
The Exercise Mechanic Podcast
The Exercise Mechanic Podcast is an educational initiative that is committed to elevating the standard of care in the fitness industry.
The Exercise Mechanic believes that the personal training industry is a health care powerhouse, and thus deserves better education. TEM is committed to helping personal trainers become more effective coaches and create profitable careers.
Website: www.theexercisemechanic.com
Instagram: @theexercisemechanic
Latest episodes

Jun 18, 2025 • 35min
Sales Hot Seat: Everything you need to close more business
In this episode, the team discusses how to reframe sales as problem-solving, the importance of building confidence, and the role of teaching in fostering client relationships.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Sales Anxiety in Training02:43 Reframing Sales as Problem Solving05:34 Building Confidence in Sales Skills08:48 The Importance of Teaching in Sales11:42 Creating a Therapeutic Alliance with Clients14:38 The Power of Honesty and Transparency17:48 Avoiding Fear Mongering in Sales20:49 The Role of Testimonials and Referrals23:46 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

May 22, 2025 • 1h 2min
Lead with Purpose: Future-Proof Your Fitness Career with Lauren Neal
In this episode Lauren Neal, the Director of Personal Training at the Adelaide Club, shares her journey from fitness enthusiast to Director of Personal Training. She discusses the unique culture of the Adelaide Club, emphasizing the importance of community and the necessity of building relationships for long-term sustainable growth. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of personal trainers, the impact of online coaching, the need for continuous education in the fitness industry, and much more.🚀 If you'd like to get in contact with Lauren, you can email her at: lauren@adelaideclub.com🚀 To learn more about the Adelaide Club, visit www.Adelaideclub.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Lauren Neal and the Adelaide Club02:45 Lauren's Personal Training Journey05:38 Transitioning from Fitness to Management08:44 The Unique Culture of the Adelaide Club11:43 Building Relationships in Personal Training14:40 Key Traits for a Successful Personal Training Team17:41 Identifying Gaps in Trainer Experience20:38 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Trainers23:44 The Impact of COVID on Personal Training26:40 The Rise of Online Coaching29:49 Sales and Relationship Building in Personal Training33:06 Navigating Trainer Side Hustles35:56 Identifying the Right Trainer38:02 Adapting to Economic Changes40:55 The Importance of Service in Training44:12 Evolving Role of Personal Trainers48:14 Enhancing Fitness Education54:56 Rapid Fire Questions with Lauren

May 20, 2025 • 1h 44min
Strength Meets Stamina: Smarter Endurance Training with The Exercise Mechanic
Why should endurance athletes care about strength training? In this episode, we share lessons from the gym, the classroom, and the conference floor. From injury prevention to periodization, running shoes to race prep—we cover how to lift without compromising your mileage. Whether you're coaching runners or training for your next big race, this one's packed with practical takeaways.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Team Updates02:49 Refining Course Content and Teaching Dynamics05:59 Instructor vs. Student Perspectives on Course Quality08:58 Adapting to Student Needs in Training Courses11:50 Presentations at Conferences and Learning Experiences14:55 The Importance of Simplifying Complex Concepts17:48 Vulnerability in Teaching and Presenting20:46 Experiences at the Real Coaches Summit24:03 Transitioning to Strength Training for Endurance Athletes35:08 The Role of Gear in Performance38:41 Strength Training for Endurance Athletes44:58 Injury Prevention and Management in Runners53:00 The Debate on Footwear: Minimalist vs. Supportive Shoes01:00:49 Integrating Strength Training with Running Programs01:11:02 Training Adaptations: In-Season vs. Off-Season01:18:14 Race Preparation: Building the Engine01:24:14 Specificity in Training: Tailoring to Events01:30:05 Fatigue Management: Balancing Multiple Sports01:33:44 Undulating Periodization: Optimizing Training Intensity

May 2, 2025 • 1h 5min
Program Design: How to Optimize Hypertrophy Programs + SFR
In this episode, we explore the differences between bodybuilding and other sports, the importance of effort and training intensity, and how to structure programs to manage fatigue and recovery.The conversation also touches on the balance between work and personal goals, emphasizing the coexistence of hard work and relaxation in achieving fulfillment in life and training.Chapters01:42 Training Approaches: Resistance vs. Endurance04:50 Key Principles of Program Design12:45 Effort and Training Intensity19:34 Structuring Training Splits24:54 Recognizing Overtraining and Recovery30:19 The Importance of Contrast in Training32:59 The Importance of Self-Audit in Training35:55 Coaching vs. Self-Coaching: Finding the Right Balance39:00 Exercise Selection: Tailoring to Individual Needs47:44 Managing Fatigue and Recovery in Diverse Training54:28 Balancing Professional and Personal Goals01:00:05 The Coexistence of Hard Work and Relaxation

Apr 29, 2025 • 1h 36min
Empowering Women Through Fitness with Olivia Oneid
In this episode, our guest Olivia Oneid, explores her journey in the fitness industry, her coaching philosophy, and the importance of empowerment in women's fitness.Olivia shares her experiences as an athlete, the significance of training intensity, and the challenges of preparing for bodybuilding competitions.The discussion also delves into the complexities of coaching female athletes, particularly in relation to body composition, health, and performance. They discuss the importance of understanding the differences between stage leanness and sustainable health, the unique physiological considerations when coaching women, and the impact of the menstrual cycle on training. The conversation also highlights the significance of functional health, the risks associated with performance-enhancing drugs, and the necessity of maintaining fundamental training and nutrition practices for optimal results.Olivia also shares her journey of embracing authenticity and strength, navigating self-doubt and imposter syndrome, and the profound impact bodybuilding has had on her life.We hope you enjoy this episode with Olivia Oneid.Chapters01:54 Empowerment and Identity in Coaching04:01 Olivia's Athletic Journey06:56 The Importance of Training Intensity10:05 Coaching Strategies for Client Success14:10 Setting Expectations with Clients18:01 The Path to Professional Bodybuilding21:03 Behaviors of a Pro Bodybuilder24:00 Managing Prep Challenges30:02 Final Thoughts on Bodybuilding and Coaching34:02 Challenging Perceptions of Health and Body Composition38:57 Coaching Female Athletes: Unique Considerations44:03 Managing Training Around the Menstrual Cycle50:02 Functional Health and Hormonal Issues in Female Athletes55:50 Navigating Performance-Enhancing Drugs for Women01:02:10 The Importance of Fundamentals in Training and Nutrition01:11:53 Embracing Authenticity and Strength01:15:01 Navigating Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome01:17:02 The Impact of Bodybuilding on Life01:19:31 Feeling Safe and Vulnerable in Society01:25:18 Rapid Fire Insights and Personal Reflections

Apr 16, 2025 • 1h 24min
Gut Health and The Ethics of Personal Training
Tim Walsh, a seasoned fitness professional with 25 years of experience, shares his transformative journey through a hip replacement and rehabilitation. He emphasizes the critical role of empathy and trust in personal training, challenging stereotypes in the fitness community. Walsh discusses nutritional needs and deficiencies in strength athletes, highlighting the impact of proper vitamin and mineral dosing for performance. Their conversation also touches on gut health and its connection to mental well-being, blending personal anecdotes with valuable insights.

Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 19min
Economic Uncertainty & Personal Training: Threats, Opportunities and more.
In this episode, we delve into the intricacies of podcasting, personal training, and the fitness industry. We highlight the significance of teamwork, the challenges of marketing oneself, and the potential threats to the fitness industry due to economic factors.Chapters00:00 The Essence of Podcasting: Fun and Connection10:00 Building a Team: The Power of Collaboration16:55 Navigating the Personal Training Landscape37:05 Threats to the Fitness Industry: Economic Realities39:02 Economic Uncertainty and Health Investment43:36 Impact of Social Media on the Fitness Industry45:40 Intellectual Tribalism in Fitness56:14 Training Adaptations and Fatigue Management01:06:12 Balancing Basics and Optimal Training

Mar 24, 2025 • 1h 41min
The Real Coaches Summit with Aram Grigorian
In this episode, Aram Gregorian discuss the Real Coaches Summit, emphasizing the importance of practical coaching, nutrition, and training. Aram shares insights on simplifying nutrition and training for clients, the necessity of tracking progress, and the significance of mental health in coaching. We explore how life experiences shape coaching styles and the importance of having a strong motivation or 'why' behind fitness goals. The conversation highlights the need for coaches to be available and relatable, fostering a supportive environment for clients. In this conversation, Aram discusses the complexities of motivation, the importance of understanding personal neglect in behavior change, and the need for coaches to accept their current reality while scaling their expectations. He emphasizes the pitfalls new coaches often face, particularly the rush to scale their businesses without mastering their craft. The discussion also touches on the significance of client fulfillment over rapid growth, the philosophical aspects of coaching, and the importance of being present and accepting one's current state.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:08 The Real Coaches Summit: A Passion Project05:12 Nutrition and Training: Simplifying the Complex11:04 Feeding Body Composition vs. Activity16:59 The Importance of Tracking and Accountability26:37 Mental Health and Coaching: A Necessary Balance33:52 Fear and Action: Overcoming Psychological Barriers37:50 Confronting Mortality and Embracing Life39:48 The Role of Life Experience in Coaching44:03 Understanding Client Motivations and Barriers51:56 The Importance of a Strong 'Why' in Coaching59:43 Fuel Sources for Motivation and Sustainable Change01:06:52 Pitfalls for Coaches: Scaling and Client Retention01:17:30 The Impact of Stitch Content01:18:57 Anecdotal Evidence vs. Scientific Research01:20:18 Navigating Criticism and Misunderstandings01:21:00 Rapid Fire Questions: Insights and Favorites01:24:41 Hard Truths for Personal Trainers01:27:51 Philosophy and Human Understanding01:31:35 Event Planning and Community Building

Mar 21, 2025 • 1h 3min
You have no idea what you're capable of: The value of doing hard things.
In this episode of The Exercise Mechanic, hosts Etienne Asselin, Brett Patterson, and Ryan Taylor explore the profound impact of setting ambitious goals and the lessons learned through endurance training and personal challenges. They discuss the importance of building confidence, navigating failure, and the relationship between identity and hard work. The conversation also touches on the authenticity of social media, the balance of seeking help, and the reflections on the journey of hard work, emphasizing that the process is as valuable as the outcome.Chapters00:00 The Value of Setting Big Goals02:45 Lessons from Triathlon Preparation04:36 The Journey of Progress and Plateaus07:12 Building Confidence Through Difficult Challenges09:35 Identity and the Impact of Habits12:23 The Iron as a Metaphor for Life16:55 The Importance of Stacking Wins20:56 Life Lessons from Sports25:08 Navigating Failure and Resilience28:56 Reflections on Personal Growth Through Sport33:54 The Essence of Authentic Influence35:07 Navigating Social Media Pressure39:14 The Challenge of Authenticity in Content Creation42:55 Finding Balance: Playing the Game vs. Being True47:55 The Importance of Adaptability and Learning53:10 Managing Expectations in the Journey58:53 The Value of Hard Work and Resourcefulness

Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 52min
Unlocking Mitochondrial Health with Dr. Dean St Mart
In this conversation, Dean St. Mart delves into the intricate relationship between mitochondria, oxidative stress, and health.We explore the role of methylene blue in enhancing mitochondrial efficiency, the implications of oxidative stress on overall health, and the importance of lifestyle and nutritional interventions in supporting mitochondrial function. The discussion also touches on various compounds that can aid mitochondrial health and the necessity of addressing root causes of dysfunction. Dean St Mart also discusses the intricate relationship between nutrition, detoxification, and overall health. He emphasizes the importance of sleep, protein intake, and mitochondrial function in hormone production. We also discuss the role of magnesium in health, the nuances of peptide supplementation, and the dangers associated with certain performance enhancers like DNP and Equipoise. Lastly, the conversation also delves into the significance of gut health and the complexities of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of these topics.This episode is a dense one! Grab your notebooks!Chapters00:00 Exploring Mitochondrial Health and Methylene Blue08:45 Understanding Oxidative Stress and Its Implications17:45 The Role of SLU PP332 in Mitochondrial Efficiency34:03 Practical Applications of Mitochondrial Compounds in Bodybuilding41:40 Understanding Mitochondrial Function and Compounds51:55 The Role of Nutrition in Mitochondrial Health58:37 Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Oxidative Stress01:04:13 The Importance of Magnesium in Health01:18:35 Exploring Underrated and Overrated Peptides01:19:48 Understanding DNP and Its Risks01:22:38 The Controversy of Equipoise01:24:35 Peptides and Their Effectiveness01:25:59 The Misconception of Insulin in Bodybuilding01:29:25 Gut Health and Nutrient Absorption01:35:30 Autoimmunity and Food Sensitivities01:41:39 The Journey of Continuous Learning