Build for Health with Srdjan Injac

TruStory FM
  • 5.0 (2)
  • FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Build for Health is a show that flips the script on fitness. Hosted by longtime podcaster Pete Wright and strength coach Srdjan Injac of ELEV8 Fitness, this show isn’t about gym culture or getting shredded—it’s about why building muscle is the most important investment you can make in your long-term health. Each week, Pete and Srdjan break down the science, bust the myths, and offer real-world insight into how resistance training supports not just strength, but brain function, metabolic health, emotional well-being, immune resilience, and aging with independence. If you think lifting weights is just for looks, think again. It’s time to rethink strength—and build a body that’s built for life. --- Meet the Hosts Srdjan Injac is a certified strength coach and the founder of ELEV8 Fitness in Portland, Oregon. With a background in kinesiology and a lifelong passion for movement, he’s trained everyone from elite athletes to everyday professionals to feel strong, live pain-free, and age with purpose. Srdjan’s coaching style is built on evidence-based training, long-term sustainability, and a deep belief in the power of muscle as medicine. Pete Wright is a veteran podcaster, storyteller, and—most importantly—a guy who used to avoid the gym at all costs. Srdjan’s just so happens to be his trainer. As such, Pete tries to bring curiosity, candor, and a deeply personal perspective on what it really takes to change your relationship with strength... no matter how much it hurts. With a background in health communication and habit-building for adults with ADHD, Pete asks the questions we’re all wondering—and helps listeners stay curious while getting stronger.

  1. Trainer, Coach, or Program: Choosing Your Best Fit

    6H AGO

    Trainer, Coach, or Program: Choosing Your Best Fit

    When you’re ready to get serious about fitness, the first big question is: how do you actually learn what to do—and stick with it? In this week’s episode, Pete and Srdjan break down three of the most common training approaches: working with an in-person trainer, hiring a coach online, or following a program on your own. Each option comes with its own strengths, limitations, and accountability challenges, and choosing the right one can make the difference between a routine that fizzles out and one that becomes a lasting part of your life. Srdjan shares his experience coaching clients both in person and remotely, including how he adapts workouts to each client’s equipment, schedule, and goals. He digs into the pitfalls of cookie-cutter programs, the importance of proper form, and why accountability can be the missing link that derails progress. Along the way, the two unpack practical considerations like the real cost of home gym equipment, the minimum setup you’d need to make remote training effective, and what to look for if you’re considering one of the countless off-the-shelf challenges online. The conversation also previews Srdjan’s upcoming 12-week training program, designed with progressive structure, exercise modifications, nutrition support, and built-in accountability—aiming to be more adaptable and sustainable than the one-size-fits-all options on the market. Whether you’re a self-starter who thrives with a little structure, someone craving direct feedback and motivation, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you weigh your options and start building the consistency that keeps you moving forward.

    28 min
  2. Why Strength Sticks When Goals Don’t

    SEP 25

    Why Strength Sticks When Goals Don’t

    When it comes to fitness, most of us think in terms of outcomes: “I want to lose 20 pounds,” or “I want to bench 225.” But what if the secret to lasting change isn’t about hitting a target—it’s about becoming the kind of person who never skips a workout in the first place? In this episode, Pete and coach Srdjan dig into the science and stories behind outcome-based versus identity-based goals. They explore research showing that people who frame themselves as “someone who exercises” are more likely to stick with it over time, and they bring in plenty of real-world examples from clients who’ve experienced the shift firsthand. Pete shares his own struggle as a goal-focused achiever who could hit milestones but often dropped the habit afterward—whether it was couch-to-5K or pull-ups. Srdjan offers practical strategies for bridging that gap: layering small wins on the way to bigger, long-term goals, and learning to fall in love with the process rather than just the outcome. Along the way, they talk about how fitness goals shape confidence, self-image, and stress reduction, and why sometimes the biggest benefit of a workout has nothing to do with the weight on the bar—it’s the clarity and calm it gives you afterward. The conversation also takes listener questions: first, about the long-promised list of Srdjan’s favorite Instagram influencers (yes, it’s finally coming), and second, about why powerlifters can be stronger than bodybuilders despite their size. The answers shed light on how different training approaches create strength versus size, and why you can’t always judge strength by appearance. Whether you’re trying to build momentum for the first time, reset after a layoff, or finally understand why some goals don’t stick, this episode is all about how to make fitness part of who you are—not just something you do.

    30 min
  3. High Reps, Heavy Lifts, and Other Fitness Questions

    SEP 18

    High Reps, Heavy Lifts, and Other Fitness Questions

    Welcome back to Build for Health, where we take your questions seriously—even when you’re not quite sure how to ask them. This week, Pete Wright and Coach Srdjan Injac tackle a full slate of listener-submitted questions covering everything from high-rep vs. low-rep training to the dangers of ego lifting and the long tail of physical therapy. We kick things off with a deceptively simple question: what’s the difference between lifting light for many reps and lifting heavy for a few? Srdjan breaks it down by goals—endurance, hypertrophy, or raw strength—and explains why he programs a blend for most of his clients. Next up: can you just copy other people at the gym until you get the hang of things? Short answer: no. Long answer: also no, but with good reasons involving injury prevention, YouTube charlatans, and how to find credible online educators. Things get personal with a question from Patrick, who’s been lifting for a year but still feels clumsy. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Srdjan validates the ups and downs of gym progress and offers tools for checking your form without living in front of a camera. We also hear from Olga, who wonders if those “boring” post-surgery rehab exercises need to stay in the mix (spoiler: some of them should). That leads naturally into a fantastic discussion on form and whether there really is a “right way” to do an exercise—especially when CrossFit, bodybuilding, and powerlifting each seem to do it a little differently. And finally, we close on the subject of ego lifting. Is it really that bad? Don’t you need to push into risky territory to get real gains? Srdjan gets honest about his own early mistakes and lays out the line between productive stress and just trying to impress. As always, it’s about targeting the right muscles, listening to your body, and training smarter—because progress without pain is possible when you leave your ego at the door. If you have a question, we want to hear it. Use the anonymous link in the show notes and let’s keep building, together. Links & Notes Submit your questions to the show!

    32 min
  4. Why Fad Diets Fail

    SEP 11

    Why Fad Diets Fail

    Fad diets promise quick fixes—but at what cost? This week on Build for Health, Pete Wright and Coach Srdjan Injac are joined by family nurse practitioner and medical weight loss expert Misty Lohn to cut through the noise around crash diets, cleanses, and shortcuts. Misty brings her deep medical training and frontline patient experience to explain why so many trendy plans—keto, extreme calorie restriction, one-meal-a-day, detox cleanses—set people up for disappointment and even long-term harm. Together, the three dig into the difference between “losing weight” and actually getting healthier, the critical role of preserving muscle mass, and why balanced nutrition is the only sustainable path. You’ll hear candid stories from the gym and the clinic, a frank take on GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, and a rapid-fire round of myths busted—from supplement stacks to carbs to cleanses. At the heart of the conversation is a powerful message: health is built on small, sustainable steps, not drastic swings. If you’ve ever felt caught in the cycle of quick fixes, this episode will help you shift your mindset toward something that actually lasts. Links & Notes Carpe Omni Med SpaSubmit your questions to the show!

    32 min
  5. The Forbidden Exercises

    SEP 4

    The Forbidden Exercises

    Some moves might be popular gym staples, but that doesn’t mean they belong in your workout. This week on Build for Health, Pete Wright and Coach Srdjan Injac dig into what they call “The Forbidden Exercises”—those movements and machines that look like they should make you stronger but actually carry a higher risk than reward. From upright rows that wreck shoulders, to behind-the-neck pulldowns that twist the spine unnaturally, to that infamous ab-crunch contraption that never quite fits right, Srdjan explains why certain exercises are off his list—and what safer alternatives you can do instead. Along the way, you’ll hear about Srdjan’s own injuries and how they reshaped his training philosophy, why natural joint motion is the ultimate red flag test, and how long-term risk management is just as important as short-term gains. If you’ve ever wondered why your trainer skips a machine or cringes when you swing through a set, this episode will give you the inside story—and some practical guidelines to spot risky movements in your own workouts. Links & Notes Submit your questions to the show!

    38 min
  6. Form and Isolation: The Unsexy Keys to Strength

    AUG 28

    Form and Isolation: The Unsexy Keys to Strength

    This week on Build for Health, Pete Wright and coach Srdjan Injac get down to the nuts and bolts of training with a focus on two fundamentals: form and isolation. While flashy new exercises and ever-heavier weights can grab attention, Srdjan reminds us that real progress comes from precision. Form isn’t about looking sharp in the mirror; it’s about safety, efficiency, and making every rep matter. Isolation, meanwhile, helps identify and strengthen weak links, correct imbalances, and build the control that pays dividends in big lifts and everyday life. Srdjan shares stories from the gym floor—clients who learned the hard way about ego lifting, his own recovery experiences, even surviving a car accident where years of training proved to be protective armor. Along the way, he explains why machines aren’t one-size-fits-all, how bad form eventually leads to pain or plateaus, and why he often favors “boring” exercises over the Instagram-friendly ones. Pete pushes on the questions everyday lifters struggle with: How do I know if my form is good without a trainer? What happens if I keep building muscle on bad form? Is isolation just for bodybuilders? The answers point toward a deeper truth: slowing down, learning your body, and building muscle memory may not be glamorous, but it’s the surest path to strength, resilience, and longevity. If you’ve ever rushed through reps, fought with a machine that just doesn’t feel right, or wondered why your shoulders ache after chest day, this conversation will hit home. Form and isolation aren’t extras—they’re the engine of sustainable training. Links & Notes Submit your questions to the show!

    39 min
  7. Energy or Intimacy? Choosing Your Gym Fit

    AUG 21

    Energy or Intimacy? Choosing Your Gym Fit

    What’s the real difference between training at a big national gym and a private studio? New trainer Brooke Passey joins Pete and Srdjan to unpack incentives, atmosphere, and coaching—and Srdjan drops news about his own bodybuilding prep. Brooke shares what it’s like to move from a commercial gym to independent coaching: behind-the-scenes sales pressures, “numbers” targets, and sticky contract renewals that can matter more to corporate than member outcomes. In her words, trainers and clients can feel like metrics to “higher ups,” which is precisely what she left to build a client-first practice. Pete and Srdjan map the real trade-offs: the buzz of a packed floor versus the calm and focus of a quieter, owner-curated space; a sea of machines versus a layout chosen for flow and function; scale versus community. Srdjan describes designing ELEV8 around relationships—members and coaches who actually become friends—and picking equipment intentionally rather than “just packing the place.” Brooke’s philosophy centers mindset and daily habits as much as sets and reps, including how she gauges when a client is truly ready for change. Then Srdjan breaks news: he’s stepping on a bodybuilding stage next year, outlining a nine-month plan—bulk for muscle, then a tough cut with coaching support on nutrition—and yes, the final weeks may be “two months of misery” the show will follow. Links & Notes Submit your questions to the show!

    31 min
  8. Trainer Red Flags, Green Flags, and Real Talk

    AUG 14

    Trainer Red Flags, Green Flags, and Real Talk

    This week, we zoom in on the moment you decide to get help—how to choose a trainer (and a gym) that won’t waste your time or your joints. Srdjan contrasts the incentives inside big-box facilities—where volume and sales often dominate—with the owner-led standards, community, and results focus he’s seen in private gyms. The gist: when reputation’s on the line, care gets personal and outcomes matter. From there, we get practical. What should a good consult sound like? Clear, specific explanations you can feel in your body—not canned answers you could Google. Srdjan also walks through how his own injuries shaped a post-rehab training style that prioritizes safer alternatives without sacrificing progress, and how that experience helps him quickly troubleshoot pain and modify movements. Finally, the playbook: “shop your trainer.” Take multiple free sessions, compare approaches, and notice who supports you between workouts—texts about nutrition, label reads, and the kind of client-to-client encouragement that keeps you showing up. The goal is a relationship that’s personal, evidence-driven, and sustainable over years, not weeks. Links & Notes Submit your questions to the show!

    22 min
See All (14)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Build for Health is a show that flips the script on fitness. Hosted by longtime podcaster Pete Wright and strength coach Srdjan Injac of ELEV8 Fitness, this show isn’t about gym culture or getting shredded—it’s about why building muscle is the most important investment you can make in your long-term health. Each week, Pete and Srdjan break down the science, bust the myths, and offer real-world insight into how resistance training supports not just strength, but brain function, metabolic health, emotional well-being, immune resilience, and aging with independence. If you think lifting weights is just for looks, think again. It’s time to rethink strength—and build a body that’s built for life. --- Meet the Hosts Srdjan Injac is a certified strength coach and the founder of ELEV8 Fitness in Portland, Oregon. With a background in kinesiology and a lifelong passion for movement, he’s trained everyone from elite athletes to everyday professionals to feel strong, live pain-free, and age with purpose. Srdjan’s coaching style is built on evidence-based training, long-term sustainability, and a deep belief in the power of muscle as medicine. Pete Wright is a veteran podcaster, storyteller, and—most importantly—a guy who used to avoid the gym at all costs. Srdjan’s just so happens to be his trainer. As such, Pete tries to bring curiosity, candor, and a deeply personal perspective on what it really takes to change your relationship with strength... no matter how much it hurts. With a background in health communication and habit-building for adults with ADHD, Pete asks the questions we’re all wondering—and helps listeners stay curious while getting stronger.

Information

More From TruStory FM