We’re excited to welcome Nathan to the Cross Functional Fitness team! 🎉
In this episode, Nathan joins me to chat about:
His journey from gym member to coach.
Why he’s passionate about strength training.
The lessons he’s learned through training and life.
What he hopes to bring to our community.
This isn’t just about adding another coach — it’s about growing our gym family, sharing experiences and stories, and giving you more support on your fitness journey.
👉 Tune in to hear his story, get inspired, and learn what you can expect when you meet him in the gym!
If lunges fixed imbalances, we’d all be symmetrical gods by now.
But we’re not.
Why?
Because lunges, rows, and single-leg circus acts aren’t the solution. The barbell is.
In this episode, we break down:
Why barbell training (squat, deadlift, bench press, strict press, rows, cleans) beats every other training method
Why single-leg exercises don’t actually fix imbalances
Why movements like lunges and curls become untrainable fast
The real reason you should be lifting heavy at 40, 50, and beyond
How barbells can be trained for decades and keep delivering results
🎧 This is the strength training clarity you didn’t know you needed.
#BarbellPodcast #StrengthOver30 #FunctionalStrength #DeadliftFixesEverything #SmartTrainingOnly #TrainWithPurpose #BarbellNotBalancePads
Most people are chasing performance, weight loss, or aesthetics without ever building the foundation. In this episode, we break down the CrossFit hierarchy of development, introduce our own updated performance pyramid, and explain why sleep and nutrition are the real secret weapons.
Whether you're chasing strength, fat loss, or longevity, you need to widen the base to raise the peak.
🧠 Sleep better. 🥗 Eat better. 🏋️ Perform better.
🔔 Subscribe for more real fitness advice that cuts through the noise.
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You’ve been told to eat everything in moderation. But what if that advice is actually holding you back? In this episode, I break down why “moderation” is one of the most misleading pieces of nutrition advice out there—and how it’s quietly sabotaging your energy, your cravings, and your long-term health.
We’ll dig into:
Why sugar in moderation is still too much for most people
How alcohol messes with your goals (even in small amounts)
The sneaky way ultra-processed foods hijack your brain
And why refined carbs are the ultimate blood sugar trap
If you’re tired of being stuck in cycles of cravings, guilt, and confusion—this one's for you.
👉 Subscribe, share it with a friend, and follow me on Instagram @crossfunctionalfitness for more no-BS fitness and nutrition advice.
Is everything you’ve been told about the hypertrophy rep range wrong? In this episode, I break down why sets of 5 might actually be the best rep range for building muscle—not just strength. Forget the outdated "8-12 reps for hypertrophy" rule. I’ll explain the science behind why lifting heavier with fewer reps can stimulate just as much, if not more, muscle growth while making you stronger.
If you’ve been stuck chasing muscle gains with endless high-rep sets, this episode will change the way you train.
👉 Listen now and start lifting smarter.
#StrengthTraining #HypertrophyMyth #MuscleBuilding #FitnessPodcast #TrainSmart #SetsOf5 #LiftHeavy #PodcastEpisode #GymTruths
Episode 85
This Christmas, fitness meets festive fun! We have special guest Warren Nugent returning to help bring you trivia, Christmas workout ideas, gym hacks.
Discover if your gym habits are naughty or nice and why your Christmas shopping might double as cardio.
From fitness myths to the toughest "12 Days of Christmas Workout," ever invented, this episode is a gift for gym enthusiasts everywhere.
Key Factors Influencing Your Progress: Barriers to Break and Habits to Build
Progress in fitness isn’t just about effort – it’s about effort applied consistently. In this episode, we breaks down the most common barriers to progress in training, nutrition, recovery, community, and mindset. Tune in to learn actionable steps to smash through these challenges and hit your goals faster.
Imagine being told your bones are getting weaker—and there's nothing you can do about it. That was the reality Lynda faced when she was diagnosed with osteoporosis in 2019. Instead of accepting fragile bones as her fate, she decided to fight back! In this powerful episode, she shares how strength training transformed her life, giving her the confidence, resilience, and strength to rebuild her bones and defy the odds.
Through four years of dedicated lifting, she not only reversed her osteoporosis but also found a renewed sense of empowerment and vitality. This is more than a fitness story; it's proof that strength training isn’t just for the young and athletic—it’s for anyone ready to reclaim their health and future. Tune in to hear about the challenges she overcame and the incredible benefits she never expected. We show screenshots of the Dexa scan results demonstrating the shift in Lynda's bone density. Whether you’re looking to prevent osteoporosis, reverse it or simply want a reason to start lifting, her story will inspire you!
In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most essential yet misunderstood lifts in the gym—the deadlift! Whether you’re new to lifting or a seasoned veteran, chances are you’ve heard conflicting advice on how to set up correctly. Let's simplify things. Join me as we: - Break down the most common mistakes people make during the deadlift setup, from foot positioning, shin angle, and hip height to spine alignment. - Compare side-by-side images of various set ups, so you can see exactly where adjustments need to be made and more importantly, why. - Explain how a suboptimal setup can lead to injury risks and weaker lifts, while subtle technique tweaks can boost both your performance and longevity in lifting, making your systemically stronger. - Share top tips for making changes to perfect your technique and build a stronger deadlift from today. - If the deadlift has been frustrating you, don’t miss this episode! Whether you're working with clients or training yourself, these insights could be game-changing. Key Topics: Common Deadlift Myths 5 Step Setup: Feet, Grip, Spine, Hips, Shin Angle, Core Bracing. Optimizing Your Strength with Consistent Form.
In this episode, we explore the hidden impact of our own insecurities on our children. Kids are like little sponges, absorbing not just what we intentionally teach but also what we subconsciously express. How can our attitudes about body image, appearance, and self-criticism shape their confidence and world view? We reflect on the importance of being mindful of how we talk about ourselves around our kids, and the need to delay passing on insecurities until they have the tools to navigate these emotions healthily.
While we can’t protect our kids from all of life’s challenges, we can control how we speak about ourselves around them. Modeling healthy self-talk and body positivity will give children the tools to navigate body image issues as they grow.
In this episode, we challenge the idea of having a "relationship with food." Here's a glimpse into the discussion: Defining "Relationship": We examine the conventional understanding of "relationship" and its misapplication to our interactions with food. Food Isn't a Person: Contrary to common belief, food doesn't engage in reciprocal relationships with us. It's merely consumed and digested, devoid of emotional ties. Complex Dynamics: While food serves as fuel, it also offers sensory pleasure through taste and social bonding opportunities. However, it's essential to distinguish between these roles and genuine relationships. Nutritional Significance: Beyond energy, food provides vital nutrients crucial for health. Neglecting these can lead to various health issues. Language and Eating Disorders: We explore how language influences our perception of food and its potential impact on eating disorders. Beliefs vs. Actions: Our actions often reveal our true beliefs about food, shedding light on our dietary habits. We look at some intriguing news stories from recent weeks, including David Beckham suing Mark Walberg's fitness company, the impact of exercise on cognitive function, Joe Wicks getting in trouble for daring to say that diet can worsen ADHD or help it.
For help in person getting stronger, fitter and healthier:
https://crossfunctionalfitness.co.uk/contact/
To apply to work with us remotely:
https://crossfunctionalfitness.co.uk/online-coaching-application/
In this episode of Strength For Tomorrow Radio, we're looking at joint health for individuals over 50. Join me, Stuart Thompson, coach and gym owner, as we explore the essential strategies and insights to help you age gracefully, stay active, and thrive in every stage of life.
We'll uncover the importance of joint health and bone density, sharing practical tips and exercises to keep your body strong and resilient. Discover the power of functional fitness and how it can enhance your daily life, from climbing stairs with ease to playing with grand kids without missing a beat.
Balance and stability are key components of healthy aging, and we'll explore simple yet effective exercises to improve proprioception and reduce the risk of falls. Plus, learn how nutrition, mindset, and injury prevention strategies can support your journey to optimal health and vitality.
Whether you're just beginning your fitness journey or you're a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration to help you unlock your full potential and embrace the joy of movement at any age.
Tune in and discover the secrets to aging strong, vibrant, and unstoppable!
We also dissect some recent news including Fin Air's new weigh in option that is triggering people.
You might not have noticed, but over the last number of years as "influencing" on the internet has become an industry, dietitians, doctors, personal trainers and others have jumped into it. There is a concerning trend recently which involves some of them encouraging you to eat refined carbohydrates and processed sugar and to include it in your daily diet. They'll even post pictures of them eating junk food and telling you to as well. There are even some who tell you to eat whatever you want because as long as you're in a calorie deficit you'll still be able to lose weight. But what about chronic diseases such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, strokes and type 2 diabetes? We know these diseases start decades before we're aware of them in many cases. So why are these influencers so keen to tell us what we want to hear as sugar addicted westerners, instead of what we NEED to hear?
Warren Nugent is back and we discuss his ACL surgery and rehab this past year. We also reflect on a few fitness competitions we did in 2023, why we all tend to overeat on weekends, the best Christmas movies, how important music is when it comes to performance levels, the worst Christmas gifts bought and received and the role of massages and recovery.We finish off predicting fitness trends we think will explode in 2024, discuss the most ridiculous news stories from the past year and great gift ideas for fitness enthusiasts and setting appropriate goals for the new year.
Are you looking for a useful set of weighing scales? Many of you know by now that scale weight, while an interesting metric, cannot provide an accurate representation of our health on it's own! It simply reflects our relationship with gravity. With FitTrack's Body Composition Monitor, you can measure and track your progress in a much more comprehensive way. The scale uses Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) to measure body composition. This means that a weak electric current flows through the body, and the voltage is measured to calculate the body's impedance. It's accurate within 3% of a DEXA scan for bone density measurements, making it the most accurate smart scale in its class! The best part is that FitTrack syncs with the Myhume health app using Bluetooth, where you can track 17 unique body metrics and monitor your progress on a weekly and monthly basis. Metrics like bone density, visceral fat index, subcutaneous fat percentage, muscle mass, Basal Metabolic Rate and body water percentage. The app even converts your health data into a score you can track, and provides recommendations on how to achieve you goals and better your score. FitTrack has given me more tools and data to try and become healthier. It's comprehensive, personalised to my body and health, and I can see over time where I’m improving and what I need to work on. If you want to join me and start taking measurable steps towards better health you can get a massive discount on their website, plus extra chunk of % off with our code (CROSSFUNCTIONAL). #fittrack #partner Hit the link to find out how the FitTrack can benefit you and to take advantage of the discount: https://uk.fittrack.com/?rfsn=7244042.eb93b91&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliates&utm_campaign=stuart_thompson&fbclid=PAAab1U_xkd3BwkenZECOaDJjc_FAn3BLgIvI06PRUJ8A4qIgi3aq5UiFTjpM