Coaches Hour

If every coach claiming "thousands of transformations" was telling the truth, there would be no overweight people left in the world. This episode picks apart the most common bold claims in coaching bios. From transformation counts and "best PT" titles to 24/7 support, evidence-based coaching, and bespoke programs. Do the maths on most of them don't hold up? The episode goes further than calling people out. It looks at why overpromising damages your business, and why honest coaches are the ones who build something lasting.

This episode starts with a post from a well-known coach that sparked a real debate, if a client can't complete a check-in on time, should you stop taking their goals seriously? The discussion goes deep on check-in culture, coach accountability, energy matching, fixed mindsets, and why the way you do one thing is the way you do everything. This is a must-listen for any coach who has ever felt frustrated by a client who won't engage.

Most coaches assume that knowing more will make them better. This episode challenges that. The conversation covers why communication skills often matter more than knowledge depth, how coaches drift into overly scientific language that alienates clients, and what it actually takes to reach people at any level. From the "think science, speak client" principle to why asking questions beats giving answers, this is a practical episode on the skill most coaches overlook.

Jewade had his viral post copied word for word by a Dubai-based trainer, a badly AI-edited head swapped onto his body. That story opens a bigger conversation about where copying ends and is there a limit to it. This episode breaks down the difference between taking inspiration and stealing identity, why too many coaches are parroting big creators without understanding what they're actually saying, and how to build content that's genuinely yours.

Most coaches think they need to have all the answers but the best ones know when to step back. In this episode, we dive into the real role of referrals in coaching: when to refer out, how to build a strong referral network, and why doing what’s best for the client (even when it costs you money). From physios and therapists to other PTs, we break down the fears, mistakes, and real world experiences that shape how coaches should approach referrals and why your ego might be the biggest thing holding you back.

Everyone says they train to failure but almost no one actually understands what that means. In this episode, we break down the different types of failure, why true muscular failure is rarely reached, and why the idea of “training beyond failure” doesn’t make sense in most contexts. We dive into stability, exercise selection, and how different muscles fatigue across ranges, plus how tools like muscle oxygen monitoring reveal what’s really happening beneath the surface. If you’re a coach or lifter chasing better results, this episode will challenge how you think about effort, execution, and progress.

In this episode of The Coach’s Hour, Hym and Jewade break down a social media concept: whether the leg press can effectively train the hamstrings. Using real-world coaching experience and exercise science, they unpack why this debate exists, where people go wrong, and how social media oversimplifies complex topics. The conversation dives into biomechanics, bias in interpretation, and why context is everything when designing programs. If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re “training” or just copying what you see online, this episode will change how you think about exercise forever.

Burnout isn’t just something that happens to high pressure executives or people working three jobs. Coaches experience it too, often quietly. In this episode of The Coach’s Hour, we break down what burnout actually is, why it happens even in careers you love, and the different forms it can take. From overexertion to misalignment with your work, we discuss how burnout develops, how to recognise the warning signs, and what practical steps coaches can take to avoid hitting the wall. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unmotivated, or like the effort you’re putting in isn’t paying off, this conversation will help you understand why and what to do next.

In this episode of The Coaches Hour, Hym and Jewade get into one of the most uncomfortable but important topics for personal trainers - client injuries. They unpack a real story from early in Hym’s PT career where a client was badly injured during a session, the guilt that came with it, and the lessons that still shape how he coaches today. From exercise selection and footwear to assessments, rehab planning, and client retention after injury, this episode is a honest look at what happens when things go wrong and how good coaches respond.

In this episode of The Coaches Hour, we break down the real reason “1200 calories and no loss” comes up so often: it’s rarely metabolism magic, it’s usually data, adherence, and communication. We talk through how to set a starting point, how to use a food diary + bodyweight as the real baseline, why clients unintentionally eat way more than they think, and how to have the “something’s not adding up” conversation without torching trust. We also cover the trap of “false maintenance” (believing you maintain on 1000 when you’re actually eating far higher) and why newer coaches often wait too long to address it.

In this episode of The Coaches Hour, Hym and Jewade dive into a controversial question: should fitness business mentors actually be good coaches? The conversation explores the difference between understanding business principles versus simply copying what worked once for them, the risks of cookie-cutter mentorship models, and why many coaches struggle when following rigid blueprints. They discuss credibility, niche expertise, vulnerability inside group mentorship programs, and the importance of fundamentals over trends. This episode challenges coaches to think critically before investing in mentorship and to understand exactly what problem they’re trying to solve.

In this episode of The Coaches Hour, Hym and Jewade break down the growing trend of client photoshoots and so-called “confidence shoots.” Should every client aim to be “shoot-ready”? What does “in shape” even mean? And are photoshoots genuinely serving the client, or just the coach’s marketing? The lads unpack the pressure to look photo-perfect, the risks of chasing aesthetics over substance, and why social proof doesn’t have to mean forcing a shoot. If you're a coach considering doing shoots with your clients, this ones for you!

In this episode of Coaches Hour, Hym and Jewade break down the realities of the gym rent model and why so many personal trainers feel trapped by it. They explore how paying rent without a wage creates pressure, forces short-term decision making, and pushes coaches toward burnout rather than better coaching. This conversation challenges the idea that “paying your dues” through rent automatically builds successful trainers, and instead questions whether the model actually rewards the right behaviours in the industry.

In this episode of The Coaches Hour, Hym and Jewade break down the client mistakes that still live rent-free in their heads. From onboarding errors to misplaced trust, poor boundaries, and trying to “save” clients who weren’t ready, this is an honest conversation about the lessons you only learn through experience. Real coaching scars, what went wrong, and how those mistakes shaped how they coach today.

In this episode, we dive deep into the fitness industry’s changes, specifically focusing on the coaching business, and discuss what needs to stay in 2026, and what should be left behind. We talk about the importance of transparency in the coaching business, the role of business mentors, and how personal brands need to evolve. We also share insights on the challenges of being in the business, the importance of being authentic, and the mistakes that many new coaches fall into when trying to grow their business.

Late cancellations, paused coaching, and “life getting in the way” aren’t just client problem, they’re boundary problems. In this episode of The Coaches Hour, we break down why coaches struggle to enforce policies, how inconsistency creates confusion, and why trying to be “nice” often backfires. We talk about setting the tone early, the difference between empathy and enabling, and how strong standards actually improve client results and retention.Joined once again by Anthony Barnes of the Coaching Initiative.Anthony Barnes - @anthony_barnes_coaching  @TheCoachingInitiative ​

Everyone wants the freedom of online coaching, but very few are actually ready for it.In this episode of The Coaches Hour, we break down when going online makes sense, when it’s a mistake, and why “online” isn’t a shortcut. We talk about capacity, skill level, lifestyle trade-offs, results, and the uncomfortable truth most coaches avoid.Joined once again by Anthony Barnes of the Coaching Initiative.Anthony Barnes - @anthony_barnes_coaching  @TheCoachingInitiative ​

Fat loss challenges are everywhere in the fitness industry. Eight-week transformations, big promises, big hype, and even bigger claims about “no rebound” results.In this episode of The Coaches Hour, we break down whether fat loss challenges actually help clients long term or whether they unintentionally promote restriction, rebound dieting, and short-term thinking.We look at the mindset of the coach running the challenge, the messaging behind it, who challenges are (and aren’t) appropriate for, and how coaches can run them ethically without damaging a client’s relationship with food.Joined once again by Anthony Barnes of the Coaching Initiative.Anthony Barnes - @anthony_barnes_coaching @thecoachinginitiative

Every January, coaches talk about fresh starts, new goals, and “doing things differently.” But most end up repeating the same patterns that kept them stuck last year.In this episode of The Coaches Hour, hosts Hym and Jewade are joined by Anthony Barnes as we unpack why New Year motivation fades, why coaches struggle to apply the same standards to themselves that they demand from clients, and how real progress comes from systems, accountability, and lived experience — not resolutions.This is a straight-talking episode for coaches who want to stop lying to themselves and actually level up in 2026.Anthony Barnes - @anthony_barnes_coaching  @TheCoachingInitiative ​

In this episode of The Coaches Hour, Hym and Jewade dive into the reality behind creating content as a fitness coach — not the polished Instagram version, but the real time, effort and strategy behind it. They break down short-form vs long-form, how audience trust is built, why trends outside of fitness matter, why trying to be “perfect” kills momentum, and why most coaches waste hours editing instead of focusing on the message.This is a real look at what content is really for and how to finally make it sustainable.

Every business mentor screams about “consistent 10K months” – but almost nobody talks about what actually happens when you get there. In this episode of The Coach’s Hour, Hym and Jewade pull back the curtain on the hidden costs of chasing 10K: tax and VAT thresholds, heavy workloads, the impact on service quality, and the realities of hiring staff or success coaches.They break down the maths, the client numbers, the subscriptions, and the psychological toll so you can decide whether you really want 10K… or whether 7K (or 15K) actually makes far more sense for your life, your energy, and your clients.

In this Christmas special of The Coaches Hour, Hym and Jewade talk honestly about what the festive season is really like for coaches. Clients slow down, cashflow gets ropey, and suddenly you’re torn between wanting time off and feeling guilty for not working.They dive into how they personally handle Christmas, what they tell their clients, why January sign-ups are overrated, and how the coaches who start now (Oct/Nov) always seem to do better. They also unpack why so much Christmas content is complete nonsense and how to use December to build trust, stay visible, and set up a stronger New Year—without turning into a “never take a day off” martyr.

In this episode of The Coaches Hour, Hym and Jewade get honest about coaching delivery: should you stick with Google Sheets or move to a coaching app like Kahunas, TrueCoach, Trainerize etc.They walk through the real reasons they’ve switched platforms over the years — from awful bugs and clunky UI to client adherence, pricing, and the “premium feel” clients now expect.More importantly, they zoom out and show you why the best system isn’t the fanciest app, but the one that matches what you actually track, what you understand, and what your clients will consistently use.

In this episode of The Coach’s Hour, Hym and Jewade go through all the stereotypical things coaches and clients say and do.The phrases that make your eye twitch, the industry trends that need to go in the bin, and the behind-the-scenes reality of life as a PT. From “in the trenches” and “fall in love with the process” to caffeine addictions, “weekly dumps”, morning routine reels, scholarship gimmicks and back-to-back 10-hour days on the gym floor, they pull apart the clichés with honesty and humour. If you’re a coach, you’ll 100% tick a few off this list.

In this episode of The Coaches Hour, Hym and Jewade unpack the recent wave of fitness-industry drama: Mike Israetel vs “Solomon,” Coach Kassem vs Scientific Snitch, Jeff Nippard vs Mike Van Wyck, and more.They question who these debates actually serve, how much any of it matters for gen-pop clients, and why so many coaches feel more pressure to “be right” than to be helpful.The conversation dives into imposter syndrome, overcomplicating training with hyper-niche science, and the difference between what you like to know versus what you need to know to coach real humans. If you’ve ever felt dumb watching experts argue over lats while your 6am client just wants to lose a muffin top, this one’s for you.

AI is everywhere in fitness, caption tools, clip editors, chatbots, even “automated check-ins.” In this episode, Jewade and Hym break down how they actually use AI, where it crosses the line, and why the real edge for PTs still comes from personality, context, and care.From Opus Clip to ChatGPT/Claude and the rise of AI “mentors,” they cover benefits, risks, and how to future-proof your coaching without losing your soul.

In this episode we unpack the Serena Williams GLP-1 endorsement and what it signals for culture, coaching, and consumers. We dig into how GLP-1 drugs work, why celebrity promotion warps public perception, who might benefit medically, and who’s skipping the basics. We contrast GLP-1s with steroids as “different sides of the same shortcut,” question role-model responsibility, talk price hikes and access, and argue that therapy and lifestyle skills still matter if people want results that last after the injections stop.

In this episode of The Coach’s Hour, the hosts dive into the story of co-host Jewade Graham, exploring how his career evolved from a personal trainer on the gym floor to a respected mentor and content creator in the coaching industry. Jewade shares his early challenges, the pivotal moments that shaped his mindset, and the lessons learned from both success and setbacks. The conversation reveals the realities of growth as a coach, from imposter syndrome to finding purpose beyond client transformations. And offers valuable insight for trainers who want to build a career with both impact and longevity.

In this episode, Jewade puts Hymsuen Liu in the hot seat. You’ve heard his takes on coaching and business, now you’ll hear his story. From early beginnings and career pivots to the mindset behind how he coaches today, this conversation strips away the “coach persona” and shows the person underneath. Expect honesty, laughter, and some lessons that every trainer and entrepreneur will relate to.

In this episode of The Coaches Hour, hosts Hymsuen Liu and Jewade Graham dive into the highs and lows of investing in their personal training careers. From education and mentorship to business tools and misguided purchases, they share candid reflections on what truly moved the needle and what didn’t. Whether you’re a new coach or an experienced PT, this conversation will help you think more strategically about where you spend your time, money, and energy as a professional.Key takeaways:• Invest in mentors, not just courses.• Even bad investments teach valuable lessons.• Self-development pays off more than expensive tools.

Everyone’s talking about Ozempic but is it a friend, a fad, or a fix? In this episode, we strip away the ego-driven “shortcuts are bad” reaction and get real about what the data says.You’ll learn:Why dismissing clients who ask about Ozempic destroys trust.How to reframe the conversation and explore whether it’s the right tool for the right person.The pros, cons, and side effects every coach needs to know.How to integrate it with resistance training, protein intake, and lifestyle changes so results actually stick.Our personal client experiences, the wins, the pitfalls, and the lessons you can apply immediately.Whether you’re skeptical, curious, or already working with clients on GLP-1s, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to coach better in the Ozempic era.

Being “in shape” isn’t enough to lead as a coach. In this episode of The Coaches Hour, we dive into what leading from the front really means and why it’s about more than just having abs.We cover: • The difference between winter bulks and summer shreds (and what each teaches you as a coach). • The unique struggles of fat loss vs gaining phases — hunger, body image, social pressure, motivation dips. • How to get client buy-in by showing, not just telling. • Why coach empathy is the most underrated retention tool. • How experience + education together make you a better leader.Whether you’re a fitness coach, online coach, or personal trainer looking to build trust with clients, this episode will help you step up your game and become the coach people want to follow.

Most PTs switch off in summer. They cut their hours, post less, and basically vanish. That’s your opportunity.In this episode of Coaches Hour, we’ll show you why summer isn’t downtime, it’s the season where you can stand out, build authority, and prep for your biggest growth months ahead.👉 Here’s what we cover:- Go Against the Grain → why showing up when other PTs check out makes you unmissable.- Practice What You Preach → use summer for your own transformation and document the process.- Prep for Winter → September–December is peak season; summer is where you plant the seeds.- Gaining Phase Done Right → why summer is perfect for a structured bulk (and how not to screw it up).- Summer Maintenance → how to stay lean, social, and in control without undoing months of work.The coaches who treat summer like an opportunity will dominate the rest of the year. Those who switch off? They’ll be playing catch-up until Christmas.

In this episode of The Coaches Hour, we challenge the all-too-familiar excuse of the “summer slump” and dive into the real reasons why your fitness business may be slowing down. Spoiler: it’s not the weather, just like your clients struggling with steps.We explore the systems you can put in place to turn summer into an opportunity, not an obstacle.Tune in as we break down the key strategies that will keep your pipeline full, even when the sun is shining. From leveraging referrals to strategic pricing adjustments and handling objections, we’re covering everything you need to make summer your busiest season yet. Plus, discover why coaching isn’t just about delivering a session or a training plan. It’s about making yourself indispensable to your clients, no matter where they are.Get ready to level up your coaching business, because summer doesn’t have to be a slump

Every July and August, gyms empty out. Clients vanish on holiday, routines collapse with school breaks, and PTs panic-run summer discounts just to keep the lights on.But summer drop-offs aren’t inevitable. They’re a symptom of a coaching model that only works when clients show up in person.In this episode, we break down:Which type of trainer gets hit with the slump the mostThe hidden reasons clients “pause” in summer and never come backHow to shift from session-based training to outcome-based coachingWhy running summer sales is a trap that keeps your business stuck in short-term cyclesThe exact systems and strategies you can use to keep clients engaged year-roundIf you’re sick of starting from scratch every September, this one’s for you.

Join Hymsuen Liu and Jewade Graham for The Coaches Hour — a podcast about making coaching great again.With years of experience working directly with clients and building successful coaching businesses, Hymsuen and Jewade bring sharp debate and honest conversation to the table. From fat loss strategies to mindset, training to client psychology, they’ll break down what really works and call out the fluff that doesn’t.Hosted by two coaches who’ve lived it, tested it, and proven it, The Coaches Hour is here to challenge how you think about coaching and help you deliver the best results possible.