The Training Project | Fitness Podcast

What does the future of personal training look like?In this episode, Joe sits down with Brian Sutton, Senior Content Manager at NASM, to talk about how the fitness industry is evolving and what it means for today’s coaches. They dive into AI and the future of fitness education, longevity, GLP-1s, the changing role of the personal trainer, and why great coaching goes far beyond counting reps.Brian also shares his 20+ year journey with NASM, what actually goes into developing a personal training certification, and the skills he believes will separate successful trainers in the years ahead.Whether you're already coaching or considering a career in personal training, this episode offers a unique look at where the profession is headed.

Opening your own gym or going independent sounds like the ultimate goal for a personal trainer, but is it actually the right move for you? In this episode, I sit down with longtime fitness educator, entrepreneur, and NASM podcast host Rick Richey for an honest conversation about what it really takes to build a successful career in personal training. We talk about the financial reality of opening a facility, why your network often matters more than your technical knowledge, how independent trainers are charging $175 to $300 per session, and whether online coaching really offers the freedom trainers think it does. Before you quit the gym, raise your rates, or sign a lease, listen to this conversation.

In this episode of the Training Project Podcast, Joe Drake sits down with Mike Fantigrassi, Head of Product at NASM, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of personal training, fitness education, and long-term career success.Mike shares his journey from trainer to industry leader and breaks down the biggest changes shaping the fitness world right now. From client acquisition and business skills to longevity, strength training, GLP-1s, and wellness, this episode explores what trainers need to know to stay relevant and build a career that lasts.You’ll learn:Why mentorship is critical for new trainersHow NASM is helping trainers succeed after certificationWhat the industry is demanding from trainers todayWhy relationship skills matter more than everHow strength training and longevity are changing the gameWhether you’re a new trainer, an aspiring coach, or a seasoned fitness professional, this conversation offers practical insight into where the industry is heading and how to grow with it.Guest: Mike Fantigrassi, Head of Product at NASMHost: Joe DrakePresented by: Axiom Fitness Academy

Dr. Ashley Dwyer, PharmD, joins Joe Drake to discuss why traditional dieting and cardio-heavy training stop working for women after 30. They cover protein intake, strength training, gut health, perimenopause, GLP-1 medications, and what women actually need to feel strong, lean, and healthy long term. A must-listen for trainers and women navigating hormonal changes.

In this episode, Joe Drake and Gini Grimsley (PPSC, Unbreakable App) break down what smart, sustainable training actually looks like for women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. They cover the biggest mistakes people make when restarting their fitness journey, why body-part splits often fail real humans, and how to train for power, strength, and longevity without burning out.Perfect for personal trainers, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to feel strong, resilient, and pain-free for life.

Joe sits down with Dr. Eric Otero of Pinnacle Movement & Performance to break down what really causes most hip and low back pain — and why stretching isn’t always the answer. They dig into the difference between traditional PT and performance-based care, how to spot when pain is a strength issue vs. a mobility issue, and the simple exercises that build truly resilient hips and spinal stability.Whether you're a personal trainer or an active adult dealing with nagging back or hip tightness, this episode gives you clear, practical strategies to understand pain, move with confidence, and train smarter.

In this week’s episode of The Training Project Podcast, Joe reconnects with London-based trainer and OYM Studio founder Alex Marks — more than a decade after they first met working at a boys’ sports camp. Alex has built an incredible career spanning TV, entrepreneurship, and personal training, and his philosophy flips the script on what fitness really means.They dive deep into why “fat loss isn’t the goal,” how empathy and communication shape coaching success, and why strength training is at the heart of longevity. From pre- and postnatal training to creating global fitness travel experiences with Surf Yoga Beer, Alex shares a refreshingly real take on what it means to help people live stronger, fuller lives.Why “fat loss” misses the point — and what the real goal should beHow to coach with empathy and build a lasting career in fitnessThe trap of exercise “entertainment” vs. real skill developmentThe rise of strength training for women and breaking the “skinny” mindsetThe power of teaching clients self-sufficiency instead of dependenceWhy in-person coaching still beats digital — and always willBuilding confidence through strength and the ripple effect beyond the gymThe story behind Alex’s work with new moms and pre/postnatal fitnessFitness as connection: how Surf Yoga Beer is redefining wellness travelThe “Turn Left” philosophy — choosing growth over comfort“Fat loss is a great sales point — but real progress starts when we build strength, not just chase smaller numbers.”“Empathy and accountability outlast every trend in fitness.”“There’s no substitute for human interaction — coaching in person is irreplaceable.”“Turn left. That’s where growth happens.”Instagram: @on.your.marksStudio: OYM PT Studio – London, UKGlobal Fitness Adventures: Surf Yoga Beer

What does it really mean to train for life?In this episode of The Training Project Podcast, Joe Drake sits down with Clif Harski — fitness educator, movement coach, and Director of Education for the Pain-Free Performance Training System (PPSC) — to break down what it takes to stay strong, athletic, and pain-free for decades.With over 15 years of experience teaching certifications around the world for brands like PPSC, FitWall, MovNat, and Kettlebell Athletics, Clif has personally certified thousands of coaches and helped reshape how the industry thinks about functional training.Clif and Joe dive into what separates good training from great training, why you don’t need “perfect” periodization to get results, and how simple consistency and smart movement can keep you performing for the long game.Why Clif may have taught more fitness certifications than anyone in the industryHis journey from college athlete → Trader Joe’s employee → international educatorThe “Be Able & Be Athletic” framework for programmingHow to balance 70 % consistency + 30 % variety for long-term resultsWhy most people don’t need rigid periodization to get strongerHow to safely add eccentric & isometric training for power and resilienceTraining tweaks that keep you athletic in your 40s and 50sThe truth about kettlebells vs. barbells and dumbbells (and what most people get wrong)The most overrated and underrated exercises in fitnessHow the Pain-Free Performance Training System helps coaches bridge the gap between performance & longevityClif Harski is a performance coach, educator, and fitness industry veteran known for blending athletic training with movement quality and humor. He’s worked with leading organizations including Pain-Free Performance (PPSC), FitWall, MovNat, and Kettlebell Athletics, and has personally taught 500+ certifications worldwide.When he’s not traveling to teach, Clif trains clients and coaches on how to stay “able and athletic” well into their 40s and beyond.🌐 Website: painfreetraining.com — Courses & Certifications📸 Instagram: @cliftonharski💼 LinkedIn: Clif Harski🎙 Full episode library & resources: coachjoedrake.com/podcast💪 Hosted by Joe Drake — trainer, educator, and founder of Axiom Fitness Academy#ClifHarski #PainFreePerformance #PPSC #KettlebellTraining #FunctionalTraining #AthleticLongevity #StrengthTraining #PersonalTrainer #FitnessPodcast #TheTrainingProject

From world champion martial artist to award-winning fitness innovator, Pete Holman has transformed how we train.In this episode of The Training Project Podcast, Joe Drake sits down with Pete Holman — Physical Therapist, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, published author, former U.S. National TaeKwon-Do champion & team captain, and 2022 IDEA Fitness Leader of the Year.Pete has invented some of the most influential tools in modern fitness, including the TRX Rip Trainer, Nautilus Glute Drive, Escape Barrow, GolfForever Swing Trainer, and his latest creation, the Glute Slide. He’s also been featured on national shows like The Dr’s, Steve Harvey, The Golf Channel, and QVC, and is the #1 rated trainer on the GolfForever app.In this conversation, Pete shares his journey from physical therapy and martial arts to global product innovation, the story of how the TRX Rip Trainer was born from a snowmobile racer’s needs, and why glute training is more than just a trend — it’s the powerhouse of athletic performance and longevity. Pete also discusses the future of fitness innovation, lessons for trainers and entrepreneurs, and why the long game of health and durability matters more than chasing extremes.How Pete invented the TRX Rip Trainer from a closet rod and resistance bandWhy rotational training is essential for athletes and everyday moversThe science of the glutes as the powerhouse of the coreHow the Glute Drive and Glute Slide simplify hip and glute training for gyms and home usersTraining insights for pro athletes vs. general population clients — and what actually carries overWhy focusing on longevity, durability, and performance beats chasing extremesPete’s best advice for trainers, coaches, and entrepreneurs building their careers👉 Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of the industry’s leading innovators.Subscribe for more episodes with experts shaping the future of health, fitness, and training.🌐 Website: PH1Performance.com📲 Instagram: @PeteHolman1💼 LinkedIn: Pete-Holman📘 Facebook: Pete.Holman.90🌐 Full podcast library & resources: coachjoedrake.com/podcast#PeteHolman #TRXRipTrainer #GluteDrive #GluteSlide #GolfForever #StrengthTraining #RotationalTraining #GluteTraining #FitnessPodcast #PersonalTraining

In this enlightening episode, Joe Drake sits down with Dr. John Rusin, a leading expert in the fitness industry, to explore the journey from high performance to longevity. Dr. Rusin shares his insights on building an unbreakable body, emphasizing the importance of a health-first fitness approach. Discover how his Pain-Free Performance Training System has revolutionized the way we think about training for life, not just aesthetics.Dr. Rusin delves into the principles that bridge the gap between training elite athletes and the general population, offering actionable advice for anyone looking to enhance their fitness journey. Whether you're a seasoned trainer or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.For more from Dr. John Rusin, check out his resources:Pain-Free Performance Book Unbreakable Training App Pain-Free Performance Specialist Certification Follow him for more on Instagram: @drjohnrusinTune in to learn how to train smart, stay healthy, and become unbreakable!