Is it that time of the month? The point where you're scrambling around for fresh ideas for your semi-private group workouts? The same old goblet squats just aren't cutting it anymore, and both you and your clients crave something more engaging.
Well, never fear! You're not alone! We've been in that "staring blankly at Excel" situation ourselves, and we're here to help! Get ready to revamp your approach to small-group programme design with this week's LTB podcast.
We're diving into the archives to bring you an insightful conversation with Stuart Macdonald, who's no stranger to the challenges of keeping workouts fresh, engaging, and effective.
Bid farewell to the mundane and embrace exciting programs your clients will love. Listen in as Stuart shares how he's revolutionised his training methods by organising client sessions into long-term dynamic blocks, complete with seamless transitions. Plus, discover how our Programme Design Mentorship transformed Stuart's approach to workout planning, banishing those program design headaches for good.
Timestamps
1:20- Stuart's first experiences with programme design
8:31- What does Stuart's small-group programme look like now: The Importance of Blocks
11:13- How does Stuart design individual sessions within a block
14:35- The value of naming weeks and blocks
17:30- Why semi-private still isn't the norm
19:15- What does a session involve actually involve: Part 1
21:10- The value of cluster sets and time blocks
26:30- Adapting semiprivate for individual clients.
29:10- How Stuart encourages client to coach either other
30:48- What does a session involve actually involve: Part 2
33:01- Finishers and Challenges
34:16- The difference between Session A, B, C
35:25- How does a session progress between months?
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In the last episode of the Lift The Bar podcast, we explored Harriet's journey as she transitioned careers to become a personal trainer. Today's episode features a guest at the other end of the spectrum.
Dean Somerset boasts 20 years of experience as a personal trainer. He is a world-renowned course instructor and speaker. Curious about how he achieved such success? This episode delves into his humble beginnings at a commercial gym, his strategies to build an initial client base, and his insights on making career decisions. We also discuss the ever-present debate: which is more important, lifestyle or money?
Timestamps
01:26- Imposter Syndrome
06:34- Why did Dean stay in a commercial gym for so long?
10:12- How important is it for new trainers to look for the right gym?
11:52- Did Dean ever consider being an employed trainer?
14:14- What would Dean change about his early career?
16:48- How to develop people skills.
21:42- Dean’s advice for a struggling PT
24:06- Focusing on lead generation inside vs outside of a gym.
27:10- What else should trainers do early in their career?
29:29- Why Dean didn’t open a facility?
33:47- What is the best piece of advice Dean’s ever been given?
33:57- What would Dean change about the fitness industry?
34:42- What would a national campaign for personal training look like?
35:28 Advice for a PT who has fallen out of love with coaching.
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Are you ready to break free from your 9-to-5 job and turn your passion for fitness into a career as a personal trainer? Making the transition can be a daunting journey, but fear not! You're not alone. Many have successfully completed the switch before you, and you can too.
In this inspiring episode, Stuart sits down with Harriet Olliffe, who shares her journey from teaching classes in a local town hall to owning a gym. Together, they explore the challenges of building a career in fitness, including navigating the ups and downs, the importance of hard work, and the value of being risk averse.
Through their discussion, you'll gain valuable insights into what it takes to succeed in the industry and why the effort is ultimately worth it. So tune in now to learn from Harriet's experiences and discover how to pursue a fulfilling career doing what you love as a personal trainer.
Timestamps
01:46- Harriet's career before personal training
05:35-Running classes at the local town hall.
10:39- What would Harriet change about her start in fitness?
12:38- Starting mobile PT while working full time.
17:11- Work-life balance while growing a PT business.
19:38- Starting at a boutique gym.
21:47- The importance of being risk adverse.
24:45- Working part-time on gym reception.
26:07- Could Harriet have managed to be successful without working so much?
28:50- The advantages of being an employed PT
31:15- Opportunity to shadow at Harriet’s facility.
34:26- Different routes to becoming a PT.
37:08- Opening a facility
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The guys from Lift the Bar are back in full force for another Q&A. Join Stuart, Gregg, and Alex for this week’s episode of the LTB podcast as they dive into a variety of topics that will make your life as a personal trainer much easier.
You can expect to learn whether you need to periodise programmes for the general population, how to determine which experts to trust, and how you can organise your time better. Spoiler Alert: Maybe you need a social media blocker! Also, on this week’s episode, Gregg condemns himself to a life without sleep, Alex considers buying a Nokia 3310 and Stuart learns a new word.
Timestamps
02:28- Time Management: How to be more efficient and organised.
06:22- Should everyone “time block”?
08:40- Problems with Task Switching and social media.
09:59- Using website blockers to your advantage.
19:58- How can we know which experts to trust?
28:11- Can you trust an expert to recommend you another?!
32:32- Should PT’s periodise programs for the general population?
36:07- Periodisation for new clients.
38:35- Should the transitions between training blocks be “harsh” or “smooth”?
41:10- Should you get feedback from a client before you write their next training block?
43:01- Does periodisation really boil down to organisation and what if your client wants more variety?
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