Results Not Typical

In this episode, Nikki chats with nutrition and strength coach Steph Gaudreau about dismantling diet culture and how we as women can take a more empowered approach to fitness and wellness. They discuss: The pervasiveness of diet culture and how this causes women to approach fitness in a way that is damaging to their mental and physical health. Why strength training feels so inaccessible to women and what we can do as fitness professionals to lower the barrier to entry. How to change the narrative around a fear of being bulky and taking up space. Strategies to get past chasing aesthetics and gold stars as a means of self-worth, so you can find an approach to nutrition and fitness that is nourishing and empowering instead of exhausting. How to break out of the self-imposed expectations that are causing you to run yourself into the ground, so you can put energy back into the system. How to understand the root of motivation in why you engage in certain health and fitness behaviors Learn more + purchase Steph's book and program Core4 here: https://www.stephgaudreau.com/store/ About Step Gaudreau: Steph Gaudreau, NTP, is a nutritional therapy and strength training expert helping women around the world find a more nourishing approach to food and fitness. In her best-selling book, The Core 4, she details a four pillar approach to building health, embracing your body, and owning your power. Steph is trained in biology and human physiology and is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, and USA Weightlifting Sports Performance coach. She's an international speaker that has been featured in Outside, MindBodyGreen, SELF, and ESPN Radio. Connect with Steph at https://www.stephgaudreau.com/.

In this episode, Nikki and Leigh discuss body dysmorphia in the fitness industry and how to distinguish self image from societal conditioning. They discuss: - How personal identity should be a primary factor in determining your fitness goals - Body acceptance versus denial, how we end up setting goals that don't really serve us, and how to find trust within ourselves - The role of the internet and Instagram culture in body image - The importance of body autonomy and the problem with unsolicited advice and how it contributes to body dysmorphia About Leigh Peele Leigh Peele, a nationally published author who's been featured in publications such as Men's Health, The Guardian, and The Washington Times. Leigh was a co-host of the popular fitness podcast, Fitcast, and she's a self-described "layman researcher". As a personal trainer with a certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Leigh's worked with actors, models, fighters, and athletes from all over the world. To learn about Leigh, visit her website leighpeele.com.

In this episode, Nikki chats with strength coach Jason Leenaarts about how to make better and safer choices for ourselves when looking for approaches to health and fitness. They discuss: - Fads such as coffee enemas and why even though google scholar can tell us it's a bad idea, many of us will still try these things - Why emotional decision making often leads to extreme behavior - Why it's so tempting to turn to a guru instead of a fitness professional when you're having a health crisis - The power of consistency About Jason Leenaarts Jason is the owner of Revolution Fitness and Therapy (RevFit), a semi-private personal training facility in Stow, Ohio. He's the host of the Revolutionary You podcast and author of The Revolution Is You! Connect with him at his website or on Facebook or Instagram.

In this episode, Nikki chat's with registered dietician Dr. Susan Kleiner about the nutritional science and research behind grains, gluten, and wheat and how it applies to our health. They discuss: - Myths and facts about "wheat belly" and why so many people find that it contributes to gut distress, brain fog, and bloating - Why wheat, grains, and gluten intolerance often aren't the problem, but how the way that we process grains are - The health benefits and research that supports eating whole grains and how to incorporate more of them into your diet without negative symptoms - The role and importance of carbs in a diet and how to know if you are eating the right amount or may not be eating enough About Dr. Susan Kleiner Dr. Kleiner is the owner of High Performance Nutrition, LLC, a consulting firm in Mercer Island, Washington, and the Director of Science and Communication for Vitargo, Inc. She is currently the High Performance Nutrition Consultant to the Seattle Storm. Dr. Kleiner has authored eight books, including the bestseller The New Power Eating, The Good Mood Diet®, and The POWERFOOD Nutrition Plan. Dr. Kleiner's credentials include a PhD in Nutrition and RD, FACN, CNS, FISSN certifications and honors. She is a co-founder and fellow of the International Society of Sports Nutrition and a fellow of the American College of Nutrition. She is a member of the American College of Sports Medicine and The National Strength and Conditioning Association. To learn more about Dr. Kleiner visit drskleiner.com or follow her @powereats on Instagram.

In this episode, Nikki chats with certified personal trainer and host of the Cut the S#iT Get Fit Podcast Rafal Matuszewski about how to take a results focused approach to fitness and nutrition that goes beyond the fads. They discuss: - Marketing versus application and why buzz words like muscle confusion often don't mean anything - The benefits of focusing on consistency instead of novelty - How following health and fitness trends isn't always a bad thing, but individualizing the process will often get you a better result. About Rafal Matuszewski: Movement is medicine. I firmly believe that many people who deal with pain can improve their quality of life by simply moving. There are fundamental patterns as humans we should be able to perform. But, in today's world, we live in, we are set up for failure. Being able to squat, crawl, climb, lunge, push, pull, and of course lifting things off the floor are all movement qualities we used to possess, but quickly lose as we age and become inactive. I coach patients and clients from the ground up. Build the fundamentals first, then challenge the system. The last nine years of my career I've seen clients from all walks of life. Weight loss, strength, performance, rehabilitation, you name it. All have different goals and outcomes, but all follow the same training principles for building foundational movement patterns. As a trainer obsessed with helping others who suffer from painful movement, I bridge the gap between rehabilitation and performance. My ultimate goal is to have you moving and feeling better, faster so you can enjoy life and get back to activity. To learn more about and purchase Rafal's e-book the Ironclad Body Training System: A step by step guide to building a strong and resilient body, visit ironcladbody.com.

In this episode, Nikki chats with Aesha Ash, retired professional ballet dancer about representation in ballet, the power of images, and her work through the Swan Dreams Project to challenge and change the stereotype of how African American women are perceived by society. They also discuss: - Her shift in perception of self after turning 40 - Her experience being the principal dance double for Zoe Saldana in the movie Center Stage - The work she is doing to bring ballet, fitness, and culture to children who live in inner cities. About Aesha Ash Aesha has been a professional ballet dancer for 13 years. After attending the legendary School of American Ballet, she joined the New York City Ballet at the age of 18, where she remained for eight years dancing numerous soloist and principal roles. Aesha then joined the legendary Bejart Ballet, in Lausanne Switzerland, as a soloist. After enjoying success in Europe, she returned to the United States in 2005 where joined Alonzo King's Lines Ballet. After a tremendous amount of growth and learning, Aesha went freelance. She began working with Morphoses, founded by Christopher Wheeldon. Aesha has been featured in Dance Magazine, Pointe Magazine, Bazaar, Marie Claire, the New York Times and the San Francisco Chronicle, to name a few. You will find Aesha featured in the New York City Ballet Workout II, Barbie Nutcracker, as well as the principal dance double for Zoe Saldana in the movie Center Stage. To connect with Aesha, say hello on instagram.com/gracefitstudio or visit her website theswandreamsproject.org.

In this episode, Nikki chats with Seattle based Pilates teacher Ellen Nixon about their fitness memories from growing up in the 90's and how it's shaped their perspective of movement now. They discuss: - The Presidential Fitness Test and the structure of gym class and why they found it problematic for inspiring kids to enjoy physical activity - How the term athlete can be a turn off for a lot of kids (and later adults) who don't feel like they fit into that category - The importance of listening to your clients and being mindful not to assume they have a specific goal (e.g. weight loss).

In this episode, Nikki chats with entrepreneur, speaker and actor Jess Vann about body positivity and vulnerability in the online space. They discuss: - What it means to be vulnerable and body positive online - How the culture and trends around fitness have shifted since the 80's and 90's - Why representation matters and how it influences self image About Jess Vann Jess Vann is a body positive, fitness lovah, loving, fierce songtress, entrepreneur, speaker and actor. Let's not forget Co-Host to the podcast Red White and Coconut Oil! A lady of many hats! Catch her on IG at jdotjourney. Unleash your sexy and stay fly!

In this episode, Nikki chats with Peter Baker about his thoughts on functional training and how it applies to the individual. They also discuss: - What it means to train for hypertrophy and why muscle growth can be more challenging than it sounds - The difference between fat loss strategies for the general public versus a figure or bikini competitor - Why there is no one size fits all approach to health and fitness To connect with Peter visit peterdbaker.com.

In this episode, Nikki chats with Courtney Townley about how to break out of the cycle of unsustainable fitness practices and self-sabotage. They discuss: - How failing leads to learning and ultimately success - Why it's important to be a generalist in movement vs. specializing in one modality - Courtney's journey from Pilates teacher to health coach and what her movement practice looks like now - How to get out of the perfectionist trap - Strategies to build sustainable long term habits to improve health and reach your fitness goals About Courtney: Courtney began working in the fitness industry over two decades ago when she transitioned from the professional dance world. She graduated from the University of Michigan with a BFA and is fully certified as a STOTT PILATES® instructor, National Strength and Conditioning personal trainer (NSCA-CPT), ACE Health Coach, Precision Nutrition Level 2 Coach. She is also a very proud student of the Ido Portal Method. Courtney has owned 2 fitness facilities and was so blown away by the results that clients got from her health coaching services, she decided to commit fully to developing that aspect of her business. She's driven to learn everything she can about her field to help her clients get the results they desire and to be sure they have fun along the way. Courtney is passionate about a multi-dimensional approach to health and fitness, and integrates the practices of clean eating, functional movement and stress management. She loves to move and share her love of movement with others while also introducing them to optimal health through healthy living practices. To connect with Courtney, visit her website graceandgrit.com.