At The Betterment Co., we believe in the power of incremental change through daily Discipline, and the profound impact it can have on individuals and the world. Our vision is to create a better world by empowering and inspiring people to become everything that God made them to be— through humble and consistent striving.
1% better, Every. Single. Day!
Our mission is simple yet transformative: to inspire and support individuals on their journey to personal growth and self-discovery. Coupling modern science with ancient wisdom, we provide the tools, resources, and community needed to foster continuous improvement, helping each person unlock their true potential.
In a world that often demands instant results, we champion the idea that small, consistent steps lead to lasting, meaningful change. By focusing on daily improvement, we aim to create a ripple effect that touches communities, societies, and eventually, the world.
It was Jesus Christ who said, “to whom much is given, much is required.”
As believers, we believe we have been given MUCH and we work hard to be good stewards with that GIFT!
Join us in our mission to spread the good news – that through FAITH in action, ANYONE can have life more abundantly; one day at a time. Together, we can create a brighter future, one where everyone has the opportunity to grow and thrive right where they’re planted.
It’s just 1%. We got this!
The Betterment Co. is a health and fitness company that improves the world by bringing individuals and communities to the next level – body, mind, and spirit. We support the daily betterment of individuals through cutting-edge science, ancient wisdom, authentic community, practical challenges, and disciplined coaching.
On a surface level, INTEGRITY is the discipline of making our actions match our beliefs.
A deeper practice of INTEGRITY, though, requires an honest evaluation and alignment of the beliefs we hold so that we are “Integral” – which is to say – INTEGRITY is the discipline that unites us within ourselves toward a singular purpose. Click HERE to learn more about practicing the Discipline of INTEGRITY.
In common parlance, GRIT is the discipline of sticking with things even – and especially – when they get difficult.
Physically, mentally, and spiritually, GRIT is the discipline of getting back up when we get knocked down, holding on when we want to let go, and continuing to do what we know is right long after motivation has faded and the pain of doing the right thing has beat us into a weary pulp! Click HERE to learn more about practicing the Discipline of GRIT.
GROWTH is the discipline of seeking out that which is stressful, uncomfortable, even impossible, and diving headlong into overcoming it.
GROWTH is choosing the challenging road precisely because it is challenging and stretching ourselves beyond our limits for the good. Click HERE to learn more about practicing the Discipline of GROWTH.
AWE is the strangest, yet most important, ingredient in what makes The Betterment Co. process unique – producing real, life-changing results.
While much of the rest of the fitness industry depends on vanity, fear, and pain to achieve short-term outcomes, at Better Daily we recognize that AWE is the core driver for truly transformative change — fueling the fire for each of the 3 other disciplines. Click HERE to learn more about practicing the Discipline of AWE.
Coach Alex Van Houten is the engine that fuels The Betterment Co. Alex’s personal journey coping with poverty, childhood trauma, and a painful genetic condition called Ehlers Danlos led him struggle through a unique Faith journey. Wrestling with God and the Bible led him to want to better himself, and then to help others do the same despite their obstacles. Through The Betterment Co., Coach Alex is living his dream as he helps people chart a path to the Gospel and their own Betterment.
Coach Alex is supported by a team that includes a registered dietitian and network of tech specialists, as well as the community of clients and members in Better Daily.
Alex VanHouten is an Exercise Scientist, Nutritionist, and Performance Coach with nearly two decades of experience in human optimization, metabolic health, and strength development. Holding a degree in Chemistry and Psychology from Vanderbilt University, Alex has pursued extensive post-graduate education in exercise physiology, corrective movement, nutrition, and behavior change, earning multiple certifications from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN).
A recognized thought leader in faith-based fitness, Alex has authored peer-reviewed work for the International Sports Science Association (ISSA) and published over 500 high-impact podcast episodes through The Defining Dad Bod Podcast, The Better Daily Shortcast, and The Faithful Fitness Podcast. As the founder of The Betterment Co. and The Better Daily App, he has trained and mentored thousands, combining scientific principles with faith-based stewardship to help individuals break barriers and reclaim their health.
Driven by his personal journey overcoming Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Alex’s work is rooted in the real-world application of exercise science—leveraging case studies, data analysis, and long-term coaching strategies to optimize human performance. His upcoming book, “Faithful Fitness: A 40-Day Journey of Stewardship for Christians” (WestBow Press, 2025), bridges spiritual and physical disciplines, challenging believers to honor God by strengthening their bodies and renewing their minds.
Alex resides in Greenbrier, AR, with his wife Christin and their two sons, Gabriel and Bennett. When he’s not coaching, speaking, or writing, you’ll find him hiking, fishing, camping, training in martial arts, and leading men and families deeper into their walk with Christ.
The Betterment Co., along with Coach Alex and the Better Daily Community, was rebranded in 2020 after starting as a Fatherhood-focused enterprise called Defining Dad Bod in 2016. The company was built upon the concept of championing sustainable progress over perfection, addressing health and fitness goals holistically, and doing the right thing for people in the long-run rather than chasing short-term profits. In just a few short years, The Betterment Co. has served 500+ individual health journeys, garnered 14,000 social media followers, and earned over 100,000 podcast downloads!
“We have walked farther, lifted heavier, eaten smarter, prayed harder and held our heads a bit higher,” Coach Alex says. “Together, we can change the world by becoming a Better version of ourselves. Don’t do it alone!”
Be you. Just Better.
It’s Just 1%. You Got This!
In addition to the Free resources that The Betterment Co. offers to any in pursuit of Better (podcast episodes and Freemium Better Daily memberships), 10% of all Premium account subscription fees in The Better Daily App goes to supporting various charities.
In the spirit of leading by example, Coach Alex serves weekly as a children’s ministry lay pastor at New Life Church in Greenbrier, AR (Greenbrier Leadership – New Life Church) and as a lead Facilitator for MD5, a non-profit Year-Long Men’s Discipleship Program (Facilitators | MD5 (mdfive.org) ).
