In this episode of Weights & Plates, Coach Robert Santana breaks down one of the most overlooked elements of training success: mindset and consistency. Everyone wants to get stronger, leaner, or more muscular—but few understand that true progress takes years, not weeks. Robert dives into why most lifters quit when training gets hard, why “12-week transformations” are a lie, and how the real key to progress is showing up even when you don’t want to. He covers common pitfalls like program-hopping, unrealistic expectations from social media, and trying to “out-program” a bad lifestyle. If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or tempted to skip the gym, this episode is the wake-up call you need. Subscribe for more episodes of Weights & Plates where we cut through the noise and get real about strength training, nutrition, and long-term progress. https://weightsandplates.com/online-coaching/ Follow Weights & Plates YouTube: https://youtube.com/@weights_and_plates?si=ebAS8sRtzsPmFQf- Instagram: @the_robert_santana Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/weightsandplates Web: https://weightsandplates.com
--------
41:42
--------
41:42
#103 - RESEARCH FOR MEATHEADS
In this solo episode, coach Robert Santana takes a hard look at exercise science research—what it really tells us, and where it falls short. He dives into the history of lifting, the rise of “evidence-based” fitness, and why so many studies don’t translate to real-world results. From sample size problems and lifestyle confounders to the obsession with volume over load, Robert explains why lifters can’t blindly follow the latest paper or guru. Instead, he breaks down the principles that actually build muscle and strength: progressive overload, smart programming, and the smell test of what works in the gym. If you’re tired of fitness “science” complicating simple truths, this episode will cut through the noise. Subscribe for more episodes of Weights & Plates where we cut through the noise and get real about strength training, nutrition, and long-term progress. https://weightsandplates.com/online-coaching/ Follow Weights & Plates YouTube: https://youtube.com/@weights_and_plates?si=ebAS8sRtzsPmFQf- Instagram: @the_robert_santana Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/weightsandplates Web: https://weightsandplates.com
--------
58:11
--------
58:11
#102 - THE REAL REASON YOU’RE NOT STRONGER
Consistency, recovery, and lifestyle — that’s what really makes or breaks your strength gains. In this episode, Robert Santana breaks down why most lifters stall out after the “newbie gains” phase, the truth about diminishing returns, and the five rules every lifter needs to keep progressing. From balancing training with work, kids, and travel, to why sleep, food, and environment matter more than complicated programming, Robert shares hard-hitting lessons learned from decades of coaching. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why am I not making progress?” — this episode is your answer. Subscribe for more episodes of Weights & Plates where we cut through the noise and get real about strength training, nutrition, and long-term progress. https://weightsandplates.com/online-coaching/ Follow Weights & Plates YouTube: https://youtube.com/@weights_and_plates?si=ebAS8sRtzsPmFQf- Instagram: @the_robert_santana Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/weightsandplates Web: https://weightsandplates.com
--------
43:20
--------
43:20
#101 - LIFTING FAQ: COMMON F*CK UPS & HOW TO FIX THEM
In this episode of the Weights & Plates Podcast, Robert Santana takes a Q&A-style approach to tackle some of the most common training and nutrition challenges. He explains why hydration is more than just drinking water, breaking down the role of electrolytes, sugar, and sodium in performance—especially in extreme heat or for early morning lifters. Robert also covers why training fasted can hurt your lifts, how to fuel properly before a workout, and why post-meal blood sugar spikes are normal for healthy people despite what continuous glucose monitors might suggest. He also dives into the truth about carbs, keto, and fueling for high-intensity strength work, clears up myths about protein intake and kidney health, and emphasizes the importance of proper technique to prevent injury. Whether you’re a competitive lifter or just looking to get stronger and perform better in the gym, this episode is packed with straightforward, actionable advice you can put into practice immediately. If you're ready to build muscle, build status, and build options — this episode is for you. https://weightsandplates.com/online-coaching/ Follow Weights & Plates YouTube: https://youtube.com/@weights_and_plates?si=ebAS8sRtzsPmFQf- Instagram: @the_robert_santana Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/weightsandplates Web: https://weightsandplates.com
--------
39:03
--------
39:03
#100 - The Truth About Starting in the Fitness Industry
Welcome to the Weights & Plates Podcast, hosted by strength coach and nutrition expert Robert Santana. In this kickoff episode, Robert is joined by Jay Ware, a long-time friend and fellow coach who might just be sticking around as the podcast’s new co-host. 🎙️ In this episode, Robert and Jay dive into: • How they met through strength coaching and coaching internships • Jay’s background growing up in a small town and his journey into fitness • The evolution of strength training and why coaching goes beyond just sets and reps • Real talk about the fitness industry – what’s working, what’s broken • Their shared vision for the podcast and what you can expect moving forward This episode sets the stage for a podcast that blends science, experience, and honest conversations – whether you're a lifter, coach, or just trying to figure out what works in a noisy fitness world. 👊 Subscribe to hear weekly episodes about training, nutrition, mindset, and more — no BS, just results. https://weightsandplates.com/online-coaching/ Follow Weights & Plates YouTube: https://youtube.com/@weights_and_plates?si=ebAS8sRtzsPmFQf- Instagram: @the_robert_santana Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/weightsandplates Web: https://weightsandplates.com
South Africa