LTB Podcast
The podcast designed by Personal Trainers, for Personal Trainers. Want to become better at what you do? Learn how other trainers succeed? Hear from different people inside and outside of the fitness industry? This is the podcast for you.
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#410 Chris and Claire: What's working to get clients now
06/25/2025
#410 Chris and Claire: What's working to get clients now
Chris and Claire chat about how to get more clients without overcomplicating things. Find Out More About LTB: Website: Instagram:
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#410 Luke Jones: Working As A Personal Trainer On A Cruise Ship
06/04/2025
#410 Luke Jones: Working As A Personal Trainer On A Cruise Ship
Claire chats to Luke about what it's like being a PT on a cruise ship. Find Out More About LTB: Website: Instagram:
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#409 Kerry Smith: Working With Older Populations
06/04/2025
#409 Kerry Smith: Working With Older Populations
Jake chats to Kerry covering her journey into training seniors, what some of the most important aspects were for her when delivering sessions to older populations and what other trainers might need to consider if thinking about doing the same. Find Out More About LTB: Website: Instagram:
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#408 Michelle Carroll: Body Image And Fitness Professionals
06/04/2025
#408 Michelle Carroll: Body Image And Fitness Professionals
Michelle Carroll is a body image coach who believes there is more to life than burpees and broccoli. Her dream is for fitness to become more inclusive and push beyond the physical which is what drives her to do the work she does, supporting personal trainers in rebuilding their relationship with food and their body so they can help their clients to do the same. Michelle is currently researching the field of body image and personal training for her PhD, has an online coaching business, her own podcast, and delivers training to fitness professionals, educating on how we can look beyond body composition as the marker of health and fitness and better meet all our clients’ needs. Follow Michelle: Find Out More About LTB: Website: Instagram:
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#407 Meet The New Hosts: Jake Weekes
05/28/2025
#407 Meet The New Hosts: Jake Weekes
In this episode we find out about the final host, Jake Weekes. Jake has worked in a variety of different roles within the fitness industry, starting out working with professional athletes before switching to general population clients. Jake has also created the Accessory Movement Course for LTB and provides mentorship support in LTB Essentials. Find Out More About LTB: Website: Instagram:
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#406 Meet The New Hosts: Maggie Elliott
05/21/2025
#406 Meet The New Hosts: Maggie Elliott
Maggie runs a community interest company focusing on joyful movement and body function over appearance as well as being involved in a number of local wellbeing projects and producing resources and supporting members in LTB. Maggie has created a weight neutral coaching course for LTB and is working on resources relating to disordered eating and working with neuro diverse clients. Find out more about her coaching experiences in this chat with Claire. Find Out More About LTB: Website: Instagram:
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#405 Meet The New Hosts: Claire Winter
05/14/2025
#405 Meet The New Hosts: Claire Winter
Meet our 2nd new host, Claire Winter. Claire shares her thoughts on the fitness industry, including what she would change about it if she had 3 magic wishes. Find Out More About LTB: Website: Instagram:
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#404 Meet The New Hosts: Chris Burgess
05/07/2025
#404 Meet The New Hosts: Chris Burgess
The LTB Podcast is back with 4 new hosts. Find out more about the founder of Lift The Bar, Chris Burgess. Learn why it's so important for him that he continues to train clients, what he's learnt over his years in the fitness industry and much more. Find Out More About LTB: Website: Instagram:
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#403 Dan Mee: Lessons Learned Going From 1-1 PT to Facility Owner.
07/25/2023
#403 Dan Mee: Lessons Learned Going From 1-1 PT to Facility Owner.
Is it time for you to open a personal training facility? Before you leap into the unknown, you might want to learn from someone who has been there and done it. In this episode of the Lift The Bar podcast, Stuart talks to Daniel Mee, the owner of MeeFit. Listen to Dan's journey, from repurposing a spare changing room into a personal 121 PT area to owning a mammoth 7500 square foot facility with 5 PTs, serving over 200 dedicated members. Please tune in for a hearty dose of wisdom as Dan shares all lessons he wished he had known earlier. This includes how to successfully market trial packages, handle client disappointment when modifying your services, and even whether opening a gym is really the best career decision. Timestamps 1:48 - Introduction to Meefit 4:33- The Meefit Client Journey Trial Packages 10:54- Trial Packages Continued 19:10- What Dan wishes he knew as a PT 23:31- The importance of shadowing facility owners. 26:40- The early days of a PT business. 30: 25 When did Dan know he wanted a facility? 32:50- The transition to Semi-Private 34:55- The importance of service delivery Find Out More About Dan: IG: Find Out More About LTB: Website: Instagram:
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#402 Dr. Janet Withall: How to Start Working With The Elderly Population (Repost)
07/18/2023
#402 Dr. Janet Withall: How to Start Working With The Elderly Population (Repost)
Most personal trainers want to have a steady income. They also want to make a meaningful impact on their client’s lives. Focusing on one specific population of potential clients might help you do both. Can you guess who it is? It’s our mums and dads. Our grandparents and maybe even our great-grandparents! The elderly are hugely underserved by the fitness industry. So, you’re not going to have much competition. More importantly, it’s incredibly rewarding to spend your time helping people maintain their ability to walk, see their friends and, ultimately, their independence. Today Stuart welcomes Dr Janet Withall from the University of Birmingham. Dr Withall is an expert in healthy ageing. She focuses on helping elderly people maintain their activity levels and strength. In this episode, expect to learn how to attract elderly clients to exercise services, how those services should be designed to maximise results, and how physical activity can affect people’s disease risk. Timestamps 2:00- Why focus on older adults? 3:08- Exercise participation rates 7:20- Can PT help the older population to exercise? 9:55- Changes to governament guidelines 10:47- Marketing exercise for older populations 15:05- The importance of community for older population 17:30- The ReACT study: Introduction 21:57- Building a client base of older clients 24:08- The effects of aging and how exercise helps. 30:52- The ReACT study: Results Find Out More About Dr Withall: Email: Find Out More About LTB: Website: Instagram:
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#401 Dr Barbara Oakley: Upgrade Your Learning. Upgrade Your Career.
07/11/2023
#401 Dr Barbara Oakley: Upgrade Your Learning. Upgrade Your Career.
We often equate "learning" with our school days. It basically just involved being able to memory a lot of facts. But what if your capacity to learn extends far beyond that, influencing everything from your clients' results to your business's success? And…what if you could...learn to...learn more effectively? In this episode, Stuart is joined by an expert in this very field. Dr. Barbara Oakley is a distinguished educator, author, and engineering professor. Her work spans a multitude of disciplines, but she is particularly recognised for her research in learning practices. In this episode, they delve into the heart of effective learning strategies. They discuss the crucial role of 'chunking' information, finding the right balance between focused and diffuse modes of thinking, tackling procrastination head-on, and why experiencing imposter syndrome might not be as negative as it seems... So, whether you're striving to remember the content of the courses you watch, the books you read, or simply to recall the distal insertion of Semimembranosus (it's the horizontal groove on the posteromedial surface of the medial tibial condyle, if you were wondering), then this episode is a must-listen! Don't miss this opportunity to learn…about learning… from one of the leading experts in the field. Timestamps: 1:50- Career Advice: Why imposter syndrome might be helpful. 8:17- What is learning? 12:53- Why is learning important? 14:45- Is it good for people to learn? 18:05- Is learning practical information better for people's mood? 19:36- Learning and problem solving. 24:11- Diffuse and focused mode. 27:02- How long should learning blocks be? 30:35- Reviewing Notes 32:30- What is a chunk? 35:10- What is retrieval practice? 36:53- Why does procrastination occur? 39:36- The Importance of getting started. Find Out More About Barbara Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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#400: The career advice every personal trainer needs
07/04/2023
#400: The career advice every personal trainer needs
Welcome to the 400th episode of the Lift the Bar podcast! To celebrate this milestone, we’ve got every staff member at LTB to share their top personal training career tip. Expect to learn the significance of setting boundaries, how to prioritise what's most important for your clients, and why you might need to take advice from your local mechanic… Timestamps 1:58- Great ideas are meaningless without action. 3:07- Find new exercise methods. 7:22- Ensure that your advice is tailored to your clients' needs. 10:25- Create a business that aligns with your personal values. 14:55- Have a clear understanding of your potential earnings. 20:24- Set your boundaries. 22:20- Listen to your clients. 26:10- Remember, your career is special. 30:40- Become the best mechanic in town. Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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#399 Connor Heffernan: The History of Weight Training
06/27/2023
#399 Connor Heffernan: The History of Weight Training
Looking for a new protein shake...how about one made of… fish?! Welcome to an intriguing journey through the annals of the fitness industry. We delve into the genesis of progressive weight training, examine how popular exercises have transformed over the last century, and explore why understanding the past 100 years could be key to flourishing in the next five. This conversation was truly eye-opening. It's all too easy to be swept up by the "Next big thing" without recognising that, in fact, a variant of it has probably already come and gone several times over. It serves as a good reminder that by studying the past, we can not only understand the present but also predict… and prepare for the future trends of the fitness industry. Timestamps: 2:37- Fake Statues and Fitness Lawsuits 5:06- Fish Protein Shakes 6:50- Shady Supplements: Flushing Niacin 7:30- Exercise which have fallen out of fashion 9:50- History of the Treadmill 12:52- Should PT’s care about the history of the fitness industry? 19:14- The origin of resistance training 22:35- Why did resistance training boom after World War 1? 29:23- Did people think resistance training was good for health? 36:20- What can we learn from history to increase fitness participation? Find Out More About Connor: Twitter: Website: Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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398# Dr Michael Mash: How to screen clients, pain science and muscle knots
06/20/2023
398# Dr Michael Mash: How to screen clients, pain science and muscle knots
Navigating client discomfort is a common challenge in the life of a personal trainer. Whether the pain emerges at the start of a session, during an exercise, or the next day, it can often lead to a cloud of uncertainty. Trainers may question whether the exercises they've prescribed are the root cause of the issue and how best to alleviate it. "Could the deadlifts from yesterday's session be to blame? Was their form too flexed? Perhaps more foam rolling might help?" In this episode, Stuart engages Dr Michael Mash in a conversation centred around movement and pain. They explore Dr Mash's strategy for facilitating movement free from the dread of injury, delve into the debate over the need for precise form, and question the reality of muscle knots. Throughout the discussion, you'll gain insights on how to conduct empowering movement assessments, strategies for discussing posture with clients, and a better understanding of whether your client truly has a movement dysfunction. This episode promises to equip personal trainers with invaluable knowledge to better navigate client discomfort and bolster their confidence. So that they can help more people move without fear. Timestamps: 1:40- How can deadlifts change lives? 4:20- Using language to empower clients 7:00 Muscle Knots & Chronic Pain 15:56- Biopsychosocial Model of Pain & Movement Variety 23:00- Shoulder Abduction in Press Up’s 25:50- When should trainers allow clients to ‘lift ugly’? 31:15- Movement Assessments 35:52- Postural Assessments 38:38- Posture and Pain 42:58- Helping people who are fearful of movement. Find Out More About Michael: Ig: Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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397# Solo: How to Get Your Next Client
06/13/2023
397# Solo: How to Get Your Next Client
Let’s be real. All personal trainers need clients, and this episode will help you get your next one. Plain and simple. In under 20 minutes you’ll learn about six sources of potential clients you can exploit to grow your business, how to write compelling messages and offers that will win our former clients back and why Stuart might be going yachting… Timestamps 1:00- Where is my next client going to come from: A framework 2:11- Strategy 1: Family & Friends 5:00- Strategy 2: Your current clients 7:17-Strategy 3: Previous clients & leads 9:24- Strategy 4: Your followers 13:39- Strategy 5: Acquaintances 16:20- Strategy 6: The rest of the world! Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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#396 Gregg Slater: How to Programme For Hypertrophy
06/06/2023
#396 Gregg Slater: How to Programme For Hypertrophy
We're hitting rewind and revisiting a pivotal episode from 2020, honing in on a fundamental element of personal training - facilitating client muscle growth. Join Stuart and Gregg as they dissect the blend of science and art that underpins effective muscle development. Expect to learn about how to the apply the principles of hypertrophy to create client programs which stimulate muscle growth effectively for the general population. Beyond the programs, this episode also emphasizes how important it is to maintain a client’s interest while achieving muscle growth. While fitness trends will continue to evolve, mastering muscle growth and the strategies to promote it effectively remain integral to personal training. So, tune in, expand your knowledge, and get ready to see your clients' results and enjoyment reach new heights. Timestamps: 1:40- What would Gregg do if he was just qualifying in 2020? 4:00- Online vs In person for new PT’s 7:39- The power of reistance training for health 12:30- The clarity of resistance training research 14:45- Personalising resistance training 21:40- Where is the hypertrophy research going? 24:33- Does programming need to be complicated? 29:34- How to map out training blocks 36:56- Telling clients about our programming. Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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#395 Mark Council: The Power of Local Business Connections
05/30/2023
#395 Mark Council: The Power of Local Business Connections
Navigating lead generation in the fitness industry has become increasingly complex. The days of launching a Facebook ad and watching a flood of new leads come in are long past. In this episode, Stuart brings Mark Council back to the Lift the Bar podcast. They delve into how Mark has started created links with other local businesses to make his lead generation more diverse and consistent. Expect to learn about how to effectively assess the costs tied to offline marketing, how to design mutually beneficial marketing with local businesses and why standing in Morrisons might help you get your next client. Whether you're a gym owner or a personal one-on-one trainer, this episode underscores the timeless value of building reciprocal relationships amidst the ever-evolving landscape of digital platforms. It serves as an excellent reminder that, while digital trends may fluctuate, the power of personal relationships remains unchanged. Timestamps 1:50- How did Mark start developing relationships with local businesses? 7:13- The value of exposure. 11:30- Strategies for finding and contacting local businesses. 22:20- Using client’s interests to find suitable businesses. 24:01- The value of giving free memberships to local businesses. Find Out More About Mark: Ig: Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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#394 Lauren Colenso-Semple: Menstrual Cycle Periodisation: Myths and Misunderstandings
05/23/2023
#394 Lauren Colenso-Semple: Menstrual Cycle Periodisation: Myths and Misunderstandings
Training female clients often raises a lot of questions for coaches. Do the training requirements for female clients differ from those of male clients? What about the menstrual cycle? Should that affect your decisions? Should we design female training programs differently because of it? In this episode, Stuart teams up with Lauren Conselo-Semple to address these questions. They delve into the most recent research surrounding training strategies for female clients and athletes. If you need to get up to speed on the latest scientific insights on this subject, this episode is your perfect companion. Lauren unpacks her latest research examining the impact of hormonal fluctuations on muscle development and performance, and whether the research supports adjusting training to align with the menstrual cycle. Expect to learn about the variability of the menstrual cycle, whether women have a higher injury risk and if they should eat more protein at specific times during their cycle. This episode is a really comprehensive guide for understanding the current evidence on female physiology and its implications for exercise. If you train female client’s, you don’t want to miss it! Timestamps 1:50- What is the menstrual cycle? 3:30- What are the different phases of the menstrual cycle? 5:06- Is it important to understand the menstrual cycle? 6:23- What are the effects of the menstrual cycle? 7:10- Why did Lauren want to study the menstrual cycle and training? 10:35- Does the research suggest that the menstrual cycle affects performance and muscle growth? 18:53- What are the effects of the menstrual cycle? Part 2 20:18- Personalising a clients training. 21:57- Nutrition periodisation and menstrual cycle phase. 22:40- Training myths about the menstrual cycle. 24:00- Should men and women train differently? 29:45- How do elite rugby coaches train female athletes? 32:31- Recommend menstrual cycle resources? Find Out More About Lauren: Ig: Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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#393 Katie Hughes: Moving From 1-1 to Semi-Private Personal Training
05/16/2023
#393 Katie Hughes: Moving From 1-1 to Semi-Private Personal Training
You can read countless articles about semi-private personal training, but nothing compares to insights from someone who's been through it all. Our guest of the day, Katie Hughes, has successfully created a bustling semi-private personal training business right from her back garden. Join Stuart as he delves into Katie's journey, uncovering why she chose semi-private training, how she transformed her garage, and what she charges. Tune in to discover how to transition from one-on-one personal training to a semi-private setup, the tactics to secure more leisure time, and why networking with your parents' friends could be the unsuspected key to business expansion. Timestamps 01:37-Katie's Typical Week 02:07-Introduction to Katie’s studio 03:19-How did Katie start as a PT? 04:22-Katie's Inspiration for her studio 04:54-Creating the studio 05:42-How Katie got her first clients 06:48-When did Katie decide to do semi-private? 12:45-Introducing semi-private to current clients 14:55-Booking approaches for semi-private 18:45-Costs of one to one vs semi-private 20:30-Taking time off 24:39-Programming semi-private 32:12-Advice for trainers considering moving to semi-private Find Out More About Katie: Website: Ig: Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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#392 Helen Rothwell: Building a PT Business Working w/ Older Adults
05/09/2023
#392 Helen Rothwell: Building a PT Business Working w/ Older Adults
Are you a personal trainer not focused on the latest fitness trends or helping clients achieve athletic milestones like running faster, jumping higher, or hitting a double bodyweight back squat? Perhaps you're more passionate about enhancing someone's daily life by enabling them to move easily, confidently climb stairs, or walk unaided. If that resonates with you, you're not alone! Today's Lift The Bar Podcast guest is Helen Rothwell, a personal trainer specialising in programs tailored for older adults. Join Stuart as he and Helen discuss fall prevention, optimal session durations, and whether heavy lifting suits older clients. Learn about the most appropriate qualifications for working with this demographic, innovative marketing strategies for reaching a generation that may not be active on social media, and what happens when a 90-year-old requests FaceTime coaching. This episode offers a refreshing perspective on how to break free from conventional fitness norms. If you're ready to move beyond pre-workout supplements, back squats, and Tupperware, older adults need your expertise. After listening, don't forget to check out Episode 370, featuring Dr. Janet Withall, for an in-depth exploration of the research behind training older populations! Timestamps 1:50- What does Helen currently do? 3:03- Why did Helen focus on coaching older adults and falls prevention? 6:45- Are older adults underserved by the fitness industry? 8:30- Personal Trainer CPD for training older adults 10:30- How to grow an older adult client base. 16:40- Appropriate session length for older adults 19:00- Session pricing for older adults. 22:39- Managing missed sessions and holidays. 24:31- Communicating the price. 26:02- Coaching older adults via FaceTime. 27:34- Myths and misconceptions about training older adults: Should they lift heavy? Find Out More About Helen: Website: Ig: Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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#391 Jenny Rearick: Strategies for Powerful Seminars and Presentations
05/02/2023
#391 Jenny Rearick: Strategies for Powerful Seminars and Presentations
Are you a fitness professional eager to share your knowledge, attract new clients, and earn money? It's time to think about running a seminar! But wait... What if nobody shows up? What if you only end up confusing everyone? And what if you mess up in front of all those potential clients? In this episode of the Lift the Bar Podcast, Stuart welcomes back communication coach Jenny Rearick to discuss how you can confidently get started with delivering seminars and presentations in the fitness industry. Whether you've been hesitant to take the stage, had a less-than-perfect experience in the past, or want to polish your skills, this episode is for you. Jenny shares valuable insights and practical tips for trainers at any stage of their career, helping you expand your reach, build your brand, and make a lasting impact on your audience. We explore various topics, including the differences between seminars and presentations, connecting with your audience, and incorporating interactive elements to boost engagement. With Jenny's expertise and actionable strategies, you'll be well on your way to becoming a powerful and unforgettable presenter. Tune in to this Lift the Bar Podcast episode and discover how to elevate your seminars, captivate your audience, and leave them motivated, educated, and eager for more. Timestamps 01:40- Should PT’s run seminars or workshops? 03:48- What are the advantages to running a seminar or workshop? 04:37- Differences between seminar and presentations 07:45- What should PT’s consider before running a seminar? 11:45- How to design interactive seminar experiences 15:50- How can PT’s maximise their speaking opportunities 18:53- Planning your first presentation: Location 21:52- Planning your first presentation: Topic 24:03- Planning your first presentation: Cost 29:36- Planning your first presentation: Attendance 32:40- Eliminating “filler words” from your presentation 35:15- Why it is important to limit your presentation content. 36:08- Should you use slides? 38:17- How to make attendees feel welcome 39:49- Overcoming presentation nerves Find Out More About Jenny: Website: Ig: Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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#390 Josh Taylor: How to Create Engaging Videos For Social Media
04/25/2023
#390 Josh Taylor: How to Create Engaging Videos For Social Media
Are you tired of hearing the same old fitness advice like, "Protein is essential for muscle growth," or "Eat veggies at every meal to shed pounds"? So are we. And more importantly, so is your audience. The fitness landscape has evolved, and it's crucial to stand out in this content-saturated world. In this Lift the Bar Podcast episode, Stuart dives deep with Josh Taylor, a funny, engaging, science-based Online Personal Trainer who creates excellent video content. Don't just take our word for it – check out if you want a chuckle. Join us as Josh unveils his step-by-step process for crafting irresistibly entertaining videos that will leave your audience craving more. Learn the art of scripting, recording, and editing content that educates and captivates, eliminating the need to hard-sell your coaching services. Josh also shares his secret for generating compelling topics, the pitfalls of perfectionism, and the age-old question: do gingers really have souls? Tune in now and elevate your fitness content game. Timestamps: 01:47-Has Josh always been comfortable being funny on video? 05:23-How to create a video “style” 08:17-Has Josh’s content affected the number of coaching enquiries? 12:23-Quality vs Quantity of content. 18:45-Video planning 24:56-Creating content ideas 27:11-Writing content scripts 29:30-Setting up camera shots 33:02-Video Editing 34:09-The importance of quality audio 36:25-Making video thumbnails 38:10-Writing video captions Find Out More About Josh: Website: Ig: Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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#389 Dan & Mike (Biceps & Banter): How to Get Started Coaching Online
04/18/2023
#389 Dan & Mike (Biceps & Banter): How to Get Started Coaching Online
“Earn seven figures! Pay off your mortgage! Run your business from Dubai and live like royalty. Everyone in my mentorship did it! Who wants in?!" Advice for online coaches often sounds like this, which, to be frank, is pretty damn shady. Thankfully, on this episode of the LTB podcast, we have Dan and Mike from Biceps and Banter to expose the frauds and give us the low down on what PT’s should do if they want to be successful online. In this episode, you'll learn about the following: Building effective systems for delivering top-notch coaching The critical differences between one-to-one and group coaching in the online space Why niching down involves more than just targeting a specific sex or age. Tune in and elevate your online coaching game with real-world advice from industry experts, only on the Lift The Bar podcast. Timestamps: 02:06- Deciding whether being an online PT is right for you 11:25- What was it like being a PT who started their career online? 15:30- What are the advantages of being an online PT? 20:05- Online coaching foundations 31:20- Creating a niche 43:42- Should a new online trainer do one to one or group coaching? 50:11- Shady online PT mentorships Find Out More About Mike & Dan: Website: Mike Ig: Dan Ig: Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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#388: Four Musings on Being a PT
04/11/2023
#388: Four Musings on Being a PT
Hey, you’ve got a gap between your clients, right? Come hang out with Stuart and muse about being a PT. Timestamps 0:56- An underrated investment worth making 4:00- Do you need a part-time job? 5:50- Do PT’s need abs? 11:38- Is your content actually any good? Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial: Newsletter:
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#387 Mark Fisher: Mastering Marketing & Managing Distractions
04/04/2023
#387 Mark Fisher: Mastering Marketing & Managing Distractions
In the world of fitness, few have delved as deeply into the realms of business, personal growth, and education as our distinguished guest today. We're excited to welcome back Mark Fisher, the inspirational founder of Mark Fisher Fitness, to the Lift the Bar Podcast as he discusses his new book, The Book of Fitness Business Secrets. Join us and uncover some of the key secrets behind Mark's success. Explore Mark's essential pillars of marketing and learn how they have contributed to the meteoric rise of Mark Fisher Fitness. Uncover practical tips for managing distractions. Even the ones that come from inside your own head! Mark also shares his invaluable approach for gathering meaningful feedback from clients and even talks about when he chooses to disregard feedback. This episode is a treasure trove of valuable insights for personal trainers, gym owners, and fitness enthusiasts looking to up their game in the competitive fitness industry. You don't want to miss this opportunity to learn from Mark Fisher's wealth of wisdom and experience as he shares his journey with the Lift The Bar Podcast. So, sit back, listen, and learn – and be sure to have a pen ready for this one! Timestamps 2:05- Why publish a book? 4:14- Can it be easier to publish a book than we think? 7:02- Marks hardest career moments 12:50- The pillars of marketing 17:10- Referral Campaigns. 22:41- Managing Distractions 26:33- Maximising continuing professional development. 31:20- Getting feedback from clients 35:40- The importance of time away from business. Find Out More About Mark: Website: Youtube: Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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#386 Stuart MacDonald: How to Programme For Small Groups
03/28/2023
#386 Stuart MacDonald: How to Programme For Small Groups
Is it that time of the month? The point where you're scrambling around for fresh ideas for your semi-private group workouts? The same old goblet squats just aren't cutting it anymore, and both you and your clients crave something more engaging. Well, never fear! You're not alone! We've been in that "staring blankly at Excel" situation ourselves, and we're here to help! Get ready to revamp your approach to small-group programme design with this week's LTB podcast. We're diving into the archives to bring you an insightful conversation with Stuart Macdonald, who's no stranger to the challenges of keeping workouts fresh, engaging, and effective. Bid farewell to the mundane and embrace exciting programs your clients will love. Listen in as Stuart shares how he's revolutionised his training methods by organising client sessions into long-term dynamic blocks, complete with seamless transitions. Plus, discover how our Programme Design Mentorship transformed Stuart's approach to workout planning, banishing those program design headaches for good. Timestamps 1:20- Stuart's first experiences with programme design 8:31- What does Stuart's small-group programme look like now: The Importance of Blocks 11:13- How does Stuart design individual sessions within a block 14:35- The value of naming weeks and blocks 17:30- Why semi-private still isn't the norm 19:15- What does a session involve actually involve: Part 1 21:10- The value of cluster sets and time blocks 26:30- Adapting semiprivate for individual clients. 29:10- How Stuart encourages client to coach either other 30:48- What does a session involve actually involve: Part 2 33:01- Finishers and Challenges 34:16- The difference between Session A, B, C 35:25- How does a session progress between months? Find Out More About Stuart: Facebook: Website: Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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#385 Dean Somerset: Life Lessons from Two Decades of Personal Training
03/21/2023
#385 Dean Somerset: Life Lessons from Two Decades of Personal Training
In the last episode of the Lift The Bar podcast, we explored Harriet's journey as she transitioned careers to become a personal trainer. Today's episode features a guest at the other end of the spectrum. Dean Somerset boasts 20 years of experience as a personal trainer. He is a world-renowned course instructor and speaker. Curious about how he achieved such success? This episode delves into his humble beginnings at a commercial gym, his strategies to build an initial client base, and his insights on making career decisions. We also discuss the ever-present debate: which is more important, lifestyle or money? Timestamps 01:26- Imposter Syndrome 06:34- Why did Dean stay in a commercial gym for so long? 10:12- How important is it for new trainers to look for the right gym? 11:52- Did Dean ever consider being an employed trainer? 14:14- What would Dean change about his early career? 16:48- How to develop people skills. 21:42- Dean’s advice for a struggling PT 24:06- Focusing on lead generation inside vs outside of a gym. 27:10- What else should trainers do early in their career? 29:29- Why Dean didn’t open a facility? 33:47- What is the best piece of advice Dean’s ever been given? 33:57- What would Dean change about the fitness industry? 34:42- What would a national campaign for personal training look like? 35:28 Advice for a PT who has fallen out of love with coaching. Find Out More About Dean: Website: Instagram: Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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#384 Harriet Olliffe: How to Become a Full-Time Personal Trainer
03/14/2023
#384 Harriet Olliffe: How to Become a Full-Time Personal Trainer
Are you ready to break free from your 9-to-5 job and turn your passion for fitness into a career as a personal trainer? Making the transition can be a daunting journey, but fear not! You're not alone. Many have successfully completed the switch before you, and you can too. In this inspiring episode, Stuart sits down with Harriet Olliffe, who shares her journey from teaching classes in a local town hall to owning a gym. Together, they explore the challenges of building a career in fitness, including navigating the ups and downs, the importance of hard work, and the value of being risk averse. Through their discussion, you'll gain valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in the industry and why the effort is ultimately worth it. So tune in now to learn from Harriet's experiences and discover how to pursue a fulfilling career doing what you love as a personal trainer. Timestamps 01:46- Harriet's career before personal training 05:35-Running classes at the local town hall. 10:39- What would Harriet change about her start in fitness? 12:38- Starting mobile PT while working full time. 17:11- Work-life balance while growing a PT business. 19:38- Starting at a boutique gym. 21:47- The importance of being risk adverse. 24:45- Working part-time on gym reception. 26:07- Could Harriet have managed to be successful without working so much? 28:50- The advantages of being an employed PT 31:15- Opportunity to shadow at Harriet’s facility. 34:26- Different routes to becoming a PT. 37:08- Opening a facility Find Out More About Harriet: Facebook: Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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#383 Q&A w/ Gregg & Alex: Is Periodisation Worth the Hassle & Should You Block Social Media?
03/07/2023
#383 Q&A w/ Gregg & Alex: Is Periodisation Worth the Hassle & Should You Block Social Media?
The guys from Lift the Bar are back in full force for another Q&A. Join Stuart, Gregg, and Alex for this week’s episode of the LTB podcast as they dive into a variety of topics that will make your life as a personal trainer much easier. You can expect to learn whether you need to periodise programmes for the general population, how to determine which experts to trust, and how you can organise your time better. Spoiler Alert: Maybe you need a social media blocker! Also, on this week’s episode, Gregg condemns himself to a life without sleep, Alex considers buying a Nokia 3310 and Stuart learns a new word. Timestamps 02:28- Time Management: How to be more efficient and organised. 06:22- Should everyone “time block”? 08:40- Problems with Task Switching and social media. 09:59- Using website blockers to your advantage. 19:58- How can we know which experts to trust? 28:11- Can you trust an expert to recommend you another?! 32:32- Should PT’s periodise programs for the general population? 36:07- Periodisation for new clients. 38:35- Should the transitions between training blocks be “harsh” or “smooth”? 41:10- Should you get feedback from a client before you write their next training block? 43:01- Does periodisation really boil down to organisation and what if your client wants more variety? Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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#382 Cathy MacDonald: How to Talk to People in The Gym
02/28/2023
#382 Cathy MacDonald: How to Talk to People in The Gym
Effective communication is vital for personal trainers, so we've invited returning guest Cathy MacDonald from The Art of Communication to join Stuart on today's episode. Together, they explore scenarios PTs encounter in the gym and share tangible actions to make your communication more effective. You'll discover how to discuss money without feeling awkward, steer people away from dangerous activities without making them defensive, and why you shouldn’t give Stuart an axe. Tune in to sharpen your communication skills and become a more effective personal trainer. Timestamps 01:28 How to communicate with new gym members. 07:37 The Importance of learning about people 09:23 Core Emotional Concerns 13:49 How to communicate with a gym member who is at risk of injury. 21:06 The value of compliments 24:46 How to offer your services without being salesy 31:35 How to talk about your prices 33:57 How to respond if someone asks for a discount 38:57 How to communicate a price increase to your clients Find Out More About Cathy: Website: Find Out More About LTB: Instagram: Website: Free Trial:
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