The Storm Fitness Academy Podcast

Summary Jon Bond discusses the importance of understanding one's 'why' in the fitness industry, emphasising that a deeper purpose drives success and client engagement. He references Simon Sinek's TED Talk on the power of 'why' and shares personal insights on how finding one's purpose can transform a fitness career. Jon Bond highlights the significance of emotional connection and authenticity in ma...

Summary Jon Bond discusses the principles of strength training from the Iron Age, emphasising simplicity, consistency, and the importance of foundational exercises. He highlights the benefits of training the body as a connected system, the value of progressive overload, and the significance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Jon Bond also reflects on the evolution of strength training, women's at...

Summary Jon Bond discusses the journey and challenges of becoming a personal trainer, emphasising the importance of self-doubt as a motivator for growth. He shares personal experiences and insights on competence leading to confidence, the value of empathy and relatability in coaching, and the flexibility of the fitness industry. Jon encourages aspiring trainers to embrace learning and take action,...

Summary This episode provides a comprehensive guide for personal trainers on managing hypercholesterolemia through exercise. It covers the role of cholesterol in cardiovascular disease, the importance of balancing LDL and HDL cholesterol, and the impact of lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and smoking. The episode emphasises the benefits of aerobic and resistance training in improving chol...

Summary In this episode, Jon Bond discusses the growing popularity of Hyrox, a fitness challenge that combines running and functional strength exercises. He highlights its inclusivity and simplicity compared to CrossFit, making it accessible to a wider audience. Jon shares insights on how personal trainers can leverage Hyrox to enhance their business and engage clients. He also provides training t...

Summary This recording by Jon Bond provides a comprehensive guide for personal trainers on managing clients with hypertension. It covers the importance of screening for high blood pressure, understanding its causes, and recognising red flags during exercise. The discussion includes lifestyle changes to manage hypertension, the role of aerobic and resistance training, and the significance of proper...

Summary The discussion explores the evolution of personal training, comparing face-to-face and online methods. It highlights the pros and cons of each approach, offering insights for trainers and clients to determine the best fit for their needs. The conversation also touches on the potential for a hybrid model that combines elements of both methods. Takeaways Face-to-face training offers real-tim...

Summary Jon Bond discusses the importance of building strong relationships with clients in the fitness industry, emphasising trust, communication, and emotional intelligence. He shares personal anecdotes and insights on how to inspire long-term success through genuine connections. Takeaways Build genuine connections to inspire long-term success. Trust is key for clients to open up about goals. Com...

Summary Jon Bond explores the common barriers to exercise and how fitness professionals can help clients overcome them. He emphasises the importance of understanding clients' psychological and social barriers, and the role of motivation and environment in achieving fitness goals. Jon shares strategies for personal trainers to enhance client adherence and success. Takeaways Help clients overcome ba...

Summary In this episode of the Storm Fitness Academy podcast, Jon Bond delves into the role of macronutrients—carbohydrates, fats, and proteins—in energy production and fitness performance. He explains how different energy systems in the body utilise these macronutrients based on exercise intensity and duration, and offers practical advice for trainers and athletes on optimising nutrition for perf...

Summary In this episode of the Storm Fitness Academy podcast, Jon Bond explores the benefits of outdoor fitness during autumn. He discusses how nature can boost physical and mental well-being, offering practical tips for incorporating outdoor activities into your routine. Takeaways Spending time outdoors lowers cortisol levels, boosting immunity. Nature improves mood and reduces anxiety and depres...

Summary In this episode of the Storm Fitness Academy podcast, Jon Bond discusses the NHS physical activity guidelines and compares them to the lifestyle practices of the Blue Zones, areas known for their high number of centenarians. He explores the benefits of moderate and vigorous activities, strength training, and the importance of integrating movement into daily life. Jon also highlights the ro...

In this episode of the Storm Fitness Academy podcast, Jon Bond delves into the intricacies of athlete profiling using Formula One as a case study. He explores the importance of understanding the specific demands of a sport and how personal trainers can apply these insights to enhance their clients' performance. The discussion covers energy systems, strength endurance, body composition, and the rol...

In this episode of the Storm Fitness Academy podcast, Jon Bond discusses the critical concept of progressive overload in training. He explains its importance in achieving client results, avoiding burnout, and building resilience. The conversation delves into the psychology behind challenging oneself, the guidelines for effective training, and the necessity of recovery and individualisation in fitn...

Summary Our most popular episode since launching the Storm Fitness Academy Podcast! Discover how exercise and being part of a fitness community can supercharge your “happy hormones” — dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. We break down the science and share how the right training and social connections can lift your mood, reduce stress, and boost motivation. If you want to feel better, tr...

Summary In this episode, Jon Bond breaks down the concept of heart rate zones and their significance in fitness training. He simplifies the complexities of heart rate training, explaining the five distinct heart rate zones and their benefits. The discussion includes practical applications for personal trainers and fitness enthusiasts, common mistakes to avoid, and the importance of listening to on...

Summary In this episode, Jon Bond shares the exciting news that Storm Fitness Academy has been recognised as one of the best personal training course providers in the UK for 2025. He discusses the importance of this recognition, emphasising the quality of education, support, and successful career outcomes for students. Jon highlights the personalised learning experience offered by the academy, cat...

Summary In this episode of the Storm Fitness Academy podcast, Jon Bond discusses the significant benefits of cardio training for clients, focusing on cardiovascular and respiratory adaptations, practical applications for clients, and the long-term health benefits associated with regular cardio exercise. He emphasises how cardio training enhances heart strength, improves lung function, and promotes...

From Side Hustle to Passion Project: The PT Journey Jon and Pete dive into the world of personal training — from early days in the park with just a kettlebell, to building a home gym studio and a waiting list of clients. Pete shares how he kept it lean, stayed in control of his time, and turned a side hustle into something that earns real money. They chat online vs. in-person coaching, the power o...

Running with ADHD: Finding Focus, Community, and Your Pace Today’s chat takes us on a refreshing jog through the benefits of exercise for ADHD and how running can be the perfect channel for both focus and community.  Our guest shares their personal journey with ADHD, revealing how hitting the pavement has been more than just a workout—it's their go-to for calming that restless mind.  Forget the tr...

Can Running Be for Everyone? Community, Motivation & Smarter Training with PacePal Jon is joined by Mike from PacePal — a running app that’s changing how people connect, stay motivated, and build a habit around running. From solo joggers to complete beginners, this episode explores how tech, community and psychology can make running accessible to all. Mike shares how his own marathon journey l...

Is Breathwork Safe for Everyone? Cold Exposure, Coaching Caution & the 4-2-8 Method In part two of this deep-dive, Jon is joined again by coach Kerry Waters to unpack the other side of breathwork and cold exposure — the risks, the boundaries, and the practical tools that actually help. From Instagram myths to science-backed techniques, this is the stuff your clients aren’t seeing in the reels....

Can breathwork really help top athletes perform better, recover faster and stay mentally sharp? In this powerful chat, Jon sits down with coach Kerry Waters to break down how breathwork supports the body and mind — from muscle oxygenation and HRV to stress regulation and trauma release. Whether you’re an elite athlete or just want to stop feeling puffed out on the gym floor, there’s gold in here f...

🏃‍♂️ Want to live longer, feel better and smash your fitness goals? In this episode, Jon breaks down exactly how to take your cardio training to the next level — whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your VO₂ max, endurance, and overall performance. Based on a recent cardiovascular workshop, this one covers everything from heart rate zones to red zone drills, threshold training,...

🥋 What does martial arts have to do with skipping your kids to school? In this episode, we reconnect with Dan Mack — a father, martial artist, and personal trainer who’s transformed his life through fitness. From losing six stone to qualifying as a PT and now taking on a Level 4 in Strength & Conditioning, Dan shares how martial arts builds deep confidence, how athletic training benefits ever...