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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.

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 often attracted by clear messaging rather than a tightly defined target market.     Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

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, highlighting why generic "no pain, no gain" approaches can do more harm than good. Together, they share practical guidance on communication, exercise programming, scope of practice, and building truly client-centred support, while emphasizing the importance of flexibility, collaboration, and respecting clients as experts in their own bodies.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

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 from athletes, and how focusing on core movement patterns can simplify decision-making while still delivering great results. Plus, they share practical tips for session planning, tracking progress, and creating programmes that fit clients' goals, preferences, and busy lives.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

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-intentioned coaching around weight loss and discipline can sometimes reinforce harmful patterns, and how to spot the difference between healthy habits and red flags like rigid food rules or compensatory exercise. This conversation is a must-listen for fitness professionals looking to support clients with compassion, challenge their own biases, and create a more flexible, client-centered approach without stepping outside their scope of practice.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar