The Exercise Mechanic Podcast

In this episode, the hosts discuss the intricacies of structuring online and hybrid training programs. They explore how to define service offerings, understand client needs, and the importance of experience in coaching. The conversation emphasizes the need for flexibility in training packages, effective communication with clients, and the significance of a thorough intake process. Additionally, they touch on pricing strategies, the balance between client care and business needs, and the challenges of navigating social media as a coach. The episode concludes with insights on how to manage time effectively as an online coach and the importance of referring clients to other professionals when necessary.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Online Training Structure02:29 Defining Your Service Offering05:28 Understanding Client Needs and Niching Down07:58 The Importance of Experience in Coaching11:07 Iterating Your Service Model13:53 Creating Flexible Training Packages16:35 Balancing Client Care and Business Needs19:15 Effective Communication with Online Clients22:15 Intake and Assessment Process for Online Coaching24:59 Referring Clients to Other Professionals27:35 Pricing Strategies for Online Coaching30:10 Structuring Your Day as an Online Coach33:15 Navigating Social Media and Content Creation35:53 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up

In this episode, the hosts discuss the evolution and future of online training in the fitness industry, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. They explore the scalability of online coaching, the challenges of communication with clients, and the importance of collaboration with medical practitioners. The conversation also touches on the balance between workload and client care, and the potential benefits of hybrid coaching models that combine in-person and online training.Chapters00:00 The Rise of Online Training05:05 Scalability and Client Relationships09:26 Communication Challenges in Online Coaching13:32 Navigating Client Needs and Expectations20:26 Collaboration with Medical Practitioners27:02 Balancing Workload and Client Care35:15 Hybrid Models in Coaching

The conversation delves into the importance of personalized training approaches in fitness, emphasizing that training should be tailored to individual goals rather than adhering strictly to external standards. The discussion highlights the concept of 'N of one' in personal training, advocating for a more individualized perspective in fitness methodologies.Chapters00:00 Exploring Movement Prerequisites for Performance00:41 The Importance of Client Communication in Training

In this episode of The Exercise Mechanic podcast, hosts Etienne Asselin, Ryan Taylor, and Brett Patterson engage in a Q&A session covering various topics related to exercise mechanics, muscle building, and training strategies. They discuss the importance of biomechanics in muscle development, the choice between machines and free weights, and share personal influences in their training careers. The conversation also delves into peaking strategies for bodybuilding and endurance sports, emphasizing the significance of preparation and consistency leading up to events.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Q&A Session01:08 The Role of Biomechanics in Muscle Building10:15 Choosing Between Machines and Free Weights19:23 Influences and Role Models in Training30:42 Peaking Strategies in Sports33:13 Common Mistakes in Peaking38:34 Bodybuilding vs. Endurance Peaking48:07 Enhanced vs. Non-Enhanced Athletes in Peaking54:32 Psychological Aspects of Performance

In this episode of the Exercise Mechanic podcast, we delve into the concept of dogma within the fitness industry, exploring its origins, implications, and the challenges it presents to critical thinking and scientific inquiry.We discuss the dichotomy between science-based and anti-optimal approaches, the importance of education in fostering nuanced understanding, and the impact of social media on belief systems.We also highlight the need for fitness professionals to navigate these complexities thoughtfully and to prioritize personal growth over rigid adherence to dogmatic beliefs.Chapters00:00 Understanding Dogma in the Fitness Industry19:29 The Science vs. Anti-Optimal Debate25:32 Defining Science and Its Misinterpretations30:56 The Importance of Education in Fitness34:42 Finding Utility in Diverse Training Methods36:44 Creating Personal Systems for Utility38:09 Meal Prep and Consistency in Nutrition40:10 The Role of Rigid Systems in Learning42:05 The Responsibility of Educators in Communication43:33 Navigating Nuance in Professional Development45:19 The Ethics of Language in Education47:13 The Pressure of Authority and Financial Stability49:02 The Impact of Social Media on Perception50:53 Values and Integrity in Professional Practice52:37 The Conflict of Values in Content Creation54:31 The Importance of Authentic Relationships56:20 Conscious Consumption of Content58:06 Curating Your Online Environment01:00:06 Dopamine Detoxing and Emotional Well-being01:03:08 Choosing Growth Over Being Right

In this episode of The Exercise Mechanic Podcast, Etienne and Ryan sit down with ultra-endurance athlete and Guinness World Record holder Morgan McKay. From competing in World’s Toughest Mudder to conquering the Spartan Ultra in Iceland and setting a record for the fastest 10K carrying 100 lbs, Morgan’s story is one of resilience, mindset, and sheer mental toughness.You’ll hear how Morgan went from a self-described “terrible cross-country runner” to one of the top names in obstacle course racing. She opens up about balancing motherhood, marriage, and training, and why community, teamwork, and planning have been keys to her success.Whether you’re an endurance athlete, a fitness coach, or just someone fascinated by what it takes to push through the “pain cave,” this conversation will leave you inspired.👉 If you enjoy the episode, be sure to share it with a friend, tag us on Instagram, and leave a review!Chapters00:00 – Kicking things off & intro to Morgan01:30 – The DNF at World’s Toughest Mudder & bouncing back to win in Iceland04:00 – What these 24-hour obstacle events actually look like07:30 – Facing fear: electrocution, cliff jumps & why she does it10:30 – The psychology of endurance athletes & her early struggles13:00 – The “mental switch” that changed everything16:30 – Balancing family, training, and being a mom22:00 – Setting an example for kids & building family fitness culture29:30 – Community, BeFit, and building teams for Spartan races34:00 – Loving the process vs. chasing the event42:00 – Why strength training sets her apart in endurance sports46:00 – Preparing for a 100K on short notice48:00 – Inside the “pain cave” & mental tricks to keep moving53:00 – Her Guinness World Record: fastest 10K with 100 lbs59:00 – Fueling strategies & the art of “endurance eating”01:05:00 – Rapid fire questions (books, food, lifts, hard truths for trainers)01:12:00 – Reflections on sales, business, and growth as a coach

In this episode of the Exercise Mechanic podcast, the team discussed how to effectively structure diet plans tailored to clients' needs and goals. The conversation covers various strategies, including harm reduction, pre-framing discomfort, and the significance of predictive versus reactive modelling in diet coaching. We also delve into macronutrient goals, tracking progress through lead and lag metrics, and the role of meal timing in performance. If you're looking to improve your nutritional consulting, this isn't an episode to miss!Chapters00:00 Introduction to Diet Planning02:41 Needs Analysis and Client Understanding05:28 Food Journals and Initial Assessments08:28 Managing Expectations and Client Priorities10:57 Harm Reduction Strategies13:49 Pre-framing Discomfort in Dieting16:36 Predictive vs. Reactive Modeling in Dieting19:26 Establishing Protein and Macronutrient Goals22:13 Adjusting for Body Composition and Health24:50 Lead and Lag Metrics for Progress Tracking27:47 Rate of Loss and Client Coaching30:41 Meal Timing and Nutrient Timing33:11 Strategies for Lifestyle Clients35:55 Intra-workout Nutrition and Performance38:51 Positive Language in Client Communication

In this episode of the Exercise Mechanic, Liz Brody discusses the importance of in-person training for fitness coaches, debunks common nutrition myths, and shares insights on the significance of client-centric communication.Liz emphasizes the need for continuous education and the importance of mental health in coaching relationships, while also addressing the misconception of needing a niche to succeed in the fitness industry.Chapters00:00 The Importance of In-Person Training07:36 Debunking Training Myths10:36 The Evolution of the Bikini Division20:55 Post-Show Experiences and Recovery28:49 The Importance of a Well-Structured Prep Timeline37:25 Navigating Recovery Diets Post-Competition48:37 Effective Communication in Coaching57:13 Identifying Key Focus Areas in Training01:01:28 The Importance of Delivery in Coaching01:02:20 Rapid Fire Questions: Getting to Know Liz01:05:34 Personal Insights: Food Preferences and Values01:06:36 Proudest Moments and Influences01:08:56 The Niche Debate in Coaching01:11:48 Future Goals in Bodybuilding and Coaching

In this episode of the Exercise Mechanic Podcast, the team reconnects after a summer break to share personal updates, including Brett's experience competing in an Olympic length race, Ryan's unique off-season training, and Etienne's recent move back to Canada. They delve into discussions about body image, cultural observations on body size, and the importance of acknowledging aesthetic goals. The episode also highlights new initiatives within the Exercise Mechanic, including an ambassador program and upcoming study groups for fitness professionals in Ottawa.Chapters00:00 Welcome Back and Summer Updates01:07 Brett's Triathlon Experience03:18 Ryan's Off-Season Reflections06:35 Bodybuilding Evolution: First vs. Second Bodybuilding10:17 Mental Health and Training Progress12:09 Food Relationships in Bodybuilding15:11 Professional Developments and Community Initiatives17:46 Bodybuilding Trends and Aesthetic Goals20:36 Body Positivity and Aesthetic Desires25:28 Personal Life Updates: Moving Back to Canada27:16 Cultural Reflections on Body Image30:11 The Societal Impact of Health and Obesity31:50 Infrastructure and Health: A Broader Perspective34:05 The Role of Capitalism in Health Trends35:31 Personal Experiences in Ultra Trail Running40:58 Adventures in Switzerland: Hut to Hut Hiking50:54 New Initiatives in Fitness Education

Are traditional assessments overrated and when / how should we use them in sales and in training? Listen to learn all about how to leverage assessments in your personal training practice.Chapters01:01 Are Assessments Overrated?02:35 The Value of Daily Assessments04:59 Contextual Assessments in Athletic Training09:14 Pro Assessments vs. Traditional Assessments12:39 Assessments as Conversations15:05 Client-Centric Assessment Approaches17:37 The Importance of Data Collection20:28 Underrated Assessments and Their Utility24:58 Creating a Comprehensive Assessment Protocol27:02 Facilitating Client Conversations29:01 The Role of Gut Health in Assessments32:11 Joint Function Assessments35:01 Navigating Client Health Concerns40:00 Top Mistakes New Trainers Make