Advertise on podcast: LTB Podcast

Claire talks to Chris about his approach to training older clients and how important it is to focus on training that makes a real difference to everyday life. Chris explains how he builds a session for clients in their 60s up to their 90s. He uses a small amount of heavy strength work, power training and reaction drills, with warm-ups that double as screening. They also cover why getting up off the floor matters as much as preventing falls, and how to get clients to buy in to new ideas. Plus, why the industry needs to "normalise normal." If you're a trainer working with older adults, or will be soon, this one's for you.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Are SMART goals helping your clients thrive, or could they be holding them back? In this episode, Claire and Maggie challenge traditional goal-setting in the fitness industry. Together, they explore why rigid, outcome-focused goals can sometimes undermine motivation and how self-determination theory offers a more sustainable alternative. Maggie shares practical strategies for uncovering clients' intrinsic motivations through motivational interviewing, supporting people through life transitions, and adapting coaching approaches for neurodivergent clients. The conversation also introduces the WOOP framework as a flexible alternative to conventional goal setting, helping coaches focus on process, learning, and meaningful progress rather than simply chasing outcomes.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

What does effective leadership look like when you're running a small business? Claire and Maggie discuss the realities of business ownership, from knowing when to invest in systems and processes to building a business that reflects your values. Whether you manage a team or work for yourself, this episode explores how to grow sustainably without adding unnecessary complexity. Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

In this episode, Claire and Maggie explore how curiosity can help us move beyond self-blame and judgement. Together, they discuss the attribution trap, the impact of systemic barriers on behaviour and change, and why asking better questions can create more compassion, understanding and meaningful progress for both clients and coaches.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

What does it take to run a workshop that people actually remember and act on? In this episode, Claire speaks with Maggie about the art of facilitation and why a great facilitator is often "the glue that holds everything together." They explore how to create safe, engaging learning environments, manage different personality types in the room, and keep discussions productive without losing sight of the session's goals. Maggie shares practical tips on workshop design, group dynamics, room setup, time management, and interactive learning techniques that help turn ideas into action. The conversation concludes with advice on ensuring every participant leaves with clear, meaningful next steps rather than just good intentions.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

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 examples, they share techniques for asking better questions, uncovering hidden barriers, and presenting ideas as experiments rather than prescriptions. The conversation highlights how moving beyond quick fixes and building autonomy, competence, and connection can lead to more sustainable outcomes for clients and stronger coaching relationships.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

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 when someone's stuck in a disempowering system. It's not a doom-and-gloom conversation, it's a celebration of how strong and resilient mums actually are, and a call for the industry (and policy) to catch up.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

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 discuss practical ways fitness professionals can create spaces where every client feels seen, included, and confident from day one. Along the way, they examine how both positive and negative experiences have shaped their own coaching philosophy and approach to client care.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

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 discuss media misrepresentation, the difference between correlation and causation, and why curiosity, healthy scepticism, and checking evidence from multiple perspectives are essential skills in today's information-rich world. Whether you're navigating fitness advice, wellness trends, or health headlines, this episode will help you become a more confident consumer of research.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

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 services and miss opportunities to connect with their ideal audience. The conversation dives into understanding client motivations, gathering honest feedback, using client stories effectively, and building confidence in pricing based on value rather than assumptions. If you're a personal trainer looking to attract more of the right clients and charge with confidence, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you align your messaging, pricing, and business decisions with what your clients truly value.

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 make the most of any environment. Whether you're a trainer considering taking your sessions outside or simply curious about the benefits of outdoor fitness, this episode offers practical insights, business tips, and plenty of real-world experience.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

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 movement difficult for many people.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

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 conversation for any coach working with clients using GLP-1 medications.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

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 Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

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. Rather than seeing AI as a replacement for professionals, Claire and Maggie argue that its greatest value lies in acting as a supportive "critical friend", helping spark ideas and enhance productivity while keeping humans firmly in control.