In this episode, Claire sits down with Ben Jones, a personal trainer with 17 years of experience, to explore his journey from gym owner to running a thriving one-to-one coaching business from a small training space in Hertfordshire. Ben shares why he stepped away from the pressures of managing a successful fitness studio to focus on what he loves most, helping clients achieve life-changing results through straightforward, effective training.

Together, they discuss the power of simplicity in coaching, working with clients in their 40s, 50s and 60s, the challenges of balancing parenthood with entrepreneurship, and the importance of setting clear boundaries around work and family life. Ben also reflects on mentorship, avoiding the trap of comparison, and staying connected to your "why" in the fitness industry. Packed with practical insights and honest reflections, this conversation is a valuable listen for personal trainers and fitness professionals looking to build a sustainable, rewarding career.

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• Website: https://liftthebar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

In this episode, Claire and Maggie explore how personal trainers can better support clients with undiagnosed ADHD and other neurodivergent traits. They unpack the barriers to formal diagnosis and explain why many clients may never use clinical labels, even when they relate to the symptoms.

The conversation highlights how ADHD often presents differently in women, particularly during perimenopause, and challenges common assumptions about behaviours like lateness, inconsistency, or lack of focus. Rather than being intentional, these are often rooted in neurological differences such as time blindness, distraction, or difficulty with routine.

They shares practical, real-world strategies for coaches, including flexible goal-setting focused on immediate wins, adapting environments to reduce distractions, and recognising the impact of rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD). They emphasise the importance of clear, varied communication, autonomy in decision-making, and breaking tasks into manageable steps.

Above all, the episode encourages trainers to approach clients with curiosity, compassion, and openness, moving away from judgement and towards truly personalised support that meets people where they are.

In this episode of LTB Podcast, Claire and Maggie unpack how constant comparison within the fitness industry fuels imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and indecision. They explore how trainers absorb unrealistic "shoulds" from peers and marketing, leading to overthinking and a loss of confidence. Sharing practical strategies, they encourage trainers to refocus on their own clients, values, and priorities, building confidence through aligned actions rather than chasing external standards of success.

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• Website: https://liftthebar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

In this episode Claire and Maggie explore what it really means to take a trauma‑informed approach to coaching in fitness spaces. They unpack how assuming every client may carry some form of past trauma shifts the focus from "fixing" individuals to creating environments that feel safe, supportive, and empowering for everyone.

Claire and Maggie also discuss how to recognise signs of discomfort, respond with empathy, and provide alternatives without putting clients on the spot.

Ultimately, they show that trauma‑informed coaching isn't about doing more, it's about doing things differently, putting clients in control, and building a culture of trust, respect, and autonomy in every session.

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• Website: https://liftthebar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

In this episode, Claire sits down with Maggie to unpack the realities of setting up and running a Community Interest Company (CIC) as a personal trainer. Maggie shares what a CIC actually is, why she chose this route, and how it's allowed her to deliver meaningful, community‑focused work alongside a sustainable business model.

They explore the practical side of getting started, from choosing directors and registering with Companies House to navigating bank accounts, grants, and reporting requirements. Maggie also highlights the importance of balancing funding with trading income, involving members in decision‑making, and staying organised with the admin side of things.

If you've ever considered taking your PT business in a more community‑driven direction, this episode offers a grounded, honest look at what's involved and what to think about before you begin.

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• Website: https://liftthebar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Claire and Maggie explore how personal trainers can coach runners more effectively, whether they're complete beginners or chasing a new PB. You'll hear practical frameworks for building a runner from the ground up (progressions, run–walk intervals, technique cues, and effort-based pacing), plus how to layer in energy-system work, hills/sprints, and strength training without compromising run quality. They also dig into long-distance prep, including time on feet, fuelling, hydration and tapering. Whether you regularly coach runners, are adjusting to a new goal from an existing client or are preparing for a new client, this conversation highlights the power of personalised coaching and the small changes that can make a big difference.

Find Out More About LTB Membership Where You Can Find More Resources Aimed At Training Runers:

• Website: https://liftthebar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

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.

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• 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