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.
👊 Get your reps in—mentally and physically.
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
CONNECT:
Tom Sheppard: https://www.instagram.com/phoenixperformancetraining
Coach Brick: https://www.instagram.com/brickheadstrong
Support the Show: https://www.brickheadstrong.com
