Redefine Fitness with Kelsey Wells

Welcome back to Redefine Fitness with Kelsey Wells! Season two is here, and we're excited to  bring you brand new episodes that dive into topics that matter most to you, and continue REDEFINING FITNESS. In this weeks episode, Kelsey catches you up on the last few months of her life,  shares some personal reflections and reminds us all that it is more than OKAY to be a work in progress - and to be damn proud of yourself. In this heartfelt episode, Kelsey gets real on her thoughts on healing, discusses imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and embracing self-belief.We hope you enjoy! 1:00 - What to expect from season two4:40 - Life catch up & welcome to 2024 6:40 - Taking care of yourself & not feeling guilty10:30 - Im not healed, I am healing14:20 - Imposter syndrome, self doubt & believing in yourself23:00 - Sharing & feeling deep emotion27:20 - Growth, acceptance & being proud of every past version of you29:30 - Hopes for season two30:10 - Writing challenge 

Wow. THANK YOU. If you have at all enjoyed any piece of this podcast, leaving a review would mean so much to me. I'll be back!!XxKels 

A poem. A lot about living with anxiety. Random and from the heart, as per usual. xxKels 

What the heck is a macro?! What does it mean to count them? Or "fit" things into them? Is counting macros safe? Is it effective? DO YOU HAVE TO COUN T MACROS TO MAKE PROGRESS!!? Alllll of your Macro questions answered, PLUS my personal journey with macro counting, and SO MANY other nutrition questions answered. I hope this is helpful!Nourish not punish! I love you!XXKels

Sal is one of my dear friends, and one of the most authentic INFLUENCERS I know.  After going viral on Tik Tok with her beautiful family, she is killing the game and staying true to herself-- despite alllll the haters. Love this woman so much! Find her on IG and Tik Tok @salomeandreaa and show her some love!XxKels 

A little recap of my world travels over the last two months! Including a WILD stomach bug, memories I will cherish forever, and some reflections. ILY!xxKels 

Hi! It's me. This week's episode I *was* going to run you through life as late and take you through all of my travels-- but of course I went on many tangents and only ended up sharing about one: the Redefine Fitness Retreats!This episode ended up being about friendships, relationships, relationships to self, how and where to find your answers, the key to growth and healing, the power of kindness, the magic that happens when women come together and hold space for each other, and so much more. I hope a sliver might resonate with you, as I ramble on like sending a looong voice memo to an old friend. XxKels 

THIS ONE!Listen to this one. Chrisspy is one of THEEE OG YouTube and makeup content creators, and a couple of years ago decided to take a break and step away from it all. Completely deleting her social media channels as she prioritised her health and wellbeing, from the inside out. She shares her healing journey through disordered eating and body image struggles, and why and how things finally clicked. She also answers some listener questions. This conversation is as real and raw and authentic as it gets, and I am so proud to have hosted this empowering woman!XxKels

An unconventional episode, but aren't they all a bit!?It is easy to get swept up in all you "should" be doing along your "fitness" journey-- If and when you're feeling overwhelm? Take a deeeeep breath, zoom out, and refocus on remembering what  matters MOST.  And the fact that our Health doesn't only mean physical. This was on my mind and heart as I sat to record, hope you enjoy. Proud of you, always! xx Kels

In this episode we go over just some of the top-line (life-changing!) BENEFITS of meditation. I also share my personal meditation journey, cover allll the many questions you've had for me surrounding meditation through the years, and we end the episode with a short MEDITATION together.  If you are a skeptic or don't know where to start? THIS IS FOR YOU!XxKels

TW: In this episode Elizabeth shares her story which involves sexual abuse, rape, and trauma. This episode is so exceptionally important for EVERYONE to hear. I cannot thank Elizabeth enough for her vulnerability (aka STRENGTH) in this conversation, and throughout all work.Learn more atElizabethsmartfoundation.orgUse promo code 20YEARS for $49 off of Elizabeth's new consent program atwholeheartedconsent.mykajabi.comFollow and support Elizabeth on instagram and facebook @elizabeth_smart_officialxxKels

I come forward answering all of the questions I have always avoided: what "work" have I done? Skincare? Botox? Fillers? I share my personal experience and reflections on it all, and take on articulating one of the most difficult topics to navigate: fostering inner beauty, self love, and confidence in the face of the ever fluctuating pressures from the beauty standards of society-- and since this reality is so prevalent, can (and HOW can) these things co-exist for women today. Can you love yourself and understand your worth is not as superficial as your outward appearance, while also wanting or choosing to change certain aspects of your outward appearance? Please listen through to the END. XxKels

Checking in, catching up, and answering your questions!Facing insecurities, dealing with and preventing burnout, workout motivation, meditation, supplements, aging,  and why YOU ARE THRIVING-- we cover so much this episode. As always, thank you for your support! You can always send through questions and topic suggestions over on ig @redefinefitnesspodcastlove you, xxKels

In conversation with my dear friend and phenomenal actress Katie Stevens!Just 6 weeks post-partum, Katie sits down to share with us her BIRTH STORY, about her journey to motherhood, and how the first six weeks have been. So so proud of her and grateful for her honesty and vulnerability. Follow her on instagram @thekatiestevens 

Qveen Herby is a top independent artist, writer of bops, and self-discovery guru. The Nebraska-native, Berklee College of Music graduate emerged with vital pop duo KARMIN in 2011. Tune in for her weekly aura cleanses and podcast "House of Herby" for inspiration on indulging your inner artist. QVEENHERBY.COM and @qveenherby on all platforms.YOU GUYS. This episode is "comin with the BAD BITCH MAGIC" as Qveen Herby would say. We cover so much and get into so much juicy goodness. Confidence, self doubt, purpose, power, womanhood, and how entwined our multifaceted HEALTH truly is. If you're not familiar with her, GIVE THIS A LISTEN and then go and download her EPs ASAP. Love you and thanks for listening!XxKels

Just a few thoughts for you today!Choosing our hard,  focusing on our Efforts over outcomes. If you are feeling pressure to grow and heal all the time-- this one is for you. ILYSMXxKels

It felt so good to catch up! My soul needed this today. Recap of my latest Australian adventure, JET LAG and how to beat it, and 3 WAYS I PRIORITIZE MY HEALTH WHILE TRAVELING!IlysmThank you for joining mexxKels

THIS ONE! It's for you. For sure. I share a letter I wrote to my younger self (in poem form ofc) as well as the 5 Keys to Cultivating a More Positive Perspective !!!that have helped me transform my mind, therefore my life. Love you, Kels 

Just showing up this week exactly where I am, rambling, and processing in real time here with you.This one's for anyone who has every been JUDGED, criticized, or condemned. For anyone feeling hurt, mad, angry, sad, or less-than because of it. We've all been there. Sometimes I handle it better than others. Here's what I've learnt along my way, and how I handled it today! In the words of T Swift-- I'm Damned If I Do Give A Damn What People SayOne important show note after listening back: 7 minutes in, I am reflecting on the statement that it is impossible to love others if we don't have the capacity to love ourselves. I said there are nuances to that statement, and gave the example that for a long time, I loved my husband more than I loved myself. What I meant to say and convey here, is that I loved my husband BEFORE I was able to love myself. For me, my husband seeing and loving and accepting all parts of me fully, was the catalyst for my healing my relationship with myself. He was and is my example and advocate in my self-love journey, which has only led to our love for each other deepening too. I wanted to clarify this as a reminder of what Dr. Mariel Buqué and I discussed in episode 7– If you aren't at a healthy place with your relationship with yourself, that does not invalidate your love for someone else. But as you work to see and forgive and love yourself? You will have greater joy and ability to love others as well. Love you, Kels

Sometimes you just need your big sister. I have been fortunate to spend some time with mine (we don't live close) and when I asked her to come on the pod this week, she immediately said "ok!" Because she's the best. Because she supports me fiercely and always has. In true Redefine Fitness fashion, this convo is impromptu, unplanned, unedited, and from the heart. It's just us sitting on her closet floor. We discuss female friendships (and heartbreaks). She sets straight some assumptions about me, and I share life lessons I've learned from her. I hope you listen and feel like you're sitting right there with us. I want your midnights, but I'll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Years Day. We love youXxKels PS sweeeeetest surprise at the end :)

My best advice for navigating the New Year in a way that will *actually* bring you lasting change. Golden rule of goal settingGive your BEST EFFORT every day?3 keys to SMASHING every single workoutAnd a lot more.Ilysm Proud of you!! XxKels 

A personal update. A very honest and lengthy ramble about many things. Here's to you-- and all the hard you've been through. ILYSMKels

TW: Eating Disorders, Disordered eating, Diet CultureFinally addressing the resurgence of "thin is in" headlines we've been seeing. Channeled that anger into a poem and shared it here with you to recenter and circle back to my WHY for this show and my mission to continue to heal, help YOU on your journey, and shift my industry for the better. Also, I MADE US A SWEATSHIRT. It sounds simple and silly, but its actually a very special passion project that I am extremely excited about and hopeful for. To fund the continued production of this podcast, instead of taking on sponsorships or reading ads, I decided to create meaningful, kickass, and comfy AF community merch. Purchasing a sweatshirt will help us spread the news of Redefine Fitness, infuse intention into your life as you wear it, and fund the show. Thank you for any and all of your support, and most importantly? For showing up for yourself and your health. In the real and important and beautiful and empowering ways. YOU MATTER. Statistics referenced in poem were found here https://www.psychologicalscience.org/observer/back-page-diet-cultureFor more statistics on EDs and RESOURCES to help you on your healing journey, please visit https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/I love you, Kels 

This was my gratitude journal this morning-- and I felt I should share here. Perhaps some pieces of this might resonate with you today. Perhaps some part may help you in your peace and healing, as these words do for me. I am no longer religious, but after my unforseeable faith-transition I am so grateful to have now landed and come home to my spirituality in a way that for me is far more powerful than it has ever been before. Regardless what religion or belief system you subscribe to, how you worship or pray or live, I hope it fills you with peace and love. I am sending you all of mine today, and every day. Happy ThanksgivingXxKels

It's the most wonderful time of the year! For many? It's also the most difficult. From grief, to overcoming food fear and old triggers, finding balance with eating/exercise, enjoying guilt-free festivities, navigating awkward moments and outward judgement,  setting personal boundaries and giving yourself PERMISSION—I don't have all the answers, but I do have a lot of thoughts that have helped me along my journey , that I hope can provide light and encouragement to you on yours. Love you,XxKels 

The WHY behind my clothing collection for Cleo Harper! Our story goes back seven years and it's pretty crazy to look back on the journey that led us here. Vanessa is an empowered woman, wife, mother, and entrepreneur whose success I hope will inspire you as much as it does me. AUTHENTICITY AND KINDNESS WIN! I share some things I've never everrr brought up before. ILYSM Never give up on your dreams. XxKels 

TW: Post Partum Depression/PPAIf you're a mom, this is for you. I have never met a mother who hasn't suffered from mom guilt to some degree. I get real personal (as is the norm here i suppose lol) and hope it helps you feel SEEN and SANE. I also share my magical healing balm, and 3 "THINGS YOU CAN DO".PSYou're doing great. I love you.

Living your healthiest and happiest long-term,  going after your goals shame free, and having fun while doing it.  Jacqueline Andriakos is the Executive Health and Fitness Director at Women's Health, where she oversees all health and fitness content across the brand. Previously, she was the Deputy Health Features Editor at Self.com and the Senior Editor at Health magazine. During her tenure as a writer and editor in the wellness space, she has contributed to national publications including TIME, SELF, Health, Real Simple, and People, among others. Her ultimate goal: to provide evidence-based content that helps a woman make her own decisions about her health, and to define wellness and fitness her way.In this episode Jacq and I talk about her personal relationship with fitness and wellness,  the direction of Women's Health, dismantling diet-culture, and so much more. It is all about something we both stand for relentlessly: Shame. Free. Fitness.xxKels

In this episode we talk GYM ANXIETYFacing fearMOTIVATIONAnd I share my 5 KEYS TO SUCCESSFULLY IMPLEMENTING A REGULAR EXERCISE HABIT. One that is good for you body and mind, ofc.  And because I forgot to say it at the end?  P.S.  I love you. xxKels

TW: Body Dysmorphia This episode is on Negative Body Image.My personal battle with not seeing both myself or my physical body correctly, and obsessing over my body never being _____ enough (at times to a degree that effected deeply my day-to-day life and choices) is something that I've wanted to open up about for a very long time— because of its prevalence. Because I am not alone in these struggles. And most importantly? Because after a 16 year rollercoaster (spending the last six focused on healing, and the last two in awareness), I am finally consistently and steadily in a healthy place.

The irony of being a content creator and speaking about fitness and health in a sometimes lighthearted manner while so many around the world are facing unspeakable horrors every single day, is NEVER lost on me. In doing so I never want to be insensitive or turn a blind eye to my privilege. I will always do what I can to help YOU take care of your health and wellbeing, because ultimately, how are we supposed to heal and help and change our society and our world at large if we do not start with ourselves? I believe fortifying ourselves and our mental+emotional+physical wellbeing allows us to in turn better fight for change and help those in crisis. Yet how do we navigate self-care when our hearts are heavy and breaking?I began this episode answering as many of the questions you sent through as possible, but at a certain point I broke down. I am unsure if I was able to articulate clearly what I was meaning to say, but I truly hope so.I don't have any or all of the answers. But I will continue to show up for myself, my family, my loved ones, my career, my community, and our world every day, in the ways that I can. Love, Kels

In celebration of my new program Pregnancy with Kelsey!!( free trial here! kelseywell.com/app ) I break down the layout of my program and what the deal is with working out while pregnant!I also open up and share all about my personal pregnancy journey. xxKels

For anyone who is currently thinking (or has ever thought) I AM A FAILURE: Me too. And it's true!This one's for you xx

Happy Birthday to Me! Today is my 33rd birthday!

Digging DEEP and dishing alll the details of my personal experience with my ankle injury, surgery, and recovery. Injury is is such a common part of the human experience, yet is rarely talked about. When you are injured, it is very much all-encompassing and can feel exceptionally isolating. It is OK and IMPORTANT to allow yourself to feel angry, sad, and upset-- even though others have it worse. Shaming yourself for feeling, is un-productive to your healing. 

Ya'll know her as THEEE Kayla Itsines, badass-boss-fitness-QUEEEN-- which she is! But she's so much more. I know her and love her like a sister, and this chat was very much NOT an interview, and very much just us hanging out. How did we meet? How did I get involved with SWEAT?What did we talk about on the way to dinner tonight? How are we alike/different?Fave memories?What do we love most about each other? And so much more.We hope you enjoy this completely unscripted and candid conversation between friends. We hope you know YOU ARE A BADASS. XxKels

I share about the inception of my Redefine Fitness: Strength and Mindfulness workout program, what it is, what it means to me, how it came to be!I also walk you through the 3 STEP mindfulness component of the program so that you can make ANY movement MINDFUL. You can try the program and (literally) Redefine Fitness with me in the SWEAT app anytime at kelseywells.com/sweatThe program is a bit buried in the app, here is how to most easily find it: Once you download sweat:Toggle to "On Demand"Scroll down to "trainers"Click on my little bubbleScroll down and find it under my programs!If you are new to sweat, you can do a 7 day free trial. XxKels

If you ever compare yourself/your body/your life to others and feel less than? (aka if you are human lol)THIS IS FOR YOU. Starts off with another poemThe only competition is myself? Seven Steps to BREAK the cycle of comparisonAnother poemILYSMKels

This episode I had the pleasure of being in conversation with Dr. Mariel Buqué -- a Columbia University-trained Psychologist, intergenerational trauma expert, and incredible woman living authentically IN HER POWER. We speak on how a truly HOLISTIC approach to health and healing is imperative, as our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness are not separate. We cover some important topics you sent through including:Getting out of your comfort zone following rejectionHow to deal with negativity about our bodies Binge EatingHow to fix self-worth after being told/believing you are not good enoughHow to trust again after trauma/betrayalAND Mariel shares three TANGIBLE, physical tools you can use when feeling overwhelmed with stress or anxiety.....................................................Dr. Mariel Buqué provides courses for healing difficult emotions and building healthy relationships and provides corporate wellness consultations to Fortune 100 companies including Google, Twitter, Capital One, and Facebook. She shares mental health tips with an online community of over 700K community members and has been featured on major media outlets including The Today Show, CNN, and ABC News.Watch out for her upcoming book Break the Cycle: Shifting from Generational Trauma to Generational Abundance.You may find her work at www.drmarielbuque.com and on social media at @dr.marielbuque.

All things NUTRITION. Your questions answered. However, perhaps not what you expect. Thank you for listening and being patient with me through this one. TW: Eating Disorders, Disordered EatingIf you or someone you love is struggling, there is SO MUCH hope, help, and healing ahead. Some of my favorite sources of support:NEDACall or Text (800) 931 - 2237CRISIS TEXT LINE: text "NEDA" to 741741ANADHelpline: (888) 375-7767Email: hello@anad.org

*NOTE: the audio on Laurken's mike is echoey at times throughout. It gets much better ten mins in, but tbh it's ALL still very much worth hearing :) Introducing our very first guest-- THE Laurken Kendall. World renown wedding photographer, mother, farmer, and one of the most EMPOWERED WOMEN I have ever met. In this conversation we discuss MOTHERHOOD and dissect CONFIDENCE. Ultimately? An intimate and impactful (and completely impromptu) conversation between close friends. Please join us.  Every woman needs to hear this.You can find and follow Laurken:Photography Work - www.laurkenkendall.comIG-  @laurkenkendallLearn from her- www.motherphotographer.coxxKels

I call myself out on one small(but big) correction from my Mormon-exodus episode, and we dive into the importance and power of SELF-BELIEF.  Also? I SHARE 8 TANGIBLE TOOLS + PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS that I used along my personal journey to make the changes/growth/shifts to dismantle diet-culture and re-learn how to live from SELF-LOVE. 

Before evolving this podcast, holding space for inviting guests, and diving deeper into Redefining Fitness, I knew I needed to finally be open in sharing about the most integral, formative piece of my personal story: my exodus from the Mormon church,  and the complete identity loss that ensued. For years and years, even just to think of it, the pressure in my chest would build like an iron grip, squeezing my heart from deep inside of me— a daunting reminder of my ever-present anxiety and a long-forgotten fairytale reality.Yet I now know, to become who I truly am, I had to fully let go of the woman I thought I was supposed to be.I am no longer ashamed of the trauma I hold— I stand proud of the ways I chose to pick up the pieces and shape this new me.  Words still feel inadequate— but I now know the power of speaking your truth vulnerably, however imperfectly.I am still afraid— but I now make a cognizant choice to not let my fears control me.And somehow I know, now is finally the time to share my truth, unapologetically.

It's an episode all about Self-Love. And if that makes you cringe-- PLEASE give me a chance, and give this a listen. 

Hey friend. Here we go! In this opening episode, we dive right in to the real, raw, and vulnerable. I read a poem that I wrote about the beginning of my personal journey to redefining fitness, and hopefully provide context as to WHY I'm starting this pod, what my intention is, and what REDEFINING FITNESS is all about.  To be honest? After years of "getting ready" to start, I just sat down and did the thing-- unscripted. Turns out it felt really good to just sit and speak from the heart. Thank you for listening. Dedicated to my Grammy Kresge, to whom I owe so much. xxKels