LTB Podcast

Hayley Simpson, known locally as the Yoga Lady, has built something genuinely special in Prestwich, North Manchester. Her Ofsted-registered kids holiday clubs bring together movement, play, and a whole lot of joy, and in this episode she pulls back the curtain on exactly how she did it. Maggie sits down with Hayley to trace the journey from running a yoga business to creating a holiday provision that parents trust and children love. They get into the real nuts and bolts: what it actually takes to make a kids club financially viable, the safeguarding and staffing considerations that can't be an afterthought, why Hayley chose the Ofsted registration route and what that process really involves. But this episode isn't just a business case study. At its heart, it's about what happens when you build something around genuine passion. Hayley talks openly about the joy the clubs bring her every single time they run and why that matters as much as any spreadsheet. Whether you're a fitness professional curious about diversifying into children's provision, or someone who's ever wondered what it really takes to run a registered kids activity business, this one's well worth your time.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Does cycle syncing actually improve training outcomes or is it being oversold? In this episode, Claire and Maggie dig into the science and real‑world realities of menstrual cycles and training. They explore what the research really says (including why many cycle‑based programming claims don't hold up), while also recognising that lived experience, symptoms, and perception still matter in the gym. This conversation helps personal trainers move away from rigid rules and towards empathetic, client‑led coaching that treats menstrual cycles as a normal part of life, not something that needs over‑medicalising or one‑size‑fits‑all solutions.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

The Problem of Perfect explores why striving to "do it all right" in fitness coaching can sometimes do more harm than good. Claire and Maggie unpack the difference between healthy conscientiousness and unhelpful perfectionism, looking at how rigid rules, all‑or‑nothing thinking, and self‑criticism can impact both trainers and clients. This episode offers practical ways for personal trainers to recognise perfectionist patterns, build more flexible, realistic plans, and model imperfection to create safer, more trusting coaching relationships.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

In this episode, Claire speaks with Maggie about what weight‑neutral coaching really looks like in practice. They explore how moving away from weight‑centric fitness shifts the focus toward function, joy, and client autonomy, and why this approach can create safer, more inclusive coaching environments. Maggie shares her journey transitioning to weight‑neutral coaching, practical changes personal trainers can make to language and marketing, and how to hold clear boundaries with clients seeking weight loss without losing business or integrity.     Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Claire and Maggie explore anti‑glycolytic training, a high‑intensity, high‑rest approach rooted in Soviet sport science, and why avoiding the burn can lead to better endurance, recovery, and long‑term results.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

In this episode, Maggie sits down with Caroline, physiotherapist and founder of Rebalance Physiotherapy, a mobile and care home practice serving South Manchester, Cheshire, and Derbyshire. Caroline works with some of the most complex client presentations in the field, incl neurological conditions, frailty, post-hospital rehabilitation, and falls prevention, delivering high-quality physio in people's homes and care settings rather than behind a clinic door. They talk about what building a business actually looks like outside of your training, the real challenges of working mobile, and what it takes to grow a team that genuinely fits your model. And of course, the relationship between physios and personal trainers. Where the two professions complement each other, where the friction is, and how PTs can work better alongside physios for the benefit of shared clients. If you've ever referred a client on, worked alongside a physio, or wondered how to strengthen those professional relationships this one's for you.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar  

In this episode, Maggie and Claire explore what belonging really looks like in personal training. They discuss how trainers can create connection through listening, language, and intentional culture‑setting, without forcing community or relying on surface‑level friendliness. Drawing on real coaching examples and behavioural science, the conversation unpacks the difference between interpersonal and structural belonging, how environments influence client comfort, and why genuine one‑to‑one relationships matter most. This episode is for coaches who want clients to feel seen, understood, and supported and to build training relationships that last.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

What does it take to lift over 23,834kg in a single hour? We're joined by world-record holder and personal trainer Megan Kelly to discuss the mental and physical grit required to achieve a Guiness World Record. But this isn't just a talk about stats; it's a deep dive into the heart of coaching. Megan opens up about the resilience she gained from her successful and "failed" record attempts, her journey of opening her own studio, and why she recently decided to become a total beginner again by learning calisthenics. We explore her person-centered philosophy and why her primary metric for success isn't just a number on a scale, but the happiness of the people she coaches. In this episode, we discuss: The logistics and mindset of a world record. How to handle setbacks and turn them into professional growth. Why staying a "student" makes you a better coach for your clients.

In this episode, Claire chats with Steffie Murray to explore her journey as a competitive strongwoman, from discovering the sport to becoming Scotland's Strongest Woman, Britain's Strongest Woman, and finishing second in the world. Steffie shares what drew her to strongman competition, the variety of events that keep her motivated, and how the sport has transformed her confidence, discipline and relationship with her body. We dive into the realities of training for strongwoman competitions, including how Steffie structures her strength sessions, event days, and recovery work to stay healthy and competitive. The conversation also covers her role as a PT as well as looking ahead to the future of women's strongman and Steffie's commitment to competing as a natural athlete while maintaining integrity in the sport.   Follow Steffie on Instagram: @dawnstrength88   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar  

What is it actually like to be on the receiving end of our coaching? To find out, we've flipped the script. In this episode, Maggie sits down with three of her own clients, Mara, Helen, and Eleanor, to get the unvarnished truth from the gym floor. From the initial nerves of walking into a gym to the specific things a coach does that build (or break) trust, these women share their honest experiences of the fitness industry. We talk about what keeps them motivated, how they balance training with high-pressure lives, and what they wish all PTs knew about the client experience. If you've ever wondered what your clients are really thinking, this episode is for you. In this episode, we discuss: "Green flags" and "Red flags" from a client's perspective. Why community and safety often matter more than the workout. The reality of balancing fitness goals with real-world stressors.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

What if your personal training business was guided by your values, not just trends or tactics? In this episode, Claire and Maggie explore how clearly defined values can act as a compass for decision making, client relationships, pricing, policies, and team culture. Drawing on real examples from Maggie's studio, they discuss how values like community, joy, and confidence show up in day‑to‑day operations and why values should shape how you run your business, not just how you market it. A practical conversation for personal trainers who want a business that feels aligned, sustainable, and genuinely enjoyable to run.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Claire chats with Pete Yardley Patel about his personal training career.  Pete qualified 13 years ago and has built a sustainable business in a commercial gym and it is brilliant to hear about his  long term success in an environment which can sometimes be seen as a short term stepping stone   Find Pete: @peteyardley.hf Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Why do some clients struggle to achieve results despite having the 'perfect' plan? In this episode, we step outside the gym bubble to talk with Dr. Dharmi Kapadia from the University of Manchester. We dive into the systemic, social, and environmental barriers that personal training qualifications often overlook. Dr. Kapadia shares her vital research on how the chronic stress of racism and stigma acts as a physical health barrier, affecting everything from mental illness to long-term conditions like diabetes and obesity. This is a must-listen for any coach who wants to move past individualistic advice and understand the true "why" behind their clients' challenges. In this episode, we discuss: The "Dose-Response" relationship between discrimination and health. Why "just doing it" is harder for some than others. How systemic stress shows up in your clients' physiology.     Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

·        Claire chats with weight loss coach and personal trainer Simon Graham about how starting sport later in life led him to become a personal trainer and continues to shape the way he coaches people with more athletic or sports focused goals. From fuelling strategies and periodised training plans to balancing resistance work with endurance sports, Simon shares practical tips for building strength, preventing injuries, and managing extreme challenges. Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar    

Maggie and Claire chat about behaviour change and relevant models to support it in clients. Exploring how individual capabilities, both physical and psychological, influence a person's ability to change, as well as the importance of identifying and addressing environmental and social opportunities that either support or hinder behavior change. Members can access more on the member site including the Self Determination Theory and Behaviour Change Courses.  Non members can access a 2 week free trial via the link below. Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

·       Claire chats with Dani from Curious Fitness to explore the art of training clients with injuries and niggles. From integrating prehab and rehab into regular sessions to fostering trust through clear communication, they share practical strategies and personal insights from their experiences of their own injuries. Discover how creativity, empathy, and experience shape effective programming, helping clients stay strong and confident, even when setbacks arise.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Maggie chats with personal trainer and mother Elle Brown to explore what it really means to help clients "find their movement groove" in a world that often makes that far more complicated than it needs to be.   Together, they dig into: The role running has played in Elle's life and how her relationship with movement has evolved The intersection of fitness, motherhood, identity and societal expectations and how these forces shape women's experiences of movement What needs to change in the fitness industry if we want to genuinely help clients (and ourselves) in the long term The gender gap in fitness, the very recent history of women's exercise, and the systemic barriers that still shape who feels welcome in movement spaces What we can do, as PTs, to build fitness environments that feel safer, more inclusive, and more responsive to everyone's needs   This episode is for anyone interested in movement beyond "exercise prescriptions" especially coaches, trainers, and women navigating movement alongside work, care, and complex lives.   Books Mentioned: As promised, here are the recommended reads from the episode: Let's Get Physical - Danielle Friedman What We Don't Talk About When We Talk About Fat - Aubrey Gordon Disobedient Bodies - Emma Dabiri Invisible Women - Caroline Criado Perez Teaching to Transgress - Bell Hooks   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Claire and Maggie dive into the realities of New Year fitness trends, exploring why January isn't always the best time for goal-setting and how to keep clients engaged beyond resolutions. They share practical strategies for client retention, marketing timing, and re-engagement, plus insights on navigating seasonal business fluctuations. Whether you're a fitness professional or just curious about industry trends, this episode offers actionable tips and fresh perspectives.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Claire chats with Tom Morgan about what actually counts as plyometric training, the benefits general-population clients gain when plyos are programmed well, what coaches get wrong about it, how to progress plyometrics and much more.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar    

Maggie sits down with Kim from Body Image Fitness to explore what it truly means to train for joy rather than aesthetics. Kim shares how her weight‑neutral studio creates space for every body to move, belong, and thrive, free from the pressures of diet culture. Together, they unpack why fitness is best rooted in celebration, connection, and empowerment, not comparison or correction.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Claire and Maggie chat about productivity including the negatives of hustle culture as well as some practical tips for being productive when action is genuinely needed.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar    

Claire and Maggie discussed the concept of self-sabotage, challenging its scientific validity as well as ways personal trainers can approach clients who may be exhibiting maladaptive / sabotage like behaviors.  Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Chris chats to Zac Fennell, owner of BA1 Hair about the importance of looking after your customers, creating a brilliant team and much more.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Claire and Maggie chat about the role of goals and working with clients who don't have something that fits in a nice structure. Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Jake talks to Sally about the world of Online Coaching and what Personal Trainers should consider having ready in the early stages of building their Online Coaching service.    Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Claire chats to Maggie and Jake about how we can be confident in our knowledge and ways to verify our beliefs, or those stated by others, so that we know how to support our clients and aren't adding to the misinformation out in the world.    Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Katie first stepped into the gym as Maggie's PT client and now she's one of the trainers who works alongside her. In this episode, Katie shares how her relationship with fitness has evolved: from her first goals, to discovering a love for kettlebells, to unexpectedly finding herself on a whole new career path. It's an honest conversation about growth, confidence, and becoming an 'accidental PT'.   Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Charlie speaks about his experience starting out in the exercise industry before finding himself working with more corporate clients. He introduces some great ideas about how personal trainers could begin to look at other businesses to improve their own.   You can access a free guide from Charlie here: https://cb-nutrition.kit.com/businessclassguide   Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

In this episode Maggie and Claire chat about confidence.  It's a topic that comes up a lot and something we have helped a lot of trainers with over the years.  Whilst it's incredibly common and normal to have doubts it's also something that we tend to hide, so when it strikes it can leave you feeling like you're the only pt who's feeling like this and that is definitely not the case.    Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar    

Claire chats to Kayleigh Young about her journey from casual gym goer to PT, enthusiastic runner and run coach.   Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Jake talks with Emma about her journey from leaving the corporate world, entering the fitness industry and how she went from running bootcamps in her back garden to running 2 gyms with over 400 members.    Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar    

Claire chats to Liv and Ellen, head instructors at Elite Ladies Dance about building a dance based business.   Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Chris chats to gym owner / personal trainer / Bath City football player Joe Raynes about his many roles both within and outside the fitness industry.   Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

In this episode of the Lift The Bar Podcast, Maggie chats with Chris, a self-taught jump rope coach who's built a thriving, values-driven business from the ground up. From coaching in schools across the UK to launching his own app and designing eco-conscious ropes, Chris is on a mission to make jump rope more accessible, joyful, and impactful. Whether you're a PT looking to diversify your coaching, build a purpose-led brand, or simply be inspired by someone doing things differently—this one's for you.   Find Out More About Chris Website: https://www.thejumpropecoachchris.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejumpropecoachchris Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar  

Jake and Chris talk about what bringing fun to training really means and how personal trainers might think about the experience they deliver to clients, helping them to improve their client experience, retention rates and the enjoyment they have in being a trainer.  Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?

In today's podcast Jake hosts Shannon Groves of Insync. They discuss what made her take 12 clients to North Africa in an attempt to climb Mount Toubkal. Covering went into the logistics of how to sort such a trip and how it has benefitted her clients and business.   Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?

This episode features Kat Schneider from the Centre for Appearance Research (UWE), sharing her journey from fitness professional to academic researcher. Together, we unpack body image, weight stigma, and weight bias—focusing on their impact in sport and exercise settings. We explore the persistent challenges in the health and fitness industry, the importance of challenging weight bias, and practical ways personal trainers can create more size-inclusive and welcoming environments. Kat also shares her vision for a fitness future rooted in inclusivity, respect, and support for all bodies and goals.   Follow Kat on Instagram: @dr_katschneider Kat's website: www.drkatschneider.com   Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?

Jake talks to Maggie about all things Mental Health, from getting into further studies to understand it better and how movement can positively affect people.   Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?

Claire and Maggie chat about how appearance based language can cause issues whether it's in marketing or within a PT session or class setting.   Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?

Claire chats to LTB member and mentor Sally Eccles about her various roles within the fitness industry and how she has navigated a number of changes in the type of facility she works in and a move to a different part of the country.   Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?

Maggie and Claire chat about the use of shame in lead generation and motivating clients in this podcast.   Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?

Claire chats to Heather, AKA Maggie's mum, about her decision to qualify as a personal trainer in her late 60s, the assumptions people make about older adults and the importance of being aware of language.   Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?

Maggie chats with personal trainer and LTB member Emily Skinner about building a fitness business rooted in her values, humour and community. From coaching 'badass grannies' to creating a person-centred and weight-inclusive space where people feel safe and seen, Emily shares the real talk on supporting clients - without the need to convert them into fitness enthusiasts, or chase perfection! Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?

Jake chats to Anthony about the different environments that Anthony has worked in through his career to date and why finding the right environment is important to becoming the best trainer you can be. 

Chris and Claire chat about how to get more clients without overcomplicating things.   Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?

Claire chats to Luke about what it's like being a PT on a cruise ship.    Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?

Jake chats to Kerry covering her journey into training seniors, what some of the most important aspects were for her when delivering sessions to older populations and what other trainers might need to consider if thinking about doing the same.   Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?

Michelle Carroll is a body image coach who believes there is more to life than burpees and broccoli. Her dream is for fitness to become more inclusive and push beyond the physical which is what drives her to do the work she does, supporting personal trainers in rebuilding their relationship with food and their body so they can help their clients to do the same. Michelle is currently researching the field of body image and personal training for her PhD, has an online coaching business, her own podcast, and delivers training to fitness professionals, educating on how we can look beyond body composition as the marker of health and fitness and better meet all our clients' needs. Follow Michelle: https://www.instagram.com/michellecarroll1    Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?

In this episode we find out about the final host, Jake Weekes. Jake has worked in a variety of different roles within the fitness industry, starting out working with professional athletes before switching to general population clients. Jake has also created the Accessory Movement Course for LTB and provides mentorship support in LTB Essentials.    Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?

Maggie runs a community interest company focusing on joyful movement and body function over appearance as well as being involved in a number of local wellbeing projects and producing resources and supporting members in LTB.   Maggie has created a weight neutral coaching course for LTB and is working on resources relating to disordered eating and working with neuro diverse clients.  Find out more about her coaching experiences in this chat with Claire.   Find Out More About LTB: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?