The Exercise Mechanic Podcast

In this episode we discuss 12 myths that can negatively impact personal training businesses. We explore various misconceptions about offer pricing, client relationships, sales techniques, and marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's value, teaching clients, and the significance of networking. We also cover effective sales strategies, advocating for hope and optimism over fear, and the significance of working on business strategy rather than just in it. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lift Myths 01:38 Myth 1: Cheap Rates Don't Equal More Clients 06:32 Myth 2: Teaching Clients Will Drive Them Away 10:10 Myth 3: Attachment to Outcomes Hurts Sales 13:56 Myth 4: Asking vs. Telling in Client Interactions 19:03 Myth 5: Controversial Content is a Short-Term Strategy 26:59 Nostalgic Sandwiches: A Culinary Journey 30:26 The Art of Niching Down: Finding Your Unique Voice 34:55 The Importance of Authenticity in Training 42:56 Building a Network: The Power of Connections 52:04 Self-Care for Trainers: Prioritizing Your Own Fitness 01:00:45 Selling with Hope: The Power of Optimism 01:02:30 Client Relationships: The Importance of Positive Engagement 01:05:04 Mindset: The Role of Hope and Optimism 01:07:44 Business Strategy: Working On vs. In Your Business 01:11:35 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Balancing Roles and Responsibilities 01:15:48 Sales Strategy: The Risks of Constant Discounts 01:21:25 Navigating Complexity: Embracing Nuance in Solutions

In this episode we delve into potentially controversial topics surrounding health and weight, the nuances of BMI, and the impact of behavioural factors on health outcomes. The conversation also explores the importance of training in non-ideal positions and the concept of movement optimism, culminating in a discussion about the mechanical impossibility of decompressive muscles. In this conversation we delve into various aspects of fitness, therapy, and the role of the fitness industry in preventative healthcare. We critique popular modalities, discuss the biopsychosocial model in therapy, and emphasize the importance of listening in healthcare settings. The conversation also touches on perceived credibility in coaching, the necessity of core training, and the broader implications of fitness on societal health and well-being. Enjoy! Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 03:01 Client Experiences and Rehabilitation Insights 05:51 Navigating Client Trauma and Gym Experiences 08:49 The Importance of Self-Worth in Fitness 12:07 Controversial Health Perspectives 17:47 Understanding Health Beyond Weight 23:46 Behavioral Influences on Health Outcomes 31:07 Training in Awkward Positions 34:42 The Importance of Specificity in Training 38:56 Building Robustness Through Diverse Movements 41:53 Understanding Pain vs. Injury 46:42 Debunking Decompression Myths 52:38 The Biopsychosocial Model in Interventions 57:26 Perceived Credibility in Coaching 01:01:14 The Role of Trainers in Client Success 01:05:16 Empathy Through Experience 01:09:59 Core Training: Necessity or Myth? 01:19:09 The Fitness Industry as Preventative Healthcare

In this episode of The Exercise Mechanic, Dr. Derek Wilcox shares his journey in powerlifting, the significance of personal goals, and the importance of mentorship in sports. He discusses the role of hypertrophy in strength training, the balance between general and specific training, and the concept of strength reserve. Dr. Wilcox emphasizes the importance of communication in coaching, the ethical responsibilities of fitness professionals, and the need for a solid understanding of anatomy and biomechanics. He also touches on recovery strategies and the impact of stress on athletic performance, concluding with rapid-fire questions that reveal his personal insights and values. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:05 The Power of a Personal List 04:53 The Journey to World Records 08:01 Influences and Mentorship in Strength Sports 17:04 Hypertrophy Training and Strength Outcomes 21:21 Balancing General and Specific Training 22:16 Strength as a Foundation for Performance 24:29 The Importance of Recovery 31:37 Communication in Coaching 38:15 Ethics in Strength and Conditioning 48:23 Rapid/ Medium Fire Questions

In this episode Etienne Ryan and Brett reflect on their recent teaching experiences, discussing the importance of engagement, nuance, and adaptability in fitness education. They explore the challenges of maintaining an open mind, the role of experience in learning, and the impact of good teaching on student perceptions. The conversation also touches on personal growth through mistakes, the nature of attraction beyond physicality, and practical advice for fostering open-mindedness in the fitness space. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Weekend Reflections 06:06 Teaching Dynamics and Engagement 11:59 The Importance of Nuance in Fitness 17:28 Life Experience in Training 23:14 What Makes a Good Student? 36:35 Empathy and Persuasion in Conversations 42:23 The Importance of Definitions in Discourse 49:49 Attraction Beyond Physical Appearance 57:04 The Value of Diverse Interests 01:07:57 Advice for Maintaining an Open Mind

In this episode of the Exercise Mechanic podcast we discuss the increasing use of GLP-1 agonists in bodybuilding, particularly focusing on Ryan's experience with Retatrutide, the health implications of weight loss, the importance of insulin sensitivity in bodybuilding, and the dynamics of client relationships in coaching. The conversation emphasizes the need for tough love, the power of listening, and the balance between guiding clients and allowing them to take responsibility for their health. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context Setting 02:46 Exploring GLP-1 Agonists in Bodybuilding 05:53 The Science Behind Ritartritide 08:48 Effects and Side Effects of GLP-1 Agonists 11:56 The Role of Insulin Sensitivity in Bodybuilding 14:47 Massing vs. Cutting: A Balanced Approach 17:45 Practical Applications for Athletes 20:59 Understanding Nutrient Partitioning 23:51 The Importance of Health in Competitive Sports 26:50 Conclusion and Future Considerations 37:57 Understanding the Gray Areas in Fitness Training 42:29 The Importance of Communication Skills in Coaching 47:07 Navigating the Transition from In-Person to Online Coaching 51:06 Balancing Professionalism and Personal Connection with Clients 56:49 The Role of Tough Love in Client Relationships

Join hosts Etienne Asselin and Ryan Taylor as they discuss their recent teaching tour across Canada, sharing highlights and insights from their experiences. They emphasize the importance of connection with students, the nuances of training, and the role of details in effective client training. The conversation also delves into critical thinking, skepticism in mentorship, and the necessity of civil discourse in the fitness industry. They conclude with reflections on their future plans and the evolution of their teaching methods. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Travel Adventures 03:06 Teaching Highlights and Experiences 06:14 The Importance of Relationships in Teaching 09:19 Understanding the Nuances of Training 12:05 The Role of Details in Client Training15:31The Complexity of Human Clients 18:15 Learning from Extremes in Training 21:12 The Importance of a Broad Knowledge Base 24:09 The Interconnectedness of Training Disciplines 37:35 Pressure Testing Systems for Improvement 38:48 The Value of Diverse Learning in Fitness 40:14 The Dangers of Blindly Following Mentors 42:07 The Importance of Skepticism in Learning 43:52 Navigating the Risks of Intellectual Blindness 46:11 The Role of Open-Mindedness in Critical Thinking 46:41 Understanding Skepticism vs. Contrarianism 49:22 The Importance of Changing One's Mind 51:44 Constructive Disagreement in Professional Relationships 56:02 The Necessity of Civil Discourse for Progress 58:54 Finding Common Ground in Discourse 01:02:36 Wrapping Up: Future Endeavors and Reflections

In this episode of the Exercise Mechanic podcast, hosts Etienne Asselin, Ryan Taylor, and Brett Patterson discuss various themes related to fitness, including client successes, the differences between bodybuilding and endurance sports, the importance of mental health in competitive environments, and the need for critical thinking in the fitness industry. They also explore the dangers of conflating personal identity with professional opinions and the significance of maintaining a balance between enjoyment and discipline in fitness pursuits. The conversation wraps up with reflections on the nature of mastery and the importance of being open to new ideas and evidence. 00:00 Exploring Coaching Responsibilities 03:08 The Journey of Bodybuilding Competitions 06:16 Endurance Sports vs. Bodybuilding 09:12 The Importance of Enjoyment in Training 11:47 Understanding Body Composition and Muscle Growth 19:51 The Balance of Body Weight in Endurance Performance 27:14 Identity and Ideas in the Fitness Industry 43:28 Navigating Mental Challenges in Training and Competition 43:57 The Pursuit of Knowledge and Nuance in Fitness

In this conversation, Christle Guevarra shares her journey from studying chemistry to becoming a physician focused on sports medicine and weight management. The discussion delves into the complexities of weight management, including the roles of genetics, lifestyle, and psychological factors. Christle explains the mechanism of GLP-1 agonists in weight management, their potential downsides, and the importance of a holistic approach to patient care. The conversation also touches on the stigma surrounding weight loss medications and performance enhancers, emphasizing the need for open communication and understanding in healthcare. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Crystal Guevara 04:19 Crystal's Journey to Sports Medicine 06:17 Understanding Weight Management and Genetics 12:52 The Role of Pharmacology in Weight Management 18:36 Exploring GLP-1 Agonists24:13The Impact of Crash Dieting 29:41 Long-term Use of Weight Management Drugs 34:28 The Role of Fitness Professionals 38:09 The Importance of Language in Patient Care 41:54 Navigating Conversations about Performance Enhancing Drugs 46:44 Identifying Red Flags in Patient Health 51:54 Body Weight and Health Awareness 53:39 Understanding Blood Pressure Guidelines 55:44 Monitoring Blood Pressure Effectively 57:59 Experiences with the US Figure Skating Team 1:01:53 Lessons from Competitive Sports 1:05:39 Concussion Awareness in Sports 1:09:43 The Impact of Rowan's Law 1:12:52 Rehabilitation Trends in Sports Injuries 1:17:28 Rapid Fire

In this episode of the Exercise Mechanic podcast, Nick Shaw, co-founder and CEO of Renaissance Periodization (RP) discusses the significant role social media has played in RP's growth, the balance between authenticity and marketing, and the importance of building trust through long-form content. Nick shares insights on discovering authenticity over time, maintaining friendships in business, and the culture within RP. They also touch on moments of serendipity that contributed to RP's success, the importance of niching down in the fitness industry, and Nick's personal journey to earning his IFBB pro card. In this conversation, Nick Shaw shares his experiences and insights on the challenges of being overweight, his journey in bodybuilding, and the psychological aspects of endurance sports. He discusses the trade-offs involved in competitive bodybuilding, the mindset required to succeed, and the importance of understanding the costs associated with pursuing fitness goals. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes, rapid-fire questions, and the significance of hard work in achieving success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Renaissance Periodization and Its Growth 01:07 The Role of Social Media in RP's Expansion 04:46 Maintaining Authenticity in a Sensationalized Industry 09:50 Building Trust Through Long-Form Content 14:21 Discovering Authenticity Over Time 20:55 Balancing Friendship and Business 25:49 The Importance of Company Culture 30:20 Moments of Serendipity in Business Growth 35:54 The Importance of Networking in Fitness 40:18 The Debate on Niching Down in Business 49:42 Nick's Journey to Becoming an IFBB Pro 54:26 Nick's Journey in Bodybuilding 01:03:06 The Trade-offs of Competitive Bodybuilding 01:09:16 The Psychology of Endurance Sports 01:20:26 Rapid Fire Questions and Personal Insights

www.theexercisemechanic.com Summary In this conversation, Etienne Asselin, Ryan Taylor, and Brett Patterson discuss their backgrounds in the fitness industry and what they love about it. They highlight the concrete and direct impact they can have on people's lives through training and coaching. They also talk about the endless learning opportunities in the industry and the satisfaction of being on the cutting edge of research. They touch on the importance of education and how it can be a turning point in a trainer's career. They express their desire to make a positive impact on other fitness professionals through the Exercise Mechanic initiative. The conversation explores the importance of being open-minded and willing to learn in the fitness industry. It emphasizes the need for trainers to provide accurate information and not lead clients astray. The speakers discuss the value of admitting when you're wrong and being willing to recalibrate. They also highlight the significance of being yourself and honoring the content above ego. The conversation concludes with advice for trainers, including the importance of working in a corporate gym and taking your own training seriously. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 01:13 Ryan Taylor's Training Background and Passion for Education 02:56 The Appeal of the Fitness Industry 08:11 Brett Patterson's Training Background and Love for Helping People 11:05 The Excitement of Learning and Being on the Cutting Edge 14:51 The Never-Ending Journey of the Fitness Industry 19:02 The Mission of the Exercise Mechanic 22:32 Reinvigorating Trainers' Career Paths 23:31 The Influence of Negative Influence 24:28 The Importance of Truthfulness and Responsibility 28:21 Seeking Different Opinions and Holding Space for Nuance 29:44 Putting People First in Training 31:36 The Role of Nuance in the Fitness Profession 32:38 Starting in a Corporate Gym and Taking Training Seriously 35:48 Giving a Shit and Wanting to Get Better 36:58 Being Yourself and Carrying a Big Stick 38:14 Forcing Yourself to Be Creative 40:36 Honor Who You Are and Let It Rip 42:01 Being for Somebody, Not Everybody 44:29 The Possibility of a Successful Career in the Fitness Industry