What if the scariest thing in fitness isn’t a burpee, but a panel of blokes explaining the menstrual cycle? Our Halloween special turns the gym into a haunted house and tours every room you secretly dread: MLM pitches at the door, sleds blocking every path, “high protein, low calorie” echoing like a curse, and denim-clad grunters who treat the rack like a stage. We laugh, we roast, but we also get honest about boundaries, ethics, and how to create a gym culture that actually feels good.

Along the way, we share wins from the week: a 90‑day “fitter, faster, stronger” block gathering steam, steady 5Ks that feel better than they look, and simple markers like resting heart rate, sleep, and fuelling that change everything. No hacks, no noise—just consistent training, manageable runs, and routine meals that leave you energised. If your watch nags, that’s data; if it stresses you out, that’s a cue to take it off. We keep the advice human and the tone hopeful.

For the proper chills, we retell a brilliant Reddit story about a haunted gym—alarms tripping, showers running, plates clanging with no one there—and swap our own eerie encounters. Whether you’re a sceptic or a believer, it’s a reminder that spaces hold stories. The best gyms turn down the fear and turn up the welcome, so beginners aren’t spooked by noise, clutter, or the cult of intensity. We wrap with a playful nod to mediums, tarot, and the thrill of not knowing what comes next, plus plans for more off-topic fun on Patreon.

If you love a little chaos with your kettlebells, hit play, subscribe, and leave a five-star review. Share this Halloween special with a friend who’s seen a ghost in the free-weights room—or just a guy lifting in jeans. What’s your scariest gym ick?

Thank you for listening!

Please review this episode, it really helps the pod grow.

Find us on Instagram @thehealthhunspod

If the weights floor has ever felt like a stage for the loudest person in the room, you’re not alone. We’re digging into the fitness “icks” that drain motivation and shut people out—from theatrical grunts and plate slamming to smug couples coaching each other badly and copycat content that mistakes clicks for care.

We talk honestly about what sustainable training looks like when sleep is a mess and energy is low: gentle rest days, mobility, slower runs, intervals when they help, and strength that fits your week instead of swallowing it. Running is cardio, not a personality test. We also unpack why calorie comparison reels and “high-protein cinnamon-roll” hacks miss the point. Most people understand calories; the real work is building habits around time, stress, taste, and culture. If protein is low, add proper foods. If you want dessert, choose a dessert you love. Simpler choices win.

Coaching culture gets a spotlight too. Shame-as-motivation influencers might grab attention, but behaviour change sticks when the bar to start is low and progress feels possible. Clear cues, small wins, and respectful language beat insults every time. And yes, we call for basic gym citizenship: re-rack your weights, share space, wipe benches, and wear clothes meant for training. The goal is a room where more people feel welcome to try, not fewer.

We wrap with community shoutouts to listeners from Norwich to Dallas and Germany, and a standing invite to send us your gym icks. If you smiled, winced, or nodded along, tap follow, share with a friend, and leave a quick review. Your stories shape what we tackle next.

Thank you for listening!

Please review this episode, it really helps the pod grow.

Find us on Instagram @thehealthhunspod

A big thank you to Lauren for joining us for this episode. You can find Lauren on Instagram @laurenashleygordon

Please review and share this episode if you enjoyed it, it really helps us grow the pod and continue creating content for you all

What if the gym stopped being a place to pay for your “treats” and became the place you build a life you’re proud of? We sit down with creator Lauren Ashley Gordon to trace a raw arc from a harsh mental low to a strength-first mindset, the kind that swaps punishment for progress and turns small wins into real confidence.

Lauren tells the truth about starting in May with nothing but a PT session and a promise to show up. The early “newbie gains” led to a 140 kg pull, but the bigger transformation was internal: training to be capable, not smaller. We talk about how that shift reframes body image, why performance fuels self-respect, and how competence in the gym spills into the rest of life. Expect practical gems too: lifting straps over gloves, creatine done right, and the surprising leggings that deliver shape and opacity without the premium price tag.

Then we open the door on a local fitness event that gave us both pride and heartbreak. We trained hard, beat our target time, and still watched the finish line get packed away around us. We process the sting honestly, share what organisers got wrong, and, more importantly, why we’re keeping the win. From there, we sketch out accessible steps to bigger challenges—baby tri sessions, HIROX relays, and how to build consistency through small, smart choices that reduce friction.

If you’re tired of toxic fitness culture and hungry for community, strength, and clear-headed advice, this is your invitation. Hit play, join the conversation, and tell us the hard thing you’re ready to try next. If the show resonates, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more people find their way to strength.

Thank you for listening!

Please review this episode, it really helps the pod grow.

Find us on Instagram @thehealthhunspod