Sustainable Fat Loss and the Power of AND

Fad diets don’t work for most people long-term AND that doesn’t mean sustainable fat loss isn’t possible for many people AND just because it’s sometimes possible doesn’t mean everyone with some “extra” body fat should be bothering to try to lose it. ALL of these can be true at the same time. Fad diets, includingContinue reading “Sustainable Fat Loss and the Power of AND”

Bulk, Cut or Recomp–What can a habit-based approach look like?

For those of us who want bigger muscles and to be lean enough to see them, it can feel like chasing a golden unicorn. Muscles build better when eating in a surplus, but eating in a surplus means putting on some fat, too. Eating closer to maintenance gives us the option of staying in aContinue reading “Bulk, Cut or Recomp–What can a habit-based approach look like?”

Is Emotional Eating a Myth?

This is the first time I’ve been triggered by an episode of the Maintenance Phase Podcast. But, after several over-generalizations, including about PTSD research ironically, or maybe pointedly, I found myself so upset, I turned it off. It’s disappointing, because I think they are usually pretty mindful of their words and how they might impactContinue reading “Is Emotional Eating a Myth?”

The power to decide

I’m feeling ready to begin work towards bodybuilding-type goals again, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was a bit conflicted. Can I add more intensity and/or volume to my training without overdoing it and triggering my PTSD? Can I work towards some fat loss in a healthy way that honors the lifeContinue reading “The power to decide”

To the New Year’s Resolutioner Looking to Change Their Body

Let me begin by saying that you are beautiful, valuable, and wonderful just as you are. Your body does not need to change to be good enough. You do not need to change your body to be good enough. You already are good enough. And I want to say that it’s ok and possible toContinue reading “To the New Year’s Resolutioner Looking to Change Their Body”

Working Out in My Winter Garage Gym (Feeling Boss on the Floor Press)

We are well-nearing the longest night of the year here in the Northern Hemisphere, and it is damn cold in the garage where I lift. Getting started at 6:15am, when it’s 34oF outside, the iron plates and bars are accurately conducting the absence of heat to my fingertips. I lay down on the concrete floorContinue reading “Working Out in My Winter Garage Gym (Feeling Boss on the Floor Press)”

How much do we have to lift to get bigger muscles?

So, you’ve decided you want to get swole, how much work do you need to put in to see results? It seems like the evidence-based fitness folk have come to a fairly strong consensus that optimal volume for building muscle mass is between 10-20 sets per muscle group. But how much time do you (andContinue reading “How much do we have to lift to get bigger muscles?”

Can Intuitive Lifting Lead Us Towards a More Inclusive Lifting Space?

There’s lots of folks out there who want to be stronger and build muscle. Only a small percentage of them can commit to 4-5 training sessions a week, an hour more at a time, doing the most effective, optimal exercises year in and year out. Barriers include, but are not limited to: So, here’s aContinue reading “Can Intuitive Lifting Lead Us Towards a More Inclusive Lifting Space?”

“I get upset about underdone pizza,” Eat Train Progress Radio, All Things Food Environment

Hey, it’s been a while since I shared an episode from Patrick, and I’m super stoked to think there will be more content going forward from him and his awesome team. Patrick hosts the most inclusive, well-moderated lifting community that I’ve found online, and I’m thrilled to take a moment to share some of hisContinue reading ““I get upset about underdone pizza,” Eat Train Progress Radio, All Things Food Environment”

“I’m a bodybuilder and I’m going to Olive Garden,” 3D Muscle Journey Podcast, #216: How to Eat Out

How do successful elite, competitive bodybuilders think about eating out in restaurants? Is there wisdom there for the rest of us? Truthfully, I believe most of the advice that comes out of bodybuilding can tend towards too much obsession over the details to be mentally healthful or practically applicable for most of us. AND thatContinue reading ““I’m a bodybuilder and I’m going to Olive Garden,” 3D Muscle Journey Podcast, #216: How to Eat Out”