#468 Decoding The New Physical Activity Guidelines
LTB Podcast
In this episode, Maggie and Claire discuss the latest UK public health guidance on physical activity and what it means for coaches, trainers, and everyday people. They explore the shift away from rigid exercise targets toward a more inclusive message: any movement is better than none. Together, they discuss why language matters and how professionals can help clients build sustainable, enjoyable habits that support health beyond weight loss. The conversation also highlights the importance of strength, balance, reducing sedentary time, and addressing the real-world barriers that can make...
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#467 The GLP1 Conversation
LTB Podcast
GLP-1s are transforming the weight loss landscape, and personal trainers need to understand what that means for their clients. In this episode, Claire and Maggie explore how medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy work, their impact on appetite, muscle and bone health, and the importance of recognising under-fuelling. They discuss the role of personal trainers in supporting clients with strength, nutrition awareness, and non-judgmental coaching, while navigating the wider issues of weight stigma, bias, and scope of practice in the fitness industry. A practical and thought-provoking...
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#466 Why Kettlebells Aren’t Going Anywhere
LTB Podcast
In this episode, Claire and Maggie dive into the world of kettlebell training, exploring their versatility, unique benefits, and why they've stood the test of time in the fitness industry. From common concerns like wrist pain and swing technique to favourite exercises such as the snatch, clean, and Turkish getup, Maggie shares her experience and practical tips for getting the most out of this powerful training tool. Whether you're new to kettlebells or a long-time fan, this episode highlights why they remain a valuable addition to any training programme. Find Out More About LTB...
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#465 AI, Expertise and the Human Touch
LTB Podcast
AI is everywhere but is it helping or hindering coaches and fitness professionals? In this episode, Claire and Maggie share their honest experiences using AI tools such as Claude and ChatGPT in their businesses and everyday work. They discuss how AI can be a powerful tool for brainstorming ideas, proofreading content, challenging assumptions, and saving time on repetitive tasks, while also exploring its limitations, biases, and tendency to get things wrong. The conversation highlights why critical thinking, expertise, and human connection remain irreplaceable in coaching and personal training....
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#464 The Truth About Niches in Personal Training
LTB Podcast
Do personal trainers really need a niche and if so, what does that actually mean? In this episode, Claire and Maggie challenge the traditional approach to niche marketing and explore why focusing on demographics may be less effective than understanding the people you genuinely enjoy helping. They discuss authenticity, client feedback, evolving business identities, and how the right clients are often attracted by clear messaging rather than a tightly defined target market. Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: Instagram:
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#463 Training Clients With Chronic Pain Or Fatigue
LTB Podcast
What does it really take to support clients living with chronic pain and fatigue? In this episode, Claire and Maggie explore the complex, biopsychosocial nature of chronic pain and discuss why exercise is only one piece of the puzzle. They unpack the differences between chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and post-exertional malaise (PEM) associated with conditions such as ME/CFS and long COVID, highlighting why generic “no pain, no gain” approaches can do more harm than good. Together, they share practical guidance on communication, exercise programming, scope of practice, and building truly...
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#462 Keeping Programming Simple
LTB Podcast
How much programming is too much programming? In this episode, Claire and Maggie unpack their evolving approaches to personal training programming, from overcomplicated plans and periodisation spreadsheets to flexible, client-centred frameworks that actually work in the real world. They explore the balance between structure and adaptability, why general population clients need a different approach from athletes, and how focusing on core movement patterns can simplify decision-making while still delivering great results. Plus, they share practical tips for session planning, tracking progress,...
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#461 Understanding Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating
LTB Podcast
In this episode, Claire and Maggie discuss eating disorders and disordered eating, including the often-overlooked intersection between the fitness industry and eating disorders. Maggie shares insights from her new course for personal trainers, breaking down the spectrum from diagnosable conditions like anorexia and bulimia to more subtle forms of disordered eating. Together, they unpack how well-intentioned coaching around weight loss and discipline can sometimes reinforce harmful patterns, and how to spot the difference between healthy habits and red flags like rigid food...
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#460 Ben Jones: Less Clients, More Impact A Trainer’s Reset Story
LTB Podcast
In this episode, Claire sits down with Ben Jones, a personal trainer with 17 years of experience, to explore his journey from gym owner to running a thriving one-to-one coaching business from a small training space in Hertfordshire. Ben shares why he stepped away from the pressures of managing a successful fitness studio to focus on what he loves most, helping clients achieve life-changing results through straightforward, effective training. Together, they discuss the power of simplicity in coaching, working with clients in their 40s, 50s and 60s, the challenges of balancing parenthood with...
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#459 Training Clients With ADHD
LTB Podcast
In this episode, Claire and Maggie explore how personal trainers can better support clients with undiagnosed ADHD and other neurodivergent traits. They unpack the barriers to formal diagnosis and explain why many clients may never use clinical labels, even when they relate to the symptoms. The conversation highlights how ADHD often presents differently in women, particularly during perimenopause, and challenges common assumptions about behaviours like lateness, inconsistency, or lack of focus. Rather than being intentional, these are often rooted in neurological...
info_outlineIn this episode, Claire sits down with Maggie to unpack the realities of setting up and running a Community Interest Company (CIC) as a personal trainer. Maggie shares what a CIC actually is, why she chose this route, and how it’s allowed her to deliver meaningful, community‑focused work alongside a sustainable business model.
They explore the practical side of getting started, from choosing directors and registering with Companies House to navigating bank accounts, grants, and reporting requirements. Maggie also highlights the importance of balancing funding with trading income, involving members in decision‑making, and staying organised with the admin side of things.
If you’ve ever considered taking your PT business in a more community‑driven direction, this episode offers a grounded, honest look at what’s involved and what to think about before you begin.
Find Out More About LTB Membership:
- Website: https://liftthebar.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar