In this episode, Joe Drake and Gini Grimsley (PPSC, Unbreakable App) break down what smart, sustainable training actually looks like for women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond. They cover the biggest mistakes people make when restarting their fitness journey, why body-part splits often fail real humans, and how to train for power, strength, and longevity without burning out.

Perfect for personal trainers, fitness enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to feel strong, resilient, and pain-free for life.

Joe sits down with Dr. Eric Otero of Pinnacle Movement & Performance to break down what really causes most hip and low back pain — and why stretching isn’t always the answer. They dig into the difference between traditional PT and performance-based care, how to spot when pain is a strength issue vs. a mobility issue, and the simple exercises that build truly resilient hips and spinal stability.

Whether you're a personal trainer or an active adult dealing with nagging back or hip tightness, this episode gives you clear, practical strategies to understand pain, move with confidence, and train smarter.

In this week’s episode of The Training Project Podcast, Joe reconnects with London-based trainer and OYM Studio founder Alex Marks — more than a decade after they first met working at a boys’ sports camp. Alex has built an incredible career spanning TV, entrepreneurship, and personal training, and his philosophy flips the script on what fitness really means.

They dive deep into why “fat loss isn’t the goal,” how empathy and communication shape coaching success, and why strength training is at the heart of longevity. From pre- and postnatal training to creating global fitness travel experiences with Surf Yoga Beer, Alex shares a refreshingly real take on what it means to help people live stronger, fuller lives.

• Why “fat loss” misses the point — and what the real goal should be

• How to coach with empathy and build a lasting career in fitness

• The trap of exercise “entertainment” vs. real skill development

• The rise of strength training for women and breaking the “skinny” mindset

• The power of teaching clients self-sufficiency instead of dependence

• Why in-person coaching still beats digital — and always will

• Building confidence through strength and the ripple effect beyond the gym

• The story behind Alex’s work with new moms and pre/postnatal fitness

• Fitness as connection: how Surf Yoga Beer is redefining wellness travel

• The “Turn Left” philosophy — choosing growth over comfort

“Fat loss is a great sales point — but real progress starts when we build strength, not just chase smaller numbers.”

“Empathy and accountability outlast every trend in fitness.”

“There’s no substitute for human interaction — coaching in person is irreplaceable.”

“Turn left. That’s where growth happens.”

• Instagram: @on.your.marks

• Studio: OYM PT Studio – London, UK

• Global Fitness Adventures: Surf Yoga Beer