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Tom The Trainer's Fitness Over 40
#124 Thoracic Mobility Makes More Muscle
Ep. 124
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Are dumbbell pullovers actually a good chest exercise, or have we all been doing them wrong?
In this weekly live Q&A in Tom The Trainer’s Tribe, I break down why they’re better for lats than pecs, the real reason tricep rope extensions protect your joints, and how to progress your lifts without burning out.
Plus, I dive into why mobility matters more than you think and why blindly following "bro science" can stall your gains.
If you’re serious about training smarter and avoiding common mistakes, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.
Join Tom The Trainer’s Tribe and message me the word “coaching” on Instagram at Tomthetrainerfitness or Facebook at Tom Trainer Mouland!
Have the best day ever!
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150. #150 Pressing Pain and Protein
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22:32||Ep. 148In 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 context, I explain why maintaining a surplus, especially after a long cut and high training intensity, can actually supercharge recovery and lead to better muscle growth. I reflect on my own recent deloads, rebound growth, and how proper fueling during time off might be the most overlooked tool in your transformation.I then pivot to a nuanced question from Helene about single-leg training. Should you start with your stronger or weaker leg? Should you also do bilateral versions of the same exercise? I break it down clearly, explaining how to avoid redundant movement selection, how to prioritize symmetry and function, and how programming intent drives everything. I also share insight into how nerve damage has impacted my own training and why context, whether it's about strength, aesthetics, or injury, should always inform your programming decisions.Whether you're in a growth phase, recovering from a layoff, or fine-tuning your unilateral work, this episode brings real-world strategy you can apply immediately.And if you want to transform your body, message me the word "Coaching" on IG at Tomthetrainerfitness, Facebook at Tom Trainer Mouland, or Book a Free Strategy Call 👉 https://tomthetrainerfitness.com/dominate to apply for coachingDon't forget to join Tom The Trainer’s Tribe!Have the best day ever!147. #147 Success, Self-Worth, and Serenity Simplified
35:21||Ep. 147In 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 tell you if I were your best friend and you came to me feeling lost, overwhelmed, or stuck. I cover everything from how to get brutally clear on your goals to why health, mindset, and emotional discipline are the true foundation of long-term success.You’ll learn:Why writing your goals down and revisiting them daily changes everythingHow working out and eating well go far beyond aesthetics, they shape your identityThe power of morning and nighttime routines for clarity, focus, and emotional controlHow to stop comparing yourself to others and start building self-trustWhy setting boundaries and removing toxic people is essential for peace and growthThe importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge you to level upHow to deal with regret, set priorities, and take ownership of your life, one day at a timeIf you’ve ever felt stuck in your own head, overwhelmed by life, or unsure how to move forward, this episode is a roadmap to building a life filled with confidence, clarity, and calm.And if you want to transform your body, message me the word "Coaching" on IG at Tomthetrainerfitness, Facebook at Tom Trainer Mouland, or Book a Free Strategy Call 👉 https://tomthetrainerfitness.com/dominate to apply for coachingDon't forget to join Tom The Trainer’s Tribe!Have the best day ever!146. #146 If nothing changes, somethings gotta change...
38:17||Ep. 146In 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 risking your spine. From thoracic rotations to bird dogs and side planks, I lay out a safe and effective approach for anyone with back issues, and show how these same strategies boost lifting performance and injury prevention.The episode then shifts to rebuilding after a long layoff: how to structure your program, manage volume, and reignite fat loss when cutting calories isn’t enough. I explain why full-body workouts work best for recomposition and metabolic recovery, and how to scale your training from two to five days per week for optimal results. And also dive into training volume, how to prioritize legs, and why generic “bro splits” are the wrong move for most people returning to the gym.In the back half of the show, I answer a tough question about progressive overload, training to failure, and whether you ever really hit your “genetic potential.” From programming adjustments to the psychological signs of burnout, I share how to spot plateaus early and pivot strategically, whether that means less frequency, more intensity, or a total reset.If you're serious about long-term results and want to stop spinning your wheels, this episode is packed with raw insights, advanced coaching, and just enough sarcasm to keep it fun.And if you want to transform your body, message me the word "Coaching" on IG at Tomthetrainerfitness, Facebook at Tom Trainer Mouland, or Book a Free Strategy Call 👉 https://tomthetrainerfitness.com/dominate to apply for coachingDon't forget to join Tom The Trainer’s Tribe!Have the best day ever!145. #145 Substance vs Status with Andrew Coates
54:42||Ep. 145In 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 chase online status from those who build real authority and deliver lasting results. Andrew opens up about the reality of fake followers, algorithm-driven content fatigue, and how so many creators focus more on clicks than impact. The conversation pulls back the curtain on what it takes to build a coaching business rooted in actual transformation rather than vanity metrics.We also dig into the deeper psychological challenges that hold people back, from clients stuck in cycles of self-sabotage to coaches paralyzed by perfectionism or fear of being judged online. We both reflect on how emotional narratives, limiting beliefs, and identity-based roadblocks show up in both fitness and entrepreneurship, and how becoming aware of these patterns is the first step toward breaking free.Andrew shares his own path from personal trainer to published writer for T Nation, Men’s Health, and EliteFTS, and offers insight into developing new skills, like writing and video, while managing time, energy, and the demands of a growing business.Along the way, he and I get honest about the trade-offs, the doubts, and the mindset shifts that helped them evolve personally and professionally.If you’re a coach, a serious fitness enthusiast, or someone striving to level up your life and career without losing your integrity, this conversation will hit hard, and give you plenty to reflect on.Tune in and make sure to follow Andrew on his socials!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewcoatesfitness/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.coates.58Andrew's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2xrSYK2TnWfgMdhhjNYPt2?si=2f627a8bfaf14899Have the best day ever!144. #144 "It's Complicated"
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41:41||Ep. 142In 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 goalsHow to build glutes that grow (including his favorite go-to glute exercise)Stomach vacuuming, transverse abdominis training, and why posture and mobility matter for core controlBicep biomechanics, carry angles, and how individual anatomy affects your curlsThe importance of training muscles through full contractions, not just mid-range, for size, strength, and joint healthHow to balance cardio and lifting without burning out, especially if you're training for an eventI also break down how to structure your training week based on your goals, intensity, and recovery, and why sometimes doing less can lead to better gains.If you’re ready to train smarter, ditch the dogma, and actually enjoy your progress, this episode is packed with real-world insights you can use immediately.Want to transform your body in the next 12 weeks? Join Tom The Trainer’s Tribe, and message me the word “coaching” on Instagram at Tomthetrainerfitness or Facebook at Tom Trainer Mouland!Have the best day ever!