Chasing Change: Overcoming Fitness and Life Plateaus with Alex McBrairty

Chasing Change: Overcoming Fitness and Life Plateaus with Alex McBrairty

Author: Chris Liddle May 8, 2025 Duration: 1:01:00

In this special episode, Chris reconnects with longtime friend and fitness coach Alex McBrairty. Over the past four to five years, Chris and Alex have shared numerous conversations, making Alex a vital part of the show's community. Today, they dive deep into the challenges and barriers to change, motivation, and the importance of context in progress. Alex shares insights on combating perfectionism, dealing with weight fluctuations, and the significance of maintaining a minimum activity plan (MAP). They also discuss the psychological aspects of self-efficacy, community support, and the power of emotional state in achieving fitness goals. Chris and Alex provide personal anecdotes and real-life examples to illustrate how transformative the journey of self-improvement can be. Tune in to discover the hidden skills needed to maintain progress, even when the going gets tough. Whether you're looking to enhance your fitness, mindset, or overall quality of life, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiration.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

01:20 Discussing the Concept of Change

03:46 The Role of Motivation in Change

06:55 Perfectionism and Its Pitfalls

09:31 Real-Life Examples of Imperfect Workouts

18:14 The Importance of Personalized Coaching

29:25 The Challenges of Being a Teacher

29:39 The Importance of Health and Mobility

30:16 Fears of Losing Progress

30:42 Dealing with Scale Fixation

32:40 Reflecting on Personal Achievements

34:16 The Role of Travel and Fitness

35:06 Understanding Weight Fluctuations

44:52 The Power of Community and Support

53:43 The Impact of Identity on Progress

58:33 Final Thoughts and Motivation



Get full access to Insight by Chris Liddle at chrisliddle.substack.com/subscribe

Chasing Common Ground: Lifestyle Conversations with Chris Liddle is a space for thoughtful dialogue that lives between categories. Host Chris Liddle believes meaningful progress comes from connecting ideas across the usual boundaries of education, culture, and self-improvement. Each episode, whether a solo reflection or a conversation with a guest, is built on a simple, powerful question: where can we find shared understanding? This isn't about quick fixes or passive listening. It's a purpose-driven exploration of the habits, philosophies, and societal shifts that shape our daily lives. The aim is to uncover practical insights and nuanced perspectives that resonate, helping you move forward incrementally but intentionally. You'll hear discussions that feel like a good, meandering talk with a curious friend-one that leaves you with something to chew on, not just consume. The podcast deliberately avoids easy labels, weaving together threads from personal development, cultural commentary, and societal observation to examine what a considered life can look like. It’s an ongoing series for anyone tired of echo chambers and interested in the subtle art of building a better year, and a better self, through conversation. Tune in for a consistently engaging mix of voices and topics that all circle back to that essential chase for common ground.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Chasing Common Ground: Lifestyle Conversations with Chris Liddle
Podcast Episodes
Gratitude and Growth: Embracing Positivity in Life's Challenges [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:10
In this episode of the Chasing Common Ground podcast, Chris Liddle reflects on the transformative power of gratitude in navigating life's ups and downs. Broadcasting during a thunderstorm, Chris shares a deeply personal…
Breaking the Cycle: Reclaiming Physical Activity in a Sedentary World [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:33
In this episode of the Chasing Common Ground podcast, I dive deep into the alarming decline of physical activity levels across North America since the mid-2000s. With the rise of screen time, remote work, and urbanizatio…
Legacy, Land, and Lessons: A Conversation with My Dad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:30
In this special episode of the Chasing Common Ground podcast, I’m honoured to bring on a guest who has had a profound impact on my life—my dad. We delve into the themes of legacy, environmental stewardship, and the impor…
Embracing Change, Mentorship, and Genuine Connection [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:52
Episode Summary: In this solo episode of the Chasing Common Ground podcast, Chris returns after a brief hiatus, sharing insights into the evolution of the show and his personal journey. He reflects on the rebranding from…
Unlocking Holistic Health & Career Happiness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:56
Join me on another solo episode of "Chasing Common Ground," where I dive into the nuances of holistic health and share actionable strategies for achieving career fulfillment. Discover practical tips on integrating a more…