What if the end of one identity is the start of a stronger one? We sit down with coach and former NZ footy player Matthias Hemoulli to chart the messy, human path from bricklaying and burnout to building a life around health, coaching, and community. No highlight reel, just honest moments: losing the routine of sport, slipping into bad habits, hitting reset with a single choice to get fitter, and discovering a deep love for helping people move well.
Matthias pulls the curtain back on what real coaching looks like. Beyond programming and cues, it’s the intangibles: how you greet someone, the song you pick first, and how you tailor a session so a first-timer and a seasoned athlete both feel challenged and safe. We talk longevity, injury risk, and why detail matters when guiding people from their first squat to confident training weeks. The conversation also tackles social media noise and what it truly takes to last six years in the fitness industry.
You’ll hear how shifting from CrossFit competition to endurance rebuilt his body and mindset—less volume, more quality, smarter intensity. We dig into routine, balance, and the joy of seasons: marathon blocks, strength phases, and actual downtime. For beginners, we bust the “get fit before you start” myth and show how accountability and scaling make progress accessible at any age. For veterans, we explore generalist-first training—being broadly capable before specialising—so life, not just workouts, gets easier.
We also share some wild benchmarks that prove capacity can be wide: a sub-four marathon at 103 kilos, heavy squats, strong Olympic lifts, and a brutal 2k row. But the heart of the chat is belief. Back yourself, start small, and let community multiply your effort. If this story lights a spark, subscribe, share it with a mate who needs a nudge, and leave a quick review to help others find the pod.