Ep 173 Ellen Johnston PT — Injury, Body Image & Fuelling Female Athletes

Ep 173 Ellen Johnston PT — Injury, Body Image & Fuelling Female Athletes

Author: Karl O Rourke August 13, 2026 Duration: 58:39
What does it really take to recover from a serious injury—not just physically, but mentally?In this episode, we sit down with Ellen Johnston, personal trainer and strength & conditioning coach, to discuss her journey through the fitness industry, women's football and the lessons she's learned from working with female athletes.Ellen opens up about her own ACL injury and rehabilitation, the psychological challenge of returning to sport, and how that experience completely changed her relationship with food, body image and performance. We also discuss why so many active women unknowingly under-fuel, the importance of strength training, and why chasing performance leads to better long-term results than chasing aesthetics.We also explore social media, external validation, before-and-after photos, coaching female footballers, and how Ellen's experience with dyspraxia has shaped both her confidence and the coach she has become.Whether you're an athlete, coach, footballer or simply someone trying to build a healthier relationship with training and nutrition, this conversation is packed with honest insights and practical advice.In this episode we cover:
  • Ellen's journey into the fitness industry
  • Growing up in Donegal
  • Women's football and strength & conditioning
  • Why female athletes need to get stronger
  • Fuelling performance vs dieting
  • Common nutrition mistakes active women make
  • ACL injury recovery and rehabilitation
  • The psychological impact of long-term injury
  • Body image in sport
  • Social media and external validation
  • Why Ellen doesn't use before-and-after photos
  • Confidence, self-worth and coaching
  • Advice for young female athletes
If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to like, subscribe and leave a comment letting us know your biggest takeaway.#HybridTraining #EllenJohnston #WomensFootball #ACLRecovery #FemaleAthletes #StrengthAndConditioning #Nutrition #BodyImage #PersonalTrainer #SportsPerformance #GirlsInSport #FitnessPodcast #SportsPodcast #IrishPodcast

Hosted by Karl O Rourke, Hard Conversations Ireland is built on the belief that the most interesting paths often lead through topics we’re conditioned to skirt around. This isn’t a lecture series or a polite chat; it’s a space where genuine curiosity drives the dialogue, whether the guest is a renowned athlete, a business leader navigating a crisis, or someone with a profoundly personal story to tell. You’ll hear discussions that move seamlessly from the practicalities of physical fitness and the mechanics of the business world to the nuanced realities of social issues and personal growth. The common thread is a commitment to depth, to sitting with an idea long enough to uncover its layers, even when it feels uncomfortable. By asking the questions that often go unspoken, this podcast creates a rare kind of clarity. Each episode offers a unique perspective, but they all share a raw, exploratory energy that challenges listeners to think a little harder about the world and their place in it. Tune in for conversations that are as educational as they are unpredictable, proving that the most valuable insights frequently lie just beyond the edge of easy small talk.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Uneducated PT
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