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Fitness Stuff (for normal people)
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Welcome back to Fitness Stuff for Normal People. On this episode, Marianna and Tony walk through seven things you can do to make a calorie deficit suck less because while “eat less than you burn” is simple on paper, it’s much harder to execute in real life. They break down why fat loss feels so difficult and the practical adjustments that make it easier to stick with, from managing hunger and sleep to setting up your environment so willpower isn’t doing all the work. If you’re in a deficit and feeling like it’s starting to wear on you, this episode helps you focus on what actually matters and make the process more sustainable.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps(2:16) Map vs territory(5:39) Protect sleep like it’s part of your diet(10:33) Eat a high-protein diet(20:28) Engineer your environment so willpower barely matters(26:14) Don’t cut out foods you enjoy(34:58) Learn how to cook and understand your way around the kitchen(40:51) Play with meal timing(44:55) Mini cut vs normal cut
On this episode of Fitness Stuff for Normal People, Tony and Marianna walk through a complete, evidence-based guide to setting up a lean bulk. They explain how to maximize muscle growth while minimizing fat gain during a bulking or muscle-building phase, covering how to properly set calories and macros and what actually matters in training. The conversation focuses on how to build workouts that support muscle growth without unnecessary extremes or confusion. By the end of the episode, listeners will have everything they need to confidently take themselves through a lean bulk or muscle-building phase.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps(6:15) Lean vs Dirty Bulk(12:20) How To Train(24:25) Calorie Goals(33:29) Protein Goals(37:36) Misc. Questions
On this episode of Fitness Stuff for Normal People, Marianna and Tony rank the biggest fitness and health trends of 2025 using a tier list format, from S Tier trends that are actually worth paying attention to to F Tier trends you can safely ignore. They talk through what’s helpful, what’s overhyped, and what’s just confusing online, covering everything from supplements and diets to wearables, recovery tools, and popular wellness trends. If you’ve ever wondered which trends are worth trying and which ones you don’t need to stress about, this episode helps you sort through the noise.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkout
In this episode, Tony and Marianna break down the commonly misunderstood condition known as 'skinny fat,' where individuals have low muscle mass and relatively high body fat despite appearing thin. They provide a clear, actionable five-step plan to address and fix this issue. The steps include prioritizing strength training with compound lifts, optimizing diet with high protein and appropriate calorie intake, incorporating strategic cardio routines, improving lifestyle factors like sleep and stress management, and tracking progress with patience. They emphasize the need for consistency and the importance of adjusting goals as one's body changes.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutCalorie + Protein CalculatorsTimestamps:(02:56) What is “Skinnyfat”(09:00) What causes Skinnyfat(14:41) How to fix Skinnyfat
Today on Fitness Stuff for Normal People, Marianna and Tony break down why goal setting works for some people and consistently fails for others. If you have ever felt frustrated, inconsistent, or unsure why your effort is not matching your results, you are not alone. This episode dives into the psychology behind effective goal setting, the most common reasons people fall short, and how clearer, more intentional goals change behavior. The conversation offers a practical framework for setting goals that are realistic, motivating, and aligned with real life.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(5:57) Goal Setting Theory
(15:35) How to Actually Set and Achieve Your Goals
(19:19) 5 Steps to Set Your Goal and Plan
(19:28) Step 1: Set Desired Outcome(24:24) Step 2: Decompose the Goal Into Micro-Processes
(26:54) Step 3: Decide What to Measure(31:37) Step 4: Feedback and Adaptability
(35:15) Step 5: Accountability Systems
(42:49) Why Most People Fail
Micro Dose Monday is back for Fitness Stuff for Normal People with Marianna and Tony, and we’re so glad you’re here. This episode covers four listener requested topics, including the real science behind glyphosate in food, a new diabetes and fat loss pill that targets muscle instead of appetite, why daily low dose Cialis is being studied as a longevity tool, and a major shredded cheese recall and what it actually means for you. It’s fast paced, evidence based, and designed to give you clarity without the fear or hype. Thanks for listening, being part of this community, and kicking off your week with us.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(3:58) Glyphosate and Monsanto(17:10) New fat burning pill that protects muscle and appetite(28:30) Daily low dose Cialis as a new health protocol(36:12) Food recalls
In today's episode, Tony and Marianna are diving into how to keep your progress moving forward even when you are completely out of your routine. Today, Fitness Stuff for Normal People breaks down how to adjust your diet, tweak your workouts, and set real guardrails so you can stay consistent through the holidays or any season when life gets busy. The holidays in particular make it tough to manage your routine and habits, but the right structure can keep you feeling in control without giving up the fun. These tools work whether you are traveling, moving, changing jobs, or juggling a full calendar. Long term success comes from learning how to pivot, not panic, and they are here to show you how to make that happen.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(7:26) Concept of "Guardrails"(10:56) Diet Guardrails(29:09) Training Guardrails(38:12) Mindset
If you feel like you’re doing everything right and nothing is changing, this episode is for you. Today we break down what a real plateau actually looks like and why most people aren’t truly stuck at all. Habit drift happens quietly, and once you know what to look for, it becomes so much easier to get back on track. We walk you through the exact signs to pay attention to and the small fixes that make progress start moving again. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to adjust and how to get your momentum back without overthinking it.LEGION ATHLETICS CYBER MONDAY SALEBUY-ONE-GET-ONE 75% OFF SITE WIDE!BUY-ONE-GET-ONE 50% OFF PROTEINS!Use code “FSPOD” at checkoutSign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthTimestamps:(2:37) Defining a Plateau(10:10) STEP 1: Increase NEAT (Movement)(12:28) STEP 2: Improve Training Intensity and Cardio(19:17) STEP 3: Reassess Calorie Intake(26:12) STEP 4: Metabolic Multiplier Habits(29:10) STEP 5: Implementing Changes(33:23) STEP 6: When to Take a Diet Break or Reverse Diet
In this episode of Fitness Stuff for Normal People, it's Microdose Monday, and Tony and Marianna delve into four diverse topics that have grabbed their audience's attention. They start by discussing how neglecting essential activities like lifting weights and walking can be more hazardous than smoking or drinking. Then, they dive into recent concerning findings regarding the effects of daylight savings time on health. Following that, they explore promising new data on how GLP-1 medications might aid in combating alcohol and drug addiction. Before wrapping up, they touch on the impact of changing sleep patterns on overall health and discuss upcoming, exciting developments in the realm of fitness and wellness.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(04:48) Sitting vs. Smoking(13:01) GLP-1s and Alcohol + Drug Addiction(23:47) DST Science
Today’s episode of Fitness Stuff for Normal People breaks down five of the most misunderstood topics in health and fitness and the myths that refuse to die. Sugar, inflammation, fat loss, cortisol, and seed oils are some of the most talked about topics in the space, yet they’re still widely misunderstood. Marianna and Tony walk through the research, clear up common confusion, and explain what’s real in a way that actually feels approachable. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what truly impacts your health and what tends to get overstated.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(4:53) Inflammation(22:25) Sugar(31:55) Cortisol(43:07) Fat Burning(46:57) Seed Oils
Welcome back to Fitness Stuff for Normal People. Today’s episode is a split. First, Marianna and Tony break down what actually separates training for strength from training for size, and how dialing in the right approach can change your progress entirely. Then we move into why “skinny” isn’t the goal, and what real health looks like when you zoom out past aesthetics. Consider this a reset for both your programming and your perspective, so your training reflects what you actually want.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(5:16) Strength vs Size
(27:34) Skinny Tok
Your mind can literally change your body just by believing something will work. In this episode Tony and Marianna break down the placebo and nocebo effects and how your thoughts alone can shape pain hormones recovery and performance. They dig into the science in a way that actually makes sense talk through real examples and share how to apply it to your own training and health. Join the Fitness Stuff community for a conversation that will change how you think about what your body is capable of.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(3:58) Placebo(6:35) Nocebo(13:01) How the Placebo Effect Works(28:30) The Nocebo Effect in Action(39:40) Placebo in Action(46:09) Using and Avoiding Placebo and Nocebo Effects
Everyone online’s talking about “gut health,” but no one seems to agree on what it actually means. Marianna and Tony break down the science in plain English, explaining what your microbiome does, how it connects to your brain, and what really impacts your digestion and mood. They cover everything from fiber and probiotics to processed foods and the truth about “leaky gut” and gut health tests. No detox teas or gimmicks here, just real research simplified for normal people.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion Athletics HALLOWEEN SALE!!!BOGO 50% OFF ALL SUPPLEMENTSBOGO 100% OFF select supplements+ FREE gift card with each orderUse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(3:32) What Is Gut Health / Why It’s Important(6:00) The Gut Microbiome(8:44) The Gut–Brain Connection(12:02) Anxiety, Depression & Gut Health(17:29) Undereating & Slowed Motility(24:16) How Diet Shapes the Microbiome(47:44) Gut Barrier & “Leaky Gut”(52:10) Lifestyle Factors That Affect Gut Health(54:28) Gut Health Myths in the Media
Most people spend way too much time trying to find the perfect workout split, but the name of your split isn’t what builds muscle. The real progress comes from the inputs you put in each week. In this episode, Marianna and Tony break down how to choose the right training split for you based on your goals, schedule, and recovery. You’ll learn how to line up your volume, frequency, and intensity so your training actually moves you forward instead of keeping you stuck. Like every episode of Fitness Stuff, it’s all based on research and facts, simplified for everyone.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion Athletics HALLOWEEN SALE!!!BOGO 50% OFF ALL SUPPLEMENTSBOGO 100% OFF select supplements+ FREE gift card with each orderUse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(3:15) What is a Split(8:49) The 4 Things That Matter When Choosing a Split(22:31) Bro (Body Part) Split(29:04) Push–Pull–Legs Split(36:41) Upper/Lower Split(39:02) Full Body Split(40:20) Hybrid Splits
Everyone says to eat clean, but what does that actually mean? No sugar, no bread, no processed food? Clean eating sounds healthy, but it’s one of the biggest reasons people fail their diets. In this episode, Marianna and Tony break down why that happens and what the research actually shows about long-term nutrition and real, sustainable progress. They unpack the five biggest problems with clean eating, from confusing definitions and rigid rules to how it can quietly hurt your mindset and overall health, and then explain what to do instead. If you’ve ever tried to eat perfectly and still ended up frustrated, this one’s going to make things finally click.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(4:03) What “clean eating” really means (5:16) Problem #1: There’s no formal definition(9:15) Problem #2: It’s inflexible and unsustainable(12:31) Problem #3: It doesn’t work for long-term fat loss(20:01) Problem #4: It’s not necessarily healthier(25:55) Problem #5: It can lead to disordered eating(35:30) What to do instead
In this episode, Tony sits down with Michael Smoak (better known online as HigherUpWellness) to unpack what it really means to communicate better.They talk about why most people struggle to express themselves clearly, how to get your point across without over-explaining, and what makes people actually listen. Michael shares the story behind his viral “HigherUp Speaking Challenge” and how it’s helped thousands overcome the fear of speaking up, in front of a crowd, or even just in conversation.From fitness to communication, this episode breaks down the simple skills that change how you connect with people, at work, in relationships, and online.If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, overlooked, or unsure how to get your message across, this one’s for you.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(04:37) Defining Communication and Common Misconceptions(06:52) The Role of Nonverbal Cues in Communication(12:07) The Power of First Impressions(20:14) Active Listening and Filler Words(25:39) The Value of Practicing Communication Skills(32:28) Facing the Fear of Public Speaking(34:10) The Viral Public Speaking Challenge(38:34) The Power of Posting Publicly(40:59) The Importance of Doing Hard Things(44:16) Coping with Personal Loss(49:18) The Role of Communication in Self-Understanding(53:46) The Art of Concise Communication(01:04:09) Balancing Authenticity and Influence(01:05:46) Understanding the Ego and Authenticity(01:06:25) The Power of Simplicity in Communication(01:06:40) The Importance of Authenticity Online and Offline(01:08:13) Personal Experiences and Sharing Vulnerability(01:10:20) The Concept of Alter Egos and Authenticity(01:18:36) Energy, Intent, and Authenticity(01:25:39) The Role of Communication Skills in Personal Growth01:32:07 Final Thoughts and Personal Reflections
Nicotine without the smoke. Food addiction without the diagnosis. On this episode of Fitness Stuff for Normal People, Marianna and Tony unpack what the research really shows when you separate nicotine from cigarettes and vaping, from sharper focus to appetite changes. Then they take on the science of food addiction, a brain hijack that in some cases can be even more powerful than drugs, and open the conversation for all of us to rethink what we thought we knew together.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(6:39) Nicotine(26:00) Food Addiction
Welcome back to Microdose Monday, the series where Tony and Marianna stack smaller topics into one jam-packed episode. Today’s lineup covers the truth about muscle memory and how fast you can really bounce back, a six-month sugar study that busts the cravings myth, the largest metabolism study ever showing no real slowdown from your 20s to 50s, and a candid look at kids’ health policy. Quick, sharp, and packed with research you can actually use, all in one episode.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(2:52) Muscle Loss & Muscle Memory
(12:59) Sugar & Cravings(22:22) Metabolism As You Age
(30:52) Make America Healthy Again (Latest Report)
On this episode of Fitness Stuff, hosts Tony and Marianna break down the top 5 best and worst supplements, separating what is backed by research from what is pure hype. They dig into whey protein, creatine, magnesium, vitamin D, fish oil, and more to show which supplements actually deliver results, while also exposing the ones that fall flat like fat burners, detoxes, and overpriced greens powders. Along the way, they share a few honorable mentions from their own supplement stacks and explain why they use them. Fitness Stuff for Normal People is built on research, facts, and giving listeners the tools to make their own informed opinions about health and fitness.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(4:40) Whey Protein / Protein Powder
(13:52) Magnesium
(17:33) Vitamin D + K
(21:15) Fish Oil / Omega-3
(28:47) Creatine Monohydrate(30:42) Honorable Mentions(39:21) Top 5 WORST Supplements
(40:33) Proprietary Blends
(45:10) Collagen Protein
(51:13) Fat Burning Supplements
(52:27) Detox / Cleanses
(56:54) Food Replacements
Working out is tough, but it’s even tougher when the things you’re doing in the gym are holding you back. In this episode of Fitness Stuff for Normal People, Marianna and Tony go through the top mistakes most people make when training. From rest times to tracking your lifts, these are the small details that can completely change your progress. Whether you’re brand new or years into lifting, catching these mistakes will save you time, energy, and frustration. You’ll learn how to train smarter, not just harder, so the work you put in actually pays off. We’ll cover what the research really says and give you practical ways to adjust your workouts starting today.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(2:32) Mistake 1(10:29) Mistake 2 (19:27) Mistake 3(26:08) Mistake 4
(33:06) Mistake 5(39:14) Mistake 6





awesome episode
sure plenty of shady stuff in the supplement world, so you put all your trust in the pharmaceutical industry and the medical industrial complex and their funded "studies"? this podcast is a disappointment. also get rid of the chick, she sounds like she should work at Starbucks. good day.