LTB Podcast

In this episode, Maggie and Claire explore why personal trainers and coaches often fall into the role of problem-solver and how that instinct can sometimes get in the way of lasting behaviour change. They unpack the difference between "fixing" and coaching, discussing how curiosity, autonomy, and trust help clients create solutions that align with their own values and goals.   Through practical ex...

Everyone talks about getting mums moving again postpartum, but what happens once they're back at work? In this episode, Maggie sits down with PT and mum-of-two Elle Brown to unpack the Motherhood Penalty and how it plays out in fitness spaces. They dig into the structural failings behind "busy mum" marketing, why individual PTs can't solve a systemic problem, and what real empowerment looks like w...

This episode explores how stepping into unfamiliar fitness environments can be one of the most valuable learning experiences for coaches. Claire and Maggie reflect on the difference between feeling welcomed and supported versus judged and overlooked, and what those experiences reveal about great coaching. From onboarding and communication to managing group dynamics and individual attention, they d...

What does it really mean when something is described as "evidence-based"? In this episode, Claire and Maggie explore how to evaluate research and separate credible evidence from misleading claims. From peer review and study design to conflicts of interest, sample size, and the hierarchy of evidence, they break down the key factors that determine whether research can be trusted. Along the way, they...

Are you marketing your personal training business to people like you... or to the people you actually want to serve? In this episode, Claire and Maggie explore a common mistake many trainers make: assuming their clients think, act, and make decisions the same way they do. They discuss how this mindset can impact marketing, communication, and pricing, often leading trainers to undervalue their serv...

What does it take to train clients outside the gym? In this episode, Claire and Maggie explore the realities of outdoor personal training, from navigating unpredictable weather and park distractions to creating engaging workouts with minimal equipment. Maggie shares how she built a successful outdoor PT business, attracted clients who love being active outdoors, and adapted sessions on the fly to...

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 ha...

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 stre...

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 powe...

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 explori...

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 oft...

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, highli...

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...

  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...

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...

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,...

In this episode of LTB Podcast, Claire and Maggie unpack how constant comparison within the fitness industry fuels imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and indecision. They explore how trainers absorb unrealistic "shoulds" from peers and marketing, leading to overthinking and a loss of confidence. Sharing practical strategies, they encourage trainers to refocus on their own clients, values, and prioriti...

In this episode Claire and Maggie explore what it really means to take a trauma‑informed approach to coaching in fitness spaces. They unpack how assuming every client may carry some form of past trauma shifts the focus from "fixing" individuals to creating environments that feel safe, supportive, and empowering for everyone. Claire and Maggie also discuss how to recognise signs of discomfort, resp...

In 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 direc...

Claire and Maggie explore how personal trainers can coach runners more effectively, whether they're complete beginners or chasing a new PB. You'll hear practical frameworks for building a runner from the ground up (progressions, run–walk intervals, technique cues, and effort-based pacing), plus how to layer in energy-system work, hills/sprints, and strength training without compromising run qualit...

Hayley Simpson, known locally as the Yoga Lady, has built something genuinely special in Prestwich, North Manchester. Her Ofsted-registered kids holiday clubs bring together movement, play, and a whole lot of joy, and in this episode she pulls back the curtain on exactly how she did it. Maggie sits down with Hayley to trace the journey from running a yoga business to creating a holiday provision t...

Does cycle syncing actually improve training outcomes or is it being oversold? In this episode, Claire and Maggie dig into the science and real‑world realities of menstrual cycles and training. They explore what the research really says (including why many cycle‑based programming claims don't hold up), while also recognising that lived experience, symptoms, and perception still matter in the gym....

The Problem of Perfect explores why striving to "do it all right" in fitness coaching can sometimes do more harm than good. Claire and Maggie unpack the difference between healthy conscientiousness and unhelpful perfectionism, looking at how rigid rules, all‑or‑nothing thinking, and self‑criticism can impact both trainers and clients. This episode offers practical ways for personal trainers to rec...

In this episode, Claire speaks with Maggie about what weight‑neutral coaching really looks like in practice. They explore how moving away from weight‑centric fitness shifts the focus toward function, joy, and client autonomy, and why this approach can create safer, more inclusive coaching environments. Maggie shares her journey transitioning to weight‑neutral coaching, practical changes personal t...

Claire and Maggie explore anti‑glycolytic training, a high‑intensity, high‑rest approach rooted in Soviet sport science, and why avoiding the burn can lead to better endurance, recovery, and long‑term results.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website:  https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar