Self-Selecting

In this episode of the Self-Selecting Podcast, I’m breaking down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about growth hormone (GH) — from myths and overhype to real-world applications, dosing, timing, stacking with other PEDs, and managing side effects. Whether you’re here for fat loss, muscle growth, recovery, or anti-aging, I cover the science, the risks, the real benefits, and practical use cases for both men and women.I dive into lab testing, IGF-1 levels, insulin sensitivity, cycling vs. year-round use, and how GH compares to peptides. I also share my personal experience as both an athlete and a coach, plus insights from working with hundreds of clients.By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to make informed decisions about GH — not based on hype, but on realistic expectations, science, and practical application.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 02:15] - Welcome & episode overview.- [02:15 – 06:13] - Does growth hormone really build muscle or is it overhyped? - [06:13 – 09:44] - Can you run GH alone and still get results? - [09:44 – 11:22] - GH deficiency myths — Why low IGF-1 in hard dieting phases isn’t always a true deficiency.- [11:22 – 13:56] - Best GH dosing for men & women.- [13:56 – 17:06] - Is GH worth it for fat loss? - [17:06 – 18:37] - Best time to take GH — Night vs. morning injections for muscle recovery and fat loss.- [18:37 – 20:21] - Stacking GH with other PEDs — Synergy with anabolic steroids, TRT, and fat loss agents.- [20:21 – 21:50] - How to know if your GH is real.- [21:50 – 24:46] - GH & insulin sensitivity — Avoiding desensitization and monitoring blood glucose.- [24:46 – 26:15] - GH vs. peptides & MK-677.- [26:15 – 28:47] - Ideal IGF-1 levels on GH.- [28:47 – 30:38] - Cycling vs. year-round GH use — Managing metabolic fatigue and side effects.- [30:38 – 32:40] - Women’s GH protocols — Dosing differences, estrogen impact, and birth control considerations.- [32:40 – 34:11] - GH for off-season vs. contest prep.- [34:11 – 35:44] - Subcutaneous vs. intramuscular injections — Timing, absorption, and real-world preferences.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’m joined by IFBB Pro Jasmine Shier for a raw and insightful conversation about the realities of competing, turning pro, and navigating the risks that come with physique sports.We dive into the false expectations many athletes have about timelines, the pressures of staying lean year-round, and the role of PEDs — including how to know if enhancement is the right path for you. Jasmine shares her experience with waist trainers, transitioning divisions, and how her perspective on growth and off-season health has evolved.We also touch on menstrual health, the dangers of hormonal birth control being pushed as a quick fix, and why your training and nutrition foundation always matters more than chasing compounds.If you’re an athlete considering your next steps — whether natural or enhanced — this episode is packed with truths you need before making big decisions.Timestamp Breakdown:- [00:00 – 05:08] – Introduction: Jasmine’s background & what athletes get wrong about the path to turning pro- [05:08 – 08:41] – False expectations: How long it *really* takes to earn a pro card- [08:41 – 12:30] – Waist trainers & myths about keeping the waist tight- [12:30 – 18:18] – Division transitions: Why athletes underestimate the changes required- [18:18 – 19:50] – The hidden risks of PEDs when changing divisions- [19:50 – 27:12] – PED use vs. lifestyle choice: Understanding the long-term trade-offs- [27:12 – 30:30] – Deciding if you want to be enhanced: The mental & physical considerations- [30:30 – 33:45] – Why training & nutrition matter more than PEDs- [33:45 – 39:28] – The truth about staying lean & how muscle is really built- [39:28 – 45:52] – Off-season body weight: Why productive growth often means adding size- [45:52 – 55:30] – The risks of losing your menstrual cycle during off-season- [55:30 – 01:01:50] – Hormonal birth control as a “solution” & Jasmine’s closing advice for female athletesLinks and Resources:Follow Jasmine on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasmine_shier/Work With Jasmine: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyFJNceCa-_8apvlmmb7dwLjER5B9E5hoGWfPNkh3v_0xKtA/viewformhttps://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 deep into a topic that’s personal for many of us: hair thinning and hair loss, especially in the context of hormones, health, and lifestyle. This isn’t just about products or hacks — it’s about understanding the root causes of what's happening internally with our bodies.I break down the hair growth cycle, highlight key hormones like DHT, cortisol, thyroid, estrogen, and more, and explain how things like stress, dieting, and supplements can completely alter our hair’s trajectory. Whether you’re on TRT, birth control, or just looking to maintain your hair health as you age — this episode is for you.It’s not about chasing the latest trend. It’s about getting real, running labs, and staying educated. If you want to preserve your hair and prevent premature loss, this is the episode you don’t want to skip.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 02:02] – Welcome and overview: Why hair loss isn't just cosmetic, and why women (especially in fitness) should care about hormonal health- [02:02 – 04:00] – What causes early hair thinning? - [04:00 – 05:51] – Why hair care products won't fix a broken system- [05:51 – 08:14] – Hormones that rule your hair cycle: estrogen, progesterone, thyroid, cortisol- [08:14 – 10:03] – Understanding the anagen (growth) phase and what shortens it- [10:03 – 12:22] – The catagen and telogen phases: When hair growth stops and shedding spikes- [12:22 – 15:18] – What lab markers to look at and why even "normal" levels can cause miniaturization- [15:18 – 18:17] – What to do if you're losing hair on TRT or anabolic cycles- [18:17 – 21:05] – Cortisol and hair loss: How chronic stress suppresses follicle activity- [21:05 – 24:31] – The role of thyroid hormones, T3/T4 balance, and symptoms of hyperthyroid-induced shedding- [24:31 – 27:40] – IGF-1, insulin, estrogen, prolactin: How metabolic stress kills your hair growth- [27:40 – 35:29] – Styling, behavior, and mindset: Real-life practices, aging expectations, and final takeawaysLinks & 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 exactly what it takes to reduce body fat to 15% in a sustainable, science-backed way. Whether you're starting at 40% or 20%, your journey to 15% looks completely different—and I walk you through every phase.We cover how to measure body fat accurately, how long to diet, how aggressive you should be, and what sacrifices you’ll need to make depending on your starting point. I talk about the realistic timelines, trade-offs, and why walking pads won’t cut it as structured cardio. Plus, I answer the question everyone asks: “Can I do it all in one phase?”If you’re chasing a physique goal, this episode gives you the tools to make sure you’re doing it with intention, not desperation. Timestamps:- [00:00 – 02:23] – Intro: Why 15% body fat is a common but misunderstood goal- [02:23 – 05:21] – Don’t skip this: Defining success and how to reverse-engineer your fat loss- [05:21 – 08:43] – Step 1: Know your starting point + how to measure body fat correctly- [08:43 – 11:19] – 40% to 15% vs. 20% to 15%: Different journeys, different strategies- [11:19 – 16:33] – When low body fat becomes unhealthy: How to spot the warning signs- [16:33 – 22:30] – How long should you diet? Timeline expectations and metabolic reality- [22:30 – 28:57] – The final 10–20%: How to stay committed when the goal gets harder- [28:57 – 29:43] – No, you can’t out-cardio overeating: Nutrition always wins- [29:43 – 32:48] – Are you on track? Tools for measuring fat loss: photos, tape, trends- [32:48 – 34:35] – What would it take to not lose fat? Understanding resistance to change- [34:35 – 38:51] – Walking pads ≠ cardio: Why intensity and intention matter- [38:51 – 40:20] – How much does “falling off” really matter? Damage control truths- [40:20 – 46:27] – Hunger, sustainability & what success really looks like in maintenance- [46:27 – 49:58] – Episode recap: Can you hit 15%? Here's what it really takesLinks and 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’m joined by IFBB Pro Maria Vegas for a deep dive into the realities of prep, athlete responsibility, emotional eating, and the intelligent use of supplementation in bodybuilding. Maria gets incredibly candid about her current prep for the Tampa Pro, her journey with emotional eating, and how she’s optimized her physique without compromising her mental or physical health.We talk coaching philosophy, the importance of playing the long game, why “doing whatever it takes” often backfires, and how to decode the metrics judges are really looking at. Maria also opens up about using GLP-1s like semaglutide and retatrutide, and breaks down exactly how she approaches supplementation with responsibility and research.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 00:56] - Overcoming illness mid-prep and why health comes first- [00:56 – 02:54] - Navigating sickness and deciding to postpone a competition- [02:54 – 05:50] - Pro athletes modeling recovery-first approaches for longevity- [05:50 – 08:00] - Working with Paul Revelia: Health-first coaching and long-game strategy- [08:00 – 15:31] - Why most coaches neglect mental health & the cost of chasing leanness- [15:31 – 25:53] - Data-driven prep: Tracking waist-to-hip ratios, Dexa scans & judge criteria- [25:53 – 27:40] - The skill of interpreting data vs. blindly mimicking physiques- [27:40 – 31:15] - Leanness isn’t what wins: Misconceptions about judging criteria- [31:15 – 38:34] - Core engagement vs. core growth: The science of pelvic stability- [38:34 – 44:00] - Athlete responsibility: Stop blaming your coach, take control- [44:00 – 46:16] - Supplements are not candy: Stop blindly trusting marketing- [46:16 – 51:00] - Understanding over-the-counter vs. performance drugs & expected outcomes- [51:00 – 52:00] - Coaches pushing sponsored supplements: Red flag warning- [52:00 – 58:10] - What is Retatrutide? Maria’s experience and why it’s not a cheat code- [58:10 – 01:06:00] - GLP-1s & Semaglutide: The misunderstood tools with legacy effects- [01:06:00 – 01:07:08] - Final thoughts: Prepping with purpose and never compromising healthLinks & Resources:Follow Maria on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themariavegas/?hl=enPose With Maria: https://tr.ee/UeJdeHgq1hhttps://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 solo episode of the Self Selecting Podcast, we’re diving deep into a topic that many of you have been asking for—hormonal health, menstrual cycles, and how they intersect with female athletes’ training, recovery, and performance.From understanding anovulation and amenorrhea to navigating perimenopause, menopause, and the impact of lifestyle and PEDs, I’m giving you a full breakdown of how your body is signaling imbalances and what that actually means. Whether you’re a competitor, coach, or someone trying to figure out your hormonal roadmap, this is a must-listen.We also get real about misdiagnoses, lab recommendations, and why cookie-cutter protocols don’t work for hormonally complex issues.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 02:54] – Intro, guest recap, Patreon episode debate, and Cory's health update- [02:54 – 04:37] – One-time consults & how Cory supports athletes dealing with hormonal challenges- [04:37 – 07:19] – Defining common hormone conditions: anovulation, amenorrhea, perimenopause, menopause- [07:19 – 09:31] – Understanding anovulation: bleeding vs true menstrual cycles- [09:31 – 12:00] – Amenorrhea explained: primary vs. secondary, chronic stress & diagnosis- [12:00 – 14:44] – Digging deeper into secondary amenorrhea, PCOS, thyroid function, prolactin- [14:44 – 17:19] – Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA): how stress & under-eating disrupt reproduction- [17:19 – 20:56] – What perimenopause looks like & how lifestyle can accelerate onset- [20:56 – 23:06] – Perimenopause vs dieting stress, long-term effects on hormonal health- [23:06 – 26:03] – What menopause is and how it differs from perimenopause & amenorrhea- [26:03 – 28:39] – Why symptoms aren’t always hormone-driven: the role of lifestyle and stress- [28:39 – 31:21] – The problem with prescribed Anavar and other aggressive HRT protocols- [31:21 – 33:24] – The risk of dieting too hard: how chronic suppression compounds over time- [33:24 – 36:46] – Why sleep and nutrition are critical for hormonal preservation- [36:46 – 40:06] – Why getting your period is a sign of optimal health (and not an inconvenience)- [40:06 – 43:25] – Lab test recommendations + closing thoughts on hormone mismanagement & empowermentLinks & 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 dive deep into the nuances of peak week, conditioning, and what it actually means to show up ready. It’s not just about how you want to look — it’s how you stack up next to others. I break down misunderstood feedback terms like “coming in full” vs. “coming in flat,” and explain how to actually interpret and apply this feedback to improve your showing. I also discuss why most athletes are under-muscled, how judging often hinges on who shows up, and how many competitors ruin their look with last-minute changes. You’ll hear the reality behind show-day outcomes, and why cookie-cutter prep plans fail more often than not.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 02:57] - Introduction: Expectations vs. reality in show prep- [02:58 – 05:54] - Why your look is judged next to others, not in isolation- [05:55 – 08:51] - Interpreting feedback: “Coming in full” and “coming in flat”- [08:52 – 11:48] - How to assess fullness vs. conditioning as an art- [11:49 – 14:45] - Should you come in flat or full? Best way to decide- [14:46 – 17:42] - Most athletes are under-muscled: What that means- [17:43 – 20:39] - Conditioning wins at amateur level, but depends on competitors- [20:40 – 23:36] - Shifting standards: It depends on who shows up- [23:37 – 26:33] - The athlete matters more than the plan- [26:34 – 29:30] - Last-minute changes that ruin physiques- [29:31 – 32:27] - The psychology behind “doing more” before show day- [32:28 – 35:24] - Strategy vs. panic: Why timing matters- [35:25 – 38:21] - Why you should stop comparing yourself to the pros- [38:22 – 41:18] - Recap: What makes a prep plan fail or succeed- [41:19 – 44:24] - Final takeaways: Getting smarter with each prepLinks & 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 Brianny Terry to discuss performance-enhancing drug (PED) use in the bodybuilding space—especially in women’s divisions. We got candid about dosage, risks, and the unspoken sacrifices that come with elite physique development. From the idea of preserving femininity to the reality of internal health concerns, we unpack what it really means to walk the fine line of physical enhancement. Brianny shares how she personally defines her “hard stop,” the value of choice even when it’s not fun, and the realities behind compounds like anavar and winstrol.This conversation is a must-listen if you’re an athlete considering performance enhancement, a coach looking to support your athletes better, or someone curious about the lived experience behind the physique stage.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 02:00] – Intro to Brianny Terry and the focus of today’s conversation- [02:00 – 04:32] – Setting the stage: transparency in drug use- [04:33 – 08:21] – PED usage & anavar dosing: what’s considered moderate or aggressive?- [08:21 – 11:55] – Navigating femininity in a muscle-forward sport- [11:56 – 16:15] – Defining boundaries: “What does your hard stop look like?”- [16:16 – 21:30] – Balancing aesthetic goals with internal health concerns- [21:31 – 26:40] – Impact of oral steroids on liver health- [26:41 – 30:58] – Athlete responsibility and self-accountability in enhanced prep- [30:59 – 34:00] – Developing the ability to “know your why” and commit through discomfort- [34:01 – 38:00] – Internal resistance: the grind of showing up daily- [38:01 – 42:00] – Are you doing this for you—or someone else?- [42:01 – 44:56] – Using Winstrol: benefits, drawbacks, and limitations- [44:57 – 49:00] – Supplement stacks: when do they help, when do they backfire?- [49:01 – 52:00] – Decision fatigue and the importance of deloads- [52:01 – 59:21] – Closing thoughts: redefining success and choosing discomfortLinks & Resources:Follow Brianny on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briannyt/?hl=ehttps://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 talk through critical issues around hormone therapy and lab testing, especially for women navigating TRT (testosterone replacement therapy). I break down common pitfalls in provider care, how symptomology is often overlooked, and why proper lab work is a non-negotiable. If you're confused about DHEA, TRT, or the impact of low-fat diets on hormone production, this one’s for you.I also tackle how to read ovulation signs properly, the role of functional health coaches, and the importance of subjective data in optimizing hormone protocols. We close with tips on adjusting dosages, how libido reflects hormonal balance, and why you should never treat lab ranges like hard rules.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 03:15] - Opening thoughts on lab work and hormone optimization- [03:15 – 06:30] - When subjective data matters more than lab numbers- [06:30 – 09:45] - Dangers of improper provider protocols- [09:45 – 13:00] - Ovulation, cycle tracking, and hormonal accuracy- [13:00 – 16:15] - Female TRT and understanding where it fits- [16:15 – 19:30] - The danger of low-fat diets for hormone production- [19:30 – 22:45] - Functional coaches, DHEA, and questionable care- [22:45 – 26:00] - Most common TRT missteps in women- [26:00 – 29:15] - Symptomology vs numbers in diagnosing low testosterone- [29:15 – 32:30] - TRT administration methods: pros and cons- [32:30 – 35:45] - The importance of titrating doses correctly- [35:45 – 39:00] - Libido as a reflection of hormonal health- [39:00 – 42:15] - Overcorrecting TRT protocols too fast- [42:15 – 45:30] - Escalation risks in hormone therapy- [45:30 – 48:46] - Final takeaways: test smarter, not harderLinks & 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 take a deep dive into Anavar, one of the most commonly discussed and misunderstood oral anabolic steroids in physique sports. Drawing from real experience, we break down the misconceptions, physiological effects, and potential long-term consequences of using Anavar — especially for bikini competitors.I talk about why "Anavar is harmless" is one of the most dangerous myths, how the fitness industry often misuses it for fat loss, and why your genetics, goals, and timing must dictate its application — if at all. Whether you’re currently cycling or just curious about PEDs in the bodybuilding space, this conversation is a must-listen before making any decisions.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 00:56] – Opening thoughts: real regrets and revisiting Anavar use- [00:56 – 02:54] – Why “Anavar is harmless” is a dangerous myth- [02:54 – 05:12] – The direction bikini bodybuilding is going & the PED conversation- [05:12 – 07:06] – Explaining what Anavar actually is: origin, function, anabolic profile- [07:06 – 09:08] – Anavar’s real potential: does it help build muscle or burn fat?- [09:08 – 10:52] – Liver toxicity and why “mild” doesn’t mean safe- [10:52 – 12:26] – Cardiovascular risk: how Anavar negatively impacts your lipids- [12:26 – 15:13] – Why an Anavar-only cycle is problematic- [15:13 – 17:45] – Understanding Anavar’s half-life and timing mistakes- [17:45 – 20:41] – Using it for fat loss: the industry’s biggest misuse- [20:41 – 23:27] – The myth of Anavar as a “hardening agent”- [23:27 – 26:05] – Overdosing and staying on Anavar for too long- [26:05 – 29:11] – “Should I use Anavar in the off-season?” Pros and cons- [29:11 – 32:00] – Wrapping up: takeaways for competitors considering PEDs- [32:00 – 34:04] – Real-world impact vs expectations: why results may disappoint- [34:04 – 36:15] – Final notes on risk, responsibility, and being honest with your goalsLinks & 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