In this episode of Build for Health, Pete and trainer Srdjan Injac dig into what the “core” really is—and why it’s far more than the six-pack we’ve all been taught to chase. Srdjan breaks down the core as a 360-degree muscular system, not a single muscle group, and explains why abs alone represent only about 20% of what truly keeps us upright, stable, and injury-resistant. From the way sitting at a desk weakens deep stabilizers, to why most back pain comes from core fatigue rather than structural damage, Srdjan reframes core training as the foundation of long-term strength and mobility.

Together, they explore why machines shut off the core, why instability is your best friend, and how breathing and bracing are as essential as the exercises themselves. Srdjan walks through the muscles you never hear about—multifidus, transverse abdominals, pelvic floor—and explains how they work together to protect your spine, improve form in big lifts, and reduce fall and injury risk as we age. They also tackle myths, overrated exercises, and the mistake of thinking the core’s job is to move you. Its real job? Resist movement.

Whether you’re new to strength training or trying to understand why your lifts feel stuck, this conversation redefines what it means to “train your core” and how to build a body that supports you for decades to come.

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Cardio gets a bad rap—and to be fair, most of us have earned that bias the hard way. But in this episode of Build for Health, Pete and trainer Srdjan Injac get practical about what cardio actually does for your health, your strength, and your long-term quality of life. It’s not punishment. It’s not penance. And it’s definitely not the hour-long treadmill slog you remember from the ’90s. Instead, Srdjan breaks down why cardiovascular training is as essential as lifting: stronger heart and lungs, better recovery, improved metabolism, deeper sleep, and sustainable longevity.

From there, they get honest about mindset—why so many people avoid cardio, how to find the version that doesn’t make you miserable, and how to build a routine you’ll actually stick to. Srdjan explains how overdoing cardio can sabotage strength and muscle, why 15 minutes of real effort beats 60 minutes of coasting, and how interval-based training fits perfectly into a strength-focused program. They dig into weekly targets, training zones, the American Heart Association’s recommendations, and the surprising data hiding in your smartwatch—especially resting heart rate and sleep quality—as reliable markers of your cardio fitness.

If you’ve ever felt embarrassed walking up a flight of stairs, wondered whether cardio really matters if you lift, or just need a reason to stop sprinting for the parking lot before your trainer notices you skipping the rower, this conversation breaks it all open. Practical, actionable, myth-busting—classic Build for Health.

Links & Notes

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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.