Strength Block - The Podcast

Damien and Sophie return to the Strength Block Podcast with a big life update — Sophie is 21 weeks pregnant with twins.

In this episode, we talk honestly about pregnancy, strength training, and the outdated beliefs that still surround women lifting weights while pregnant. From navigating sickness in the first trimester to returning to training in the second, Sophie shares what it’s actually been like — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

We cover:

• Training during pregnancy and common misconceptions
• Why women (even pregnant women) aren’t as fragile as we’re told
• Body changes, weight gain, stretch marks, and social pressure
• The myth of “bouncing back”
• Fitness identity, resilience, and different seasons of life
• Preparing for parenthood while running a business

This is a grounded, real conversation about pregnancy, strength, and letting go of unrealistic expectations — without fear-mongering or perfectionism.

Looking for some of the best training programs available (I might be a little biased)? The Strength Block App has everything you need to train, track and progress. Use the code "SBPod20" to grab your free 14 day trial and receive 20% off your 1st month!
★ Strength Block App

Live in Auckland, New Zealand and want a awesome spot to train? Why not join our gym?
★ Strength Block Gym

SOCIALS
★ Strength Block Gym Instagram
★ Damien's Instagram
★ Sophie's Instagram

Ready to smash through those frustrating plateaus and take your lifting to the next level? This episode is packed with game-changing advanced techniques that'll transform your training forever!

We're diving deep into three powerhouse methods that serious lifters swear by: pause squats (the secret weapon for building explosive strength), accommodating resistance using bands and chains (because your muscles deserve a proper challenge), and strategic overload training that'll have you lifting numbers you never thought possible.

Whether you're stuck at the same bench press for months or your squat just won't budge, these techniques will shake up your routine and deliver the results you've been craving. We break down exactly how to implement each method safely, when to use them in your programming, and the science behind why they work so brilliantly.

Perfect for intermediate to advanced lifters who are ready to stop playing it safe and start seeing serious gains. You'll walk away with actionable strategies you can implement in your very next workout.

What you'll discover:

• How pause squats build unshakeable strength from the bottom up
• The art of accommodating resistance and why your muscles will thank you
• Overload training secrets that competitive lifters don't want you to know
• Common mistakes that could derail your progress (and how to avoid them)

Time to stop settling for average and start lifting like the beast you know you can be!

Looking for some of the best training programs available (I might be a little biased)? The Strength Block App has everything you need to train, track and progress. Use the code "SBPod20" to grab your free 14 day trial and receive 20% off your 1st month!
★ Strength Block App

Live in Auckland, New Zealand and want a awesome spot to train? Why not join our gym?
★ Strength Block Gym

SOCIALS
★ Strength Block Gym Instagram
★ Damien's Instagram
★ Sophie's Instagram

Is the gym running your life, or enhancing it? Tune in as we tackle one of the most important questions for fitness enthusiasts everywhere. In this episode of the Strength Block podcast, we explore the emotional, physical, and mental impacts of fitness. From the addictive nature of those early "newbie gains" to the challenges of sustaining motivation and avoiding gym burnout, we're here to help you build a better relationship with your training.

Here’s what we’re covering in this jam-packed episode:

• ✅ The emotional impact of fitness and when it becomes too much
• ✅ Sustainable strength training tips for long-term progress
• ✅ Balancing fitness with life’s demands (yes, rest days are your friend!)
• ✅ The dangers of overtraining and how to avoid the hamster wheel
• ✅ Personal stories from experienced lifters on burnout and rebuilding balance

If you’re passionate about strength training but want to find harmony between gym goals and a happy, sustainable lifestyle, this episode is for you. Subscribe now, and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments! Let's redefine fitness together.

Use code SBPOD20 for a 14 day dress trial and 20% off your first month of the Strength Block App

★ Strength Block App

Looking for some of the best training programs available (I might be a little biased)? The Strength Block App has everything you need to train, track and progress. Use the code "SBPod20" to grab your free 14 day trial and receive 20% off your 1st month!
★ Strength Block App

Live in Auckland, New Zealand and want a awesome spot to train? Why not join our gym?
★ Strength Block Gym

SOCIALS
★ Strength Block Gym Instagram
★ Damien's Instagram
★ Sophie's Instagram

Discover the five crucial fitness mistakes Damien and Sophie made starting their journeys, covering carbs, supplements, training myths, and more.

Join Damien and Sophie on Episode 11 of the Strength Block podcast as they share the top five mistakes they made when beginning their health and fitness journeys. From tackling common carb myths and nutrition pitfalls to breaking down the inefficiencies of bodybuilding splits, this episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to learn from their experience.

Looking for some of the best training programs available (I might be a little biased)? The Strength Block App has everything you need to train, track and progress. Use the code "SBPod20" to grab your free 14 day trial and receive 20% off your 1st month!
★ Strength Block App

Live in Auckland, New Zealand and want a awesome spot to train? Why not join our gym?
★ Strength Block Gym

SOCIALS
★ Strength Block Gym Instagram
★ Damien's Instagram
★ Sophie's Instagram

In this months episode, we take some time to reflect on the rollercoaster ride that was 2024. It was a hard year for everyone, but particularly difficult for small business in New Zealand. We cover some of the massive mistakes we made as business owners, what we learnt from them and what we're doing in 2025 to fix them!

Looking for some of the best training programs available (I might be a little biased)? The Strength Block App has everything you need to train, track and progress. Use the code "SBPod20" to grab your free 14 day trial and receive 20% off your 1st month!
★ Strength Block App

Live in Auckland, New Zealand and want a awesome spot to train? Why not join our gym?
★ Strength Block Gym

SOCIALS
★ Strength Block Gym Instagram
★ Damien's Instagram
★ Sophie's Instagram

This is my personal journey navigating Adult ADHD with medication. Over the past couple of years, I've discovered an interesting connection between my ADHD, workout routine, and the impact medication has had on both my personal and professional life.

I cover a lot of ground in this video. I tried to not ramble to much, but as you can tell by the length of the video I can not minimize the impact medication has had. It definitely isn't all sunshine and roses, there are heaps of pros and cons to ADHD medication, and i try to be as honest as possible in addressing my personal experience.

This audio was originally from a Youtube Video - If you'd prefer to see my pretty face rather than just listen to my voice, it can be found here:
Youtube Link

Looking for some of the best training programs available (I might be a little biased)? The Strength Block App has everything you need to train, track and progress. Use the code "SBPod20" to grab your free 14 day trial and receive 20% off your 1st month!
★ Strength Block App

Live in Auckland, New Zealand and want a awesome spot to train? Why not join our gym?
★ Strength Block Gym

SOCIALS
★ Strength Block Gym Instagram
★ Damien's Instagram
★ Sophie's Instagram

In this weeks episode, we have a discussion on the different types of gyms, including  big commercial gyms, specialty gyms such as powerlifting, olympic weightlifting and strongman gyms, and private gyms. So listen to find out about the pros and cons of private vs commercial gyms.

Follow Strength Block
📷  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strengthblock.nz/
🖥  Website: https://www.strengthblock.co.nz

Follow Sophie
📷  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sophie_beddoes/
🖥  Website: https://www.sophiebeddoespt.com
🤳 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sophie_beddoes

Follow Damien
📷  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damienlifts.co.nz/
🖥  Website: https://www.daminlifts.co.nz
🤳 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@damolifts
🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO-Ogy0vthMr7aLwSKozb8Q

Looking for some of the best training programs available (I might be a little biased)? The Strength Block App has everything you need to train, track and progress. Use the code "SBPod20" to grab your free 14 day trial and receive 20% off your 1st month!
★ Strength Block App

Live in Auckland, New Zealand and want a awesome spot to train? Why not join our gym?
★ Strength Block Gym

SOCIALS
★ Strength Block Gym Instagram
★ Damien's Instagram
★ Sophie's Instagram

In this weeks episode, we delve into Damien's recent ADHD diagnosis . He's had a lot of questions about it, and has been refraining from talking about it too much as he has been processing it himself. However, he thought it was important to have a chat about it, clear up some misconceptions and begin to open up to other people about this internal battle that he finally has some closure on.

Follow Strength Block
📷  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strengthblock.nz/
🖥  Website: https://www.strengthblock.co.nz

Follow Sophie
📷  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sophie_beddoes/
🖥  Website: https://www.sophiebeddoespt.com
🤳 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sophie_beddoes

Follow Damien
📷  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damienlifts.co.nz/
🖥  Website: https://www.daminlifts.co.nz
🤳 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@damolifts
🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO-Ogy0vthMr7aLwSKozb8Q

Looking for some of the best training programs available (I might be a little biased)? The Strength Block App has everything you need to train, track and progress. Use the code "SBPod20" to grab your free 14 day trial and receive 20% off your 1st month!
★ Strength Block App

Live in Auckland, New Zealand and want a awesome spot to train? Why not join our gym?
★ Strength Block Gym

SOCIALS
★ Strength Block Gym Instagram
★ Damien's Instagram
★ Sophie's Instagram

We had a little break but we're back! In this weeks episodes we have a chat about how the fast paced world of social media messes with our perception of success, how we are affected by confirmation bias of success and seldom notice when something has failed - all related back to Damien's extremely long journey in his career.
 
 Follow Strength Block
📷  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strengthblock.nz/
🖥  Website: https://www.strengthblock.co.nz

Follow Sophie
📷  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sophie_beddoes/
🖥  Website: https://www.sophiebeddoespt.com
🤳 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sophie_beddoes

Follow Damien
📷  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damienlifts.co.nz/
🖥  Website: https://www.daminlifts.co.nz
🤳 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@damolifts
🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO-Ogy0vthMr7aLwSKozb8Q

Looking for some of the best training programs available (I might be a little biased)? The Strength Block App has everything you need to train, track and progress. Use the code "SBPod20" to grab your free 14 day trial and receive 20% off your 1st month!
★ Strength Block App

Live in Auckland, New Zealand and want a awesome spot to train? Why not join our gym?
★ Strength Block Gym

SOCIALS
★ Strength Block Gym Instagram
★ Damien's Instagram
★ Sophie's Instagram

In this weeks episode we cover the concept of the "third place" - that place that is neither your work nor your home, but plays an essential role in your emotional happiness, and how these "third places" are slowly disappearing from our world.
 
 Follow Strength Block
📷  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/strengthblock.nz/
🖥  Website: https://www.strengthblock.co.nz

Follow Sophie
📷  Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sophie_beddoes/
🖥  Website: https://www.sophiebeddoespt.com
🤳 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sophie_beddoes

Follow Damien
📷  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damienlifts/
🖥  Website: https://www.daminlifts.co.nz
🤳 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@damolifts
🎥 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCO-Ogy0vthMr7aLwSKozb8Q

Looking for some of the best training programs available (I might be a little biased)? The Strength Block App has everything you need to train, track and progress. Use the code "SBPod20" to grab your free 14 day trial and receive 20% off your 1st month!
★ Strength Block App

Live in Auckland, New Zealand and want a awesome spot to train? Why not join our gym?
★ Strength Block Gym

SOCIALS
★ Strength Block Gym Instagram
★ Damien's Instagram
★ Sophie's Instagram