The Exercise Mechanic Podcast

Buckle up your brains and grab your notepad. This episode has the potential of blowing your mind wide open!In this episode of the Exercise Mechanic Podcast, Dr. Dean St. Mart discusses the complexities of performance enhancing drugs (PEDs), their categories, and the context-specific nature of their use in various sports. He emphasizes the importance of understanding genetics, epigenetics, and the risks associated with PEDs, including the necessity of regular blood work to monitor health. The conversation also touches on the Enhanced Games, a new approach to sports that allows for the use of PEDs under controlled conditions, and the ethical considerations surrounding this shift. Dean shares insights on how to approach performance enhancement responsibly, focusing on the interplay between training, nutrition, and drug use, while also addressing the misconceptions and societal implications of PEDs.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context Setting01:37 Understanding Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs)10:24 The Ethics and Future of Enhanced Sports20:38 Defining Health and Risk in Performance Enhancement31:16 Guidance for First-Time Users of PEDs47:17 The Synergy of Training, Diet, and Performance Enhancers50:16 Understanding Recovery and Contest Prep52:39 The Importance of Mitochondrial Efficiency56:27 Intentional Lifting and Exercise Selection01:00:02 The Role of Blood Work in Performance Enhancement01:04:39 Key Health Metrics for Athletes01:09:59 Iron Metabolism and Oxidative Stress01:12:41 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

In this episode of the Exercise Mechanic podcast, hosts engage in a Q&A session covering various topics related to coaching, continuous learning, professionalism, and performance enhancement. They discuss the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences, the necessity of maintaining professionalism while developing friendships with clients, and how their views on performance-enhancing drugs have evolved over time. The conversation emphasizes the significance of intentionality in coaching and the need for systems to support professional development.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Q&A Setup00:51 Continuous Learning as a Coach07:00 The Importance of Environment and Systems10:47 Identifying Positive and Negative Influencers in Fitness25:39 Maintaining Professionalism with Clients31:01 Navigating Professional Boundaries34:24 Intentionality in Client Interactions39:18 Finding Balance in Professional Relationships43:57 Establishing Systems for Professionalism51:33 Evolving Perspectives on Performance Enhancement

In this engaging conversation, Steve Hall, founder of Revive Stronger, discusses the importance of curiosity and experimentation in training and coaching. He emphasizes the need for evidence-based practices while also recognizing the value of individualization in client programs. The discussion covers innovative training techniques, such as lengthened partials, and the significance of training frequency and recovery. Steve shares insights on navigating disagreements within the fitness community and the skills required for effective podcasting. He reflects on lessons learned from influential guests and concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal personal insights and values.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Curiosity in Training04:49 Evidence-Based Practice and Experimentation09:55 The Role of Flexibility in Nutrition14:59 Training Techniques: Lengthened Partials and Their Impact19:50 Training Frequency and Recovery Strategies30:34 Volume and Training Frequency Insights34:53 Key Principles for Muscle Gain41:38 Navigating Disagreements in the Fitness Community48:56 The Evolution of Podcasting Skills59:36 Reflecting on the Journey in Fitness Coaching01:02:29 Authenticity in Content Creation01:05:21 Insights from Influential Guests01:11:47 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights01:18:01 The Reality of Building a Coaching Business

In this episode of the Exercise Mechanic podcast, hosts discuss various training methods and their perceived value in the fitness community. They explore the overrated and underrated aspects of balance tools, cardio for fat loss, training to failure, lower body training machines, and manual therapy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of context and individual goals in determining the effectiveness of these training methods. In this conversation, the speakers delve into various aspects of training, rehabilitation, and the role of exercise in pain management. They discuss the effectiveness of matching resistance profiles to strength profiles, the importance of sports-specific training, and the therapeutic benefits of exercise. The conversation also touches on the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) and their implications for both athletic performance and health promotion.Chapters02:35 Balance Tools: Overrated or Underrated?09:37 Cardio for Fat Loss: A Misunderstood Tool17:35 Training to Failure: Unpacked31:09 The Psychological Aspect of Training33:33 The Specificity of Training Efforts34:22 Understanding Fatigue in Endurance Training34:56 The Role of Lower Body Training Machines41:38 Manual Therapy: Overrated or Underrated?46:37 The Future of Chiropractic Care50:54 Resistance Profiles and Strength Training57:15 Sports-Specific Training: Necessary or Overrated?01:06:34 Exercise as a Therapeutic Intervention01:16:35 The Role of PEDs in Training and Health01:28:42 Exploring Health Promotion through Performance Enhancement

SummaryIn this episode we interview Gerald Ernat, a sports dietician, discussing common nutrition myths, the importance of tracking food intake, and how to find what works for individual dietary needs. We explore protein requirements, body recomposition, plant-based nutrition, and the role of supplements. The conversation also touches on the insulin myth, the benefits of diet breaks and refeeds, and the principles of intuitive eating.Gerald shares personal insights and answers rapid-fire questions, providing a well-rounded perspective on nutrition and fitness.Chapters00:00 Debunking Nutrition Myths03:26 Understanding Energy Expenditure and Weight Loss08:24 Best Practices for Tracking Nutrition10:27 Finding What Works for You13:43 Meeting Clients Where They're At17:07 Protein Recommendations and Body Composition21:26 The Nuances of Body Recomposition27:53 Nutrition for Plant-Based Athletes31:35 Counting Protein: Quality vs. Quantity33:34 The Limitations of Percentage-Based Macronutrient Approaches37:31 The Role of Insulin in Weight Loss40:33 The Importance of Insulin Sensitivity45:07 Recommended Supplements for Performance48:43 Non-Negotiables in Nutrition50:50 Intra-Workout Nutrition Strategies52:58 The Role of Diet Breaks55:15 Intuitive Eating vs. Tracking59:03 Shifts in Nutritional Perspectives01:01:08 Debunking Soy Myths01:04:05 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

In this episode, the hosts explore the nuances of personal training through case studies, focusing on the unique needs of clients with different lifestyles and goals. They discuss the importance of auto-regulation, managing fatigue, and the significance of sleep in training. The conversation also delves into competitive bodybuilding, emphasizing the need for a structured approach to contest prep, including timeline management and peak week strategies. Ultimately, the episode highlights the importance of personalizing training programs to fit individual client needs and circumstances.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Case Studies in Training00:53 Understanding Client Needs and Auto-Regulation04:00 Training Busy Professionals: A Case Study07:09 Flexibility in Training: Adapting to Client Schedules10:06 The Importance of Recovery and Stress Management13:14 Metrics for Progress: Tracking Client Development16:04 The Role of Data in Training Decisions19:03 Subjective vs. Objective Data in Training25:22 The Emotional Side of Coaching26:17 A Life-Saving Gym Session28:46 Understanding Client Needs29:42 Working with Competitors31:50 The Importance of Needs Analysis34:09 Establishing Effective Diet Structures37:35 Conversations on Health and Leanness39:34 Managing Fatigue During Prep42:13 The Role of Sleep in Performance44:13 Caloric Deficits and Activity Levels47:13 The Importance of Timeline in Prep50:19 Peak Week Strategies55:14 Post-Show Management and Rebound59:41 The Personal Touch in Coaching

In this episode of the Exercise Mechanic Podcast, Dr. Jen Case shares her journey from a small-town girl to a successful registered dietitian and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner. She discusses the importance of biomechanics in BJJ, her experiences in self-defense, and how her athletic background influenced her academic success. Dr. Case emphasizes the intersection of strength training and technique in BJJ, the challenges of skill acquisition, and the significance of nutrition and hydration for athletes. She also addresses common myths in nutrition, the importance of meal timing, and the role of gut health in performance.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jen Case02:28 The Role of Biomechanics in BJJ06:17 Understanding Jiu-Jitsu Fundamentals11:22 The Impact of BJJ on Personal Development13:50 The Intersection of Strength and Technique16:29 Training and Recovery in BJJ19:43 Nutrition Strategies for Competition22:38 Electrolyte and Hydration Management25:32 Nutrition Protocol on Competition Day30:21 Gut Health and Performance32:21 The Importance of Digestion in Strength Training34:16 Checklist for Gut Health35:53 Signs of Poor Nutrient Absorption38:29 Balancing Nutrition with Athlete Needs39:29 Navigating Food Relationships41:29 The Role of Empathy in Coaching44:24 Best Practices for Nutrition Coaching47:54 Debunking Nutrition Myths50:43 Meal Timing and Its Importance51:00 Transferable Lifts for BJJ Performance56:33 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

On this episode of The Exercise Mechanic Podcast, we sit down with industry powerhouse Chris Fudge to break down what it really takes to succeed as a personal trainer. From his military upbringing to the grind of his early years, Chris drops wisdom on: ✅ The #1 mistake new trainers make (and how to avoid it)✅ Why mentorship & team support can make or break your career✅ The real difference between in-person vs. online coaching✅ How data collection & tracking can take client results to the next level✅ The secret sauce to client retention & renewals Chris doesn’t just talk the talk—he walks it. He gets real about weight cutting experiments, setting boundaries with clients, and leading by example in a way that actually inspires. Plus, we wrap it up with rapid-fire questions that uncover what fuels his passion for the industry. This is not an episode to miss! 💥 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Birthday Celebrations 02:32 Lessons from a Military Upbringing 06:41 The Importance of Mentorship 10:42 Building a Strong Team 14:36 Navigating the Early Career Challenges 19:46 Health Struggles in the Early Years 26:35 The Transition to Sustainable Schedules 28:07 The Role of Personal Training in Long-Term Success 32:21 The Value of In-Person Training 36:47 Strategies for Client Renewals 46:45 Understanding Client Needs and Data Collection 49:31 The Importance of Nutrition and Digestive Health 52:14 Going Above and Beyond: The Trainer's Commitment 53:58 Setting Boundaries as a Personal Trainer 58:37 The Role of Personal Experience in Training 01:05:58 Weight Cutting Techniques and Personal Experiences 01:14:01 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

In this episode, Paul Oneid discusses the complexities of the fitness industry, misinformation prevalent among fitness professionals, the barriers that complicate fitness access, and the importance of leadership in coaching. Paul emphasizes the need for coaches to build strong relationships with clients, navigate the power dynamics effectively, and create scalable coaching businesses. We also delve into pricing strategies, the significance of continuing education, and the value of mentorship in accelerating growth and success in the fitness industry. In this conversation, Paul Oneid shares his insights on mastery through repetition, the misapplication of optimal training methods, his personal journey through rehabilitation after a severe injury and much more! This is not a conversation to be missed! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Misinformation in Fitness 02:55 Over-complication in Fitness and Health 05:57 The Role of Leadership in Coaching 08:53 Navigating the Coach-Client Relationship 11:51 Building a Coaching Business 14:53 Scalability and Business Strategy 17:56 Defining Your Coaching Identity 20:57 The Importance of Communication in Coaching 24:03 Common Pitfalls for New Coaches 35:37 The Power of Pricing in Coaching 46:28 The Role of Continuing Education in Trainer Success 51:08 Mastery Through Implementation and Mentorship 56:03 Rehabilitation Journey: Overcoming Injury 01:08:40 Blood Flow Restriction: A Tool for Recovery 01:10:44 Blood Flow Restriction Training Benefits 01:13:40 Pain Tolerance and Recovery 01:16:26 Understanding Pain and Movement 01:19:14 Peptides in Recovery 01:24:56 Coaching Ethics and Client Safety 01:28:44 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

In this episode of the Exercise Mechanic podcast we explore the importance of body image in performance, the need for sustainable habits, and the role of tracking progress in achieving fitness goals. The conversation emphasizes the balance between motivation and discipline, and how identity change can lead to long-term success in fitness. In this conversation, we delve into various strategies for helping clients navigate anxiety, set and achieve goals, and implement behaviour changes. We discuss the importance of metrics, repeated behaviours, and meeting clients where they are in their journey. The conversation emphasizes the power of small changes, the role of education in fostering client buy-in, and practical strategies like implementation intentions and habit stacking. Additionally, we touch on the significance of harm reduction and the potential for pharmacological interventions in certain cases. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Reflections 04:39 Business Aspirations and Client Success 11:18 Body Image and Performance Perspectives 18:07 Personal Goals and Professional Growth 23:59 Pain Science and Rehabilitation Insights 29:50 Navigating the Nuances of Chiropractic Care 37:01 The Role of Identity in Sustainable Change 45:48 The Importance of Metrics in Progress Tracking 52:10 Meeting Clients Where They Are 58:12 Harm Reduction Strategies in Dietary Changes 01:05:20 Building Confidence Through Small Wins 01:13:32 The Role of Education in Behavior Change 01:19:37 Implementation Intentions and Habit Stacking 01:25:58 Exploring Additional Options for Clients