#449 Gareth Sapstead - How To Transform Your Physique and Your Life

#449 Gareth Sapstead - How To Transform Your Physique and Your Life

Author: Andrew Coates March 5, 2026 Duration: 59:58

Gareth Sapstead, my long time T-Nation writing peer joins me to talk about his new book (which I contributed to) and share wisdom and experience about:-Where to start if you look in the mirror and you’re not happy with what you see-How to approach your training and nutrition if you want to change your life-How social support matters if you’re aiming to change your life and health-Thinking in terms of “architecture for your life”-What his new book - 100 Best Physique Workouts offers-And much moreIG: @thefitnessmaverickCHAPTERS01:00 Why In Person Events02:34 Connections Create Careers03:41 Transformation Starting Point04:02 Assessments Online Vs In Person11:16 Gen Pop Transformation Tactics13:14 Output First Nutrition Plan15:52 Strength Training Guardrails19:55 Sustainable Deficits21:30 Sponsor Break RP Strength22:54 Environment Biggest Loser24:34 NEAT And Diet Adaptation27:02 Muscle Loss Expectations29:34 Milo And Load Bearing30:08 Fat Loss Muscle Tradeoff31:24 Skinny Fat Metabolic Health32:09 Education Over Extremes33:25 Flexible Dieting Macros34:27 Tracking To Intuition36:41 Training Structure Levels38:38 Meal Prep Lifestyle Hack41:57 Maintenance Training Phase42:55 Sponsor TrainHeroic44:15 Cardio While Learning46:59 Make Cardio Enjoyable50:49 Transformation Basics Structure53:23 100 Physique Workouts Book55:53 How To Use WorkoutsSUPPORT THE SHOWIf this episode helped you think more clearly about transforming your physique or your life, you can support the show by:• Subscribing and checking out more episodes• Sharing it on your social media (tag me — I’ll respond)• Sending it to someone starting their transformation journeyFOLLOW ANDREW COATES

Instagram: @andrewcoatesfitnesshttps://www.andrewcoatesfitness.comPARTNERS AND RESOURCESRP Strength App (use code COATESRP)https://www.rpstrength.com/coatesJust Bite Me Meals (use code ANDREWCOATESFITNESS for 10% off)https://justbitememeals.comMacrosFirst – FREE Premium TrialDownload MacrosFirst and during setup you’ll be asked “How did you hear about us?”Type in: ANDREWKNKG Bags (15% off)https://www.knkg.com/Andrew59676Versa Gripps (discount link)https://www.versagripps.com/andrewcoatesTRAINHEROIC – FREE 90-Day Trial (2 steps)Go to https://www.trainheroic.com/liftfreeReply to the email you receive (or email trials@trainheroic.com) and let them know Andrew sent you


Andrew Coates hosts Lift Free And Diet Hard, a conversation grounded in the belief that strength and wellness are built on more than just routines. This podcast moves beyond quick fixes to examine the principles and personal stories that shape a sustainable, intentional life. You’ll hear from a variety of inspiring guests who share not only their expertise but also the real-world challenges and triumphs they’ve faced. The discussions naturally weave together the science of fitness with the practicalities of daily choices, offering a nuanced look at what it means to truly care for your physical and mental health. Each episode is designed to provide actionable insights you can use to navigate your own path, fostering resilience and confidence whether you're in the gym or the kitchen. By focusing on informed decision-making over dogma, the Lift Free And Diet Hard podcast becomes a resource for anyone looking to cut through the noise of wellness culture. Andrew facilitates these explorations with a focus on empowerment, ensuring every conversation adds a layer of understanding to the complex journey of building a strong, healthy life.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Lift Free And Diet Hard with Andrew Coates
Podcast Episodes
#381 Dr. Eric Helms - How Much Muscle Can The "Average" Person Build? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:36
Dr Eric Helms is one of the most respected and influential educators in muscle building training and nutrition. Eric guests with detailed and nuanced answers about:-How much muscle can the average person expect to build…
#379 Amanda Thebe - Menopause Masterclass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:18
Amanda Thebe is one of the most trusted voices in menopause advocacy and education. Amanda guests to take a blowtorch to the exploding volume of menopause misinformation online. Amanda shares:-How her strength training m…
#378 Brad Dieter - How to Lose Excess Weight and Keep It Off [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:02
Brad Dieter is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Owner of Macros Inc.Brad shares his expertise on:-What years of client data suggests about the people who lose the excess weight and keep it off are doing to be successfu…
#377 Jeb Stuart Johnston - How To Build Emotional Eating Skills [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:10
Jeb Stuart Johnston specializes in working with people who struggle with emotional eating. Jeb joins me to share:-Understanding emotional eating and why its a significant driver of our obesity crisis-Important skills for…
#376 Tim Riley - How to Create Success In Sports and Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:49
Tim Riley is a strength and conditioning coach and host of the Coach Em Up Podcast. Tim joins to share his thoughts and wisdom about:-How important fitness was in leaving behind a past involving drugs and alcohol-How to…
#375 Lavanya Krishnan - How To Maintain Your Fitness When Travelling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:06
Lavanya Krishnan is a personal trainer with a Masters Degree in public health, who travels the world extensively. Lavanya shares:-Why she doesn’t compromise on her fitness when she travels-How to plan ahead to include st…
#374 Ava Cowan - Lessons and Risk of Fitness Competition Dieting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:29
Ava Cowan is a legendary Pro Figure Champion and Coach who’s appeared on the cover of over 20 fitness magazines.Ava joins me to share:-When do fitness competition diets become dangerous-What are the red flag behaviours t…
#373 Stan Efferding - Practical Nutrition Masterclass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:25:20
Legendary powerlifter and IFBB Pro bodybuilder Stan Efferding is also one of the most thoughtful practitioners of evidence based nutrition and training. Stan joins for a pure masterclass in:-Why we have an obesity and me…