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Fit to Transform Podcast with Coach Nikias
Fit to Transform Podcast with Coach Nikias
Author: Nikias Tomasiello
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© Nikias Tomasiello
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Hosted by Nikias Tomasiello, a transgender online training and nutrition coach, the Fit to Transform Podcast is the show for you if you’re committed to transforming your physique, lifestyle, and mindset.
With a mix of solo episodes and interviews with his own clients and experts in the fitness and health industry, Nikias is going to help you build science-based habits to lose weight, gain muscle, and, most importantly, maintain these results for life.
If you’re ready to start your lifestyle transformation, get yourself a cup of tea (or pre-workout) and enjoy.
With a mix of solo episodes and interviews with his own clients and experts in the fitness and health industry, Nikias is going to help you build science-based habits to lose weight, gain muscle, and, most importantly, maintain these results for life.
If you’re ready to start your lifestyle transformation, get yourself a cup of tea (or pre-workout) and enjoy.
205 Episodes
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This episode covers everything you need to know in order to track calories consistently and accurately enough to get results:What’s more important: consistency or accuracy?How to choose the best calorie- and macro-tracking app for your individual needsTracking at homeTracking restaurant meals, holiday food, and meals prepared by your loved ones… And more!Links and resources:Ep. 161: “Effective boundaries around food and exercise, weight stigma, and skinny shaming - With Joe Spector” – https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/fit-to-transform/episodes/Effective-boundaries-around-food-and-exercise--weight-stigma--and-skinny-shaming---With-Joe-Spector---Ep--161-e367oco Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
Returning guest Dr. Eric Helms and I cover what you need to know about food, drinks, and supplements to consume before, during, and after your resistance training sessions.Links and resources:Purchase Eric’s Nutrition & Strength Pyramid books (3rd edition): https://muscleandstrengthpyramids.com/ Check out the MASS Research Review: https://massresearchreview.comVisit the 3DMJ website: https://3dmusclejourney.com/ Follow Eric on IG @helms3mdj: https://www.instagram.com/helms3dmj/ Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
Jack Radford-Smith is a dietician, coach, and bodybuilder. He’s also the founder of an online coaching company, The Bodybuilding Dieticians.In this interview, we delve into all things gut health:Practical tips to improve itCommon gut health issues when cutting and bulkingOverrated, underrated, and properly rated gut health supplementsLinks and resources:Check out The Bodybuilding Dieticians on IG @thebodybuildingdieticians: https://www.instagram.com/thebodybuildingdietitians/ Visit their website: https://www.thebodybuildingdietitians.com/ Connect with Jack on IG @jack.radfordsmith: https://www.instagram.com/jack.radfordsmith/ Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSubscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikias_fittotransform Sign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
This solo episode covers what you need to know about getting visible abs:How to train themHow to reveal themWhat it takes to get and maintain themDifferences between cis men and trans masc individualsSign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSubscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikias_fittotransform Sign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
This is the start of an exciting new series, in which I’ll share personal updates about my own bodybuilding journey.To kick things off, I explain why I don’t think I’ve been able to build muscle to my full potential for years, how this has made me feel like an imposter, what’s changed, and what’s next for me.Links and resources:Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSubscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikias_fittotransform Sign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
If you have a “trigger” food that you always seem to over-eat, you may have been told to “just keep it out of the house”.I don’t believe this strategy is effective in the long term.So, in this episode, I’m going to give you a better one, which doesn’t involve giving up on any food for the rest of your life.Links and resources:Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSubscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikias_fittotransform Sign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
Loz Vickers is a natural bodybuilder and online coach.She joins the show today to share her experience as a coach and athlete on these two thought-provoking topics:How to avoid burning out in the pursuit of building your physiqueThe mental challenges of gaining weight as a female bodybuilderLinks and resources:Follow Loz on Instagram @loz.v: https://www.instagram.com/loz.v/ Check out her podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/natural-female-muscle-podcast/id1734998424 Subscribe to her YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@loz.vickers Check out Natural Bodybuilding Worldwide: https://naturalbbworldwide.com/ Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSubscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikias_fittotransform Sign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
In this episode, I’m covering the last three foundational habits you need to create a system that will enable you to continue progressing towards your fitness goals, or maintain the results you’ve already achieved for the long haul.Links and resources:Research paper: “Eating attentively: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of food intake memory and awareness on eating” by Robinson and colleagues – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3607652/#sec39 Research paper: “Daily distracted consumption patterns and their relationship with BMI” by Van Meer and colleagues – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666322002276 Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSubscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikias_fittotransform Sign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
Tracking calories and macros works.But if you regain weight after fat loss, or your bulk spirals without MyFitnessPal, you have yet to build the foundational habits you need to continue progressing beyond the “newbie gains” stage and to maintain the results you achieve for the long haul.In this episode, I’m covering three of these six foundational habits.If you want to level up from just “hitting macros”, tune in.Links and resources:Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSubscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikias_fittotransform Sign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
IATBP bikini champion Lucy Cook joins the show to talk about her journey as a trans woman and bodybuilding athlete.Tune in to hear more about her inspiring story, navigating her gender identity, disordered eating, and now her passion for bodybuilding.Links and resources:Connect with Lucy on Instagram @lucy.liftsit: https://www.instagram.com/lucy.liftsit/ Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSubscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikias_fittotransform Sign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
Is it better to bulk in a surplus or should you stay at maintenance calories?How have his thoughts on best bulking practices changed since we last discussed this in 2022?Links and resources:If you want to listen to the original podcast, click here or look up episode 13, “Fundamental principles for massing”: https://anchor.fm/fit-to-transform/episodes/Fundamental-principles-for-massing---With-Steve-Hall---Ep--13-e1osalk Follow Steve on Instagram @revivestronger https://www.instagram.com/revivestronger/Listen to the Revive Stronger podcast: https://revivestronger.com/podcast/ Visit the Revive Stronger website for their coaching, podcast, and other content: http://revivestronger.com/Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSubscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikias_fittotransform Sign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
Derrick Van Every is a PhD candidate at Stu Phillips’ Protein Metabolism Lab as well as a powerlifting and nutrition coach.In this episode, we discuss the topics he addressed in one of his recent published papers, namely:What are the main drivers of hypertrophy?Does the pump cause hypertrophy?What about training-related hormonal increases?… And more!Links and resources:Derrick’s paper – “Load-induced human skeletal muscle hypertrophy: Mechanisms, myths, and misconceptions”: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254625000869Connect with Derrick on Instagram @derrick_cbb: https://www.instagram.com/derrick_cbb/ Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSubscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikias_fittotransform Sign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
Derrick Van Every is a PhD candidate at Stu Phillips’ Protein Metabolism Lab as well as a powerlifting and nutrition coach.In this episode, we discuss the topics he addressed in one of his recent published papers, namely:What are the main drivers of hypertrophy?Does the pump cause hypertrophy?What about training-related hormonal increases?… And more!Links and resources:Derrick’s paper – “Load-induced human skeletal muscle hypertrophy: Mechanisms, myths, and misconceptions”: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254625000869Connect with Derrick on Instagram @derrick_cbb: https://www.instagram.com/derrick_cbb/ Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSubscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikias_fittotransform Sign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
Most people ask, “What’s the best diet for me?”But not enough people ask, “Am I ready to diet?”In my view, there are six skills to start working on BEFORE you start a fat loss diet in order to set yourself up for consistent results.These are core skills I help my new clients develop during their Fat Loss Primer Phase before their first ever fat loss phase under my guidance.Links and resources:Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSubscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikias_fittotransform Sign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
Dorian Varović is a coach and a researcher, currently working on his PhD on muscle length and regional muscle hypertrophy.He and his colleagues also recently conducted a very interesting study comparing regular resistance training and isometrics for hypertrophy.In this conversation, we delve into all these topics:The latest research on the importance of training muscles at long muscle lengthsHow training at long muscle lengths may or may not affect regional hypertrophyAre isometrics as good as regular training for growth?… And more!Links and resources:“Does Muscle Length Influence Regional Hypertrophy? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40570881/ “The effects of long muscle length isometric versus full range of motion isotonic training on regional quadriceps femoris hypertrophy in resistance-trained individuals” - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40911904/ Connect with Dorian on Instagram @varovicdorian: https://www.instagram.com/varovicdorian/Follow his research on ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dorian-Varovic-2 Apply for coaching with him: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeGiZCo7fG8d78dCHgOHvgeu1dCh7AKL-sfRpw478MmGZtWxw/viewform?usp=send_form Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSubscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikias_fittotransform Sign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
To kick off 2026, I couldn’t not record an episode about mindset.In this one, I’m covering ten hard-to-swallow pills for people who struggle with perfectionistic tendencies and all-or-nothing thinking.I’ve been challenged by these tendencies all my life, and work with a lot of clients in the same boat, so I’ve seen the countless ways in which this can hold you back (and experienced a fair few of them, too).That’s why I wanted to record this episode.If you embrace these suggestions, you can finally get out of the vicious stop-and-start-again-Monday cycle that these tendencies have you stuck in, and you can start getting the results you deserve for your hard work.Links and resources:Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSubscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikias_fittotransform Sign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
Dr. Tess Kilwein is a mental health practitioner who specialises in supporting the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Since June 2025, Dr. Kilwein is also the Mental Health & Performance Consultant of IATBP (the International Association of Trans Bodybuilders and Powerlifters).In this episode, we talk about the most common issues Dr. Kilwein helps her patients with, focusing specifically on transgender bodybuilders and more broadly on transgender athletes across all sports.Dr. Kilwein owns and operates Unapologetic Psychology PLLC, a telemental health practice dedicated to psychotherapy, consultation, training, and sport and mental performance services.A specialist in integrated behavioral health, sport and mental performance, alcohol and substance use, sexual health, trauma, rural health, and LGBTQIA2S+ experiences, Dr. Kilwein is committed to dismantling barriers to mental health care. Their approach is trauma-informed, affirming, and liberatory, addressing mental health at the intersection of performance, identity, and systemic marginalization.Links and resources:Visit Tess’s website: https://www.unapologeticpsych.com/Book a free consult with Tess by becoming a member of IATBP: https://iatbp.org/ Follow Tess’s practice on Instagram @unapologeticpsych: https://www.instagram.com/unapologeticpsych/ Find Tess on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessmkilwein/ Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSubscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikias_fittotransform Sign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
If you choose to track your calories over the winter holidays, “borrowing” some from the days leading up to Christmas in order to have a higher-calorie day on the 25th sounds sensible, right?And yet, you keep overshooting your calories on the big day…In this episode, I’m going to cover six of the most common reasons why you can’t seem to stick to your plan, no matter how carefully you prepare, and the solutions that my clients and I have found most effective.Of course, this can apply to any social meal, but it’s Christmas season, so ho ho ho and all that!Links and resources:Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSubscribe to my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nikias_fittotransform Sign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
This is the second and final part of my comprehensive interview with Dr. Eric Helms on all things lower body exercise selection.Links and resources:Check out the MASS Research Review: https://massresearchreview.comVisit the 3DMJ website: https://3dmusclejourney.com/ Purchase Eric’s books here: https://muscleandstrengthpyramids.com/ Follow Eric on IG @helms3mdj: https://www.instagram.com/helms3dmj/ Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/
After interviewing biomechanics enthusiast Ben Yanes on effective upper body training, this time I’m bringing back Dr. Eric Helms to discuss exercise selection for the lower body.Looking to grow hamstrings, calves, quads, glutes, or all of the above? You’re in for a treat!Links and resources:Check out the MASS Research Review: https://massresearchreview.comVisit the 3DMJ website: https://3dmusclejourney.com/ Purchase Eric’s books here: https://muscleandstrengthpyramids.com/ Follow Eric on IG @helms3mdj: https://www.instagram.com/helms3dmj/ Sign up for one on one coaching with me: https://www.fittotransformtraining.com/coaching.htmlFollow me on Instagram @nikias_fittotransform: http://instagram.com/nikias_fittotransform/Visit my website: https://www.fittotransformtraining.comSign up for my free newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/157389602fb0/mailinglistSign up for the No Quit Kit email series on retraining your mindset for long-term fat loss success: https://mailchi.mp/4b368c26baa8/noquitkitsignupTake my free “Should You Cut or Bulk First?” quiz: https://nikias-dddr9p81.scoreapp.com/















