Power of Progress by Nathan Honess

No-Holds Barred: Persevering From Time In Jail – My True Story, with Chet Sandhu  

Joining me for this week’s episode is reformed gangster and recently-published author, Chet Sandhu. 

Chet chats to me about how his notorious past 

– including international drug-smuggling and time spent in jail 

– has formed the basis of his new book, “Self-Made, Dues Paid: An Asian Kid Who Became an International Drug-Smuggling Gangster”. 

Chet reveals what life was like behind bars and how he kept his mindset and body in check, as well as what life is like for him now.  You can follow Chet on Instagram @chetsandhu666  Chet’s new book is available now at Amazon

3.27 - Prepping For Success: My Flexible Lifestyle Approach 

In this episode I share with you my recent flexible dieting approach, which has changed from what I call 'gaintaining' to being in a shred state. 

I've therefore been dropping my calories down, making sure the protein is high and cutting out any indulgences so that I reach my goal physique. 

I've still been attending regular social activities, and I share how I've stuck with my fitness plan during the week and even on weekends. 

I've got lots of tips to share, so join me for this solo episode!  You can follow my progress on Instagram @nathan_honess

Why You Should Create a Brand That Some People Will Hate: Branding Tips for Business, with Craig Gillespie  

This week I’m joined by Brand Designer Craig Gillespie, who talks to me about a topic that affects every business – branding. 

It’s so important to establish the correct branding for a business because it acts a shop window for consumers to see what you’re about and what you offer. Getting the right branding design can set you apart in a crowded market; hence why it’s so crucial to get it on-point. 

Craig discusses how to focus branding on an ‘ideal client’ and why creating a brand that some people may hate can actually be a good thing.  

You can follow Craig’s branding agency on Instagram @totalbrandits

What Does Fitness Look like Post-Covid? with Lincoln Bryden   

Joining me for this week's podcast is ex-professional cricketer and fitness business coach Lincoln Bryden. 

Lincoln chats to me about how the fitness industry has changed post-Covid and how, as fitness professionals, we'll continue to connect and inspire our clientele going forward.  

You can follow Lincoln on Instagram @lincolnbryden

While social media is a great asset to connect with followers, it can be used to skew attitudes on how popular and successful someone truly is. It’s also easy to get caught up in the race for followers, likes and constant engagement. The fitness world is amongst the most prevalent of sectors that pop-up on newsfeeds, with countless posts about diet tips, suggested workouts and, of course, those gym-mirror selfies. This has been exacerbated by the pandemic, when fitness professionals moved their business – and clients – online. Joining me to talk through this ever-changing issue is three fitness experts who, like me, are part of the Bio-Synergy Team: Emma Goodman-Horne, Daniel Herman and Marvin Ambrosius. Join us for a fun, all-ranging chat about the pros and cons of social media.

On Instagram:

You can follow Emma @emergy100

You can follow Daniel and Bio Synergy @biosynergy

You can follow Marvin @marvinambrosius

Mental Health: Why is Awareness Higher But Moods Lower? With Arjuna Ishaya, Lee Hogarth and Phil Hyland  

Society has taken a step forward in recent years with awareness about mental health, thanks to more exposure and the power of social media. 

So why, in that case, are so many people still struggling to speak up and find help? 

Joining me in this episode to discuss this quandary are three mental health and life development advocates, Arjuna Ishaya, Lee Hogarth and Phil Hyland. We discuss why mental health is just as important as physical health and what we can do to support one another.  

You can follow Arjuna @arjunaishaya You can follow Lee @leehogarthcoach You can follow Phil @thephilhyland

Fatherhood and Fitness: Staying Healthy as a Parent, with David Souter  

As any mum or dad will tell you, life changes when you become a parent. 

No longer are you just responsible for yourself but your main priority becomes your little one. 

For lots of parents, one of the first things to fall down the pecking order is their own fitness. 

It’s a case of eat when you can and juggling time as best you can. 

But it’s so important to keep yourself healthy so you have the energy to keep up with your bundle of joy! Joining me to share his tips of maintaining fitness while being a father is award-winning fitness pro, David Souter. 

David talks of the way he manages his food and fitness routine while also looking after his family.   You can follow David on Instagram @myfitnesstrainer

Going Back to Basics: Gym Tips for Beginners, with Josh-Blue  

This week on the podcast I’m discussing one of my favourite topics with Personal Trainer, Online Physique Coach and Fitness Model Josh-Blue. Josh-Blue joins me to chat about how, as fitness professionals, we start our clients on their fitness journey, many of whom have no prior knowledge of going to the gym. It’s therefore important to set a solid base to improve clients’ confidence and expertise. 

Josh-Blue explains how compound movements like squats, deadlifts and bench presses are a great way to improve a client’s strength, while also offering advice on his own experiences of being a fitness professional and competitor.   

You Can Follow Josh-Blue on Instagram @joshbluefitness

Obesity: How Best to Manage Our Weight, with Lisa Austin, Michelle Lawrence and Lucy Walton  

Being overweight can be an emotional, divisive topic for many people and there’s lots of reasons why someone’s weight may higher than it should be. In our role as fitness professionals, our role is not to judge but to help clients become fitter and understand their bodies better. 

Joining me to discuss the topic of obesity are fitness experts Lisa Austin, Michelle Lawrence and Lucy Walton. In this episode we tackle the subject of how best to approach the issue of being overweight and effective methods for fat loss.   You can follow my guests on Instagram:  @lisa_rock_gym @michelle_a_lawrence @lucywaltoncoaching

Our mental health is equally as important as our physical health and we should always ensure we take care of ourselves. One way we can lift our mood is through moving our bodies and engaging in fitness. One person who knows all about this is this week’s guest, Adam Parker. Adam discusses his transformational story on how he managed to boost his self-esteem and confidence via fitness, and how this experience turned into a career in which he now helps others in the same position.

Visit https://meancleanandlean.co.uk/ for more info or contact Adam through info@meancleanandlean.co.uk

Follow Adam on Instagram @adamparkerpt

How I Use Flexible Dieting to Maintain My Physique: My Top Nutrition Tips  In this week's episode I'm flying solo to wax lyrical about the subject of nutrition. What you eat is the cornerstone of your fitness goals, and my own approach is through one of flexible dieting. This enables me to use a semi-formal method to monitor my calories and macros, while still allowing for some entertainment food, especially my favourite vice: a peanut stack! Join me to learn the tips I've learnt in my role as a PT.  Follow me on Instagram @nathan_honess

The Key to Running a Successful Business: Tips and Tricks from a Gym-Owner, with Aaron Swales  

As any business owner will tell you, it takes hard graft, long hours and lots of planning to make your company a success and to grow. But when you have a strong passion for what you do, the work you put in becomes its own reward and work doesn’t feel like ‘work’. Someone who knows all about this is this week’s podcast guest, Aaron Swales. 

Aaron is a North-East-based gym owner and he chats with me in this episode about the importance of having a great team, remaining customer-focused and what it takes to run a successful gym. Remember: when you love what you do, you never work a day in your life.  You can follow Aaron on Instagram @aaron_swales

Ripping Up the Rulebook: Why There’s NO Blueprint for Life, with Phil Hyland  We often feel an invisible pressure as we get older to ‘hit’ certain milestones, like get married, find a job, have kids, and so on. The modern world has moved on since these traditions were made but the pressure still remains. How do we ignore these constraints and forge our own path that will make us happy? Joining me to discuss this topic is Life Coach and Self-Development Expert, Phil Hyland. Phil chats to me about how he has navigated his way around life’s red tape and become happier than ever.  You can follow Phil on Instagram @thephilhyland

I'm thrilled this week to be joined by fitness veteran Stephen Sinton, who's won a list of top accolades across his career, including 2006 Mr Universe (Pro). Stephen joins me for a chat about his highly-successful career, with an insight into his childhood, getting into fitness, competing in bodybuilding and how he has used the right mindset - and actions - to reach the top of his profession. How can we use our mindset to knuckle down and focus on our life goals? Join us for an inspirational chat you don't want to miss.

What Confidence Means to You: Believing You're Capable, with Alice Blackledge  

Confidence is something many people struggle with. It's the self-belief you have in yourself (and your abilities) and being happy in who you are. It can also mean different things to different people. For some, the goal of confidence is publicly speaking to a room full of people; for others it may be feeling confident in how they look with their appearance. 

So how do we develop our level of confidence and feel more content in who we are? Joining me to discuss this topic is online fitness coach and pro fitness model, Alice Blackledge. 

Alice shares her experience of evolving her own confidence and how this has helped with her life and career.  You can follow Alice on Instagram @aliceblackledge

Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/2Ugcro6JPn0

How Business Has Changed Post-Pandemic, with Adam Ballinger   

It’s fair to say the pandemic has changed the world of business forever and the fitness industry has had to adapt. 

Joining me to discuss this topic is online coach, personal trainer and mens physique athlete Adam Ballinger. 

Adam and I talk about how many of our clients are now ‘hybrid’ clients, where we mix their fitness programmes with one-to-one PT sessions plus online assistance, usually through an app and messaging service. How has that new model affected our business and way we deliver fitness? 

Listen to this episode to find out.  You can follow Adam @adamballingerfitness

Managing Time To Reach Your Goals, with Bryan Tan  

Time is our most precious resource. 

Failure to  utilise our time to our advantage can have have a detrimental impact on our life, career and goals. Joining me to discuss this topic is fitness model and personal trainer, Bryan Tan. Bryan chats to me about how he manages his time effectively to reach his fitness and life goals, including when he preps for fitness competitions. Time is something that affects everyone, and you can use yours wisely by listening to this episode 😊  

You can follow Bryan on Instagram @btfitness

check out video version - https://youtu.be/mjdY7ppxR0I

Coaching Yourself and Others to Achieve Success, with Dario Cucci  In this week’s episode I’m joined by holistic business and sales coach, plus international speaker, Dario Cucci. Dario grew up in Switzerland and moved to Australia for fifteen years, where he worked in hospitality and became certified as a personal trainer. Dario later moved into the field of self-development and returned to Switzerland where he helps clients master their sales growth and customer satisfaction. Dario chats to me about his life and career, in which he offers advice on the importance of mentoring yourself and others to harness skills and reach new levels of success.  You can follow Dario on Instagram @d.cucci

Staying True to You in Uncertain Times, with Arjuna Ishaya

Joining me for this week’s episode is Ishaya Monk and Meditation Teacher, Arjuna Ishaya.

It’s fair to say all of us have been through a rocky few years due to the impact of COVID-19 and lockdown, plus the many world events we’ve seen unfold. It’s more important than ever that we retain a sense of our true self and find an element of calm in what can be a troubling time. This episode delves into how we, as humans, react to periods of unrest and how we can refocus on what really matters.

You can follow Arjuna on Instagram @arjunaishaya

Passion Vs. Business – Can Both Work in Harmony? With Men’s Health’s Andrew Tracey  

Joining me for this week’s episode is Men’s Health Fitness Editor, Andrew Tracey. Like myself, Andrew has been in the fitness industry for many years and has a passion for keeping fit and helping others to do so. But the dual side to this – as with all career sectors – is the business side of things, where clients/sales/money are what keeps the industry running. But what happens when the passion for your job outweighs the business aspect – and vice versa? Can a happy medium exist between staying passionate for the job you love and making sure your business prospers and adapts? 

Join us for an intriguing episode you don’t want to miss.  You can follow Andrew on Instagram @theandrew.tracey

YouTube version is also here - https://youtu.be/-6JY7lGVsU8

Reframing What Positivity Means to You, with Lee Hogarth  

Joining me for this week’s episode is life coach, Lee Hogarth, who talks me through the topic of positivity. As people, we often put lots of pressure on ourselves to be positive and happy, only to feel disappointed when things don’t go according to plan. We tend to feel happiest when our expectations of what could make us happy are met, but life’s not all plain-sailing and our realities are somewhat different. Lee provides hints, tips and affirmations to realign ourselves back to a truer, more real sense of what positivity actually is and how to harness this to make our lives happier.  

You can follow Lee on Instagram @leehogarthcoach  

If you need a muscle-building programme and tailored diet plan, why not try my online coaching? Visit https://nathanhoness.com/ You just need to fill out a short questionnaire about your current fitness goals and what you’d like to achieve, then I’ll be in touch to begin your fitness programme.

You can watch this chat on youtube, click here - https://youtu.be/qeRkB6-d5n0

The Importance of Cooking Wholesome Food, with Simon Christou  

Joining me for this week’s episode is Fitness Prep coach and Competitor, Simon Christou. Simon chats to me about one of my favourite all-time topics … food! To reach our fitness goals and feel healthy, we need to fuel our bodies with the correct sustenance. But with busy lives and the temptation and convenience of fast food and takeaways, many of us buy food that’s already prepared. The problem with this is that convenience food is loaded with sugar, salts and bad fats. The solution? To cook MORE of our food from scratch. Simon joins me to discuss the reasons behind this, along with dispelling past food myths.  If you need a muscle-building programme and tailored diet plan, why not try my online coaching? 

Visit https://nathanhoness.com/ You just need to fill out a short questionnaire about your current fitness goals and what you’d like to achieve, then I’ll be in touch to begin your fitness programme.

Check this episode out on youtube - 

https://youtu.be/_d3zQQHEAFI

3.2 - Filter-Free: Why Confidence Comes From Within, with Camilla J Collins   

Joining me for this week’s episode is Camilla J Collins, who has multiple strings to her bow! As well as being a Hair & Make Up Artist, Camilla is a Confidence & Lifestyle Coach and also a Fitness Model. Camilla joins me for a chat about the prep process she’s gone through before competing in shows, her experience of thirteen years in the make-up industry and the confidence lessons she’s learnt that led her to write and publish her own book #NoFilterNeeded. Join us for an illuminating chat about finding your own self-esteem in what can often be an overly-filtered world.  Follow Camilla on Instagram @camillajcollins Her book ‘#Nofilterneeded: Kicking Unobtainable Standards to the Kerb & Reimagining the Power Within Yourself’ is out now at Amazon and Audible.

Watch on youtube - 

https://youtu.be/EFphXkBejvg

It’s a great week to feel upbeat because in this episode I’m joined by Happiness Coach and Tedx Speaker, Helen Bartram. Helen discusses how our greatest asset in life is that no one else is us: our uniqueness is what sets us apart and makes us special. By tuning into ourselves more and not relying on outside distractions, we can become a lot happier in who we are and what we want to achieve. Helen became a Happiness Coach following a difficult time in her personal life, and through that experience – as well as being a mum – Helen offers lots of tips and tricks on how we can find what works for us as people.

You can follow Helen on Instagram @helenbartramhappiness

This week I’m joined by body transformation coach, Connor Delieu, to discuss why food tracking is such a crucial factor in reaching our fitness goals. Not many people choose to do so, but thanks to tracking apps like MyFitnessPal we can see at a glance how many calories we consume and whether we’re meeting our macro split. Connor shares with me how food tracking has helped his fitness career, from playing rugby when he was younger to becoming a personal trainer, as well as why alcohol consumption can prove sobering reading when looking at our calorie intake.

You can follow Connor on Instagram @connordelieu

All of us at some point will get stuck in a rut. That feeling we’re unhappy with how things are, hoping for change but unsure what to do. We might not feel we’re living life to its fullest, especially when we compare ourselves to other people. But the hard times in life teach us valuable lessons which lead to a happier path. Joining me to discuss this topic is recently-married lifestyle coach Lee Hogarth. Lee and I chat about how, with some inner-strength and new habits, we can maximise the enjoyment we get from not only the big moments in life, but the little things too.

A fulfilled life is a journey, not a destination.

You can follow Lee on Instagram @leehogarthcoach

We live in a fast-paced world where info and results are just a few clicks away. With this comes instant gratification – the need for immediate reward with no long-term prospects. And when it comes to fitness, many people are looking for shortcuts to better health and better physiques. The problem is that quick fixes don’t last and don’t benefit us in the long run. Real results come when we overhaul our fitness plan and nutrition, and, crucially, change our mindset. Discussing this topic with me is Competition Prep Coach and Fitness Show Presenter, James Alexander-Ellis. Can a sedentary office worker really achieve a good fitness level? Join us to find out.

You can follow James on Instagram @jamesalexanderellis

Callisthenics has steadily been growing in the last few years to become a popular form of strength training. It relies of an individual’s bodyweight (for resistance) to hone and develop their own physique. Movements such as pull-ups, front levers, planks and handstands all fall under the callisthenics category. Without the usual machines, dumbbells and equipment found in gyms, many people may be wary as to how effective calisthenics can be. Here to dismiss any doubts and talk me through the countless benefits is Fitness Coach and Bodyweight Enthusiast, Alex Ash. Alex advises how we can begin our callisthenics journey and incorporate this into our fitness routine. You can follow Alex on Instagram @alexash.fitness plus you can check out the YouTube video 👇🏾 https://youtu.be/YqtJHp1L32I where Alex will be showing Nathan how to perform a handstand and why it's useful.

How to Remember What Is Important, with Arjuna Ishaya

In our busy, demanding lives, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters to us. Our to-do list of chores and responsibilities often takes precedence over the real things which offer us happiness. In this episode I’m joined by an earlier guest from this series – monk and meditation teacher Arjuna Ishaya. Arjuna chats with me about how we can waste less time on the superficial, and how we can refocus on what truly makes us more content. Join us for a podcast which reaffirms why inner happiness is a journey, not a destination.

You can follow Arjuna on Instagram @arjunaishaya

There’s no denying we live in a visual world. Whether it’s taking selfies, social media or the focus on our appearance, we’re always looking at what ourselves – and others – look like. And there’s the contrast we make between our own lives and those we see as more successful. The clothes we wear, the money we make, the places we go to, the people we’re seen with … it’s easy to compare and always be wanting ‘more’. That’s why it pays to regularly check in with yourself and practise self-care. Speaking to me about how to do that is online Fitness Coach and Pro Fitness Model, Alice Blackledge. Alice talks of her change of careers from flight attendant to fitness coach and model and how she was able to become confident on stage and in front of the camera.

Join us for an insightful chat about self-acceptance and why comparison is the thief of joy.

You can follow Alice on Instagram @aliceblackledge

It takes a lot of hard work to make it in the fitness industry. For those who are successful, it’s always inspiring to hear their story of how they started out, besides their journey along the way. In this episode I’m honoured to be joined by Men’s Health’s Fitness Editor, Andrew Tracey, who chats with me about his life and career in fitness. Having not been into sports as a child, Andrew took on a front-of-house job at a gym when he was sixteen – a job which would spark his passion for keeping fit. From those first gym days, to training as a PT, then gracing the cover of the magazine he works for, Andrew’s fitness story proves a captivating listen. Join us for a podcast you don’t want to miss.

You can follow Andrew on Instagram @theandrew.tracey

Many of us start our fitness journey by working out independently. We head to the gym as beginners and muster our way through by trial and error, hoping to make as much progress as we can. But one of the best ways to improve our fitness is by taking part in group training. In this episode I’m joined by personal trainer Danny Rippon to discuss the benefits of working out as part of a group. Based at Sculpt Fitness in Newcastle, Danny is well-versed in personal and group training and sees the growth clients can make when training with others. Join us to find out how the right support system could be the key to unlocking your fitness potential.

2.20 - Myself and many England football fans faced disappointment last week when we lost to Italy in the Euro 2020 final. After the euphoric build-up, I couldn't shake the feeling of disappointment of Monday morning that football would not be coming home. As a coincidence, I'd booked in this podcast about how to overcome disappointment in life, and just the chat alone was enough to pull me out of my slumber! I'm joined in this episode by self-improvement expert Phil Hyland to explore the ways we can deal with disappointment in our lives and how we can use it to foster a greater sense of happiness. 

There’s lots of different diets for people wanting to get leaner; one of the most popular from the past few years is intermittent fasting. This is where you have a time window where you eat during the day, followed by a period where you eat nothing. It’s basically a form of fasting – all your meals/calories/nutrition needs have to be consumed during your eating window. As with any type of diet, there’s benefits and drawbacks to intermittent fasting. In this episode I’m joined by fitness coach and close friend, Ross Cooper, to discuss whether this diet is effective for fat loss and general health, or whether it’s one to avoid. Always remember to consult with a GP before switching your diet. Join us for this podcast about a diet style that shows no sign of slowing down.

Following on from part 1 of my chat with Neil Martin, released last week on 28/06/21. In this second half, Neil discusses his upcoming third book, live speaking events following the pandemic and the advice he offers everyone on big lifestyle changes.

Professional speaker Neil Martin is back on the Power of Progress to talk about a challenge you may have heard about. Neil joins me to discuss his experience of the 75 Hard challenge, which is the ‘mental toughness’ programme set up by entrepreneur Andy Frisella. The rules of the challenge include no alcohol or cheat meals, drinking a gallon of water each day plus two daily 45-minute workouts, one of which must take place outside. Neil has lost 22 lbs from the challenge, and in this podcast (part 2 will follow next week) he discusses how the challenge tested his mental and physical strength. Join us for an inspirational chat about the challenge that’s set social media ablaze.

For many people starting their fitness journey, the world of exercise, gyms and nutrition is a scary prospect. 'Where to begin?' is the most common question, with an avalanche of classes, videos and workouts all vying for our attention. 'Gymtimidation' is another thing that puts people off - the fear of working out in front of other, most experienced gym members. But all of us start somewhere, and in this episode I'm joined by fitness trainer Emma Goodman-Horne, who this year won Fit&Well's Trainer of the Year award. Emma and I discuss the ways that gym/fitness beginners can feel comfortable and find their groove when starting to work out. The great thing about fitness is there really is an activity to suit everyone and exercise can become a great part of your lifestyle. Join us in this podcast episode for tips on beginning your fitness journey.

 A Life and Career in Fitness, with Marvin Ambrosius

The fitness world is ever-changing and to stay successful in the industry you have to be adaptable, decisive and forward-thinking. Someone who's achieved this is presenter, host and fitness expert Marvin Ambrosius. In this episode, I chat with Marvin about his impressive life and career, which has seen him become Under 19s Basketball England Captain, host his own 'Fit in 5' series on Sky TV and launch the innovative Fitfreaks App and community. If you're thinking of a career in fitness or enjoy keeping healthy, then you don't want to miss this inspiring episode.

The Big 4: Four Types of Fitness Training and Why They Matter, with Tim Chase

When it comes to fitness there tends to be 4 main categories for different styles of training. Each of them matter and each play an important part in developing our fitness and reaching our goals. In this episode I’m joined by fat loss coach and fitness professional, Tim Chase, to discuss the 4 main types of training: Cardio, Strength, Stability and Flexibility. Which are our go-to exercises within each category? Which do we find more enjoyable and beneficial to our fitness? Join us for this podcast episode that covers everything from hip flexors, squat depth and how our mind is a huge contributor to our fitness goals.

Make It Happen: Scaling Your Fitness Brand, with Daniel Remington  

In this video I’m joined by Bio-Synergy’s Daniel Remington to discuss how he founded, and later grew, the successful fitness nutrition brand, Bio-Synergy. Daniel launched Bio-Synergy in 1997, which has since delivered high-quality supplements and sports nutrition to countless fitness enthusiasts and professional athletes. Daniel shares in the video his story of navigating a fitness brand through the wealth of changes – and growth – there’s been in the health and fitness industry over the last 20+ years.  Which supplements do you use to fuel your fitness goals? Leave a comment below.  Check out Bio Synergy and use Nathan's discount code NH20 https://bio-synergy.uk/

2.12 - When Habits Become a Hindrance, with Phil Hyland

Habits can help us reach our goals, keep us grounded and understand our sense of self. But can being too rigid with habits be a hindrance to happiness? In this episode I’m joined by self-development expert Phil Hyland to discuss why a little bit of flexibility with our routines and habits is much better than staying stuck in our ways. One habit you might want to keep is to listen to the Power of Progress’s new episode every Monday for inspirational chat and advice!