The Unforgiving60
The Unforgiving60
Ben Pronk, DSC & Tim Curtis
S4E5B– Kev Toonen – Training SpecOps, Sports Stars and Celebrities: Part B
59 minutes Posted Apr 13, 2022 at 6:00 pm.
On Monika Georgieva’s workup to being the first female to attempt SASR selection
The significance of the infamous 3.2km webbing run – and why it’s such an important component of SASR selection
…and why this was a particularly difficult test for Mon
Mind-body connection, how it impacts selection performance and what potential candidates don’t do well in their preparation and on the course
Kev’s input into modernising the pre-selection training program
How did the lessons that Kev learnt in uniform translate into his current roles?
From the predominantly very ugly demographic of SASR to a ‘gym full of celebrities and models’ in Sydney’s trendy suburb of Darlinghurst
Building a fitness app – how hard/expensive can it be?!
Meeting rugby legends Ben and Owen Franks – a pivotal moment for Kev’s transition into supporting elite sports
What’s the difference between developing physical programs for Special Operations and elite sports and preparing them for the wider population?
Preparing Candice Warner for SAS Australia
What are Kev’s current personal fitness goals?
The future of 98 Gym the business of fitness
On Crossfit and F45 – the pros and cons of fitness movements like these
What’s Kev’s powersong – to fire him up when he needs to deadlift 250kg
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Show notes
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. 
 
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
48:50       The future of 98 Gym - the business of fitness
 
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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