

The Exercise Mechanic Podcast
The Exercise Mechanic
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
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 22, 2025 • 51min
Turn trials into triumphs (How-to)
In this episode, we discuss how to effectively coach clients through life's challenges, focusing on the importance of understanding psychological and emotional barriers, the significance of accountability in the trainer-client relationship, and strategies for navigating vacations and lifestyle changes. We hope you enjoy the show.

Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 12min
Q&A: Michael Jordan, Fascia and PEDs
Join us for a dynamic Q&A session on "The Exercise Mechanic".From the age-old debate of LeBron vs. MJ to the stigmas surrounding GLP-1 medications, and even the intricacies of fascia health, this episode is packed with insights.Submit your questions directly to the TEM team on our Instagram page!IG: @theexercisemechanic

Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 21min
Integrating Clinical Insights Into Personal Training with Dr. Yannick Schultz
In this conversation, Yannick Schulz highlights the importance of load management, assessment, and building buy-in for foundational work in both training and rehabilitation settings. The discussion also covers the importance of hip internal rotation and the integration of clinical and training perspectives to enhance performance and prevent injury. He also discusses the complexities of working with bodybuilders, particularly the challenges posed by hypertrophy and mobility.Yannick also shares his personal journey into chiropractic care, addressing common misconceptions about the profession and highlighting the evolution of chiropractic practices towards a more holistic approach. Chapters00:00 The Nature of Exercises: Good vs. Bad03:07 Load Management and Individual Capacity06:10 Re-Exposure and Graded Exposure in Training09:01 The Importance of Assessment in Training11:52 Building Buy-In for Foundational Work14:59 Common Deficits: Hip Internal Rotation17:57 The Impact of Internal Rotation on Lifting20:59 Integrating Clinical and Training Perspectives24:07 Common Patterns in Strength Athletes28:20 The Challenge of Hypertrophy and Mobility30:36 Understanding Bodybuilder Injuries32:07 The Need for Manual Therapy in Bodybuilders34:50 Assessing Manual Therapy Techniques38:10 Creating Stability in the Shoulder Joint42:41 Position-Specific Rehabilitation Strategies45:22 Empowering Patients Through Movement49:03 The Role of Context in Treatment52:56 Navigating Social Media and Education58:30 Building a Business Through Referrals59:12 Building Trust with Fitness Professionals01:02:45 The Importance of Intellectual Humility in Trainers01:05:25 Yannick's Journey into Chiropractic Care01:08:18 Misconceptions About Chiropractic Care01:12:10 The Evolution of Chiropractic Practices01:13:50 Rapid Fire Questions with Yannick

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


