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Fitness Stuff (for normal people)

Fitness Stuff (for normal people)
Author: Tony and Marianna
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© Tony and Marianna
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OVER 2,000,000 DOWNLOADS AND COUNTING!!!
Evidence based meets real life.
The goal of this podcast is to give you the knowledge & tools you need to be confident in applying the BEST possible training, nutrition, & supplementation into your own life. No trends, no fads, just cutting out the bulls***, for normal people like us.
Evidence based meets real life.
The goal of this podcast is to give you the knowledge & tools you need to be confident in applying the BEST possible training, nutrition, & supplementation into your own life. No trends, no fads, just cutting out the bulls***, for normal people like us.
186 Episodes
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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
What if everything you thought you knew about skincare, acne, anti-aging, and hair loss was either outdated (or just plain wrong?)In today’s solo-hosted episode of The Fitness Stuff (for Normal People), Tony sits down with Carter Gottlieb (aka Eviba Carter): cosmetic chemist, MD/PhD candidate, Chief Product Officer at HelloSkin, and one of the most respected voices in the skincare science world.This is not your typical skincare episode. Carter brings rare depth and clarity to topics normally clouded by hype, influencer noise, and cosmetic marketing.Together, they explore:The truth about acne: what causes it, why most “quick fixes” make it worse, and what actually worksRetinoids vs. Retinol vs. Adapalene: the gold standards for acne and anti-agingThe real reason Korean and European sunscreens outperform American ones (and how to get them)Hair loss 101: minoxidil, finasteride, microneedling, and what makes hair look thickerWhy your skin is a mirror of internal health, and how lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, and diet matter more than you thinkThe skin barrier, slugging, in-clinic vs. at-home treatments, and what to skip entirelyThe future of skincare technology, and how HelloSkin is pushing it forwardAnd yes, the story behind Carter putting a microchip in his handWhether you’re battling acne, trying to keep your skin healthy as you age, or just want to stop wasting money on the wrong products, this episode cuts through the BS and gets straight to what actually works, backed by science, not hype.Carter's Recommendations & WebsiteCarter's Recommended Korean SunscreenLegion Athletics LABOR DAY SALE!!BOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutSign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthTimestamps:(2:05) Day-of Acne Fixes(15:18) Skin-care vs. Acne-care(37:00) Skin-care + Anti-aging Essentials(48:00) Korean Sunscreen vs. USA Sunscreen(51:10) Tanning Peptides(01:01:24) Carotenoids Supplements For Skin Glow + UV Protection(01:14:44) Skin Care Routine Fundamentals(01:29:00) Slugging(01:39:30) Rise And Fall of Eviba Skincare(01:53:25) Hair Loss + Thicker Hair Essentials
This week on Fitness Stuff for Normal People, Marianna and Tony flip the script on progress in the gym by breaking down the one thing most people overlook: recovery. You don’t get stronger while you’re lifting, the real growth happens in the hours and days after when your body is given the chance to heal. From the second you rack the last rep to how you sleep two nights later, they walk through the full timeline of recovery and the science behind what really matters. Expect practical takeaways on nutrition, sleep, movement, and supplements, plus a look at which buzzy biohacks are actually worth it. If you’re serious about getting the most out of your training, this episode is your blueprint for making recovery your ultimate performance tool.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /monthLegion Athletics LABOR DAY SALE!!BOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(5:29) The Physiology of Recovery(9:46) Immediately Post-Workout(27:03) Nutrition(45:54) Sleep(49:04) Active Recovery and Rest Days(57:23) Alternative Recovery Techniques: Hype vs Science
This week on Fitness Stuff for Normal People, Marianna and Tony are switching things up with the very first SPLIT episode. First, they break down why the painkillers so many of us reach for after a tough workout—ibuprofen, Advil, Tylenol—might actually be stalling your progress and quietly adding long-term health risks. Then they move into the truth about THC and whether it’s really helping or hurting your goals to lose fat, build muscle, and get stronger. Two conversations, one episode, and plenty of takeaways for anyone chasing real results in the gym.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:(3:10) NSAIDs/Pain Killers(26:56) THC
It’s Micro-Dose Monday on Fitness Stuff for Normal People where instead of diving deep on just one topic we’re serving up four quick hits you’ve been asking for. Today Marianna and Tony are talking about why you can’t trust calorie trackers and the research that proves it, the truth about plant vs. animal protein quality and why Marianna’s opinion has shifted, the FDA’s new rules for what can legally be labeled “healthy,” and the recent Chobani class action lawsuit that has Marianna rethinking her yogurt habit.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:(3:26) Why You Can’t Trust Calorie Trackers (and why that’s actually totally okay)
(13:20) “Healthy” Food Label
(25:05) Plant vs. Animal Protein
(37:27) Chobani lawsuit
If you're ready to make real, lasting changes in your life, it’s not about what you do once in a while. It’s about what you do every day. In this episode of Fitness Stuff for Normal People, Marianna and Tony share the top habits they’ve added into their routines that changed everything. No trends, no fluff. Just simple, sustainable shifts that actually made a difference. These are the habits that helped us build momentum, stay consistent, and actually enjoy the process. If you’re trying to feel better, think clearer, or take back control of your day, 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:(3:50) Ingredient Prep(9:10) Visualization(15:06) Reading(21:49) Waking Up Early(28:20) Walking (10k+ Steps)(29:47) Walking After Meals(32:52) Digital Boundaries(41:09) Meditation(46:55) Time Blocking(52:06) Consistent Check Ins
Half the world will experience a mental health disorder at some point, and what you eat could be making a bigger difference than you think. This week, we're diving deep into the science behind food and mood—how nutrients affect your brain, your stress response, and your overall mental state. We cover everything from neurotransmitters and inflammation to omega-3s, dietary patterns, and why diversity on your plate actually matters. This isn’t about cutting out junk or chasing superfoods. It’s about understanding how your food choices can support your mental health in a real, lasting way.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:(4:07) Connection between food and the brain(8:43) Neurotransmitters and nutrients(17:31) Omega-3 & Mental Health/Cognition(20:46) Inflammation and Mental Health(24:32) Dietary Patterns and Mental Health(39:00) Practical Tips for Mental Health Through Food
In this episode of Fitness Stuff (For Normal People), Marianna and Tony dive into the wild world of peptides—what they are, what they’re supposed to do, and which ones are actually worth your time. They cover the big claims around fat loss, muscle growth, brain power, and faster recovery, breaking down the science in a way that actually makes sense. No gatekeeping, no BS—just straight talk on what works and what doesn’t. If you've been tempted by a TikTok ad or just want to understand what the hype is about, 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:(7:46) Peptides for weight loss & metabolism(20:26) Peptides for growth & performance(35:30) Peptides for brain health & cognition(44:58) Peptides for recovery & injury
Welcome back to Fitness Stuff for Normal People. It’s Micro-Dose Monday, where Marianna and Tony cover a few of the most popular topics you’ve been asking about—all in one episode. No deep dive this time, just quick hits of the stuff everyone’s curious about. This week, they’re breaking down how your metabolism adapts when you’re in a calorie deficit, a new study on omega-6 seed oils and inflammation, whether muscle soreness is actually slowing your progress, and if creatine made for women is worth the hype. Fast, easy to follow, and packed with the info you actually care about.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!Access to 10+ complete training programsbonus episodes weeklyJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(3:44) Metabolic Adaptation(15:56) Seed Oils(37:25) Muscle Soreness(42:47) Creatine for Women
If you care about living longer and better—this episode is for you. Today, we’re breaking down the 10 most important health metrics every person should be tracking for longevity, backed by research that ties each one to actual lifespan. No fluff—just the hard-hitting stuff that helps you live longer, move better, and feel more like yourself for years to come. Covering resting heart rate, grip strength, mental health, daily steps, VO₂ max, sleep quality, fiber, blood pressure, waist-to-height ratio, and metabolic labs like HbA1c & ApoB plus: how to track them, what your numbers should be, and realistic ways to improve them—without obsessing over every number on a spreadsheet.This is the kind of episode you’ll want to save and come back to. Because your future self will thank you.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!Access to 10+ complete training programsbonus episodes weeklyJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(03:00) Resting Heart Rate(06:53) Strength Tests(15:40) Flourishing Scale(18:58) Daily Step Count(26:45) Blood Pressure(35:11) Waist:Height Ratio(39:34) Sleep Quality(42:23) Fiber Intake(53:32) VO2 Max(59:20) HbA1C & Apo B
If it fits your macros, you’re tracking calories, protein, carbs, and fat. But what about everything else your body needs to feel good? In this episode of Fitness Stuff for Normal People, we’re diving deep into the other side of nutrition: Micronutrients. These are the vitamins, minerals, and lesser-known essentials that won’t directly change your weight, but absolutely impact your energy, digestion, mental clarity, recovery, sleep, and more. We cover the most common deficiencies, what these nutrients actually do inside your body, how to tell if you're getting enough, and what to prioritize. Because you can hit your macros and still feel like garbage, and we’re here to fix that.Legion Athletics 4th of July SALE!!BOGO 50% OFF THE ENTIRE SITE!!+ BOGO FREE select items like Energy Drinks+ Either a $10, $20, or $30 Gift card depending on how much you spendUse code “FSPOD” at checkoutSign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!Access to 10+ complete training programsbonus episodes weeklyJust $5 /monthTimestamps:(4:25) Why Micros Matter(8:12) Types of Micronutrients(15:57) The Major Players(46:07) Secondary Important Nutrients
This week, we’re exposing ourselves by ranking the worst health and fitness trends we’ve ever fallen for. Some were popular, some were personal, and all of them were either misguided, unnecessary, or straight-up harmful. From raw vegan diets to daily HIIT classes to chewing gum instead of eating, we’re breaking down what we tried, what went wrong, and how cringe it really was. We’re giving each one a 1 to 10 cringe rating, sharing whether we’re still tempted, and deciding once and for all if we’d ever go back. If you’ve ever gotten caught up in wellness hype or made questionable choices in the name of health, you’re not alone. This one’s for you.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!Access to 10+ complete training programsbonus episodes weeklyJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(3:12) GNC(13:32) raw vegan(20:22) macros(27:58) barrys boot camp(33:02) Apple Cider Vinegar (34:13) fasted cardio(35:29) Intermittent Fasting(40:02) Herbalife(41:54) BCAA(43:43) Food Sensitivity Tests(48:24) Green Juice(57:07) Eating disorder
Your heart beats over 100,000 times a day without a break. And somehow, heart disease is still the leading cause of death. In this episode, Marianna and Tony break down what your heart actually does, what messes it up, and how to take care of it without overcomplicating it.Turns out, about 80% of heart disease is preventable. So we’re getting into the stuff that actually matters—like food, workouts, labs to keep an eye on, and what most people are getting wrong.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!Access to 10+ complete training programsbonus episodes weeklyJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(4:01) Heart 101(10:03) Starting with Nutrition(28:52) Exercise and Physical Activity(39:44) Weight Management & Metabolic Health (52:12) What to look for
Welcome back to Fitness Stuff for Normal People with Marianna and Tony—where we make the confusing parts of health and fitness make sense. In this episode, we’re digging into one of the most underrated parts of your body: your gut microbiome. Most people think it’s just about digestion, but this wild ecosystem of over 100 trillion bacteria is actually running the show behind the scenes—impacting everything from your sleep and immune system to your cravings, metabolism, and even how you think and feel. In this episode, we’re breaking down the top 3 best and worst things you’re doing for your gut, and most of them have nothing to do with food. If you’ve ever felt like something’s been off or harder than it should be, this one might connect the dots. Stick around—it’s one of those episodes that just makes everything click.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!access to 10+ complete training programsbonus episodes weeklyJust $5 /monthLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimetamps:(05:27) Why your gut is important (13:44) 3 Worst things(14:40) Overuse of antibiotics (21:32) Alcohol & Nicotine(28:28) Poor sleep & stress(36:59) Under-eating(38:39) 3 Best things (38:47) Prebiotic Fiber(45:46) Exercise / Move Regularly (50:22) Eating a whole foods diet
In this solo episode, Tony flies solo (with Mini Mariana silently judging from the background) and dives into the 5 most powerful skills he’s developed over the last decade—skills that have radically transformed his mindset, relationships, career, and health.From mastering communication and emotional regulation, to understanding the underrated power of personal branding, self-auditing, and simply taking imperfect action—this episode is packed with tools you can start using immediately to level up your life.Whether you're deep in your fitness journey, building better mental habits, or trying to grow in your career or personal life, these are the skills that matter more than any hack or shortcut you’ll find online. Plus, drop your own life-changing skill in the Spotify comments—Tony’s reading them all.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!access to 10+ complete training programsbonus episodes weeklyand so much moreLegion AthleticsBOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutLinks to any tools mentioned in the show:Vinh Giang Social’s + Youtubehttps://www.instagram.com/askvinh/https://www.youtube.com/@askvinhJoseph Tsar Youtube How To Speak Articulatelyhttps://www.youtube.com/@ttsarTED Talk Youtubehttps://www.youtube.com/@TEDThe Iconist: The Art & Science of Standing Out (book)https://a.co/d/7zgbUlyThe Creative Act (book)https://a.co/d/dVmQIQRMade To Stick (book)https://a.co/d/3pOQIqZScience and Human Behavior (book)https://a.co/d/iMOfI4sBenjamin Franklin’s Virtue Checklisthttps://fs.blog/the-thirteen-virtues/Headspace Meditation Apphttps://www.headspace.com/Timestamps: (00:00) Intro(02:20) Why America is fat (tangent)(08:00) What I consider a “skill”(12:55) Communication skills(25:14) Emotional Intelligence (33:45) The art of standing out/branding(44:14) Self auditing(50:32) The ability to take imperfect action
Happy Micro-Dose Monday—Today we tackle 4 juicy topics in one episode instead of dedicating the full hour to just one. Fast-paced, research-backed, and designed to hit you with the good stuff right away.Here’s what we cover:🧠 How to Train Like an Athlete (Even If You’re Not One)Bodybuilding builds size. Athletic training builds function. We break down the real differences between the two—and how to start blending them for a stronger, more capable, and actually useful body.🍭 Why Some Lifters Eat Candy While They WorkoutYes, it’s real. And yes, there’s a good reason. We’ll explain the science of fast carbs, workout fuel, and why Sour Patch Kids might beat out your protein bar mid-set.🧬 The Hunger Hormone You’ve Never Heard Of: NeuroestrogenA brand-new rodent study found that estrogen made in the brain may play a massive role in appetite control—and it could reshape the future of obesity treatment. Wild? Yes. Relevant? 100%.💉 GLP-1s, Influencers, and the Missing TruthWe talk about the real problem with influencers taking Ozempic or GLP-1s. Spoiler: it's not that they’re using them—it’s that they’re profiting off courses while hiding it. We break down what’s ethical, what’s misleading, and why transparency has to be the standard in the fitness space.—If you're into fitness, health, nutrition, self-development, and learning how to think for yourself in a space full of BS—this is the episode for you.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!Access to ALL advanced 12-Week Training Programs, Bonus podcast episodes EVERY Friday, Weekly Legion supplement giveaways, and more.Legion Athletics:20% OFF Supplements with Code "FSPOD"Tools mentioned in episode:Fitness Stuff Calculators (Calorie, Protein, etc.)Timestamps:(03:10) - Train Like an Athlete(16:15) - Ozempic 2.0(26:30) - Candy = Better Workout?(40:30) - Influencers Hiding Weight Loss Meds
When it comes to fitness advice, there's a lot of noise—and even more bad takes—about how men and women should train, eat, and recover. In this episode, we break down the real, research-backed differences between male and female physiology that actually matter when it comes to lifting, dieting, and making progress in the gym.We unpack things like:How hormones like estrogen and testosterone impact recovery and muscle growthWhether women really “should” lift lighter weightsWhy men might benefit from more rest—but women might thrive on higher volumeHow to actually adjust your training during your menstrual cycleWhat women with PCOS should focus on when it comes to dietAnd why “train like a man, look like a goddess” isn’t as far off as it soundsWhether you're looking to optimize your workouts, understand your body better, or just cut through the BS, this one's for you.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!Access to ALL advanced 12-Week Training Programs, Bonus podcast episodes EVERY Friday, Weekly Legion supplement giveaways, and more.Legion Athletics:20% OFF Supplements with Code "FSPOD"Tools mentioned in episode:Fitness Stuff Calculators (Calorie, Protein, etc.)Timestamps:(02:30) What we're talking about today (07:30) Potential to build muscle(24:00) How to change your workouts(30:56) Cycle Syncing(35:17) Nutritional Differences
Today’s episode is a little different. Marianna and Tony aren’t just talking about what habits to build—they’re breaking down the science of how to actually break the bad ones already running on autopilot. About 43% of what you do each day is completely habitual, and some of those habits might be the reason you’re stuck. This episode dives into the brain science and gives you five clear steps to replace the bad with better.Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!Access to ALL advanced 12-Week Training Programs, Bonus podcast episodes EVERY Friday, Weekly Legion supplement giveaways, and more.Legion Athletics:20% OFF Supplements with Code "FSPOD"Tools mentioned in episode:Fitness Stuff Calculators (Calorie, Protein, etc.)Timestamps:(5:33) What is a habit?(19:15) Habit Myths(30:12) 5 Steps to ACTUALLY Break Bad Habits (31:13) Step 1 (36:47) Step 2 (42:02) Step 3 (48:07) Step 4 (51:41) Step 5
I wish AI could change her voice inflection. Unbearable to my nervous system.
awesome episode
Throwing around opinions like Trump facts.
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.