In Ben and Tim’s book The Resilience Shield, they refer to Kev Toonen as a ‘superstar Army PTI (Physical Training Instructor)’ - and certainly when they first met him, that’s exactly what Kev was – a thought leader in the development of special operations physical capability, who helped evolved SAS training methodologies, as well as prepare the amazing Monika Georgieva (see Season 2 Episode 3 for more on Mon!) for her pioneering attempts at the SAS selection course.

Since that time, Kev has taken his passion and knowledge for human performance to clients ranging from some of Australia’s most beautiful and recognisable celebrities to elite sporting teams.  In this episode, Kev talks to what he learnt from his military service, how he saw the military approach to physical training change over the years and what he currently considers the key requirements for optimising the human body. 

In this second part of a special double episode, Ben and Tim chat to Kev about helping Mon prepare for SASR selection and then his transition out of uniform into the much more beautiful world of celebrities, models and professional sportspeople, including his work with Candice Warner prior to her appearance on SAS Australia. 

1:30         On Monika Georgieva’s workup to being the first female to attempt SASR selection

3:00         The significance of the infamous 3.2km webbing run – and why it’s such an important component of SASR selection

5:30         …and why this was a particularly difficult test for Mon

11:00       Mind-body connection, how it impacts selection performance and what potential candidates don’t do well in their preparation and on the course

12:15       Kev’s input into modernising the pre-selection training program

21:05       How did the lessons that Kev learnt in uniform translate into his current roles?

22:30       From the predominantly very ugly demographic of SASR to a ‘gym full of celebrities and models’ in Sydney’s trendy suburb of Darlinghurst

26:10       Building a fitness app – how hard/expensive can it be?!

27:00       Meeting rugby legends Ben and Owen Franks – a pivotal moment for Kev’s transition into supporting elite sports

33:20       What’s the difference between developing physical programs for Special Operations and elite sports and preparing them for the wider population?

40:30       Preparing Candice Warner for SAS Australia

47:00       What are Kev’s current personal fitness goals?

48:50       The future of 98 Gym - the business of fitness

52:30       On Crossfit and F45 – the pros and cons of fitness movements like these

55:00       What’s Kev’s powersong – to fire him up when he needs to deadlift 250kg

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External Links

98 Gym

If you want some great black and white photos of Kev squatting the equivalent weight of a small car (and who doesn’t?!) check out his Insta.

Music

The Externals – available on Spotify

Ben Frichot - available on Spotify