In this episode, Jason Sweet interviews Julie LaFontaine, a dedicated member of Axis Strength Training. Julie shares her journey from a cardio-focused fitness routine to embracing strength training, inspired by her daughter Taryn, who is also a coach at Axis. Throughout the conversation, Julie discusses her personal growth, the supportive community at Axis, and the challenges she has overcome, including her battle with breast cancer. She emphasizes the importance of being coachable, pushing oneself, and the joy of inspiring others in their fitness journeys. Julie also shares her aspiration to conquer the 46 high peaks in New York, showcasing her adventurous spirit and determination.

takeaways

• Julie started training at Axis in 2021 after her daughter encouraged her to focus on strength training.
• Being coached by her daughter Taryn is a joy and a unique experience.
• The supportive community at Axis has played a crucial role in Julie's fitness journey.
• Julie has developed friendships and has been inspired by other members at Axis.
• She emphasizes the importance of being coachable for new members.
• Julie has overcome significant challenges, including her battle with breast cancer.
• She can now do push-ups, a feat she once thought impossible.
• Julie encourages others to push themselves beyond their comfort zones.
• Her journey has inspired others at the gym to pursue their fitness goals.
• Julie is working towards hiking all 46 high peaks in New York, showcasing her adventurous spirit.

Sound Bites

• "I can do things I've never done before!"
• "I couldn't do it. So I gave up."
• "Be coachable."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Julie Lafontaine

08:50

The Joy of Being Coached by Family

17:14

Overcoming Challenges and Building Strength

23:46

Final Thoughts and Motivation

24:44

Introduction to Axis Strength Training

24:50

The Importance of Strength Training

In this episode, Jason Sweet discusses the controversial GLP-1 drugs, originally designed for diabetes management but now widely used for weight loss. He emphasizes that while these drugs can aid in weight loss, they do not address the underlying issues of unhealthy habits and can lead to muscle loss. Jason advocates for building sustainable health habits through nutrition, strength training, and lifestyle changes, rather than relying solely on medication. He critiques the healthcare system for perpetuating dependency on quick fixes and encourages listeners to focus on long-term health solutions.

takeaways

• GLP-1 drugs can help with weight loss but have limitations.
• Stopping the medication often leads to regained weight.
• Muscle loss is a significant side effect of these drugs.
• Building a foundation of healthy habits is crucial.
• Real food, strength training, and recovery are essential for health.
• The healthcare system often promotes dependency on medications.
• Healthy habits should be prioritized over quick fixes.
• Strength training helps maintain muscle mass and metabolism.
• GLP-1 drugs should be a temporary tool, not a permanent solution.
• A strong mindset is key to sustainable health.

Sound Bites

• "The hunger comes right back."
• "Muscle is our longevity."
• "No injections required."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to GLP-1 Drugs

01:34

Weight Loss and Side Effects of GLP-1 Drugs

04:36

The Importance of Muscle Mass

06:36

Building Sustainable Habits for Long-Term Success

08:48

Conclusion and Final Thoughts on GLP-1 Drugs

09:25

Introduction to Axis Strength Training

09:31

The Importance of Strength Training

axisstrengthtraining.com

In this episode, Jason Sweet interviews Brandon Lehr, a firefighter who overcame a life-altering motorcycle accident. Brandon shares his journey from the accident, which left him with severe injuries, to his remarkable recovery and return to work. He discusses the importance of mental resilience, the role of physical fitness in his survival, and the support he received from his community and therapists. Brandon emphasizes the significance of mental health and encourages others to seek help when needed.

takeaways

• Brandon's journey showcases incredible resilience and determination.
• Physical fitness played a crucial role in his survival after the accident.
• Mental health is just as important as physical health.
• Support from friends and community is vital during recovery.
• Therapy can help in overcoming mental struggles and stigma.
• Brandon's mindset shifted from defeat to determination after a doctor's appointment.
• The road to recovery was long and challenging, taking over a year.
• Brandon emphasizes the importance of adapting workouts to individual needs.
• He encourages others to push through challenges and not give up.
• Brandon's story serves as an inspiration for those facing adversity.

titles

• From Tragedy to Triumph: Brandon's Inspiring Journey
• Overcoming Adversity: Brandon Lehr's Road to Recovery

Sound Bites

• "I was literally broken from head to toe."
• "I was determined to prove him wrong."
• "I still go just to keep the ball rolling."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Brandon Laird's Journey

04:36

The Motorcycle Accident: A Life-Changing Event

10:20

The Road to Recovery: Overcoming Physical and Mental Challenges

16:37

Lessons Learned: Strength and Resilience

20:37

The Importance of Mental Health and Support

22:53

Introduction to Axis Strength Training

23:00

The Importance of Strength Training

In this episode, Jason Sweet shares his actionable plan for losing 10 pounds by summer. He emphasizes the importance of setting clear daily habits, staying hydrated, increasing protein intake, and incorporating strength training and movement into daily routines. The conversation provides practical tips and motivation for anyone looking to achieve their weight loss goals.

takeaways

• Get clear on daily habits to reach your goal.
• Write down your daily tasks and display them.
• Drink a minimum of 64 ounces of water daily.
• Cut out alcohol to help with weight loss.
• Aim for one gram of protein per pound of lean body weight.
• Strength training should be done 3-5 times a week.
• Walking 10,000 steps a day is beneficial.
• Find ways to stay active throughout the day.
• Consistency is key to achieving weight loss goals.
• Reach out for support if needed.

titles

Sound Bites

• "Lose 10 pounds by summer!"

Chapters

00:00

Setting the Goal: Losing 10 Pounds by Summer

02:00

Daily Habits for Weight Loss Success

06:40

Strength Training and Movement: Key Components

08:44

Recap and Final Thoughts on Weight Loss

axisstrengthtraining.com

In this episode, Jason Sweet discusses the essentials of a good strength training program for individuals over 30. He emphasizes the importance of recovery, the necessity of compound movements, and the role of mobility and stability in maintaining a healthy training regimen. Jason also highlights the significance of smart progression and adaptability in workouts, encouraging listeners to train smarter as they age. The conversation concludes with a motivational message about the benefits of strength training at any age.

takeaways

• Recovery is as important as the workout itself.
• Prioritize rest days in your training schedule.
• Incorporate compound movements into your routine.
• Mobility and stability are crucial for longevity in training.
• Smart progression is better than constant grinding.
• Adapt your program to life changes and injuries.
• Shorter workouts can still be effective.
• Strength training can be beneficial at any age.
• Consistency in training is key to improvement.
• A good program focuses on how you feel, not just how you look.

titles

Strength Training After 30: What You Need to Know

Sound Bites

• "Smart progression beats constant grinding."
• "Focus on consistency rather than intensity."
• "Life happens and your program needs to adapt."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Strength Training Over 30

03:04

The Importance of Recovery

05:59

Core Movements for Strength Training

08:53

Mobility and Stability in Training

11:57

Smart Progression and Adaptability

14:52

Conclusion and Encouragement

4 Hard Truths That Are Stunting Your Progress in the Gym

At Axis Strength Training, we’re here to help you get better — not just pat you on the back. So here’s some tough love. If you’ve been grinding in the gym but not seeing results, one (or more) of these four things might be holding you back. Let’s get real.

1. You're Not Consistent Enough

You train hard for a few weeks or maybe a couple of months, then life happens — a vacation, a busy week — and suddenly you're out of the routine. You wonder why progress isn’t coming.

Here’s the truth: consistency isn’t about crushing it for a few weeks. It’s about showing up 3–6 days a week, every week, for months and years.

You didn’t get out of shape in six weeks. You’re not going to fix it in six either. Fitness is not a short-term challenge — it’s a lifelong commitment. Stop thinking in weeks and start thinking in years.

2. You're Not Fueling Your Body Properly

After helping hundreds of people with their nutrition, here’s something I’ve learned: almost everyone thinks they eat healthy — and most of them are wrong.

Unless you’re part of the 1% with a legitimate metabolic or medical issue, the reality is this: you’re eating more than you think. If you're gaining weight, it’s because you're in a calorie surplus. That’s it. No mystery. No magic.

If you’re not tracking your food intake, you have no idea how much you're actually eating. Want clarity? Track everything you eat for a month. Weigh it. Measure it. Be honest. You don’t have to do it forever, but if you truly want results, you need real data — not guesses.

3. You’re Not Pushing Yourself Hard Enough

You don’t need to destroy yourself every workout, but you do need to push. That means increasing your weights, reps, or intensity over time.

If you want to build muscle, tone up, or get stronger, your workouts should feel uncomfortable. You should be sweating. Your muscles should be burning. You should be hitting or approaching failure during your sets.

If you’re going through the motions, lifting the same weights, avoiding discomfort — don’t be surprised when your results stall. Growth happens on the edge of your comfort zone.

4. You're Drinking Too Much

No, we're not saying you can’t enjoy the occasional drink. But if you're doing everything else right — eating well, training consistently, pushing hard — and still not seeing results, alcohol might be the issue.

If your routine includes 3 or more drinks a night or binging on the weekends, that’s going to kill your progress. Not only are you adding hundreds of empty calories (hello, calorie surplus), but you’re also wrecking your recovery. Alcohol disrupts sleep, blunts muscle repair, and derails your energy.

You don’t have to give it up completely — but if you’re serious about reaching your goals, it’s time to be honest about how much you're drinking and how it's affecting your performance.

How We Can Help

These are the four most common roadblocks I’ve seen in over a decade of coaching. If you recognize yourself in any of these, you’re not alone — but it’s time to make a change.

If you're ready to break through these barriers, reach out to us at axisstrengthtraining@gmail.com to schedule a goal review. We'll help you build a plan that works — and keeps...

In this episode, Jason Sweet interviews Mary Abruzzese, a member of Axis Strength Training and a former strongman competitor. They discuss Mary's athletic background, her journey back into fitness, and the supportive community at Axis. Mary shares how strength training has impacted her confidence and life, her motivations for attending classes, and her advice for beginners. The conversation highlights the importance of community, personal growth, and the joy of fitness.

takeaways

• Mary is a former strongman competitor and CrossFit coach.
• She found Axis Strength Training after exploring local gyms.
• The supportive community at Axis has helped her stay consistent.
• Strength training has significantly boosted her confidence.
• Mary emphasizes the importance of scaling workouts to individual levels.
• She finds motivation in the community and the fun aspects of training.
• Mary appreciates the non-competitive atmosphere at Axis.
• She encourages beginners to just show up and participate.
• Active recovery, like walking with her dog, is important to her.
• Mary values lifelong learning and personal growth through fitness.

titles

• Strength Training and Community: A Conversation with Mary Abruzzese
• Building Confidence Through Fitness: Mary Abruzzese's Journey

Sound Bites

• "It's fun to be involved."
• "I love the stickers."
• "I want people to succeed."

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Mary Abruzzese

03:31

Mary's Athletic Journey and Background

06:27

Finding Axis Strength Training

09:47

The Impact of Strength Training on Confidence

12:38

Community and Support at Axis

15:38

Motivation and Goals in Fitness

18:31

Advice for Beginners in Strength Training

21:33

Personal Insights and Fun Questions

29:42

Introduction to Axis Strength Training

29:49

The Importance of Strength Training

In this episode, Jason answers the question "What is the best advice that you would you give someone who wants to get in shape?"

Jason discusses how to simplify your efforts by narrowing your focus to 4 areas.

• Prioritize protein
• Drink more water
• Lift weights 3-5 times a week
• Move for 30 mins a day

The goal is to make fitness as simple and effective as possible and avoid over complicating it.