S1E4: Wild Wellness: Impact Magazine's Top Trainers in Canada w/ Tommy Europe, Brent Bishop

Today I chat with Tommy Europe and Brent Bishop. All three of us were nominated for by Impact Magazine the first year they chose Canada’s top trainers. We all come from different background and specialties. But we reflect, share, and explore what we’ve learned from working with our clients in this powerful discussion. We’ll each be leading a week long fitness retreat in Fairmont Banff Springs.

If you’d like to train with us, head over to: https://www.banff-springs-hotel.com/offers/wild-wellness/

#fitnessretreats #wildwellness #IMPACTmagazine

Connect with Tommy:

Website: https://trainwithtommy.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommyeurope

Connect with Brent:

Website: https://iambishop.com/

Train: https://www.thinkfitnessstudios.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iambishop

Tish (00:00):

Welcome to strong bodies by Tish podcast. I am so excited that I finally have this podcast and this platform to share my experiences with you 30 years of experience. I love to talk, I love to share my stories through this podcast. I hope we get inspired, motivated to live a happier, healthier life. Please enjoy. Okay, so first of all, thank you gentlemen. So very much for joining my podcast. I am super pumped that both of you agreed to do this. This actually wasn't my idea. This was my husband's idea. He's like, I've got a great idea for one of your podcasts. And I thought that was brilliant. I was a bit nervous to ask you guys, but you both jumped on it right away and said no problem. So thank you so much, Tommy, you're actually in the Bab Springs hotel, as we speak you're in the middle of the, BAMF re a wellness retreat. We're going to talk a little bit more about that later on, but first of all, I wanted to just re or introduce to whoever's listening exactly who you are. So, Brent you just give us a go of who you are, how long have you been in the industry? And then we'll move into Tommy.

Brent (01:19):

Sure. Yeah. So I'm Brent Bishop. I'm situated in Toronto. I'm originally from the west coast. I think vice versa with Tommy, I believe. And I've been in the industry. I'm going to date myself here, but Jesus it's well over 25 years you know, started out in, in in the Vancouver area, working for a company there and then got transferred to California for about a year, decided to do my own thing, came up to Toronto and, and been here ever since. And you know, my whole approach is just to inspire an active lifestyle through fitness, adventure, and media. So those are the three segments, the segmentations that I do within the industry. I'm the fitness expert on Cityline here, which is a national sort of daytime lifestyle show, which is a lot of fun.

Brent (02:07):

I tend to do a lot of sort of lifestyle oriented campaigns and, and retreats as well, which I know we'll talk about later. And that's kinda my passion, you know, just helping people be exposed to fitness, whatever that is for them and be as active as they can. Another aspect of things that I do with my studio. I'm the founder of Think fitness studios here in Toronto. And we like to gently push people out of their comfort zone to even try events like bucket lists, list events. So we've done, Kilimanjaro magic Picchu, canyon, Costa Rica. So we always try to plan something that gets people out of their normal framework, something that they can actually train for. So a lot of them are racist or, or big hikes, things like that. Just big accomplishments that you come back from and, and you're never the same after in, in a positive way. So I think in a nutshell that's me.

Tish (02:58):

That's amazing. Thanks, Brent. How about You Tommy? 

Tommy (03:01):

Well, I've also been in the industry for a long time, although I update myself also, I might be a little bit older than Brent. For, you know, fitness has been a part of my life forever. I played professional football for 11 years and then transitioned into fitness. Along the way I've had a couple of television shows, the last 10 pounds bootcamp and bulging brides, which were reality-based shows obviously focused on helping people lose weight quickly, but effectively and building lifelong habits. Fitness for me is a backbone. I've created my own philosophy. The shred shred philosophy for strength, heart resilience, efficiency, and discipline. All five of those factors are part of every success story. And just, I go about ways of expressing myself through different bootcamps. I've traveled the country doing strep bootcamps. You've been to every province and up north and places that I never thought I would find myself. I've been doing retreats for the last five years with evolve retreat, comfort co, and then now obviously doing this stuff with Fairmont Banff Springs and yeah, that's, that's my passion. I've also been a stunt actor for the last 16 years. So when I'm not training people, I am trying to rehab myself from falling.

Tommy (04:30):

That's me in a nutshell.

Impact Magazine

Tish (04:33):

Wow. That's amazing. I feel quite honored to be in the likes of both of you. You're very well established and very well known in the industry. Both Tommy and Brent were nominated as impact magazines. Canada's top trainers. Now, what year do you remember? Was it the first year?

Tommy (04:57):

I was the first two.

Tish (04:59):

First two and

Brent (05:01):

Brian was 2018.

Tish (05:04):

Okay. And that was like, I know it. Doesn't time go by so fast when you fast. Yeah, I know. It's crazy. I know, I think all three of us are actually nominated the same year. And so do both of you teach, so both are both of you still training people face to face then?

Brent (05:27):

Yup. I have a team here at my studio that does most of the training, but to be honest with you, I started training a lot more once COVID hit in terms of like doing, getting a virtual. So, you know, it opened up the barriers to being trained people. I'll get people in California and New York, Vancouver where I would only generally see them when I would go visit and then put them on a program now it's every week, you know, it's so accessible and we're all aware that it's virtual as an option. So I'm busier than I have been for some time, but yeah, I still do some training. I have my own clients that I work with.

Tommy (06:05):

I'm in the same kind of boat once COVID came in, it was all gone virtual training. I trained my client base primarily actors because I am in the film industry and I do have a name throughout the industry as a stunt performer. And then obviously working in all these shows, I know a lot of the leads and they'll kind of reach out to me when different actors are in town for movies. So that part of it for me is, it is a lot of fun. I've also what I, you know, I used to travel around doing boot camps for years. Now I do it more virtually, so it's all virtual boot camps and that kind of took off through COVID as well, and just nice, easy ways to get people moving where they don't need to be in a gym that can be bodyweight stuff. And you know, they can add as much variety as possible. And I think with the two of you guys as well, and then obviously you guys are coming up to bam Springs as well. It'll give everybody a nice range. And some of the things that I've done out here, I know we'll get into that a little bit later on is just showing people what they can do with minimal equipment to none.

Tish (07:11):

Yeah, absolutely. I think that has been one of the biggest changes in this because of COVID, but also because of all of the changes in the industry over the past, I'd say probably decade, just how easy it is for people's favorite trainer to have access to Pete. Their favorite trainer doesn't need to be in the same area or city. You literally can train with whoever you want now. Virtually, which is fantastic. Now, do both of you, when you say virtually, do you do you use some sort of app or is it literally like you're live training them face-to-face instead of in the same room, you're just doing it over a computer. Is that, how is that what you're doing for both of you?

Virtual Training Adjustments

Brent (08:03):

I mean, for me, it's a combination of both. So I told him, probably did this too. What the program is over the course of COVID. I had some more time to actually create content. So I, you know, I I've created a series of videos that I will, you know, you can package them for clients or, or even use just one-offs, you know, here's a mobility program to work on that so that they can get that they can put you on their TV and they can follow you and, and get it that way. Or if the, you know, live on the screen is the other aspect of what I do. So it's a combination of the two and I like it. I like the combination, actually it works well.

Tommy (08:37):

Yeah, same here. I mean for me it's both the same initially. The online training that I provided was, I have a bunch of content and a bunch of work exercises, and I put a lot of programs together. So anybody who wants to train with me online will get their personalized app. So they get things sent directly to them. They can message me directly. And then obviously when COVID came in, then started adding some more live one-on-one. So I'm in my gym, wherever I am, you're in your gym or your house or you're outside. And I can see exactly what you're doing just as if you were right beside me, but you could be halfway around the world. So I think that's great for trainers. That's great for great flexibility for clients as well. And that, yeah, the response has been great. And I see that combination of both live in-person and virtually you know, taking place in, consecutively consecutively throughout the future.

Tish (09:40):

Amazing. That's so cool. Now I want to take advantage of having both of you on this podcast, because you have, obviously with all your experiences, have so much knowledge through the years of training, from certain individuals. So I want to take, because we do have a couple of types of people listening, beginner type trainers who are just getting in the industry. I don't know if you guys ever have people reaching out to you, but I have quite often new trainers reaching out to me asking if they can do quick interviews and want to learn how they, how I started. They always have so many, so many questions and I think it would be incredible if I could have both of you sort of shed some light on, or if you have any specific suggestions on that new trainer, that's just stepping into this industry. If you would have maybe a little bit of advice for them on how to get started, what's made you so successful just to kind of steer some of these new fellow instructors and trainers in the right direction. So Brent, why don't you go ahead if you have any top suggestions for the people who are listening.

Tips for New Trainers from Canada’s Top

Brent (10:56):

Yeah. I mean, you know, the biggest thing for me is when I got started, you know, just to make sure that it is something you're passionate about, it's something that you would do, regardless of whether you got paid, you would want it, maybe you're helping your friends. You know, you don't necessarily know exactly everything about the, you know, fitness and exercise, but maybe you're helping you enjoy helping people. So that's gotta be a key foundation of how you start. And then from there, you do have to layer in some education, you do have to be you know, always learning, you know, Tommy and I are still always learning. I'm sure it's same, same with you, Tish you know, always looking at what the latest techniques are, that type of thing. I mean, in terms of certifications, I'm happy.

Brent (11:34):

I know, obviously I'll give my information at the end of this, but I'm happy people want to contact me on, you know, what are the best certifications or what path did I take. But you want to make sure you do have a, a nationally recognized certification both for, from a insurance insurance standpoint, but also just to get that knowledge, that base knowledge, and then really you're going to, it's going to layer in with experience. I'm a big proponent of being part of a team. That's why I've always created a team because even me, I hire somebody new and I'm learning stuff that I had no clue about. And it's just amazing. So it continues that growth as opposed to being, you know, a solo army. I mean, that's good too, if, as long as you're accessing the right people for growth and you really want to do that, you know and then, you know, from that, you gotta be aware now, especially post COVID things are a little bit different.

Brent (12:26):

There is a little bit of every man for himself, every woman for herself type of I guess, direction that certain aspects of the industry are going. It can be good and it can be not so good. It depends if you're, you know, for me, I've changed my model a little bit here. I have people that work for me, I think fitness studios, but I also have some trainers now coming in that are vetted that are actually just renting space. And, and it's, it's a good model, everybody meshes together. And so that's been my sort of recent change in terms of the way it's structured. But yeah, you gotta enjoy it. You gotta keep inspiring yourself, keep challenging yourself. And if you have a passion for helping people, it could be the right industry for you.

Tish (13:08):

Yeah. You absolutely nailed it. You have to have that passion for people, because I think what happens is a lot of people think that this job is glamorous and super easy. And you know, you just show up and, and, and you really, when, and I'm sure you both would would agree and I don't train in a studio anymore, but when I did, I always would say to the instructors or the new trainers, you have to really genuinely be interested in the person that you're training. And if you're not, you need to make sure that you're, you're letting them train with someone else because a bell picks up on it. But also you're the person in the studio that's representing you as a business. And so if you're looking distracted or if you're on your phone, if you're setting the people who are watching you as a trainer, probably thinking about hiring, you will think, well, that person just doesn't really seem to even give two about who is changing.

Brent (14:05):

And that

Tish (14:06):

You totally can a hundred percent and, and people will figure that out right away, they can spot. So that genuine interest in wanting to help people, I think, is the difference between someone who's successful, who is successful in this industry and who is not. And I absolutely also agree with you, Brent, that learning from people around you is key. I agree with you. I think we all need to be certified. This industry is quite funny in the, in, in the fact that if you look good, you sound good. You can call yourself whatever you want online, you can be a trainer nowadays. And I have a really real struggle with that in this industry. People really don't care what your certifications are, what your education is. I have, I think in the 30 years I've been doing this, I've been asked two times about my education and experiences with people zero.

Tish (15:05):

Wow. It's amazing. And I fight a little bit with that just because people are going to hire you based more on the likability, the connection with who you are as an individual. And so, and, and not everyone will have the gift of encouraging, motivating, and really making an impact in people's lives. And so to have that, and to also have the accreditation behind your name, is challenging. But it's so nice that you also kind of talk about the importance of having some sort of education and then just feeding off people's education and experiences and learning from a team that's huge. And that's something that I really miss. I did my biggest learning when I was the first 10 years, which was a long time ago at the talisman center.

Tish (16:03):

I mean, I think back then it was Lindsay park sports center. Probably both of you know about this facility. I think it's the second most used facility in North America. At least I know it was, I was there for 10 years and the best of the best were in that facility training people back then, we're talking 30 years ago, people didn't have trainers. It was like an elitist thing. Now it's completely different. There's ways that people can afford it doing groups, small group training, et cetera. But back then, it was like only the top, you know, percent of people in the gym were actually paying an instructor or a trainer to train them. And what was my oh, yeah. And so anyway, the best of the best in the industry and in the city obviously were there.

Tish (16:51):

And I could not believe the amount of, even though I was educated, I have a kinesiology degree. I was, my brain was exploding with so much of the information that I was learning through just watching other trainers. So I think that's also a really important thing. And it is, it is true. This industry evolves and changes so much so quickly that if you don't surround yourself with a good team, that's constantly keeping up. It's an industry that really can catch up on you pretty quickly. So those are awesome. Thanks, Brent. Now, Tommy, what would be your suggestions? Not everyone can be a celebrity and an actor and just like, have people coming at you you know, with business. I think that's amazing, but what would be sort of your recommendations to some of the new instructors and trainers out there?

Tommy (17:45):

I need to piggyback on what you both kind of said, education is key to having some sort of a base. But at the same time, I know a lot of books, books, smart trainers that are terrible trainers because the book says this, but in reality, things don't generally happen that way. So once you do have your certification, that's, that's step one, step two. Whether you're joining a team for myself, just because of my situation, I was always an independent trainer. So training facilities like brands or something like that, come in doing my own thing. But at the same time, you're seeing other trainers, you're around other professionals, you're seeing different things that are happening. So for new trainers, I think the biggest mistake they make is they'll see stuff, whether it's other trainers or go to a conference and be like, oh, that's cool.

Tommy (18:35):

And they will do everything. They'll use everything that they just used without really knowing what it's for. And just kind of, add it organically. I'll look at different things and, you know, Brent does a great job. He does, you know, especially during COVID, he's doing different things with a bar and plates and different things. It's like, that's a great idea. It kind of sparks your interest. And if you know, one of the things, the things that stood out that rent said, if you're passionate about it, you're going to want to do more. You're constantly going to want to learn and constantly gonna want to evolve. Things get better, things improve. And, you know, when I show people different things and different techniques it's not saying that another technique doesn't work, but this is one that I've found that is more efficient and safer for you.

Tommy (19:24):

So as a trainer, the more you can kind of educate your clients, educate yourself and educate your clients at the same time, the more successful you're going to be in the long-term. And also one of the big things I see trainers do is burnout. So yeah, you can work 10 hours a day and you can do that for a while, but at some point you are going to burn out. So start off slow. And, you know, if you're starting off with a smaller workload and then start to gradually increase, and then whether you want to start up your own facility or join a team, or one of the things that I've done over the years is I subcontract trainers. So if I'm overloaded with stuff, if I have filming opportunities or something like that, I will send my clients actually to other trainers and I don't have to tell them what to do.

Tommy (20:12):

I just give them the profile of the client. Here's what we're working towards. Here's some, you know, here's the capabilities I trust the other trainer to do, what, whatever they're going to do, because for myself, I don't have at the time to kind of teach other trainers and then, you know, go grow them and build them that way. Cause I don't have my own facility, but those are some of the things to kind of think of as a trainer, what you want to do, what your strengths are, what your weaknesses are. And one thing that I tried to do every year, I learned something new about something that I don't know much about in the fitness industry. So whether that's, you know, nutrition during COVID, it was a lot of mobility. My body's always banged up. So just learning how to treat myself will help you with working with other people as well, because a lot of things are kind of common and finally stick within your scope.

Tommy (21:04):

You know, I'm not a nutritionist, I'm not a dietician. So if you want a complete plan, I'm going to send you to one. I can give you guidelines and stuff of what to do and what to eat. And you know, you can include this or that, but if you want something specific, here's a professional, this is what they do. I'm going to send you there. I'm not going to try to be the Jack of all trades because it's just you doing your clients a disservice, and you're going to weaken your credibility because you're talking about things that you really don't know as much about, and you're not updated to the changes. So that's a

Tish (21:39):

Huge, I mean, that is a huge thing. I always think when I see people trying to go outside of their scope, I always tell guys to stay in your own lane, and do what you're good at. And it's okay. Not to be an expert in everything because it's literally impossible. So I think that's a huge point. The other thing I loved that you mentioned Tommy was the exercise safety and how it is really easy to fall into speaking for myself, of course, is it's very easy to see something online, for example, and go, wow, that is such a cool exercise. And I think that is why a lot of trainers are very successful, especially the online trainers, because they're very creative. They come up with these awesome movements, which is not me, I'm the opposite. I'm like, I'm the meat and potatoes, you know, old school girl, like we got to learn the basic lifts and sure we can add some variety and some funkiness to the moves. But if you don't know how to do the deadlift, the squat, and the push up properly, then we shouldn't be really worried about all the fancy gimmicks.

Tommy (22:57):

And, your typical client will not be able to do the fancy gimmicks. If you have that, if you're training athletes, that's completely different, but your typical client, they're not going to sit there and try to, and want to jump on a stability ball and, you know, do some of the crazy stuff that, you know, it's amazing stuff for a very small percentage of the population who have you know, a big exercise history. They know they know what they're doing functionally as a, you know, as a coach, you're just, you know, you're adding some extra bells and whistles. So don't think that you have to do all these crazy things. And if you look on Instagram and you know, I started kind of changing some of the things that I post on Instagram as far as exercises, because sometimes I put stuff which was, I mean, really cool stuff, but some people can't do it. And then automatically you're out of there, like, he's a great trainer, but I can't do any of his stuff.

Brent (23:55):

They're scared to train with you because they're like, I'm not doing all that.

Tommy (23:59):

It's crazy. So they will stay within your realm and, you know, add, add different modifications and things when it's appropriate for your client. And you'll constantly want to challenge them. And I ask questions, you know, Hey, anything you want to work on? Any questions you have about anything that we're doing? Do you feel like you're pushed or you want to go a little bit harder, talk to your client. It's a constant give and take. And you know, some days are going to be on top of their game and some days they're not. And as a trainer, you have to kind of, and that's why I say between a book book, smart trainer and a practical trainer, sometimes I'll go into the session. Okay. I know I want to work on three things. So I might have the first couple exercises scripted. And then after that, I'm going, I'm full up going with the flow, depending on how my client feels. And I see how they're moving. Oh, they got energy today. I can do this. I'm going to up the ante. Oh, they're not having a great day. I'm going to, you know, that way you don't set them up for failure. And they always leave feeling accomplished as opposed to like, I couldn't do anything today. You know, that's not the attitude and energy that you want coming from your client.

Brent (25:11):

Yeah. I think adaptation is, being adaptable and realizing that, yeah, we have all these weights and kettlebells, and these are all just tools. Really. It's about a person. It's about personality. It's about you know, it's a people business. If you're not a people person, as Tommy was alluding to like the book-smart, it's great to have the education, but if you're not a people person, you're not going to be able to adapt to how somebody is, different personalities. Some people you have to, I know Tommy, you can attest to this, you have to pull some people back and say, look, you're working too hard. You're going to injure yourself. And then others, they don't have the confidence, even though they can do five pushups. They think they can only do one, you know, it's that type of thing. So you got to set up those small wins, build the confidence and, and see the live life change from that aspect. But yeah.

Tommy (26:00):

Yeah, when you say small wins, that's a great one because regardless of how my clients do every day, especially if they're like, ah, you know, I'm like, you know what you were here today. That's a win. Every workout is a win, regardless of how you think you performed, it's a win because he could have been sitting on your couch. Right?

Tish (26:19):

Yeah. It's funny. You know, I, the first time really I've had any interaction with both of you and I sit here listening to you talk and describe your experiences and your philosophies. And I just think, I'd be so excited to train with either of you. I can tell you it'd be so much fun, but also such great communicators with your clients. And that's the key. You said that Tommy educating your clients, and that is the most important thing as well. And I wanted to just make sure that the people who are listening understand that the fancy exercises are great. But the trainer needs to be able to educate and explain why you're doing that specific exercise. And if they can't, they're just throwing things at you, because it's funky and new and refreshing, and maybe you're getting bored and I'm reading that maybe my client's getting a bit bored and starts throwing all this stuff.

Tish (27:17):

If the trainer is not able to educate their client as to why they're doing certain movements, then you really need to take a step back and reevaluate why you're doing certain things. And I think that the education component is so important, but also that connection with treating people as human beings while you're training them is so important. So awesome topics and great answers. Thanks guys. Now I'm looking at the time it is 7:30. I do have to go live for impact magazine in about 15-20, not actually about 30 minutes. I want to make sure we do cover the retreat now, Brent, you're starting next week. When do you, so you're flying into Calgary and then driving to Banff. Is that what you're doing? Yeah.

Wild Wellness at Banff Springs

Brent (28:06):

Yeah. I plan a Saturday morning and that's why I got a couple of days to relax and, you know, unwind a little bit hopefully, and then start Monday yet.

Tish (28:16):

Awesome. And then do you know what your class structures are going to be? Have you already decided what you're going to do for those times?

Brent (28:25):

So on the four days, and again, if I mix up the days, I might mix up the days, but I have the first day, I know it was more of a, sort of a core posture, that type of approach. So it's not a, you know, super intense HIIT workout or anything like that, but it's, you know, getting the body, going, getting the, making sure we're focusing on strong joints stabilization core, that type of thing. And then the next day I believe it is more of a strength and endurance approach. And then the third day was an impact hit. So it is a hit style training session where you're going to be brought up to wherever that level is for you. And and you know, you're going to get that that's sort of anaerobic aspect of it where your heart rates can be up, you know, a little bit of interval training. And then the last day I believe is more related to, I think it's just a, it's a combination. I think I remember what I called it, to be honest with you, but it's kind of taking all those aspects of the first three days and combining them into more of a fun workout, which I like to be part of a secret.

Tish (29:25):

Yeah. That's amazing. I'm very impressed with your schedule because I was sitting here thinking, I don't remember what I said I was going to be doing so on a little.

Brent (29:40):

Car. It's just out of my head. I mean, I did plant, I did, you know, I sent in my

Tish (29:45):

Topics of each day, but I didn't know. I'd remember until you ask questions. I was like, wow, it's still what's

Brent (29:51):

Up here.

Tish (29:56):

And are you planning and Tommy you're into, this is your third day. You have one more day. No, you're leaving tonight.

Tommy (30:05):

This is day four. I started on Sunday night. So I was working on a show and it started Monday, Monday was for, and there's an 8:00 AM class and a 4:00 PM class. And then there was a fireside chat in the evening. So Monday was body weight. And for me not knowing, not knowing everybody that's in the class, it's a good way to kind of gauge how people move, who have to pay more attention to there's a few new people each time, but that's what I use Monday for kind of body weight core and show people some new and different ways of moving and doing exercises. Second day, I incorporated some resistance bands which showed people different things that they can do because we all used to travel, we will travel again. So just even bringing a resistance band in your bag, you'd be amazed at how many different things you could do. Yesterday I used the Libre hit system, which was, you know, a shock to a lot of people of how hard that type of training can be. And today it was a mixed bag. So a little bit of resistance bands, a little bit of core, a little bit of cardio just to kind of wrap things up nicely and just gives everybody a wide range of things that have tools and exercises that they can incorporate into their fitness regimes.

Tish (31:33):

Awesome. Now, when you say bands and the Liebert system, did they supply that equipment for you or did you bring it?

Tommy (31:40):

I brought my resistance bands and I had, I got, some stuff from Lambert that he sent me and had a couple of giveaways for stuff like that and Sierra cell. So yeah, it's been, it's been a great four days. I've got one more class to go and, you know, I might get a little massage here at some point today.

Tish (31:59):

Oh, that sounds nice. Brent, are you bringing any equipment I wasn't going to, but maybe I should.

Brent (32:08):

Well, I should have some mini bands sent there, so I got a double check to make sure that does happen. But for the most part I will do, you know, I'll use, I'll use mini bands for, some strength work, some endurance work, but weight will be a big portion of it as well. Cause I want people to be, you know, just like Tommy to be able to do these things and add these tools to their repertoire without having a whole bunch of different pieces of equipment.

Tish (32:37):

A hundred percent. Yeah. I'm all about teaching people how easy it is to move with your own body. And it's actually way, way harder than putting someone in a machine. And then tell me, what is the fireside conversation? What does that mean?

What is the fireside chat?

Tommy (32:54):

The fireside chat is where we did it the first two days. Didn't do it yesterday and then obviously I'm not doing it today except to go to the airport after the class, but just to introduce myself to the group answering questions. You know, I told them a little bit about my philosophy and obviously spoke about, you know, the shared philosophy which, you know, is constantly reshaping itself, but you know, those five pillars are the main main drivers. And yeah, just kind of, so they know where you're coming from. One of them, the second day there were a few more, there were a couple of actual trainers that were attending, so they had more trainer based questions. So that was kind of interesting, similar to what we kind of spoke about today and just dealing with different training types. So the fireside chat it's, no pressure, it's casual sitting in chairs and just kind of just talking.

Tish (33:51):

Awesome. That's great. Now, Tommy and Brent I do actually, I did say this when we were texting each other the last few days, I did want to touch. And you have mentioned both of your philosophies that I, I did want you to talk a little bit more about your shreds program. Tommy, you talk about the five pillars, if you wouldn't mind sharing a little bit more about what that is, and then Brent, obviously you'll be up next,

Shred Project

Tommy (34:20):

Definitely. So shred for those who know me again, strength, heart Zealand's efficiency and discipline. Ballpark. When I talk about strength really focusing on mental strength and kind of adding in visualization and that goes for anything, any goal that you want to be successful in you have to see yourself being successful in it and, you know, mentally planning all the different obstacles that you're going to have to deal with, and that way, you know, exactly what's happening coming into it. And if you're mentally strong, you're going to get through anything. Heart going all in. It's a hundred percent. It's not one foot in one foot out it's if you want to go, go for it. There's no, no fear of failure, as I said, every workout's a win. So just keep on going and keep that long-term approach resilience, dealing with the obstacles that will happen could get sick, to get injured.

Tommy (35:18):

What are you going to do in that case? So resilience has kind of, you know, really digging down deep and looking at your goals whatever they are, and just, you know forcing yourself to kind of push through anything that, you know, kind of slows you down. Me deters you, they say when one door closes another one opens, but the hallway is a can see finding ways to be as efficient as possible. So, you know, full body exercises shortening down your workouts so that you can incorporate everything adding in your nutrition, putting things together, whatever you need to do to, to make that change or this, this journey as, as easy as possible and as efficient as possible. That's what you have to do walking a little bit extra to work, parking a bit further, things like that. And finally, discipline without discipline. You have nothing, you will not own. You won't be motivated all the time, but if you have the discipline to stick to the plan and trust the process, you will be successful in what you're doing. So that's what shred is all about. And, you know, I'm re I am actually in the process of writing another book, which is loosely titled the shred project.

TIsh (36:38):

I love it. That's amazing. I can't believe you came up with all of that with such a cool name. That's pertaining to our industry.

Tish (36:46):

It didn't come as one and it didn't come all at the same time. I've had mentors that I've worked with and I was using shred before I actually had the acronyms to it. Okay. You know, I can remember when he said, you know, he's like so sure at bootcamp and it's a fitness tournament. And he's like, but what does it mean? I'm like, wait, what are you talking about? What does it mean? And I was like, oh, so, you know, took a lot of thought and just, you know, life experiences and things that I've gone through you know, prepping to play professional football. And then, retiring from that, doing that for 11 years, then getting into fitness and, having a TV show and things like that. And then getting into acting and doing stunts.

Tommy (37:33):

These are things that, 20 years ago, I wouldn't be able to tell you that here's what, the only thing I knew I was going to do or wanted to do was play football. That was my main goal growing up. And that was my main driver. Everything else that kind of spilled off after that is really a result of shred. And just kind of, you know, if I'm going to do something, I'm going to be the best and not the best who's doing it. I'm going to do my best. Okay. That's the only thing that I can control, can't control anything else, but, you know, giving my all and my passion and just like the two of you, if you're passionate, it's gonna, it's going to show, you're going to have a following. Just like all of you do. And it's going to be a continued success in the long term.

Tish (38:18):

Yeah. Sorry about the dogs barking. My apologies. You can tell, I can tell that you are used to being in front of the camera and just going with the flow. I organize the dog Walker and my husband to meet outside. So there was no barking, but apparently that didn't go as planned. So my apologies. Yes, you're just so good though. Like just super chill. You didn't even react at all to the barking and I'm sitting here going.

Brent (38:50):

My God.

Tish (38:55):

Yes, my gosh. I'm so impressed. I need you to be my mentor and how to stay grounded and calm during these moments where I'm like, oh no, this is not.

Tommy (39:07):

In moments of chaos and moments of chaos.

Tish (39:11):

So good. I love that. I did notice actually, your post on Instagram about your meditation's place. I was like, ah, this guy even likes to meditate. I'm impressed.

Tommy (39:21):

I do that actually that really increased through COVID. Obviously I played around with it over the years, but it was really when COVID came in that I was like, you know what, I'm gonna, I'm gonna make a path to do this every day. And that's every day for, at some points. I mean, it's the best first thing when you get up, sometimes I do let it slide a little bit, but I will get back into it and actually do it in noisy places. Now we're all just kind of see if I can meditate and stick to my breathing.

Brent (39:53):

And, you know, you're seasoned.

Tish (39:56):

Yeah. I'm impressed. Wow. Tommy, you're a man, you're a multilayered individual way more than I thought. So this has been a pretty interesting conversation getting to know you. Thank you. I appreciate that. And I, I totally agree with all of those acronyms. I love that you talk about the mental aspect. It is so important, especially with what's been going on over the last 20 months. It is way more important than I ever, ever, ever realized. And thank goodness we have fitness to keep our mental wellness on track. And hopefully for those who are not you know, making efforts to make sure that their health is on track. Please make sure that you do start taking care of yourself because it does really help the mental aspect of your wellness as well. So thank you for talking about what is so important now, Brent. I want to hear about your philosophies. I've been actually dying to hear about your kind of mindset on all of that.

Brent (41:04):

Sure. I will say to those listening as well, but you know, if you're having trouble getting your health on track, hire somebody, just hire somebody to help you. And like, you know, Tommy talked about mentors, you know, it doesn't matter what level you're at. We can't be proficient in everything. So when it comes to health, you gotta take that seriously and hire somebody if you need the help. But this is why Tommy and I really relate because everything he's saying it's, you know, it's some aspect of also the way I think in my mindset. You know, I'm, I'm a big believer that, you know, the mind can stop your start, you and for a lot of us, it, it stops you in many different areas, right? For different people, but as coaches and as professionals in this industry, I think, you know, if you're, if you're really attuned with people and this is something that you're meant to do, you can, you can kind of find that you can see that in people when they're stopping themselves.

Brent (42:01):

And then that's when you lean in a little bit more and help them a little bit more, right. And then when they're preventing themselves and you can see when that spark is there and they're going straight forward. And as Tony mentioned with the exercises, or I can throw it, they got energy today. You know, you, you kind of feel that and you go with that flow. So my philosophy in my studio is called think fitness studios for one main reason, it's, it's think fitness. So, you know, 80% mental, 20% physical, if you can put your mind on a goal or something in the future that you want to achieve, it's really not that difficult. As long as you have a great program, you have the disciplines Tony talked about, you're inspired to do it. But it's that 80% mental that you got to get over that that's what's going to drive you.

Brent (42:42):

That's what's going to keep you moving forward. That's, we're going to get those highs and check in with those low sometimes where you need extra help. So that's the big, big approach for me. And, you know, the reason why I always encourage people to do events, which kind of falls into this mindset is because it's, it's one of those things that actually, if you can set an actual destination, as opposed to, you know, I want to lose 20 pounds or I want to gain, I dunno, I want to be able to bench press 2.25, whatever it is. If you can have an event, whether it's a, you know, a hike, a 5k, a marathon, whatever level, whatever sport or whatever type of performance driven event, then those other things come along with it, right? While you're training for that 5k, you're building confidence, your endurance is going up, your strength is going up.

Brent (43:24):

You're propelled to do it because you know, on that date, at that time, you have to do this event and you want to be ill prepared to do it. And then when you cross the best part, when you cross that finish line is when you realize all the work that you've done prior to has all led up to this, and you can never go backwards. Right? So you've done 5k. You can never now say I've never done it. I haven't done 5k. Yes you have. And quite often, what I see is people, you know, tears across the finish line. And it's like, I want to do 10 K next, or, you know, I want to do that big bucket list next year and the hike, the Himalayas or whatever it is. So it changes you as a person. I say this so passionately because I put myself through things that like, I'm like, what the hell am I doing at a, you know, a 250 kilometer race in the Costa Rican jungles?

Brent (44:09):

You know, it's like the only thing that got me through that after my body broke down, I had no souls on my feet. That kind of stuff is up here. It's up here. And, you know, to layer it in even more, if you attach a charity or something, that's very personal to you where, you know, maybe you're raising funds for that takes it to a whole nother level, because now you're not just helping yourself and your own goals, but you're changing a lot of people's lives by doing it and creating a lot of awareness. So, you know, I'm very passionate about the performance aspect of things and the whole, the thick fitness approach. It's not fitness as an afterthought, but it's about this, you know, and I wrote a book called the think factor. Funny enough, as Tom has mentioned, he's doing a second book.

Brent (44:50):

I was supposed to do my second. You know, you're supposed to do a second book, right? When you finish your first book, you can get that momentum. Why was that guy that I was all gung ho to do it. And I started, and then, you know, all a bunch of stuff happened and it's been what, I dunno, eight years. So anyway, I got to have written a book that I'm just going to pick up again. But the idea with the think factor is this: everybody has something inside themselves that makes them tick. Okay. So it could be, you know, you've played baseball as a child and you put a baseball hat in your hand or your baseball bat in your hands. And you, you, all of a sudden, you feel like you get that spark or, you know, it could be a movie that you see and you come out and you feel like you want to make a big change because you're so inspired by it.

Brent (45:29):

And, and the point with this is that, you know, motivation is short-lived. And I think Tommy talked about that is, you know, you cannot maintain motivation without being inspired. And if people realize that you have to continually search for those inspiring moments or for that inspiration, that's how you regain that motivation. And then the discipline becomes easier. Right? So what I tend to do is structure everything in a quarterly system. So every three months, it's a, it's a reevaluation of your, your fitness and your health. So it was just different parameters based on the individual's goals. And then it's a revamp of the program. Another goal is tangible goal, whether it's some performance event or something that we can really hold onto and work towards and it's testable and that way you're, you're always adding that variety. You're switching up the game plan and, and re inspiring something.

Brent (46:17):

Somebody, you know, maybe they want to try a different activity. Now, you know, they've never skied it, ski season, let's get prepped for that. Let's try it, you know, and all of a sudden they love it, or you introduced boxing. And like, that's a big one. You know, people love Bach sometimes. So, you know, it's really built around inspiration and knowing that, that your motivation is going to die down at some point. And if you know that you can pre prepare for that you can do huge things. And, and the, the book that I wrote and the reason why I wrote it this way, I followed three clients of all different levels. One was big time, weight loss, the other one was rehab injury. The other one was a performer on stage who would need to sing and keep his breath and move and stuff like that.

Brent (46:59):

Anyway, all different personalities, which is a key thing in this industry. And you know, it was taking them through the four stages of becoming fit. So there's the dreamer phase. There's the Dewar phase, there's the plateau phase and there's the breakthrough phase. And so it takes this whole thick fitness approach and systematically through the book and takes each of these individuals through those four phases to become their own breakthrough phase. And I'll leave with this. What's interesting with that is, you know, I always say don't for people know, don't think about it as you hit that breakthrough phase and then that's it. And it's all just roses and whatever from there, no, now you go back to another phase at another level, like how Tommy introduced different areas of his career, right. It's not everything at once. So it's always an evolution of who you are, who you want to become, and the people that you touch.

Tish (47:53):

Wow, you guys, I'm so incredibly in awe of both of you, you're Canada's top trainers for a reason. I have really, really enjoyed getting to know them. And I love the fact that both of you were so passionate about the mind aspect of training and how important that is. And I think that comes along with your experience that you don't really understand or appreciate how important that mind connection is to success, to people's success. So it is, it really is. And so, and I do, honestly, I think that really separates the D. The difference is that's what separates the experienced trainer that has actually had time with a lot of people, with all different experiences, all different levels. That is what makes you really dial into that mental wellness part of it, and the mind aspect of it. So that is huge.

Tish (48:59):

I didn't, I honestly, I have to be, well, I just said it again. I have to be honest, someone told me on the podcast, don't keep saying that Tish, you should be talking honestly all the time, but honestly I had no idea that that was where this conversation was going to go. I literally had a dialogue with the two of you frantically trying to set up dates, finally got it in. And then we were like this. So in order the fact that we were able to really touch upon that part of it is just awesome for me. So I really appreciate it. And I know the people that were listening will be so encouraged and motivated, and I'm sure that you're going to have a lot of people connecting with you or connecting with you after this.

Tish (49:44):

So thank you so much. And I really appreciate, especially Tommy, I know that you're in the middle of doing the retreat. I know there's probably more downtime now than it is when you're at home, which we spoke about and Brent you are one busy guy, so I know that you have to run and get to another session. So I'll leave it at that unless you guys have anything else that you want to add. Make sure that you check out all of the links underneath this podcast, all of Tommy's information, his website, Brent, as well, all of that will be underneath this podcast. So please make sure that you click on all those links to learn more about Tommy and Brent and also the retreat. That's it happening with Tommy? It sounds like you've had an awesome time.

Tommy (50:32):

Very good time during the wellness week.

Tish (50:35):

Awesome. Love it. And then Brent's taking off next week and then I'll be there the following week. I'm kind of sad that we won't be able to actually see each other physically, but maybe someday we'll actually, yeah, it would be really fun someday. That'll happen. Tommy, I'm not that much. I'm not too far from you. I'm in Colona. So it's only a four hour drive from there, but someday we will.

Tommy (50:59):

Will, the next time I'm rolling through Cape town.

Tish (51:02):

Please do. And I would love to we'll hit a couple of wineries and I don't even know if you drink, but we'll have a soda if you don't.

Brent (51:17):

I, hold on, wait for Tommy to speak first.

Tish (51:22):

It's all about balance, right guys.

Brent (51:26):

Yes.

Tish (51:27):

Absolutely. Okay. Well on that note I'll say goodbye. Guys, stay on here just for a second. Thank you so much for tuning into the podcast and we will talk to you all very, very soon. Thank you so much for listening to today's episode. I hope that it leaves you feeling inspired and motivated and ultimately happier. Don't forget to check out my website, train with tish.com to learn more about me and the services that I provide. I also train you for free. If you just check out the link underneath this podcast, look forward to the next episode until then live happy, be well, and tell someone today that you love them.