#478 Are SMART Goals Stupid?

Claire talks to Chris about his approach to training older clients and how important it is to focus on training that makes a real difference to everyday life. Chris explains how he builds a session for clients in their 60s up to their 90s. He uses a small amount of heavy strength work, power training and reaction drills, with warm-ups that double as screening. They also cover why getting up off the floor matters as much as preventing falls, and how to get clients to buy in to new ideas. Plus, why the industry needs to "normalise normal." If you're a trainer working with older adults, or will be soon, this one's for you.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Are SMART goals helping your clients thrive, or could they be holding them back? In this episode, Claire and Maggie challenge traditional goal-setting in the fitness industry. Together, they explore why rigid, outcome-focused goals can sometimes undermine motivation and how self-determination theory offers a more sustainable alternative. Maggie shares practical strategies for uncovering clients' intrinsic motivations through motivational interviewing, supporting people through life transitions, and adapting coaching approaches for neurodivergent clients. The conversation also introduces the WOOP framework as a flexible alternative to conventional goal setting, helping coaches focus on process, learning, and meaningful progress rather than simply chasing outcomes.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

What does effective leadership look like when you're running a small business? Claire and Maggie discuss the realities of business ownership, from knowing when to invest in systems and processes to building a business that reflects your values. Whether you manage a team or work for yourself, this episode explores how to grow sustainably without adding unnecessary complexity. Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

In this episode, Claire and Maggie explore how curiosity can help us move beyond self-blame and judgement. Together, they discuss the attribution trap, the impact of systemic barriers on behaviour and change, and why asking better questions can create more compassion, understanding and meaningful progress for both clients and coaches.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

What does it take to run a workshop that people actually remember and act on? In this episode, Claire speaks with Maggie about the art of facilitation and why a great facilitator is often "the glue that holds everything together." They explore how to create safe, engaging learning environments, manage different personality types in the room, and keep discussions productive without losing sight of the session's goals. Maggie shares practical tips on workshop design, group dynamics, room setup, time management, and interactive learning techniques that help turn ideas into action. The conversation concludes with advice on ensuring every participant leaves with clear, meaningful next steps rather than just good intentions.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

In this episode, Maggie and Claire explore why personal trainers and coaches often fall into the role of problem-solver and how that instinct can sometimes get in the way of lasting behaviour change. They unpack the difference between "fixing" and coaching, discussing how curiosity, autonomy, and trust help clients create solutions that align with their own values and goals.   Through practical examples, they share techniques for asking better questions, uncovering hidden barriers, and presenting ideas as experiments rather than prescriptions. The conversation highlights how moving beyond quick fixes and building autonomy, competence, and connection can lead to more sustainable outcomes for clients and stronger coaching relationships.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Everyone talks about getting mums moving again postpartum, but what happens once they're back at work? In this episode, Maggie sits down with PT and mum-of-two Elle Brown to unpack the Motherhood Penalty and how it plays out in fitness spaces. They dig into the structural failings behind "busy mum" marketing, why individual PTs can't solve a systemic problem, and what real empowerment looks like when someone's stuck in a disempowering system. It's not a doom-and-gloom conversation, it's a celebration of how strong and resilient mums actually are, and a call for the industry (and policy) to catch up.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

This episode explores how stepping into unfamiliar fitness environments can be one of the most valuable learning experiences for coaches. Claire and Maggie reflect on the difference between feeling welcomed and supported versus judged and overlooked, and what those experiences reveal about great coaching. From onboarding and communication to managing group dynamics and individual attention, they discuss practical ways fitness professionals can create spaces where every client feels seen, included, and confident from day one. Along the way, they examine how both positive and negative experiences have shaped their own coaching philosophy and approach to client care.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

What does it really mean when something is described as "evidence-based"? In this episode, Claire and Maggie explore how to evaluate research and separate credible evidence from misleading claims. From peer review and study design to conflicts of interest, sample size, and the hierarchy of evidence, they break down the key factors that determine whether research can be trusted. Along the way, they discuss media misrepresentation, the difference between correlation and causation, and why curiosity, healthy scepticism, and checking evidence from multiple perspectives are essential skills in today's information-rich world. Whether you're navigating fitness advice, wellness trends, or health headlines, this episode will help you become a more confident consumer of research.   Find Out More About LTB Membership: Website: https://liftthebar.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liftthebar

Are you marketing your personal training business to people like you... or to the people you actually want to serve? In this episode, Claire and Maggie explore a common mistake many trainers make: assuming their clients think, act, and make decisions the same way they do. They discuss how this mindset can impact marketing, communication, and pricing, often leading trainers to undervalue their services and miss opportunities to connect with their ideal audience. The conversation dives into understanding client motivations, gathering honest feedback, using client stories effectively, and building confidence in pricing based on value rather than assumptions. If you're a personal trainer looking to attract more of the right clients and charge with confidence, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you align your messaging, pricing, and business decisions with what your clients truly value.