Tommy Else - Personal Trainer

When the clocks roll back and the days get shorter, it’s more than just lost sunlight — it’s a shift that affects your mood, sleep, motivation, and even your waistline. In this episode, I dive into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) , how Daylight Savings impacts our routines, and practical ways to combat the seasonal slump. From boosting serotonin through exercise and nutrition , to managing comfo...

On this episode I break down why recovery is just as important as training. From sleep and muscle repair to injury prevention and avoiding burnout — your body grows stronger when you rest. Tune in & learn why smarter training means smarter recovery. www.tommyelse.com

Think eating less helps you lose weight? It might actually be holding you back. In this episode, I talk about the often-overlooked dangers of undereating—why it leads to low energy, poor sleep, cravings, slower metabolism, muscle loss, and even weight gain . Whether you’re skipping meals, too busy to eat, or just not fueling properly, listen and learn how to fuel your body the right way.

Life happens, and sometimes it hits hard. In this episode, I share strategies for staying on track with your health and fitness goals when unexpected challenges arise. From managing emotional eating to finding motivation for workouts during tough times, I cover practical tips to help you navigate setbacks without losing sight of your progress. You’ll learn: * Why it’s okay to give yourself grace i...

In this episode, I reflect on my journey through the world of competitive bodybuilding and how it shaped the way I train, coach, and support my clients today. From the discipline and structure of prep, to the mental toughness required for the stage, bodybuilding taught me far more than how to lift—it taught me how to show up, stay consistent, and push through barriers. I also talk about how growin...

In this episode, I break down one of the most overlooked foundations of your health—hydration. I explain why most people aren't drinking enough water, how much you should aim for, and the powerful impact water has on fat loss, metabolism, digestion, energy, brain function, and even blood sugar regulation. If you're serious about your health and fitness, it all starts with proper hydration. Let’s g...

This one’s from the heart. I’ve had the honor of being part of something incredible for the past 11 years — the C-Red POP (Positive Outreach Program) at Southside Occupational Academy in Chicago. Every year, we put on a wrestling show for these amazing students. It’s more than entertainment — it’s connection, joy, and a reminder of how powerful community can be. I’ve laughed, been inspired, and ev...

In this episode, I break down the real value behind hiring a Personal Trainer. From education and accountability to personalized nutrition planning, I explain how working with a professional helps you overcome the most common obstacles that derail fitness goals. Whether you're a beginner overwhelmed at the gym or someone stuck in a plateau, I discuss how a trainer provides structure, teaches p...

In this episode, I open up about the unexpected emotional role of a personal trainer—how clients often “vent” during workouts, and why that’s not only okay, but essential. Whether it’s stress from work, family, or life in general, I explain how expressing that emotional weight can boost mental clarity, enhance workouts, and deepen the trainer-client bond. I share stories from my own life, includin...

In this episode, I break down how I actually coach nutrition in the real world. I’ll walk you through how I help clients build better eating habits by focusing on structure, consistency, and accountability — not perfection. From food logging strategies to the importance of protein, hydration, and realistic adjustments, I cover the tools and mindset that lead to sustainable change. Whether you’re a...

In this episode, I break down exactly why I walked away from the commercial gym model — and why I’ve spent years building a personal training business that meets clients where they are, literally and figuratively. I talk about what really goes on behind the scenes at most gyms: underqualified trainers, sales-first priorities, and systems that serve the business more than the people. You’ll hear ho...

In the debut episode of Tommy Else – Personal Trainer, I share how I got here — from my earliest gym memories and competing in bodybuilding shows, to training for professional wrestling, and eventually becoming a full-time personal trainer. This episode isn’t just about my background. It’s about what those experiences taught me: the discipline, the burnout, the real-world challenges — and how I us...

It's your friendly neighborhood Personal Trainer... "WHO ELSE" but Tommy Else! This won't just be another podcast about exercise and nutrition. As a Personal Trainer I often find myself in the role of motivator, confidant, sometimes therapist, and inevitably friend. I'll share insights on all aspects of my job. Lessons I'VE learned from training clients for nearly 20 year...