Self-Selecting

In this episode of the Self Selecting Podcast, I dive into the 7 most common mistakes people make when trying to build 3D delts. For years, upper body training—especially shoulders—has been an area where so many athletes overcomplicate things, cut corners, or waste time on ineffective movements.I break down exactly why your shoulders aren’t growing the way you want, covering everything from training volume, exercise selection, and getting close enough to failure, to trap recruitment, ipsilateral support, and the balance between delt and arm training.Whether you’re chasing that bikini pro look, the fit model aesthetic, or simply want toned, sculpted shoulders, this episode gives you actionable strategies to level up your training.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 02:16] – Why upper body training is overlooked & intro to 3D delts- [02:16 – 04:53] – The look I built & common traps in female shoulder training- [04:53 – 10:13] – Mistake #1: Underestimating how long it takes to build delts- [10:13 – 16:41] – Mistake #2: Underestimating the training volume needed- [16:41 – 19:39] – Mistake #3: Overcomplicating exercise selection- [19:39 – 26:49] – Mistake #4: Not training close enough to failure & scapular stability- [26:49 – 33:21] – Mistake #5: Worrying too much about traps & stability solutions- [33:21 – 35:51] – Mistake #6: Externally rotating to compensate (why it kills delt growth)- [35:51 – 39:46] – Mistake #7: Building bi’s & tri’s at the same rate as delts- [39:46 – 40:36] – Final thoughts & why clarity in your goals is keyLinks & Resources:https://coryfit.com/⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultationFor more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I sat down with Tate Donley to dive deep into the real costs of competing, the role of PEDs, and what it actually takes to progress in bodybuilding. Tate shared her journey through glute growth, second-guessing herself, and navigating the blurred lines between natural progress and enhanced strategies. We also got into the new Olympia qualification system, the rise of fit model as an alternative division, and why chasing the physiques of top pros isn’t realistic for most athletes. Finally, Tate gave powerful advice for competitors who are questioning their path.This one is packed with transparency, tough truths, and inspiration for anyone considering the next step in their competitive journey.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 02:54] – Intro and setting the stage for Tate’s journey in bodybuilding- [09:00 – 11:18] – The cost of PEDs and the reality of competing frequently- [11:18 – 14:15] – Contrasting prep in North America with Tate’s most recent prep experience- [14:15 – 16:57] – Working hard but feeling like no progress is happening- [16:57 – 19:17] – Glute growth progress and learning patience in bodybuilding- [19:17 – 22:30] – Second-guessing, PED temptation, and the misconception of direct A to B results- [22:30 – 31:49] – PED expectations vs. reality and pressures in the sport- [31:49 – 35:20] – Gamifying shows, Olympia qualification, and considering fit model over bikini- [35:20 – 42:36] – Bikini pros transitioning to fit model and the reality of physique standards- [42:36 – 46:15] – The “it” factor: why most can’t replicate top pro physiques- [46:15 – 01:00:00] – Waist control improvements from pro card to first pro show- [01:00:00 – 01:03:25] – Tate’s closing advice for athletes on patience, trust, and realistic goalsLinks & Resources:Follow Tate on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tater_tater/Work With Tate: https://www.agapestrengthandnutrition.com/contacthttps://coryfit.com/⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultationFor more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode of the Self-Reflecting Podcast, I dive deep into the 10 biggest hormone and HRT mistakes I see being made by doctors, coaches, and clinics — especially in women’s health and bodybuilding. From wild TRT dosing to misusing estrogen modulators and Anavar, I break down the misconceptions, the risks, and what you should really be looking out for when it comes to hormone replacement therapy, perimenopause support, and contest prep protocols.I share real client stories, red flags I’ve seen in the industry, and practical advice to help you protect your health, avoid unnecessary risks, and make smarter, more informed decisions about your hormones, coaching, and care.If you’ve ever wondered whether your doctor, coach, or clinic might be mismanaging your hormones — this episode is for you.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 04:19] – Why I recorded this episode - [04:19 – 08:48] – Mistake 1: Prescribing wild TRT doses for women and the dangers of too much testosterone- [08:48 – 13:08] – Mistake 2: Blanket-prescribing estrogen modulators without checking estradiol levels- [13:19 – 16:28] – Mistake 3: Prescribing Anavar with no clear endpoint, perimenopause misuse & cumulative risks- [16:45 – 21:42] – Mistake 4: Combining drugs with opposite effects (MK-677 + GLP-1) & the business model behind it- [21:42 – 23:04] – Mistake 5: Using estrogen modulators alongside estradiol in HRT – working against yourself- [23:16 – 26:46] – Mistake 6: Not establishing an upper threshold for safe testosterone levels (and why labs matter)- [26:59 – 30:42] – Mistake 7: Starting TRT without proper follow-up or scheduled labs- [30:42 – 33:04] – Mistake 8: Using hormonal birth control as a blanket fix for irregular cycles & PMS- [33:21 – 35:28] – Mistake 9: Marketing menstrual cycle cessation as a “perk” to upsell HBC- [35:44 – 39:03] – Mistake 10: Overlooking lab timing for estradiol and progesterone relative to your cycle- [39:03 – 39:18] – Final thoughts: why most of these mistakes aren’t malicious but come from ignorance + empowering you to ask better questionsLinks & Resources:https://coryfit.com/Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15minConsults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultationFor more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I dive into one of the most common physique questions I hear: "how do you actually shrink your waist?" We cover everything from body fat reduction and bloating to bone structure, muscle building, gut health, and core control. I break down the myths, the science, and the practical steps you can take whether you’re a competitor or simply someone chasing a smaller waistline.If you’ve ever wondered whether waist trainers work, how shoulder and lat training plays into waist shape, or how bloating and GI distress can make your waist look bigger, this episode has the answers. My goal is to help you understand what you’re really asking when you say you want a “smaller waist” — and how to get there effectively and sustainably.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 12:58] – Introduction: why people want to shrink their waist and defining what that actually means.- [12:59 – 16:05] – Understanding your waist goals: bloating, GI distress, and how perception impacts waist appearance.- [16:05 – 21:29] – Shoulder-to-hip ratios, bone structure, and identifying the real problem before choosing a solution.- [21:30 – 25:00] – Brutal truth #1: if you want definition and a flatter waist, body fat reduction is the priority.- [25:00 – 34:59] – Post-show fat gain, visceral fat storage, and how to track waist circumference during fat loss.- [34:59 – 45:29] – Brutal truth #2 & #3: structural shape vs. training illusions, building shoulders/lats, and gut health solutions.- [45:30 – 54:26] – Specialists vs. functional practitioners, core training mistakes, and fixing poor waist control.- [54:27 – 01:02:51] – Brutal truth #4: waist trainers, myths, effectiveness, and final takeaways.Links & Resources:https://coryfit.com/Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultationFor more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I sit down with IFBB Pro Brittany Gillespie to dive deep into the realities of competing at the highest level in bodybuilding. We talk about managing fatigue, the importance of trusting your coach, navigating PED pressures, and maintaining femininity and long-term health while chasing success on stage. Brittany opens up about her nutrition game-changers, mindset shifts, and her thoughts on the new Olympia points system that has the bodybuilding world buzzing.If you’re an athlete looking to improve your prep, balance health with performance, or understand what it takes to be competitive at the Olympia level, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 02:15] – Kicking things off with Brittany’s busy travel and competition schedule this season- [02:15 – 04:48] – Building trust with her coach and making major physique improvements with intentional training- [06:34 – 07:34] – Managing fatigue and actually improving with more food and less training- [07:34 – 11:00] – Brittany’s biggest nutrition game-changer for achieving peak fullness on stage- [11:00 – 13:25] – The mindset going into shows and the confidence needed for stacked lineups- [13:25 – 18:36] – Athletes struggling with lack of trust in coaches and navigating competitive feedback- [18:36 – 20:00] – Facing backlash and being bullied into PED use in bodybuilding- [20:00 – 22:43] – Considering femininity, long-term health, and resisting unnecessary PED pressure- [22:43 – 24:50] – The myth that athletes “wither away” without PEDs and maintaining muscle naturally- [24:50 – 31:15] – Losing your cycle during prep and hormonal health implications- [31:15 – 36:00] – Thoughts on the new Olympia points system and how it changes the competitive landscape- [36:00 – 40:37] – The potential of fit model division as an alternative for athletes- [40:37 – 44:30] – Brittany’s Olympia prep plans, post-Olympia goals, and her future content on social platformsLinks & Resources:Follow Brittany on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britgillespiee/https://coryfit.com/⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultationFor more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I break down the new IFBB point system and what it really means for athletes, coaches, and the future of bikini and physique divisions.I share my unfiltered perspective on why this change is happening, how it affects the prestige of the Olympia, and the very real implications for PED use, fertility, and athlete health.I dive into the politics, the advantages certain teams have, and the unfair realities many competitors face in chasing pro-level success.Whether you’re an amateur eyeing your pro card or a seasoned competitor, this episode will help you understand how the new system could change the game—for better and for worse.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 01:21] – Introduction & first impressions of the new points system- [01:21 – 03:26] – Why oversaturation at the Olympia led to this change- [03:26 – 05:10] – The judge’s perspective and the challenges of massive competitor pools- [05:20 – 07:46] – How athletes “gamed the system” & the impact on competitive fairness- [07:46 – 09:34] – Why Olympia prestige is at risk with too many unqualified competitors- [10:27 – 12:59] – How the new point rankings and tiered pro shows will work- [13:16 – 16:19] – The unfair advantage of big teams and judge access- [17:10 – 19:57] – Former Miss Olympias, automatic qualifications & discretion policies- [20:19 – 23:24] – The reality of PED use to sustain conditioning under this system- [23:56 – 25:50] – What top coaches are really prescribing & the pressure on athletes- [27:11 – 30:44] – The hidden costs: femininity, fertility, and long-term health- [33:39 – 36:34] – The dangers of “risk-free” claims from coaches about PED use- [37:00 – 39:22] – Why athletes must understand labs & hormone health under the new system- [39:22 – 40:58] – Final thoughts: where bodybuilding is headed & the risks athletes faceLinks & Resources:https://coryfit.com/⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultationFor more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I dive into 60 questions in 60 minutes—covering everything from training splits, PED safety, and nutrition hacks to bodybuilding prep tips, hormone health, and personal stories. I share my insights on building strength, fat loss strategies, supplementation, and the brutal truths I’ve learned in my own bodybuilding journey. If you’re looking for fitness coaching, contest prep strategies, or the science behind training and nutrition, this episode is packed with real, unfiltered answers.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 01:05] - Why I don’t program hip thrusts & building glutes with squats/hinges- [01:05 – 02:29] - Bioidentical HRT, hormones, and testosterone fluctuations for women- [02:59 – 04:15] - Breast implants, SHBG suppression, and safe supplement use- [04:34 – 05:42] - Creatine, protein, and supplementation during pregnancy- [05:42 – 07:32] - Strength gains, cardio for fat loss, and tightening loose skin- [08:06 – 09:54] - Clenbuterol use for women & thyroid health supplementation- [10:01 – 11:46] - PEDs post-breast augmentation & Anavar supplementation risks- [12:09 – 14:49] - Building glutes while marathon training & lat development tips- [15:12 – 17:28] - TRT bloodwork timing, yohimbine vs. clen, and Masteron vs. Primo- [18:15 – 20:08] - Injectable L-Carnitine effectiveness & upcoming competition plans- [22:25 – 25:11] - Reverse dieting myths, calorie maintenance, and my goofy side- [26:08 – 29:42] - Knowing when to switch coaches & my current workout split- [30:03 – 32:32] - Getting lean/dry for stage & glute training without hip thrusts- [33:38 – 35:18] - PED updates, protein intake, and TRT’s effect on sexual health- [35:55 – 37:17] - Thyroid dysregulation in prep & new GLP-1 fat loss drugs- [37:32 – 39:12] - Tips for first bodybuilding show & my breast augmentation recovery- [40:17 – 42:26] - Binge eating struggles, GLP-1 microdosing, and food control- [43:09 – 44:27] - Anavar dosing, diet struggles, and training without a spotter- [44:44 – 46:38] - Training for balance, masters bikini competitor advice, and consults- [47:04 – 49:15] - Top glute exercises, product recommendations, and diet drinks in prep- [49:33 – 51:41] - Ab training for a tapered waist, muscle definition, and core control- [52:02 – 54:37] - Retaining muscle in a cut, acne from PEDs, and number of shows per season- [54:57 – 55:20] - Final thoughts and wrap-upLinks & Resources:https://coryfit.com/Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultationFor more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode of the Self-Selecting Podcast, I sit down with Liz Brody to dive deep into the realities of bodybuilding, training intention, and navigating the fitness space as both an athlete and coach. Liz opens up about her experience prepping herself for a bodybuilding show, the mindset shifts around building muscle, and the importance of performance-based training over flashy Instagram workouts.We also break down common mistakes athletes make when chasing aesthetics, the misconceptions around glute training, and how PED normalization has impacted bodybuilding culture. Liz brings powerful insight into balancing femininity, physique development, and athletic performance while calling out myths that can hold women back in their progress.If you want to understand what it really takes to grow as an athlete, train with purpose, and avoid falling into traps set by social media or poor coaching advice, this episode is for you.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 01:02] – Introduction and welcoming Liz Brody- [04:56 – 06:00] – The importance of intention in training & common mistakes- [06:00 – 08:42] – Liz’s experience prepping herself for a bodybuilding show- [08:42 – 12:00] – Training with intention based on division needs- [12:00 – 15:00] – Female competitors, glute training myths, and physical structure- [16:00 – 20:22] – PED use in amateurs & shifting mindset around building muscle- [20:22 – 25:00] – Training design & why “upper outer glute” programs miss the mark- [30:00 – 34:15] – Split squats, ipsilateral load myths & glute activation talk- [40:49 – 48:22] – Teaching proximity to failure & “going to war” in training- [50:42 – 56:30] – The pump vs. mechanical tension: What really drives hypertrophy- [59:41 - 1:09:35] – Compensations in movement and hip thrust limitations- [1:09:35 – 1:15:31] – Waist trainer misconceptions, Liz’s final thoughts & where to find herLinks & Resources:Follow Liz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lizbrody/Work With Liz: https://www.lizbrodyfitness.com/trainhttps://coryfit.com/⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultationFor more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I share my personal strategies for navigating airports, family meals, and vacations without sabotaging fat loss or muscle goals. From managing time zone changes and travel macros to handling family comments about food, I walk you through exactly how I approached a recent trip to Pennsylvania while staying consistent with my fitness.You’ll learn:- How to handle time zone changes and hunger cues- Why focusing on protein first is the ultimate travel hack- Driving vs. flying: how food access changes your strategy- How to approach high-calorie meals without going overboard- Dealing with family pressure and food comments- Restaurant strategies: portion sizes, bites vs. full servings, and tracking on the fly- Why staying consistent with hydration and protein matters mostIf you’ve ever struggled with staying on track while traveling, this episode will give you a no-BS plan to enjoy your trip without undoing weeks of progress.Timestamps:- [00:00] Introduction: why travel is a fat loss struggle- [03:28] Time zone shifts & macros on travel days-[ 04:49] Protein-first strategy for flights and airports- [07:33] Adjusting meal timing & avoiding poor travel food- [12:17] Driving vs flying: what changes in nutrition planning- [18:14] Handling family comments & food guilt- [21:43] High-calorie meal strategy: how to go in prepared- [27:08] Knowing your triggers & staying mindful on vacation- [33:23] Restaurant hacks: portion control & tracking on the fly- [37:35] Dessert strategies: bites vs. full servings- [44:33] Wrap-up: protein, hydration & post-trip resultsLinks & Resources:https://coryfit.com/⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultationFor more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I break down the six biggest reasons you’re not losing fat and why so many people stay stuck in the same cycle. From slashing calories too low, to letting the scale control your actions, to making the process harder than it needs to be, I walk you through the exact mindset and strategy mistakes that keep people from reaching their goals.I also cover why consistency beats perfection, the trap of constantly justifying going off plan, and the reality that getting what you want will require doing what you don’t want to do. If you’ve ever felt like fat loss is harder than it should be, or wondered why you can’t stick with a plan, this episode will give you clarity, direction, and the tools to finally break through.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 03:45] – Introduction: Why fat loss is brutally hard and the 6 truths you need to face.- [03:45 – 09:07] – Why most data is unreliable when dieting.- [09:07 – 10:04] – Brutal Truth #1 – Putting calories too low and comparing “bad data” against itself.- [10:04 – 18:49] – Brutal Truth #2 – What you want will require what you’re not willing to give. The sacrifice no one talks about.- [18:49 – 23:38] – Brutal Truth #3 – Letting scale weight dictate your actions instead of setting consistent parameters.- [23:38 – 25:52] – Locking into rigid calorie targets regardless of activity — why flexibility matters.- [25:52 – 31:59] – Brutal Truth #4 – You’re making fat loss harder than it needs to be.- [31:59 – 35:14]– Brutal Truth #5 – Looking for a reason to quit just because it gets hard.- [35:14 – 41:25] – Not wanting to sit at maintenance, falling off track, and blaming circumstances instead of owning decisions.- [41:25 – 44:14] – The “I can’t track it, so I won’t track it” trap — why that mindset guarantees failure.- [44:14 – 47:59] – Fear of success: being scared to achieve results because it forces consistency.- [47:59 – 53:21] – Brutal Truth #6 – Running on empty: why exhaustion makes it easy to justify poor decisions and self-sabotage.Links & Resources:https://coryfit.com/Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15minConsults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultationFor more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink