MSC Performance Podcast

In today’s episode, Luke and Mark sit down to discuss a recent study looking at the effects of positive reinforcement on training outcomes, as well as their own coaching and anecdotal experience! In the second half we talk about Lukes half marathon training, changes he has made to his training + the benefits of keeping up strength training whilst preparing for an endurance event. We hope you enjoy today’s episode!

In this weeks episode Max and Mark discuss Max's recent Turf Games event, including his training programme leading up to the event, and give advice to those training for such competitions. They also go through the results and rationale behind the barbell club programming, and how to maximize strength progress over a given timeline. We hope you enjoy the episode!

For this weeks podcast, Luke and Max answer your questions, starting off with a biggie…. What’s going on with Max’s hair?!?We follow up by discussing training shoes, which ones are worth your investment, alongside why it’s easier to rebuild strength the second time around! We hope you enjoy this weeks episode!

In the latest episode of the MSC podcast, Mark and Luke sit down to discuss the latest goings on at MSC, before diving into training adjustments they make when one of their clients picks ups a minor injury. To finish up with, they discuss the importance of separation of training and work, avoiding mental fatigue to maximise training outcomes. We hop you enjoy today’s episode!

In this latest episode, Luke and Ste sit down to talk through the latest happenings at MSC, before diving into some training topics such as how you should pace your training once you are pause the beginner phase + how you should select the weight for isolation exercises.We hope you enjoy todays episode!

In today’s episode, in Marks abscence (business trip) Luke and Max answer questions from our Q and A! We cover the benefits of ascending sets and why we user them, how to add gymnastics into your programme, finishing with pros and cons of fast v slow v acute weight cutting for a weight category! We hope you enjoy today’s episode!

In today’s episode, Mark and Luke sit down to talk about some recent research on pre workout nutrition, things to consider + what really matters! For the second half of the episode we talk about training considerations for older populations + the benefit lifestyle choices have on maintaining your training for longer. We hope you enjoy this episode!

For this weeks episode, with a slightly delayed start to the year, Luke and Mark sit down to discuss their goals for the year and the fitness trends they expect to see for 2026.For the second half off the podcast they talk through the importance of understanding the rationale's behind your gym programme + why asking the right questions can help you buy + get as much out of your sessions as possible! We finish with a quick explanation to why we like to implement the Metrics into our metcon classes.We hope you enjoy this episode!

In todays episode, Luke and Mark wrap up the podcast for the year with an end of year review, looking back at a massive year for the gym, as well as looking ahead to what should be a great 2026! We hope you enjoy the episode + we will be back in Jan!

In today’s episode Luke and Mark sit down to answer your questions! How to meander training around Xmas, should you increase training around the Xmas game break, plus how to add 1 strength session into your programme if you are a runner.We hope you enjoy this episode!

In todays episode, off the back of the MSC combine, Luke and Mark talk through how testing can help direct your training, addressing bottlenecks in performance + why you should use the vertical integration model to prioritise different qualities at different times of the year. We hope you enjoy todays episode!

In this week’s episode, Luke and Max sit down to discuss all things MSC, starting off with Max talk us through his recent knee Injury and how he is coming back from it, alongside Luke talking about his upcoming 10k race. For the final half of the episode the coaches talk about how you can use your Hyrox result to guide your off season training! We hope you enjoy this episode!

In this weeks episode Luke and Mark answer your Questions!What does success in coaching mean to us? how would we programme for someone with poor squat leverages, different pacing strategies for conditioning + Our favourite drills to stop jumping forward on the Olympic lifts!We hope you find this episode useful!

In today’s episode, Luke and Mark talk about the recent popularity of ‘fibremaxxing’ and how this can have a positive effect on your overall nutrition! We also discuss other small wins that can help make a big difference! We hope you enjoy this episode!

On the weekend of the West Midlands autumn champs, our coaches Luke and Mark talk through 5 common mistakes people make when competing for the first time, these are related to strength sports and fitness competitions!

In this weeks episode, Max and Mark discuss a variety of topics from training zones and hard conditioning sessions, to Halloween and Christmas socials! As always, we hope you enjoy the episode!

In this weeks episode, Mark covers a little Q&A after being left all by himself, with the following questions; Why did you start the gym, and what makes it different from other gyms?What are the most common mistakes people make when starting at the gym?What advice would you give someone who’s struggling to stay consistent?What makes the culture at your gym unique?How did you get into fitness and coaching?Watch out for a little cameo appearance during the episode!

For this weeks episode, We start by discussing conditioning work, specifically talking about if you should keep all of your training to the lower heart rate zones, or if its ok to train at zone 4/5. We also take a look at some new research on warming up, what we think of it + how you can use the results to guide your warmups. We hope you enjoy this episode!

In this weeks episode, Luke and Mark sit down to answer your questions. Does Max own a T-Shirt, swapping to sumo deadlift, how to plan your Athx conditioning if you’re struggling with the weights + much more!

In todays episode: Luke and Jura sit down to talk you through the new Met-con schedule and what the classes will look like moving forward!

In this weeks episode, Mark and Steve dive into the importance of appreciating the small wins in training and focusing on the macro for long term development. We break down the conversation into goal setting - injury management - intensity and what to take away from 'good' and 'bad' sessions. We hope you enjoy the episode!

In this weeks episode, our coaches Luke and Ste look ahead at their weeks of training, with Ste talking us through his baseline testing + Luke his deload week. We follow this up with a chat about if ‘hybrid training’ makes you average at everything. We hope you enjoy this week’s episode!

In this weeks episode: Coaches Mark and Luke discuss strategies that can help keep you motivated through injury, they talk a little about their own training + the metrics they are using to track progress. We finish off talking about why were so passionate about strength and conditioning for youth athletes

In this weeks episode, we answer your questions! Luke and Ste compare 5x5 and other beginner strength programmes to our barbell club methods, we look at how you can reduce knee pain while squatting, what we mean when we say we’re locking in + more!

In todays episode, Luke and Ste sit down to talk about Ste’s recent trip to Lugano, what the elite guys are doing to keep playing at the highest level, plus what Ste learned about his own training while over there.In the second half, Luke talks about a few successes he has had with his powerlifting coaching, looking at what the guys who make the most progress are doing right. We hope you enjoy this episode!

In today’s episode: we take a look at the last few months of charity challenges as we round up the last 4 months, we talk through our favourite parts abd what we found toughest. We finish by talking through how we would structure training for anyone wanting to partake in the 3 peak challenge. Hopefully you can learn from our mistakes 😅

In today’s episode of MSC, Mark, Luke and Max sit down to talk about the 10 years of MSC, the highlights, low lights and some favourite memories! We hope you enjoy this episode and we thank you all for your support over the years!

A quick update on upcoming events, competitions that members are taking part in and where is the next social after the Metcon games you ask ?

In today’s episode: Luke, Mark and Ste talk all things strength. We discuss the latest World championships, different training block styles you can use depending on the individual, front squat tips, hyrox programming considerations and much much more!We hope you enjoy this episode.

In todays episode, a solo Ste updates us on the boys heading to Scotland to take on the 3 peaks challenge, alongside the latest goings on all things charity!

This weeks podcast is a solo one with Mark, who dissects the 24 hour challenge and discusses the learnings that have been taken. Find out what happened in the challengeThe power of the community The importance of testing the limits The benefits of training hardMind over matter We hope you enjoy the episiode!

In today’s episode, Luke and Ste discuss all things regarding the 24 hour challenge, find out how prepared the boys are feeling, what they’re most looking forward to/dreading the most + much more!

In this weeks episode we welcome back the return of MSC's prodigal son, Max Craven. We catch up with Max all things regarding his spell in London, how the training landscape looks right now, and the world of competitive fitness. We catch up with Steve regarding his preparation for the world masters basketball championships, and discuss the importance of coaching and accountability. We also give updates regarding the next couple of charity challenges for Macmillan. Other topics include dogs, jack the ripper, and running. We hope you enjoy the episode.

In today’s episode, we celebrate coach Ste’s birthday, before talking about considerations for training as you get older. We also talk about our favourite core exercises, the latest goings on at MSC and much more! #strengthandconditioning #hyrox #strengthtraining #mscperformance #bleedorange

In today’s episode, Luke and Ste sit down to talk through the latest goings on at MSC, before diving into a couple of questions from our Members; including how to balance training for Hyrox/Fitness comps + when should you step up a level and be a small fish in a big pond! We hope you enjoy this episode.

In todays episode, Luke and Ste sit down to talk through fast v slow gains, both in terms of dieting and strength/hypertrophy training. In the second half of the episode, they talk through the individual differences that need to be considered when using RPE, especially comparing RPE for Women v Men. We hope you enjoy this episode!

This week, Mark and Max dive into what you should really be looking for when choosing a coach.Is coaching their full-time passion—or just a side hustle? 📚 Are they constantly learning, growing, and gaining real experience—or more focused on likes and followers? 🏋️‍♂️ Do they walk the walk and live the lifestyle they preach? 🧠 And do they have the soft skills needed to build trust, connection, and get the best out of you?Is the person a coach, or an instructor? And what is the difference? Are they looking at a holistic overview of your health and wellbeing, or just giving you a workout? Are they mentoring you in your health and fitness? From professionalism to personality, this episode breaks down what makes a truly great coach. Tune in and enjoy the chat!

Mark does a solo pod this week as he answers some frequently asked questions that often come up on the gym floor. He discusses the effectiveness of being sore after sessions, the difference between Trap Bar Deadlift and Conventional Deadlift, training frequency and does more always bring better results, and whether or not you should take creatine! We hope you enjoy the episode!!

This week, host Steve is joined by a special guest, Dr. Priyanka Holzherr-Mandal, to explore the benefits of strength training during pregnancy.In this insightful episode, they address common concerns and misconceptions surrounding exercise while pregnant, highlighting how a thoughtful and well-guided approach to training can provide significant physical and mental benefits both during pregnancy and postpartum. Don't miss this valuable discussion packed with expert advice!

In todays episode, Luke and Mark talk about the recent games, the charity events that we have lined up, as well as an overview of their own training, with Mark talking about the direction he is taking his training post rugby + Luke talking about how he balances his strength work with his conditioning! We hope you enjoy this episode

In today’s episode, Luke and Ste take a look ahead to the Metcon games, which are taking place this Saturday. They discuss the events, strategies and a couple of surprise twists that we have in store!The games take place Saturday from 9am, followed by a social at the button factory from 7.30pm, which everyone is invited to!

In today’s episode, Ste and Luke sit down to discuss all things wearables. We look at the positives and negatives from collecting data, where you can start if you are looking to start and where to cut back if you find yourself overwhelmed with data. We hope you find this episode insightful and as always, any questions our DM’s are always open.

In todays episode, Luke and Mark talk through the tapering protocol Mark used for an elite level pole vaulter, who is competing this weekend at the British championships, we discuss the differences and similarities between the approach to other sports, as well as the individual differences that occur at that high level. We hope you find this podcast insightful!

Max Hartman has graced us with his presence alongside Mark in this weeks episode of the MSC Performance podcast. After recently becoming a father, Max discusses with Mark considerations with training for new parents / busy professionals, who have a limited amount of time to train in. They discuss how to mainuplaute training volume, intensity and frequency in order to get the best results possible and ensure progress doesn't stop during extremely busy periods. This is a great listen for anyone who is super busy with life, work and family. Enjoy!

In this weeks episode, the three horseman discuss some exciting developments coming this year with the 10 year charity challenge, metrics and future goals, and Ste also fires some questions at Mark and Luke about why MSC started in the first place all those years!!

In today’s episode, Luke and Jura answer 3 questions that have come up while at MSC this week: How fast or slow should I descend on squats? How to find your grip width on military press, plus our favourite deadlift accessories for getting past plateaus. We hope you enjoy this episode!

In today’s episode, we introduce you to our newest addition to the coaching team, Chloe! We talk through her sporting background, coaching in America, her masters degree and much more!

in todays episode, Luke Mark and Ste sit down to talk through the MSC metrics. We discuss how we decided on these particular metrics, who they will suit and how you can improve on your scores over the year! We hope you find this episode interested and as always, any questions our DM’s are always open

In todays episode Luke and Mark sit down to talk about what 2025 has in stall for themselves and MSC Performance, as we look ahead to a massive year for the gym as we enter year 10!

In today’s episode, Luke and Ste review the past year, both from a personal and professional perspective, as well as looking at the different training trends + how things have evolved at MSC. They finish by talking through their training predictions for 2025, as well as taking a look at what things look like for MSC as it enters its 10th year!Merry Christmas everyone, and thanks for listening!