LTB Podcast

PT: "Okay, just before we start, I need to check if you have any medical conditions?"

Client: "Okay, yes…I've got *insert complicated Latin sounding word*".

PT: "Umm… so we might need to check with your GP before we start training." Most personal trainers have been there before, and let's be honest, it's better to be safe than sorry! But do you always need to ask a client's General Practitioner (GP) Doctor? And even when you do, how do you do it so that the GP actually gets back to you? Here to answer all these questions and more is Dr Katy Fisken.

Dr Fisken joins Stuart on the podcast to discuss improving communication between personal trainers and GPs. They explore when PTS must check with a client's GP about medical conditions before training, and how to do so. They also touch on Dr Fisken's fascinating personal experience as a GP-turned-PT, the level of exercise and nutrition education in medical schools, and the growing importance of lifestyle medicine.

Timestamps

01:08 Exercise and Nutrition Education as a GP

09:45 Challenges of Delivering Lifestyle Medicine

13:55 When PTs Should Seek GP Clearance

18:10 How PTs Should Seek GP Clearance

20:24 Qualifications for PTs Working with Clients with Medical Conditions

22:41 Establishing Relationships with Local GPs

25:09 Dr Fisken's Motivation for Becoming a PT

26:29 Time Management and Business Growth as a GP and PT

29:59 How Being a GP Informed Dr Fisken's PT Practice

31:29 How Becoming a PT Informed Dr Fisken's GP Practice

Find Out More About Katy:

• Ig: https://www.instagram.com/thf.pt/?hl=en

Find Out More About LTB:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/
• Website: https://liftthebar.com/
• Free Trial: https://liftthebar.com/free-trial

Should you spend ££££ on a machine to measure your client's body composition? Will it help you make better decisions for your clients? Can they really measure someone's body fat?

Stuart welcomes Dr. Eric Helms back on the podcast to find out. Along the way, they also talk about research on the relationship between sedentary time and health. You can also expect to learn exactly whether specific exercises can really target certain regions of muscle, why squats won't make your hamstrings grow and why you DON'T want early career success.

Timestamps

0:01:22

Exploring Early Career Success and Longevity

0:15:40

The Relationship Between Sedentary Time and Exercise

0:25:25

Exploring the Accuracy of Body Composition Measurements Methods

0:39:34

Regional Hypertrophy in Response to Resistance Training

0:42:16

How does Regional Hypertrophy inform a personal trainers practice?

Find Out More About Eric:

• Ig: https://www.instagram.com/helms3dmj/?hl=en
• 3DMJ: https://3dmusclejourney.com/about/
• MASS: https://www.strongerbyscience.com/mass/#pricing
• Iron Culture Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/iron-culture/id1452114380?mt=2

Find Out More About LTB:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/
• Website: https://liftthebar.com/
• Free Trial: https://liftthebar.com/free-trial

Is 2023 the year when the robots take over?

With the recent release of Chat GPT, many coaches are considering how AI will affect their future careers.

Stuart welcomes Dr. Krista Scott-Dixon back onto the Lift the bar podcast to explore this and many other questions. Expect to learn what AI should be used for and what it shouldn't, why being solution-focused leads to better client success and the best way to future-proof your coaching skill set.

Timestamps

1:26- Should personal trainers coach nutrition?

3:10- Should nutrition and exercise be separate services?

6:47- Why trainers should refer to other professionals for detailed nutrition support.

12:17- Being a solution-focused coach.

22:51- What does AI bring to coaching?

33:02- How could a new coach use Chat GPT?

34:52- Will AI be able to write good training programs?

41:16- How can coaches future-proof their skillsets?

Find Out More About Krista:

• Ig: https://www.instagram.com/stumptuous/
• Website: https://stumptuous.com/

Find Out More About LTB:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/
• Website: https://liftthebar.com/
• Free Trial: https://liftthebar.com/free-trial

In 2023, it seems like everyone is an "online coach". But just because everyone else is doing it, doesn't mean you should. That's why this episode from the vault is getting another airing.

In this week's edition, Stuart talks to Dan Smith about all things online coaching. They cover why selling "online coaching" doesn't work, the importance of designing your program and how to advertise so you never have to "sell" your service again. Expect to learn how to create a rewarding online coaching business, how to deal with the highs and lows of business and what happened to Dan in Ibiza…

This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to start or grow an online coaching business in 2023.

Timestamps

1:26 How can coaches regulate their emotions?

7:00- How to create a better work-life balance.

8:43- How should coaches discuss their clients' results?

12:41- What role do transformation pictures play in selling online coaching?

17:54- Why coaches should stop selling online coaching and start creating their "method".

20:49- How does Dan structure his online method?

25:47- How to name an online coaching method

29:50- What else should people know about online coaching?

30:35- How Dan figured out he was a better coach online.

32:51- Is coaching online an easy way to earn six figures?

37:55- How has Dan changed his marketing methods?

41:27- Dominating your postcode is still important…even online!

Find Out More About Dan:

• IG: https://www.instagram.com/danstrongcollective/?hl=en
• IG Mentoring: https://www.instagram.com/strongcollectivecoaching/?hl=en

Find Out More About LTB:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/
• Website: https://liftthebar.com/
• Free Trial: https://liftthebar.com/free-trial

Are you interested in starting an online group coaching program but don't know how? Look no further! This archived episode of the LTB podcast features Emma Storey-Gordon. Emma's last intake of the EC method successfully helped 600+ new clients, so she knows what she is talking about! Stuart and Emma cover everything you need to know about online coaching such as how to create digital systems, make effective onboarding processes, and how previous members can help new clients. Tune in to learn more!

Timestamps

1:37- How does Emma manage her time?

2:45- The Issue with task switching

6:09- How Emma uses a Virtual Assistant to help with workload

6:52- What and when should you outsource?

12:32- What is the EC method?

13:48- How long does the EC method last?

16:11- How do people pay for the EC method?

16:44- Should coaches get a business partner to help run group coaching?

21:16- How does someone sign up for the EC method?

25:33- What does the EC welcome email say?

27:05- What to do if your emails end up in people's spam

29:15- How does Emma help people get started with the EC method?

31:10- What nutrition support does the EC method involve?

33:09- Is there a minimum number of clients needed for effective group coaching?

37:09- Is 1-2- or group coaching better for coaches and clients?

40:52- What marketing does Emma do just before launching a new EC intake?

46:41- How does Emma use her Instagram for marketing?

49:00- Why group coaching is a great way to achieve more customer value

Find Out More About ESG:

• Website: https://esgfitness.co.uk/
• IG Fitness: https://www.instagram.com/esgfitness/?hl=en
• IG Mentoring: https://www.instagram.com/afmentors/?hl=en

Find Out More About LTB:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/
• Website: https://liftthebar.com/
• Free Trial: https://liftthebar.com/free-trial

The world of biomechanics can be a pretty scary place for a beginner. We have pulled this episode from the archive to help you delve into the fascinating world of biomechanics.

Stuart talks to Paul Standell about how personal trainers can understand the physics that underlies exercise and how doing so will accelerate their careers and even, get them more clients!

Discover why specific exercises, such as the dumbbell lateral raise, become more difficult at the top instead of the bottom (Hint: It's not because your arm got heavier!). Learn how exercise mechanics can be used to tailor sessions to individual clients and the surprising benefits of spending time on a seesaw.

Timestamps:

1:08- Why are personal trainers like advisors?

4:41- When should personal trainers be more directive?

6:43- How many choices should personal trainers give their client?

7:28- Definition of exercise mechanics

20:12- Why should personal trainers care about exercise mechanics?

27:30- Can exercise mechanics make a client's session less fun?

31:41- How to tailor your use of exercise mechanics to an individual client

35: 45- How exercise mechanics helps get client buy in

38:53- Where can personal trainers learn about exercise mechanics?

Find Out More About Paul:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_standell/?hl=en
• The PT Project: https://www.instagram.com/theptproject_/?hl=en

Find Out More About LTB:

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

In this week's episode, Stuart sits down with Ben Pickard to discuss common challenges fitness businesses face. They explore why an increase in clients may not necessarily improve profitability, the viability of trainers opening their own facilities, and how owners can retain top staff. Ben also delves into the ethics of sales and the importance of financial planning, provides a comprehensive overview of tracking key performance indicators, and shares insights on the shifts in client behaviour following the COVID-19 pandemic. Stay tuned for valuable tips and strategies to help your fitness business thrive in 2023.

Timestamps

1:08 Why is Ben still in the fitness industry?

04:16 How can independent gyms keep their best staff?

08:16 Should trainers open their own facility?

10:54 Career trajectory for PT's

14:01 How have potential clients changed post-COVID?

16:50 Is profit evil?

18:42 Ethics of selling: Self-Serving or Client Serving?

21:31 The Importance of Financial Management

26:25 Getting started with Systems

32:04 Getting started with KPI's

39:43 What does it mean to have a better business?

Find Out More About Ben:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/benjamin__pickard/?hl=en
• Business for Unicorns: https://www.businessforunicorns.com/

Find Out More About LTB:

• Website: https://liftthebar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?
• 14-Day Free Trial: https://liftthebar.thrivecart.com/ltb-membership-49
• Free Newsletter: https://liftthebar.activehosted.com/f/16

If you want more clients, you need to build relationships.

There are few better ways to do that than writing.

In this week's episode, Stuart interviews Ann Hanley. Ann is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Everybody Writes and Content Rules. They talk about how you can become a more natural, engaging writer so your future clients get to know the real you. You'll learn specific editing techniques which make your life easier and your content more engaging.

Timestamps:

1. Ann's first newsletter: 4:18
2. What is honest empathy? 9:13
3. Should you write the same way you speak? 14:53
4. Making every word count: 18:08
5. The importance of editing: 21:19
6. Why writing is a privilege: 23:55
7. Developing your writing voice: 25:06
8. Building a relationship with your readers: 31:45
9. Should personal trainers start a newsletter? 34:18
10. Ann's advice for her younger: 38:44

Find Out More About Ann:

• Website: https://annhandley.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annhandley/
• New Book: https://annhandley.com/everybodywrites/

Find Out More About LTB:

• Website: https://liftthebar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?
• Stuart's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stuart__aitken/?hl=en
• 14-Day Free Trial: https://liftthebar.thrivecart.com/ltb-membership-49
• Free Newsletter: https://liftthebar.activehosted.com/f/16

Personal trainers have a lot of different hats to wear. Business owner. Exercise specialist. Content creator. Nutrition expert.

Would it be best for everyone if they took off the nutrition hat?

In this week's episode, Stuart talks to Alan Flanagan about how PTs should deliver nutrition advice. They also touch on how to assess whether other nutrition professionals are good sources of information, the importance of building a referral network, and the surprising link between studying law and studying nutrition.

Alan was previously a practicing barrister before turning to his passion for nutrition. He holds a masters and PhD in nutritional medicine. He is the founder of Alinea Nutrition and is also a contributor to Sigma Nutrition.

Find Out More About Alan:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenutritional_advocate/?hl=en

Find Out More About LTB:

• Website: https://liftthebar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?
• 14-Day Free Trial: https://liftthebar.thrivecart.com/ltb-membership-49
• Free Newsletter: https://liftthebar.activehosted.com/f/16

Most personal trainers who work in commercial gyms leave the industry within two years. Today's guest has beaten those odds.

Pete Yardley has been personal training in a Pure Gym for ten years. In this episode, Stuart talks to Pete about career longevity. They cover the best approaches to lead generation in a commercial gym, work-life balance and how a lump of chalk helped Pete thrive during lockdown.

Find Out More About Pete:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeteYardley.HF

Find Out More About LTB:

• Website: https://liftthebar.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar/?
• 14-Day Free Trial: https://liftthebar.thrivecart.com/ltb-membership-49
• S.Q.U.A.T.S Newsletter: https://liftthebar.activehosted.com/f/16