#292 In Nature We Trust with Axay Shah.

In this episode we discuss the various ways you can progress your training by manipulating a number of training variables, namely - frequency, volume, intensity & density. Firstly we define each term as it relates to training, give some real world examples of how they fit within a training programme then finally, we discuss the order & manner which they should be progressed from a beginners into intermediate standpoint. A practical discussion that should be of use to many - and could spark a few disagreements or debates!

In this host catch up episode following 4 weeks of guests we discuss the recent Strongfirst Resilient course held at Unique Results, Peter's recent development of Walking Solves - Daily Meditations & the routine James adopted on a recent family holiday & how we can take elements of it even when busier life resumes.

We are joined from just outside NYC, USA by Chris Ryan from the Chris Ryan Fitness app to discuss all things Strength, Longevity & health & fitness for busy people with families & careers. Chris is a bundle of controlled energy & positivity.   We learn about his athletic career as a Division 1 track athlete (800m), his time on NBCs STRONG as one of America's Top 10 trainers, his life now as a 45 year old husband & dad to 3 children & how he developed, launched & continues to build his fitness app which serves users all around the world.   This is an inspiring, energetic & very actionable conversation with a guest that I'm sure we'll be speaking with again.      

In this episode we are joined by all the way from Los Angeles, California by Axay Shah. An avid marathon runner, a passionate poet, and a lover of music. Axay enjoys life to the fullest, & is a very happy person (as you will hear). His secret? He has followed a raw food vegetarian diet for over 16 years & it has transformed his life. At 66 years of age, Axay believes that eating uncooked, plant-based foods has been the cornerstone of his health & vitality. janHe believes that the raw food lifestyle has unlocked the true potential of his body & mind. We encourage you to listen (or watch) with an open mind & heart & enjoy getting to know Axay, he's a warm & interesting man who has found his own path to health & wellness.

We are joined for the third time by one of our most referenced guests - Steve Bush. Steve has just passed his 6th year since having gastric surgery to change his life & has also just turned 60 years old. Steve updates us on the physical challenges he has set himself for 2026, his experience running the Disney Marathon (and riding a rollercoaster on the way round). Steve also explains how he has developed his own method of training for running events by limiting his running (and saving his knees) & how his life has changed so he now has the confidence to say YES to just about anything after a lifetime of saying NO. Be inspired & enjoy.

We are joined for the first time (hopefully not the last) by Professor Jonathan Sackier - Surgeon, Innovator, Aviator, Health Commentator, Author & cohost of the highly entertaining 'Join the Docs' podcast. This fascinating conversation is as much about life as it is health. We get to know Jonathan's background, medical career, longevity outlook & how, after an incredibly challenging life experience he was encouraged to create his own, very personal 'Rules for Life'.  We're sure you'll enjoy listening to this hour with him as much as we enjoyed meeting him ourselves.

Following a listener suggestion Peter & James walk you through how to build a low cost strength training programme at home including which equipment to buy (for £200-£300 total) - what you can buy second hand & what not to. How to structure your programme, which movements & exercises to choose & some ideas of progressions as well. There will be a follow up episode to this where we will outline more principles for strength progression that can be applied universally.

We are joined from Newcastle UK by proud 'Geordie' & Natural Bodybuilding Champion Phil Earley.  Phil turns 60 this year & has set himself the modest goal of competing at the Natural Olympia contest this November in Las Vegas USA. We discuss Phil's introduction to strength training back when he was a teenager. His love of Kettlebells. His journey on Paul Mcllroy's Amazing 12 transformation programme & how after nearly 40 years of training he took the plunge & entered his first Bodybuilding show! The rest - as they say, is history.

In this host catch up episode Peter & James discuss 3 main topics: The recent Britains Strongest Man in Sheffield that Pete attended live (& James watched from France). Lessons from the mountains on the recent Unique Results skiing & snowboarding holiday.  How to calculate your daily protein requirements based on bodyweight & activity levels AND how to hit them consistently.

We are joined for the fourth time by James Breese from Strength Matters & Cricket Matters & discuss his upcoming Cricket injury & performance clinic in Cardiff, Wales. We also hear about James' recent time spent with Gray Cook in the USA & the development of 'The Performance Flywheel' model which covers the 6 components of athlete performance in any skill based sport or training programme.