Axis Strength Training

Jason Sweet

This show was created for the Axis Strength Training community to discuss all things strength training, nutrition and personal growth. Along the way we will get to know each other better as we interview the coaches and athletes.

  1. 3 FEB

    From Struggles to Strength: Donna Faulds Fitness Journey

    In this episode of the Axis Strength Training Podcast, host Martha Sweet interviews Donna Faulds, who shares her inspiring journey from struggling with health issues to finding strength and community through fitness. Donna discusses her initial challenges with exercise, her determination to improve her health despite medical advice, and the supportive environment she found at Axis. She emphasizes the importance of consistency, community, and setting personal goals in her fitness journey, encouraging others to take the leap into a healthier lifestyle. takeaways Donna transitioned from massage therapy to real estate during COVID.She faced significant health challenges, including coronary artery disease.Joining a supportive gym community helped her overcome initial fears.Consistency in attending classes was key to her progress.She experienced significant improvements in strength and bone density.Donna's confidence has grown alongside her physical fitness.She encourages others to start their fitness journey without delay.Weightlifting is particularly beneficial for women as they age.Setting personal goals keeps the fitness journey exciting and ongoing.The gym environment provides both physical and emotional support. Sound Bites "This is my new lifestyle.""Progress is progress.""Get your butt to the gym." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Donna's Journey 02:49Overcoming Health Challenges 05:21Finding Community in Fitness 08:01Transformative Changes Through Exercise 10:22Advice for Beginners 12:49Future Fitness Goals 14:26Outro take2 w music.mp3

    15 min
  2. 21/12/2025

    Rediscovering Strength: Kaeriis's Fitness Journey

    In this episode of the Axis Strength Training Podcast, host Jason Sweet interviews Kaeriis Zuppardi, a Navy veteran and mother, who shares her journey of rediscovering herself through fitness. Kaeriis discusses her initial fears of joining a gym, the importance of community support, and how weightlifting has transformed her life. She emphasizes the significance of routine and commitment in achieving personal growth and mental well-being, encouraging others to embrace the journey of fitness and self-discovery. takeaways Kaeriis is a Navy veteran and a mother of two.She joined Access to find herself after her children became independent.Her job as a personnel security specialist is interesting and challenging.She initially struggled with the decision to join a gym due to fear.Community support at Access helped her overcome her fears.Routine and commitment are essential for personal growth.Weightlifting is a lifelong activity that can be enjoyed at any age.Kaeriis emphasizes the importance of just showing up to the gym.She believes in the power of lifting heavy things for self-esteem.Her ultimate goal is to live a long, healthy life. Sound Bites "Just show up.""Just show up, have fun.""It's fun over here." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Carice and Her Journey 02:34Finding Purpose After Motherhood 06:40Overcoming Initial Fears and Obstacles 10:27The Importance of Routine and Commitment 12:26Embracing Weightlifting and Community 14:18Outro take2 w music.mp3

    15 min
  3. 22/11/2025

    Jenny Ramos - The Power of Consistency in Fitness

    In this episode of the Axis Strength Training Podcast, host Jason Sweet interviews gym member Jenny Ramos, who shares her inspiring journey towards fitness and health. Jenny discusses her consistent gym attendance, the benefits of meal prepping, and how she has overcome obstacles in her fitness journey. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and discipline, encouraging listeners to prioritize their health for the benefit of themselves and their families. Jenny's story highlights the transformative power of fitness and community support. takeaways Jenny has been consistent with her gym attendance since April.She started meal prepping to fit her gym schedule.Feeling lighter on her feet has improved her daily productivity.Overcoming obstacles in fitness requires daily commitment.Self-care is essential and not selfish.Discipline is a form of self-love.Meal prepping saves time and promotes healthier eating.Jenny's family has become more active due to her influence.It's important to focus on personal goals and not just others.Showing up consistently leads to better results. Sound Bites "Self-care isn't selfish.""Everybody's active now.""It's easy to say no." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Jenny Ramos 03:10 Journey to Fitness and Health 06:08 Meal Prepping and Organization 08:30 Overcoming Obstacles in Fitness 11:42 The Importance of Self-Care 14:21 Final Thoughts and Inspirational Quotes 14:58 Outro take2 w music.mp3

    16 min
  4. 08/11/2025

    Strength Training for Longevity: Vicki Lansburg's Story

    In this episode of the Axis Strength Training Podcast, host Jason Sweet interviews gym member Vicki Lansburg, who shares her inspiring journey of fitness, family, and caregiving. Vicki discusses her motivations for joining the gym, the importance of strength training for longevity and quality of life, and the role of nutrition and accountability in her fitness journey. She also opens up about the challenges of balancing her responsibilities as a caregiver for her elderly mother and her grandchildren while maintaining her commitment to fitness. Vicki emphasizes the significance of showing up, scaling workouts, and the positive changes she has experienced since joining the gym. takeaways Vicki emphasizes the importance of strength training for longevity.She shares her motivation to stay active for her family.Nutrition and accountability play a crucial role in her fitness journey.Vicki discusses the challenges of balancing caregiving and fitness.She highlights the positive changes in her flexibility and strength.Vicki encourages others to give fitness a shot despite their fears.She believes in the importance of scaling workouts to fit individual needs.Vicki's experience shows that consistency leads to significant improvements.She values the supportive gym community and its impact on her journey.Vicki's story illustrates that fitness is about quality of life, not just aesthetics. Sound Bites "Accountability works.""You gotta give it a shot.""It's not about how much you lift." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Vicki Lansburg 14:04 Choosing Axis Strength Training 25:08 Outro take2 w music.mp3

    26 min
  5. 01/11/2025

    Embracing Fitness at 74: Wes Waylett's Journey

    In this episode of the Axis Strength Training Podcast, host Jason Sweet interviews Wes Waylett, a 74-year-old gym member who shares his inspiring journey into fitness later in life. Wes discusses his background, the importance of community in the gym, and the personal growth he has experienced through strength training. He also addresses the challenges he faced, including health issues, and how he adapted his workouts to continue progressing. Wes emphasizes the need to embrace discomfort and encourages others to take the plunge into fitness, regardless of age or physical limitations. takeaways Wes started his fitness journey at 74 years old.Community support at the gym is crucial for motivation.Fitness is a lifelong commitment that leads to gradual improvement.Overcoming health challenges can be aided by regular exercise.Adapting workouts to accommodate physical limitations is possible.Embracing discomfort is essential for growth in fitness.Men often struggle with ego in fitness environments.Commitment to hard work is necessary for success in the gym.The gym environment fosters camaraderie and support.Personal achievements in fitness can lead to increased confidence. Sound Bites "I'm addicted as Craig said.""It's a lifetime change.""You have to be prepared to work." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wes Waylett's Journey 05:40 The Transition to Strength Training 10:25 Community and Support at the Gym 14:45 Personal Growth and Changes Over Time 18:39 Overcoming Health Challenges 22:43 The Importance of Consistency and Commitment 28:29 Advice for Newcomers to Fitness 34:28 Final Thoughts and Reflections

    37 min
  6. 25/10/2025

    Building Strength and Mindset with Roger Boyer - The Journey of a Young Athlete

    In this episode of the Axis Strength Training Podcast, host Jason Sweet interviews Roger Boyer, a college student and member of the gym. Roger shares his journey in strength training, the importance of mindset, and how he has overcome obstacles in his fitness journey. He emphasizes the value of surrounding oneself with successful people and offers advice for newcomers to the gym. The conversation highlights the community aspect of fitness and the personal growth that comes from consistent effort and discipline. Takeaways Roger is a civil engineering major with a minor in economics. He is involved in various clubs, including club basketball and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Roger started strength training at Axis in 2019, encouraged by his mother. He emphasizes the importance of mindset in achieving fitness goals. Roger has seen significant physical and mental growth since he started training. He values the community and support at Axis Strength Training. Setting short-term and long-term goals has been crucial for his progress. Roger faced challenges with schedule changes when transitioning to college. He believes in the importance of discipline and consistency in workouts. Surrounding oneself with positive influences leads to personal success. Sound bites "I take a lot of pride in the gym aspect." "It's more mental than physical." "Surround yourself with successful people." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Roger Boyer 02:43 Roger's Journey in Strength Training 05:31 Mindset and Personal Growth 08:03 Overcoming Obstacles in Fitness 10:49 Advice for Newcomers to Strength Training 13:41 Final Thoughts and Community Impact

    16 min
  7. 18/10/2025

    Maria Oakden - From running to powerlifting and weightlifting. Personal growth, overcoming obstacles, gym community, motivation, health and training.

    In this conversation, Maria shares her inspiring journey from being a runner to becoming a competitive powerlifter and weightlifter. She discusses her initial struggles, the supportive gym community, and the significant changes in her strength and confidence. Maria also highlights the importance of perseverance through obstacles, including injuries and the challenges posed by COVID-19. Her advice for others looking to achieve similar goals emphasizes the value of consistency and community support. takeaways Maria joined Axis Strength Training in November 2018.She transitioned from running to strength training after injuries.Maria has achieved significant strength gains since joining the gym.She has competed in both powerlifting and weightlifting, earning several wins.The supportive gym community has been crucial to her success.Maria emphasizes the importance of showing up consistently.She faced challenges like injuries and COVID-19 but persevered.Her max lifts include a 350 lb back squat and a 360 lb deadlift.Maria encourages others to find accountability partners in their fitness journey.The gym has transformed her life and social circle. titles From Runner to Powerlifter: Maria's TransformationStrength Training: A Journey of Growth Sound Bites "I did get first place.""The gym is the best thing.""Just keep showing up." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Maria's Journey 05:00 Transformative Experience at Axis Strength Training 11:14 Competing in Powerlifting and Weightlifting 15:20 Overcoming Obstacles and Challenges 17:15 Advice for Aspiring Lifters 17:40 Outro take2 w music.mp3

    18 min

About

This show was created for the Axis Strength Training community to discuss all things strength training, nutrition and personal growth. Along the way we will get to know each other better as we interview the coaches and athletes.