Welcome to Episode 101 of The Endless Growth Podcast! This week, Alex and Edgar sit down with strength coach and personal trainer JJ for an in-depth conversation on fitness, discipline, and the journey of self-improvement—both inside and outside the gym.

JJ opens up about his transition from working in a sheet metal shop to becoming one of the most well-known trainers in Ogden. He shares the pivotal moment when he realized he didn’t want a life dictated by beer, factory work, and routine misery. Instead, he took a leap into the fitness industry, learning the ropes through trial, error, and a whole lot of persistence.

The conversation dives deep into the psychology of strength training, breaking common myths about lifting, recovery, and why ego lifting does more harm than good. JJ explains the key to real strength: progressive overload, structured programming, and the unglamorous but necessary work of slow, steady improvement. He also shares wild gym stories—ranging from unexpected rivalries to locker room absurdities—and highlights the importance of accountability in fitness.

Beyond lifting weights, JJ gets real about the struggles of personal training, the balance of coaching versus enabling clients, and the mental game required to build discipline. He even shares his approach to calling out excuses and why some clients need tough love to break past their own limitations.

If you’ve ever wondered how lifting can extend your lifespan, why small changes lead to massive results, or how a 75-year-old client of JJ’s is deadlifting 155 lbs, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

🔥 Interested in training with JJ? Follow him on Instagram @jlegarra21 to connect and get started!

Join us as we dive into strength, growth, and the mindset needed to keep pushing forward. Also, make sure to add JJ on instagram 


00:11 Meet JJ: From Gym Acquaintance to Podcast Guest
00:31 JJ's Popularity and Positive Energy
01:50 The Struggles of Working in a Sheet Metal Shop
03:41 Transition to Personal Training
04:13 Strength Coaching Philosophy
06:57 Client Success Stories
16:48 COVID-19 Impact and Adaptation
22:18 Powerlifting and Training Techniques
32:23 Mastering Gym Machines vs. Free Weights
33:11 The Importance of Compound Movements
34:52 Coaching and Personal Training Insights
36:03 Setting and Achieving Personal Fitness Goals
36:40 Tracking Progress and Training Logs
39:05 Dealing with Injuries and Form Issues
40:50 Gym Culture and Etiquette
43:53 The Role of Equipment in Lifting
56:32 Footwear and Its Impact on Training
59:43 Common Gym Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
01:03:05 Workout Routine Breakdown
01:03:48 Progression and Plateaus
01:05:15 Importance of Sleep and Nutrition
01:06:28 Timing Your Workouts
01:08:35 Recovery Techniques
01:12:55 Stretching and Muscle Tone
01:14:51 Personal Training Journey
01:19:51 Client Challenges and Success Stories
01:27:20 Future Goals and Social Media
01:34:17 Future Goals and Social Media Strategy
01:35:07 The Power of Instagram for Client Acquisition
01:37:07 Challenges and Realities of Nutrition Coaching
01:39:09 Client Success Stories and Setting Goals
01:41:06 The Impact of Steroids and Body Image
01:44:41 Training Young Athletes and Long-Term Goals
01:46:23 The Importance of Consistency and Small Changes
01:51:34 Adapting Coaching Styles to Client Needs
01:57:29 The Benefits of Strength Training for Older Adults
02:00:56 Final Thoughts and Podcast Wrap-Up