Ltb Podcast

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

Are you ready to break free from your 9-to-5 job and turn your passion for fitness into a career as a personal trainer? Making the transition can be a daunting journey, but fear not! You're not alone. Many have successfully completed the switch before you, and you can too.  In this inspiring episode, Stuart sits down with Harriet Olliffe, who shares her journey from teaching classes in a local town hall to owning a gym. Together, they explore the challenges of building a career in fitness, including navigating the ups and downs, the importance of hard work, and the value of being risk averse.  Through their discussion, you'll gain valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in the industry and why the effort is ultimately worth it. So tune in now to learn from Harriet's experiences and discover how to pursue a fulfilling career doing what you love as a personal trainer.    Timestamps 01:46- Harriet's career before personal training  05:35-Running classes at the local town hall.  10:39- What wou

The guys from Lift the Bar are back in full force for another Q&A. Join Stuart, Gregg, and Alex for this week’s episode of the LTB podcast as they dive into a variety of topics that will make your life as a personal trainer much easier.   You can expect to learn whether you need to periodise programmes for the general population, how to determine which experts to trust, and how you can organise your time better. Spoiler Alert: Maybe you need a social media blocker! Also, on this week’s episode, Gregg condemns himself to a life without sleep, Alex considers buying a Nokia 3310 and Stuart learns a new word.      Timestamps   02:28- Time Management: How to be more efficient and organised.  06:22- Should everyone “time block”?  08:40- Problems with Task Switching and social media.  09:59- Using website blockers to your advantage.  19:58- How can we know which experts to trust?  28:11- Can you trust an expert to recommend you another?!  32:32- Should PT’s periodise programs for the gener

    Effective communication is vital for personal trainers, so we've invited returning guest Cathy MacDonald from The Art of Communication to join Stuart on today's episode. Together, they explore scenarios PTs encounter in the gym and share tangible actions to make your communication more effective. You'll discover how to discuss money without feeling awkward, steer people away from dangerous activities without making them defensive, and why you shouldn’t give Stuart an axe.  Tune in to sharpen your communication skills and become a more effective personal trainer.    Timestamps  01:28 How to communicate with new gym members.  07:37 The Importance of learning about people  09:23 Core Emotional Concerns  13:49 How to communicate with a gym member who is at risk of injury.  21:06 The value of compliments   24:46 How to offer your services without being salesy  31:35 How to talk about your prices   33:57 How to respond if someone asks for a discount  38:57 How to communicate a price in

  Are you struggling to differentiate yourself from other personal trainers on social media? With so many others offering similar services, it can be challenging to stand out and attract potential clients. After all, why would they pick your “121 sessions, personalised plans and monthly reviews” over anyone else's?!   But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.   In this episode, Stuart is joined by Jonathan Goodman, a renowned business coach with over 15 years of experience in the personal training industry. As the founder of many successful ventures such as the Personal Trainer Development Centre, QuickCoach, Online Trainer Mentorship and author of 11 books, Jonathan shares his expertise on all things business. Expect to learn about the impact of discounts on your business, how to craft a compelling brand message that resonates with your audience, and why getting more followers is probably a waste of time.    Timestamps:  04:44- Post 1: Will discounts ruin your business?  07:48- The best and wors

PT: “Okay, just before we start, I need to check if you have any medical conditions?”  Client: “Okay, yes…I’ve got *insert complicated Latin sounding word*”.   PT: “Umm… so we might need to check with your GP before we start training.”  Most personal trainers have been there before, and let’s be honest, it’s better to be safe than sorry! But do you always need to ask a client’s General Practitioner (GP) Doctor? And even when you do, how do you do it so that the GP actually gets back to you? Here to answer all these questions and more is Dr Katy Fisken.  Dr Fisken joins Stuart on the podcast to discuss improving communication between personal trainers and GPs. They explore when PTS must check with a client’s GP about medical conditions before training, and how to do so. They also touch on Dr Fisken’s fascinating personal experience as a GP-turned-PT, the level of exercise and nutrition education in medical schools, and the growing importance of lifestyle medicine.      Timestamps  01:08 Exercise and Nu

Should you spend ££££ on a machine to measure your client's body composition? Will it help you make better decisions for your clients? Can they really measure someone's body fat?   Stuart welcomes Dr. Eric Helms back on the podcast to find out. Along the way, they also talk about research on the relationship between sedentary time and health. You can also expect to learn exactly whether specific exercises can really target certain regions of muscle, why squats won't make your hamstrings grow and why you DON’T want early career success.        Timestamps  0:01:22 Exploring Early Career Success and Longevity 0:15:40 The Relationship Between Sedentary Time and Exercise 0:25:25 Exploring the Accuracy of Body Composition Measurements Methods 0:39:34 Regional Hypertrophy in Response to Resistance Training 0:42:16 How does Regional Hypertrophy inform a personal trainers practice?   Find Out More About Eric: Ig: https://www.instagram.com/helms3dmj/?hl=en  3DMJ: https://3dmusclejourney.com/about/  MASS: https://www.s

 Is 2023 the year when the robots take over?   With the recent release of Chat GPT, many coaches are considering how AI will affect their future careers.   Stuart welcomes Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon back onto the Lift the bar podcast to explore this and many other questions. Expect to learn what AI should be used for and what it shouldn’t, why being solution-focused leads to better client success and the best way to future-proof your coaching skill set.    Timestamps    1:26- Should personal trainers coach nutrition?  3:10- Should nutrition and exercise be separate services?  6:47- Why trainers should refer to other professionals for detailed nutrition support.   12:17- Being a solution-focused coach.  22:51- What does AI bring to coaching?  33:02- How could a new coach use Chat GPT?  34:52- Will AI be able to write good training programs?  41:16- How can coaches future-proof their skillsets?     Find Out More About Krista: Ig: https://www.instagram.com/stumptuous/  Website: https://

In 2023, it seems like everyone is an “online coach”. But just because everyone else is doing it, doesn’t mean you should. That’s why this episode from the vault is getting another airing.  In this week’s edition, Stuart talks to Dan Smith about all things online coaching. They cover why selling “online coaching” doesn’t work, the importance of designing your program and how to advertise so you never have to “sell” your service again. Expect to learn how to create a rewarding online coaching business, how to deal with the highs and lows of business and what happened to Dan in Ibiza…  This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to start or grow an online coaching business in 2023.     Timestamps    1:26 How can coaches regulate their emotions?   7:00- How to create a better work-life balance.  8:43- How should coaches discuss their clients’ results?      12:41- What role do transformation pictures play in selling online coaching?   17:54- Why coaches should stop selling online coaching

Are you interested in starting an online group coaching program but don't know how? Look no further! This archived episode of the LTB podcast features Emma Storey-Gordon. Emma’s last intake of the EC method successfully helped 600+ new clients, so she knows what she is talking about!     Stuart and Emma cover everything you need to know about online coaching such as how to create digital systems, make effective onboarding processes, and how previous members can help new clients. Tune in to learn more!    Timestamps  1:37- How does Emma manage her time?  2:45- The Issue with task switching  6:09- How Emma uses a Virtual Assistant to help with workload  6:52- What and when should you outsource?  12:32- What is the EC method?  13:48- How long does the EC method last?   16:11- How do people pay for the EC method?   16:44- Should coaches get a business partner to help run group coaching?   21:16- How does someone sign up for the EC method?   25:33- What does the EC welcome email say?   27:

The world of biomechanics can be a pretty scary place for a beginner. We have pulled this episode from the archive to help you delve into the fascinating world of biomechanics.   Stuart talks to Paul Standell about how personal trainers can understand the physics that underlies exercise and how doing so will accelerate their careers and even, get them more clients!  Discover why specific exercises, such as the dumbbell lateral raise, become more difficult at the top instead of the bottom (Hint: It’s not because your arm got heavier!). Learn how exercise mechanics can be used to tailor sessions to individual clients and the surprising benefits of spending time on a seesaw.      Timestamps: 1:08- Why are personal trainers like advisors?   4:41- When should personal trainers be more directive?   6:43- How many choices should personal trainers give their client?   7:28- Definition of exercise mechanics  20:12- Why should personal trainers care about exercise mechanics?   27:30- Can exercise

In this week's episode, Stuart sits down with Ben Pickard to discuss common challenges fitness businesses face. They explore why an increase in clients may not necessarily improve profitability, the viability of trainers opening their own facilities, and how owners can retain top staff. Ben also delves into the ethics of sales and the importance of financial planning, provides a comprehensive overview of tracking key performance indicators, and shares insights on the shifts in client behaviour following the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay tuned for valuable tips and strategies to help your fitness business thrive in 2023.     Timestamps  1:08 Why is Ben still in the fitness industry?  04:16 How can independent gyms keep their best staff?   08:16 Should trainers open their own facility?  10:54 Career trajectory for PT’s  14:01 How have potential clients changed post-COVID?   16:50 Is profit evil?   18:42 Ethics of selling: Self-Serving or Client Serving?   21:31 The Importance of Financial

If you want more clients, you need to build relationships.   There are few better ways to do that than writing.   In this week's episode, Stuart interviews Ann Hanley. Ann is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Everybody Writes and Content Rules. They talk about how you can become a more natural, engaging writer so your future clients get to know the real you. You'll learn specific editing techniques which make your life easier and your content more engaging.      Timestamps:   Ann's first newsletter: 4:18  What is honest empathy? 9:13   Should you write the same way you speak? 14:53  Making every word count: 18:08  The importance of editing: 21:19  Why writing is a privilege: 23:55  Developing your writing voice: 25:06  Building a relationship with your readers: 31:45  Should personal trainers start a newsletter? 34:18  Ann's advice for her younger: 38:44                         Find Out More About Ann: Website: https://annhandley.com/  Instagram: https:

Personal trainers have a lot of different hats to wear. Business owner. Exercise specialist. Content creator. Nutrition expert.   Would it be best for everyone if they took off the nutrition hat?   In this week’s episode, Stuart talks to Alan Flanagan about how PTs should deliver nutrition advice. They also touch on how to assess whether other nutrition professionals are good sources of information, the importance of building a referral network, and the surprising link between studying law and studying nutrition.   Alan was previously a practicing barrister before turning to his passion for nutrition. He holds a masters and PhD in nutritional medicine. He is the founder of Alinea Nutrition and is also a contributor to Sigma Nutrition.       Find Out More About Alan: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenutritional_advocate/?hl=en      Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/? 14-Day Free Trial: https://liftthebar.thrivecart.