Tom The Trainer's Fitness Over 40

After a summer staycation, I came back a little extra spicy, and this Q&A episode shows it. I dive into a listener question on back training, break down the truth about tempo, contraction, and muscle engagement, and go on a few well-earned rants about “science-based” social media hacks ruining lifting. We get into the pros and cons of unilateral vs. bilateral exercises, why the basics matter m...

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Schmutz, better known as The Silver Bodybuilder, to discuss what it truly takes to stay strong, healthy, and motivated well into your 40s and beyond. Mike shares how he got into bodybuilding later in life, the training principles that keep him progressing without breaking down, and how he balances discipline with enjoying the process. We cover everything from...

In this episode of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Over 40 Podcast , I'm joined by former U.S. Marine and men’s coach Chris Spears for a raw and inspiring conversation on discipline, transformation, and what it really takes to become a man of value. Chris shares his journey from military service to coaching high-performing men, and how the lessons of combat, structure, resilience, and responsibility n...

In this episode, I sit down with fitness veteran Lee Hayward for a real conversation about training longevity, evolving goals, and building meaningful fitness careers. We dive into the transition from stage-focused bodybuilding to training for life, what it’s like to stay consistent into your 50s, and how the fitness industry has changed since the early days of YouTube. Together, we reflect on the...

HIT training! Is it right for you and what's it actually all about? Social media appears to be flooded with content on HIT training and I’ve had a lot of people ask me about it, whether it’s clients, friends, or followers. I’m going to break down the pros and cons to High Intensity Training, add some context and critical thinking to the subject, as well as give my own personal experience, so you c...

In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Over 40 Podcast , I sit down with IFBB Pro and transformation coach Jeff Later for a deeply needed conversation on what it really means to be a high-performing man in your 40s. While we both have built careers around physical fitness, this episode goes far beyond the gym to explore the emotional weight that many men si...

In this Live in the Tribe episode, I tackle how to balance cardio during a bulk, why most lifters struggle with chest development, and how to match tempo and exercise selection for better hypertrophy results. I share hard-earned lessons from my own aggressive bulk, why mobility is the missing link in chest training, and how inconsistent cardio can sabotage your muscle gain goals. You’ll also hear...

Can you really train less, eat more, and still get leaner? In this empowering episode of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Podcast, I sit down with women’s body recomposition coach Andreia Carvalho to unpack the myths that keep women stuck in the cycle of overtraining and under-eating. Andreia shares how she transformed her approach after years of extreme dieting, even winning a bikini competition, only...

In this Live in the Tribe episode of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Over 40 Podcast , I answer questions directly from my free Facebook community, delivering deep coaching insights on everything from powerlifting mechanics and protein choices to mobility strategy and injury recovery. I kick things off with a technical deep dive into why the stretch reflex is often used in Olympic and powerlifting squ...

In this episode of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Over 40 Podcast , I sit down with longtime friend and elite coach Pat Woodcock for a deep, experience-driven conversation on how training needs to evolve as men hit their 40s. Pat shares his journey from pro football in the NFL and CFL to coaching championship teams and eventually pivoting to training busy, high-performing men online. With decades of...

In this week’s Live in the Tribe edition of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Over 40 Podcast , I dive deep into some incredibly practical questions from my free Facebook group, tackling everything from unexpected muscle soreness to protein strategy during a fat loss phase. The episode kicks off with a deep dive into why your triceps might be sore after back day, especially if you’re doing dumbbell lat...

In this powerful episode of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Over 40 Podcast , I sit down with online coach Michael O'Shaughnessy, known to his clients and community as Mikey Shoco, for a deep and honest conversation about fitness, fatherhood, and the real reason so many men feel stuck. Mikey shares his journey from competitive Muay Thai fighter to fitness coach, and how his personal story, including t...

In this quick but loaded episode of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Over 40 Podcast , I check in with some high-level coaching wisdom for lifters navigating setbacks, bulk phases, and smart programming. Kicking things off with a great question from Austin, I dive into whether you should stay in a caloric surplus while sick during a bulking phase. Drawing on both personal experience and coaching contex...

In this heartfelt solo episode of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Over 40 Podcast, I step away from training talk and deliver one of my most personal and impactful lessons yet, a simplified blueprint for creating success, building unshakable confidence, and finding real peace of mind. Drawing from my own journey, from growing up in hardship to building a life of purpose, I outline exactly what I’d tel...

In this Live in the Tribe episode of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Over 40 Podcast , I tackle some of the most nuanced questions from my Facebook community, blending rehab strategy, real-world programming, and deep insights into what actually works long term. I kick things off with advice for training with degenerative sclerosis, offering practical core and mobility drills to build strength without...

In this episode of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Over 40 Podcast , I welcome renowned coach, writer, and speaker Andrew Coates for a deep, unfiltered conversation on what really matters in the fitness industry, and in your own personal growth. We dive into everything from the evolution of fitness content (infographics, reels, and the rise of the “science-based” trend) to what separates coaches who c...

In this jam-packed Live in the Tribe episode of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Over 40 Podcast , I dive into some of the most frequently misunderstood topics in training, including body recomposition, smart program adaptation, and why most people hit plateaus. I break down how to effectively lose fat and build muscle at the same time, what truly triggers “newbie gains,” and how even experienced lifte...

In this solo episode of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Over 40 Podcast , I drop a no-fluff, high-impact roadmap to achieving success in fitness, business, and life. This isn't about hype or hustle, it's about clarity, consistency, and showing up like the person you want to become. I'll walk you through seven “secrets” that have helped me build a thriving coaching business, stay aligned with my goals,...

In this week’s episode of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Over 40 Podcast , I answer live questions from my free Facebook group and drop a ton of practical coaching advice for lifters over 30 who want smarter, more sustainable results. I dive into common fitness myths and give honest takes on: The truth about sweeteners and why they might actually help your fat loss goals How to build glutes that grow...

In this empowering and insightful episode of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Over 40 Podcast , I am joined by women's strength coach and co-founder of The Get Sculpted Podcast , Tijana Daly. Together, we unpack what it really takes for women, especially moms and women in their 30s and beyond, to build lean muscle, reshape their bodies, and ditch outdated fitness advice. From busting myths about “getti...

In this high-value Live in the Tribe episode of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Over 40 Podcast , I power through a rough day under the weather to deliver deep insights on training intensity, recovery, and technique refinement, especially for lifters over 40. Kicking things off, I tackle a thought-provoking question on systemic fatigue and volume cycling, diving into the debate between science and rea...

In this fire-up solo episode of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Over 40 Podcast , I strip back the fluff and lay out the real, raw, and proven steps to achieving success, not just in fitness, but in every area of your life. Drawing from personal stories of hardship, resilience, and transformation, I share six powerful principles that helped me go from surviving to thriving. This isn’t your average mot...

In this powerful Q&A episode of Tom the Trainer’s Fitness Over 40 Podcast , I take you inside my live coaching session with The Tribe to tackle training plateaus, proper progression for beginners, squat mechanics, and the often-overlooked intersection of mental health and fitness. I share coaching insights on how (and when) to push closer to failure, especially for newer lifters, and how smart...

In this episode of the Tom the Trainer Fitness Podcast , I sit down with fellow coach and father Michael LaViolette for a raw and insightful conversation on balancing fitness, family, and business. With a toddler, a newborn, and a growing coaching practice, Michael shares how he’s continuously adapted his routines, from late-night workouts to shifting training volume, while still staying on top of...

In this weekly Q&A from Tom the Trainer’s Tribe , I deliver a powerful message on why getting started, even imperfectly, is the most important step in any fitness journey. Speaking directly to Tribe members navigating inconsistency, frustration, or stalled progress, I break down the psychological barriers that keep people stuck and share actionable strategies to generate momentum through small...