In Ben and Tim’s book The Resilience Shield, they refer to Kev Toonen as a ‘superstar Army PTI (Physical Training Instructor)’ - and certainly when they first met him, that’s exactly what Kev was – a thought leader in the development of special operations physical capability, who helped evolved SAS training methodologies, as well as prepare the amazing Monika Georgieva (see Season 2 Episode 3 for more on Mon!) for her pioneering attempts at the SAS selection course.
Since that time, Kev has taken his passion and knowledge for human performance to clients ranging from some of Australia’s most beautiful and recognisable celebrities to elite sporting teams. In this episode, Kev talks to what he learnt from his military service, how he saw the military approach to physical training change over the years and what he currently considers the key requirements for optimising the human body.
In this second part of a special double episode, Ben and Tim chat to Kev about helping Mon prepare for SASR selection and then his transition out of uniform into the much more beautiful world of celebrities, models and professional sportspeople, including his work with Candice Warner prior to her appearance on SAS Australia.
1:30 On Monika Georgieva’s workup to being the first female to attempt SASR selection
3:00 The significance of the infamous 3.2km webbing run – and why it’s such an important component of SASR selection
5:30 …and why this was a particularly difficult test for Mon
11:00 Mind-body connection, how it impacts selection performance and what potential candidates don’t do well in their preparation and on the course
12:15 Kev’s input into modernising the pre-selection training program
21:05 How did the lessons that Kev learnt in uniform translate into his current roles?
22:30 From the predominantly very ugly demographic of SASR to a ‘gym full of celebrities and models’ in Sydney’s trendy suburb of Darlinghurst
26:10 Building a fitness app – how hard/expensive can it be?!
27:00 Meeting rugby legends Ben and Owen Franks – a pivotal moment for Kev’s transition into supporting elite sports
33:20 What’s the difference between developing physical programs for Special Operations and elite sports and preparing them for the wider population?
40:30 Preparing Candice Warner for SAS Australia
47:00 What are Kev’s current personal fitness goals?
48:50 The future of 98 Gym - the business of fitness
52:30 On Crossfit and F45 – the pros and cons of fitness movements like these
55:00 What’s Kev’s powersong – to fire him up when he needs to deadlift 250kg
www.unforgiving60.com
Email us at debrief@unforgiving60.com
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External Links
98 Gym
If you want some great black and white photos of Kev squatting the equivalent weight of a small car (and who doesn’t?!) check out his Insta.
Music
The Externals – available on Spotify
Ben Frichot - available on Spotify
S5E8 – Riana Crehan ‘Suffers Well’; From Supercars to SAS Australia
S5E7 – MAJGEN Justin “Jake” Ellwood DSC AM CSC – On Running (an Army Division, the Queensland Reconstruction Authority….and in general!)
S5E6 – Dr. Luana Main – The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of stress and (over)training
@RV31 - Reconciliation, Travel and Reflections on Guests
S5E5 – Rachel Vickery “Don’t Fix Broken – Create Awesome”
S5E4– Creativity Builds Resilience: Artists in Foxholes @fova.org.au
S5E3– Ian Prior: How Professional Athletes Stay In the Arena
S5E2– Dr Rob Barbour: SAS Doctor Out of Africa
S5E1B – Jaz Diab – Special Forces Nuclear Scientist, Nerd and Mum! Part B
S5E1A – Jaz Diab: Special Forces Nuclear Scientist, Nerd and Mum! Part A
@RV30 – The Season 5 Kick Off
Season 5- We are (ALL) back on the cans
Season 5 - And We're Back!
Special Episode- Vale Tim Robertson: Forever the Chronic Overachiever
@RV29 – Events and Reflections: The Year in Review
S4E21- Ben and Tim on the Golds Gym Podcast
S4E20 – Senator David Van – Politics and Conflict, at home and abroad
S4E19 – Brad McIlroy: Beyond the Bali Bombing
S4E18 – Associate Professor Justine Gatt: Providing a COMPAS to navigate wellbeing and resilience
S4E17 – Life in Bloom: Sam and Cam Bloom on Life, Adversity, Growth and Love
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