Hurdle

Between Spring 2007 and Spring 2010, I lost 70 pounds. I was in college, and before the night that changed everything (you'll have to listen to hear exactly what happened), I felt uncomfortable and unhappy in my body. For today's #HURDLEMOMENT, I'm talking you through how I got to the place where I was ready to make some forever lifestyle changes, and answer your questions about this chapter: Almost 12 years later, how do you keep it off? What was the hardest part? What did you eat? Did you count macros? (Plus, so many more.)  Note: I am not a registered dietitian or a nutritionist. The feedback and lessons I've learned, I share them with hopes to help someone else. If you are interested in losing weight, I recommend you talk to an expert one-on-one about your body. And of course: Have some grace with yourself. SOCIAL @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to AthleticGreens.com/hurdle to get a year’s receive the FREE D3/K2 wellness bundle with your first purchase. LMNT | Head to DrinkLMNT.com/hurdle to get a FREE LMNT Sample Pack, including two citrus, two raspberry, two orange, and two raw unflavored. You only pay $5 for shipping! Only for Hurdle listeners, to claim this deal you must go to drinkLMNT.com/hurdle.  CHECK OUT: HURDLE SESSIONS All past Sessions are now available on the Hurdle website. NEWLY LAUNCHED: Goal Setting Workshop JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter UPCOMING Hurdle Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and meeting on Zoom on April 21. To register, click here. Please only register if you're definitely going to show, as there is a capacity limit! ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!

Massy Arias knew she was destined to do big things from a young age. Coming into her own after arriving in the U.S. from the Dominican Republic at 13, she braved #hurdlemoment after #hurdlemoment, including a stage IV cancer diagnosis for her brother, abusive relationships, and devastating depression. For eight months, she barely left her Brooklyn bedroom, feeling entirely lost. An intervention with her family and friends led to her embracing a more active lifestyle, with trips to the gym (+ time on the elliptical) resulting in a more dedicated, consistent fitness routine. Through the discovery of bodybuilding — which she said contributed to severe body dysmorphia — she learned that her big goal was to help find a healthy approach to fitness, empowering others to find happiness through movement. And so, she began to construct her empire — diving into certifications and social media. Fast forward to today, the new mom offers up fitness plans and inspiration to her millions of Instagram followers and works with well-known clientele, all pieces to the puzzle of building her brand. Amped to finally bring this conversation to the feed. SOCIAL @massy.arias @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to AthleticGreens.com/hurdle to get a year’s receive the FREE D3/K2 wellness bundle with your first purchase. Goodr | Head on over to Goodr.com/Hurdle and use code "HURDLE2021" for $10 off your order. CHECK OUT: HURDLE SESSIONS All past Sessions are now available on the Hurdle website. NEWLY LAUNCHED: Goal Setting Workshop JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE We do talk about some sensitive topics in today’s episode. If you or someone you know have similar thoughts of self-harm or are struggling, you can always reach out to me over DM or email, it’s emily@hurdle.us. The national suicide helpline (800) 273-8255. UPCOMING Hurdle Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and meeting on Zoom on April 21. To register, click here. Please only register if you're definitely going to show, as there is a capacity limit!  ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!

I used to pride myself on being a high-caliber multitasker. It made me feel mentally agile, like a modern-day Superwoman. The catch? It’s not exactly desirable to be good at giving multiple things a fraction of your attention. For today's episode of 5-MINUTE FRIDAY, I'm talking about #hurdlemoment I had earlier this week that reminded me of the importance of giving one thing (and one thing only) my attention. Trust me: It's an exercise that can help you destress and better tackle whatever the day throws your way. SOCIAL @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 147. Tunde Oyeneyin, Peloton Instructor CHECK IT OUT: On Transgender Day of Visibility Wednesday, Nikki Hiltz wrote a really beautiful post READ: “My Mom Taught Me That My Mind Is My Strongest Muscle” on Well+Good LISTEN: Demi Lovato on Joe Rogan READ: “Sleep Coach Update: Incorporating Menstrual Cycle Phase for Increased Accuracy” on WHOOP Locker OFFERS Covey |  Head to coveyskin.com and use code “HURDLE” at checkout to get 10 percent off of The Covey Routine, a three-step, derm-approved, universal skincare ritual. Thanks to this week’s Hurdle sponsors, BLUBlox, Beam, Athletic Greens, and Super Coffee! For a complete list of the show’s sponsors and some really great deals, check out the sponsors page, here. UPCOMING Hurdle Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and I’ll announce a date in the coming weeks for our April Zoom meet-up. To sign up to be kept in the Hurdle book club loop, click here.

You can't do this. You're not good enough. This isn't for you. We've all had negative thoughts, but when was the last time you took ownership over them? Today I'm chatting with Dr. Amy Cirbus Ph.D, LMHC, LPC, Director of Clinical Content at Talkspace all about this. Why do we have negative self-talk, who is more prone to it, and how can we better deal with the effects of it — flipping the script and adopting a more positive mindset. SOCIAL @talkspace @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE The Talkspace Voice OFFERS Beam | Go to BeamTLC.com and use code "HURDLE" at checkout for 15 percent off. CHECK OUT: HURDLE SESSIONS All past Sessions are now available on the Hurdle website. NEWLY LAUNCHED: Goal Setting Workshop JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter SIGN UP: Hurdle Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and I’ll announce a date in the coming weeks for our April Zoom meet-up. To sign up to be kept in the Hurdle book club loop, click here. ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!

Beyond being my personal style inspiration and a model, Emily DiDonato is also the founder of a new skincare brand called Covey and a body positivity advocate. For episode 153, we chat about her journey to self acceptance and the rollercoaster that was becoming a model after being scouted in a Connecticut Mall. She talks to me about struggling with her size early on in her career, spending hours on end at the gym and eating apples trying to be the “right fit.” She details one #hurdlemoment with a makeup artist and stylist on set that changed everything, empowering her to do away with restrictive behavior and embrace her body — encouraging others to do the same. She also opens up about the evolution of her career, including big opportunities with companies from Maybelline to Chanel and Giorgio Armani, and how she got into the skincare game (she’s absolutely loving being an entrepreneur). We also talk content creation, New York City living, her go-to fitness routine, and so much more. SOCIAL @emilydidonato @covey @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Covey |  Head to coveyskin.com and use code “HURDLE” at checkout to get 10 percent off of The Covey Routine, a three-step, derm-approved, universal skincare ritual. OFFERS Baronfig | Head to baronfig.com and use code HURDLE20 at checkout to receive 20% off of your first purchase of a Guided Edition Journal. Super Coffee | Head to DrinkSuperCoffee.com/HURDLE or use code ”HURDLE” at checkout for 25 percent off. LMNT | Head to DrinkLMNT.com/hurdle to get a FREE LMNT Sample Pack, including two citrus, two raspberry, two orange, and two raw unflavored. You only pay $5 for shipping! Only for Hurdle listeners, to claim this deal you must go to drinkLMNT.com/hurdle.   CHECK OUT: HURDLE SESSIONS All past Sessions are now available on the Hurdle website. NEWLY LAUNCHED: Goal Setting Workshop JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter SIGN UP: Hurdle Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and I’ll announce a date in the coming weeks for our April Zoom meet-up. To sign up to be kept in the Hurdle book club loop, click here. ASK ME A QUESTION: Leave me a voice message, ask me a question, and it could be featured in an upcoming episode!

Life has been a lot lately. In between the work calls and running around, I've been having a lot of conversations with friends about worth — the importance of owning it and sticking up for yourself. For today's episode of 5-MINUTE FRIDAY, I'm talking about the importance of being your own advocate. When you do, you may just be pleasantly surprised the next time you’re going after what you want. PROMPT: When was the last time you sold yourself short? Why do you think you do that? What can you change to better handle a similar situation the next time? SOCIAL @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE LISTEN: Real Pod WATCH: Operation Varsity Blues: The College Admissions Scandal on Netflix CHECK OUT: IRL Fitness Is Back In New York! Thanks to this week’s Hurdle sponsors, BLUBlox, Beam, Athletic Greens, Super Coffee, and Baronfig! For a complete list of the show’s sponsors and some really great deals, check out the sponsors page, here. UPCOMING Hurdle Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and I’ll announce a date in the coming weeks for our April Zoom meet-up. To sign up to be kept in the Hurdle book club loop, click here.

Will I ever be able to run/walk/squat again without peeing myself? How soon is too soon to exercise post-baby? What's the deal with pelvic floor and diastasis recti? Over the years, I've received handfuls of questions from the Hurdle community and today I'm calling on my friend Bree Koegel, FitOn trainer and pre- and post-natal certified trainer to give us some answers. Whether or not you're a mom, this episode is loaded with helpful insight to help us all get stronger and gain a better understanding of what the female body goes through when there's a baby on board.  SOCIAL @breekoegel @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate OFFERS Beam | Go to BeamTLC.com and use code "HURDLE" at checkout for 15 percent off. Goodr | Head on over to Goodr.com/Hurdle and use code "HURDLE2021" for $10 off your order. CHECK OUT: HURDLE SESSIONS All past Sessions are now available on the Hurdle website. NEWLY LAUNCHED: Goal Setting Workshop JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter JOIN: Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and I’ll announce a date in the coming weeks for our April Zoom meet-up. To sign up to be kept in the Hurdle book club loop, click here.

Emily Skye wants women everywhere to know that they are not alone in their struggles. Today, I’m catching up with the fitness trainer who reaches 14 million via her app (and more than 2.5 million on Instagram) for the show. The Australian-born mom-of-two talks to me about her upbringing and the #hurdlemoments that came in her teenage years resulting in anxiety and depression. She details a few abusive relationships that made her question her value, and gets honest about trying to end her life around age 18. She talks about how that experience made her determined to help those with similar struggles, eventually inspiring her journey into the fitness industry and the creation of her online programming. With her outstanding reach, being such a public person comes with a fair amount of criticism. We chat about that today and how she manages unsolicited feedback. Plus: The individuals who inspire HER to be better so that she can be more present, both online and with her family. We also talk about life as a mom (just nine months ago she had her second baby on her bathroom floor!) and what she’s looking forward to in the coming months including the recent launch of her fit post-pregnancy program. SOCIAL @emilyskyefit @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast OFFERS Athletic Greens | Head to AthleticGreens.com/hurdle to get a year’s receive the FREE D3/K2 wellness bundle with your first purchase. BLUBlox | Head to BLUBlox.com/Hurdle and use "HURDLE" at checkout for 15 percent off. Beam | Go to BeamTLC.com and use code "HURDLE" at checkout for 15 percent off. Daily Harvest | Go to DailyHarvest.com and enter promo code “HURDLE25” at checkout to get $25 dollars off your first box. CHECK OUT: HURDLE SESSIONS All past Sessions are now available on the Hurdle website. NEWLY LAUNCHED: Goal Setting Workshop JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE We do talk about some sensitive topics in today’s episode. If you or someone you know have similar thoughts of self-harm or are struggling, you can always reach out to me over DM or email, it’s emily@hurdle.us. The national suicide helpline (800) 273-8255.

Yesterday morning I was reminded of the important difference between "I can't," and "I don't." I didn't want to get out of bed to work out before an early flight. But then, I started. I laced up my sneakers. I made my way to the treadmill, and couldn't have been more grateful that I made that "me" time a priority. Maybe it’s with a work out. Maybe it’s with your job. Maybe it’s a tough conversation with a friend. Whatever hurdle you have on deck in the coming weeks, I encourage you to remember this: You can. PROMPT: What’s one thing that you can do to give back to you (and your body!) in the next 72 hours? SOCIAL @emilyabbate @hurdlepodcast MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE CHECK OUT: The New Peloton x Adidas Collection WATCH: Ginny & Georgia on Netflix HURDLER SPOTLIGHT: Counter Programming with Shira and Arielle DONATE: Support the AAPI Community Fund LISTEN: Life Kit: “A First-Timer’s Guide to Filing Taxes” NEW RELEASE: Lululemon Swift Speed Tight Thanks to this week’s Hurdle sponsors, BLUBlox, Beam, Athletic Greens, Super Coffee, and Baronfig! For a complete list of the show’s sponsors and some really great deals, check out the sponsors page, here. UPCOMING Hurdle Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering,  and I’ll announce a date in the coming weeks for our April Zoom meet-up. To sign up to be kept in the Hurdle book club loop, click here.

On Monday, I had the opportunity to chat with Dr. Michael Gervais and we touched on the power of breath. So, for #HURDLEMOMENT this week, I decided to bring in an expert to explain the essentials. Meet Joy Dushey, a spiritual and holistic life guide, intuitive energy healer, breathwork facilitator, and host of The Methodology podcast. We talk about everything from the benefits of the practice to how to execute and the difference between breathwork and meditation. Also: How breathwork helped Dushey deal with past trauma, so much so that she made teaching it a part of her life’s work. SOCIAL @thejoyfulapproach @hurdlepodcast @emilyabbate OFFERS Beam | Go to BeamTLC.com and use code "HURDLE" at checkout for 15 percent off. CHECK OUT: HURDLE SESSIONS All past Sessions are now available on the Hurdle website. NEWLY LAUNCHED: Goal Setting Workshop JOIN: THE *Secret* FACEBOOK GROUP SIGN UP: Weekly Hurdle Newsletter JOIN: Book Club! We’ll be reading The Art of Gathering, and I’ll announce a date in the coming weeks for our April Zoom meet-up. To sign up to be kept in the Hurdle book club loop, click here.