In this episode of The Lab, Kel and Cody dive into how stress impacts your fitness goals – from cortisol spikes and fat storage to poor sleep and disrupted training. They share personal experiences, actionable tips, and mindset shifts to help you manage stress and prevent it from sabotaging your gains.

They also discuss the importance of knowing when to pivot your training, how to balance life stress without adding more pressure to fitness, and why sometimes “pulling back” can push you forward.

Plus, stay tuned for an honest (and relatable) conversation about healthcare, life challenges, and why resilience matters when things feel overwhelming.

What You’ll Learn:

• The effects of stress on fat loss and muscle gain.

• How cortisol impacts your progress.

• Practical ways to manage stress and still hit your goals.

• Why small changes and rest days are not setbacks.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro and Cody’s 10-Year T Milestone

• 08:00 – Stress, Healthcare, and Life’s Challenges

• 27:00 – The Science Behind Stress and Gains

• 32:00 – Practical Tips to Reduce Stress and Improve Recovery

• 42:00 – Recognizing When to Pivot in Training

• 47:00 – Power Talk: The Importance of Resilience