Confessions of a Personal Trainer: Recent Episodes
Mus Ali
I know you want to get in shape, I know you want to be healthier, I also know you can't really be bothered to go to the gym and drink celery juice...
Well neither can I!
These episodes delve into what matters for the every day NON FITNESS enthusiast who still wants to look and feel better
We'll talk about where the health and fitness industry misleads you into having to commit to unnecessarily hard training and over the top 'healthy eating' that you don't really need to be doing to see a better version of yourself.
In this raw and heartfelt episode, we sit down with Felix, a longtime friend and personal trainer, to explore his ongoing challenges with mental health.Felix opens up about his experience with therapy, the challenges of the COVID lockdowns, and the surprising ways activities like Jiu Jitsu and Feldenkrais training helped him stay present and connected. Through his candid conversation, Felix highlights the importance of mental health awareness and the strength found in seeking professional help. Join us for an intimate discussion on mental health, personal growth, and the journey towards self-understanding.00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back02:01 Felix's Journey with Mental Health04:36 Seeking Professional Help07:45 Therapy and Personal Growth24:43 Supporting a Loved One30:59 Reflecting on Personal Struggles33:25 Childhood Memories and Parental Influence35:00 Mental Health and Family Dynamics38:09 Therapy and Personal Growth45:38 The Role of Jiu Jitsu in Healing50:08 Feldenkrais Training and Being Present54:11 Concluding Thoughts and ReflectionsIf you enjoyed this episode please don't forget to like and subscribeFollow Us On Instagram - CoptPod
In this episode we're joined by Dr Paulina Cecula Medical Doctor and Co Founder of DAMA HealthJoin us as we dive into the world of female health and discover groundbreaking insights on contraception, personalized medicine, and the future of women's healthcare. We learn about the various different uses for contraception (It's not just about preventing pregnancy!)The challenges with research when it comes to women's health and how Paulina and her team are hoping to create a more individualised approach to female health00:00 Introduction00:54 Guest Introduction: Paulina's Journey02:52 Understanding Contraception06:19 Challenges in Contraception Education08:54 DAMA Health's Approach to Personalized Contraception18:17 Future of Contraception and Women's Health30:42 Exploring the Future of Female Health31:53 The Complexity of Menopause and Hormone Therapy33:04 Historical Context of Female Health Research41:26 Innovations in Contraceptive Technology43:12 Personal Experiences with Contraception45:10 The Role of Genetic Data in Contraceptive Choices47:18 The DAMA Platform: A New Approach to Contraception52:56 Male Involvement in Contraceptive Conversations54:59 Reflecting on Personal Transformative Moments58:01 Concluding Thoughts and GratitudeFind DAMA Health - www.damahealth.comFollow us on Instagram - @CoptPod
This episode we have Coach Meite back with us to answer a couple of questions that clients often ask.3:00 - Are Squats Necessary for Leg Development11:00 - How To Make Progress Without The Best Gym EquipmentFind Meite On Instagram - @TheLeanMusclePTFollow Us On Instagram - @CoptPodThanks For Listening
This Episode we got insights from IFBB Pro Men's Physique Competitor and Online Transformation Coach James WaltersA behind the scenes look into how online coaches lure you into the promise of a better physique. What it was like to coach someone going through treatment for cancer and the ethics of steroids.0' The Online Prep Coaching Scam15:45 - How do find the right bodybuilding coach18 - Coaching Someone Diagnosed With Cancer32 - James' Bodybuilding Journey37:30 - How Scary Is Taking Steroids46:00 - Is Taking Steroids Morally Wrong/Worth It56:00 A Moment Of Introspection Find JamesInstagram @Jameswalters_IFBBPROYouTube @jameswalters_ifbbpro Follow Us On Instagram @CoptPod
Teaming up with physique transformation coach Ryan Anderson in this week's Q&A2:00 - How Much Body Fat Should You Gain When Bulking 12:00 - How Quickly Should I Be Losing WeightFind Ryan 👇🏼Instagram - @TrancendingRyanFollow Us On Instagram @CoptPod
Another deep dive into the world of how our brains work with Ex-Psychiatrist, Author of The Big Brain Revolution and FemTech Investor Dr Michelle Tempest This episode we got insights into research looking into how we dream, the impact of social media platforms on depression and anxiety and the 5 key Ingredients to a healthy brain2' What Role Do Dreams Play In How Healthy Our Brains Are11' Is Digital Technology Making Our Lives Worse18' The Popcorn Brain26:30 The Cake Brain32' The Link Between Exercise And Healthy Brains42' How Much Does Healthy Thinking Really MatterFind Michelle X(Twitter)/Instagram - DrMTempestFollow Us on Instagram @CoptPod
This episode we team up with Jake Weekes Personal Trainer and Personal Training Mentor.Questions answered were;'What are 3 machines any beginner can start with in the gym'&'My client has decided to start intermittent fasting, How should I handle this'2:00 - The 3 Best Machines For Beginners8:00 - Will The Chest Press Machine Help Me Get My First Push Up10:00 What Exercises Should You Aim To Progress To16:00 - How To Decide What Diet Suits You BestFind Jake On Instagram @LeanerStrongerJake Follow Us On Instagram @CoptPod
.Another Q&A where our host Mus Ali teams up with other trainers to answer commonly asked questions2:00 Should I Use A Belt When Deadlifting13:00 Should I Avoid Cardio If I Want To Burn Muscle 18:00 Can I Build Muscle and Burn Fat At The Same TimeFind Meite 👇🏼Instagram @theleanmusclept Follow Us On Instagram@CoptPod
We've never had a period of greater equality than we have today.Still, some ideas and mindsets are standing the test of time, one of those being how men think about women.In this episode, we explore how often men's perception of women and ways of showing interest can cause harm. We discuss the friend zone, is it real or just a concept that men have bought in to and why men struggle to know when women are actually interested in them.0:00 - What is Inappropriate Conduct9:00- Why Are Men Unaware Of Their Behaviours12:00 - How To Know If A Woman Is Interested In You21:30 - Is The Friend Zone Real30:00 - Can Men and Women 'Just' Be Friends33:40 - How Society Protects Men's Inappropriate Behaviour 43:00 Why Men Struggle To Read Signals48:00 What Should ChangeIf you liked this episode don't forget to like and subscribe!Find Jimmy TikTok - JimmyFreeside_Instagram - JimmyFreeside_Follow Us on Instagram@Coptpod
Q&A episode with transformation coach Ryan Anderson. We discuss the optimal amount of training you should look to do in a week and give examples of workout structures as well as addressing what might be happening with your 'calories' If you're not seeing weight loss.0:00 Intro3:30 How Many Exercises Should You Do In 60 Minutes20:00 - Why Is My Weight Not Dropping Find Ryan On Instagram 👇🏼@TranscendingRyanFollow Us On Instagram 👇🏼@CoptPod
Dr Michelle TempestEx-Psychiatrist, Author of The Big Brain Revolution and FemTech Investor, joins us again to break down how are brains respond to today's social media algorithms. How government's are using this to their advantage and what we can do to regain control of how we're being influenced.0:00 - Has Social Media Become A Modern Day Messiah5:30 - Is Social Media Altering The Structure Of Our Brains/What's Your Social Media Diet14'40 - How To Change Your Behaviour/Are We Using Technology To Avoid People19:00 - How Does The Digital World Change Us In The Future 31:00 Does Self Awareness Really Help You Manage Your Thoughts 43:00 How To Manage Disagreement 49:00 How Long Is It Worth LivingFollow our Instagram for Show Clips@CoptPod
Welcome to the Q&A series, where our host Mus Ali teams up with other top coaches to answer common training and weight loss questions.In this episode we sit down with Meite Niamba, Award Winning Physique Competitor and Head Coach at Orange Theory Fitness.0:00 - Intro 6:00 - What Is The Best Exercise To Build Your Upper Chest16:30 - Why Am I Not Losing Weight36:00 - How Do You Know If You're In A Calorie Deficit 44:00 - How To Know When To Increase Your WeightsFollow Us on Instagram - @COPTpod Find Meite on Instagram - @TheLeanMusclePT
Destiny's Story was truly heartbreaking, terrifying, and inspiring at the same time. She breaks down how she came to realise she had cancer and her treatment journey. Dealing with a second diagnosis, the guilt of surviving whilst watching her friends die and the tragic realities of life in Remission.Time Stamp0:00 - Intro/Destiny's Journey Into Bodybuilding 12:00 - Destiny's Cancer Diagnosis25:00 - How Social Media Got Destiny Through Her Cancer Treatment30:00 - Does Exercise Help With Cancer35:00 - Competing With Cancer/2nd Cancer Diagnosis52:30 - The Reality Of Living In Remission 1:07:00 - How Sharing Your Journey Has Inspired People To Keep GoingFollow Destiny here 👇🏼Instagram @bikinigirl_vs_cancer
On this Episode we talk to Joel Weston, P.E Teacher and Head of Year. His time working with kids in more deprived areas has allowed him to get an insight into how kids end up going down the wrong path. We also delve into the issues with the current curriculum as well as sharing some harrowing stories of adults who take advantage of children.0:00 - Who is Joel/Why Work With Kids10:00 - Has Exercise Helped Kids Stay Out Of Gangs23:00 - Dealing With Inappropriate Attention From Kids30:00 - Adults Who Take Advantage Of Children44:00 - Is The Current School Curriculum Good Enough And How Important Is P.E54:00 - What Should We Change About How We Teach Kids1:01:30 - Do Kids Actually Want To Exercise And Should Children Lift Weights
Ryan Anderson, owner of Online Physique Transformation company Transcend Fitness breaks down the realities of working with people online. His experience working for the world's leading physique transformation company Ultimate Performance and his Journey to becoming Vegan and back again.
0:00 Intro/Who is Ryan
4:00 The Difference Between Online vs In Person Training
17:00 What's it like working at the No.1 Personal Training company in the world
21:55 What makes Ryan's coaching unique
27:30 - What was it like training with Mus 7 years ago
41:30 - What needs to change in online coaching
45:00 - Why going Vegan was a Mistake
57:00 - Final Thoughts/Where to Find Ryan
Instagram @TranscendingRyan
Multi show winning bodybuilding competitor Meite Niamba talks us through how he juggles maintaining his fitness alongside being a parent, How his work with Orange Theory Fitness is bringing people together and his future aspirations in bodybuilding 0:00 Intro3:00 - How Becoming A Parent Has Impacted Training15:50 - Is It Better To Train By Yourself Or Train With A Partner/In A Group32:00 - What Impact Does Bodybuilding Have On Your Mental Health?38:00 - What Role Do Genetics And Steroids Play In Bodybuilding47:30 - When Is Steroid Use Acceptable, And When Are They Unacceptable55:00 - Will Meite Ever Compete Again?58:30 - Where Can You Find Meite online/Meite's Recommendation Of Social Media Accounts To Follow
Strong Man, Group Ex Instructor and Trainer talks us through what's inspired him to push the limits of his body.0:00 Building Fame In Fitness vs Working In Fitness10:30 - Who Is Jason13:30 - What Makes A Good Exercise Class18:00 - Delivering Fitness Through Social Media19:30 - Jason's Fitness Journey25:00 - Being A Local Hero vs Being An Influencer34:00 How Did Jason Become Berkshires Strongest Man45:00 - How We Get Caught In Fitness Cults 48:30 - Jason's Advice For Getting Stronger54:00 How Fitness Gets You Through The Worse Day Of Your Life1:00:00 - Where To Find Jason
@urbanviking.pt
TikTok
@urban_viking.pt
Pro Bodybuilder Yinka Maj gives us in depth insight on how social media has changed bodybuilding, the impact of competing on relationships and the use of Steroids in current times.
0:00 Why did Yinka get into bodybuilding
5:00 How much does Social Media play role in a bodybuilding journey
7:00 Yinka's first bodybuilding prep experience
13:00 What impact has Bodybuilding had on Yinka's Marriage
28:00 Does the average person need to train like a bodybuilder to get in shape
38:00 Do genetics really matter?
45:00 Should you consider doing a bodybuilding show?
48:00 Should you consider taking Steroids? How old should you be if you do?
52:00 Yinka's 6 point Steroid checklist
56:00 What are the risks of taking steroids
58:30 Where to find Yinka online
Hadee is a Senior Personal Training manager at one of the U.K's largest gym chains. We discuss how professional the personal training industry is, what building relationships means for your business and how to develop the confidence you need to be successful.
0:00 Intro/How to tell the difference between me and hadee3:00 What are the reasons people get into fitness9:00 The power of listening to people15:00 Do people respect Personal Trainers20:00 How to know that you're doing your best as a PT26:00 Do client relationships really matter35:00 What Hadee looks out for when Hiring trainers41:00 How do you develop confidence as a new trainer45:00 The worst thing you can do as a new trainer50:00 How important are your feelings vs the evidence of your actions56:00 Wrap up/What's ahead/Where can find Hadee
Jake is a personal trainer and mentor to pt's. Having spent most of his career developing best practices for people starting out in fitness we get insights from him on how best to start out in your fitness journey as well as how best to start out in the fitness industry.
0:00 - Jake Intro3:50 - What Inspired Jake To Help Beginners 9:45 - What Should Beginners Focus On16:30 - How Jake Always Understood The Needs Of Beginners 19:30 - Are You Talking Too Much/Over Explaining25:00 - How To Manage Client Expectations 34:30 - The Body Transformation Marketing Trap38:00 - Feeling Like You Need To Know Everything Before You Can Do Anything47:30 - Key Characteristics Of A Good Personal Trainer1:05:20 - What More Does Jake Want From The Industry 1:14:10 - Where To Find Jake OnlineInstagram
@TheCompleteTrainerProject
@LiftTheBar
Dr Michelle Tempest Author of The Big Brain Revolution gives us insights into Brain Health, The impact of social media on our brain and advice on how we can manage it all better.0:00 - Intro/Mus' Journey/Inquisitive Outcomes5:00 - What Is Brain Health 7:00 - What is Neuroplasticity Wellness and Social Media Safety13:30 - Michelle's Plea To Elon Musk and Social Media Safety Tools 19:30 - The Link Between Physical Health and Mental Health24:30 - How To Change Your Behaviour28:00 - Apps To Improve Brain Health32:00 - Brain Health and Exercise 37:00 - Link Between Looking After Others/Brain Health 39:30 - The Difficulty Of Making A Change 42:45 - Michelle's Summary Of Brain Health45:00 - An Example Of Managing Brain Health 47:30 Where to find Michelle X - @DrMTempest
Harrison is one of the lead exercise instructors at London's prestigious Third Space and crossfit competitor. He's also a father of 2. We discuss parenting, fitness fashion, accessories, gadgets and footwear as well as finding the right work life balance.0:00 - How your childhood impacts how you treat your kids7:30 - The financial challenges of parents trying to give their kids a good life12:00 - Who can afford to look after their health14:40 - The cost of being cool in the gym/getting hooked on sneakers21:20 - What drives us to buy stuff/Are we any different than kids29:00 - Is there a pressure to look good in exercise classes34:00 - How group fitness classes have evolved over the last decade38:00 - What did your level 3 qualification teach you/Are you getting into the fitness industry for the right reasons42:45 - Where's the best place to start with your fitness48:00 - Jealousy and Comparison in fitness52:00 - Dealing with low self esteem and negative self talk in training55:30 - How a change in work/life balance has impacted Harrison's fitness59:20 - What's it like working at Third Space/Is it worth being a fitness manager1:08 - How much does the quality of training product impact revenue1:13:20 - Wrap up and Where to find Harrison
Been a couple weeks since we checked in with Meite.
In this episode we talk more about his training, what he's actually getting up to in the gym and his thinking behind his training structure as well as the pros and cons of the 'go hard or go home' mentality to training.
In this series with deep dive into the weekly life of bodybuilding competitor Meite Niamba.
A former British Champion who is also a Husband and Father to 2 young children.
We discuss the challenges of maintaining a consistent Training and Nutrition routine whilst keeping up with the responsibilities of being a family man.
Sleep, Stress, Food, Motivation, week by week these fluctuate and we want to give you an insight on how to handle those fluctuations as they arise.
Burgers, Pizza, Chocolate, Crisps and Biscuits..
All The Good Stuff!
In this episode we discuss what to do when you just can't stop eating Junk Food.
You already can't be bothered to get up and go exercise and now you're being told you need to do this extra set of boring exercises at the beginning. In this episode we look at whether doing a warm up is really worth the extra effort.
In this episode we look at the pros and cons of training plans and I talk about how to identify if having a plan is right for you.
So It's probably Monday or the new year and you've decided to start exercising again.
In this episode we look at where to best place your efforts!
There isn't always a beach holiday on the horizon to get in shape for unfortunately, that being said it's important to keep exercising any way. This episode we look at ways you can keep motivated regardless of goals!
Is bodybuilding the best way to start out in fitness or should you be considering another approach?