The Fitness Rants Podcast

Strength training isn't just about aesthetics; it's about staying capable, resilient, and independent as you age. In this episode of the Fitness Rants Podcast, we break down why you should lift like your life depends on it... because your quality of life genuinely does. We dive into the real-world impact of sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss), why so many people avoid lifting weights in the first place, and why feeling "too old", intimidated, or out of place in the gym is far more common than most people admit. We talk honestly about what happens when progressive strength training is missing: watching parents struggle with basic movement, falls becoming life-altering events, and the quiet resignation that "this is just what aging looks like." It doesn't have to be. We also cover the benefits most people never hear about: bone density, metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, hormonal resilience, and why resistance training is one of the most powerful long-term investments you can make in both your physical and mental health, whether you start in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or later. We finish with a simple, no-nonsense starting point that actually works. In this episode, we cover: • Why sarcopenia matters far more than aesthetics • The real reasons people avoid lifting weights • Group fitness vs progressive strength training • Strength training for metabolic and hormonal health • Why lifting weights is one of the best tools for mental health • Where to start if you've never trained (or stopped years ago) If you got value from this episode, make sure you subscribe and leave a 5-star rating or review. It's the best way to help more people find the show. Follow us on Instagram: Ross - https://www.instagram.com/thephysiquecoach_/ Malin - https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthcurvecoach/ The Podcast - https://www.instagram.com/fitnessrantspod/

In this guest episode of the Fitness Rants Podcast, Ross sits down with Rachel Godfrey to discuss her evolution from Athletic Fox to Onyx Performance, and everything in between — from the skill of lifting to high-performer mindset coaching. Some of the topics we covered during the episode: 🟡 Coaching women through identity shifts 🟡 The pitfalls of Instagram fitness trends 🟡 How to scale impact without losing the human touch 🟡 The role of boundaries, muscle, and metabolic health 🟡 Why good coaching will never be replaced by AI If you're a coach, athlete, or high performer navigating physique goals, business, and burnout—this episode will resonate for sure. Connect With Us On Instagram: The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/fitnessrantspod/ Rachel: https://www.instagram.com/therachelgodfrey/ Ross: https://www.instagram.com/thephysiquecoach_/  

In this episode of the Fitness Rants Podcast, I sat down with long-time friend and a pioneer of natural bodybuilding here in the UAE, Charles Barclay. We unpack the evolution of the WNBF UAE, the truth behind drug testing in physique sports, and the ever-heated Natty vs Enhanced debate. We dive into: 🟡 WNBF's explosive growth in the Middle East 🟡 The ethics and implementation of drug testing 🟡 Why female bodybuilding needs more awareness in the region 🟡 Misconceptions about TRT, peptides, and coaching biases 🟡 The rise of "Natty or Not" YouTube culture Whether you're a coach, competitor, or fan of the sport, this episode is packed with perspective and unfiltered opinions. 🎙️ Subscribe for more no-BS conversations around health, performance, and physique development. Connect With Us On Instagram: The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/fitnessrantspod/ Charles: https://www.instagram.com/charlesbarclxy Ross: https://www.instagram.com/thephysiquecoach_/ Connect With Us On YouTube: Charles: https://www.youtube.com/@charles.barclay The Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFitnessRantsPodcast Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Meet Charles Barkley 01:10 – Origins of WNBF UAE 03:04 – Challenges of Launching Natty Shows 06:26 – Transparency in Drug Testing 09:16 – Competing Natty vs Enhanced 12:08 – Assisted Prep vs Natural Prep 15:06 – Clenbuterol & Most Common Failures 19:03 – The Ethos of Natural Competition 22:14 – WNBF Growth in the Middle East 25:43 – Female Participation Challenges 27:52 – Athlete Exposure & Cultural Considerations 30:33 – The "Camp Mentality" in Bodybuilding 36:07 – Can Enhanced Still Be Ethical? 42:00 – Coaching Biases: Natty vs Enhanced Clients 47:05 – Coaches Using PEDs With Lifestyle Clients  53:27 – TRT, Peptides, and Misconceptions 58:37 – Strength ≠ Size? Think Again 1:05:49 – The Rise of the "Natty or Not" Culture 1:12:48 – Final Thoughts & Where To Find Charles

Cal Raistrick joins me in today's episode of The Fitness Rants Podcast. In today's guest episode, we discussed the importance of investing in your knowledge as a coach to make the greatest impact. I've been coached & mentored by Cal for over 7 years now, so I was excited to sit down and talk shop. I must say, this discussion went a different direction than initially planned, but I'm so glad that it did. We talked through Cal's progression in the industry, with Cal sharing valuable lessons from each major milestone along the way. We got stuck in discussing the sizeable gap between knowledge acquired and real-world application as a coach. To round out what was a very enjoyable conversation, Cal explains why he feels many coaches have their priorities twisted. Specifically, the time spent honing their craft as a coach vs marketing their business on social media. Even if you're not in the physique coaching space, this will be an insightful listen for coaches across the industry. You can watch the recorded video on The Fitness Rants YouTube channel. Connect With Us On Instagram: The Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/fitnessrantspod/ Calum: https://www.instagram.com/calum_teamprocoach/ Ross: https://www.instagram.com/thephysiquecoach_/  

In episode 6 of the Fitness Rants Podcast, we lay out the 4 most common training mistakes they see people make. We get into the responsibility personal trainers have in raising standards and awareness. And of course, we outline how to overcome these common mistakes so you can reap the rewards from your efforts in the gym. 🎙️ The episode will be live at noon, Friday, 8th August. For the audio version, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify: Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-fitness-rants-podcast/id1827967641 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pVKhwRc2b3zYSN93v3s1g?si=qtIbpKcmSgaWafHjyNmjlw  Connect with us on Instagram for Episode shorts and sneak peeks: https://www.instagram.com/fitnessrantspod/ Connect With Your Hosts: Ross - https://www.instagram.com/thephysiquecoach_/ Mal - https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthcurvecoach/  

I am joined on today's episode by one half of Business Banter - Mike Harrison. Mike's a straight shooter and didn't hold back during our conversation, discussing the current state of fitness business mentoring. Mike shares his story from an engineer in the Air Force to building a 7-figure online coaching business, then pivoting to mentoring coaches to develop their own successful businesses in an ethical way. He points out the fundamental mistakes most coaches make when trying to build their online business. Mike also shares his POV on the non-negotiable pre-requisites for up-and-coming mentors entering the fitness business space. If you haven't already, please hit that subscribe button so you always get notified each week when a new episode drops. Connect With Us On Instagram: The Fitness Rants Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/fitnessrantspod/ Mike: https://www.instagram.com/mikebusinessbanter/ Ross: https://www.instagram.com/thephysiquecoach_/

The use of GLP-1 Agonists has become a divisive topic in the fitness industry.   In this episode of The Fitness Rants Podcast, we share our POV.   We offer a simplified explaination of what GLP 1 Agonists are,  how they work, and what they were initially developed for.   Then we explore the reasons why they their use has created such a divide amongst coaches.   We round out the podcast with our stance and how GLP-1 agonists could be applied meaningfully in practice.   🎙️ The episode will be live at noon, Friday, 25th July.   For the audio version, subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify:   Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/ae/podcast/the-fitness-rants-podcast/id1827967641   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4pVKhwRc2b3zYSN93v3s1g?si=qtIbpKcmSgaWafHjyNmjlw   Connect with us on Instagram for Episode shorts and sneak peeks: https://www.instagram.com/fitnessrantspod/   Connect With Your Hosts: Ross - https://www.instagram.com/thephysiquecoach_/ Mal - https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthcurvecoach/

We are joined by today's guest, Omar Al Duri, who explains the true power of an intentional reset. Omar is the author of Reset - 5 Dominos That Will Change Your Life, an Amazon top-10 best-selling book. He's the host of the Half-Time show on Pulse 95 Radio here in the UAE, and a passionate football coach with AFC and UEFA credentials. Our conversation was filled with incredible insights from a man who has had such a positive influence on the UAE fitness community. From a near-fatal car crash to the importance of pursuing impact over income, this is a great episode to kick off our guest interviews here on the Fitness Rants Podcast. You can connect with Omar and find out more about the Reset audio book relaunch via his Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omaralduri/ Connect with us on Instagram for Episode shorts and sneak peeks: https://www.instagram.com/fitnessrantspod/ Connect With Your Hosts: Ross - https://www.instagram.com/thephysiquecoach_/ Mal - https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthcurvecoach/  

In today's episode, we explore the truth about physique transformations and what it really takes to change your body composition We touch on how fitness marketing has created unrealistic client expectations, the true costs of getting lean, along with what a balanced and considered long-term coaching approach looks like. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the channel. You can also find us on Spotify or your preferred podcast platform. Connect with us on Instagram for Episode shorts and sneak peeks: https://www.instagram.com/fitnessrantspod/ Connect With Your Hosts: Ross - https://www.instagram.com/thephysiquecoach_/ Mal - https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthcurvecoach/  

In this episode, we discuss the pendulum swing from Diet Culture to the recent rise of an "Anti-Diet Culture". We get into the problems and lessons that both extremes present, and why establishing your baseline from a health-first approach will set you up for long-term success. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to the channel. You can also find us on Spotify or your preferred podcast platform. Connect with us on Instagram for Episode shorts and sneak peeks: https://www.instagram.com/fitnessrantspod/ Connect With Your Hosts: Ross - https://www.instagram.com/thephysiquecoach_/ Mal - https://www.instagram.com/thestrengthcurvecoach/