The Play SquadPod
The Play SquadPod
Katy Harkness - founder of Play Fitness and Coaching
Welcome to The Play Squad Pod: Coaching Conversations with Women Just Like You! I'm your host, Katy Harkness, a passionate personal trainer and coach. Here, I'll dive into real-life conversations with the women in my squad, all working to transform their lives. Each episode features candid discussions and actionable tips on overcoming life's challenges and navigating mid-life with strength and confidence. Tune in each week to transform, thrive, and show up for yourself.
Episode 22 - 'The Maybes': The Supplements Where Context Matters
In part two of my Supplement Series, we’re diving into the grey area — the supplements that might help, or might just be draining your bank account.This episode breaks down the big five “Should I be taking this?” supplements for midlife women: magnesium, iron, B-vitamins, collagen and Vitamin C.We look at what the research actually says, what the marketing conveniently skips, and how to work out whether any of these are genuinely useful for you — or whether you’re fixing a problem you don’t actually have.You’ll get clear guidance on:• When magnesium really helps (and when it doesn’t)• Why iron should never be self-prescribed• Who genuinely needs B12• The truth behind collagen’s modest benefits• And why Vitamin C is… fine, but not magicalBy the end you’ll know exactly which of these belong in your routine — and which you can confidently stop wasting money on.
Nov 20, 2025
24 min
Episode 21 - 'The Keepers': Supplements Worth Considering
If you’ve ever stood in the supplement aisle wondering which bottles are worth it and which are just expensive wee — this one’s for you.In this first episode of my Supplement Series, I break down the few that are genuinely worth your money. The ones backed by solid research, not celebrity hype.We’ll talk about Vitamin D, Calcium, Creatine Monohydrate, Protein Powder, and Omega-3 — what they actually do, who needs them, and how to use them properly.By the end, you’ll know exactly which supplements to keep, which to skip, and what small steps will make the biggest difference to your bones, muscles and midlife energy.(Spoiler: you don’t need a cupboard full of powders — just a few smart choices.)
Nov 14, 2025
23 min
Episode 20 - When Energy Dips, Everything Slips
In this episode I natter about the importance of managing energy levels rather than relying on motivation or willpower.You wouldn't let your phone run out of battery so why would you let yourself?I'll take you through a super simple exercise to help you plan energy recharge into your day so you don't hit Thrsday running on caffeine, crumbs and hope.
Nov 6, 2025
19 min
Episode 19 - Help! I fell like I've hit a brick wall
In this episode of the Play SquadPod, I chat about the common experience of hitting a plateau and motivation lull, particularly for midlife women. Why it isn't just you...
Oct 23, 2025
13 min
Episode 18 - What everyday food contains more calories than we might imagine?
In this episode of the Play Squad Pod, I answer a question from the squad that addresses the common misconception of how a healthy diet might not always be a fat loss diet. And name drop a few foods that you need to really be careful with portion sizes for IF fat los is a goal.
Oct 16, 2025
11 min
Episode 17 - Why and how ‘losing 4lbs of belly fat in 14 days’ is a marketing lie
In this episode I'm covering why and how the claim ‘Lose 4lbs of Belly Fat in 14 Days' is misleading, dangerous, and frankly… BS. Having seen this in a marketing campaign on social and then having a client relay the numbers back to me, it got me riled. So strap in and I'll take you through why it is rubbish and how the methods used create an illusion of losing belly fat.
Oct 15, 2024
12 min
Episode 16 - Why Walking is the best 'hack'
In this weeks episode I run you through why walking is the best health and fitness 'hack' there is, but also the one that most people think is too good to be true. It can't be that simple can it? Yes it can and I've got practical tips from the squad on how they have increased their steps over the last month to help you do the same. Plug in....
Oct 1, 2024
28 min
Episode 15 - Patience is a Virtue
In this episode of the Play SquadPod, I tackle a common challenge many women face on their fat loss and fitness journeys: impatience. Drawing from real coaching conversations, I’ll discuss how our culture of instant gratification impacts our expectations and mental health. I’ll explore the pitfalls of impatience, from the all-or-nothing mindset to social media comparisons. There are practical strategies to cultivate patience, like setting realistic goals and celebrating small victories. Tune in to learn how to embrace your unique journey and enjoy the process of becoming your best self.
Sep 24, 2024
15 min
Episode 14 - 'Fat is not a feeling'
In this episode of the Play Squad Pod, I dig into the common feeling of 'feeling fat' and explore the underlying emotions that often accompany this sentiment. And what you can do next time you think 'I feel fat'.
Sep 17, 2024
11 min
Episode 13 - 'The All or Nothing' Mentality
In this episode I talk about the 'all or nothing' mentality and how those who succeed long-term don't have it and manage to shake this mentality off. I also run through things to consider, ask yourself and re-frame if 'All or Nothing' currently describes you to a T. Enjoy Katy
Sep 10, 2024
28 min
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