Self-Selecting

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

What’s the real cost of competing? In this episode, I sit down with Kaylia Rhodes to dive into the truth about bikini competitions, PED use, post-show struggles, and the mental side of bodybuilding.We talk about:- Meeting athletes where they’re at with posing- Kaylia’s bikini competition journey & progression in muscle density- The mental toll of setting targets: scale weight, measurements & body image- Post-show weight gain, regaining productively & asking: “Do I look like an athlete?”- PED normalization, risky compounds & how they impact femininity and fertility- The business side of prep, pressure to compete, and the question every athlete faces: did you do everything you could, or did you cut corners?Timestamps:- [00:00 – 04:00] Meeting athletes where they are at with posing- [04:00 – 08:06] Kaylia’s bikini competition journey- [08:06 – 13:16] Progression in muscle density & physique changes- [13:16 – 15:51] Setting targets: scale weight, measurements & mindset- [15:51 – 20:34] Post-show struggles: weight gain & setting up success- [20:34 – 25:00] Productive weight regain & “Do I look like an athlete?”- [25:00 – 27:11] Competing outside prep & pressure to match PED use- [27:11 – 33:47] PED normalization & risky compounds- [33:47 – 40:00] Defining femininity & PEDs being blamed for fertility- [40:00 – 44:00] Fertility issues, prep, and dieting effects- [44:00 – 48:00] The impact of prep on business & life balance- [48:00 – 54:00] Pressure to get on stage to feel relevant- [54:00 – 01:01:00] Starting prep mentally ready- [01:01:00 – 01:02:03] Final thoughts: did you cut cornersLinks & Resources:Follow Kaylia on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayliarhodes/Pose With Kaylia: https://www.performanceposing.com/posing-sessionshttps://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 20 biggest mistakes people make during a fat loss phase that completely derail progress. From weighing yourself only when you feel “light” to skipping check-ins, from overhauling your training unnecessarily to letting untracked meals snowball — I cover it all.I share how each of these mistakes impacts your fat loss, adherence, and mindset, and give you the exact strategies to fix them. We’ll dive into tracking methods, water intake, sleep habits, lifestyle changes, training consistency, and how to stop comparing yourself to others.If you’ve ever felt stuck in your fat loss journey or wondered why you’re not seeing results despite your effort, this is the episode you need to tighten your execution and finally get consistent results.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 03:22] – Intro: The 20 fat loss mistakes killing your progress- [03:22 – 07:33] – Mistake #1: Only weighing yourself when you feel good- [07:33 – 10:22] – Mistake #2: No target rate of change- [10:22 – 13:10] – Mistake #3: Adherence as a moving goal post- [13:10 – 14:57] – Mistake #4: Only tracking after you eat- [14:57 – 17:26] – Mistake #5: Justifying your mistakes- [17:26 – 19:31] – Mistake #6: Intuitively drinking water- [19:31 – 22:13] – Mistake #7: Romanticizing poor sleep- [22:13 – 24:41] – Mistake #8: Trying a complete lifestyle overhaul- [24:41 – 26:31] – Mistake #9: Eating low-volume foods- [26:31 – 29:00] – Mistake #10: Comparing your progress aimlessly- [29:00 – 31:33] – Mistake #11: Making adjustments without your coach- [31:33 – 33:27] – Mistake #12: Beating yourself up over daily fluctuations- [33:27 – 35:38] – Mistake #13: Extending your diet past your limits- [35:38 – 36:37] – Mistake #14: Not tracking your period- [36:37 – 37:16] – Mistake #15: Overhauling training at the start of a diet- [37:16 – 39:27] – Mistake #16: Letting motivation dictate performance- [39:27 – 41:24] – Mistake #17: Skipping check-ins or parts of them- [41:24 – 43:06] – Mistake #18: Letting untracked meals get out of control- [43:06 – 44:22] – Mistake #19: Eating out too often- [44:22 – 46:24] – Mistake #20: Forcing high-calorie foods into your macrosLinks & 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’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