Episodi

  • S3E5 – Ed Voss – Pain, Injury and Why Strength Training Matters as We Age

    S3E5 – Ed Voss – Pain, Injury and Why Strength Training Matters as We Age
    Jul 16 2026
    Getting older might bring a few more aches and pains, but that doesn't mean you simply have to accept them.Jim sits down with Ed Voss, a chartered physiotherapist based in Stroud with 16 years of experience across the NHS and private practice. Ed has recently opened a new clinic in Stroud and will also be joining the Jim's Gym team from August.In this practical, no-nonsense conversation, Ed explains what pain actually is, why two people with the same condition can experience it completely differently, and why pain doesn't always mean that further damage is being done.They also explore arthritis, recurring injuries, back pain, online diagnoses and the importance of strength training as we get older. Ed explains how getting stronger can increase the body's capacity, reduce the risk of injury and help us continue doing the things that matter to us.This episode is packed with realistic advice for anyone managing pain, recovering from an injury or wondering how to begin strength training without feeling overwhelmed.👉 Find Ed: https://www.edvossphysio.co.uk/In this episode:How Ed went from studying anatomy and physiology to becoming a chartered physiotherapistThe difference between physiotherapy and chiropractic treatmentWhy physiotherapy looks beyond the painful area to identify the root cause of a problemThe difference between acute pain and chronic painWhy pain doesn't always correspond directly with physical damageHow sleep, stress, activity levels, medical history and our beliefs can influence painWhy two people with the same diagnosis can experience completely different symptomsWhy arthritis isn't simply a case of the joints wearing out like brake padsHow movement and individually tailored exercises can improve long-term painWhy back pain might be caused by a problem somewhere else in the bodyThe risks of relying on Google, social media or AI for a diagnosisWhy generic lists of the “five best exercises” aren't right for everyoneHow strength training increases the body's capacity and reduces injury riskWhether it is safe to continue exercising when something hurtsWhy strength training doesn't have to mean lifting extremely heavy weightsHow often we should strength train and why recovery is essentialWhy it can take eight to twelve weeks of consistency to notice meaningful resultsWhy strength should always be connected to something you want to do in everyday lifeWhat members can expect when Ed joins the Jim's Gym teamEd's three practical tips for making exercise a lasting part of your lifeTimestamps:00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:47 - Meet Ed Voss: Chartered Physiotherapist00:01:10 - Why Ed Chose a Career in Physiotherapy00:02:35 - Physiotherapy vs Chiropractic Treatment00:04:59 - What Pain Actually Is00:06:53 - Why Pain Can Become Connected to Certain Movements00:08:36 - Why Everyone Experiences Pain Differently00:09:49 - Can Long-Term Arthritis Pain Really Improve?00:11:34 - Why Treatment Must Be Tailored to the Individual00:12:29 - Does Getting Older Automatically Mean More Pain?00:14:18 - What to Do When Pain or Injury Strikes00:16:23 - Should You Trust Google or AI for a Diagnosis?00:18:04 - Why Strength Training Matters as We Age00:19:33 - Can Strength Training Prevent Injuries?00:20:13 - Is It Safe to Exercise Through Pain?00:21:25 - What Strength Training Actually Means00:22:08 - The Minimum Effective Dose for Strength Training00:24:45 - Strength for What? Training Around Real-Life Goals00:26:55 - Ed Is Joining the Jim's Gym Team00:28:05 - Osteoporosis and the Importance of Strength Training00:29:25 - Ed's Practical Advice for Staying Active00:31:32 - How to Find Exercise You'll Actually Stick WithBuzzsprout Chapters:00:00:00 - Introduction00:00:47 - Meet Ed Voss: Chartered Physiotherapist00:01:10 - Why Ed Chose a Career in Physiotherapy00:02:35 - Physiotherapy vs Chiropractic Treatment00:04:59 - What Pain Actually Is00:06:53 - Why Pain Can Become Connected to Certain Movements00:08:36 - Why Everyone Experiences Pain Differently00:09:49 - Can Long-Term Arthritis Pain Really Improve?00:11:34 - Why Treatment Must Be Tailored to the Individual00:12:29 - Does Getting Older Automatically Mean More Pain?00:14:18 - What to Do When Pain or Injury Strikes00:16:23 - Should You Trust Google or AI for a Diagnosis?00:18:04 - Why Strength Training Matters as We Age00:19:33 - Can Strength Training Prevent Injuries?00:20:13 - Is It Safe to Exercise Through Pain?00:21:25 - What Strength Training Actually Means00:22:08 - The Minimum Effective Dose for Strength Training00:24:45 - Strength for What? Training Around Real-Life Goals00:26:55 - Ed Is Joining the Jim's Gym Team00:28:05 - Osteoporosis and the Importance of Strength Training00:29:25 - Ed's Practical Advice for Staying Active00:31:32 - How to Find Exercise You'll Actually Stick WithAbout Ed VossEd Voss is a chartered physiotherapist based in Stroud. He has worked as a physiotherapist for 16 years, beginning his career in the NHS before moving into ...
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    34 min
  • S3E5 – Virginia Walker, Yoga Instructor – Yoga, Reiki and the Power of Showing Up

    S3E5 – Virginia Walker, Yoga Instructor – Yoga, Reiki and the Power of Showing Up
    Jul 2 2026

    This week I'm joined by Virginia Walker, Jim's Gym's resident yoga instructor, and this one goes far deeper than you might expect.

    Virginia is a 500-hour trained yoga teacher, a birth doula and a Reiki practitioner. We talk about what yoga actually is, why flexibility is probably the least important thing about it, and how the philosophy behind the practice can change the way you live your life.

    We also get into the surprising link between postnatal yoga and yoga for the over 60s, what a birth doula actually does, and what Reiki is and how it works.

    Oh, and Virginia shares one simple thing you can do first thing tomorrow morning that gets you out of your head and into your body in about 30 seconds.

    Virginia teaches live every Wednesday at 9am at Jim's Gym. After listening to this, you'll understand exactly why our members love her.

    In this episode:
    •⁠ ⁠Why you don't need to touch your toes to do yoga
    •⁠ ⁠The ancient philosophy behind yoga and why it still matters
    •⁠ ⁠How the breath is the quickest route to the present moment
    •⁠ ⁠The connection between birth doula work and later life yoga
    •⁠ ⁠What Reiki actually is, explained simply
    •⁠ ⁠Virginia's one actionable tip to try tomorrow morning

    Find Jim's Gym at www.jimsgym.fitness
    Free Fitness MOT: www.jimsgym.fitness/free-fitness-mot

    🎧 Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

    *Chapters:*
    00:00:00 - Introduction
    00:02:00 - How Virginia found yoga through injury
    00:04:00 - Yoga vs Pilates
    00:07:00 - Living the yoga off the mat
    00:13:00 - The breath and being present
    00:18:00 - Yoga at Jim's Gym
    00:22:00 - Making yoga accessible after hip replacements, strokes and cancer
    00:25:00 - The link between postnatal and later life yoga
    00:28:00 - What is a birth doula?
    00:33:00 - The dedication of Jim's Gym members
    00:38:00 - What is Reiki?
    00:43:00 - Virginia's one actionable tip
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    46 min
  • S3E4 – Jane Diamond – Death, Doulas and Why Talking About It Sets You Free

    S3E4 – Jane Diamond – Death, Doulas and Why Talking About It Sets You Free
    Jun 19 2026

    It's the conversation most of us avoid. This episode might just change your mind about that.

    Jim sits down with Jane Diamond, a death doula and funeral director based in Stroud, Gloucestershire. Jane runs Family Tree Funeral Company and has spent years helping people and families navigate the end of life with dignity and openness. She's also a Jim's Gym member.

    This isn't a heavy or morbid conversation. It's warm, honest, and surprisingly uplifting. Jane explains why we've lost our way when it comes to talking about death, why children are often far better at it than adults, and why putting a simple plan in place now is one of the kindest things you can do for the people you love.

    👉 Find Jane and Family Tree Funeral Company: https://www.familytreefunerals.co.uk/

    In this episode:

    • How Jane went from training as a psychotherapist to becoming a funeral director and death doula
    • What an end-of-life doula actually does, and how it compares to a birth doula
    • Why we've become disconnected from death as a society, and how that's slowly changing
    • Why children talk about death far more naturally than adults, and what we can learn from that
    • What "Death Cafe" actually is, and why people leave feeling uplifted rather than upset
    • The practical side of end of life planning: wills, lasting power of attorney, and a simple document that holds your whole life in one place
    • Why doing this now means you can relax and just enjoy life
    • One simple way to start a difficult conversation with a parent or loved one

    Timestamps:

    00:00:00 - Introduction
    00:00:54 - Meet Jane Diamond: Funeral Director and Death Doula
    00:03:09 - How Jane Found Herself Working in This Sector
    00:04:34 - What an End of Life Doula Actually Does
    00:07:02 - Why We've Lost Our Way Talking About Death
    00:08:50 - How to Reframe Death and Talk About It More Easily
    00:11:03 - Why Children Are More Comfortable With Death Than Adults
    00:13:46 - What Is a Death Cafe?
    00:15:09 - The History of the Death Cafe Movement
    00:17:13 - Why People Leave Death Cafe Feeling Uplifted
    00:19:00 - Jane's Own Early Experience With Loss
    00:19:40 - The Practical Side: Wills, Power of Attorney and Planning Ahead
    00:22:29 - How to Get Started Without It Feeling Overwhelming
    00:27:23 - Jane's Advice: Start the Conversation Today

    About Jane Diamond
    Jane is a death doula and funeral director based in Stroud, Gloucestershire. She owns Family Tree Funeral Company alongside her husband and also co-hosts the Nailsworth Death Cafe, a community conversation group that meets every other month at the Canteen in Nailsworth. Jane is a Jim's Gym member.

    About Jim's Gym
    Jim's Gym is an online fitness and wellbeing membership for adults aged 55 and over. With 15+ live classes every week via Zoom, 800+ on-demand workout videos, and a warm, welcoming community, it's everything a gym should be without any of the things that put people off. Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Tai Chi, Strength, Balance and more, all led by specialist instructors, all from home.

    Monthly membership from just £12.99. No joining fees. No contracts. Cancel anytime. 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

    👉 Join Jim's Gym: www.jimsgym.fitness
    👉 Join the free Facebook community: Friends of Jim's Gym

    🎧 Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

    Jim's Gym Podcast: Inspiring Movement is produced by Jim's Gym and hosted by James Hilton.
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    30 min
  • S3E3 – Andy Yau – Why Tai Chi Might Be the Best Thing You've Never Tried

    S3E3 – Andy Yau – Why Tai Chi Might Be the Best Thing You've Never Tried
    Jun 4 2026

    So many people say they've always wanted to try tai chi. This episode is your sign to finally do it.

    Jim sits down with Andy Yau, Jim's Gym's tai chi instructor, who grew up in Hong Kong where a passion for martial arts took hold at a young age. In his 20s he discovered tai chi and it changed everything. These days he brings all of that experience to the Jim's Gym community every Monday morning.

    This is a brilliant conversation about movement, mindfulness, community and why tai chi might be exactly what your body has been asking for.

    👉 Try Andy's class at Jim's Gym: www.jimsgym.fitness

    In this episode:

    • How Andy discovered tai chi in a Hong Kong park almost 20 years ago
    • The difference between tai chi and qigong, explained simply
    • Why tai chi is suitable for absolutely anyone, regardless of fitness level
    • How the 24, 37 and 48 move forms work and where beginners should start
    • Why you don't need any equipment and only need a yoga mat's worth of space
    • The physical benefits: balance, coordination, body awareness and joint mobility
    • Why tai chi is ideal if you have arthritis, a bad knee or bad hip
    • The meditative side: why the whole class is essentially moving mindfulness
    • A member who watched from a hospital bed and still felt the benefit
    • Andy's simple actionable tip you can start today, no class required

    About Andy Yau Andy grew up in Hong Kong where a passion for martial arts and kung fu took hold at a young age. In his 20s he discovered tai chi and it changed everything. He now teaches tai chi and movement at Jim's Gym every Monday at 10am, bringing almost 20 years of experience to the community.

    About Jim's Gym Jim's Gym is an online fitness and wellbeing membership for adults aged 55 and over. With 15+ live classes every week via Zoom, 800+ on-demand videos, and a warm, welcoming community, it's everything a gym should be without any of the things that put people off. Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Tai Chi, Strength, Balance and more, all led by specialist instructors, all from home.

    Monthly membership from just £12.99. No joining fees. No contracts. Cancel anytime. 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

    👉 Join Jim's Gym: www.jimsgym.fitness 👉 Join the free Facebook community: Friends of Jim's Gym

    🎧 Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

    Jim's Gym Podcast: Inspiring Movement is produced by Jim's Gym and hosted by James Hilton.
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    24 min
  • S3E2 – Vernon Lidstone – 82 Years Old, Powerlifting 200kg & Proof It's Never Too Late

    S3E2 – Vernon Lidstone – 82 Years Old, Powerlifting 200kg & Proof It's Never Too Late
    May 21 2026
    What happens when an 82-year-old retired prison chaplain decides to start strength training for the very first time?In this inspiring episode of Inspiring Movement, Jim sits down with Vernon Lidstone, who began his fitness journey at the age of 70 and is now competing in powerlifting competitions in his 80s.Recently, Vernon completed “The Chaplain’s Challenge”, lifting a combined total of 200kg at Crazy Strength Gym near Salisbury to help raise £40,000 for essential heating repairs at St Peter’s Church, Framilode. The church’s boiler had failed beyond repair, and the fundraising campaign aims to replace it with a cleaner, more energy-efficient air-source heat pump system.Even more remarkably, Vernon has since been informed by the South West Powerlifting Association that his performance set nine regional records across the Masters 3 and Masters 4 categories.But this conversation is about far more than weights.It’s about confidence, community, ageing well, resilience after grief, and why becoming stronger later in life can completely transform how you move through the world.Vernon shares how he went from community fitness classes in his church hall to stepping into a powerlifting gym surrounded by athletes decades younger than him. Along the way, he discovered not only physical strength, but a new sense of purpose and possibility.If you’ve ever thought “I’m too old to start”, this episode may change your mind.👉 Support Vernon’s fundraising challenge:St Peter’s Church JustGiving Page👉 Join Jim’s Gym:Jim’s GymIn this episode:How Vernon became a prison chaplain after the loss of his first wifeWhy he first became interested in strength training in his late 70sThe difference between being “fit” and being “strong” as we ageHow community exercise classes in a church led him into powerliftingWhat it feels like walking into a powerlifting gym at 82 years oldThe three lifts used in powerlifting competitions: squat, bench press and deadliftWhy fall prevention and strength matter so much for older adultsThe surprising confidence that comes from learning how to fall safelyHow Vernon raised money for St Peter’s Church through “The Chaplain’s Challenge”The story behind his 200kg fundraising lift at Crazy Strength GymSetting nine South West Powerlifting Association records in his 80sWhy strength training has changed the way he approaches everyday lifeThe social side of fitness, and why community matters just as much as exerciseVernon’s advice to anyone over 55 who feels it’s “too late” to startAbout Vernon LidstoneVernon Lidstone is an 82-year-old retired prison chaplain from Gloucestershire who began strength training at the age of 70. What started as community fitness classes in his local church eventually led him into competitive powerlifting.In 2026, Vernon completed “The Chaplain’s Challenge”, lifting a combined total of 200kg to help raise funds for essential repairs and heating upgrades at St Peter’s Church, Framilode.Following the competition, Vernon was informed that his lifts had set nine South West Powerlifting Association records across the Masters 3 and Masters 4 divisions.His story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to become stronger.About The Chaplain’s Challenge – 200 for 200“The Chaplain’s Challenge – 200 for 200” was created to help raise £40,000 for St Peter’s Church, Framilode after the church’s oil-fired boiler failed beyond repair.The fundraising campaign aims to replace the heating system with a cleaner, more environmentally friendly air-source heat pump system to keep the church warm and sustainable for the future.Vernon invited 200 people or groups to donate £200 each, symbolising £1 for every kilogram lifted during his 200kg challenge.Supporters could also choose:Silver Donation: £100 (50p per kg lifted)Bronze Donation: £50 (25p per kg lifted)👉 Donate here:St Peter’s Church JustGiving PageUK taxpayers can also use Gift Aid to increase their donation by 25% at no extra cost.About Jim’s GymJim’s Gym is an online fitness and wellbeing membership for adults aged 55 and over. With 15+ live classes every week via Zoom, 800+ on-demand workout videos, and a warm, welcoming community, it’s everything a gym should be without any of the things that put people off.Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Strength, Balance, Dance Fitness and more, all led by specialist instructors and accessible from home.Monthly membership from just £12.99. No contracts. Cancel anytime.👉 Join Jim’s Gym: www.jimsgym.fitness👉 Join the free Facebook community: Friends of Jim’s Gym🎧 Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Inspiring Movement is produced by Jim’s Gym and hosted by James Hilton.
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    33 min
  • S3E1 – Dietitian Ian Thomas - Eating Well After 60: Protein, Carbs and Practical Advice

    S3E1 – Dietitian Ian Thomas - Eating Well After 60: Protein, Carbs and Practical Advice
    May 8 2026

    What should you actually be eating as you get older? Not the latest trend. Not the stuff your friend read about online. The real, evidence-based answer from someone who genuinely knows.

    In this first episode of the new series of Inspiring Movement, Jim sits down with Ian Thomas, Jim's Gym's Resident Registered Dietitian, who leads the monthly Healthy Habits Club nutrition sessions for members. Ian's the kind of expert who tells you the truth even when it's less exciting than the headlines, and in this conversation, he delivers a masterclass in practical nutrition for older adults.

    They cover everything from why protein matters more as we age, to the truth about carbs and fats, to whether you really need that expensive superfood. If you've ever felt confused by conflicting nutrition advice, this episode cuts through the noise.

    👉 Become a Jim's Gym member and join Ian's monthly Healthy Habits Club sessions: www.jimsgym.fitness

    In this episode:

    • How Ian became a Registered Dietitian and what makes a dietitian different from a nutritionist
    • Why protein requirements increase as we get older, and what "anabolic resistance" means in plain English
    • How much protein you need per day, and the best sources, whether you eat meat or not
    • The truth about carbohydrates: Are they really the enemy?
    • Saturated vs unsaturated fat, and why it matters for how your cells function
    • Omega-3: why it's important, how much you need, and the best food sources
    • The set point theory of weight, and why losing weight gets harder over time
    • Why crash diets don't work long term, and what to focus on instead
    • The five foods Ian recommends eating every day
    • Ian's current favourite nutrition habit (hint: it involves cacao)

    About Ian Thomas
    Ian is a Registered Dietitian and a member of the Health and Care Professions Council. He studied at the University of Surrey and has a background in both clinical and community nutrition. Ian is Jim's Gym's Resident Dietitian, leading the monthly Healthy Habits Club nutrition sessions for members.

    About Jim's Gym
    Jim's Gym is an online fitness and wellbeing membership for adults aged 55 and over. With 15+ live classes every week via Zoom, 800+ on-demand workout videos, and a warm, welcoming community, it's everything a gym should be without any of the things that put people off. Yoga, Pilates, Zumba, Tai Chi, Strength, Balance and more, all led by specialist instructors, all from home.

    Monthly membership from just £12.99. No joining fees. No contracts. Cancel anytime. 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

    👉 Join Jim's Gym: www.jimsgym.fitness
    👉 Join the free Facebook community: Friends of Jim's Gym

    🎧 Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

    Jim's Gym Podcast: Inspiring Movement is produced by Jim's Gym and hosted by James Hilton.
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    49 min
  • S2E5 – Julie Kent MBE, High Sheriff of Gloucestershire – Grief, Giving Back & Local Impact

    S2E5 – Julie Kent MBE, High Sheriff of Gloucestershire – Grief, Giving Back & Local Impact
    Jul 17 2025

    What does it mean to turn personal loss into lasting impact? In this episode of Inspiring Movement, Jim sits down with Julie Kent MBE, the High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, to talk about grief, purpose, and the power of giving back.

    Julie shares her journey — from music and education to launching Emily’s Gift and raising £500,000 for children’s mental health. They also chat about the High Sheriff role, local leadership, and why small, heartfelt actions can go a long way.

    👉 Learn more or support the High Sheriff’s Fund:
    https://gloucestershirecf.org.uk/high-sheriff-of-gloucestershire-appeal/

    In this episode:

    • What the High Sheriff actually does
    • How Julie turned loss into legacy
    • Fundraising, public service, and building local support
    • Why movement and connection matter at every stage of life

    🎧 Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    46 min
  • S2E4 – Lay Lim, Pharmacist & Weight Management Specialist – Mounjaro, Ozempic, and the Role of Lifestyle in Weight Loss

    S2E4 – Lay Lim, Pharmacist & Weight Management Specialist – Mounjaro, Ozempic, and the Role of Lifestyle in Weight Loss
    Jun 26 2025

    You’ve probably seen the headlines: weight-loss jabs like Mounjaro are now being prescribed on the NHS. But what does that actually mean—and where does exercise still fit into the picture?

    In this episode of Inspiring Movement, Jim chats with Lay Lim, a pharmacist specialising in weight management, to unpack the facts behind the hype. They explore how medications like Mounjaro and Ozempic work, who they’re meant for, what the risks are, and why a healthy, balanced lifestyle still rules the day.

    This isn’t a sales pitch—it’s a grounded, practical conversation about a complex topic, designed to help you stay informed and in control of your choices.

    In this episode:

    • What Mounjaro and Ozempic do in the body
    • Who qualifies for NHS prescriptions (and who doesn’t)
    • The real risks of buying weight-loss meds online
    • Side effects, including muscle and bone loss
    • How movement and mindset shape long-term success
    • Why strength, nutrition, and community support matter more than ever

    If you’re considering a course of treatment with Mounjaro, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.

    Jim’s Gym is an online fitness community for people over 55 who want to stay active, connected and confident from home. With daily live classes, expert guidance, and a friendly, down-to-earth community, it’s built to help you move better, feel better, and enjoy life more—no matter your starting point.

    👉 Join the movement at www.jimsgym.fitness
    Mostra di più Mostra meno
    42 min