Podcasts about coaching services

If you've ever worried about charging too much, charging too little, or wondered whether anyone will actually pay your rates, this episode will help you think about pricing in a completely different way. In this episode, Joanna shares why pricing is about far more than picking a number.What if the real question isn't “What will people pay?” but “What kind of business do I want to build?”Timestamps00:00 - Why Pricing Feels So Hard02:00 - The £5,000 Per Month Exercise03:00 - Pricing as Business Design04:00 - The Three-Part Pricing Framework05:00 - Raising Prices Gradually06:00 - Building Around Your Life07:00 - Common Pricing Mistakes“Pricing isn't just a number. It's part of your business design.” - Jo LottThis episode is a reminder that sustainable pricing starts with clarity, not confidence. When you understand the business you're trying to build, pricing becomes much easier.Useful LinksA Blog Post: Coaching Pricing Strategy: Maximise Your Revenue and Build a Sustainable BusinessDare Greatly in The Coaching Arena: In-person & Online mid-year Reset, June 2026Learn about The Business of Coaching programmeSignature Solution CourseDownload the Free Digital version of Coaches' Planner (NEW edition 2026)Free Essential AI Toolkit – 2 Must-Have Prompts for CoachesHow to secure more coaching clients' free trainingDownload the 12 ways to get clients nowConnect with Jo on LinkedInRate and Review the PodcastIf you found this episode of Women in the Coaching Arena helpful, please do rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.If you're kind enough to leave a review, please do let Jo know so she can say thank you. You can always reach her at: joanna@joannalottcoaching.comEnjoyed This Episode? Don't Miss the Next One! Hit subscribe on your favourite podcast app to be notified each time a new episode of Women in the Coaching Arena.

Most people think fat loss is just about eating less.And while your diet determines whether or not you lose weight, your training determines what that weight loss actually looks like from a physique standpoint.Are you losing body fat while maintaining muscle and building a leaner, stronger, more defined physique?Or are you just becoming a smaller, scrawnier version of yourself?That distinction comes down to how you train through the diet, and most dieters get it wrong.In Part 1 of this Fat Loss Series, I broke down the nutrition side of the fat loss process and how to create a calorie deficit without creating a nutrient deficit. In this episode, we shift into the training side and break down why resistance training is non-negotiable during a deficit, what it actually protects, how to structure it for muscle preservation, and the common training mistakes that derail dieters who feel like they're doing everything right.HERE'S WHAT WE COVER:WHY YOUR DIET DETERMINES WEIGHT LOSS BUT YOUR TRAINING DETERMINES YOUR PHYSIQUEWHY MUSCLE MASS IS THE FOUNDATION OF A BETTER LOOKING, BETTER PERFORMING PHYSIQUETHE METABOLIC, HORMONAL & APPETITE CONSEQUENCES OF LOSING MUSCLE DURING A DIETWHY HYPERPHAGIA & BODY FAT OVERSHOOTING DERAIL POST-DIET MAINTENANCETHE RESEARCH BACKING RESISTANCE TRAINING AS THE MOST EFFECTIVE FORM OF EXERCISE DURING A DEFICITPROGRESSIVE OVERLOAD AS THE FOUNDATION OF EFFECTIVE FAT LOSS TRAININGTHE DOUBLE PROGRESSION MODEL AND HOW TO USE IT IN A DEFICITHOW TO MANAGE TRAINING VOLUME, INTENSITY & EFFORT THROUGH A CUTTHE NUANCE OF PROGRESSION AND PERFORMANCE CHANGES AS YOU GET LEANERPROACTIVE VS REACTIVE PROGRAMMING DURING A FAT LOSS PHASETHE FOUR TRAINING MISTAKES THAT QUIETLY SABOTAGE FAT LOSS PHASESWHY TURNING LIFTING INTO CARDIO BACKFIRESTHE HIDDEN COST OF OVER-RELYING ON HIIT DURING A DEFICITWHY PROGRAM HOPPING REMOVES PROGRESSIVE OVERLOAD FROM THE EQUATIONTHE MINDSET SHIFT THAT SEPARATES DIETERS WHO PRESERVE MUSCLE FROM THOSE WHO DON'TIf you've ever finished a Fat Loss Phase feeling smaller but not better, or felt like your physique didn't look the way you expected after weeks of effort, this episode will give you the framework to approach your next cut the right way.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comMy Reading Recommendations:THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDShttps://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

There is no shortage of advice when it comes to cardio, fat loss, and hormones.And when it comes to women…this is where a lot of the misinformation becomes the most convincing.You'll hear things like:Fasted cardio wrecks your hormones.Zone 2 cardio doesn't work for women.Birth control is killing your progress in the gym.And the reason these claims spread so quickly is because they sound scientific.They reference cortisol.They reference metabolism.They reference sex-specific physiology.But when you actually break them down…Most of these claims are built on misinterpreted data, poor extrapolation, or conclusions drawn from research that doesn't apply to real-world training.In Part 2 of this series, I'm joined once again by Lyle McDonald to break down some of the most common physiology-based myths targeted at women.We unpack what the research actually shows when it comes to fat loss, training adaptations, and hormonal responses and more importantly, how to apply that in a practical coaching context.Because at the end of the day, your results are not dictated by fear-based narratives.They're dictated by your habits, your consistency, and your ability to apply the fundamentals correctly.HERE IS WHAT WE COVER:DOES FASTED CARDIO ACTUALLY CAUSE MUSCLE LOSS IN WOMEN?HOW CORTISOL RESPONSES SHOULD BE INTERPRETED IN TRAININGIS ZONE 2 CARDIO INEFFECTIVE FOR WOMEN?WHY LOW-INTENSITY CARDIO IS ONE OF THE MOST SUSTAINABLE FAT LOSS TOOLSHOW HIGH-INTENSITY CARDIO CAN INTERFERE WITH RECOVERY & PERFORMANCEDO ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES IMPACT MUSCLE GROWTH & STRENGTH?If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet, make sure to go back and check it out — where we break down resistance training myths around load, rest periods, and programming.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry

Fat loss isn't just about eating less and watching the scale drop.If your goal is to build a lean, strong, defined physique, your approach has to go far beyond just creating a calorie deficit. It has to be more strategic, more structured and more sustainable than what most dieters default to.Because most people who diet end up disappointed with the result. They hit their goal weight but they don't look the way they expected. They don't look leaner in the way they envisioned. They don't look more defined. They just look like a smaller, scrawnier version of where they started.That's not a fat loss outcome. That's a weight loss outcome. And those are two very different things.This is part one of my Fat Loss Series, where I'm breaking down every major component of the fat loss process across multiple episodes. In this episode, I cover the nutrition strategy I use to help my clients lose body fat, preserve their lean muscle mass and build a leaner, more defined physique that they can actually sustain after the diet ends.HERE'S WHAT WE COVER:WHY THE GOAL OF A FAT LOSS PHASE IS BODY COMPOSITION CHANGE, NOT JUST WEIGHT LOSSTHE PHYSIOLOGICAL REALITY OF A CALORIE DEFICITWHY MUSCLE IS METABOLICALLY ACTIVE TISSUE & WHAT IT DOES FOR YOUR PHYSIQUETHE HYPERPHAGIA MECHANISM & HOW MUSCLE LOSS DRIVES POST-DIET REBOUNDHOW TO CREATE A CALORIE DEFICIT WITHOUT CREATING A NUTRIENT DEFICITTHE NUTRITION HIERARCHY: CALORIES, MACROS & MICRONUTRIENTSWHY ADHERENCE IS THE BOTTLENECK FOR MOST DIETERSWHY PROTEIN IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT DIETARY LEVER DURING A FAT LOSS PHASEHOW PROTEIN SUPPORTS MUSCLE RETENTION, INCREASES TEF & DRIVES SATIETYWHY FIBER IS THE MOST OVERLOOKED VARIABLE IN FAT LOSS SUCCESSHOW FIBER REGULATES APPETITE, STABILIZES BLOOD SUGAR & SUPPORTS METABOLIC HEALTHHOW TO STRUCTURE CARBOHYDRATES AS A PERFORMANCE LEVER, NOT THE ENEMY OF FAT LOSSTHE PROBLEM WITH PUSHING DIETARY FAT TOO HIGH DURING A DEFICITWHY TRACKING, MEAL PLANS & MEAL PREP ARE THE THREE HABITS THAT DRIVE EXECUTIONHOW TO BUILD SYSTEMS THAT MAKE CONSISTENCY THE DEFAULT, NOT THE EXCEPTIONIf you've been spinning your wheels with fat loss, struggled to maintain your results after a diet, or felt like your physique didn't look the way you expected after weeks of effort, this episode will give you the framework to approach your next fat loss phase the right way.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comMy Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

Season Seven of the Two Piers Podcast begins with a reflective solo episode from host Erica D'Eramo. In this opening episode, Erica shares some of the realities behind the scenes at Two Piers over the past several months, including navigating health challenges, shifting priorities, reduced capacity, and the ongoing balance between sustainability and growth.Drawing on lessons from coaching, offshore operations, and organizational leadership, Erica explores:The challenge of recognizing burnout and reduced capacity in real timeHow “firefighting mode” impacts strategic thinking and creativityThe concept of “load shedding” and what it can teach us about prioritizationWhy intentional tradeoffs matter when everything feels importantThe difference between maintaining critical operations and trying to do everything at onceThe episode also includes reflections on the growth of Two Piers over the past decade, updates on new team members and initiatives, and a preview of upcoming Season Seven episodes and themes.Upcoming conversations this season will explore:Coaching in nonprofit organizationsStorytelling and personal narrativeResearch on belonging and workplace connectionLeadership lessons from fighter pilotsNavigating uncertainty, overwhelm, and complexity in today's worldErica also shares updates on:The expansion of the Two Piers teamTeam coaching certification through Brown UniversityMentor coaching and teaching through the University of New HampshireNew video content and educational resources coming later this yearThank you for joining us for Season Seven of the Two Piers Podcast.Resources & LinksTwo Piers Consulting: Two Piers ConsultingPodcast archive and episode summaries: Two Piers PodcastLearn more about coaching programs and offerings: Coaching Services

There is no shortage of training advice in the fitness industry.But when it comes to women, a lot of that advice is not just inaccurate, it's completely misleading.Women are constantly being told they need to train differently.That they need to lift heavier or muscle growth won't happen.That shorter rest periods are better.That they need to constantly switch workouts to keep progressing.And the problem is…Most of this sounds scientific.It references hormones.It references physiology.It references research.But when you actually break it down — much of it is built on misapplied data, oversimplified concepts, and in many cases, straight up misinformation.In this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I'm joined once again by Lyle McDonald to break down some of the most common training myths targeted at women.We unpack what the research actually says about muscle growth, strength development, and programming and more importantly, how to apply it in a real-world coaching context.Because at the end of the day, the fundamentals of training don't change based on fear-based marketing or social media narratives.They come down to principles.And once you understand those principles, you can train with clarity and confidence.HERE IS WHAT WE COVER:MYTH 1: WOMEN SHOULD LIFT IN THE 3-5 REP RANGE TO MAXIMIZE MUSCLE GROWTH WHY LOW-LOAD TRAINING STILL BUILDS MUSCLE EVEN AS WOMEN AGEHOW MOTOR UNIT RECRUITMENT ACTUALLY WORKS WITH HEAVY VS LIGHT LOADSMYTH 2: WOMEN GAIN MORE STRENGTH WITH SHORTER REST PERIODSWHY SHORT REST PERIODS CAN HURT YOUR PROGRESS, NOT HELP ITHOW REST INTERVALS IMPACT TRAINING VOLUME & HYPERTROPHYMYTH 3: YOU SHOULD SWITCH YOUR WORKOUTS & EXERCISES EVERY 4 WEEKS TO GAIN MUSCLE & STRENGTH QUICKER THE TRUTH ABOUT SWITCHING WORKOUTS EVERY 4 WEEKSWHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry

In this month's Q&A episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I'm joined once again by Jeff Hoehn for Episode 4 of our monthly series.Each month, we answer your questions and break down the strategies that actually move the needle when it comes to improving your physique, your performance, and your overall health.This episode is focused on the principles that separate trainees who see real change from those who train hard for years and never look any different.Because cardio doesn't kill your gains the way the internet says it does.Most diets don't fail because of metabolism, they fail because of execution.And switching your training program every few weeks is one of the biggest reasons your physique looks the same year over year. It's about understanding the physiology underneath these decisions, applying the right protocols at the right time, and giving your body the consistency it needs to actually change.HERE'S WHAT WE COVER:DOES CARDIO AFTER LIFTING PREVENT MUSCLE GROWTH & HOW TO PROGRAM IT THE RIGHT WAYTHE MOST COMMON DIETING MISTAKES THAT KEEP PEOPLE FROM ACHIEVING A LEAN PHYSIQUEHOW TO MAINTAIN MUSCLE WHEN LIFE GETS HECTIC & TRAINING VOLUME HAS TO DROPWHY SWITCHING YOUR TRAINING PROGRAM EVERY 4-6 WEEKS IS HOLDING YOU BACKA BELIEF WE'VE CHANGED OUR MINDS ON IN THE LAST FEW YEARSAs always, this conversation blends physiology, research, and real-world coaching application so you can better understand what actually drives sustainable results.If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who needs to hear it.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryMy Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

Fat loss is simple in theory but far from easy in practice. With so much misinformation in the fitness industry, most people end up spinning their wheels, chasing fad diets, or relying on quick fixes that don't last.In this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I'm breaking down the research-backed truths about fat loss so you can finally separate fact from fiction and make sustainable progress.We'll cover:WHY BODY COMP STATS MATTER MORE THAN THE SCALEOVERWEIGHT & OBESITY: THE HARSH REALITYBODY FAT PERCENTAGES & THE “OVERFAT” EPIDEMICTHE DANGER OF CREEPING YEARLY WEIGHT GAINWHY MOST PEOPLE GAIN FAT: OVEREATING & UNDER-MOVINGCALORIES ALWAYS COUNT: THE SURPLUS PROBLEMFAT LOSS: THE MOST COMMON FITNESS GOAL WORLDWIDEWEIGHT LOSS VS. FAT LOSS: THE CRUCIAL DIFFERENCETHE REAL GOAL OF A FAT LOSS PHASEWHAT YOU ACTUALLY NEED TO LOSE FATHUNGER IS PART OF THE PROCESS (AND HOW TO MANAGE IT)METABOLIC ADAPTATION: YOUR BODY'S RESPONSE TO DIETINGADHERENCE: THE #1 PREDICTOR OF SUCCESSIf you're tired of diet confusion and want clarity on how fat loss really works, this episode gives you the facts, the science, and the strategies to help you lose fat and keep it off.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comMy Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

You Can Be Profitable With A 37% Win Rate  Podcast: Find out more about Blueberry Markets – Click Here Find out more about my Online Video Forex Course Book a Call with Andrew or one of his team now Click Here to Attend my Free Masterclass #633: You Can Be Profitable With A 37% Win Rate In this video: 00:43 – Win Rates in Trading and a Simple Example 01:26 – Percentage Risk for a Trade/Risk Management 02:08 – Client Ryan achieves 9% with a 37.6% win rate 02:46 – Outside world win percentages for Roger Federer, 03:15 – Casino games win rate, need 55%+ 03:57 – Sports betting win rate, need 55%+ 04:48 – 95% traders lose, only hear about the 5% winners, winning AND s 05:33 – 2 ways to react to losing trades, one preferred way 06:17 – Taking the good with the bad: celebrate wins and deal with losses How would you like to be a consistent and profitable trader with a win rate in the mid to high 30s or low to mid 40s? Impossible? It's not. And how do we react to losing trades? Let's talk about that and more right now. Hello this is Paul Tillman. I'm the Director of Coaching Services at The Forex Trading Coach here at my home in the Raleigh, North Carolina area. And this is video and podcast number 633. I want to talk to you about 2 things: win rates and losing trades. Win Rates in Trading and a Simple Example So win rates which is simply the number of trades you're winning divided by total number of trades that you are taking. So let's do a simple example here. Let's say you take 2 trades. First 2 trades you lose your risking $100 per trade and you're down $200. Let's say the 3rd trade that you take is a winning trade. And your reward to risk is 3 to 1, as in your win is 3 times what your loss is. So you've won $300 on that trade. Now if we add that up you have 2 losing trades at -200 and 1 winning trade at +300. So you've made a net gain of $100. And with 33.3% win rate. Percentage Risk for a Trade/Risk Management And as always we suggest taking a quarter or a half percent risk on the actual trade that you take. Risk management is very key, and so is consistently getting that reward to risk. So you can be a profitable trader at 33.3%. Now if we extrapolate that on all the trades that we take on our live webinars, on our form site and our chat room area for our daily trade suggestions, which is like a newsletter we put out each weekday. Extrapolate that out to tens and hundreds of trades in a year, and you can do very, very well with a win rate that's much lower than 50%. Client Ryan achieves 9% with a 37.6% win rate In fact, we had a trader, Ryan, who said for his March trades, he made 9% gain at a half percent risk, with an average awarded to risk of 2.6 to 1 across all his trades. And his win rate was 37.6%. So under 40 with a 9% gain in 1 month. That is incredibly good. And if you could do that every month, you know the sky is the limit with regards to firms and trading retirement accounts or whatever it is, you can do fantastically well now in the outside world, that's very hard to do to be successful at something at under 50%. Outside world win percentages for Roger Federer, Let's take a few cases here. Roger Federer, who's arguably my favorite tennis player and I think one of the best of all time, only won about 54%-55% of all points that he played. Which is crazy to think about how many Grand Slam titles and overall titles that he's won and he's only done that percentage. Casino games win rate, need 55%+ Now let's take 2 other different ventures: the casino. A lot of people are going to casinos on cruises, or if there's casinos where you are and the house always has about a 1% to 5% edge, depending on what game or what type of hands you're playing, machines, et cetera, etc. so you've got to be in that 53% to 55% win rate range just to break even. And the casinos know this and they have that house edge. So it's built in. But if you can get over 55%, which is rare, and your casino games and everything are set up for you not to do that, especially long term, then you'll be a consistent winning player of the casino. Sports betting win rate, need 55%+ Let's take sports betting huge around the world and has been growing in the US the last 5 to 10 years especially. Again, there's a built in advantage to the casino. If you win 52% – 53% of bets, you'll break about even that, that juice that they have or that vig as they say, is to the sports books advantage and the casinos. The best bettors in the world only win 55% to 60%. And that's at the very top. But you can do well if you can achieve that number. So in trading, you know, high 30s, low 40s. Our client Ryan, who's been with us a couple of years and others are getting right in that, you know, mid to high 30s or low 40s for a win rate. 95% traders lose, only hear about the 5% winners, winning AND losing trades The other one that I want to talk to you about is losing trades. There's a reason why 95% of traders lose. But you don't hear about the 95%. You hear about the 5%. If you take a look out there, I'm a proud owner. I've got another car. I would have been newer one, but that's my 2007 Hyundai Santa Fe. It's got 365,000 miles on it. And you know, I'm just regular guy with a family. And I'm going to show you what winning and losing trades are about, because that's what most of 98% of us deal with. And we'll give you the real story. A lot of times on social media, you don't get what goes on behind the curtain because people only post about the positive things. So I want to give you the true story of trading and how it goes. So losing trades, none of us like to lose. But it does happen. 2 ways to react to losing trades, one preferred way So how do we react to losing trades? What are 2 ways? 1, I made a technical error. I had a deal breaker in my strategy and I traded it. I traded during news. I broke a rule I over risk, I over traded whatever I tried to revenge trade, whatever it is. That's 1 reason why you also trade. The 2nd reason, and the 1 I prefer the most is you made your analysis, you stuck to your strategy, you kept all the rules, you took the right risk and you took the trade and it lost and the market just simply went against you. That's the preferable way to trade. That's a great way to lose a trade. Even though that sounds counterintuitive. Taking the good with the bad: celebrate wins and deal with losses But losing streaks will happen sometimes you'll have a losing week or a losing month and you just have to deal with that. That's the reality of trading. As my good friend Darryl says, you have to take the good with the bad in life, and that certainly applies to trading. Take the winning trades, celebrate them, and learn how to deal with the losses. And all together, you'll have a consistently profitable time of trading, and you can learn the life long skill and have it work in your favor. So that's it for me. I'm going to go watch Carolina Hurricanes NHL hockey team here in the Raleigh area, going for the Stanley Cup. But yeah, we've talked about win rates today and how you can win with much less than 50% and still be consistently profitable. And how do we react? It's easy to react to a winning trade, but how do we react to losing trade. So that's it for me. We enjoy this beautiful weather and some hockey and we'll see you next week here at The Forex Trading Coach. Thanks. Episode Title: #633: You Can Be Profitable With A 37% Win Rate Find out more about Blueberry Markets – Click Here Find out more about my Online Video Forex Course Book a Call with Andrew or one of his team now Click Here to Attend my Free Masterclass

Women are more likely to diet for fat loss than men.But they're also more likely to run into challenges that make the process feel frustrating, confusing, and harder to sustain.In this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I'm joined by Lyle McDonald for a deep dive into the topic of female fat loss.Lyle has been writing about fitness, nutrition, dieting, and female physiology for decades, and in this episode we unpack the physiological, behavioral, and practical reasons why fat loss can be more difficult for women.We cover the most common mistakes women make when dieting, why women often lose scale weight slower than men, how sex differences in metabolism, energy expenditure, fat storage patterns, and lean mass retention impact fat loss outcomes, and why aggressive low-calorie dieting can create bigger problems for women.This episode is not about fear mongering or making women feel like their bodies are broken.It's about helping women understand their physiology so they can take a smarter, more strategic approach to fat loss.HERE IS WHAT WE COVER:THE MOST COMMON FAT LOSS MISTAKES WOMEN MAKEWHY AGGRESSIVE DIETING OFTEN BACKFIRESSEX DIFFERENCES IN METABOLISM & ENERGY EXPENDITUREWHY WOMEN LOSE WEIGHT SLOWER THAN MENDIFFERENCES IN FAT STORAGE PATTERNS BETWEEN MEN & WOMENTHE TRUTH BEHIND THE 3500 CALORIE RULEWHY WOMEN MAY LOSE LESS LEAN MASS DURING A DIETLOW ENERGY AVAILABILITY & RELATIVE ENERGY DEFICIENCYWHY VERY LOW-CALORIE DIETS CAN BE MORE PROBLEMATIC FOR WOMENIf you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who needs to hear it.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry

Most people go into a Building Phase with the right intention. But they execute it the wrong way. And that's why they either spin their wheels…or they gain far more fat than muscle.In Part 5 of my LEAN GAINS SERIES, I break down the most common building phase mistakes that accelerate fat gain and limit muscle growth.IN THIS EPISODE, I COVER THE FOLLOWING MISTAKES:NOT STAYING IN A BUILDING PHASE LONG ENOUGH & APPROACHING IT LIKE A FAT LOSS PHASEEATING IN TOO LARGE OF A SURPLUSTAKING TOO FAST OF A RATE OF GAINCREATING A WEEKLY SURPLUS BY UNDEREATING DURING THE WEEK & OVEREATING ON THE WEEKENDBEING TOO FLEXIBLE WITH YOUR FOOD CHOICES & EATING OUT TOO FREQUENTLYEXCESSIVE CHEAT MEALSNOT BEING CONSISTENT ENOUGH & SWINGING FROM EXTREME TO EXTREMETRYING TO INTUITIVELY EAT DURING A BUILDING PHASEIf you want to build muscle without getting fat, this episode will give you the framework to run your next building phase with structure, strategy, and control.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.comMy Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

In this month's Q&A episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I'm joined once again by Jeff Hoehn for Episode 3 of our monthly series.Each month, we answer your questions and break down the strategies that actually move the needle when it comes to improving your physique, your performance, and your overall health.This episode is focused on the fundamentals that too many people overlook.Because fat loss isn't just about creating a deficit.Training isn't just about showing up and going through the motions.And progress isn't measured by a single number on the scale.It's about building the right habits, understanding what actually drives results, and applying it in a way that's sustainable.HERE'S WHAT WE COVER:THE MOST IMPORTANT HABITS YOU NEED DIALED IN BEFORE STARTING A FAT LOSS PHASEWHY YOUR SCALE WEIGHT FLUCTUATES & WHAT ACTUALLY MATTERS FOR PROGRESSTHE NON-NEGOTIABLE HEALTH HABITS WE USE TO SUPPORT RECOVERY, PERFORMANCE & LONG-TERM RESULTSHOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT LOADS IN A NEW TRAINING PHASE & AVOID OVERREACHINGAs always, this conversation blends physiology, research, and real-world coaching application so you can better understand what actually drives sustainable results.If you found this episode helpful, share it with someone who needs to hear it.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.comMy Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

Most people still think building muscle is as simple as “just eating more.”So they push their calories in the name of muscle gain and then they wonder why they gained far more fat than muscle.In Part 4 of my LEAN GAINS SERIES, I break down the truth about calorie intake for muscle growth and answer one of the most common questions I get as a coach:HOW BIG OF A SURPLUS DO YOU ACTUALLY NEED TO BUILD MUSCLE?Because the goal of a productive Lean Building Phase is not just to gain weight. It's to gain MUSCLE while minimizing unnecessary fat gain so you can improve body composition long-term.In this episode, I cover:THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTIONS AROUND CALORIE INTAKE FOR MUSCLE GAINWHY YOU CANNOT FORCE FEED MUSCLE GROWTHTHE RATE OF GAIN TARGETS I USE WITH CLIENTS IN A LEAN BUILDING PHASEWHY I USE A RATE OF GAIN INSTEAD OF A BLANKET “300 CALORIE SURPLUS” RECOMMENDATIONTHE RESEARCH COMPARING FAST VS SLOW WEIGHT GAIN AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR FAT GAINTHE MOST RECENT STUDY BY HELMS ET AL. 2023 ON SMALL VS LARGE SURPLUSES IN TRAINED LIFTERSIf you want to build a lean, strong, muscular physique without spending half the year dieting off a bad bulk, this episode will give you the framework.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.comMy Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

There is no shortage of nutrition advice in the health and fitness industry.Yet despite all the information available, many people still struggle with the same core challenges: losing fat and keeping it off, improving metabolic health, and building a lean, strong physique.In this week's episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I'm joined once again by nutrition researcher and educator Mikki Williden for a Q&A episode covering some of the most important topics when it comes to long-term body composition improvement and metabolic health.Together we discuss the habits that separate successful dieters from those who repeatedly regain weight, the most effective lifestyle levers for improving insulin sensitivity, and the biggest nutrition mistakes many women make when trying to build a lean, strong physique.As always, this conversation blends physiology, research, and real-world coaching experience so you can better understand what actually drives sustainable results.HERE'S WHAT WE COVER:THE HABITS & BEHAVIORAL PATTERNS OF SUCCESSFUL DIETERS WHO LOSE FAT & KEEP IT OFF LONG-TERMWHY STRUCTURE, SYSTEMS, & PHYSIOLOGICAL READINESS MATTER MORE THAN WILLPOWERTHE MOST EFFECTIVE LEVERS FOR IMPROVING INSULIN SENSITIVITY THROUGH NUTRITION & LIFESTYLEHOW BODY COMPOSITION, RESISTANCE TRAINING & MOVEMENT IMPACT GLUCOSE CONTROLTHE OVERLOOKED ROLE OF SLEEP & STRESS MANAGEMENT IN METABOLIC HEALTHTHE BIGGEST NUTRITION MISTAKES WOMEN MAKE WHEN TRYING TO BUILD A LEAN PHYSIQUEWHY CHRONIC UNDERFUELING PREVENTS MUSCLE DEVELOPMENT & BODY COMPOSITION PROGRESSTHE IMPORTANCE OF STRATEGIC BUILDING PHASES & NUTRITION PERIODIZATIONIf you've ever struggled with fat loss maintenance, improving metabolic health, or building a leaner, stronger physique, this episode will give you practical insights you can apply immediately.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com My Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

Kevin Kegel joins the show to break down strength & conditioning for grapplers, blending his background in powerlifting, gym ownership, and a return to judo. The conversation dives into what actually transfers to performance on the mat, common training mistakes, and how to structure an effective program for judo athletes.00:00 Judo Journey & Fitness Background03:20 What Makes an Athlete “Athletic”06:10 Building a Smart Strength Program08:40 Training Mistakes in Grappling12:00 Exercise Selection for Judo16:20 Conditioning: What Actually Works20:00 Programming Structure for Grapplers22:40 Conditioning Debate: Running vs Intervals27:00 Critiquing Shintaro's Program31:40 Fixing Knee Pain & Lower Body Training37:00 Upper Body Adjustments39:30 Coaching Services & Pricing41:30 Closing Thoughts & Future Topics

One of the biggest bottlenecks holding many back from reaching their ideal physique is that many people overestimate how hard they're actually training.They believe they're pushing their sets to failure…But in reality they often still have several reps left in the tank.When this happens, the training stimulus they think they're creating doesn't match the stimulus their muscles are actually receiving, which is one of the reasons so many people train for years yet still look the same.In this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I'm joined once again by Dr. Scott Stevenson to explore whether the average trainee is truly pushing their sets hard enough to maximize muscle growth.We examine the research on load selection, effort regulation, reps in reserve accuracy, and training volume, and discuss why many lifters may unknowingly be training further from failure than they think.We also explore Dr. Stevenson's hypothesis of there being a potential central governor in resistance training, and whether subconscious pacing may influence effort during high-volume training sessions.In this episode we cover:WHY MOST TRAINEES SELECT LOADS THAT ARE TOO LIGHTRESEARCH SHOWING LIFTERS CHOOSE ~53% OF THEIR 1RM WHEN SELF-SELECTING WEIGHTSWHY LOW-LOAD TRAINING REQUIRES PUSHING CLOSER TO FAILURE TO STIMULATE HYPERTROPHYTHE LIMITATIONS OF USING RIR AND HOW INACCURATE FAILURE PREDICTION CAN BEWHY MANY LIFTERS BELIEVE THEY'RE TRAINING TO FAILURE WHEN THEY AREN'TWHY META-ANALYSES SHOW A DOSE-RESPONSE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VOLUME AND MUSCLE GROWTHTHE PELLAND META-REGRESSION AND WHY HIGHER VOLUMES DON'T SHOW A CLEAR INVERTED UHOW EFFORT PER SET MAY CHANGE AS TRAINING VOLUME INCREASESBEHAVIORAL CHANGES THAT MAY OCCUR DURING HIGH-VOLUME TRAINING SESSIONSSANDBAGGING, PACING, AND KEEPING REPS IN RESERVETHE POTENTIAL ROLE OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNOR THEORY IN REGULATING EFFORTWHY RPE OFTEN TOPS OUT AROUND 7-8 IN MANY TRAINING STUDIESWHETHER THIS REFLECTS EFFORT REGULATION OR ADAPTATION TO HIGH WORKLOADSPRACTICAL COACHING INSIGHTS ON HOW TO DETERMINE IF YOU'RE TRULY TRAINING HARD ENOUGHUltimately, the goal of this episode is to encourage you to ask yourself one honest question:Am I really training as hard as I think I am?Because sometimes the biggest breakthroughs in physique development don't come from adding more exercises or more volume…They come from learning how to push the sets you're already doing to a higher level of effort.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.comMy Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccwThe Central Governor Model of Exercise Regulation:https://www.researchgate.net/figure/The-Central-Governor-Model-of-Exercise-Regulation-proposes-that-the-brain-regulates_fig2_224709105

A lot of people say they want to build muscle.But what they end up doing is taking the same extreme mindset they use during fat loss and flipping it in the opposite direction.They go from cutting calories aggressively to force feeding food, loosening up diet quality, gaining weight too fast, and calling that a productive building phase.And that is exactly where a lot of people go wrong.In this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I break down the difference between a Lean Building Phase and the more traditional bulking approach many people take, why the “eat big to get big” mentality backfires, and how to actually gain muscle without packing on unnecessary body fat in the process.If you've ever been hesitant to go into a building phase because you're afraid of getting fat, or if you've tried to build in the past and ended up overshooting, this episode will help you reframe the entire process.HERE'S WHAT WE COVER:THE MOST COMMON MISTAKE MANY PEOPLE MAKE WITH NUTRITION FOR MUSCLE GROWTHWHY YOU CANNOT FORCE FEED THE MUSCLE GROWTH PROCESSLEAN BUILDING VS BULKING PHASESWHY FOOD QUALITY, ADHERENCE & TRACKING STILL MATTER IN A SURPLUSTHE DRAWBACKS OF TAKING AN AGGRESSIVE BULKING APPROACHHOW EXCESS FAT GAIN CAN WORSEN BODY COMPOSITION, BIOFEEDBACK & METABOLIC HEALTHTHE ADVANTAGES OF TAKING A LEAN BUILDING APPROACH TO MUSCLE GAINHOW TO GAIN MORE LEAN MASS WITH LESS FAT MASS WHILE STAYING HEALTHIER THROUGHOUT THE PHASEIf you're interested in doing a Lean Building Phase and want to be properly guided through the process, this is a phase I take many clients through to help them maximize muscle gain while minimizing unnecessary fat gain.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.comMy Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

Big changes are happening! I'm sharing my 2026 content strategy, sponsorship goals, and how I'm reclaiming the joy of creating as a full-time YouTuber.Rent My Studio: https://www.jamesandpark.com/Marketing Retreat Waitlist: https://themarketersedit.com/Coaching Services: https://www.latashajames.com/coachingSocial Media Management Accelerator Course: https://courses.latashajames.com/courses/smmaGamma: https://gamma.appFacebook Content Fund Info: https://about.fb.com/news/2026/03/creator-fast-track-grow-your-audience-earn-money-on-facebook/DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Camera: https://amzn.to/4rTZJi1

A lot of people still think muscle gain is simple: eat more to gain more muscle.But the real question is: do you actually need an energy surplus to maximize hypertrophy or do you just need to be out of a deficit, training hard, and executing consistently?In this episode, I'm joined by return guest Dr. Eric Helms to break down the relationship between weight gain, rate of gain, and muscle growth — including what the research actually shows and how to apply it in the real world.TOPICS WE COVER:IS AN ENERGY SURPLUS NEEDED FOR MAXIMIZING MUSCLE GAIN (SLATER ET AL.)WHAT PREVIOUS WORK LAID THE FOUNDATION FOR YOUR RECENTLY RELEASED WEIGHT GAIN STUDY?A BREAKDOWN OF THE HELMS ET AL. 2023 STUDY “EFFECT OF SMALL AND LARGE ENERGY SURPLUSES ON STRENGTH, MUSCLE, AND SKINFOLD THICKNESS IN RESISTANCE-TRAINED INDIVIDUALS: A PARALLEL GROUPS DESIGN”HOW TO TRACK MUSCLE GAIN PROGRESS IN THE REAL WORLDIf you want a smarter framework for building muscle without blindly force-feeding calories, this one will bring a lot of clarity.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/⁠Email: ⁠Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com⁠For Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: ⁠https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry⁠Brandon's Website: ⁠https://www.brandondacruzfit.com⁠My Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS ⁠https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw⁠

Most people keep trying to diet their way into a better physique.They chase scale weight loss.They bounce from deficit to deficit.And they never build the foundation of muscle that actually creates the look they're after.So they end up becoming a smaller version of themselves, not a better version of themselves.And this is especially true for the person who describes themselves as “skinny fat” or what I think is more accurately described as being overfat yet under muscled.In this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I break down why a dedicated Lean Building Phase is often the missing piece for long-term physique development.We're going to cover why building muscle changes your shape, improves your metabolism, supports better training performance, and sets you up so your next fat loss phase actually reveals something worth revealing.If you've been stuck in the cycle of always trying to get leaner but never looking more muscular or defined, this episode is for you.HERE IS WHAT WE COVER:WHY YOU NEED A LEAN BUILDING PHASE FOR LONG-TERM PHYSIQUE OUTCOMESTHE REAL GOAL OF A BUILDING PHASE & WHY MOST PEOPLE EXECUTE IT POORLYWHY YOU CAN'T MAXIMIZE MUSCLE GROWTH IN A CALORIE DEFICITHOW TO SET YOUR CALORIE SURPLUS FOR LEAN MUSCLE GAINTHE RATE OF GAIN I AIM FOR TO MINIMIZE FAT GAIN & MAXIMIZE THE GROWTH RUNWAYTHE NUTRITIONAL HIERARCHY OF IMPORTANCE FOR MUSCLE GROWTHHOW TO SET UP TRAINING TO ACTUALLY DRIVE HYPERTROPHYWHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.comMy Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

In the fitness space, most conversations revolve around two things.Being in a calorie deficit to lose body fat. Or being in a calorie surplus to build muscle.But very rarely do you hear people talk about the value of intentionally spending time eating at maintenance. And that's a mistake.Because spending time at maintenance can provide a wide range of metabolic, physiological, behavioral, and psychological benefits that support long-term body composition progress.In this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I'm joined once again by my good friend Jeff Hoehn, host of the Mind Muscle Connection Podcast, for Episode 2 of our monthly podcast collaboration.IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:INTRO TO THE TOPIC OF THE OVERLOOKED BENEFITS OF EATING AT MAINTENANCETHE METABOLIC BENEFITS OF EATING AT MAINTENANCE THE PHYSIOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF EATING AT MAINTENANCETHE BEHAVIORIAL BENEFITS OF EATING AT MAINTENANCE THE PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS OF EATING AT MAINTENANCE HOW CAN PERIODS OF EATING AT MAINTENANCE BE USED ACROSS THE YEAR & BETWEEN PHASES? If you've ever wondered whether spending time eating at maintenance is productive or necessary, this episode will give you a much deeper understanding of why it can play such an important role in a well structured body composition plan.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.comMy Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

What actually makes a great coach?In this episode of the CHASING CLARITY HEALTH & FITNESS PODCAST, I sit down with longtime bodybuilding coach, mentor & founder of Cement Factory Nutrition — AJ Sims.AJ is a coach, a leader, and a man who lives the standards he teaches. From training alongside Jay Cutler as a teenager to building a reputation rooted in discipline, faith, identity & high standards, AJ brings a perspective that goes far beyond macros & programming.This conversation goes deeper than training.We talk about:AJ's early journey into bodybuilding & lessons from training with Jay CutlerWhat separates a real coach from someone just handing out macrosThe responsibility that comes with leading othersThe qualities that drive long-term transformationThe common traits of clients who actually succeedCoaching isn't about information.It's about leadership, empathy, standards & helping people become someone capable of sustaining the result.If you're a coach, athlete, or someone serious about leveling up your physique & life, this episode will hit. WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.comMy Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

A lot of people think they can diet their way to the body they want.But if your goal is to look lean, strong, and muscular, here's the truth:You cannot maximize muscle growth in a calorie deficit.In this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I break down why living in a deficit year-round keeps you stuck, why building a foundation of muscle has to be prioritized and how to approach your phases with a long-term strategy that actually changes your physique.If you've ever dieted down and still felt disappointed with what you saw, this episode will connect the dots.HERE'S WHAT WE COVER:WHY YOU'RE NOT GOING TO DIET YOUR WAY INTO A MORE MUSCULAR PHYSIQUEHOW CALORIE DEFICITS REDUCE MUSCLE PROTEIN SYNTHESIS LEVELS & LIMIT MUSCLE GROWTH THE THRESHOLD WHERE LEAN GAINS STOP IN A DEFICITTHE BENEFITS OF GOING UP TO MAINTENANCE, OR INTO A SLIGHT SURPLUSWHY A SLIGHT SURPLUS CREATES A MORE ANABOLIC ENVIRONMENT FOR GROWTHTHE RATE OF MUSCLE GAIN VS THE RATE OF FAT LOSS &  WHY MOST PEOPLE GET THIS BACKWARDSWHY CUTTING FAT IS EASIER THAN GAINING MUSCLE & WHY THAT SHOULD CHANGE YOUR TIMELINEWHY SLOW & STEADY WINS FOR BOTH MUSCLE GAIN & FAT LOSSWHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.comMy Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

On this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, Jeff Hoehn and I kick off a new monthly collaboration series where we break down listener questions and dive into the strategies that actually move the needle for physique progress, fat loss, recovery & long-term health.We start with personal updates, then move into one of the most important conversations in physique coaching — why most people try to diet before their body and lifestyle are ready.THIS EPISODE COVERS:JEFF'S “HOLDING PHASE” APPROACH TO TRAINING & HEALTHBRANDON'S 24–28 WEEK BUILDING PHASE, TRAINING SPLIT & CALORIE INTAKEWHY A PRIMER PHASE IS CRITICAL BEFORE FAT LOSSPHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS THAT DETERMINE FAT LOSS READINESSMETABOLIC ADAPTATION & DIETING HISTORYHUNGER & APPETITE REGULATION BEFORE DIETINGTHE NEED FOR TIME OUT OF A DEFICITBUILDING MUSCLE BEFORE GETTING LEANMANAGING A TIGHT SCHEDULE WHILE TRAININGCIRCADIAN RHYTHM, MEAL TIMING & EVENING TRAININGADVICE FOR TAKING BETTER CHECK-IN PHOTOSHOW TO IMPROVE RECOVERY & REDUCE SORENESSPERI-WORKOUT NUTRITION & PERFORMANCE RECOVERYWHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A HIGH-QUALITY SUPPLEMENT COMPANYTHIRD-PARTY TESTING, LABEL TRANSPARENCY & GMP STANDARDSIf you're someone who wants to approach fat loss, physique development & performance with a health-centric, evidence-based strategy, this series is for you.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.comMy Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

Do you fear failure?What would happen if you embraced it instead.We open up this episode sharing famous quotes on failure from highly successful people. Each one embracing failure. Welcoming failure. Grateful for the failures in their lives.What if fear of failing is the very thing keeping you from the success God has planned for you?Want to learn more about Gail's Coaching Services?See the menu on her website: gailroot.com

In this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I'm joined by Ben Mayfield-Smith for a raw and honest conversation that goes far beyond reps, macros, and training splits.We dive deep into the pivotal moments that shaped who we are from career-altering accidents to caring for terminally ill family members and how adversity became the catalyst for personal growth, mindset evolution, and purpose.Together, we unpack:How major life events reshape your identityThe mindset shift required to rebuild yourself after traumaWhat bodybuilding teaches beyond the stageTime management, work ethic & using failure as feedbackWhat it means to live with radical extreme ownershipTurning personal pain into purpose, leadership & serviceThis one's for anyone who's ever been knocked down and had to rebuild from the ground up.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.comMy Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

Most people still think about physique transformation in black & white: you're either cutting or you're bulking.But in my coaching, I use a third strategy—body recomposition—when it's the right client, at the right time, under the right conditions.This episode breaks down exactly how I coach recomp phases to help high performers improve both ends of the spectrum—gain muscle & lose fat at the same time—while optimizing their health, recovery & long-term sustainability.If you're a high performer, physique enthusiast or high-level lifestyle client looking to elevate your approach, this episode will give you the full framework.WE COVER:WHEN & WHY I USE RECOMP PHASESWHO RECOMP PHASES ARE BEST FOR & WHO THEY'RE NOT FORTHE CLIENT CONDITIONS I LOOK FOR BEFORE DEPLOYING RECOMPSETTING THE FOUNDATION FOR RECOMPINGNUTRITION STRATEGY FOR BODY RECOMPTRAINING STRATEGY FOR RECOMPINGLIFESTYLE, STEPS & RECOVERY STRATEGYPSYCHOLOGY OF RECOMPINGHOW THIS FITS INTO MY HEALTH-CENTRIC COACHING MODEL TO BUILD A BODY THAT'S BOTH RESPONSIVE & RESILIENTIf you've ever been stuck between wanting to build but not wanting to gain fat or wanting to lean out but not sacrifice muscle, this episode is for you.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.comMy Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

What actually makes a relationship last—and why do so many people repeat the same painful patterns? In this episode, we break down what healthy relationships are really built on (hint: it's not chemistry alone).   We dive into the subtle, often hidden unhealthy patterns that don't show up as red flags at first, and why taking responsibility for your own growth is essential before you can truly meet “the one.” Thanks for listening!   Coaching Services: https://www.stephanielynlifecoaching.com/CoachingServices Online Courses: https://www.stephanielynlifecoaching.com/Coaching-Courses  

Today's episode is a case study episode, and I'm taking you behind the scenes of my Evergreen Marketing Accelerator client, Sarah Lovell's, podcast marketing strategy. This strategy has resulted in her generating over 20 leads for her 1:1 coaching, building a waitlist for her 1:1 coaching, and increasing her downloads by 860% in just one year. You'll hear from her on why she joined the Evergreen Marketing Accelerator, the strategies she learned, and how these same strategies are still growing her business one year later.In this episode, you will learn:Sarah's podcasting journey as an executive functioning and ADHD coachThe podcast marketing strategy that grew Sarah's business and allowed her to stop using Instagram for her marketingThe results Sarah saw while in the Evergreen Marketing Accelerator, and continues to see a year laterResources Mentioned in Today's Episode:Apply to the Evergreen Marketing AcceleratorIdeas to Action: A 12 week executive function coaching program for women business owners.Connect with Sarah Lovell:WebsiteFrom Stuck to Started PodcastFree Resource: ADHD Action Plan Private Podcast Ways I Can Serve You:Join the Evergreen Marketing Era NewsletterEvergreen Marketing AcceleratorVIP Podcast LaunchMonthly Podcast ManagementRecommended Podcast + Business Tools:Email Marketing: Flodesk (14-day Free Trial)Podcast Hosting:

Training volume makes sense on paper. Applying it in the real world is where most lifters get stuck.In this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Eric Helms for part two of our training volume discussion. In the previous episode, we broke down the research, dose-response relationships, and what the hypertrophy literature actually shows.Today, we shift to the applied side.We cover:HOW MUCH TRAINING VOLUME BODYBUILDERS ACTUALLY DO IN THE REAL WORLDPRACTICAL TRAINING VOLUME RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE 3RD EDITION OF THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDSA FRAMEWORK FOR PROGRESSING VOLUME WITHOUT BLINDLY ADDING MORE SETSToo often, volume discussions get stuck at the extremes. Either doing as little as possible because it feels easier to justify, or piling on volume without a framework for recovery, progression, or sustainability.This episode is about clarity.We talk about what successful physique athletes actually do, how to interpret volume recommendations intelligently, and how to progress training over time without burning out or stalling.If your goal is long-term muscle growth, better performance, and sustainable progress, this episode will help you bridge the gap between research and real-world training.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.comMy Reading Recommendations: THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDS https://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

Body recomposition — the process of losing fat and building muscle simultaneously — is one of the most sought-after goals in all of fitness.But it's also one of the most misunderstood.In this solo episode, I break down the science, physiology and strategy behind body recomposition and explain exactly what it takes to achieve it in the real world.WE COVER:WHAT BODY RECOMPOSITION REALLY IS & THE 3 FORMS IT CAN TAKEWHY THE SCALE OFTEN MISLEADS YOU DURING A RECOMP PHASETHE TRUTH ABOUT BUILDING MUSCLE WHILE DIETING (BACKED BY RESEARCH)WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RECOMPTHE FACTORS THAT DETERMINE YOUR ABILITY TO LOSE FAT & BUILD MUSCLE AT THE SAME TIMEWHY MOST PEOPLE WHO THINK THEY'RE TOO ADVANCED TO RECOMP… ACTUALLY AREN'TWHY WOMEN OFTEN HAVE A PHYSIOLOGICAL ADVANTAGE WHEN IT COMES TO RECOMPOSITIONWHAT THE LATEST RESEARCH SHOWS ABOUT HIGH PROTEIN, RESISTANCE TRAINING & RECOMPThis episode is for anyone who wants to understand how to take their body composition to the next level without constantly toggling between bulking and cutting.If your goal is to look leaner, feel stronger, and improve your physique year-round this episode will bring the clarity you've been missing.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.comMy Reading Recommendations:THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDShttps://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

Get in touch with Coach Sher! Hi Running Friends!What if seven to ten minutes could reset your fitness, steady your mood, and strengthen your heart? I am touching on the topic of micro running—short, purposeful runs that deliver benefits without demanding an hour or a perfect schedule. If this episode helps you rethink what “counts,” tap follow, and share it with a friend who thinks they're too busy to run!Resources:Micro-Sessions for Runners- 5 workouts that break up the run into little chunks of funWomen's Health UK article with Prof. Dan AugustineIf you are looking for a coach to help you reach your running goals, even if it's just to start to run, take a look at my Coaching Services page on the website. I do virtual, in-person (Buffalo, NY area) and also offer single zoom sessions for those would just like to chat with a coach one time.I am also a Personal Trainer, and offer virtual training as well, in addition to Nutrition Coaching. Find my additional outlets over at the YouTube channel and at wrinkledrunner.com. If you would like information on utilizing a running coach, check out what I can do for you here.If you have any running-related questions, please send an email to sherry@wrinkledrunner.com…I answer every one. 

Get in touch with Coach Sher! Hey Running Friends!Join me as I map out the first half of 2026. In this episode, I'm sharing what marathon I'm doing...and how I'm doing it (currently on the treadmill). I'll also be talking about a few other races and my next Mammoth March. I'm going to end the discussion with an overview of some of the topics we are going to cover for the next few months. Resources from the Episode:The Wrinkled Runner Website:Richmond Marathon Race RecapGet Fit Do Good: PloggingCould Your Running Belt Be Causing Glute PainThe Wrinkled Runner YouTube Channel:Richmond Marathon Race RecapMammoth MarchThe Boston Run ShowThe Wrinkled Runner Podcast:Richmond Marathon Race RecapA Small Gear Change to Fix Running PainMammoth March What Happens When Runners Stop Stepping Over TrashBoston Run Show RecapOther Resources:The Buffalo MarathonRichmond MarathonNiagara Falls USA Marathon/Half/10k/5KProducts I talk about in the episode (I earn from qualifying purchases)NordicTrack TreadmillIf you are looking for a coach to help you reach your running goals, even if it's just to start to run, take a look at my Coaching Services page on the website. I do virtual, in-person (Buffalo, NY area) and also offer single zoom sessions for those would just like to chat with a coach one time.I am also a Personal Trainer, and offer virtual training as well, in addition to Nutrition Coaching. Find my additional outlets over at the YouTube channel and at wrinkledrunner.com. If you would like information on utilizing a running coach, check out what I can do for you here.If you have any running-related questions, please send an email to sherry@wrinkledrunner.com…I answer every one. 

Training volume has become one of the most misunderstood and oversimplified topics in fitness.Over the last few years, there's been a strong push toward low-volume training. It's often framed as more efficient, more recoverable and even superior for long-term muscle growth.And while that idea sounds appealing, especially if you're short on time, the science tells a more nuanced story. In this episode, I'm joined once again by Dr. Eric Helms to break down where the training volume research actually stands as we move into 2026.WE COVER:• THE LATEST TRAINING VOLUME RESEARCH, INCLUDING THE 2025 PELLAND META-REGRESSION• WHY THE LOW VOLUME VS HIGH VOLUME DEBATE IS A FALSE DICHOTOMY• WHAT THE HYPERTROPHY LITERATURE ACTUALLY SHOWS ABOUT DOSE-RESPONSE & DIMINISHING RETURNSThis conversation isn't about doing the most volume possible or the least volume possible.It's about understanding what the evidence supports, how training volume actually drives adaptation over time and how to apply it intelligently based on your goals, training age, and recovery capacity.If your goal is long-term muscle growth, better performance, and sustainable progress, this episode will give you clarity.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.comMy Reading Recommendations:THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDShttps://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

One of the most common questions among both new and established coaches is how to establish your pricing. In this episode, Leigh, Suzy and Brad provide a round-table discussion on a range of pricing-related topics ranging from how the market affects your pricing to how to land on "your" number, the role of packages and much more.Info re earning your health & wellness coaching certification, annual Rocky Mountain Coaching Retreat & Symposium & more via https://www.catalystcoachinginstitute.com/ Best-in-class coaching for Employers, EAPs & wellness providers https://catalystcoaching360.com/ Tap into the home of the (freely available) Not Done Yet! articles on unlocking life's 2nd half here. YouTube Coaching Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/CoachingChannel Contact us: Results@CatalystCoaching360.comTwitter: @Catalyst2ThriveWebsite: CatalystCoaching360.comIf you are a current or future health & wellness coach, please check out our Health & Wellness Coaching Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/278207545599218. This is a wonderful group if you are looking for encouragement, ideas, resources and more.

In this solo episode, I'm sharing 13 of the most important lessons I've learned after over a decade of coaching clients across all walks of life from IFBB pros to lifestyle clients, corporate execs, entrepreneurs, and fitness professionals.These lessons weren't pulled from textbooks. They were earned through experience. Through the wins, the failures, the hard conversations, and the real-life transformations.Whether you're a coach, an athlete, or someone serious about personal growth, this episode will give you the clarity, perspective, and systems to level up your results and longevity in this game.INSIDE THIS EPISODE, I COVER:1. LEAD CLIENTS FROM THE FRONT2. THINK COACH, TALK CLIENT3. NO ONE CARES HOW MUCH YOU KNOW UNTIL THEY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE4. CONSISTENCY CREATES TRANSFORMATION5. SEE POTENTIAL IN CLIENTS THEY CAN'T YET SEE THEMSELVES6. COACHING IS AN ART AS MUCH AS A SCIENCE7. A HEALTHY BODY IS A RESPONSIVE BODY8. HABITS & SYSTEMS BEAT WILLPOWER & MOTIVATION9. HONESTY & HARD CONVERSATIONS DRIVE BREAKTHROUGHS10. COACHING IS A CRAFT THAT MUST BE REFINED11. THE MORE YOU LEARN, THE MORE YOU CAN SERVE12. INVEST IN YOURSELF TO EARN CLIENT INVESTMENT13. YOU CAN'T WANT THE RESULTS MORE THAN YOUR CLIENTS DOIf you've ever wondered what it really takes to create long-term results, this episode is for you.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.comMy Reading Recommendations:THE MUSCLE & STRENGTH PYRAMIDShttps://getdpd.com/cart/hoplink/25469?referrer=1l54og96lf1ccw

Get in touch with Coach Sher! Hi Running Friends!I tested a no-PR approach at the Richmond Marathon to bring back joy and confidence after months of gear-related pain. Resources from the Episode:The Wrinkled Runner Podcast:A Small Gear Change Solved Big Running PainThe Wrinkled Runner Website (Blog):My Surprising Discovery: Could Your Running Belt Be Causing Glute PainOther Resources:Allianz Richmond Marathon November 14, 2026Buffalo MarathonIf you are looking for a coach to help you reach your running goals, even if it's just to start to run, take a look at my Coaching Services page on the website. I do virtual, in-person (Buffalo, NY area) and also offer single zoom sessions for those would just like to chat with a coach one time.I am also a Personal Trainer, and offer virtual training as well, in addition to Nutrition Coaching. Find my additional outlets over at the YouTube channel and at wrinkledrunner.com. Sign up over on the blog for the once-a-month newsletter! If you would like information on utilizing a running coach, check out what I can do for you here.If you have any running-related questions, please send an email to sherry@wrinkledrunner.com…I answer every one. 

Send us a textAre you moving through life on autopilot, reacting to triggers based on old programming rather than responding with intention? In a world that constantly demands we define ourselves by our jobs, relationships, and past traumas, finding our true identity can feel impossible.In this transformative episode of the Self Reflection Podcast, host Lira Ndifon dives deep into the art and journey of Self-Awareness. Lira challenges listeners to ask the most difficult question of all: "Who am I at my core?" She explores the concept of stripping away societal labels to discover the divine being within, emphasizing that you are not your thoughts, your emotions, or your bank account. Lira shares her perspective not as a master, but as a fellow student of life, offering a vulnerable look at how self-awareness fosters empathy and self-compassion.The conversation shifts from theory to practice as Lira outlines the tangible benefits of becoming self-aware. She discusses how understanding your internal landscape helps you distinguish between reacting and responding, allowing for better emotional control. Lira also touches on the cultural nuances of setting boundaries—particularly within communal cultures—and how self-awareness is the prerequisite for building healthy relationships with others, and most importantly, with yourself.Finally, this episode provides actionable tools to begin your journey today. Lira breaks down three practical steps to cultivate awareness: implementing morning, midday, and evening check-ins; establishing a mindfulness practice; and the power of journaling to recognize patterns. Whether you are looking to heal from the past or raise your vibration for the future, this episode is a guide to taking your power back and creating a life that aligns with your soul.In this episode, you will learn:How to define self-awareness beyond the buzzwords.The importance of separating your core identity from your emotions and passing thoughts.Why self-awareness is the key to setting healthy boundaries and improving relationships.Practical techniques for daily emotional check-ins and mindfulness.How to shift from "unconscious creation" to becoming the conscious creator of your life.

Muscle hypertrophy is one of the most researched topics in exercise science. And yet, it's still one of the most misunderstood.In this episode, I'm joined by exercise scientist and researcher Derrick Van Every, author of the 2025 review Load-Induced Human Skeletal Muscle Hypertrophy: Mechanisms, Myths, and Misconceptions, to separate what actually drives muscle growth from what simply shows up alongside hard training.Together, we break down the human evidence, challenge long-standing myths, and clarify how lifters and coaches should actually approach hypertrophy-focused training.In this episode, we cover:MECHANICAL TENSION AS THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF HYPERTROPHYWHAT ROLE IF ANY DOES METABOLIC STRESS PLAY IN MUSCLE GROWTHDOES THE PUMP CONTRIBUTE TO MUSCLE GROWTH?DO ACUTE CHANGES IN HORMONES FROM TRAINING INFLUENCE HYPERTROPHY OUTCOMESHOW SHOULD WE APPROACH TRAINING TO MAXIMIZE MUSCLE HYPERTROPHY?If you want a clear, evidence-based understanding of how muscle is actually built and how to structure your training around the variables that matter most, this conversation will bring clarity.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Get in touch with Coach Sher! Hi Running Friends! Welcome to Season 11!!Today I'm sharing how glute and groin pain nearly ended marathon running (for good), and why a simple running belt turned out to be the hidden culprit.Lesson: treat gear changes as a training variable.If you are looking for a coach to help you reach your running goals, even if it's just to start to run, take a look at my Coaching Services page on the website. I do virtual, in-person (Buffalo, NY area) and also offer single zoom sessions for those would just like to chat with a coach one time.I am also a Personal Trainer, and offer virtual training as well, in addition to Nutrition Coaching. Find my additional outlets over at the YouTube channel and at wrinkledrunner.com. Sign up over on the blog for the once-a-month newsletter! If you would like information on utilizing a running coach, check out what I can do for you here.If you have any running-related questions, please send an email to sherry@wrinkledrunner.com…I answer every one. 

In this powerful conversation, Oscar sits down with Evan Sanchez, life coach and founder of New Grad Launchpad Coaching, to talk about the often-ignored phase of fatherhood: coaching our kids through early adulthood. Evan works closely with parents of teens and new grads navigating what he calls the quarter-life crisis—a stage filled with uncertainty, anxiety, and pressure for both kids and parents. Together, Evan and Oscar explore how fathers shape their daughters’ confidence, boundaries, self-advocacy, and resilience long after childhood ends. This episode dives into: Why daughters learn how to treat others by watching their fathers The shift from director to coach as kids grow Trusting daughters instead of controlling them Navigating entitlement vs preparedness in today’s world Supporting neurodivergent children with empathy and clarity Teaching boundaries without fear or intimidation Why praise, patience, and presence still matter in their 20s If you’re a father who wants to raise a daughter who can speak up, set boundaries, and navigate the real world with confidence—this episode is a must-listen. Evan's Coaching Evan's LinkedIn   Catch up w/ The Daughtered Podcast   Oscar on Instagram   Few Will Hunt. 10% OFF use GIRLDAD   00:00 The Influence of Fathers on Daughters 01:36 Introduction to the Daughter Podcast 01:52 Guest Introduction: Evan Sanchez 04:10 The Role of Fathers in Later Stages of Life 06:38 Challenges and Growth in Parenting 15:10 Understanding Neurodivergence 17:10 Lessons Learned in Parenting 20:26 Reflecting on Parenting Styles 23:49 The Importance of Diagnosis and Acceptance 26:20 Generational Differences in Parenting 29:42 The Importance of Outdoor Play for Kids 30:21 Harnessing Children's Energy 33:24 Balancing Parenting Styles 34:59 Preparing Kids for the Real World 41:07 The Entitlement Issue 42:59 Encouraging Independence in Teens 48:21 Modeling Respectful Conversations 52:31 Evan's Coaching Services 53:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Guest Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the guests. They do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, any organizations, companies, or institutions mentioned, or corporate entities represented by the host. Our aim is to provide a platform for diverse perspectives and open dialogue. While we strive for accuracy and balance, it's important to recognize that opinions may vary. We encourage critical thinking and further exploration of the topics discussed.

Most women don't struggle with fat loss because they're doing something wrong. They struggle because they've been taught to judge progress using the wrong measurement. The scale reflects body weight, not body composition, and when you don't understand what drives fluctuations, it's easy to panic, overcorrect, and sabotage results.On this episode of THE CHASING CLARITY HEALTH & FITNESS PODCAST, we continue the conversation from Part 1 by breaking down why scale weight behaves differently in women, how the menstrual cycle influences day to day changes, and how to track progress accurately without letting a single number dictate your mindset or effort.If you've ever felt like you were doing everything right but the scale jumped up a few pounds overnight, this episode will bring clarity. Progress is never linear, and weight is only one small piece of a much larger picture.HERE IS WHAT WE COVER️HOW THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE IMPACTS SCALE FLUCTUATIONS️ WHY WOMEN SEE BIGGER DAY TO DAY SHIFTS COMPARED TO MEN️ HOW TO USE DAILY WEIGH INS AND 7 DAY AVERAGES TO TRACK TRENDS️WHY WEEKLY WEIGH INS CAN MISLEAD YOU️ THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FAT LOSS AND WATER WEIGHT️ HOW TO DESENSITIZE YOURSELF TO SCALE ANXIETY️ HOW TO TRACK PROGRESS BEYOND THE SCALE WITH PHOTOS, CLOTHING, PERFORMANCE AND BIOFEEDBACK️ WHY TRUE TRANSFORMATION REQUIRES MULTIPLE DATA POINTSIf you want to stop letting the scale control your emotions, your decisions, or your belief in yourself, this episode will teach you how to interpret the data correctly and stay consistent without second guessing every fluctuation.IF THIS EPISODE HELPED YOU, SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND WHO NEEDS IT.If you're ready for coaching that respects female physiology and builds results that last, apply for 1:1 coaching through the link in the show notes.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/⁠For Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: ⁠https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry⁠Email: ⁠Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com⁠Brandon's Website: ⁠https://www.brandondacruzfit.com⁠

Most women don't struggle with fat loss because they're unmotivated or undisciplined. They struggle because they've been given the wrong strategy for their biology and they've been dieting from a suboptimal position where their body isn't ready to lose fat in the first place.On this episode of THE CHASING CLARITY HEALTH & FITNESS PODCAST, I break down the physiological realities that make fat loss look different for women, why comparing your progress to a man's is a losing game and how I coach female clients in a strategic, evidence-based way that protects hormones, preserves muscle and delivers results that last.This episode explains why so many women experience chronic dieting, metabolic slowdown, cycle disruptions, a slower rate of scale change than men, and the frustration of feeling like their body isn't responding and what to do differently if you want sustainable results instead of another rebound.HERE IS WHAT WE COVER️WHY WOMEN START WITH LOWER MAINTENANCE CALORIES & LOWER TDEE️ THE IMPACT OF CHRONIC DIETING, LOW ENERGY AVAILABILITY & RED-S️ WHY AGGRESSIVE DEFICITS BACKFIRE & LEAD TO HORMONAL DISRUPTION️ HOW TO SET SUSTAINABLE FAT LOSS RATES BASED ON % BODYWEIGHT️ WHY WOMEN LOSE WEIGHT SLOWER THAN MEN & WHY THAT'S NORMAL️ HOW TO PRESERVE LEAN MASS WHILE DROPPING BODY FAT️ THE POWER OF A PRIMER PHASE BEFORE DIETING️ HOW TO BREAK THE WEEKDAY DIETER CYCLE FOR GOODIf you're tired of dieting harder and seeing less progress, this episode will help you rebuild your metabolism, understand your physiology, and execute a fat loss strategy that actually works for women.IF THIS EPISODE HELPED YOU, SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND WHO NEEDS IT.If you're ready for a personalized approach that respects female physiology, apply for 1:1 coaching through the link in the show notes.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/⁠For Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: ⁠https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry⁠Email: ⁠Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com⁠Brandon's Website: ⁠https://www.brandondacruzfit.com⁠

Functional and “holistic” coaching is more popular than ever but a lot of people are walking away from these programs feeling more confused, more anxious, and more convinced that they are broken than when they started.On this episode of THE CHASING CLARITY HEALTH & FITNESS PODCAST, I sit down with Sam Miller to break down where functional coaching is going wrong, how fear based messaging and diagnosis driven protocols are impacting clients and what a higher standard of coaching should actually look like if the goal is long term health and sustainable results.HERE IS WHAT WE COVER️ WHY COOKIE CUTTER PROTOCOLS HAVE TAKEN OVER A FIELD THAT CLAIMS TO BE “INDIVIDUALIZED”️ HOW PRESET SYSTEMS AND TEMPLATES IGNORE REAL WORLD PHYSIOLOGY, PSYCHOLOGY, LIFESTYLE AND GOALS️ THE PROBLEM WITH VAGUE DIAGNOSES LIKE “ADRENAL FATIGUE” AND “WEIGHT LOSS RESISTANCE”️ HOW LABELING CLIENTS AS “BROKEN” CREATES FEAR, IDENTITY ISSUES AND DEPENDENCY️ THE RISE OF FEAR BASED MARKETING AND WHY IT DRIVES HYPERFIXATION AND OVER ANALYSIS️ HOW SUPPLEMENT AND PEPTIDE STACK OBSESSION PULLS ATTENTION AWAY FROM NUTRITION, TRAINING, SLEEP AND STRESS️ If this episode hits home for you, share it on your stories and tag us with your biggest takeaway, and if you need support, you can always reach me on Instagram @brandondacruz_ or through the link in the show notes.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/⁠For Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: ⁠https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry⁠Email: ⁠Bdacruzfitness@gmail.com⁠Brandon's Website: ⁠https://www.brandondacruzfit.com⁠

Women over 40 are constantly told that fat loss becomes impossible once they reach perimenopause or menopause. Social media is filled with claims that hormones prevent fat loss, that metabolism crashes and that weight loss resistance is inevitable. These messages create anxiety, confusion and frustration for women who feel like their bodies have stopped responding.In today's episode, we cut through the noise and get to the truth behind fat loss in midlife. The reality is that your body is not broken and fat loss is still absolutely achievable after 40. The women I coach in their 40s and 50s are living proof that with the right strategy, results are not only possible but predictable.This episode walks you through the science, the research and the practical strategies that drive real, long lasting body composition change for women in midlife.HERE IS WHAT WE COVER:️WHY WOMEN FEEL LIKE FAT LOSS BECOMES HARDER IN PERIMENOPAUSE AND MENOPAUSE️THE REAL REASONS FAT LOSS FEELS MORE CHALLENGING AFTER 40️WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS ABOUT WEIGHT LOSS OUTCOMES BEFORE & AFTER MENOPAUSE️HOW CHANGES IN SLEEP, STRESS, NEAT, & MUSCLE MASS IMPACT ENERGY BALANCE️FAT DISTRIBUTION CHANGES DURING MENOPAUSE️WHY LIFESTYLE HABITS MATTER MORE THAN HORMONES FOR FAT LOSS SUCCESS️THE COACHING STRATEGIES I USE WITH WOMEN OVER 40 TO REBUILD METABOLISM & CHANGE BODY COMPOSITION️ THE FIVE PILLARS THAT DRIVE SUSTAINABLE FAT LOSS ACROSS THE FEMALE LIFE COURSEIf you are in your 40s or 50s and feel like your body is fighting you, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence and strategy you need to move forward.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Women in their 40s and 50s are constantly targeted with misinformation around hormones, metabolism and fat loss. Social media is filled with claims that menopause crashes your metabolism, makes fat loss impossible and guarantees belly fat no matter what you do. These fragility narratives create fear and confusion and leave many women feeling frustrated and defeated.In this episode, I sit down with Lyle McDonald to break down what the science actually shows about metabolism and fat loss during the menopause transition.This conversation is designed to replace misinformation with clarity and empower women with an evidence based understanding and practical solutions.HERE IS WHAT WE COVER:️DOES MENOPAUSE CRASH YOUR METABOLISM️WHAT THE LATEST RESEARCH SHOWS ABOUT RESTING METABOLIC RATE IN MIDLIFE️WHY AGE NOT MENOPAUSAL STATUS IS LINKED TO LOWER METABOLIC RATE️WHY FAT LOSS FEELS HARDER DURING PERIMENOPAUSE️IS FAT GAIN INEVITABLE DURING MENOPAUSE️ WHAT THE SWAN STUDY REALLY TELLS US ABOUT BODY COMP IN MIDLIFE️THE TRUTH ABOUT “MENO BELLY” & FAT REDISTRIBUTION️ MYTH BUSTING A SHORTER ANABOLIC WINDOW FOR WOMEN️ ACTIONABLE STRATEGIES FOR WOMEN 40 PLUS TO IMPROVE METABOLISM AND BODY COMPOSITIONIf this episode resonates with you or you know a woman who feels stuck in her fat loss journey, share it with her so she can hear the truth instead of fear based marketing.For a structured, evidence based coaching program customized to your physiology and lifestyle, apply using the link in the show notes or send me a message on Instagram @brandondacruz_WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Women are constantly targeted with confusing and fear based messaging around hormones, metabolism, and weight loss. Especially during perimenopause and menopause, misinformation spreads rapidly and leads many women to believe their bodies are broken or that fat loss is no longer possible.In this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health and Fitness Podcast, I sit down with Lyle McDonald to dismantle the most common myths being pushed in the women's health space and reveal what the science actually shows. Our goal is to replace confusion and fear with clarity, confidence, and evidence based education.HERE IS WHAT WE COVER:️ WHY WOMEN ARE TARGETED BY NUTRITION & BODY COMP MISINFORMATION️ DO WOMEN RESPOND DIFFERENTLY TO A CALORIE DEFICIT THAN MEN?️ REAL REASONS WOMEN OFTEN LOSE FAT SLOWER THAN MEN️ KISSPEPTIN, HORMONES & MISUSED MECHANISTIC DATA️ PREMENOPAUSE VS PERI/POSTMENOPAUSE FAT LOSS OUTCOMESIf today's episode resonates with you, share it with another woman who needs to hear a message grounded in truth and empowerment instead of fear and confusion.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Most people see the holidays as an obstacle to progress, a time when all the hard work they've put in throughout the year gets undone. But the truth is, the holidays don't have to derail your goals. With the right systems, structure, and mindset, you can enjoy the food, the people, and the season without losing the habits that drive long-term success.In this episode of the CHASING CLARITY HEALTH & FITNESS PODCAST, I break down the research behind why most annual weight gain happens during the holidays and share the exact strategies I use with clients to help them stay lean, healthy, and consistent through the most challenging time of the year. Whether your goal is fat loss, maintenance, or simply feeling your best while enjoying the celebrations, this episode will give you a clear framework to stay in control without restriction or guilt.HERE IS WHAT WE COVER:WHY MOST YEARLY WEIGHT GAIN HAPPENS BETWEEN NOVEMBER & JANUARYHOW TO TRANSITION TO MAINTENANCE & FOCUS ON PERFORMANCE DURING THE HOLIDAYSWHY YOU SHOULD TREAT EACH HOLIDAY AS A SINGLE DAY, NOT A SIX-WEEK SEASONHOW TO PLAN & PRIORITIZE CELEBRATIONS WITHOUT LOSING STRUCTUREPRE-LOADING STRATEGIES THAT REDUCE HUNGER & PREVENT OVEREATINGHOW TO LEAD BY EXAMPLE BY BRINGING DISHES THAT ALIGN WITH YOUR GOALSTHE MINDSET SHIFTS THAT TURN HOLIDAY CHALLENGES INTO LONG-TERM SUCCESSIf you've ever felt like the holidays knock you off track or undo months of progress, this episode will show you how to approach the season with balance, confidence, and clarity so you can enjoy it fully and start the new year strong.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com

Most people see stage shredded physiques on social media and assume they can or should walk around looking like that year round. What they do not see are the physiological costs, the metabolic adaptations, the low energy availability and the trade offs that come with pushing down to essential levels of body fat.In this episode of the CHASING CLARITY HEALTH & FITNESS PODCAST, I sit down with Dr Eric Helms to break down what it really takes to get into stage condition, what happens to your body along the way and how to approach contest prep in a smarter, more sustainable way if you decide to go down that road.We cover the science, the case studies and our own experiences from multiple seasons on stage so that you have informed consent before chasing extreme levels of leanness.HERE IS WHAT WE COVER:WHAT “STAGE SHREDDED” ACTUALLY MEANS FOR MALES & FEMALESTYPICAL BODY FAT RANGES COMPETITIVE PHYSIQUE ATHLETES REACH FOR STAGEWHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU GET DOWN TO VERY LOW LEVELS OF BODY FATMETABOLIC ADAPTATION: HOW ENERGY EXPENDITURE, NEAT & HORMONES CHANGELOW ENERGY AVAILABILITY & REDS: HEALTH, PERFORMANCE & HORMONAL CONSEQUENCESTHE CALORIC COST OF GETTING SHREDDED: WHY CALORIES OFTEN HAVE TO GET VERY LOWHOW MUCH METABOLIC ADAPTATION IS EXPECTED VS EXAGGERATED ONLINETHE ROLE OF RATE OF LOSSWHY A HIGH PROTEIN INTAKE IS CRITICAL DURING PREPSMARTER PREP STRATEGIES LONGER TIMELINES, INTERMITTENT DIETING & PROPER CARDIO MODALITYIf you have ever thought about getting stage lean or wondered why you cannot stay “contest ready” year round, this episode will give you clarity on the trade offs, the physiology behind them and the strategies that make the process safer and more effective.WHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/Email: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comFor Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiry

Hunger is the #1 challenge most people face when trying to lose body fat. It's not that people don't know they need to eat fewer calories, it's that staying consistent in a deficit feels impossible when hunger and cravings take over.In this episode of the Chasing Clarity Health & Fitness Podcast, I'm breaking down the science of hunger and sharing practical, research-backed nutrition strategies to help you manage appetite, improve adherence, and make fat loss feel easier.We'll cover:WHAT IS HUNGER? THE SIMPLE DEFINITIONHOMEOSTATIC VS HEDONIC HUNGERDIETING REALITY: HUNGER IS A PART OF THE PROCESSNUTRITIONAL FACTORS FOR MANAGING HUNGER & MAKING FAT LOSS FEEL EASIERSMART NUTRITION CHOICES THAT MAKE FAT LOSS EASIERENERGY DENSITY: EAT MORE FOOD FOR FEWER CALORIESMANAGING THE CALORIE BUDGET THROUGH ENERGY DENSITYSATIETY INDEX: FOODS THAT KEEP YOU FULL LONGERMAXIMIZING SATIETY PER CALORIE USING THE SATIETY INDEXLOWER PALATABILITY TO LOWER INTAKETHE ROLE FOOD PROCESSING PLAYS IN FAT LOSSWHERE TO CONNECT WITH ME:Follow Brandon on IG: https://www.instagram.com/brandondacruz_/For Info on Brandon's Coaching Services: https://form.jotform.com/bdacruzfitness/coachinginquiryEmail: Bdacruzfitness@gmail.comBrandon's Website: https://www.brandondacruzfit.com