Results Not Typical

Are you constantly being told to fix your posture, but still dealing with chronic pain?   Do traditional physical therapy exercises feel ineffective or even make your hypermobile joints feel worse?   What if joint instability was only part of the story, and your nervous system was the key to finding pain relief?   If so, that's exactly what we get into in this episode where strength and nutrition coach Nikki Naab-Levy chats with Kate Bacigalupo, a physical therapist who specializes in hypermobility and scoliosis and co-founder of the Elements Collective about navigating pain with hypermobility and scoliosis.   Topics covered: Why the "traditional" physical therapy model is often poorly suited for individuals with complex chronic pain and hypermobility. The role of proprioceptive feedback, closed-chain exercises, and strength work in creating a sense of safety and stability in hypermobile bodies. The difference between a hypermobile joint and an unstable joint, and why treating hypermobility as solely instability often fails patients. The correlation between hypermobility and scoliosis and what we currently know. Why pain management with scoliosis is more than trying to achieve "perfect" posture. How central sensitization and medical trauma contribute to the chronic pain experience and strategies to support your body if you have chronic pain. Connect with Kate Instagram: @thehyperphysio_kate Website: https://www.elementscollectiveny.com/ Connect with Nikki & Resources Mentioned Instagram: @naablevyfitness Website: naablevy.com Take the 1 minute quiz to get your free personalized strength workouts Get your free macros and calories calculator + guide  

Are you worried about ruining your progress during the holidays? Do you get stuck in the cycle of starting over every January? Want to enjoy holiday treats without feeling out of control? If so, then this episode is for you. In this episode, Nikki chats with fitness and nutrition coach Brooks Hurbis about different ways to approach fitness, nutrition, and fat loss over the holidays without falling into the common traps of over restriction, over indulgence, or feeling like you have to start over in January. They discuss: How to recognize the most common all or nothing holiday mindset traps of giving up until January vs. white knuckling abstinence and what to do instead. Strategies to enjoy Christmas cookies and holiday treats without feeling like you've been bad or are "off plan." Why moments of "failure" are opportunities to learn and make more supportive choices in the future. The importance of eating for real life versus having a dieting mentality even when you have a fat loss goal, especially during the holidays. The benefits of eating at maintenance during the holidays and alternatives to tracking for making goal and health supportive choices. The role of your environment on nutrition choices and ways to manage your surroundings so follow through feels easier. Connect with Brooks Follow Brooks on Instagram: @sweat.simple Visit Brooks's website: sweatsimpleco.com  Connect with Nikki Grab your free personalized macros calculator & guide! Take the 1 minute quiz to get your free strength plan based on your results. Follow Nikki on Instagram: @naablevyfitness Visit Nikki's website: naablevy.com   Links mentioned Listen to the Biggest Loser Podcast episode 

Are you confused about heart rate zones?   Is walking actually cardio?   Should women in perimenopause avoid high-intensity workouts?   In this episode, Nikki chats with nutritionist and coach Jamie Scott about how to best approach cardio based on your fitness level and goals as well as common myths and misinformation, including: Why the parameters for elite athletes often aren't applicable to individuals looking for general fitness and health benefits from cardio. Applying the FITT principles (Frequency, Intensity, Timing, and Type) and how to determine training volume based on your life's schedule. The concept of tissue capacity versus cardiovascular conditioning and why preparation needs to be involved when taking up running.  When walking counts as a beneficial cardio stimulus, and when it may not be enough to drive adaptation. Whether doing exercises like Pilates or strength training faster is a true substitute for dedicated cardiovascular work. How to approach cardio in perimenopause Connect with Jamie Scott Instagram: @athletica.coach Website: https://athletica.coach Connect with Nikki & Links Mentioned Instagram: @naablevyfitness Website: http://naablevy.com Take the 1 minute quiz to get your free personalized strength workouts Get your free macros and calories calculator + guide

Are you considering GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, or Zepbound for weight loss, or do you know someone who is? This conversation provides a nuanced conversation about GLP-1s and considerations around starting them. In this episode, host Nikki Naab-Levy chats with Kate Lyman, a nutrition coach with a Master's in public health about the unspoken potential ramifications of using these drugs, from a mental health and behavior change perspective. In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between the clinical and social media definitions of "food noise". Why weight loss on a GLP-1 does not automatically equate to better body image or health. The potential for GLP-1s to replace "food noise" with new fixations or obsessions in (e.g., scale-watching, body composition) in some individuals. The mixed mental health outcomes of GLP-1s, including studies linking them to an elevated risk of anxiety, major depression, and suicidal behavior in some populations, while others (like those with binge eating disorder) may see positive benefits. Recommended lifestyle support and interventions that can be used alongside medication to ensure fat loss while protecting and maintaining muscle mass and bone density. The importance of having coping tools outside of food when a previous coping mechanism is removed. The cultural and identity shifts that often come with rapid body weight loss and being treated differently by the outside world. Why these medications are currently intended for long-term use and aren't necessarily an appropriate intervention for all individuals.  Connect with Kate Instagram: @klnutrition Website: https://www.katelymannutrition.com/ Podcast: How to Fitness Podcast Connect with Nikki Instagram: @naablevyfitness Website: http://naablevy.com Free Nutrition & Fitness Resources Take the 1 minute quiz to get your free personalized strength workouts Get your free macros and calories calculator + guide Research Studies & Papers Referenced What Is Food Noise? A Conceptual Model of Food Cue Reactivity [PMID: 38004203] Association of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists With Risk of Suicidal Ideation and Behaviour: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis [PMID: 39945396] Use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists in eating disorder populations [PMID: 38135891] Timestamps 00:00 | Intro: Cultural Context, Mental Health, and Nuance about Who Should or Shouldn't Take GLP-1s. 00:40 | Introducing Kate Lyman: Behavioral Health Expert & Nutrition Coach 03:00 | The Need for Education and Behavioral Support with GLP-1s 05:23 | Weight Loss Doesn't Automatically Equal Health: Coping Tools Outside of Food 06:44 | Defining Food Noise Beyond Pop Culture and Social Media 09:41 | The Potential for Obsession Shifts: Food Noise Replaced by Scale Focus 14:56 | Mental Health & GLP-1s: What the Literature Says About Anxiety & Depression 24:10 | Essential Lifestyle Pillars: Protein, Strength Training, and Water Intake 28:06 | The Long-Term Reality of Taking a GLP-1 to Maintain Weight Loss 40:04 | The Role of Stigma & Weight Bias in Influencing GLP-1 Usage

Are you feeling stuck in a cycle of yo-yo dieting? Have you ever wondered if the shame-based tactics of popular weight loss shows are truly effective?   In this episode, host Nikki Naab-Levy welcomes her colleagues Colette, Brooks, Greg, and Vanessa to deconstruct the myths and misinformation around fitness, nutrition, mindset, and weight loss. In this episode of Results Not Typical, they unpack the Netflix documentary Fit for TV, which examines the reality show The Biggest Loser.   This episode covers: The difference between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and how it relates to the long term success of the contestants on The Biggest Loser for maintaining weight loss. The negative, long-term effects of using shame as a motivational tool. The importance of developing real-life skills for sustainable health. Why "The Biggest Loser" failed to provide genuine long-term solutions for its contestants. Guests Information   Vanessa Zingaro & Greg Sutton Instagram: @evolvetoexcel Website: https://evolvetoexcel.com/ Brooks Hurbis Instagram: @sweat.simple Website: https://www.sweatsimpleco.com/ Colette Morris Instagram: @cmorrfitness Website: https://www.cmorrfitness.com/ Connect with Nikki / Links mentioned Instagram: @naablevyfitness Website: http://naablevy.com Take the 1 minute quiz to get your free personalized strength workouts Get your free macros and calories calculator + guide Timestamps 00:00 | The Problem with The Biggest Loser 00:41 | Introducing the Host and Podcast 01:48 | Guest Introductions 04:26 | The Role of Shame as a "Motivational" Tool 05:42 | Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Motivation 10:25 | The Scale is the Main Character 14:37 | Skills vs. Doubling Down on Behaviors 17:22 | The Absurdity of Temptation Challenges 22:41 | Trainers Openly Defying Doctors 27:10 | Reinforcing Low-Calorie Crash Diets

Are you considering a hysterectomy, or struggling with your body image and fitness journey after surgery   In this episode of the Results Not Typical, Nikki talks with physical therapist Dr. Jocelyn Wallace about a subject that is often underserved: pelvic health.   You'll learn: Signs, symptoms, and the best treatment options for endometriosis Why a hysterectomy affects more than just one organ. The emotional and psychological challenges that can come with the surgery. The common advice patients receive and why it isn't enough. The importance of self-advocating with your surgeon, especially if you have symptomatic hypermobility. How to reconnect with your body and find a new fitness routine after a hysterectomy. Connect with Dr. Jocelyn. Instagram: @drjocelynwallace Website: https://drjocelynwallace.com/ Connect with Nikki & Links Mentioned Instagram:@naablevyfitness Website: http://naablevy.com Take the 1 minute quiz to get your free personalized strength workouts Get your free macros and calories calculator + guide TImestamps: 00:01:11 | Introduction to Dr. Jocelyn Wallace 00:01:46 | The problem with common post-hysterectomy recovery advice 00:03:07 | The impact of a hysterectomy on the entire system 00:04:46 | Navigating post-surgery fear and anxiety 00:08:44 | Empowering people through physical therapy 00:10:48 | The physical therapy process post-hysterectomy 00:17:34 | Hysterectomy as a new chapter in fitness 00:30:17 | The importance of patient self-advocacy, especially for individuals with symptomatic hypermobility and ehlers danlos syndrome.

In this episode, I'm joined by Melissa Cassera, a publicity strategist, screenwriter, and bestselling author who knows what it takes to make your work irresistible while still staying true to yourself. What makes Melissa's perspective so valuable is that she's spent nearly two decades helping entrepreneurs, authors, and creatives cut through the noise, build real connections, and keep their marketing from feeling "icky." She also draws on her own experience as a multi-passionate business owner in screenwriting, publishing, and beyond, offering a rare inside look at what truly works. We talk about: How to make marketing feel authentic and aligned instead of forced or cringey. The best way to respond to haters, critics, and internet trolls (without losing your sanity). Why you don't have to lock yourself into one tiny niche to be successful. How to redefine success on your own terms and celebrate your progress instead of waiting for a "big break." Melissa's journey is proof that you can market with integrity, stand out in a crowded space, and still create a business (and life) that feels creative, fulfilling, and uniquely yours. Connect with Melissa Website: https://melissacassera.com/ Follow Melissa on Instagram: @melissa.cassera Melissa's Podcast: Listen to Drip, Trickle Flow, Flood Connect with Nikki Take the 1 minute quiz to get a free personalized strength plan: https://freestrengthquiz.com/ Free calculator and guide to your personalized macros for fat loss and body recomposition: https://naablevy.com/macro-guide/ Follow Nikki on Instagram @naablevyfitness Visit Nikki's website: https://naablevy.com/

In this episode, I'm joined by my client Carlyn Rubin, who shares her journey navigating fitness and nutrition with symptomatic hypermobility. What makes her story so powerful is that Carlyn came to me with a body composition and weight loss goal, but through strength training, she discovered so many unexpected benefits along the way. We talk about: How EDS and spinal fusion shaped Carlyn's relationship with her body and movement. What surprised her most about strength training and how she built the confidence to walk into the gym and get started. Her experience with low-calorie diets, weight cycling, and what changed when we increased her calories and let go of rigid food rules What she wishes more hypermobile people knew about strength training Carlyn's experience is a reminder that with the right approach, it's not just possible to get stronger. It's possible to feel better and more at home in your body while doing it. Links mentioned: Join my 6 week nutrition program Fat Loss Fundamentals. Grab the last VIP spot in the program. Connect with me on Instagram @naablevyfitness  

You had a plan to track your food, get your steps in, knock out two workouts. But then life happened, and you didn't do any of it. Which would be fine except it keeps happening and you're starting to feel stuck. In this episode, Nikki breaks down what's actually going on when motivation disappears and how to follow through on the things you want to do, when you're just not feeling it. Topics covered: The science of motivation. The different kinds of motivation and why it matters. 3 practical tools to generate motivation when we feel stuck or overwhelmed.  Additional Fitness & Nutrition resources Grab your free macros & calories calculator + guide Take a 1 minute quiz to get a free strength plan. Hop on my list to be notified when enrollment for the nutrition challenge starts. Stay in touch! Follow me on Instagram @naablevyfitness

In this episode of Results Not Typical, Nikki speaks with personal trainer and nutrition coach Sahara Coleman about the realities of living and training with symptomatic hypermobility. They explore how these conditions affect daily life, movement, identity and what it means to show up for yourself when your body doesn't always cooperate. Topics covered: Training and daily life with hypermobility including chronic pain and injury Naviagting POTS and low blood pressure Hypermobolity comorbidities beyond the joints How identity, mindset, and autonomy play into managing chronic conditions Strength training and fitness with hypermobility Connect with Sahara Instagram: @saharathenutritioncoach Work with Sahara in person at BodySTRONG Burien Connect with Nikki Get your personalized free strength plan at freestrengthquiz.com Instagram: @naablevyfitness

In this episode, Nikki is joined by MNU Certified Nutritionists Vanessa Zingaro and Greg Sutton to break down why we struggle with consistency and what to do when knowledge isn't enough to move forward. You'll learn: Why more information isn't the solution to reaching your goals if you're struggling with consistency. How to identify and move beyond all-or-nothing thinking. What your internal dialogue has to do with your results How the Stages of Change explain why you keep "starting over" Practical tools to build follow-through (even on tough days) Connect with Greg & Vanessa Grab their 3 part mini series Stop Starting Over Follow Vanessa on Instagram @vanessa_zingaro_ Follow Greg on Instagram @coach.greg.sut Evolve to Excel Website Connect with Nikki Grab your free calories and macros calculator + guide Take the quiz to get free personalized strength workouts Connect with Nikki on Instagram @naablevyfitness

In this epside, Nikki is joined by yoga teacher and strength coach Laurel Beversdorf and physical therapist Dr. Sarah Court, DPT to deconstruct the myths around "good" muscles, "bad" muscles, and the idea that getting out of pain requires activating your muscles in a specific order. They cover: Why the "good muscle vs. bad muscle" narrative isn't an accurate or helpful depiction of how our bodies actually work and how it can lead to unnecessary fear or overcorrection in movement. The difference between muscle "timing" and motor control, and how these concepts show up in pain management, rehab, and strength training, especially when people assume certain muscles need to be "turned on" to fix dysfunction. How strength training improves coordination and load tolerance across movement patterns, often more effectively than trying to isolate or "activate" specific muscles. Why obsessing over alignment and activation can reinforce unhelpful perfectionism and interfere with developing actual strength, resilience, and confidence in your body. How nervous system adaptations and context influence which muscles are recruited and why variability, not a specific kind of activiation or sensation, is a better goal. Links Mentioned Connect with Laurel and Sarah Movement Logic website: movementlogictutorials.com Join the Bone Density Course waitlist. Movement Logic Instagram: @movementlogictutorials Connect with Laurel Beversdorf: laurelbeversdorf.com | IG: @laurelbeversdorf Connect with Dr. Sarah Court, DPT: sarahcourtdpt.com | IG: @sarahcourtdpt Connect with Nikki Take the 1 minute quiz and get a free personalized strength plan! Website: naablevy.com | IG: @naablevyfitness  

In this episode, host Nikki chats with Dr. Shannon Connolly, chiropracter and women's strength and rehab coach about the the misleading world of celebrity fitness programs and marketing claims in the fitness and rehab space.  Topics discussed: Why "celebrity-approved" doesn't mean evidence-based How to spot red flags in fitness marketing claims What progressive overload actually means proper strength training versus how it's misused in marketing The "initial gains" phenomenon and why everything works for beginners but not for long-term progress Why pain, progress, and training don't always follow a straight line Connect with Shannon: Instagram: @livewellwithdrshannon Website: livewellwithdrshannon.com Connect with Nikki: Take 1 minute quiz and get your FREE personalized strength plan! Instagram: @naablevyfitness Articles referenced: Jennifer Aniston's P-Volv fitness regime article (AOL) Marie Claire article about Pilates for strength training

If you've ever been told that running is off-limits because you're hypermobile, have POTS, or deal with chronic illness, you're not alone. But is that true? Probably not. In this episode, Nikki chats with Dr. Kate Bochnewetch, physical therapist and running coach, to break down myths, the outdated advice, and a better way to approach running when you're dealing with these challenges. They cover: How POTS isn't caused by deconditioning and other myths around chronic illness, hypermobility, and running. The role of strength training in stability and how to build strength in a way that supports hypermobile joint Why building strength and tolerance may help more with injury mitigation that having "perfect" running form. How to navigate setbacks, flare-ups, and pacing when nothing feels linear. Links & Resources Connect with Dr. Kate Bochnewetch: Follow Dr. Kate on Instagram: @the_running_DPT Check out Kate's coaching & resources: www.therunningdpt.com Connect with Nikki Naab-Levy Get a week of free modifiable strength workouts Follow Nikki on Instagram: @naablevyfitness Check out Nikki's free nutrition resources library Grab Macros Made Simple: A free guide to identifying your calories and macros

  Fat loss can be challenging in general, but it can feel more complex when you factor in chronic condition or symptomatic hypermobility. Fatigue, unpredictable symptoms, and flare-ups add challenges that most "fat loss plans" don't address. In this episode, I cover strategie and considerations when pursuing fat loss with a chronic condition.  This episode covers:  Why fat loss is harder with chronic conditions How to know if you're ready to pursue fat loss Things to be aware of during fat loss and common mistakes to avoid How to plan for success in a calorie deficit What we know about hypermobility / EDS and GLP-1 medications Key takeways: Fat loss with a chronic condition isn't nessecarily off the table, but it may take a slightly different appraoch or require additional considerations. Links & Resources Article: The hidden riskes of Ozempic and Wegovy in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Patients Grab my free practical guide to fat loss Join the interest list for my Black Friday Sale on nutrition coaching Follow me on Instagram @naablevyfitness

When it comes to fat loss, your mindset can be just as important as your strategy. If you've ever felt stuck, frustrated, or unsure why your efforts aren't paying off, it might be time to take a closer look at your mental approach. In this episode, I'm breaking down the most common mindset mistakes I see that could be holding you back—and how to fix them. This episode covers: Why the scale isn't the best measure of progress and how to interpret scale trends if you choose to use it as a tool. The importance of planning for invisible obstacles, like stress, rationalizations, or moments for when you don't feel like it. Why the type of motivation you have matters and how to make the process feel more worthwhile.  The importance of aligning your behaviors with your values. The problem with all or nothing thinking and how to increase cognitive flexibility. Resources Mentioned: 👉  Grab my free Practical Guide to Fat Loss, where I simplify the science and give you actionable strategies to take control of your nutrition. 👉 Hop the interest list for my Black Friday Nutrition Coaching sale, where I'm offering exclusive discounts on 1:1 coaching.  Let's Connect: Have questions or a favorite takeaway from this episode? Send me a DM on Instagram @naablevyfitness or tag me in your stories—I'd love to hear from you.

If you've ever felt like fat loss is more complicated than it should be, you're not alone. The truth is that it's easy to get tripped up! Even when you feel like you're doing everything right. In this episode, I'm sharing 5 common mistakes I see with clients that might be slowing you down and ways to course correct for each of them. This episode covers: Why overly restrictive diets don't work and how to create nutritions strategies you'll want to stick with. The importance of maintenance and how to reduce the odds of dieting burn out.  Why you don't want to go too aggressive in a defict and how to know if you're in the right deficit for your needs. Different methods of tracking and how you might want to use them. The difference between having structure versus food rules. Episode Takeaways: Fat loss doesn't have to feel overwhelming when you have the right systems in place. Small, consistent actions are more effective than extreme efforts that aren't sustainable. You can make progress while still enjoying your life and the foods you love. Resources Mentioned: 👉  Grab my free Practical Guide to Fat Loss, where I simplify the science and give you actionable strategies to take control of your nutrition. 👉 Hop the interest list for my Black Friday Nutrition Coaching sale, where I'm offering exclusive discounts on 1:1 coaching.  Let's Connect: Have questions or a favorite takeaway from this episode? Send me a DM on Instagram @naablevyfitness or tag me in your stories—I'd love to hear from you.

We've all had those weeks where things start out strong, but by midweek, life throws every curveball imaginable. In this episode, I share evidence based strategies to handle hard weeks without giving up on your goals. Topics covered: The difference between all-or-nothing thinking and flexible thinking. How aiming for maintenance can keep you moving forward with weight loss, nutrition, and fitness goals. The value of planning for obstacles and how to increase the odds of following through with the plan on bad days. When aiming for less might get you further ahead. Links mentioned: Click here to join the interest list to be first in line to get discounts on nutrition coaching during Black Friday! Waking Up Mediation App that I'm currently using. Connect with me: Click here to get a week of free customizable strength workouts + join my list for helpful nutrition and fitness content:  Follow me on instagram @naablevyfitness

In this episode, Nikki chats with Dr. Libby Hinsley about how to get started strength training with hypermobility if you have a history or fear of pain and injury. Topics covered Essential strategies for starting strength training safely if you're frequently battling pain, fatigue, or post-exercise flare-ups. Common misconceptions about alignment and its role in safety and injury prevention for hypermobile individuals. Why a gradual approach to increasing load and challenge is more effective than trying to push past your individual level of tolerance How strength training can reduce pain and expand your movement options if it's applied with considerations for hypermobility Practical advice on dealing with flare-ups, with a focus on understanding the interplay between the nervous system, pain, and strength training. Connect with Libby Instagram: @libbyhinsleypt Podcast: Zebra Talks Website: libbyhinsley.com Connect with Nikki Get a week of free customizable strength workouts Instagram: @naablevyfitness Website: naablevy.com

In this episode, Nikki chats with Dr. Mike T. Nelson to explore the intersection of heart rate variability (HRV) and navigating dysautonomia exercise intolerance.  Topics covered: Understanding HRV: Learn what heart rate variability is and how it can gauge your readiness to exercise and your recovery capacity. Wearable Tech Insights: Delve into how devices like the Garmin and Oura Ring measure HRV and their roles in health tracking. HRV for Dysautonomia & POTS: Discover how HRV can be a game-changer for those with chronic conditions when navigating exercise and flare-ups Establishing Exercise Baselines: Strategies for building exercise tolerance and resilience in the face of chronic conditions. Managing Flare-Ups: Practical tips on using HRV data to navigate through flare-ups more effectively. Improving HRV: Explore methods to improve your HRV, including cardio protocols and lifestyle changes that make a difference. Links mentioned: Dr. Mike's Website: https://miketnelson.com/ Dr. Mike's HRV Education Course: https://miketnelsons.samcart.com/products/hrv-education-course-w-dr-mike-t-nelson-enroll-now/ Join my list and get a free week of workouts: https://naablevy.com/free-guides