The Lift the Bar Podcast is a place where personal trainers can gain education, insight and knowledge from other personal trainers. It's aim is to provide personal trainers with the know-how and inspiration to build the kind of career they want to build. Every week the show will feature interviews with fantastic guests who are at the top of their game in different areas specific to helping personal trainers.
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What does it take to train clients outside the gym? In this episode, Claire and Maggie explore the realities of outdoor personal training, from navigating unpredictable weather and park distractions to creating engaging workouts with minimal equipment. Maggie shares how she built a successful outdoor PT business, attracted clients who love being active outdoors, and adapted sessions on the fly to…
In this episode, Maggie and Claire discuss the latest UK public health guidance on physical activity and what it means for coaches, trainers, and everyday people. They explore the shift away from rigid exercise targets toward a more inclusive message: any movement is better than none. Together, they discuss why language matters and how professionals can help clients build sustainable, enjoyable…
GLP-1s are transforming the weight loss landscape, and personal trainers need to understand what that means for their clients. In this episode, Claire and Maggie explore how medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy work, their impact on appetite, muscle and bone health, and the importance of recognising under-fuelling. They discuss the role of personal trainers in supporting clients with…
In this episode, Claire and Maggie dive into the world of kettlebell training, exploring their versatility, unique benefits, and why they've stood the test of time in the fitness industry. From common concerns like wrist pain and swing technique to favourite exercises such as the snatch, clean, and Turkish getup, Maggie shares her experience and practical tips for getting the most out of this…
AI is everywhere but is it helping or hindering coaches and fitness professionals? In this episode, Claire and Maggie share their honest experiences using AI tools such as Claude and ChatGPT in their businesses and everyday work. They discuss how AI can be a powerful tool for brainstorming ideas, proofreading content, challenging assumptions, and saving time on repetitive tasks, while also…
Do personal trainers really need a niche and if so, what does that actually mean? In this episode, Claire and Maggie challenge the traditional approach to niche marketing and explore why focusing on demographics may be less effective than understanding the people you genuinely enjoy helping. They discuss authenticity, client feedback, evolving business identities, and how the right clients are…
What does it really take to support clients living with chronic pain and fatigue? In this episode, Claire and Maggie explore the complex, biopsychosocial nature of chronic pain and discuss why exercise is only one piece of the puzzle. They unpack the differences between chronic pain, chronic fatigue, and post-exertional malaise (PEM) associated with conditions such as ME/CFS and long COVID,…
How much programming is too much programming? In this episode, Claire and Maggie unpack their evolving approaches to personal training programming, from overcomplicated plans and periodisation spreadsheets to flexible, client-centred frameworks that actually work in the real world. They explore the balance between structure and adaptability, why general population clients need a different approach…
In this episode, Claire and Maggie discuss eating disorders and disordered eating, including the often-overlooked intersection between the fitness industry and eating disorders. Maggie shares insights from her new course for personal trainers, breaking down the spectrum from diagnosable conditions like anorexia and bulimia to more subtle forms of disordered eating. Together, they unpack how…
In this episode, Claire sits down with Ben Jones, a personal trainer with 17 years of experience, to explore his journey from gym owner to running a thriving one-to-one coaching business from a small training space in Hertfordshire. Ben shares why he stepped away from the pressures of managing a successful fitness studio to focus on what he loves most, helping clients achieve life-changing results…
In this episode, Claire and Maggie explore how personal trainers can better support clients with undiagnosed ADHD and other neurodivergent traits. They unpack the barriers to formal diagnosis and explain why many clients may never use clinical labels, even when they relate to the symptoms. The conversation highlights how ADHD often presents differently in women, particularly during perimenopause,…
