In this episode of The EFM Health Club Podcast, we take a tour around the world to uncover how different countries exercise — and why their habits look nothing like ours in Australia.

We dive into Japan’s disciplined, low-noise fitness culture, including the amazing story of Radio Taisō, a nationwide calisthenics routine broadcast every morning to millions. We explore why Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway have some of the highest gym membership rates on the planet, and why the United States has become the global capital of boutique studios and ultra-specialised fitness tribes.

We also compare obesity rates across Japan, Scandinavia, the USA and Australia, highlighting the massive cultural divergences that shape how nations move — and why Japan’s obesity rate is a fraction of Australia’s. We look at how government-led exercise initiatives work overseas, and why similar programs struggle to take hold here.

If you’re interested in global trends, cultural differences, health policy, or just want a fresh perspective on how Australians stack up, this is an eye-opening and story-packed episode.

Topics include:
🌏 How Japan keeps obesity rates so low
⏰ Radio Taisō: the daily government-backed exercise ritual
🇳🇴 Why Scandinavians train more consistently than almost anyone
🇺🇸 The rise of American boutique fitness culture
🇦🇺 How Australia compares — and what we can learn
🏋️‍♂️ Why different cultures value exercise in totally different ways
🚫 Why government-mandated exercise works overseas but not here

Tune in for a fascinating global look at how we move, why we move, and what Australia could borrow from the rest of the world.

In this special episode of The EFM Health Club Podcast, we’re joined by world-renowned physiotherapist and performance coach Tom Swales — founder of the Advanced Movement Therapist (AMT) Certification and one of the most forward-thinking voices in rehabilitation and human performance.

Tom shares how his nervous-system-first approach to assessment and treatment is transforming how physiotherapists, coaches, and personal trainers understand movement, pain, and performance. By focusing on how the brain and body communicate, Tom’s system helps practitioners go beyond symptoms to uncover the real causes of dysfunction and unlock lasting results.

💡 In this episode, we discuss:

• Why starting with the nervous system changes everything in rehab and training
• The difference between movement quantity and movement quality
• How to identify and correct muscle misalignment through better assessment
• What every trainer and physio can learn from Tom’s AMT system

Whether you work in physiotherapy, coaching, or just want to understand your body better, this is an episode packed with insights that bridge science and practical application.

🔗 Connect with Tom Swales:
🌐 Website: www.amtcertified.ca

📸 Instagram: @swales.tom

🎥 YouTube: Tommy Swales

💼 LinkedIn: Tom Swales

🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube.

After weeks of votes, debates, and discussion — the results are finally in! 💪
 In this special episode of The EFM Health Club Podcast, we count down the Top 20 Exercises of All Time and reveal the #1 spot: the Chest Press.

Joining the crew for this ultimate fitness debate are three special guests from across the EFM network:
 🏋️‍♀️ Mary-Anne Woods from EFM Mawson Lakes
🏋️‍♂️ Mick Drewett from EFM Kawana
🏋️‍♂️ Sean Kinchington from EFM Victoria Park

Together, we break down what makes these movements so effective, discuss how different EFM clubs approach training, and share smart alternatives to help every member get the most out of their workouts.

🔥 Expect strong opinions, expert insights, and plenty of laughs as we crown the greatest exercise of all time!

🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube.

#EFMHealthClubPodcast #efmfit #Top20Exercises #ChestPress #StrengthTraining #FunctionalFitness #EFMHealthClubs #FitnessCommunity #WorkoutCountdown

In this brutally honest (and slightly therapeutic) episode of The EFM Health Club Podcast, the team gets real about the things in the fitness world that drive us crazy — from bad gym etiquette to obsession with trends, phones, and “all-or-nothing” training mindsets.

We’re calling out the habits that kill motivation, waste time, and ruin great gym vibes — and sharing how to flip them into better, more effective training practices. Expect laughs, relatable moments, and maybe a few guilty nods from everyone listening.

💬 Topics include:

• Gym etiquette that gets under our skin
• Why chasing fads can hold you back
• The power of small, consistent effort over “perfect” workouts
• How to keep gym culture positive and welcoming for everyone

🎧 Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify & YouTube.
 💪 Listen, laugh, and let’s build a better gym culture together.

In this episode of The EFM Health Club Podcast, we turn the spotlight inward and share what makes us tick as coaches and franchise owners. From the joys of running an EFM club to the exercises and training concepts we personally love, this episode is part storytelling, part inspiration, and all about the values that make EFM unique.

We also dive into our Top 20 Exercises of All Time countdown—a celebration of the moves that shape strength, fitness, and community in every EFM club. And now, it’s your turn to get involved.

👉 Cast your vote here: https://forms.gle/9a2TUNwKGVSxEXxg9

Whether you’re an EFM member, fitness enthusiast, or just curious about what makes our gyms and trainers different, this episode offers a fun, behind-the-scenes look at the passion driving the EFM community.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more.

In this high-energy episode of The EFM Health Club Podcast, we step into the ring with Adam Jenzarli, Owner of Thump Boxing, to unpack why boxing fitness is one of the most effective, empowering, and accessible workouts for all fitness levels—no gloves required!

Whether you’re a complete beginner, a seasoned trainer, or a gym owner looking to level up your programming, Adam explains how boxing goes far beyond combat—it's about building confidence, improving coordination, burning serious calories, and even enhancing mental resilience.

💬 We discuss:

• Why boxing is the ultimate full-body workout (even for non-athletes)
• How to make boxing feel less intimidating and more empowering
• The biggest mistakes people make when teaching or doing boxing without proper guidance
• Why boxing certification is a must for personal trainers and gyms alike
• How boxing can be adapted for kids, older adults, anyone really!

Whether you're punching for fitness, stress relief, or fun, this episode will have you itching to lace up.

🎧 Available on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube
🔗 Connect with Thump Boxing: thumpboxing.com.au

What if the biggest barrier to better health isn’t your body... but your mind?

In this eye-opening episode, we’re joined by hypnotherapist Louise Webster from Just Imagine Health to explore how hypnosis can help overcome the hidden mental blocks that hold people back from making lasting change. From breaking bad habits and overcoming exercise resistance to addressing emotional eating and subconscious self-sabotage, Louise shares practical insights and surprising truths about the power of the subconscious mind.

🔍 We dive into:

• What hypnosis really is (and what it’s not)
• How it can help with motivation, consistency, and habit change
• Common mental roadblocks around fitness and weight loss
• Why some people believe “nothing works for me”—and how hypnosis helps
• Busting the myth: “You must be easily hypnotised for it to work”

Whether you’re a sceptic, curious, or just looking for a fresh approach to health and wellness, this episode will give you a whole new perspective.

🔗 Learn more about Louise’s work at: justimaginehealth.com.au

In this thought-provoking episode, the crew welcomes Michael Dewson to tackle one of the most polarising topics in health: Why don’t more Australians exercise? Is it laziness, lack of education, or a failure of public health policy?

We unpack fresh ideas that go far beyond the usual “just move more” advice — from rethinking how Medicare could support preventive exercise, to the hidden friction points that stop people from ever stepping into a gym. Is it really a matter of personal responsibility, or is the system set up to fail us?

🔍 Topics discussed:

• Why “laziness” is often a symptom, not the cause
• Whether the government should shift focus from adults to children’s health
• Why education alone doesn’t lead to action
• Should private health insurers and Medicare subsidise gym memberships?
• What real support and motivation actually look like

This episode will challenge assumptions, offer practical ideas, and help you rethink how we tackle Australia’s health crisis — one step (or squat) at a time.

🔗 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major platforms.
 📲 Follow us on Instagram: @efm_health_club_podcast

In this special episode of The EFM Health Club Podcast, we welcome a new voice to the crew — Michael Dewson from EFM Underdale joins Justin and Wade as the newest co-host, bringing fresh energy and years of experience in the fitness world.

This episode dives headfirst into some of the most common exercise, weight loss, and health myths that still confuse gym-goers today. Together, the team unpacks what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what you really need to know to train smarter, not harder.

We bust misconceptions like:
 ❌ "Squatting ruins your knees"
 ❌ "No sweat = no workout"
 ❌ "Muscle turns into fat if you stop training"
 ❌ "The scale is the best way to measure progress"
 ❌ "You must eat protein immediately after exercise"
 ...and more!

Whether you're just getting started or have been training for years, this is your chance to get clear, no-nonsense answers to the fitness questions everyone asks—but few people get right.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more
 📲 Follow us: @efm_health_club_podcast
 🙌 Shoutouts: @efmwestmead @efmmagill @efmmawsonlakes @efmunderdale @efmhealthclubs

In this episode of The EFM Health Club Podcast, we dive into one of the most important topics for every parent, coach, and educator: how to inspire children to get active—and stay active for life. With childhood inactivity on the rise, we explore what actually works to engage kids in exercise, how to make movement fun, and why the way we introduce fitness early on can shape lifelong habits.

We discuss:
 ✅ The right age to start resistance training (and bust some old myths)
 ✅ How to balance fun, competition, and skill-building in a gym setting
 ✅ Creative, out-of-the-box ways to get kids moving without turning it into a chore
 ✅ How to help children build confidence, resilience, and joy through movement

Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just someone who cares about the next generation's health, this episode is packed with practical tips and fresh ideas to help kids fall in love with exercise—and keep coming back for more.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & more
 📲 Follow us: @efm_health_club_podcast
 Special thanks: @efmmagill @efmmawsonlakes @efmwestmead @efmhealthclubs