The Fitness Psych Podcast: Recent Episodes

Ella Whitcomb-Khan

Welcome to The Fitness Psych Podcast. I’m Ella, a psychologist who is passionate about helping people change their health and fitness behaviour by applying lessons from psychology and behavioural science.

In this podcast I explore the psychology of health and fitness behaviour change.

I had a chat with Toby to discuss his success within SCC. Toby has worked so hard this year and is reaping the rewards - a coaching programme he is proud of, matched his NHS salary, fantastic client engagement, increased retention and renewals.

In this chat we discuss the exact process we have been through together that's allowed him to scale from £2k-£6k/m* Building his roadmap * How he uses Avatars in coaching to maximise engagement * Prevention vs Reactive * Introducing smoke detectors * The Client Dashboard in Action

I'm joined in this episode by the lovely Amie Barlow (https://www.instagram.com/amiebfit_/)

We discuss life as a neurodivergent business owner. As well as ways that having ADHD impacts health and fitness behaviours and specifically how Amie coaches women with ADHD to reach their full potential.

What an episode: a conversation at the intersection of fitness and philosophy with @sofitee (https://www.instagram.com/sofitee/)

Helping clients assign meaning to movement
Why the self-help industry can keep people stuck
Why being more like David Goggins isn't the answer
How we help clients to identify their values

I absolutely loved exploring this topic with Sophie. If you enjoyed it too, I'd love to hear from you. Message me over on Instagram @thefitnesspsych_

Also - if you'd like to sign up to receive my emails, you can do so here:

https://skilledcoachnewsletter.carrd.co/

In this episode @cbnutrition_ and I explore some of the complexities of client behaviour change

In true Charlie and Ella fashion we also discuss productivity, cognitive performance and systems to help us perform

Did you like this episode? Let me know @thefitnesspsych_

Hey friends - it has been a minute!

In this episode I re-introduce myself and my mission.

Let me know you've listened by jumping into my DMs

https://www.instagram.com/thefitnesspsych_/

It's great to have you here and I can't wait to help you:

Boost client retention
Develop coaching excellence
Cultivate personal mastery

Honoured to speak to Dr Steven Hayes (Co-Founder of Acceptance Commitment Therapy) in this episode.

In the episode we discussed:

Why it's beneficial to accept that life is difficult
How ACT is connected to Buddhism
How our mind is a poor guide
Living from a deeply spiritual place

This conversation was moving to be a part of. I hope you guys find the value!

Find Me here: www.thefitnesspsych.com

https://www.instagram.com/thefitnesspsych_/

If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider giving us a review and sharing with someone else who may enjoy!

ACT #acceptancecommitmenttherapy #spirituality #buddhism #consciousness #psychology

In this episode I am joined by Rick and Rachel from Be Strong, Eat Move Live. We explored their journeys, how they lost a life changing amount of weight and how they now help hundreds of other people to make changes in their life. It's was so nice to chat to people who are so passionate about what they do.

We covered:

Motivation to change
The power of community
The subjective benefits of making change
Challenges of weight loss
Their mission

www.mybestrong.com

https://www.facebook.com/ukbestrong/

Today i'm joined by Becca King, MS, RDN, LDN. Also known as @adhd.nutritionist.

Becca works with adults with ADHD who struggle with disordered eating, chronic dieting and body image issues, to help them make peace with food and improve their self-esteem.

In the episode we discussed:

Making peace with food through attunement
How to successfully coach ADHD clients
How ADHD impacts eating behaviours
Intuitive eating

I loved chatting with Becca and I hope you guys found our conversation valuable! Find us below!

Find Becca here: https://adhdnutritionistllc.com/

https://www.instagram.com/adhd.nutritionist/?hl=en

Find Me here: www.thefitnesspsych.com

https://www.instagram.com/thefitnesspsych_/

If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider giving us a review and sharing with someone else who may enjoy!

ADHD #Neurodiverse #Intuitiveeating #bodyimage #wellness #health #selfesteem #bingeeating

Today i'm joined by Clint Evans, board certified Behaviour Analyst and founder of The Behaviour Chef @behaviorchef.

I loved chatting with Clint to discuss all things behaviour, nutrition and wellness!

In the episode we discussed:

Habit based approach to nutrition and behaviour change
Building up momentum instead of relying on motivation
What not to look out for in a coach
Behaviour Re-enforcement & Maintenance
Developing Behavioural Skills

Find Clint here: https://www.behaviorchef.com/

https://www.instagram.com/behaviorchef/?hl=en

Find Me here: www.thefitnesspsych.com

https://www.instagram.com/thefitnesspsych_/

If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider giving us a review and sharing with someone else who may enjoy!

Behavior #Behaviorchange #Behavioralscience #behavioralanalysis #wellness #health

Delighted to be joined by @emiliathompsonphd in this episode! Registered nutritionist, Founder of ETPHD nutrition company and Co-Founder of EIQNutrition Education company. I loved this episode, we discussed:

The ETPHD method
Recognising disordered eating behaviours
Emotional regulation and eating
Mindfulness
Doing the inner work and developing self-awareness
Listener questions

Find Emilia here: https://instagram.com/emiliathompsonphd_/

Find me here:

https://www.instagram.com/thefitnesspsych_/

If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider giving us a review and sharing with someone else who may enjoy!

health #nutrition #etphd #emotionaleating #disorderedeating #mindfulness #values

In the episode I'm joined by Ian Davis, A Strength and Conditioning Coach and Higher Education Lecturer in Plymouth. He is an Animal Flow Instructor and Co-Founder of ROOTS Health & Performance - new training company which introduces people, or reconnects people with the underlying foundations which promote health and performance.

The breathing system explained
The relationship between breathing and movement efficiency
Managing anxiety directly through breathing
What is efficient movement?
Relationship between breathing and efficient movement
Anxiety, Attention, and breathing
How to breath correctly

If you are enjoying the podcast, please consider giving us a review and sharing with someone else you may enjoy!

psychology #movement #breathwork #anxiety #sport #fitness #exercise #health #animalflow #oxygen

I am joined by @emmacowley44 who has recently completed her PhD at LJMU. Her PhD involved designing and delivering a remote physical intervention to teenage girls (@HERizonproj), that was informed by psychology and behaviour change techniques.

In this episode we chat about:

Girls' barriers to physical activity
Feminine ideals and fitness
Scope of practice / Referral pathways
Importance of female role models
Female focussed research in sport science

I enjoyed this episode and hope you guys find it interesting too!

In this episode I'm joined by @stu_fitprosales to chat about all things selling! Very different to the typical episode but I think fitness professionals are going to find this one useful!

We cover:

Common mistakes coaches make when selling
Features vs Benefits
Handling objections
1-1 and Group offers
Should you display your prices

And so much more!!

If you guys enjoy this episode please consider leaving a review and sharing on social media. This is a great way for more people to discover the podcast!

sales #fitpros #selling #onlinecoaching #money #nutrition #fitness #business #marketing #fitnesscoaching #psychology #leadgen #coaches #fitnessbusiness

Today I am joined by @anajanewsomephd, #exercise scientist, educator, entrepreneur, weight lifting coach and so much more!! Was my pleasure to welcome her on the show and we had a great conversation where we spoke about:

What drives behaviour change?
What the process of change looks like
Setting realistic goals with clients
Coach-client relationship
Speaking the client’s language
The Importance of enjoyable exercise experiences
Psychological flexibility

We did a lot of geeking out in the episode and I hope you guys enjoy. If you'd like to get in contact with A'Naja or see more of what she is up to, check her out on #instagram:

@anajanewsomephd

@optimizestrength

Tag me on social media @thefitnesspsych_ if you give this episode a listen and consider sharing with someone that you think will enjoy it!

psychology #exercise #behaviourchange #fitness #weightlifting #weightloss #strength #florida #usa #professor #goalsetting #exercisescience #nutrition #selfefficacy

So excited to be back for Season Two of The Fitness Psych Podcast, where we are joined by more awesome guests!

In this episode, @the.dan.osman and I chat about our experiences navigating the fitness industry. Loved this chat and think you guys are gonna enjoy it too. We cover:

The Art Of Coaching
Navigating Instagram
Instagram vs Reality
How much is enough?
What does success look like to you?
Male Self-Care
Personal Responsibility

Let us know your thoughts and tag me @thefitnesspsych_ !!

In this episode, I was joined by Hugh Gilmore of Podium Psychology. He has a decade of consulting experience in elite environments, ranging from working with multiple Team GB sports including medalists from Rio and Tokyo, from British Weightlifting and British Athletics, along with supporting other world champions in non olympic sports.

He is trainer in Motivational Interviewing and a Rational Emotive Behaviour Psychotherapist having trained at the Albert Ellis Institute In New York as well as being BASES accredited Performance Psychologist with the English Institute of Sport.

This was a great episode to finish off season 1, I think you guys are going to love it! We covered:

What is Motivational Interviewing and Why Is It Useful?
Moving through ambivalence
Skills of MI
The downside of praise [~28:00]
How to give advice to clients
Managing client "excuses" [~49:00]
Is client success your responsibility? [~57:00]

If you want to connect or learn more from Hugh:

PodiumPsychology@gmail.com

Insta @hughjohngilmore

Youtube: Podium Psychology

motivationalinterviewing #behaviourchange #fitness #psychology #onlinecoaching

In this episode I'm joined by Dr Jon Rhodes (@rhodespsych) to chat about all things imagery and beyond!

What is imagery and why is it important in behaviour change?
Navigating conflicting values [~17:00]
How beliefs can impact our behaviour [~20:00]
Automatic and reflective approaches [~24:00]
Live guided imagery example [~30:00]
Shifting internal states through imagery [~38:00]
Helpful thinking for motivation [~48:00]
When to push harder or stop [~52:00]

If you're enjoying the podcast please consider leaving a rating and review or sharing with someone else who you think would enjoy it!!

Website: www.imagerycoaching.com

Twitter: @RhodesPsych

In this episode, I am joined by @shannonbeer_ - a coach who helps people be confident in their bodies, take care of their health and get the most out of life.

In collaboration with Gabrielle Fundaro, PhD, Shannon has developed Comprehensive Coaching, an iterative framework exploring the intersections of health, wellness, fitness, food and psychology. In addition to her health coaching practice, Shannon mentors other coaches who are seeking to make a more meaningful impact in their clients’ lives.

In this episode we cover:

The importance of addressing client body image
Stable vs Unstable Self Worth
Working on yourself as a catalyst for improvements in other areas of life
What supporting client body image looks like in coaching
Subjective measures of success [41:00]
Importance of supervision as a coach [53:00]
How to know if a coach is right for you [58:00]

@shannonbeer_

https://www.shannonlbeer.com/

In this episode I am joined by Dr Emil (@dremilofficial), the founder of Health Evolved Academy and the face of Doctor Emil Nutrition Supplement Company. He helps high-performers and busy entrepreneurs establish long-term, sustainable habits to upgrade their fitness, nutrition and lifestyle. His mission is to help people put health on autopilot to give them more time and bandwidth to focus on the things that matter.

We cover loads of ground here, including:

His journey from Medical Doctor to online fitness professional and entrepreneur
The importance of investing in yourself
What makes good coaching?
The importance of identity shift in long term change [~19:00]
Putting Health on Autopilot [28:00]
Discussion of values [40:00]

I hope you guys enjoy this episode! Let me know any thoughts and comments.

In this episode I chat about goals and values:

What are goals?
How do goals work?
My ultimate goal-setting process that allows me to achieve my goals
The importance of values, and how to identify them
Why we should help clients identify values

If you want to learn more about my goal-setting process or how to discover your values, message me on Twitter @ellawhitcomb_ or Instagram @thefitnesspsych_

If you're enjoying the podcast, please considering sharing and leaving a review. It really helps it to become more discoverable!

fitness #values #goals #meaning #exercise #podcast #motivation #success

This week I'm joined by Clara Swedlund, a trainee sport and exercise psychologist, online fitness coach and competitive bodybuilder.

We cover so much in the episode including:

What is exercise psychology?
Applying exercise psychology in the fitness space [8:00]
Psychologically informed coaching spaces [12:00]
Individualising your approach as a coach [20:00]
Prioritising results over the person [22:00]
Measuring success beyond progress photos [26:00]
Demystifying the titles psychologist, therapist, clinical psychologist [32:00]
Fitness Professional's role in client mental health [37:00]
Do you need to work with a coach or a psychologist? [46:00]

Let me know your thoughts via my instagram @thefitnesspsych_ or twitter @thefitnesspsych. If you enjoy this episode, please consider sharing it and leaving a review on the podcasting app of your choice. This really helps the podcast to be more discoverable!

In this episode I am joined by George Mycock, founder of @myo_minds and host of the @myo_minds podcast. George has lived experience with muscularity oriented disorders and has used his knowledge on the subject to consult on projects with Mind, Nottingham University, First Steps ED and others.

I love being part of this honest and vulnerable conversation where we covered:

Muscularity Orientated Disorders: what are they?

Men’s Body Standards and Mental Health

Exploring the line between committed exercisers and exercise addiction

Relationship with ignoring emotions and mental health challenges

Exploring how common “diet tactics” can impact our relationships with food

How PTs may impact their client’s body image and PTs role in supporting client's mental health

If you enjoy this episode or think that someone would benefit from listening, please consider sharing this with them or posting on social media. It really helps the podcast become more discoverable!

In this episode I chat to Dr Nick Wadsworth, a Sport and Exercise Psychologist and Lecturer at the University of Bolton.

In this episode we discuss:

Taking responsibility for client change
Approaches to coaching
The importance of the relationship

In this episode I discuss 5 key reasons why we often can't stick to our resolutions and suggest things that we can do instead that is more likely to lead to lasting change.

@thefitnesspsych_

Let me know what behaviour your trying to change and whether any of these reasons have resonated with you!

In this episode, I'm joined by Dan Forbes. A strength and conditioning coach with 20+ years of experience helping people to achieve their fitness goals. We have been working together at Health Evolved Academy for over a year where we find ways to incorporate psychology and behavioural science to help people to have lasting change.

We explore all sorts including:

Different mindsets when losing weight
Common client challenges
How moderation can lead to success

In this episode I introduce this new podcast and myself as the host.