NO BS Performance Podcast |HYROX, Endurance & Hybrid Training

Why do athletes push harder in HYROX training than they ever do alone? This episode explores the real science behind group fitness accountability, structure, and community and how hybrid training environments unlock peak performance. Brian sits down to unpack the HYROX community effect, drawing on functional fitness training principles, military unit cohesion lessons, and athlete mindset research to show why competition and camaraderie aren't just nice-to-haves, they're performance multipliers.hyrox trainingfunctional fitness traininghyrox race preparationphysical fitness

In this second part, Brian continues the conversation with Jaco van Gass, diving into the journey of rebuilding after life-changing injury and what it really takes to reach the top of elite sport.Jaco shares how he adapted both physically and mentally in the early stages of recovery, and how sport became a vehicle for purpose and progression. From exploring different pathways in adaptive sport to committing fully to cycling, this episode follows the transition from starting again to competing at the highest level.The conversation also expands beyond sport, covering extreme expeditions including the North Pole and Mount Everest, and the lessons learned around teamwork, trust, and decision-making in high-risk environments. Jaco reflects on the mindset required to perform under pressure, the evolution of his training, and what it took to achieve Paralympic success.This episode brings the full journey together, from rebuilding identity to performing on the world stage.Key topics:Injury recovery and adaptationTransition into adaptive sportExtreme expeditions: North Pole and EverestTeamwork and leadership in high-risk environmentsMental toughness and performance mindsetJourney to Paralympic successTakeaways:Rebuilding starts with small, consistent steps forwardThe right environment and people are key to long-term successTrust and teamwork are critical in high-pressure situationsPerformance is built through discipline, not motivationAdapting to challenges creates new opportunities for growthhttps://www.jacovangass.com/https://www.instagram.com/jacovangass/

In this powerful first part, Brian sits down with Paralympic gold medallist and former Paratrooper Jaco van Gass to explore the early stages of his journey, from military life to the life-changing moment in Afghanistan that altered everything.Jaco shares his path into the Paras, the mindset required for military service, and the reality of deployment. He then opens up about the day of the IED explosion, what he remembers, and the immediate aftermath of his injuries.This episode sets the foundation for an incredible story of resilience, identity, and rebuilding, leading into Part 2, where the journey continues.Key topics:Life in the ParatroopersMindset in high-pressure environmentsThe Afghanistan deployment experienceThe IED incident and injuriesImmediate aftermath and early recoveryTakeaways:Life can change in a moment , how you respond defines what comes nextMental resilience is built long before it’s testedIdentity plays a huge role in how we handle adversityThere is always a starting point for rebuildinghttps://www.jacovangass.com/https://www.instagram.com/jacovangass/

In this solo episode of the No BS Performance Podcast, I break down a real moment from racing where something didn’t feel right and why it turned out to be more serious than just fatigue.Mid-race, my heart lost rhythm. Not just high effort… but completely out of sync.This episode is a straight-talking look at:What AFib actually is (without the medical jargon)How it felt in the middle of a raceThe warning signs most athletes ignoreWhy having the right people around you mattersAnd how I’m now adapting my training to stay in control and keep performingThis isn’t about fear, it’s about awareness.If you’re training hard, racing HYROX, or pushing performance alongside a busy life… this is something you need to understand.No fluff, no gimmicks, just real performance.If this episode helps, share it with someone who needs to hear it.And if you’ve experienced anything similar, drop me a message. I reply within 36 hours. https://www.instagram.com/brian_stokes_coaching/

Most people wouldn’t even attempt rowing around the UK.Mike Ellicock did it.In this episode, we break down what it really takes to push through extreme endurance challenges, from rowing around Britain to chasing marathon records and now stepping into HYROX.This is a conversation about real performance, not theory.We get into mindset, resilience, fuelling, and what separates those who keep going from those who stop when it gets tough.In This EpisodeRowing around the UK, the planning, execution, and mental resilienceWhat it’s really like dealing with tides, weather, and long days aloneMarathon world record attempt, pacing, fuelling, and lessons learnedThe biggest mistakes endurance athletes are still makingWhy simple training and nutrition principles always winMilitary mindset and how it transfers into performanceHYROX race breakdown, what went right and what didn’tWhat it’ll take to go sub-60Resources https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-ellicock/https://plainnumbers.org.uk/https://www.pegasusround.uk/If you enjoyed this episode, share it, tag us, and let us know your biggest takeaway.

Lee Johnston built his elite performance foundation as a Royal Marines Commando, then proved it works across three Olympic Games and 12 British bobsleigh championships. Now coaching international teams, he reveals exactly how military discipline, long-term consistency, and pressure protocols create world-class athletes. In this episode, we unpack the systems behind peak performance, from how top competitors train when it matters least to the one coaching principle that separates champions from everyone else.Why the start is everything in bobsleigh (and performance in general)How to build real mental resilience under pressureThe difference between average, good, and elite performersLessons from the Royal Marines mindset applied to sportWhy discipline and consistency beat motivation every timeHow to overcome setbacks, physically and mentallyWhat great coaching actually looks likeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/backflip_boba/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lee.johnstonBritish Bobsleigh Team: https://www.britishbobsleigh.co.uk/Olympic Bobsleigh Info: https://olympics.com/en/olympic-games/beijing-2022Sports Psychology Basics: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/sports-psychologyRoyal Marines: https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/the-fighting-arms/royal-marines

One of the most powerful conversations I’ve had, this one goes deep.Royal Marines commando Dan Holder reveals how military performance discipline, PTSD recovery, and extreme endurance sports converge to unlock elite athlete mindset. In this raw conversation, discover the unexpected link between combat resilience and peak performance—and how redefining your limits changes everything. Real strategies. No fluff.resiliencemilitary fitness+ mental resilienceendurance athlete mindsetmilitary performanceGuest links:https://instagram.com/dutyhappyblokehttps://atomicrambo.com

Most endurance athletes overlook a crucial factor that can unlock their full potential, yet many get it wrong by overtraining or neglecting personalised data that could prevent burnout. In this episode, I break down simple, evidence-based strategies to optimise your aerobic engine, improve recovery, and avoid the danger of overtraining, all without overcomplicating your routine.Discover why VO2 max is just one piece of the puzzle, and how consistent base building, smart interval work, and precise heart rate monitoring can boost your performance. I share the best heart rate monitors on the market - warning: not all are created equal and reveal why a chest strap often beats a wristwatch for accuracy. Plus, I dive into how zones like zone 2 are powerful tools, but not magic bullets, emphasising the importance of personalized testing to truly calibrate your training.We also explore the value of lactate threshold and VO2 max tests, and why investing in proper testing can make your training smarter, not harder. Learn how to leverage this data to prevent overtraining, manage fatigue, and harness metrics like HRV for peak performance. If you’re racing soon, I'll give you actionable insights on fuelling, tapering, and race-day nutrition, so you perform at your best when it counts.Perfect for endurance athletes, triathletes, and anyone serious about training smarter, this episode is your guide to building a sustainable, high-performing engine that lasts. If you’re tired of guesswork and want to turn data into results, you’ll want to tune in now.Why this works: The introduction immediately highlights a common pain point, overtraining and lack of personalised data, sparking curiosity with a promise of practical, evidence-based solutions. The detailed breakdown appeals to serious athletes wanting actionable advice, making it both compelling and informative while fitting within platform constraints.

Women over 35 don't need to accept performance plateaus, they need smart adaptation. In this episode, Brian Stokes talks with women's strength and fat loss coach Sarah Killeen about how hormonal cycles, aging, and lifestyle factors influence peak performance for female athletes. Sarah breaks down practical strength training techniques, recovery optimization, and resilience strategies that actually work with your biology, not against it. Perfect for HYROX athletes, endurance seekers, and anyone chasing elite performance.women's strength trainingpeak performance coachingfemale athlete mindsetstrength endurance+ resilience trainingIn this episode we cover:• Hormonal changes after 35 and how they affect performance• Why strength training becomes increasingly important with age• The biggest myths around fat loss and muscle gain for women• Protein intake, meal planning, and fuelling properly• Cycle syncing and how it can influence training• Stress, inflammation, and recoveryIf you're a woman over 35 looking to train smarter — or a coach working with female athletes — this episode offers practical advice without the gimmicks.Follow @brian_stokes_coaching on Instagram and feel free to reach out with questions. I respond to all messages within 36 hours across all platforms.Stop exercising. Start training like an athlete.Sarah Killeen https://www.instagram.com/sculptwithsarahk?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

In this episode of the No BS Performance Podcast, Brian Stokes sits down with Abby Oakman to talk about Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) and Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (HA).Abi shares her personal journey, from pushing hard in training to realising something wasn’t right. She opens up about the warning signs, the physical and psychological impact of low energy availability, and what recovery really looked like.The conversation covers:What RED-S actually isHow HA develops and why it mattersThe early signs athletes shouldn’t ignoreThe pressure many female athletes feel to “do more”Why recovery often means pulling back, not pushing harderRebuilding performance in a sustainable wayThis isn’t medical advice, it’s a real conversation about lived experience, responsibility in coaching, and understanding that performance requires fuel.If you’re training hard, coaching female athletes, or simply trying to stay strong and consistent without burning out, this episode is an important listen.Follow the podcast for weekly conversations around real training and real performance.Find Brian on Instagram: @brian_stokes_coachingNew episodes weekly.

In this episode of the No BS podcast, Brian discusses the realities of competitive racing, focusing on how athletes can cope with disappointments and setbacks. He emphasizes the importance of emotional management, strategic responses to performance analysis, and the need for a structured approach to training after a race. Brian shares a framework for athletes to process their emotions and refine their training without overreacting. He concludes by highlighting how setbacks can fuel motivation and confidence for future races.

In this episode I’m joined by Wayne Sanderson - SandoWe talk about training, mindset and performing when it matters, whether that’s in sport, work or everyday life.Expect a relaxed conversation covering background, lessons learned and what actually works when it comes to staying strong, capable and consistent.If you enjoy the episode, share it with someone who trains properly and follow the podcast so you don’t miss future conversations.📲 Instagram: @brian_stokes_coaching💬 I reply to all messages within 36 hours🎧 New episodes weekly

No BS performance, training and mindset.Performance coaching from someone who's actually been tested.** Hosted by Brian Stokes, former Royal Marines Commando and HYROX competitor, this is the podcast for people serious about resilience, endurance athlete mindset, and peak performance. No sponsored nonsense. No gimmicks. Just honest conversations with elite athletes, coaches, and high performers from HYROX, military performance, and endurance sports. Real training strategies that work in the real world. Subscribe and get the insider tips you won't find anywhere else.resilience under pressureperformance coachingendurance athlete mindsetathletic coaching strategies+ peak performance