When you’re ready to get serious about fitness, the first big question is: how do you actually learn what to do—and stick with it? In this week’s episode, Pete and Srdjan break down three of the most common training approaches: working with an in-person trainer, hiring a coach online, or following a program on your own. Each option comes with its own strengths, limitations, and accountability challenges, and choosing the right one can make the difference between a routine that fizzles out and one that becomes a lasting part of your life.

Srdjan shares his experience coaching clients both in person and remotely, including how he adapts workouts to each client’s equipment, schedule, and goals. He digs into the pitfalls of cookie-cutter programs, the importance of proper form, and why accountability can be the missing link that derails progress. Along the way, the two unpack practical considerations like the real cost of home gym equipment, the minimum setup you’d need to make remote training effective, and what to look for if you’re considering one of the countless off-the-shelf challenges online.

The conversation also previews Srdjan’s upcoming 12-week training program, designed with progressive structure, exercise modifications, nutrition support, and built-in accountability—aiming to be more adaptable and sustainable than the one-size-fits-all options on the market. Whether you’re a self-starter who thrives with a little structure, someone craving direct feedback and motivation, or somewhere in between, this episode will help you weigh your options and start building the consistency that keeps you moving forward.

When it comes to fitness, most of us think in terms of outcomes: “I want to lose 20 pounds,” or “I want to bench 225.” But what if the secret to lasting change isn’t about hitting a target—it’s about becoming the kind of person who never skips a workout in the first place? In this episode, Pete and coach Srdjan dig into the science and stories behind outcome-based versus identity-based goals. They explore research showing that people who frame themselves as “someone who exercises” are more likely to stick with it over time, and they bring in plenty of real-world examples from clients who’ve experienced the shift firsthand.

Pete shares his own struggle as a goal-focused achiever who could hit milestones but often dropped the habit afterward—whether it was couch-to-5K or pull-ups. Srdjan offers practical strategies for bridging that gap: layering small wins on the way to bigger, long-term goals, and learning to fall in love with the process rather than just the outcome. Along the way, they talk about how fitness goals shape confidence, self-image, and stress reduction, and why sometimes the biggest benefit of a workout has nothing to do with the weight on the bar—it’s the clarity and calm it gives you afterward.

The conversation also takes listener questions: first, about the long-promised list of Srdjan’s favorite Instagram influencers (yes, it’s finally coming), and second, about why powerlifters can be stronger than bodybuilders despite their size. The answers shed light on how different training approaches create strength versus size, and why you can’t always judge strength by appearance.

Whether you’re trying to build momentum for the first time, reset after a layoff, or finally understand why some goals don’t stick, this episode is all about how to make fitness part of who you are—not just something you do.

Welcome back to Build for Health, where we take your questions seriously—even when you’re not quite sure how to ask them. This week, Pete Wright and Coach Srdjan Injac tackle a full slate of listener-submitted questions covering everything from high-rep vs. low-rep training to the dangers of ego lifting and the long tail of physical therapy.

We kick things off with a deceptively simple question: what’s the difference between lifting light for many reps and lifting heavy for a few? Srdjan breaks it down by goals—endurance, hypertrophy, or raw strength—and explains why he programs a blend for most of his clients. Next up: can you just copy other people at the gym until you get the hang of things? Short answer: no. Long answer: also no, but with good reasons involving injury prevention, YouTube charlatans, and how to find credible online educators.

Things get personal with a question from Patrick, who’s been lifting for a year but still feels clumsy. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Srdjan validates the ups and downs of gym progress and offers tools for checking your form without living in front of a camera. We also hear from Olga, who wonders if those “boring” post-surgery rehab exercises need to stay in the mix (spoiler: some of them should). That leads naturally into a fantastic discussion on form and whether there really is a “right way” to do an exercise—especially when CrossFit, bodybuilding, and powerlifting each seem to do it a little differently.

And finally, we close on the subject of ego lifting. Is it really that bad? Don’t you need to push into risky territory to get real gains? Srdjan gets honest about his own early mistakes and lays out the line between productive stress and just trying to impress. As always, it’s about targeting the right muscles, listening to your body, and training smarter—because progress without pain is possible when you leave your ego at the door.

If you have a question, we want to hear it. Use the anonymous link in the show notes and let’s keep building, together.

Links & Notes

• Submit your questions to the show!