessible for those who can train at a Life Time club or at home.
LT | I’m ready to get started! How can I access The High Performance Playbook?
TP | The High Performance Playbook is available now in the Life Time app, so you can start whenever you’re ready.
