Episode 74 of The MindSets Podcast is packed with sporting news, gym frustrations, practical fitness advice, and a brand-new game to finish things off.

We run through our usual segments in order — keeping it fast, useful, and fun for anyone interested in training, fitness, and sport culture.

📰 2 Minute News

We cover the biggest talking points from across sport and endurance:

• John Harbaugh out at the Ravens after 18 years

• College Football National Championship: Indiana vs Miami

• El Clásico thriller ends 3–2

• Crystal Palace FA Cup draw vs Macclesfield

• WSL dominance: Man City flying, Liverpool still winless

• Chloe Kim dislocates shoulder ahead of Olympic cycle

• Olympic hockey rink construction delays

• Tabitha Stoecker wins Silver at European Skeleton Champs

• Jake Dearden runs 2:22 at Houston Marathon

• Truett Hanes announces Olympic Marathon qualification plans

😤 Grind My Gears

Fitness-adjacent annoyances and everyday chaos:

• Charlie’s Tesco pretzel saga

• Red Bull can locks in Sainsbury’s

• Oranges that refuse to peel properly

• Gym “working-in” etiquette

• Salt & pepper grinder covers

• Why ovens are always wrong at 180°C

• Posting golf rounds on Strava

🧠 Main Topic: Advice for Fitness Newbies & Smart Investments

We break down what beginners actually need to focus on — without the noise.

Advice highlights:

• Why context matters when starting fitness

• Setting SMART / SMART-ER goals

• The importance of consistency over intensity

• Avoiding burnout through sensible training volume

• Why a programme or coach can be a smart move

Investment priorities:

• Gym memberships

• Proper shoes/trainers

• Coaching vs generic programmes

• Why new gym clothes sometimes actually help motivation

• Sorting sleep & nutrition first before supplements or bio-hacking

🔥 Game: Hot Take Roulette

Charles brings the heat with Hot Take Roulette — firing questionable fitness advice and products at Angus, who has 30 seconds to defend and sell them.

Surprisingly… he’s annoyingly good at it.

👇 Let us know in the comments:

• What would your hot take be?

• What advice you’d give to someone new to the gym?

• Which Grind My Gears annoyed you the most?

🎧 Listen to the full episode elsewhere:
Spotify & Apple Podcasts

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