Why You Should Train Even When You Don't Feel Like It

In this episode of Reppin' Fitness, Coach Brick Headstrong sits down with fitness coach and strength trainer Tom Sheppard to talk about what keeps you going—especially on the days you don’t feel like showing up.

From his first protein shake thrown at him by his big brother to now running a full coaching business with his wife (a world record–holding powerlifter), Tom shares what fitness really looks like when it’s about more than muscles. This episode dives into the mindset, mental health, and small daily wins that make a lasting difference.

Inside you’ll find:

• Why mental health is physical health
• How fitness saved Tom during his darkest years
• Tips to stay consistent even when you’re unmotivated
• The truth about comparison, pressure, and “bad workouts”
• A banana drop set… yes, really.

Whether you’re struggling to get to the gym or questioning if it’s even worth it, this episode will remind you: just showing up counts.

Connect:
Tom Sheppard: https://www.instagram.com/phoenixperformancetraining
Coach Brick: https://www.instagram.com/brickheadstrong
Support the Show: https://www.brickheadstrong.com

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro: Brick Tests Out the New Set
• 00:43 – Meet Tom Sheppard: Coach, Husband, Lifter
• 01:30 – Training for a Photo Shoot & Rebranding Their Coaching Business
• 02:15 – Tom’s First Workout: A Brother, Whey Protein & a Wake-Up Call
• 03:45 – How Fitness Helped His Mental Health
• 05:00 – Training for the Mind vs. the Muscles
• 06:30 – Can You Be Too Dependent on the Gym?
• 08:00 – The Pie Chart Exercise: Balancing Life Beyond Fitness
• 09:40 – How to Shake Off a Tough Day (Hint: Get Outside)
• 11:00 – Is the Fitness Industry Helping or Hurting Mental Health?
• 12:50 – Why Physical and Mental Health Are the Same Thing
• 14:00 – What the Gym Can Teach You About Focus and Discipline
• 15:40 – How to Apply Gym Lessons to Life
• 17:00 – Helping Kids Love Fitness Without the Pressure
• 18:30 – The Comparison Trap & Dragon Ball Z Body Dysmorphia
• 20:30 – The Real Flex: Pride in Effort, Not Outcome
• 21:20 – The One Question Tom Asks Every Client
• 23:15 – Why Knowing Why You Train Matters Most
• 24:30 – Batman, the Joker & The Ever-Moving Fitness Goalpost
• 25:40 – What to Say to Someone Struggling Right Now
• 27:00 – Just Show Up: Why Discipline Beats Motivation
• 28:50 – Brick’s Shortcut Reps & the Power of Showing Up Anyway
• 29:20 – Tom’s Biggest Inspiration (Spoiler: It’s His Wife)
• 30:20 – Banana Drop Sets & Other Weird Workouts
• 32:00 – Getting Stronger Without a Gym
• 33:10 – When Life Throws Lemons… Curl Bananas