The Training Arc

We basically have instant access to whatever information we could want at our finger tips. At first, this sounds great and it certainly can be; however, information and action are far between. Further, there can be a point of information overload leading to confusion and paralysis.

This frustration is completely justified and honestly, both sides of the party (creators & consumers) are likely to experience it to some degree.

Whether it is improper analysis of research, inflammatory + provocative words, or not considering the context of the situation, there is much that can be done from us all to foster an environment conducive to truly helping people.

In today's episode, dive further into this topic and provide some actionable points for creators and consumers to help take a step towards progress.

Here are some of the main points we touch on:

• We ALL can be better as creators & consumers: a little bit of effort goes a long way

• The importance of context in communication; much more than meets the eye

• The role of critical thinking: Are we asking too much? Or not enough?

• Question EVERYTHING: Where is the information coming from? Who is saying it? How are they saying it?

• The hierarchy of scientific evidence: systematic review to anecdotes and observations; each have a time and a place

• Individualisation is crucial; everyone has their own unique goals, resources, & preferences

• Fostering a supportive community in health and fitness

What is a topic that you find confusing in the fitness realm?

Let us know in the comments below!

If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options!

Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3

Jake Remmert, PhD:

[social media] https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_phd/

⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com

Colby Sousa, PhD:

[social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠

[coaching]⁠ Message IG/email or fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iBvnnE7NMUpV2f7E9

The Training Arc crew receives more letters to add at the end of any and all social media! More specifically, Jake has officially and successfully completed his PhD🥳🎓

The PhD endeavor is anything but an easy one; however, as we know from Full Metal Alchemist, the law of equivalent exchange exists, meaning, Jake has received much in return of all the time, effort, and tears. Many, many tears, from Colby also... we cry a lot here at TTA okay and we are dang proud of that🤣

In this episode, we take a look at Jake's PhD journey, allowing him to reflect on what it means to him, some practical takeaways, and much more!Here are some of the main points we touch on:

---Celebrating the win; Jake has done it (with flying colors too)!

---The importance of mentorship and how it can make all the difference

---It really does take a village; the value of community and collaboration

---Overcoming challenges and building confidence: difficult parts of the journey and major takeaways---How to do hard things & why it is important to do them

---What does the next Arc look like for Jake? How do you approach a difficult task and/or journey? What helps you break through that initial resistance and take the first step? Let us know in the comments below!

If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options!

Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3

Jake Remmert, PhD: [social media] / jake.remmert.phd ⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com

Colby Sousa, PhD: [social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠ [coaching]⁠ Message IG/email or fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iBvnnE7NMUpV2f7E9

All the training, dieting, cardio, the highs and the lows all come down to one day; more specifically, only a few minutes.

The work has been mostly done, though, you must now execute both in mind and on stage, to proudly showcase what you were able to  accomplish.

Sharing this time with others who have embarked on their own journey is very special and together, everyone gets to celebrate.

It is very likely that you will feel the whole spectrum of emotions, from nerves to excitement and even some sadness.

In this episode, we get the full run down of how Colby's first competition went.

Here are some of the main points we touch on:

• What does the check in process the day before look like? Polygraph, tanning and more

• Be kind to those running/helping out with the show: everyone is stressed and this makes their and your experience better!

• How do you go about managing your nerves and expectations on show day? It can make or break you

• What is it like being on stage all alone *gulp* and with others?

• Practice your posing, posing, posing and oh yeah, posing (it is VERY important)

• Going pro at your first show: unexpected yet welcomed; but, does it change anything?

• The end of one arc, but the beginning of an other: reflections on the journey, outcome and path ahead

How did you feel when accomplishing a big fitness goal? Body composition change, new personal best lift, anything that you are proud of!

Let us know in the comments below!

If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options!

Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3

Jake Remmert, PhD(c):

[social media]https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_coach/

⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com

Colby Sousa, PhD:

[social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠

[coaching]⁠ Message IG/email or fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iBvnnE7NMUpV2f7E9

It is difficult to accurately explain how prep feels to those who have not experienced it themselves.

This is not a form of gatekeeping or sense of superiority, rather, it’s one of those things that is better felt than said or heard.

Not only are you trekking through unknown territories, but it all comes at you with greater intensities. This causes some to crumble while others, to evolve.

Of course, you do not need to prep to experiences instances like this but man, to embark on this quest is ever so rewarding.

The saying “it’s all about the journey, not the destination” could not be more accurate.

In this episode, we take a look into Colby’s recent prep experience and some of those feelings as well as how he navigated them.

Here are some of the main points we touch on:

• Pushing limits and embracing challenges; the recipe for growth

• Finding structure in the chaos; creating sustainable habits and the power of routine

• What exactly do you experience during those challenging times in prep? Feelings and thoughts unlike anything else

• Being present with ALL feelings, the “good”, the “bad”, lethargy, bliss, hunger, fulfillment

• What exactly is peak week and how much does it matter? Putting the cherry on top of a successful prep

• Getting ready for the big day; a celebration of the journey and all the good that has come out of it

How do you get through difficult sessions in your training/body composition journey?

If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options!

Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3

Jake Remmert, PhD(c):

[social media]https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_coach/

⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com

Colby Sousa, PhD:

[social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠

[coaching]⁠ Message IG/email or fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iBvnnE7NMUpV2f7E9

*insert witty comment about not calling it a comeback and/or never leaving + a dash of "we are back bayyyyybeeeee"*

After being recruited to slay the dragon deep in the belly of the mountains of Academestria, Jake has returned with not only the head of the beast, but wealth beyond measure in many a form. Oh yeah, and also a really cool sword that like, cuts anything and has a cool hilt!

Our other protagonist Colby found himself traveling deeper into the Forest of Hypertrophungrious faced with enemies never yet met, posing challenges that poked at his very core. The precedent of this journey was that the bounty would be the journey itself and while very true, unforeseen rewards had bestowed him upon journey's end. So, umm, he had tons of fun and stuff but also got a sweet shiny helmet that Leonidas himself would be jelly of.

Now, more than ever, we are just damn excited and grateful to be back with The Training Arc! In this episode, we talk about the last few months as well as what we have in store for the upcoming ones.

Here are some of the main points we touch on:

• Extending our gratitude to YOU for all the support and love!

• Taking a rest by the fire to restore mana, health, and prepare for the upcoming adventures

• Jake discusses wrapping up the PhD and his experiences with the application process for a university position; where does he land? What cool stuff is in store for this next chapter?

• Colby talks about his experience with his first bodybuilding competition; lots of fun and truly being present every step of the way. More bodybuilding to come?

• Jake + Colby take a minute to celebrate their wins; a rare moment, but an integral part of the journey (yay for growth!)

• Where will this next Arc take Jake, Colby & the listeners? COMMUNITY + CONNECTION and reflecting on our values

What would you like to see from The Training Arc? Let us know in the comments below!

If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options!

Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3

Jake Remmert, PhD(c):

[social media]https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_coach/

⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com

Colby Sousa, PhD:

[social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠

[coaching]⁠ Message IG/email or fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iBvnnE7NMUpV2f7E9

*sniff, sniff* Do you smell that?

Yup, smells like a masterpiece in the oven crafted only by the finest and highest quality ingredients. All of the flavors are getting to know each other in the oven which only enhances the aroma, desire, and inevitable delectable encounter that is about to ensue.

Oh, wait, you though we were talking about cake? Or perhaps some other delicious food? Nope, sorry, but we are talking about none other but another podcast episode from The Training Arc!

Not to worry though, if you were really looking forward to something tasty, I promise you, the content will satisfy the craving!

Since we are on the topic of food, what better of a time to talk about how to navigate situations of traveling and food!

A potential time of stress and uncertainty, not only because of the fear of travel but even worse, the fear of the unknown, not having your normal comfortable routine, food and the rest of your appliances.

Instead of being consumed by that fear, we dive deep into the recipe for chewing through all the fat and focusing on delectable and tangible takeaways to fill not only your stomachs, but your brain too!

Here are some of the meals we chef up:

• Understanding your goals and timeline; different strokes for different folks

• Dissecting what kind of trip it is: duration + density determines decisions

• Keepin’ it real: what can you realistically do? From here, we can make more appropriate decisions

• Incorporating flexibility in an effective manner; how flexible CAN and SHOULD you be?

• How to balance enjoyment and your goals; fail to plan, plan to fail (but how true is that really?)

• Tracking vs intuitive eating; adjusting the dial without going senile

• Post travel recovery period: getting back on track sans heart attack

How do you approach nutrition while traveling? Let us know in the comments below!

If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options!

Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3

Jake Remmert, PhD(c):

[social media]https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_coach/

⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com

Colby Sousa, PhD:

[social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠

[coaching]⁠ Message IG/email or fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iBvnnE7NMUpV2f7E9

With Halloween just around the corner (wait... what... how is it actually that close? THAT is actually scary), we find it fitting to tackle our fears head on.

A common fear that people tend to have is that they will lose all their gains when/if they have to do some traveling. The thought alone is indeed scary but, does is really need to be?

Is this fear warranted? Or is it misplaced energy and can be accounted for with focusing on some tangible pieces of evidence from the literature as well as practical experience?

Hop in the Mystery machine and join Scoob and the gang on this episode of The Training Arc where we unmask this villain once and for all!

Here are some of the mysteries we uncover:

• Confronting the fear of traveling and training; will you simply wither away?

• Navigating emotional responses to training disruptions: equipping yourself with the right mindset

• Understanding what happens during training cessation: you can get away with a lot less than you think

• The spectrum of traveling and training: keeping things exactly the same or no training at all? Context, flexibility & principles

• The interplay between volume and intensity + how to apply this favorably in your situation

• Keep it simple silly: exercise selection and adaptation on the go

• The Chef vs Cook analogy: making a great recipe with the ingredients at hand

How do you approach training while traveling? Let us know in the comments below!

If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options!

Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3

Jake Remmert, PhD(c):

[social media]https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_coach/

⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com

Colby Sousa, PhD:

[social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠

[coaching]⁠ Message IG/email or fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iBvnnE7NMUpV2f7E9

Okay, maybe suffering is too strong of a word, or for some, not strong enough. That ambiguity is exactly why we decided to talk about this interesting topic essentially exploring "why people do hard things", from the lens of bodybuilding.

When you take an honest look at bodybuilding, its brutal; however, once you peel back the layers and examine just how much you can gain from such a transformative experience, you may understand why it is an endeavor people choose and often, fully embrace as a lifestyle.

Of course, bodybuilding is more on the extreme end of the resistance training spectrum; but, even those along any level who embrace the iron lifestyle can resonate with these notions so please do not feel that this is only for bodybuilders to listen to!

We can all gain insight into mindset, delayed gratification, loving the journey and much more from this so we look forward to hearing what you think! 😊

Here are some of the topics we cover:

• Discussing the nature of suffering in bodybuilding

• Colby’s reflection on his recent trip which posed a challenge to the bodybuilding journey; thus, invoking this notion of whether or not to continue an inherently difficult endeavor

• The choice to embrace hardship; why anyone would ever consider such a thing

• The journey of self discovery; not exclusive to bodybuilding but, perhaps nothing else quite like it

• Discussing the pivotal role that anime plays in teaching valuable lessons similar to bodybuilding and how we use this as an advantageous tool

• Intentionality in bodybuilding; delayed gratification at the highest degree

• Authentic bodybuilding; not just a tag line, but a VALUE we hold dear to us and how discussing topics like this are more important than ever

Why do you actively choose to do hard things and why is that important to you? Let us know in the comments below!

If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options!

Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3

Jake Remmert, PhD(c):

[social media]https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_coach/

⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com

Colby Sousa, PhD:

[social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠

[coaching]⁠ Message IG/email or fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iBvnnE7NMUpV2f7E9

I can't believe it, we are actually talking about the "C" word on a podcast episode... Yup, all lifters sworn enemy, cardio *audible gasps fill the air* 😱

All jokes aside, while the memes may be strong with cardio, it is still a vital piece to the overall health and fitness journey.

In this episode, we discuss our views on cardio, how we implement it in our own/clients training and much more as seen below!

Here are some of the topics we cover:

• Defining cardio; operational definitions and why we would even consider something other than pumping iron

• The interference effect: what is it and why it is not as scary as some make it out to be (i.e. does cardio actually ruin your gains?)

• A few goalposts to keep in mind to make integrating cardio easily into your lifestyle

• Cardio is NOT the enemy and it can actually be fun; it’s all in the approach

• Personal preferences matter; pick a modality you enjoy, you don’t need to suffer

• Pairing cardio with other fun activities/habits/people; anime + cardio = the secret 😉

• A potentially “hot take” on fasted cardio and the importance of fostering a positive relationship with exercise

How do YOU incorporate cardio into your lifestyle/routine? Let us know in the comments below!

If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options!

Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3

Jake Remmert, PhD(c):

[social media]https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_coach/

⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com

Colby Sousa, PhD:

[social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠

[coaching]⁠ Message IG/email or fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iBvnnE7NMUpV2f7E9

In this episode, we talk about the simple gesture of "just ask". Whether it be a question, being curious about opportunities, seeking direction or simply just sparking conversation, so many great things can come from such a simple action. We talk about some general ideas of this concept and then go into depth of our own journeys and how great things have stemmed from asking.

Here are some of the topics we cover:

• The power of asking questions; yes, sometimes it is that simple

• Why is something so simple so complex? How to navigate this conundrum

• Overcoming self-doubt and the fear of rejection - it is not as scary as you may think, we promise!

• Building confidence through experience: sharing our journeys of self discovery; all stemmed from asking

• The butterfly effect of opportunities: just jump right in and build momentum, worry about the specifics later

• Mentorship and learning from others: having the right team in your corner makes all the difference, choose wisely

• Nobody has it all figured out, no matter how much they might try to make you believe so online; just keep going, embrace the journey and have FUN along the way 🙂

What is a question you have always wanted to ask us? How can we best help YOU? Let us know in the comments below!

If you want to expedite your training and nutrition goals while maximizing your knowledge and enjoyment of the process, reach out to either one of us to explore coaching options!

Discord server link: https://discord.gg/c5HMDj4tX3

Jake Remmert, PhD(c):

[social media]https://www.instagram.com/jake.remmert_coach/

⁠[coaching] jakeremmert.com

Colby Sousa, PhD:

[social media]⁠ ⁠ ⁠instagram.com/colby.sousa⁠⁠

[coaching]⁠ Message IG/email or fill out this form: https://forms.gle/iBvnnE7NMUpV2f7E9