The Training Project | Fitness Podcast

Joe Drake
  • 5.0 (8)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to "The Training Project" – your go-to podcast for a comprehensive exploration of fitness, performance, recovery, and nutrition. Join us as we interview experts in the field, delving into diverse topics to elevate your understanding of holistic well-being. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast seeking inspiration or aspiring to become a certified trainer, our episodes and valuable insights will guide you on your journey to optimal health and peak performance. Tune in to unlock the secrets of a balanced and thriving lifestyle with "The Training Project" podcast.

  1. 12/22/2025

    Why Diets Fail Women After 30 (And What Actually Works) | Dr. Ashley Dwyer

    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.

    40 min

  2. 12/10/2025

    Do Less, Get More: Smarter Training at 30+ with Gini Grimsley || Ep. 31

    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.

    40 min

  3. 11/24/2025

    Unlocking Health with Physical Therapist Eric Otero: The Power of Movement || Ep. 30

    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.

    42 min

  4. 11/19/2025

    Take a Left Turn: Building Strength with UK Trainer Alex Marks || Ep. 29

    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 be How to coach with empathy and build a lasting career in fitness The trap of exercise “entertainment” vs. real skill development The rise of strength training for women and breaking the “skinny” mindset The power of teaching clients self-sufficiency instead of dependence Why in-person coaching still beats digital — and always will Building confidence through strength and the ripple effect beyond the gym The story behind Alex’s work with new moms and pre/postnatal fitness Fitness as connection: how Surf Yoga Beer is redefining wellness travel The “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.marks Studio: OYM PT Studio – London, UK Global Fitness Adventures: Surf Yoga Beer

    52 min

  5. 10/27/2025

    Unlocking Athletic Potential: Clif Harski's Training Secrets || Ep. 28

    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 industry His journey from college athlete → Trader Joe’s employee → international educator The “Be Able & Be Athletic” framework for programming How to balance 70 % consistency + 30 % variety for long-term results Why most people don’t need rigid periodization to get stronger How to safely add eccentric & isometric training for power and resilience Training tweaks that keep you athletic in your 40s and 50s The truth about kettlebells vs. barbells and dumbbells (and what most people get wrong) The most overrated and underrated exercises in fitness How the Pain-Free Performance Training System helps coaches bridge the gap between performance & longevity Clif 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

    53 min

  6. 10/05/2025

    Unlocking the Powerhouse: Pete Holman on Fitness Innovation || Ep. 27

    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 band Why rotational training is essential for athletes and everyday movers The science of the glutes as the powerhouse of the core How the Glute Drive and Glute Slide simplify hip and glute training for gyms and home users Training insights for pro athletes vs. general population clients — and what actually carries over Why focusing on longevity, durability, and performance beats chasing extremes Pete’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

    54 min

  7. 10/01/2025

    Building an Unbreakable Body with Dr. John Rusin

    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: @drjohnrusin Tune in to learn how to train smart, stay healthy, and become unbreakable!

    51 min

  8. 05/12/2024

    Fit Pro Edition || FTC Ruling on Non-Competes

    In this episode of the Training Project Podcast I dive into the recent FTC ruling that non-compete clauses are no longer enforceable in the fitness industry. Join us as we explore how this landmark decision is impacting personal trainers and gym owners across the country.

    15 min
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About

Welcome to "The Training Project" – your go-to podcast for a comprehensive exploration of fitness, performance, recovery, and nutrition. Join us as we interview experts in the field, delving into diverse topics to elevate your understanding of holistic well-being. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast seeking inspiration or aspiring to become a certified trainer, our episodes and valuable insights will guide you on your journey to optimal health and peak performance. Tune in to unlock the secrets of a balanced and thriving lifestyle with "The Training Project" podcast.

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