The pursuit of strength, muscle and excellence
Bonn and I discuss what to do if you'd like to get in to sprint training. We go through the biggest mistakes we made at the start, why sprinting needs to be something you build towards and don't just do straight away and what equipment you need if you'd like to take it seriously.
I am joined by functional neurologist Martin Fenn to discuss how the brain effects our perceptions of pain and ways in which we can maximise brain health in order to reduce pain.
I am joined by world leading Scoliosis specialist Ed Paget to discuss his methodology when it comes to treating back pain.***Ed takes me through his origins story and how he was one of the first practitioners to pioneer Osteopathy in Canada. He explains how he built his practice and what foundations enabled him to grow.***Ed also talks me through his speciality of back pain. He goes through his assessment strategy and explains how it goes beyond standard methods and looks at a more holistic approach.
In the third instalment of the Self Development series I discuss mental blocks and what we can do to overcome them.***I go through questions you can ask yourself to help you overcome whatever obstacles you've been facing. This is an interactive podcast where you'll need to annotate your thoughts after each question.
Steve and I discuss current dietary fads such as blood glucose monitoring, fasting and Keto diets. We explore which ones are the most effective, how valid they are and how to apply them correctly.
Episode #222 - An Introduction to Osteoarthritis***Recording this one was a real privilege. I'd like to introduce you to a lady by the name of Debra Bakowska. Debra is a Doctor of Osteopathy and had a Masters in Physiotherapy. She was my main tutor during my Osteopathy degree and I owe a lot of my concepts and treatment methods to her.***To say Debra has a wealth of knowledge would be an understatement. She has been practicing for over 30 years and translated 100's of books covering a multitude of topics.***We wanted to start her series on the podcast with an introduction to Osteoarthritis. The reason being is that it is a very overlooked topic but one that coaches should 100% have some form of knowledge in, especially if you train an older demographic.***This is a very practical approach on how to train clients with OA, exploring the do's and don't's of exercise and how you can support them outside of the gym. With little jargon and lots of practical advice, this is a great one to send to people who have Osteoarthritis as well, so they can learn more about the condition.
In the second instalment of the Self Development Podcast Series I discuss why it's so important to have a vision of where you want to go and who you want to be.***This episode includes an interactive element where you can do a “self assessment” on how clear you are with your vision and how you can work on it on a daily basis
In this episode, Geoff and I discuss his new book “From Fear Of Failure To Flying High”; his story of how he overcame his fear of failure to achieving success. This is a great episode for anyone looking to improve their business and finances.
Part 1 of the Self Development Series: Perception***I discuss where our perceptions come from and how we can shape them through careful analysis of the content we consume
I'm joined by Osteopath Will Bosson to discuss the myths behind stretching and what you can do to improve your mobility
I go through my top 3 tips for helping clients feel muscles more effectively, enhance movement and get the most out of their training sessions.
I discuss the lung meridian according to TCM and how it affects training the shoulders
I discuss my thoughts on how we can improve the health and fitness industry in order to help our clients and patients as much as possible.
Bonn and I play question roulette with 2 questions being about how to improve training for function and martial arts and 2 questions being ones we've never seen before.
Don takes me through how and why you should be tracking your HRV and how to apply the data to your own training and recovery programme
I discuss the mechanics of a barbell glute bridge and the effects it has on the body. I also discuss factors that need to be considered for post natal training and Bikini athlete exercise selection
Jay talks me through his latest prep and the difficulties he faced in the run up to it. We discuss how he overcame the problems he faced and how he used his setbacks as motivation to work harder.
In this episode I explain my treatment model and how I screen people in person. This goes through the physiological differences between muscle and fascia and how both need to be considered and understood when treating and training people.***I also explain the joint and structural changes that are created when people do unilateral sports for a long period of time. I go through what this does to the body and how it affects their training.
In this episode I give a Lehman's guide to lower back issues, what to do, what you may have done and the best plan of action. This is an ideal reference to give to clients who have sustained a lower back injury and are unsure what to do.***The functional anatomy muscle of the episode is the TFL. I expand on my functional anatomy video on the TFL and give a more in depth description of what the muscle does and how you can train it functionally. You can access the APXed YouTube channel by clicking the link here.
In this episode, Master Yoga Instructor Kim Tang takes me through spinal biomechanics in Yoga and why is is just as much about strength as it is about flexibility. ***Kim and I also discuss how restrictions manifest in our body and how our mental state creates restrictions and vice versa. ***This is a great listen for anyone looking to use Yoga as a vehicle towards greater health and movement quality.
In this episode Will and I interview neurologist Stasha Gominak on the effects of vitamin D supplementation on sleep and the microbiome.***Stasha takes us through how she started as a neurologist and how she began her research. She then moves onto vitamin D and the impact it had on her patient's sleep along with other aspects of their lives.***Interestingly, high levels of vitamin D supplementation can lead to deficiencies in other vitamins and nutrients, therefore it's important to counteract these effects with appropriate protocols.***This was a fascinating chat and we're both very excited about doing the second part later next month.
In this episode I discuss the main difference between compound and isolation movements, when and why one is more applicable and how this affects our programme design.***I also go through the concept of internal vs external mechanics. External mechanics of when machines are strongest and weakest has become incredibly popular in the past 5 years. This being said, understanding external mechanics is somewhat superfluous without a sound knowledge of functional anatomy. I give examples here of why this is so important when client struggle to feel muscles properly.***Finally there is practical application of what to do with the information delivered in the podcast and how it can help your training/treatment business
In this episode I discuss Liver anatomy and how problems with the Liver can create issues with muscles further afield.***I discuss the "forgotten" leg muscles such as the Popliteus, Gracilis and Sartorius and what they do during gait. I also explain the link between them and the Liver.***Finally I go through common knee pain presentations, how they come about and what you can do to address them.
APX Treatments Therapist Will Bosson and I discuss Will's recent literature review on the effectiveness of HVT's on improving proprioception. Will informs me what the latest research is saying, how proprioception is measured and it's clinical significance for practitioners.
Is hip hinging bad for your kidneys?***This is my hypothesis question in my latest episode. The more I learn about the body, the more I learn about some fascinating correlations. These are things such as the relationships between fascia, organs and muscles as well as which muscles become inhibited when organs are under strain.***Hip hinging as a stand alone movement is obviously not bad for your kidneys. However the myofascial adaptations that accompany being able to hinge more than 4 plates a side does bare ramifications on our internal anatomy. If you start to get symptoms of kidney dysfunction, there could be a correlation there.***In this episode I also delve deep into the functional anatomy of the Psoas muscle. I explain why it's function is so misunderstood and why it's so important to hinging mechanics.***Finally I finish (somewhat randomly) with a 15 minute explanation of how to use a financial system which will make you a lot more money in 2023. As it's the first show of the year I thought it'd be good to see who uses the method all year and what a difference it makes.***I loved recording this one. So if you want to learn more about pelvic mechanics, how to make more money and which acupressure points link to sexual performance, make sure you give this one a listen.
I'm joined by Deca-Ironman, Strongman and ex professional footballer Dan Reeve on the show to discuss hybrid training methods and how to integrate endurance work into your weigh training regime.
I discuss the functional anatomy of the Tibialis Anterior and how it can be applied to training.***I also explain the stomach line meridian from TCM, how this links to the Tibialis muscle and what you can do to improve it.***Research paper reference: Chon et al. (2012) Co-contraction of ankle dorsiflexors and transverse abdominis function in patients with low back pain
0:00 - About Matt and how he practises7:00 - Task specificity and rehabilitation12:15 - The validity of evidence approaches24:10 - The importance of case histories30:00 - Gait analysis and it's relevance to treatment/training45:45 - Sports specific training
I discuss 3 main topics including:Deadlift technique and whether the "shoulders back" cue is appropriate or notEvening fasting and why I've been having my last meal of the day between 4-5pmHow organ function can provide the missing link behind muscle inhibition and chronic injuries
I discuss everything that Jay and I did during my recent 12 week body composition phase plus how I trained for my 1 mile time trial
I discuss two of the most important factors to consider when getting a client to do a movement plus how to grow your business using trialled and tested formulas
In this episode I discuss the most common mistakes I see coaches make when looking to take their business online. I go through:How much I earn online and how easy this is to sustainHow I built my online coaching business over the yearsHow much time this business takes me to sustainThe reality of what it's like being an online coachThe biggest marketing mistakes I've madeWhat's worked the best for me for growing online
Celeste joins me on the show to discuss how she dealt with her exercise addiction, what caused it and why it's so important to address. ***We chat about the pressure she felt to look and perform a certain way, how it impacted her monthly cycle and what she did in order to improve her relationship with training.
Do you have a goal? Are you working towards a goal because you believe it will make you happier? What would you say if I told you this wasn't true?***In this episode, I discuss some recent ideas based on the Neuroscience books I've been reading and how they can help you when it comes to your own mental health.
In this episode I go through what you can do as a personal trainer to help your clients who suffer with lower back pain. This includes:- Understanding the nature of the lower back pain and it's implications- Knowing when to refer out- How to identify exercises which may make the situation worse- What to focus on when someone is injured- How to address long stemming movement pattern issues
Steve Grant from Fit For Film's talk me through their new PForm supplement, covering how it was made, the ingredients that are in it and why it's like no other post workout formula on the market.
I go through the four joints of the shoulder, how you assess them and ways in which you can improve their mobility and function
I discuss the major differences there are when it comes to training men vs training women. This includes considerations in anatomy, pre/post pregnancy and also psychologically.
I discuss how to optimise back training for yourself and your clients. In this one, I cover:The functional role of the Lats and why that must be considered for trainingHow to prepare for back training exercisesThe dynamic movement model and how this impacts trainingBack training considerations for the general population; when exercise are and aren't applicableHow to structure an effective session for your clients
I discuss all things squatting, from;- Why do a squat?- What do I need to do before and after squats- How and why squats are so bespoke to the individual- Should the knees go over the toes?- When and why you should raise someones heels- How to position your pelvis when squatting
I chat with the 2020 Britain's Strongest Man and WSM competitor Adam Bishop. We discuss his training, nutrition and recovery strategies which have enabled him to become one of the world's elite strongman competitors.
The top two things I would recommend mastering as a way of building your self confidence
In this episode, I discuss exercise selection and how to periodise a plan based upon an individuals needs and current capability.***The training topic of the week is shortened range bicep training and the re-requisites needed to do this exercise safe and effectively.***Finally I go through the pros and cons of barbell training and how applicable it is when it comes to gaining strength and muscle
This week's case studies which include:- Females with neck pain stemming from desk work- Powerlifter with lower back pain due to anterior hip restrictions- Female with chronic plantar fasciitis
Muscle of the week: Pec Minor***Movement of the week: Leg Press Isometric for hinging***Presentation of the week: Overactive traps during training
Movement of the week: Glute Ham Raise; it's mechanics, application and uses when training***Muscle of the week: TFL; functional anatomy, common issues and how to address it***Presentation of the week: Inverted heels; how this impacts deadlift mechanics
Oscar and Jay join me on the show to discuss Oscar's recent show win and getting his IFBB Pro card
Episode #180 - Dr Gil Blander***Dr Blander, CSO of Insider Tracker joins me on the show to discussThe ageing process, how we age and what we can do to prevent itThe most important blood markers to focus on when having a test doneWhat markers are most important to pay attention to for strength and hypertrophy gainsFasting and carbohydrate managementThe role of genetics in blood testing and how it impacts resultsThe best and worst supplements to takeThe future of DNA testing and what he thinks will be available in 10 & 50 years time
I discuss what I look for during an assessment and how it impacts my exercise selection. As well as this I go through external factors beyond the gym floor which have a huge impact on whether people get results or not
Jay joins me on the podcast to discuss programme design for gen pop clientele who are relatively new to training. We look at how to design nutrition plans which increase the likelihood of compliancy, what type of training they should be doing and how much psychology plays a role in getting results.
I discuss my top tips for improving your digestive health