Ltb Podcast

Welcome to what may be the last episode of the Lift The Bar Podcast. Stuart will soon be departing from his position at LTB, so on this episode, let's take a stroll down memory lane and hear his final thoughts. The LTB podcast may appear again soon in a different guise, so keep your eyes peeled!  Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?

  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 Dr Withall: IG: https://www.instagram.com/meefitpt Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?

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 fo

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

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: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/  Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Free Trial: https://liftthebar.com/free-trial       

  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

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 equ

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: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/  Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Free Trial: https://liftthebar.com/free-trial   

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 tra

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

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 compr

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

  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 pr

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 enga

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 Josh's IG page 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

“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 onlin

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: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/  Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Free Trial: https://liftthebar.com/free-trial  Newsletter: https://ptroadmap.beehiiv.com/subscribe 

  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 Fis

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, banishin

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