Barbell Machas

A lot has changed since we first started Barbell Machas. Different gyms, different jobs, COVID, businesses, relationships, families… and somehow we’re still here talking rubbish into microphones.

This episode was a bit different. No guest, no real agenda. Just us sitting down and actually reflecting on where life has taken us and how much we’ve changed along the way.

We spoke about success, responsibility, relationships, people’s opinions, building businesses, trying to find “balance” and why sometimes you need to stop chasing the next thing long enough to realise you’ve actually come quite far.

Probably one of the more honest conversations we’ve had in a while.

The world of running has evolved and more individuals are getting themselves into this sport. With the rise in running competitions, most runners have the shoes, the clothing, the training locked down, but how about the nutrition?

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Adele Wong, a Registered Dietitian and a runner herself is here to help us dissect through what is needed to prep for a marathon.

Starting a business is hard.

Building one with your partner is even harder.

Behind every milestone are difficult conversations, sacrifices, uncertainty, and the constant challenge of balancing work with your relationship.

In this episode, Mark and Siu share the journey behind building The Backyard—from taking the leap into business, navigating the pressures of entrepreneurship, creating a genuine community, and learning how to grow together through every challenge.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a coach, or simply someone building something meaningful with the people you care about, there's something in this conversation for you.

Everyone talks about the end result.

Very few people talk about what it actually feels like to start over.

Leaving a stable career.

Questioning yourself.

Wondering if you're making the biggest mistake of your life.

Trying to build a future while everyone else thinks you've already had one.

In this episode, Shobana shares the reality of changing careers, becoming a physiotherapist, navigating self-doubt, family expectations, and what it really takes to pursue meaningful work.

If you've ever felt like you're "too late" to start again, this conversation is for you.

🎧 Full episode out now.

Platelet rich plasma, better known as PRP, has been widely used in the world of regenerative medicine to aid the healing process of musculoskeletal injuries and many more. Here, Dr Arvin is discussing his experience with this blood product and how it can benefit those in the fitness world, dealing with injuries whether it is short term or long term.

In this episode, Dennis from Good Juju Barbell Club joins us for a deep conversation on gym business, coach development, programming, systems, and leadership. We unpack why most gyms market to the wrong people, why the real product is the people, why adherence matters more than perfect programming, and how delegation without systems can quietly hurt a business. A strong one for coaches, head coaches, and gym owners.

In this episode, Dr. Arvin Raj and Luke Lango sit down with @ainasakina , co-founder of Kaki Gym, to explore how she transformed a traditional gym into a safe, empowering space for women, seniors, and everyday people to build real strength. From training a 65-year-old post-rehab client to helping Muslim women confidently step into the weight room, Aina shares how education, environment, and cultural understanding drive lasting change. This conversation goes beyond fitness—diving into confidence, independence, and why strength training is becoming essential for real life, from daily function to even preparing for Hajj.

New year resolutions are great. Motivation is great. But how did we stick to what we have planned and make a resolution a reality. Coach Luke Lango shares some awesome tips on how to keep yourself on track and successfully hit your new year goals.

What does it actually take to scale a premium fitness business in Malaysia — without destroying coach quality or culture?

In this episode, David Eng Huat (General Manager, MOVE Private Fitness) breaks down:

* Why retention is the KPI that doesn’t lie

* How fixed schedules and clear systems protect coaches

* Why MOVE pays coaches aggressively — and still scales

* How they build real career paths beyond coaching

* The leadership and culture principles behind their growth

This is a deep dive into systems, people, and long-term thinking — not shortcuts.

Watch the full episode on Spotify and YouTube

What makes bodybuilding tough? The diet, the training, the mood fluctuations, the sleep disturbances, the bodily imbalances that your body experiences on calorie deficit for an extended period of time, the strain it puts on your relationships, just to name a few. Behind that chiselled physique, is a whole list of sacrifices and things you put on the line.

Coach Luke speaks in depth about the things he experienced as he prepped for his recent bodybuilding competition.