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Whether you are new to strength training or a seasoned lifter, progressive overload is two common words you have probably heard before. But what do they really mean, and how can you apply them both as a lifter and as a coach? If you are feeling stuck because you are not seeing the gains you are hoping for in your programming, progressive overload could be the puzzle piece you still need to include.
Key TakeawaysIf you are interested in progressive overload, you should:
Work with a coach or find a strength training plan that is custom to you Gradually build up strength and vary your movements to build your adaptation ability Remember that this is a great investment in your health if you are honest with yourself The Key to Long-Term Strength GainsYou see relatively continuous improvement by gradually tweaking the dials of your training and the demands placed on your body over time. If you fail to challenge your body, you will fail to adapt. One of the hardest and most important things you can do is advance your lifting in a way that makes the most of your time and moves you in the right direction. The key is having a plan for your lifting that saves you time and worry when you get into the gym.
Know Why It MattersTraining, coaching, lifting, and recovering are a science and an art. But to really see results, it takes new challenges and an understanding of one's motivation behind the movements.
Increasing weights or adding more reps, paying attention to rest time, and utilizing different exercises and tempos are all key components to seeing the results you are hoping for. Patience and repetition are the basis of long-term strength training; all you need is the right program!
What role does progressive overload play in your strength training program? Let me know your thoughts in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode What is progressive overload, and what does it mean (2:25) Breaking down the science of adaptation and general adaptation syndrome (13:20) How to apply progressive overload in your strength training program (20:26) Common pitfalls when learning how to manage your progress over time (32:35) Best practice advice for those who want to integrate progressive overload into their strength training program (43:05) Quotes“When it comes to your strength training, progressive overload is the cornerstone that guides, the guiding principle that steers your training program and training plan.” (2:56)
“To put this into common words, we need a stressor, that’s our training, and we need recovery, which is where we finally experience that adaptation.” (15:56)
“Training is a science and an art. Coaching is a science and an art. Implementing this is a science and an art, and getting to know yourself and/or your clients is really important. (22:37)
“We need to pump the breaks a bit, and find a way to keep you moving forward without accelerating things to the point where you can't recover.” (34:17)
“If you have been lifting the same weights for months and months and months on end, it is time, my friend, you have got to move up in weight.” (39:25)
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Related EpisodesFYS 427: Your Fitness App Calls It Strength Training, But Is It? With Nikki Naab-Levy
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Have you ever asked yourself what there is to learn from the pursuit of strength? How do the lessons we learn in the gym translate to our lives outside of strength? Alyssa Ages set out on a quest to answer these questions, and in return found a multitude of answers that can help any athletic person get more from their training regime and their life.
Key TakeawaysIf you are curious about the true meaning of strength, you should:
Connect with your deeper why of strength training outside of the aesthetic value View strength training as something that can connect you more deeply to your body Be aware of the ways in which the strength training mindset can improve your life outside of the gym Strength In and Out of the Gym with Alyssa AgesAlyssa is a Toronto-based, New York-born author, freelance writer, and copywriter. She is a mom, strongman competitor, endurance athlete (six marathons & an Ironman), rock climber, CrossFitter, and former member of the Jersey City Bridge & Pummel roller derby team. Her debut book, Secrets of Giants: A Journey to Uncover the True Meaning of Strength, was featured in The New York Times and Publisher’s Weekly, among others. The book, part personal narrative, part research mission, part midlife crisis odyssey into the world of strength to answer the question: What if strength isn’t about how much we can lift, but how we manage life’s struggles?
The True Meaning of StrengthThere is something about strength training and the pursuit of strength that is addictive and keeps bringing us back. But why do we love it so much, and feel so satisfied even when it feels hard? It all comes down to the story we tell ourselves. If you view yourself as a person who is able to handle hard shit, there's a good chance you don't mind getting comfortable with discomfort. Through Alyssa’s research, it became clear to her, that if you are purposefully able to do difficult things, the easier all of the things that you encounter in your daily life will start to feel.
You Can Do Hard ThingsBuilding strength, physically, mentally, and emotionally, is all about pushing the boundaries of what humans can do. When strength is a part of your identity, you can discover things about yourself through the training process that will help you both in and out of the gym. Building strength is not just about looking good or feeling good, it is about having agency over your life and what you are doing. The ability to fail over and over again safely, allows you to learn something that is applicable in every other area of your life. That might be why we love it so much.
If you are also searching for the true meaning of strength, share your thoughts with me in the comments of the episode page.
In This Episode Learn about the genre of Strongman Strength Training and the role it played in Alyssa’s journey (8:43) Explore what it means to be an athlete or athletic person (19:13) Flirting with the edge of being uncomfortable and being in your comfort zone (23:42) What Alyssa discovered about women in strength throughout her research (30:10) How to address issues that come up when it comes to your strength training abilities or practice (38:24) Quotes“In the book, there is very little about what [strength] does physically to your body and your muscles, and almost exclusively about how it impacts everything else you do in your life outside of a gym setting.” (7:50)
“Strongman really showed me that actually, failing was really ok and kind of awesome. Because it was the only way to understand what I actually could do.” (17:23)
“It was just that little shift in mindset that gave me the courage to actually do it.” (20:05)
“It was really incredible to hear from so many women that they said ‘Doing a strength sport taught me that I could love my body not for how it looks, but for what it is capable of doing’.” (30:32)
“Once I started to continue with this routine of going back into the gym, with my coach and trying to do everything really safely as I was going through all of this, it helped me to start to regain this feeling of trust and this feeling of capability in my body.” (42:03)
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Combining the world of strength training and sport, specifically Brazilian jiu-jjitsu, might seem counterintuitive, but it is exactly the opposite. My guest today is here to show you how a crossover between these two worlds can help you train better, prevent injury, and enjoy the sport you love for longer.
Key TakeawaysIf you want to use strength training to improve your sport, you should:
Track what you are doing and assess it
Get your body accustomed to stress and impact
Be consistent with the low-hanging fruit
Finding a Balance
Alex Sterner, BS, CSCS, is a co-founder and Head Coach of Electrum Performance and the Director of Performance at Jiujiteiro. He received his Bachelor's degree in Strength and Conditioning from the University of Connecticut and obtained a CSCS through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. As a Head Strength Coach of Atos Jiu-Jitsu HQ, he led the S&C training camp that resulted in Atos winning a team Gi World title in 2017 and 2018.
Not All Stress is Built the Same
Some people are afraid to lift heavy due to the threat of injury. But the truth is, your muscular cellular system will respond positively to the right amount of stress. Alex wants to encourage you to get your body accustomed to impact in a respectful and gradual way.
By harnessing the power of control that you have in the gym, you can teach your body how to trust increment levels of stress so that you can come back from injury and pain with more resilience. This is why strength training is such an important asset and can lead to many more years of enjoying the sport you love so much.
Track Everything
Alex believes that all progress comes down to tracking. Understanding your missteps, and being able to differentiate between short and long-term gains will help you figure out where you are going right and wrong in your training. You don't need a fancy app, just a notebook and a pen. If you can figure out when something you are doing isn't showing up, you can figure out why and make a switch. It may be as simple as adjusting your work-to-rest ratio, but without tracking, you will never figure it out.
If you want to explore strength training options, either specifically for jiu-jitsu or another sport, let me know your thoughts about Alex’s well-balanced and informed approach in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode Addressing the ‘insult’ of strength in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and the benefits you might not realize strength has (13:42) Myth busting the belief that lifting weights will cause you to get injured and take you out of your chosen sport (20:55) Understanding how liability in the medical system could be skewing your perception of recovery (37:30) Common under-rated and over-rated jiu-jitsu specific strength training and why it needs to change (41:32) Why the spine is so important in the context of jiu-jitsu and the nuance of loading your spine (53:20) Quotes“Heavy lifting; it is not just about building this brute muscular athlete. It's about longevity; it's about preventing injury or minimizing injury so that you can spend more time on the mats.” (10:13)
“When people start to trust that the weight room is this deliberate thing where we don't just make bad things worse… you start to realize that these other environments are way more open than the gym, and you don't have nearly enough control.” (26:53)
“Understand what your limitations are, take whatever you still can, and go from there” (40:23)
“All of it comes down to tracking. Be aware of what you are doing, is it improving? And if it is, great! And if it's not, figure out a switch to make.” (51:25)
“Biological organisms respond positively to stress in the right amounts.” (57:20)
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Related EpisodesFYS 425: Nutrition for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu w/ Alex Maclin
FYS 431: Should You Get A Lifting Program?
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Most women in mid-life have a common rebuttal that keeps them from taking the next step when it comes to their fitness and health journey. The pressure that women put on themselves or the expectation that they believe is there to be perfect and execute their workouts without any interruption could be limiting their ability to reach their goals.
Key TakeawaysIf You Want to Show Up For Yourself, You Should:
Stop focusing on the perfection monster mindset
Focus on ways you can change your behavior through mindset changes
Be kind and gracious to yourself and your workout routine
Consistency is KeyI want you to ask yourself, what does consistency look like to you? How would it feel to reframe how you think about your workouts and put less pressure on yourself to never miss a day or take a vacation? Fitness and health do not need to be another stressor in your life. I want you to challenge yourself to shift the way you think about your health and be curious about how you can reframe the way you think about your workouts. When it comes to working out, perfection is not the goal, but showing up for yourself is.
The Science of Behavior ChangeIf you have been holding back from working with a coach because you are unsure if you can commit 100%, I am here to tell you, that you don't need to. The all-or-nothing mentality that we have when it comes to our fitness is unnecessary, and I am here to tell you that you still get a benefit even if you can't do 10 out of the 10 workouts you want.
Showing up for yourself and your health is the first step, and making it work for you and your lifestyle is the key to success. You don't need to force yourself to do something that won't work for you, and you also don't need to do something that doesn't fit your life schedule. Doing what works for you in your here-and-now body is the best thing you can do, period.
Are you ready to start showing up for yourself? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode Understanding the stages of change and how to approach a new idea (3:40) Why you should start a strength training program even if you might not be perfect at it (7:09) What is endowed progress effect, and how can it help you make behavior changes (16:10) How to avoid the perfection monster through mindset shifts (22:50) Quotes“I know there is going to be at least one person listening to this podcast episode, in whatever space and time you find it, who is mulling over the question, ‘Should I get a lifting program?’.” (3:07)
“Ageing is not just this linear gentle slope down in terms of the change in function, but rather, there are these punctuated times in our lives, if we are lucky enough to make it to these ages, where there are some changes going on.” (8:34)
“I trust that the women I work with, who are mostly in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, are doing their damn best on any given day.” (21:41)
“Consistency is more important than perfection. Especially when perfection is something we cannot hold onto.” (22:47)
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Related EpisodesFYS 429: Boost Your Motivation to Train with This with Kasey Jo Orvidas
FYS 427: Your Fitness App Calls it Strength Training, But is it? With Nikki Naab-Leevy
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I want you to imagine a heavy deadlift. How challenging it is, the focus needed, to tune everything else out and give it your best. Now, imagine that the barbell weighs over 650 pounds. That is the reality for Tamara Walcott, a world record holder in powerlifting. But Tamara didn't always have this confidence. Having to overcome obesity and single mom guilt made Tamara the inspiring and powerful woman that she is today.
Key TakeawaysIf You Want to Get Stronger, You Should:
Work with people who support your goals and lift you up in times of hardship Accept that failure and obstacles are going to be part of the process and that you can overcome them anyway Fuel properly and often in order to support both your body and your mind Overcoming Setbacks with Tamara WalcottTamara Walcott, the Plus Size Fitness Queen, is a record-breaking athlete, a resilient mompreneur, and a motivation to all. Her journey, marked by her triumph over food addiction and obesity, inspires others to embrace mental resilience and celebrate every victory. In this episode, we explore Tamara's world-record-setting story and join her on a transformative journey.
Stay Dedicated To Your Destination, Even If You Can’t See ItAfter stumbling into a powerlifting gym in 2017, Tamara realized that she would have to change from the inside out to achieve her goals. By 2018, she was coming in first place in her first competitions and realized that to take care of others around her, she had to take care of herself first.
Her mindset, mission, and ability to navigate setbacks helped her break an all-time world record while training just three days per week. These traits, combined with her dedication and ability to accept failure as part of the process, have gotten her to where she is today.
Your Strength Is Your SexyProving to yourself that you can do something you couldn't do before is one of Tamara’s favorite parts of powerlifting. Her mission is to bring more women into the sport and eventually get the deserved recognition from associations such as ESPN and the Olympics.
She works to encourage women to stop letting comparison steal their joy and instead compete against themselves while ensuring they are fueling enough. If you believe in your ability to keep going despite the obstacles in the way, anything is possible.
Are you feeling called to lift something heavy? Share how you are getting involved in the community with me in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode How Tamara got bit by the powerlifting bug (6:28) Surprising things about powerlifting as a sport and lessons learned (13:34) Discover the environment and energy of a powerlifting meet (16:46) Inner dialogue tips and the importance of pushing past your own limiting beliefs (26:40) Looking at the training schedule of a recording-breaking single power mom powerlifter (32:51) Understanding ‘My Strength is My Sexy’, ‘Women in Powerlifting’, and more (45:52) Quotes“I think that is the exciting thing about it, is that anyone can be a part of this sport, and not a lot of people know about it yet. Which is why I want to keep talking about it.” (5:36)
“You get one minute to do your movement. But that one minute feels like 10 seconds. But it’s the best 10 seconds of your life.” (17:24)
“Powerlifting literally saved my life.” (19:40)
“I think the most common misconception, even when I was heavier, was that I had to eat less in order to lose weight. I had to eat less to be at the body aesthetic that I wanted to be. It's not that you have to eat less, you just have to eat the right things and fuel your body right for whatever your performance is or what your program is.” (35:39)
“Failure is a part of the process. It doesn't mean to quit and give up, it means to learn what you can learn and press on.” (41:27)
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Related EpisodesFYS 378: Powerlifting and Recovery Tips for the 40+ Athlete with Laura Phelps
FYS 344: Body Acceptance & Powerlifting with Christina Malone
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Whether you are on the client side or the coach side, if you are trying to make positive changes in your life in regard to fitness, nutrition, and your health in general, having strategies to help you take a step forward and get better results is crucial. Having the right approach when it comes to improving your nutrition and fitness, especially when dealing with a lack of motivation or self-sabotage, comes down to the science behind health behavior change.
Key TakeawaysIf You Want to Understand Your Mindset Better, You Should:
Work with a coach or a client who is willing to talk about and prepare for the hard stuff
Understand that mindsets can shift drastically and often
Be kind to yourself when struggling with a lack of motivation or self-sabotage
Your Mind and Your Health with Kasey Jo OrvidasKasey holds a Ph.D. in Psychology and is a certified health and fitness coach. She has spent a good chunk of her life developing some serious expertise in mindset and health behavior change. She has transformed hundreds of lives (and minds) in her coaching career, while also being published in multiple peer-reviewed scientific journals for her research exploring the relationship between our mindset and our health and fitness behaviors.
The Base of the PyramidYour mindset is the lens through which you see the world through, how you assign meaning to things, and how you make sense of what is happening around you. It is the base of the pyramid for your health and nutrition, which is why it is so essential to understand the science behind making positive changes.
When you are able to face mindset challenges, you can start working towards more consistency, more motivation, and ultimately better mindset health outcomes.
Not All Sunshine and RainbowsI'm sure you have heard people preaching positivity and mindset in the fitness space, but this is not a show about pushing through negative thoughts. Instead, Kasey Jo wants you to think about the hard stuff and prepare yourself for those inevitable moments when you get tripped up psychologically.
Addressing problems from a mindset perspective, whether you are a coach or a client, will help you determine which path will be the most successful in the long run. While truly understanding psychology, mindset, and behavior change is not necessarily the norm, Kasey Jo is working to fix that one person at a time.
Are you ready to take a deep dive into the role your mindset is playing in your health and fitness? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode Why this isn't just another mindset show (5:10) Understanding the spectrum of mindset science (12:16) How to collect evidence to stop your self-limiting beliefs (23:09) Tips for coaches on making a realistic yet optimistic plan for your clients (28:54) The difference between scientific evidence-based mindset work and other offers out there (34:20) How to understand the role of your own mindset as a coach and as a client (43:55)Quotes
“Really, the stuff we are going to talk about today we are going to talk about from a health and fitness lens, but it can very much so be applied to other areas of your life too.” (6:11)
“Square one is where you are right now. So, literally, the worst-case scenario is just where you are right now. So the worst you can do is try, potentially be successful, level up, and get to this next spot and this outcome you are looking to achieve. Worst-case scenario you literally are where you are right now.” (18:11)
“When we are talking about behavior change and longer-term goal pursuit, just visualizing the outcome, just manifesting, is not that helpful. And this is according to the research. What is helpful is sure, do all of that, please do all of that, but then also bring it back to reality. Think about what is inevitably going to get in your way; talk about the barriers, the challenges, and the setbacks. (30:56)
“The reality is it is not all sunshine and rainbows all the time when you are working towards something new and challenging and different and trying to make changes in your life that you haven't been able to do before. And recognizing that things are going to be hard helps you have a different lens.” (31:25)
“If you can't tell, I am extremely passionate about what I do and can really get going on some of these topics. And that is exactly what it looks like inside the program as well.” (49:24)
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Related EpisodesFYS 410: The Power of Intrinsic Motivation in Fitness
FYS 388: Why You're Struggling with Motivation to Workout
Blog: 5 Mindset Traps That Kill Motivation
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What happens when you aren't truly eating enough to fuel your ambitions and feel your best? Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport, or RED-s, is a serious condition that can impact any active person regardless of their training intensity. Not only could RED-s impact your performance in the gym, but it can also play a huge role in your physical and mental health and well-being outside of the gym. This is why I have brought the founder of Project RED-s, Pippa Woolven, to the show.
Key TakeawaysIf You Want to Know More About RED-s, You Should:
Educate yourself on the symptoms and signs of RED-s and how to avoid it
Remember that RED-s can happen to anyone, no matter your level of training intensity
Work with an expert who will not just dismiss your symptoms but will help you heal
Overcoming Struggle with Pippa WoolvenPippa is an English Schools (x2) and British Universities Champion (x4), a former GB athlete, and now a Positive Psychology Coach (MSc) and Athlete Mentor. Over a decade of competing in international athletics while studying in the UK and USA, Pippa experienced her fair share of highs and lows, including RED-S. Several years after overcoming the condition herself, Pippa established Project RED-S to provide the resources she needed at the start of her struggle.
Fueling for PerformanceUnderfueling, disordered eating, and over-fueling can have huge impacts on the body and can impact anybody. While education has been lacking in the past, we are finally starting to hear this important conversation being had more and more. Pippa believes working to find a balance for your unique body composition and goals will help any active person avoid RED-s and overcome this common issue.
The answer isn't just in the training. You have to think about the amount that you are eating in order to fuel properly. Your training, but also your health and well-being outside of the gym, will be better for it.
Awareness, Prevention, and SupportProject RED-s, and Pippa’s, mission is simple. To make sure that everyone who is active knows about the term RED-s, its signs and symptoms, and how to avoid it. She wants to embed the education of RED-s into coaching practices worldwide and into the mass consumption audiences on social media so that everyone can avoid low energy availability. She works to connect people with trusted experts who not only know what they are talking about but are passionate about helping people hear without dismissing their symptoms.
Have you struggled with RED-s? Share your experiences with us in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode Learn about Pippa’s personal story and what inspired her to create the RED-s project (5:22) Understanding how the media has influenced the education of food, nutrition, and weight stigma (17:04) How RED-s is affecting the ‘recreational sport’ crowd and why it is not only a problem for ’elite athletes’ (24:25) ‘Athletic Aesthetic’ and the role it plays in low energy availability and RED-s (30:56) Where to go if you are looking for fear of getting help with body image (39:40) Quotes“Over-training and under-fueling is just the perfect storm for a condition like relative energy deficiency in sport, RED-s.” (10:09)
“Topics like sports nutrition and sports psychology [used to be] almost reserved for the elite sports people, and now we see recreational sports people taking those kinds of things really, really seriously. For better or for worse.” (18:09)
“Eat the right amounts of the right foods, lift some weights, and try to think more holistically about your health and wellbeing.” (21:42)
“You do not have to be competing; you don't have to even be doing anything structured; you just have to be moving your body, expending energy, to therefore need to replenish that energy with your nutrition.” (26:24)
“You might have the diagnosis and know exactly what's wrong and what you need to do, but that is a very different ballgame to actually doing it.” (41:22)
“This has a huge impact on any active person's life. And we need to just stop thinking so much about performance, especially short-term performance. Because it really is impactful on not just your physical health but your mental health too, and it takes a long time to get over something like this, which is why prevention is so key.” (46:37)
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Related EpisodesFYS 392: Understanding Total Daily Energy Expenditure
FYS 391: What is Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-s)?
FYS 350: Are You Eating Enough? Low Energy Availability in Sport
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If you are listening to this, there is a good chance you already know that strength is an important part of taking care of your body. So, when we see an App or YouTube-based workout plan that offers strength training, it can be easy to believe that this is the kind of content you should be following. But are you really getting a strength stimulus from your workout? Or is that just what is being marketed to you?
Key TakeawaysIf You Want To Get Serious About Your Programming, You Should:
Meet yourself where you are at without any shame or judgment
Work to understand the nuance of strength training programming and what it really means
Reach out to a coach who understands your goals and how you can reach them safely.
Going Behind the Scenes with Nikki Naab-LevyNikki Naab-Levy is a strength and nutrition coach who has been involved in multiple arenas in the fitness industry for the last 17 years. She helps women move, build strength, improve mobility, move beyond injury, and find a sustainable approach to nutrition. She is passionate about having the unscripted and messy conversations necessary to help women get stronger and call attention to the problematic marketing in the world of fitness and beyond.
Understanding the NuanceWhen using your favorite fitness apps, how do you know that the workouts you are doing are actually focusing on strength? Or if they are the right movements to be doing for your lived experience and goals?
The truth is, you don't. That's why you need to understand the nuance behind the programming so that you can go out into the world and be able to look at your apps from an informed place of strength development. Picking apart the way things are marketed can help you differentiate between what you are actually getting and can help you pick a program that is effective for your specific goals.
It's Not You, It's Your WorkoutChoosing workouts that are not right for you can make you feel chronically injured, sore, tired, or fed up with not seeing any improvements. This doesn't mean you aren't doing it right; it means the training you are doing isn't right for you. The difference between randomly working out and training means that you can acknowledge your weak factors, understand your lived experience, and engage with a program that gives you the runway for the best possible entry point to your goals. While it is not impossible to achieve these things with an app, it is increasingly risky and tricky to see long-term changes without a program built for you.
How do you interact with fitness apps on a regular basis? Share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode Understanding the difference between strength training programs and other types of workouts like circuit training (11:54) Analyzing the selection of programming available on many apps (31:22) How to create a long-term plan that goes beyond the short-term offers out there (43:45) The importance of repetition and practice when it comes to a successful training program (49:54) Why you can't put the cart before the horse when it comes to jumping into a program (1:04:12) Quotes“We are not hating on the workouts. But we want you to be able to make an informed decision so that if those are your goals, you are able to pick an approach that actually is going to work for you and help you get the results you want without feeling frustrated or feeling like your joints always hurt.” (8:00)
“We know that if you don't feel awful all the time, and you are able to do high-quality work with appropriate weight and appropriate rest, you will be able to see the results that you want and not be super ridiculously sore.” (41:56)
“How we put things together makes a huge difference. In the short term, but particularly in the long term.” (42:50)
“Programming can be done in a very broad way, or can be made very specific to the individual, and their needs and their interests. But at the same time, there has to be some sort of logic and base.” (54:17)
“Give yourself the tools to be successful! If something is not working for you, you are not a terrible person; you probably just need a different approach or a scaled-down approach, or something needs to be adjusted.” (1:08:44)
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Total Package Strength
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Related EpisodesFYS 373: The Problem with Tiny Pink Dumbells with Nikki Naab-Levy
FYS 358: Hypermobility and Strength Training with Nikki Naab-Levy
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Menopausal women are overloaded with information, but not all of it is accurate or safe. Social media is rife with misinformation, and unfortunately, the diet and fitness industry follows many unethical marketing practices. I’m joined by Amanda Thebe to discuss the realities of coaching menopausal women, how to choose ethical coaches, and why there is finally a spotlight on menopause.
Key TakeawaysFind an Ethical Trainer by Checking Out:
Personal recommendations
Reviews and testimonials
Trusting your own industry knowledge
About Amanda ThebeAmanda Thebe is the co-founder and Chief Wellness and Branding Officer at Nyah Health and the author of the Amazon best-selling book Menopocalypse: How I Learned to Thrive During Menopause and How You Can Too! With nearly 30 years of experience in the fitness industry, her exercise workouts and health and fitness tips have been featured on Oprah, Shape, Prevention, Health Line, CBC Radio, Global News Canada, The Doctors, and many more. She is also an affiliated member of the Canadian and North American Menopause Society.
Misinformation In Social MediaSocial media can seriously change our perception of menopause… and not always for the best. There is so much misinformation out there from uninformed coaches who recommend pseudoscience and diagnose without the proper qualifications. Only a doctor can diagnose that you are in menopause – a coach can help once you have a diagnosis.
There is a huge market for menopause products and services right now because women are finally open about their experiences. Coaches are finally becoming menopause informed. And overall, there is a huge improvement for women experiencing menopause.
Finding An Ethical TrainerBut, as an industry, we need to do better. So many unethical marketing practices are in use, essentially selling women something that doesn’t exist. Menopausal women deserve better, and the diet and fitness industry can give it to them.
So, how do women find an ethical fitness plan and ethical trainer? It comes down to personal recommendations, reviews, testimonials, and having basic industry knowledge. If something sounds too good to be true, that’s because it probably is. Ladies, do your due diligence!
What has your experience been like finding a menopause-informed trainer? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode How social media can change our perception and understanding of menopause (9:30)
How coaches can help after diagnosis (16:00)
Why there is a larger market for menopause-related products now (17:30)
How more coaches are becoming menopause informed (29:00)
Why the diet and fitness industry often uses unethical marketing tactics (42:00)
How to help people find ethical fitness plans (46:00)
The comparison between a personal trainer and going to the gym on your own (50:00) Quotes“Women with menopause are really seeking answers. They are really frustrated. They do not feel good on a day-to-day basis. They want to feel better.” (18:30)
“Listen, I can help you. But there isn’t a magic pill. And there isn’t anything dynamic we’re going to do. I’m going get you to nail the basics, and I’m going to get you to understand.” (22:51)
“We can’t always help people fix those things. It is outside our scope. The diet industry of our time has gotten so bad. I feel like it’s particularly bad now for menopausal women because we have a pain point that they see.” (36:54)
“If you’re going to stop this from happening and you want to do better in this industry, then it’s on you to do better.” (40:48)
“I know that finances can be a barrier to this, but I feel very strongly that if someone is new to lifting weights, they’re going to get so much mileage out of working with a trustworthy trainer.” (48:18)
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Related EpisodesFYS 414: How To Leverage Essentialism For Fitness
FYS 383: Crossfit & Peri/Post-Menopause
FYS 375: Strength Training Changes for Peri-Menopause and Post-Menopause
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When it comes to your training and your fueling, you need to think about the bigger picture. For sports such as Brazillian jiu-jitsu, which has a wide range of intensity demands, you need to switch your mindset and fuel your body for your practice. While being strong is a sort of ‘cheat code’ in Brazillian jiu-jitsu, it is nothing without the right fuel to back it up.
Key TakeawaysIf You Have Questions About Your Nutrition, You Should:
Remember that what you eat today is your fuel for tomorrow
Don't believe the hype around trends like fasting and no-carb
Work with a coach who understands your goals and can help you achieve them in a sustainable way
Nutritional Lessons with Alex MaclinAlex Maclin is a fellow performance nutrition coach, strength training enthusiast, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu player. He is passionate about helping athletically minded folks fuel themselves with the proper nutrition so that they can get more out of their performance. Throughout his health journey, he has coached hundreds of athletes through online training programs for weightlifting, strength, and conditioning, and is here today to share his knowledge with you.
Your Training Goes Beyond the GymWhen it comes to your training, it does not just exist when you are on the mat or in the gym. What you do around your training, how you eat, recover, hydrate, and think about your training, can also have a huge impact on your ability to accomplish your goals.
Even if you are not competing, if you want to train consistently and give it your all, you have to put some thought, strategy, and planning into what you are doing outside of the gym. This means thinking proactively about what you eat and remembering that what you eat today is fuel for tomorrow.
Optimal Fueling = Optimal ResultsTraining, recovery, and nutrition practices work together as a system to help you achieve your best results. This can get tricky when we see the amount of misinformation and conditioning that we have been exposed to, especially as female athletes.
Even if you are not into Brazillian jiu-jitsu, the fueling practices talked about in this episode will help guide your performance, nutrition, and your own athletic endeavors. When you can understand how to fuel yourself optimally, you can see your optimal performance a lot clearer.
What has your experience been with fueling for sports such as Brazillian jiu-jitsu? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode What makes Brazilian jiu-jitsu such a natural transition for many athletes (7:30) The biggest nutrition mistakes that every day people fall into in the Brazilian jiu-jitsu world and beyond (19:58) Understanding the role of carbohydrates and protein in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, recovery, and strength training (31:47) Why fasting is challenging for athletic folks and how the timing of fueling can impact your performance (45:52) The importance of hydration in sports such as Brazillian jiu-jitsu, where sweat is flowing (1:05:07) Quotes“[This isn't] just for competitive jiu-jitsu athletes. This is for the average everyday people like me who just want to train, and they love it, and they want to feel good on the mat.” (6:38)
“These foods that you are eating are foods that are going to help you feel better, help you perform better, and give you more energy. That is a really big mindset shift. Not looking at things as just having calories… but actually how this food is going to help you kick some more ass and recover.” (25:24)
“You can eat at levels that you need to eat without fasting; you just need to make sure that you are getting the proper amount of calories per day.” (48:56)
“What we eat today is for the next day.” (50:50)
“Learn concepts of jiu-jitsu rather than just learning all these moves. I think that was the most overwhelming part.” (1:15:57)
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Related EpisodesFYS 395 - How to Calculate Your Daily Protein Needs
FY 350 - Are You Eating Enough? Low Energy Availability in Sport
Blog - Carbs for Strength Training
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Are you cardiovascular training confused? I don't blame you; there is a lot of information out there that can work counterintuitively, especially if you are just starting to incorporate cardiovascular training into your routine. While it is easy to just focus on the numbers, finding the balance between high-intensity and low-intensity is more nuanced than that. Luckily, I have my friend Jamie Scott, an accomplished sports nutritionist and endurance coach, with me today.
Key TakeawaysIf You Want to Incorporate More Low-Intensity Cardio Into Your Life, You Should:
Slowly build up your Zone 2 endurance over time Don't get too hung up on the numbers and data Take a holistic approach and find a balance that works for you Finding Balance with Jamie ScottJamie Scott is a New Zealand Registered Nutritionist. He holds postgraduate qualifications in Nutrition Medicine and Sport and Exercise Medicine, undergraduate degrees in Nutrition Science and Physical Education, and is a Level-1 Mountain Bike Skills coach (PMBIA). Over the past 25 years, Jamie’s career has spanned several roles in the health and fitness industry. He is passionate about helping others learn how to fuel their bodies in a way that supports performance and total body health.
Give Precedence to the FeelingI’m willing to bet there is a pretty good chance you have heard some rumors about cardiovascular health over 40 and the difference between lower-intensity and higher-intensity cardio. Many people struggle with lower-intensity cardio, or Zone 2 because they feel it is too boring, hard, or lazy. But when you can remain grounded in your ‘why’,’ you can stay focused on the practical things you can take away. You don't have to feel stressed or anxious about what your fitness technology is telling you. Remember to focus on the feeling an exercise gives you, not just the numbers on the screen.
Back to BasicsOften, we as a society are in a rush to look for what is new and shiny, so we need to remember the reliable basics. But they are there for a reason! Working both higher- and lower-intensity cardio into your weekly routine benefits your training and your lifestyle.
The practical application of lower-intensity cardio, combined with the higher intensity and strength training you are already doing, is a crucial part of the puzzle regarding your overall health and longevity.
Are you ready to implement lower-intensity cardio into your training regime? Let me know your thoughts and experiences in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode Breaking down the rumors around high-intensity training for women in peri and post-menopause (7:06) How to change the way you think about Zone 2 if you feel bored with it or are focused on only your heartrate (14:23) Why having a problem with slowing down may be related to your fitness ego (30:35) Tips for improving or getting started on your cardiovascular stamina in the pursuit of life (38:19) Understanding why, although this topic may not be click-bait worthy, it is crucial (53:38) Quotes“Overall, for those who are just after kind of the health and longevity and want to do it in a sustainable way that is not massively hard on the joints or is not a high skill requirement… that low-intensity mix seems to be better for those individuals.” (12:21)
“The endorphins, the huffy-puffy-ness, the sweatiness, the burn, all of those things we have been conditioned over years and years and years in the fitness industry as markers of some sort of ‘success.’ And we need to unlearn a lot of those things when it comes to doing this low-intensity, high-intensity split.” (31:57)
“It's getting people into that mindset of: you don't just go from 0, drop into almost a 50/50 split of low intensity and high intensity, and just slowly kind of stack things up over a long period of time. But you are not doing it in a 7-day cycle where you are just trying to shoe-horn everything in.” (47:21)
“There can be different forms of movement that people are involved with, which does add up over time.” (47:00)
“It requires people to do a little bit of reflection and thinking about where they are at, what they are doing, and what the context is.” (53:52)
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Related EpisodesFYS 423: Practical Cardio Training Tips with Jamie Scott Part 1
FYS 353: Fueling Best Practices for Active People with Jamie Scott
FYS 352: Energy Flux and Fueling for Athletes with Jamie Scott
FYS 392: Understanding Total Daily Energy Expenditure
FYS 381: 6 Reasons to Hire a Nutrition Coach
What is Within Day Energy Deficit?
What You Need to Know About Low-Energy Food Swaps
What is Low Energy Availability? And How to Avoid It
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Both strength training and cardiovascular fitness play an important role in your health and well-being. However, learning how to integrate both into your weekly training regime can be challenging. That's why I have brought my friend Jamie Scott on the show to give you some practical tips on implementing lower-intensity cardio into your routine.
Key TakeawaysIf You Are Interested in Practical Tips for Zone 2 Training, You Should:
Focus on the training-to-train approach, which will allow you to learn about your needs
Find a balance between high-intensity and low-intensity training
Take your time and be patient knowing that you are providing your body with what it needs
Your Overall Fitness Plan with Jamie ScottJamie Scott is a New Zealand Registered Nutritionist. He holds postgraduate qualifications in Nutrition Medicine and Sport and Exercise Medicine, undergraduate degrees in Nutrition Science and Physical Education, and is a Level-1 Mountain Bike Skills coach (PMBIA). Over the past 25 years, Jamie’s career has spanned several roles in the health and fitness industry. He is passionate about helping others learn how to fuel their bodies in a way that supports performance and total body health.
Polar ExtremesWhen you think about your training, do you ever think of it in terms of polarization? The truth is it takes many different types and intensities of training to achieve the results you are looking for. While it can be challenging to weave together all the training you should be doing, when you can distribute your training loads between the polar extremes, you can unlock different variations of metabolic reactions and build a more holistic training practice.
It's Not One or the Other, It’s BothJamie is a big believer in training within the ‘training to train’ category. This means taking the time to learn the art and science of training as it applies to you and only you. Great things take time, and by focusing on learning more about your body and what it needs, you can perfect the overlap between high-intensity and low-intensity.
If you want to improve your endurance, strength, and ultimately the totality of your health picture, the key is learning how to balance the low intensity and high intensity. The benefits might surprise you.
What are you excited to hear about in Part 2? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode Why ‘Zone 2’ is having a moment in the spotlight despite not being a new topic (12:50) Learn what exactly ‘Zone 2’ training is and the alias terms it can also go by (19:57) The importance of going through the training-to-train phase (35:03) Specific and unique benefits of ‘Zone 2’ training and why, if you are endurance training, it is a necessary piece of the puzzle (39:47) Breaking down the reasons as to why the overlap between high intensity and low intensity gets lost (45:56) Quotes“There is a real art to it. And that art is kind of a bit fuzzy. We deal with broad ranges rather than absolutes.” (28:57)
“The trends that I am seeing… and some of the top minds in the field… have come out and said the feeling of a particular intensity is actually probably more important than the number.” (30:40)
“There is a learning phase you have to go through. There are phases of training, and for as long as I can remember now, I have tried to teach people that you have to go through the training to train phase.” (35:25)
“You are learning the art and science of training as it pertains to you, your body, your life, your context, your sport.” (35:35)
“It's not one or the other, it's both.” (46:02)
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Related EpisodesFYS 353: Fueling Best Practices with Jamie Scott
FYS 352: Energy Flux with Jamie Scott
FYS 417: Building Strength for Rowing with Shane Farmer
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Getting back into training after injury or pain can be scary. Whether your injury is past or present or an ongoing or onset pain, learning to move between physical therapy and getting back into the gym requires some nuance. This is why it is so important to have a team working to help you achieve your goals and get you back to the training and activities you love.
Key TakeawaysIf You Want to Improve Your Overall Health Over 40, You Should:
Make sure to work with a trainer or team who is invested in your wellbeing Tweak your workout so that it feels good for your body right now, even if you need to do things a bit differently Focus on the big picture of your health and your short and long-term goals Exercise is Medicine with Dr. Leada MalekDr. Leada Malek is a licensed physical therapist and board-certified San Francisco Bay Area sports specialist. She is one of the 9% of US therapists who specialize in sports therapy. Dr. Malek uses a combined approach of manual therapy and specific therapeutic exercise to help her patients move better, perform better, and compete again. She believes that exercise is medicine. Whether you want to start moving more, move again, or improve, Dr. Malek is passionate about helping you get there.
How to Age Your WayDr. Malek knows that your scope of practice as a DPT, trainer, or other field in the industry requires cohesive training and a whole-person approach. This is why Dr. Malek focuses on client-centered care, especially for those of us who are over 40 and learning how to adapt our training to our bodies as we age.
Aging is beautiful, but you need to know how to keep your body strong as it changes. Your body is adaptable, and while it won't happen overnight, staying strong, fit, and healthy past your 40s and beyond is totally possible with the right attitude, training, and recovery.
Getting Clear on Your WhyOne of the first things you need to get clear on, whether you are returning to the gym after injury, working to prevent chronic or onset pain, or just want to start taking care of yourself better, is that you have to be clear on your goals. Ask yourself what you are training for and how your goals play into what you want to do. This can help you support your body and mind. Exercising for life is crucial to your physical longevity, mental health, emotional state, and ability to handle life's stressors.
Dr. Malek is here to provide you with tools you can take with you throughout your life to ensure that you can do the things you want to do without the fear of injury. Are you ready to return to the gym after an injury or pain? Share your story, comments, and experiences with me in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode How to take a step forward if you have been stuck dealing with injury or pain (9:44) What you need to be thinking about as a person wanting to keep your body as healthy as possible (15:47) Learn how the old notion of staying still when dealing with injury or pain is changing (27:32) Tips for teasing apart the strings that make up your total physical and mental well-being (34:57) Discover the inspiration behind Dr. Malek’s new book ‘The Science of Stretch’ (39:33) Quotes“Proper programming, proper instruction, and consistency do wonders.” (16:05)
“You can still get strong. The issue is I think we are made to believe that we are just supposed to get old and be old and feel old. And I think people need to understand that it is still possible and important. So no matter your fear, understand that this should be a priority.” (17:54)
“The only bad workouts are the ones you are unprepared for, under-fueled for, and pushed through. Those are the workouts you want to be mindful of.” (28:25)
“Everything is playing a role, and I think we just need to zoom out and recognize that we are working with a system and not just an injury.” (38:16)
“As you get older, the biggest thing is what goals are you working towards, and how can you supplement those goals? (46:32)
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Related EpisodesFYS 362: Sports Injury Rehab & Return to Lifting
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In the world of fitness and nutrition, there is so much misinformation and oversimplification of concepts out there. This is why Dr. Alyssa Olenick is here to continue our conversation surrounding everything from heart rate zones to perceived excursion and how to balance your intensity properly.
Key TakeawaysIf You Want to Improve Your Cardiovascular Health, You Should:
Focus on getting fit and meeting the physical activity guidelines if you are just starting out
Don't get caught up in the all-or-nothing perfectionist mentality when it comes to your heart rate
Get over the idea that you have to annihilate yourself for fitness to count
Finding Balance with Dr. Alyssa Olenick
Dr. Alyssa Olenick, or Dr. Lyss, is currently a Postdoctoral research student studying metabolism and menopause. She has a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, where she researched metabolism and exercise science in females. Dr. Alyssa is on a mission to redefine evidence-based fitness. She is passionate about science-based nutrition and fitness and how the two integrate so that she can help people become their healthiest selves while chasing their boldest fitness goals.
Learning to Love Zone 2
Whether you are just starting out with your cardiovascular health journey or have been going for a while, there is a good chance the conversation surrounding Zone 2 has come up more than once. Dr. Lyss has a ton of experience in understanding and applying the nuance of research to everything from your heart rate, RPE, level of intensity, recovery, and so much more. Learning what to focus on and pay attention to at the different levels of your training will help alleviate your concerns about both strength training and cardiovascular fitness.
Training in a Different Way
Dr. Lyss wants to encourage you to think about your training program holistically. Balanced fitness training can help you develop characteristics for health, life, and longevity. However, this takes a different mental approach and view of what quality training and intensity are. It is not just about pushing yourself to your maximum; it is about looking holistically at your overall intensity to see where you can go harder because you have held back in other areas.
Female physiology needs both strength and cardiovascular health. A well-rounded training and athletic approach program can help you be the most resilient human you can be.
What is your relationship to cardiovascular training? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode Where to start when looking to improve your cardiovascular fitness (6:40) Understanding the role of heart rate and how to figure out where you need to be (20:58) How to assess your training distribution and fitness mindset throughout the week (31:27) What to do if you feel like you aren't working hard enough (36:04) Learn how to train in a recoverable way to ultimately do more (41:02) Quotes“Do not worry about the mode or how you do it or how intense it is or the zone that you are in; the first thing you need to do is get to the physical activity guidelines.” (7:29)
“But you have to decide, once you have been doing this for a while, ‘what do I actually want from this?’.” (16:15)
“When you are doing more intense exercise, you are having to focus more on your steps and your breathing and what you are doing. So these are all things that I like to use for checking in with yourself.” (30:25)
“Not all training needs to be hard to be quality.” (36:43)
“Hybrid training is health. And it doesn't have to be running and lifting. It can be so many different things. But train multiple characteristics of your fitness.” (43:37)
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Related EpisodesFYS 420: Dr. Alyssa Olenick (Part 2)
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It is no secret that there are sex differences in fitness and nutrition. However, it might not be what you have been led to believe. Nutrition, training concepts, and fueling your workouts are key aspects to training whether you are a man or a woman. By empowering yourself with evidence-based science, you can take an informed approach to your fitness and strength training.
Key TakeawaysIf You Are Interested in the Data Behind Womens Physiology, You Should:
Work to understand what goes on in the research world
Be careful of how things are marketed to you
Listen to Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Alyssa
Facing the Facts with Dr. Alyssa Olenick
Dr. Alyssa Olenick, or Dr. Lyss, is currently a Postdoctoral research student studying metabolism and menopause. She has a Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology, where she researched metabolism and exercise science in females. Dr. Alyssa is on a mission to redefine evidence-based fitness. She is passionate about science-based nutrition and fitness and how the two integrate so that she can help people become their healthiest selves while chasing their boldest fitness goals.
Finding Faith in the Data
While it is true that we need better data when it comes to female health in general, Dr. Alyssa says it's not all bad news. She encourages others not to be so critical of science and research until they really understand what it takes behind the scenes. The barriers faced are in part, the reason that we have this gap, but there is some solid data out there that can help you better understand your body and what it needs to succeed. By looking at the research with a lens of what we know, and where we need more information, you can translate that information into practical and usable tools that work for you.
Don’t Believe Everything You Are Sold
Unfortunately, what tends to happen is a ‘pinkifying’ effect from coaches, influencers, brands, and companies who are trying to put a pretty pink bow on anything deemed ‘for women only’. If you can avoid these marketing schemes and focus solely on what the research is telling us, you will see the results you have been looking for.
You don't need to engage with these cyclic and hormonal protocols, you just need to adopt proper training and fueling instead.
Have you ever been told to do something differently because you are a woman? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode Discover Dr. Alyssa’s origin story and why she fell in love with studying exercise physiology (5:04) Learn about the Invisible Sports Woman Study and how it has changed our approach to female fitness and physiology (11:34) Understanding the degree of misinterpretation of science in the quest to understand ourselves (20:19) Where sex differences play a factor in terms of nutrition and the menstrual cycle (29:25) Why fasted training may not be as beneficial as we are sold (40:04) Quotes“Good education and good training can make all the difference in people's health and life, and so that's kind of just been my philosophy the whole way through.” (10:15)
“You have always had permission to listen to your body. You have always had permission to just intensity based on perception. You have always had permission to take a rest day if you feel like hot, flaming raccoon trash can garbage. And you have always had permission to fuel yourself appropriately to support your training.” (26:28)
“There is a difference between sex differences and menstrual cycle differences. Those are two completely different things that we are talking about here.” (29:52)
“You don't need radically different things. We see this with cycle training and pregnancy and menopause. It's repackaged pinkifyed versions of training that are literally the same thing you probably have boy college football players doing, but in a nice pretty, pink, ‘this is safe for you and good for you’ package.” (36:20)
“Whether you think you are an athlete or not, you want your session to give you the things that you want out of it.” (45:04)
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Related EpisodesFYS 418: Muscle & Longevity
FYS 393: 3 Ways To Increase Your Metabolism As An Athlete
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Allison Grubbs seemingly came out of nowhere when it comes to rucking. Last year, she participated in her first GORUCK selection, and this year, she finished the GORUCK Selection as the only participant left standing. Allison's insight, wisdom, and mindset got her to where she is today, and she brings along a message of hope and tranquility that is incredibly inspiring.
Key TakeawaysIf You Want to do Hard Things, You Should:
Remember Allison's advice to chill out and enjoy the moment Find a community that supports your ambitions Stay calm and believe in your ability to do whatever you set your mind to Doing the Hard Stuff with Allison GrubbsAllison Grubbs is an endurance athlete and adventurer who is only the second woman ever to complete GORUCK Selection. Her journey from a self-proclaimed ‘average’ swimmer as a child to where she is today is a testament to her incredibly strong mindset and determination.
Cool, Calm, and CollectedAllison spent her childhood and teenage years swimming but never considered herself an athlete. Even today, she does not identify with the elite athlete status that her achievements have brought. Through a calm, cool, and collected mindset, Allison has shown that she knows how she operates and runs towards that any chance she gets. Her goals are to finish, keep moving, and be calm in stressful situations. She hopes to be a role model for other ‘badass babes’ in her community.
Chill Out and Enjoy the MomentAllison and I have a lot of parallels in our stories. But what I find so remarkable about Allison is how she stays calm under pressure, knows herself, and goes for what she wants.
If you have a big dream or a big goal, Allison is proof that it is totally possible to achieve anything you put your mind to. Her personal process and fitness journey inspire anyone who knows it, which is why I brought her to the podcast today so that you, as the listener, can get to know her strength firsthand.
How does your mindset impact your goals? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode A look back at Allison’s fitness background (5:15) Exploring the differences between endurance training, CrossFit, and more (20:32) What it is like to experience the GORUCK Selection (32:09) Why going for the most challenging possible thing can give you a sense of drive (43:13) Learn what it is like to get to the end of the GORUCK Selection as the final participant (1:00:55) Quotes“As I have progressed in the endurance events, endurance community, it’s just forward movement. Thats how I think of it now.” (24:02)
“Most of the time, I just want to finish. That is almost always my goal, is just to finish something.” (30:31)
“Everyone asks after that, ‘Why did you quit?’. Honestly, I have no idea. I was just really okay at that moment with being done and letting her go.” (50:43)
“Part of this year that was so stressful was knowing that I could do it, but always feeling like nothing was good enough.” (54:04)
“There is so much community support. I feel like these are my people. I don't know why, but they have accepted me, so it just feels right, it feels good.” (1:04:03)
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Badass Babes Squad
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Related EpisodesFYS 415: Rucking for Women
FYS 389: The Benefits of Rucking for Women with Michael Easter
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When you think of muscle mass in women, does your brain immediately jump to the image of ultra-muscled competitors and quote-unquote meatheads? Building muscle mass as a female athlete does not look like this image most of the time, yet women are still afraid of getting bulky. In this episode, I want to dive into what building muscle mass as a woman really looks like and the massive benefits for your overall health and longevity that can come from it.
Key TakeawaysIf You Want to Get Deeper Into the Conversation Around Muscle Mass, You Should:
Stop letting society tell you that you should be afraid of getting ‘too bulky’
Dive deeper into the topics touched on in this episode
Learn and explore how muscle mass can improve your longevity and quality of life
Muscle is More than Aesthetics
For so long, the conversation around muscle mass has stopped at the aesthetic value. But the truth is, building muscle as a female athlete, especially a female athlete over 40, is about so much more than aesthetics. I want to challenge this conversation and urge you to dig deeper into the benefits that building muscle mass and getting strong can have for you.
Building muscle mass can help with your insulin sensitivity, boost your bone strength, enhance your longevity and quality of life, decrease the risk of falls, improve your cognitive health and cardiovascular function, and much more. It's time for the conversation around muscle mass to focus on those things, rather than just the aesthetic value of muscle.
Quality of Life Matters
Longevity is one of the key benefits of building muscle mass. But I don't just mean longevity in terms of living to 120 without the functionality or independence you want in order to live your life fully. I am talking about an all-encompassing longevity that not only maintains and improves your quality of life but gives you the confidence to keep going.
When it comes to muscle mass in females, the benefits are so far beyond the exterior. If you are looking for a way to preserve your freedom, gain confidence, improve your quality of life, and age in a way that makes you look and feel good, strength training is crucial to your success.
Are you ready to dive deeper into muscle mass than what lies on the surface? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode Understanding why some women are afraid of muscle and lifting heavy (4:44) Different roles that muscle mass plays which can be associated with longevity (6:47) The broad role your metabolism plays in relationship with your muscle tissue (10:09) How your muscle mass can regulate your blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity (12:23) Why your adolescence can have a significant impact on your menopause transition (14:31) Quotes“When it comes down to things, we have to build muscle if we want to experience some kind of sculpting or toning or any of that.” (2:35)
“The conversation, in my opinion, is lacking some of the deeper reasons why muscle plays very crucial roles in the body, and how those are associated with longevity.” (6:02)
“Our capacity to move through life, to do those activities of daily living, to perform physical exercise, which is also a very clear health-promoting habit. Those are associated with better longevity and improved quality of life.” (8:57)
“It is really important to lean on things like exercise, or specifically strength training or resistance training, to help us improve our insulin sensitivity. Exercise is a really important tool in your toolbox.” (13:55)
“We've talked about here mobility and physical activity, the sit-to-stand test, why this matters for discussions of quality of life, overall wellbeing, independence, being able to have mobility, and complete activities of daily living as well as physical exercise.” (18:21)
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Related EpisodesFYS 416: Is Muscle Anti-Aging?
FYS 406: Creatine, Bone, and Brain Health with Dr. Darren Candow
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One of the pieces of equipment in the gym that strikes fear into people is the rowing machine. Many people consider it a piece of warm-up equipment, but it is so much more than that. When you take the time to educate yourself about not only rowing but how you can create a more well-rounded training program, the results can be magic.
Key TakeawaysIf You Are Interested in Rowing, You Should:
Look at GPP Fitness from all perspectives and directions Integrate rowing into your workout routine in a way that works for you Lean on your community and coaches to help drive positive change Changing Lives Through Rowing with Shane FarmerShane Farmer changed his life through rowing. He started Dark Horse Rowing to help others gain a community of others who hold them accountable, challenge their limits, and drive them to evolve and become the most robust, most incredible versions of themselves. Shane believes rowing can help make positive change and guide others to their most genuine potential.
Building Community Through FitnessShane doesn't want to turn you into a rower. Instead, he wants to help non-rowers use rowing on and off the machine to stay active, move better, and have an excellent quality of life for as long as possible. One of the main pillars of Shane’s program is the hyper-local tribe and community that can be a game changer for many people.
Diversity is KeyDiversity in your movements and workouts is critical to longevity. Shane believes that we all go through seasons of which practices we enjoy. One day it may be rowing, the following strength training, etc. The key is to change and evolve in a way that keeps you passionate about your movement practice so that you can promote your longevity as best as possible.
By finding a healthy balance of weight training, cardio, machine work, and recovery, you can create positive change and improve all of the different elements of your training. Being proactive is far better than being reactive when it comes to your health, and it's never too late to try something new.
Are you ready to integrate a new practice, such as rowing, into your movement routine? Share your thoughts and experiences with me in the comments section of the episode page.
In This Episode Exploring the parallel between rowing and CrossFit (11:52) How the pandemic affected exercise routines and the return to hyper-local community (15:15) Some of the biggest strength issues and challenges you need to face to improve your rowing (26:37) The importance of continual movement in your life as you progress (33:15) Tips for weaving together rowing and strength training for your overall fitness and longevity (41:00) Quotes“People are always going to want to gravitate to tribe and community. So as long as it is available, people will gather for fitness purposes.” (18:25)
“I’m not trying to turn you into a rower. I am trying to help you use rowing as an accessory to staying fit for life.” (30:45)
“Submit yourself to the process of learning the movement. Because once it all makes sense, you’re going to find a lot more enjoyment in the workouts.” (33:26)
“There is no magic pill. There’s no ‘rowing is the greatest thing in the world; strength training is the greatest thing in the world’. They are all just a means to facilitate what the body is meant to do.” (37:04)
“We have so much knowledge at this point about what to do that the hardest thing is just choosing what we are going to do on any given day.” (45:52)
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Dark Horse Rowing
Full Show Notes
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I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes!
Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative
Rate and review on Apple Podcasts
Related EpisodesFYS #416: Is Musckle Anti-Aging?
FYS #411: Why You Need A Strength Training Program
FYS #409: Overcoming All Or Nothing Thinking In The Gym
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Our Western society is, to put it frankly, obsessed with the idea of anti-aging and the fountain of youth. This multi-billion-dollar-a-year industry that is mainly targeted at women focuses on all of the products and things you can do to maintain the appearance of youth on the outside of your body. But what about what is going on in the inside?
Key TakeawaysIf You Are Interested in Using Muscle to Improve Your Aging, You Should:
Start strength training now if you haven't already Follow a plan that is progressive and will help you Outsource to a professional in order to take the next step Preserving Your Muscle and Quality of LifeMuscle is the most critical topic that is missing from the majority of conversations around aging. Preserving our muscle mass as we get older is one of the best ways to maintain our quality of life and longevity as we transition through menopause and beyond. Developing and maintaining muscle not only makes you feel good but is a key factor in how you age.
The Unsung Hero of Anti-AgingWhile you may not be able to prevent 100% of the muscle mass loss you may experience as you get older, strength training is the best action you can take to take steps in that direction.
Muscle mass is the unsung hero of the anti-aging discussion, and is about so much more than vanity and appearances. If you want to preserve your quality of life and longevity as you age, maintaining your muscle is the first thing you need to think about.
How has strength training changed your approach to aging? Share your thoughts with me in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode Exploring what the term anti-aging really means in modern Western society (4:45) Evidence-based statistics to help you understand the aging landscape (9:02) Why you need to pay attention to strength training, especially during the menopause transition (13:21) What you need to know about the relationship between estrogen and muscle (17:11) Things you can do about your muscle mass as you age (25:02) Quotes“If there is one thing that gets missed over time and time and time again in the conversation about aging, it is the unsung hero, muscle.” (3:12)
“I don't want to just live to be very old in terms of my years, but I also would like to have as much quality of life, and quality of health, as possible.” (8:29)
“No matter where on the spectrum you are, it is absolutely important and possible for you to start strength training now and reap some of these benefits.” (15:53)
“Not only does this affect performance in terms of sports and athletics and fitness, but also, life.” (21:48)
“This is all about your longevity, quality of programming, quality of life, and how strength training is going to serve you going forward.” (29:01)
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Dynamic Dumbells Program
Strong With Steph Program
Full Show Notes
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I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes!
Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative
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Related EpisodesFYS #411: Why You Need A Strength Training Program
FYS #408: Growth Mindset in Fitness
FYS #407: The Female Athlete Health Report with Kyniska Advocacy
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Rucking is having a moment right now, but it is nothing new, per se. Humans have been carrying loads for distance since the beginning of time. While rucking is not a replacement for your strength training, it has a multitude of benefits to your cardiovascular strength, blood sugar, bone health, and so much more.
Key TakeawaysIf You Are Interested in Including Rucking in Your Fitness Plan, You Should:
Start slow and build up your endurance over time while taking time for recovery Use rucking as a way to improve your cardiovascular and strength training Look into rucking group challenges if you are interested The Many Benefits of RuckingEver since I discovered rucking, I have included it as part of my fitness routine. The unique benefits of rucking, particularly for women over 40, have had a huge supportive impact on my training regime. Rucking is an incredibly effective form of exercise that has a wide range of benefits that can impact not only your fitness capacity but also your social and competitive capacity as well.
Carrying heavy things is a fundamental movement pattern that is especially important for women over 40. The benefits to your bones, blood sugar, insulin sensitivity, stress, and more are some reasons why I love rucking.
Answering All of Your Rucking QuestionsWhile rucking can be simply defined as carrying loads for a distance, there are a lot of questions that come up when starting any new fitness or movement practice. How much weight, what shoes you should wear, what equipment you need, what counts as rucking, and how to get started rucking are only a few of the questions I answer for you on today's podcast.
If you are curious about rucking, already have a walking practice, or just want to try something new, rucking may be the answer you have been looking for.
What do you love about rucking? What are you the most curious about? Share your rucking thoughts and experiences with me in the comments on the episode page.
In This Episode Learn the simplest way to define rucking in one sentence (5:01) The difference between rucking and heavy carries during a workout (6:47) Why rucking is an effective form of exercise, especially for women (8:26) All the answers you need to get started with rucking (18:56) How much weight you should be rucking in each stage (25:12) Quotes“Once I started rucking myself, I could definitely see where this was a beneficial addition to my fitness routine, and I have been doing it ever since.” (4:34)
“We need to keep our cardiovascular strong, but we also need to strength train. We need the unique benefits of both.” (13:19)
“Proper recovery matters just like any other kind of training. Don't overdo it, pay attention to your body… don't ignore that shit.” (29:27)
“If you are looking for rucking gear that is really going to go the distance, check out GO RUCK.” (33:54)
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Use Promo Code FUELYOURSTRENGTH at Go Ruck
Full Show Notes
Follow Steph on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube | Pinterest
I'd really love it if you would take 1 min and leave us a rating and review on iTunes!
Podcast production & marketing support by the team at Counterweight Creative
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Related EpisodesFYS 389: The Benefits of Rucking for Women with Michael Easter
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