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.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: 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.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: 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.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: 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.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: 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

Claire and Maggie explore anti‑glycolytic training, a high‑intensity, high‑rest approach rooted in Soviet sport science, and why avoiding the burn can lead to better endurance, recovery, and long‑term results.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

In this episode, Maggie sits down with Caroline, physiotherapist and founder of Rebalance Physiotherapy, a mobile and care home practice serving South Manchester, Cheshire, and Derbyshire. Caroline works with some of the most complex client presentations in the field, incl neurological conditions, frailty, post-hospital rehabilitation, and falls prevention, delivering high-quality physio in people's homes and care settings rather than behind a clinic door. They talk about what building a business actually looks like outside of your training, the real challenges of working mobile, and what it takes to grow a team that genuinely fits your model. And of course, the relationship between physios and personal trainers. Where the two professions complement each other, where the friction is, and how PTs can work better alongside physios for the benefit of shared clients. If you've ever referred a client on, worked alongside a physio, or wondered how to strengthen those professional relationships this one's for you.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar