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
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
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:
Follow him for more on Instagram: @drjohnrusin
Tune in to learn how to train smart, stay healthy, and become unbreakable!
Brendan has established himself as a fitness expert, trainer, and entrepreneur utilizing platforms like YouTube and Instagram to educate and inspire individuals on how to lead healthier lives through proper exercise and nutrition.
With a substantial following, Brendan has successfully garnered over 420,000 followers on Instagram and a significant audience on YouTube, making him a leading voice in the fitness world.
Before rising to fame, Brendan embarked on his fitness journey with a simple how-to video on core strength, showcasing his natural ability to teach and inspire from the very beginning. His dedication to the fitness world is not just about personal achievements; it's about helping others achieve their goals, a trait that has earned him the nickname "The Tony Robbins of Calisthenics."
Beyond his professional life, Brendan's personal journey is equally inspiring. His transition from college football to calisthenics, spurred by a need to find a new path after football, highlights his adaptability and determination. Brendan's approach to life and fitness is rooted in his core values of dedication, hard work, and sacrifice, principles that have guided him from his early days and continue to influence his teachings and personal philosophy.
Connect more with Brendan & MyCoach Ai:
https://www.instagram.com/thebmeyers/
https://mycoachai.com/
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Not yet certified but looking to get into the fitness and personal training industry? Let our team help you [click below for more]
www.axiomfitnessacademy.com
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#PersonalTraining #FitnessPodcast #TrainerTalk #FitLife #HealthAndWellness #ExerciseTips #WorkoutWisdom #FitnessJourney #HealthyLiving #TrainerTips
Welcome to the Training Project Fitness Podcast, where we bring you the latest insights and strategies for optimizing all things fitness and performance related! In this episode, we had the honor of hosting Dr. Jon Mike, a distinguished expert with a PhD in Exercise and Sport Science, renowned sports performance coach, esteemed professor, and accomplished author.
Dr. Jon Mike has garnered a vast following on social media platforms, thanks to his no-nonsense approach to delivering scientifically backed information. With his wealth of experience and expertise, he's dedicated to helping individuals achieve their athletic goals through evidence-based training methodologies.
Throughout our conversation, Dr. Jon Mike delved into the intricacies of athletic training, sharing invaluable insights on how to enhance athleticism, unlock rotational power, and elevate performance levels. Whether you're a seasoned athlete, trainer, or a fitness enthusiast looking to take your training to the next level, this episode is packed with practical tips and actionable advice that you won't want to miss!
Be sure to connect with Dr. Mike on Instagram @drjmike or visit his website https://drjmike.com/ to access more of his insightful content and resources.
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Pete McCall, MS, CSCS, is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and long-time player in the fitness industry. He has been featured as an expert in the Washington Post, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Runner's World and Self. He holds a master's degree in exercise science and health promotion, and several advanced certifications and specializations with NSCA and NASM. Pete is the host of the all about Fitness Podcast and the Director of Education of EoS fitness.
Needless to say he's been around the block in the industry and seen the evolution of fitness throughout the last two decades. Pete talks about the power of recovery methods and their impact on the fitness landscape as well as his predictions for the industry in coming years.
Connect more with Pete:
https://www.instagram.com/petemc_fitness/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pete-mccall-b9540380/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Not yet certified but looking to get into the fitness and personal training industry? Let our team help you [click below for more] www.axiomfitnessacademy.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- #PersonalTraining #FitnessPodcast #TrainerTalk #FitLife #HealthAndWellness #ExerciseTips #WorkoutWisdom #FitnessJourney #HealthyLiving #TrainerTips
Jarod Cogswell is the Founder of Enterprise Athlete fitness consulting and GM at Life Time in Beaverton, OR. . He is a professional speaker, author of "WORK like an Athlete" and Platinum Level Business Coach for Todd Durkin Mastermind.
Not to mention a lifelong athlete and mountaineer. Was thankful to catch up with him and get to chat about everything from his take on the value of coaching to where fitness and technology are headed for gyms and exercisers.
Connect more with Jarod: https://www.instagram.com/jarod_cogswell/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarodcogswell/
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Not yet certified but looking to get into the fitness and personal training industry?
Let our team help you [click below for more]
www.axiomfitnessacademy.com
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#PersonalTraining #FitnessPodcast #TrainerTalk #FitLife #HealthAndWellness #ExerciseTips #WorkoutWisdom #FitnessJourney #HealthyLiving #TrainerTips
Josh Gangaware is a South Florida-based personal trainer, online fitness coach, and fitness educator who now focuses primarily on working with high-performing men who want to regain their energy and drive through fitness.
Throughout his career in the fitness industry, Josh has worked in almost every role a trainer can work in and with nearly every possible demographic, which gave him the experience and education to fall into the niche he currently works with.
Outside of his coaching, Josh still loves getting after his own workouts, learning about fitness, nutrition, mindset, and business, and spending time with his family.
Connect more with Josh: https://www.instagram.com/josh_iron_gangaware/
https://www.facebook.com/josh.gangaware/
https://www.tiktok.com/@josh.iron.gangaware
www.irongangfit.com
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Not yet certified but looking to get into the fitness and personal training industry?
Let our team help you [click below for more]
www.axiomfitnessacademy.com
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#PersonalTraining #FitnessPodcast #TrainerTalk #FitLife #HealthAndWellness #ExerciseTips #WorkoutWisdom #FitnessJourney #HealthyLiving #TrainerTips
You would never guess after taking a class or training with Rick that he wasn't always in the fitness industry.
After finding massive success in sales and building sales teams with companies like T-mobile and Apple, Rick decided to go all in on his love for fitness and training.
Since then he's acquired more certifications and experience than I can even write down, branched out into content creation and social media management, and also as a mentor and coach for other trainers in his Educator roles with companies like @Technogym , the PPSC, and more.
He's a wealth of experience and knowledge, committed father, all around great guy, and shining example of the good that exists inside of the fitness industry. Enjoy.
Rick Chavez:
https://www.bredforgreatness.com/
https://www.instagram.com/iamrickchavez/
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Not yet certified but looking to get into the fitness and personal training industry? Let our team help you [click below for more]
www.axiomfitnessacademy.com
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#PersonalTraining #FitnessPodcast #TrainerTalk #FitLife #HealthAndWellness #ExerciseTips #WorkoutWisdom #FitnessJourney #HealthyLiving #TrainerTips
In this solo episode, I dive deep into the compelling reasons why charging more for your personal training sessions benefits not only you as the trainer but also your clients. 💪
As a fitness professional, increasing your rates over time can lead to a multitude of advantages, including a higher level of commitment, improved quality of service, and the ability to invest in ongoing education and equipment to enhance your clients' experiences.
But it's not just trainers who reap the rewards. Clients also benefit from this approach in unexpected ways. Discover how higher prices can lead to greater motivation, accountability, and ultimately, superior results.
It's a win-win situation that can transform your fitness business and empower your clients to achieve their goals like never before.
This episode is the first of a regular monthly series where my good friend and @Axiomfitnessacademy Master Trainer Kevin Mullins joins me to talk about current events in the industry, what it takes to become a world class personal trainer, and the challenges of building a life around the fitness industry.
Connect with Kevin:
https://www.kevinmullinsfitness.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kevinmullinsfitness/
Connect with Joe:
https://www.coachjoedrake.com/ https://www.instagram.com/coachjoedrake/ -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not yet certified but looking to get into the fitness and personal training industry? Let our team help you [click below for more]
www.axiomfitnessacademy.com
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#PersonalTraining #FitnessPodcast #TrainerTalk #FitLife #HealthAndWellness #ExerciseTips #WorkoutWisdom #FitnessJourney #HealthyLiving #TrainerTips
Got you spend some time connecting with the Senior Director of Training for all of @YouFitGyms which includes more than 60 locations and 300+ trainers and instructors.
Raphael Konforti has a wealth of experience in the industry working for major organizations like @ptaglobal2208 R.I.P., contributing to major fitness publications, and helping to revamp and grow the training business inside of the YouFit organization. As someone who oversees the hiring and development of so many trainers I wanted to pick his brain about how to get in the door and start your career with a big box gym like YouFit.
Raphael Konforti:
@YouFitGyms (Instagram, TikTok, Youtbe)
@RaphaelKonforti (Instagram and YouTube)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/raphaelkonforti/
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Not yet certified but looking to get into the fitness and personal training industry?
Let our team help you [click below for more]
www.axiomfitnessacademy.com
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Robert Linkul is widely considered to be one of the top training experts in the world when it comes to fighting the battle against sarcopenia and training the older adult.
He's a sought after speaker and consultant in the industry and the owner of the Bunker and of TrainingTheOlderAdult.com. He brings 20+ years of experience, a masters degree in personal training, two NSCA certifications (NSCA*D and CSCS*D) and years of rehabilitating his own body from injury like hip replacements, sciatic back surgery, carpal tunnel surgery, lung cancer and more to his clients on a daily basis.
We got to dive into:
- A deeper understanding of sarcopenia and when it really begins
- How he turned his own challenges and injuries into a training niche
- How to succeed as a trainer with older adults
- How to find your purpose as a trainer and lean into it
Robert is a great friend in the industry who cares about trainers finding success and making this a life's pursuit - so if this episode speaks to you, then connect with him below.
Robert Linkul:
Website: https://www.trainingtheolderadult.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbxyI6N6lQ5zMPife-pd8ug
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertlinkul/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Not yet certified but looking to get into the fitness and personal training industry? Let our team help you [click below for more] www.axiomfitnessacademy.com ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
