Starting Monday Podcast

By: Barry Stephen & Matthew Percival
  • Summary

  • Personal trainers Barry Stephen and Mathew Percival discuss solutions to the struggles we all face while chasing our health and fitness goals. Don't start Monday, start today !
    © 2025 Starting Monday Podcast
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Episodes
  • From Christmas Catch up to New Year Focus
    Jan 11 2025

    Remember the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special? Just like that nostalgic favorite, we're back together, reminiscing about the holiday season and our fitness adventures—or, more accurately, the comedy of errors that is our "consistent inconsistency." We've all been there: promising to kick-start new routines every Monday, only to see them wilt by Thursday. Our chat is full of personal tales, from the joy of Christmas stockings to the practical warmth of electric blankets, a necessity to fend off the Scottish chill. We even touch on the ever-dramatic shifts in football management, particularly with West Ham, because let's face it, those stories are almost as unpredictable as our fitness plans.

    Now, let's talk fitness goals and the strategies that actually work. We're diving into the nitty-gritty of mastering pull-ups, getting lean by 40, and prepping for big life events like weddings. Spoiler: setting specific, tangible targets can make a world of difference. Whether you're aiming to run a 10k, set new personal bests in bench and deadlift, or simply not collapse after five flights of stairs, our conversation is packed with tips on balancing strength and cardiovascular training. We also touch on how community support, like on Strava, can be a game-changer, especially when winter workouts in Scotland feel more like an extreme sport.

    Finally, accountability is key, and boy, do we have some catching up to do! Matthew and I (your favorite northeast of Scotland fitness duo) share a candid chat about the importance of regular check-ins—not just to keep each other on track but to maintain our sanity. It's been a lonely time without Barry, and sometimes, you just need someone to waffle with about goals, life, and everything in between. Whether you're here for the laughs, the insights, or just a warm voice in the cold, we hope this episode feels like a friendly catch-up. If you enjoy it, do us a favor and share it with a friend who might need a little fitness motivation or just a good chuckle.

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    52 mins
  • Sunshine, Workouts and Supersets: Staying Motivated as we build up to the Summer
    Mar 16 2024

    Tune in as we dive headfirst into the nitty-gritty of gym regimens and unravel the benefits of using different methods of training such as supersets, pyramids, 5x5 and circuit training. Whether you're new to the fitness scene or a seasoned athlete, we serve up a hefty dose of reality on the common blunders we've all made during our workouts. Plus, there's that age-old debate: To caffeine or not to caffeine? Grab your earbuds and join us for a candid chat about our pre-workout rituals and a sprinkle of sports predictions to keep things spicy.

    As the summer sun beckons, it's time to ramp up your fitness game and we're here to cheer you on every step of the way. We're rounding off with a call to action for all you listeners to share your training stories with us. Looking to boost your muscle game or just cruising for a seasonal dose of motivation? Tune in, as we wrap up with a heartfelt thanks to our fitness family, and gear up for more power-packed discussions that'll leave you raring to hit the gym!

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    50 mins
  • The Journey From January Goals to Sustainable Health Habits
    Jan 27 2024

    Ever found yourself at the crossroads of wanting to push your limits while still enjoying life's guilty pleasures? Join us, Barry and Matthew, as we shake off the podcasting rust and get candid about our fitness journeys and setting impactful New Year's goals. We're not just talking about the same old resolutions; we're digging into the real stuff, like how to balance indulgence with dedication.

    We've all been there—struggling to get out of bed for that early morning spin class or grappling with the decision of whether to hit the gym or the pub. In this heart-to-heart, we chat about spinning, the changing face of fitness trends, and how crucial sleep and hydration are for your well-being. Plus, we reveal the dark side of over-exercising, sharing personal setbacks and the importance of rest, so you can navigate the fine line between commitment and excess without winding up with a tale of swollen testicles—yes, you heard that right!

    As we rev up for an epic fitness retreat, we're dissecting the telltale signs of overtraining and the ways to keep your fitness flame burning bright without burning out. It's not just about the workouts; we're discussing everything from the sober-curious Dry January to why short-term dieting may not cut it for long-term gains. Get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe even wince a little with us, as we prepare you to tackle all the adventures 2024 has lined up.

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    47 mins

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