64. The Rugby Trainer - with Ben John

Marks fitness journey started in his 30's after realising he needed to improve his health and wellbeing. Then the challenge of making a YouTube channel came from his son and the rest you could say is history! Currently he is focused on attempting to break the HYROX world record for his age group in January 24'. We discuss the dedication and focus needed for this, the coaching from current HYROX world champion Hunter McIntyre as well what goes into making content for his YouTube channel.

Simon Martin is an experienced strength and conditioning coach, who started exercising around the age of 8 inspired by a TV program (you'll need to listen to find out which one) he started doing pull ups and hasn't stopped. Using basic movements and high rep ranges as staples in his training. He had a career in the Marines and then the police force, before being medically retired. Physical fitness has always been important to Simon both for his job and his health and wanting to inspire his son. Not everything has been easy and we discuss his experience with PTSD and how he manages it day to day. In what is a very open and frank conversation.

WeMove - to quote: "With eyes wide and a playground this big, how could 'Why?' be anything but 'How?' we move”. The opening statement from Chris and James' first publication. Chris and James' have known each other since we’ve university, a big in-between seeing each other led to a reunion running in the lakes and 'WeMove' was born and an exploration started that would see stops across the globe. With a background in photography, film making and fashion design mixed with a physical willingness to dive into whatever activity. As they have travelled they have opened doors and connected to some of the most innovative and leading thinkers in the physical and health space. This has led to multiple conversations recorded on their Wemove podcast. We visit some of these experiences, look at the learnings from the multiple interactions and how they wend themselves into daily life. Looking at the current offerings that float themselves across social media. Whilst tipping the hat as being one of the Whilst tipping the hat as being one of the main catalyst for this podcast coming into being. The art of connection. * WeMove website - https://www.wemove.world/ WeMove IG - https://www.instagram.com/wemove.world

Over the last couple of years Ben has developed a platform for young and old rugby players to help develop their skills and fitness. A former professional rugby player for Welsh regional side Ospreys. His career cut short due to a series of concussions, he turned to his hand to becoming a personal trainer and later the head trainer at the Manor Gym in London. We chat about rugby, coaching skills, life and playing the long game. An all-round decent human, this was a good conversation beyond just rugby.

Yogi, Boxer, Surfer, Dietician, Ski diver, Box owner, Qualified for the CrossFit games, Owner of a sports wear brand. The list does not do justice to Laura as a person. From not enjoying P.E. at school to bossing it in the squat rack. Have a listen as we talk to Laura about all of the above and more, and understanding that just because you haven't done something yet, doesn't mean you can't. Life is the adventure you make it and there is ALWAYS room for more exploration.

Spencer Whiteley has been doing CrossFit now around 11 years after he stumbled across a CrossFit box whilst looking for a new gym soon after leaving the Army following 15 years of service. He left the Army due to a near fatal injury whilst serving in Iraq in 2007. He needed 3 years in rehabilitation, and then once he could (just about) walk he was medically discharged from the Army. Having a long history of sport and physical exercise since school, it was only natural for him to speak out physical exercise. After starting CrossFit where he couldn't do an air squat or jump onto a box he has gone from strength to strength and is about to return to CrossFit games for his second appearance. He has a full time job whilst also running a CrossFit box with his wife. Showing what can be done with a clear goal and focus. This is a fantastic story, just don't expect him to help you hitch hike. * Follow Spencer on IG: https://www.instagram.com/spencer_whiteley/ Spencer's fundraising T-shirt: https://unbranded-apparel.co.uk/products/whiteley-games-tee Our IG: https://www.instagram.com/normalisedactivity/

We sat down and spoke with Michael Blevins, one half of Non Prophet, and Kegan Dillon a regular contributor to the output of Non Prophet. The conversation will go where it goes and it traveled! Fitting for two people who have looked into, written about and created discussion about endurance and the ability to endure. We did not have to endure this conversation though as the time flew.  Topics covered include; the separate yet overlapping entities that are fitness and health, what they might be and how 'industry' changes/shapes them. ChatGPT and its effect on programming, what is the 'Space Program’, and the shifting shades and sounds of Non Prophet and other personal thoughts and gems that will require 'listening to'. * Kegan - https://www.instagram.com/kegandillon/ Michael - https://www.instagram.com/gritandteeth/ The Space Program - https://www.nonprophet.media/members-signup

We are joined by Lindsay and Oakley from @180projectuk . To discuss the amazing work that is being carried out by the 180 Team. The 180 project is a community recovery programme. Its vision is to help create lasting recovery for those caught in the vicious cycles of addiction, crime and prison. Using Crossfit as both a tool and a catalyst to bring people together, to give them a view of a new lifestyle and instilling purpose and self value. Combining Crossfit as a fitness program, providing education, therapy, life coaching and peer support. Individuals visibly develop greater self esteem and self worth and greater respect for their body, mind and self. The team at 180 are passionate about the impact it can provide to people and the lasting effect it has beyond the CrossFit gym.

We had the pleasure of Alec Harwood joining us again for a chat about T-Cup for whom he is a director. T-Cup is an IT interface, that businesses and their employees can use to monitor, assess and implement change for individual and group wellbeing. Taking the knowledge and experience from his high level competitive CrossFit days in order to figure out how to help people be happier, healthier and more successful, applying an integrated holistic approach. Naturally, the conversation went were it went with the odd rabbit hole here and there, but the thread was one of the application of health and fitness away from the health and fitness world, which Alec is striving to achieve. There's the odd 'easter egg' in there. * https://www.instagram.com/harwoodalec https://tcup.co.uk/

Join us as we sit down and chat to some of the UK’s CrossFit OGs, reflecting on the last 10 or so years in the sport. Amongst the topics covered: What's changed in the way competition is set out. The changes in the route towards top tier competition for CrossFitters coming through the ranks and how that might differ compared to 10 years ago. The role/impact of social media on UK CrossFit and how that translates to the international stage and the CrossFit games. And, is there life left in the old dogs yet😉?