Self-Selecting

In this episode, I answer over 60 listener-submitted questions covering everything from yohimbine and GH use to PED comparisons, hormone optimization, and training for women. I dive into what’s overhyped, what’s dangerous, and what actually delivers results — all from years of experience coaching enhanced and natural female athletes.We cover PED safety, prep strategy, T3/T4 balance, meal timing, and the real truth behind “fat loss hacks.” If you’re serious about understanding the physiology behind female enhancement and performance, this one is for you.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 01:10] – Intro + Episode overview — 60 questions, unfiltered answers.- [01:10 – 02:45] – Is yohimbine a PED? When to use (and not use) it for fat loss.- [02:45 – 03:45] – Building muscle in a deficit — when it’s possible and when it’s a waste.- [03:45 – 04:24] – Why “no two preps are the same” applies to fat loss too.- [04:24 – 06:47] – Fit model vs. natural NPC bikini — competing drug-free vs. enhanced.- [06:47 – 07:27] – Optimal daily electrolytes.- [07:27 – 08:27] – Growth hormone for women — dosage guidance and fat loss truth.- [08:27 – 09:40] – Why you get hungry after eating.- [09:40 – 10:47] – Comparing female PEDs.- [10:47 – 13:18] – Thoughts on peptides beyond GLP-1s.- [13:18 – 13:54] – RDLs or hip thrusts?- [13:54 – 15:48] – DB vs. BB RDLs + training failure for muscle growth.- [15:48 – 18:41] – Women, aging & PEDs — finding safe compounds for longevity.- [18:41 – 21:54] – Test + Anavar cycles & T3/T4 effects pre- and post-prep.- [21:54 – 24:05] – Coaching men + Cory’s favorite makeup for filming.- [24:05 – 28:22] – GH cycling off periods, gut health, and vacuum training explained.- [28:22 – 30:51] – BPC-157 vs. TB-500 for recovery + Cory’s coaching rates.- [30:51 – 35:50] – Glute fold measurement, post-cut rebound, and heavy hip thrust myths.- [35:50 – 40:35] – Cory’s current training, recovery, fasted cardio, and carb ranges.- [40:35 – 42:37] – Relationships & bodybuilding — balancing lifestyle differences.- [42:37 – 46:56] – Meal timing, four meals a day, and optimal lower-body volume.- [46:56 – 53:23] – Deficit setups, self-coaching, estrogen replacement, and TRT effects.- [53:23 – 56:57] – Finding the right coach + protein goals + understanding plateaus.- [56:57 – 1:00:00] – PED stack critiques — GH, T3, Clen, Anavar, TRT, and Ozempic.- [1:00:00 – 1:01:44] – Final audience question: balancing T3/T4/Clen protocols safely.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 uncover the six biggest reasons women’s hormones are still misunderstood — from outdated medical research and bias to the lack of continuing education in women’s health. I explain how historical exclusion from studies, undertraining in medical schools, and systemic healthcare issues have created a gap that continues to harm women today.If you’ve ever been told your labs are “normal” or handed birth control as a fix-all, this episode will help you understand the truth behind why it happens — and how to advocate for your health.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 00:44] – Introduction: Why women’s hormonal health is still misunderstood - [00:45 – 01:51] – Reason #1: Historical lack of research- [01:52 – 04:40] – Reason #2: Medical training and outdated textbooks- [04:41 – 06:07] – The menstrual cycle isn’t just about periods- [06:08 – 09:57] – Reason #3: Poor understanding of TRT, birth control, and hormonal timing- [09:58 – 10:40] – Reason #4: Bias and dismissal in medicine- [10:41 – 12:18] – Reason #5: Lack of continuing education- [12:19 – 13:24] – Reason #6: Systemic and structural barriers- [13:25 – 14:56] – Synthetic vs. bioidentical hormones- [14:57 – 16:03] – Final thoughtsLinks & 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 Eric Bugera to break down the truth about tempo training, glute growth, and biomechanics. We cover how tempo improves control and awareness, why you don’t need to fear fatigue, and how to fix common mistakes that hold back progress. From understanding contralateral vs. ipsilateral loading to avoiding hybridized movements, this is a masterclass in lifting with intent.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 04:44] – Intro- [04:45 – 11:34] – What tempo training really is and why we use it- [11:35 – 18:44] – When clients benefit most from tempo- [18:45 – 19:56] – Eliminating the “fatigue fear”- [19:57 – 23:59] – Adaptability in training- [24:00 – 27:15] – The problem with just following the program- [27:16 – 28:55] – Building a mind-muscle connection- [28:56 – 31:51] – Target rep ranges and progression- [31:52 – 38:39] – The truth about machine abductions and “upper outer glute” training- [38:40 – 46:51] – Glute bands don’t grow glutes- [46:52 – 53:02] – Ipsilateral vs. contralateral RDL loading- [53:03 – 57:39] – The rise of hybrid movements- [57:40 – 01:03:00] – Closing thoughtsLinks & Resources:Follow Eric on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericbugera/?hl=enWork With Eric: https://ebugera.com/services/customized-monthly-programminghttps://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 misconceptions about Anavar use in female bodybuilding. From the belief that it prevents muscle loss to the false safety of low doses, I explain what’s really happening physiologically — and why most people misuse this drug. If you’re a competitor or coach looking for clarity, this episode will help you separate facts from fear and make smarter decisions about performance enhancement.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 03:46] – Introduction and background- [03:47 – 09:46] – Misconception #1: “Without Anavar, you’ll lose muscle.”- [09:47 – 13:36] – Misconception #2: “5mg of Anavar isn’t effective.”- [13:37 – 19:39] – Misconception #3: “Liquid Anavar is better than pills.”- [19:40 – 27:13] – Misconception #4: “Orals are safer than injectables.”- [27:14 – 34:39] – Misconception #5: “Anavar is risk-free.”- [34:40 – 40:50] – Misconception #6: “Low dose = longer safe use.”- [40:51 – 42:43] – Final thoughtsLinks & 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 why you overeat — not just from a willpower perspective, but from the deeper layers of biology, psychology, and environment that drive your food decisions.We cover everything from ghrelin, leptin, and insulin to dopamine addiction, emotional eating, childhood conditioning, and identity collapse. You’ll learn how to recognize the patterns that lead to overeating and how to build real autonomy with food — without guilt or restriction.If you’ve ever said, “I know what to do, I just can’t seem to do it,” this one’s for you.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 03:04] – Intro and today’s topic: Why we overeat- [03:04 – 05:05] – Defining overeating and why it’s not just lack of discipline- [05:05 – 09:57] – Physiology of Overeating: Ghrelin, leptin, insulin, and stress hormones- [09:57 – 11:33] – Food, dopamine, and addiction: how hyper-palatable foods hijack the brain- [11:33 – 17:25] – Why We Use Food as a Coping Mechanism- [17:25 – 21:00] – Impaired self-control: when food becomes the only pleasure in your life- [21:00 – 24:37] – Restriction, “willpower,” and the wrong mindset toward goals- [24:37 – 28:42] – How your environment sets you up to fail — and what to change first- [28:42 – 31:29] – Fasting and “earning your food” — the biggest trigger for binge cycles- [31:29 – 35:10] – Identity collapse: when your behavior doesn’t match your self-image- [35:10 – 36:48] – Reflective work: what are you actually seeking from food?- [36:48 – 39:53] – Recognizing the moment before you go off track and your rationalizations- [39:53 – 43:29] – Guilt after overeating and redefining indulgence with awareness- [43:29 – 49:22] – The “intentional indulgence” exercise: how to eat with mindfulness- [49:22 – 50:53] – 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 sit down with IFBB Bikini Pro Tianna Weymouth just four weeks out from her first Olympia to discuss what it really takes to reach the top of the sport — mentally, physically, and emotionally.We talk about her journey from overcoming an eating disorder to winning her pro card at 19, her decision to use anavar, and how she’s learned to compete responsibly while protecting her health and longevity.We also unpack the Olympia point system, PED culture in bikini, and the real mindset of a professional athlete in an era where conditioning, pressure, and transparency matter more than ever.If you’re a female competitor, coach, or athlete, this episode will reshape how you think about prep, PEDs, and performance.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 01:19] – Tianna’s introduction- [01:19 – 03:50] – Overcoming disordered eating- [03:50 – 06:57] – Turning pro at 19 and learning from early feedback in the Pro League- [06:57 – 09:56] – The mental side of competing- [09:56 – 13:10] – Lessons from her rookie pro season- [13:10 – 17:15] – PED use in bikini- [17:15 – 22:00] – First cycle experience- [22:00 – 26:00] – Hormones, TRT considerations, and the role of enhancement in longevity- [26:00 – 31:34] – The new Olympia point system - [31:34 – 36:00] – Staying lean and strategic growth phases- [36:00 – 41:45] – PED transparency and sustainable use- [41:45 – 46:38] – How to cycle safely, manage food intelligently, and train with intensity- [46:38 – 49:31] – Final reflectionsLinks & Resources:Follow Tianna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tianna.weymouth_ifbbpro/Pose With Tiana: https://pilyne.setmore.com/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 into10 bikini bodybuilding questions from Reddit’s Bikini Talk, covering everything from breast augmentation timing and macros during prep to judging standards, PCOS, menstrual cycles, and drug use in bodybuilding.This is a practical Q&A for anyone serious about the sport — whether you’re new to competing or a seasoned athlete trying to stay educated and empowered.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 02:54] – Intro: Bikini Talk & filtering online advice- [02:54 – 05:24] – Q1: Best body season for breast augmentation- [05:24 – 07:23] – Q2: Is 20g of fat in prep too low for women?- [07:23 – 10:29] – Q3: Judging confusion – bikini or wellness?- [10:29 – 12:56] – Q4: PCOS and getting stage lean- [12:56 – 16:47] – Q5: Menstrual cycle timing & synthetic progesterone risks- [16:47 – 18:11] – Q6: Hair for competition – up vs down- [18:11 – 21:19] – Q7: Weighted abs & waist thickness- [21:19 – 27:00] – Q8: Where influencers “learn” bodybuilding coaching- [27:00 – 34:27] – Q9: Staying disciplined while hosting family/friends- [34:27 – 38:30] – Q10: Retatrutide & GLP-1s for athletesLinks & 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 tackle one of the most common questions I get from clients and competitors — “Am I stuck at my body fat set point?”I break down the myths around fat loss plateaus, metabolic adaptation, and hormones to help you understand why you’re not “broken” — even if progress feels slow. I also share practical strategies for getting unstuck when fat loss stalls: from tracking accuracy and cardio intensity to identifying artificial weight inflations.Whether you’re a competitor prepping for stage or a lifestyle client chasing fat loss goals, this episode will help you stop blaming your hormones or genetics and start refining your execution.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 04:53] – Intro & overview: Are body fat set points real?- [04:53 – 06:57] – “I can’t lose fat” — addressing client misconceptions and adherence issues.- [06:57 – 08:31] – Faster progress requires better execution.- [08:31 – 11:22] – Breaking false beliefs about body composition and fat loss barriers.- [11:22 – 18:41] – Is metabolic adaptation real? - [18:41 – 21:37] – Cardio adaptation, calorie burn efficiency, and why you still lose fat with suboptimal hormones.- [21:37 – 24:32] – Hormonal changes during dieting.- [24:32 – 28:25] – Amenorrhea and ovulation loss.- [28:25 – 31:00] – The harsh truth: You can get leaner — it just might require more accuracy and discomfort.- [31:00 – 40:18] – Cory’s framework for breaking a plateau.- [40:18 – 44:27] – Myth: “Low calories break your metabolism.”- [44:27 – 48:27] – Cardio intensity, consistency, and identifying “hidden calories” derailing progress.- [48:27 – 56:41] – Reassessing your plan, checking labs, and learning to run fat loss experiments objectively.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 and coach Renee Harshey to talk about her journey from Bikini to Wellness — and back again. Renee shares what it was like being part of the very first Wellness Pro show, how the division evolved, and why she made the bold decision to step away at the peak of her success.We dive deep into the realities of PED use in women’s bodybuilding, the blurred line between “enhancement” and health, and how social media has changed expectations across divisions. Renee and I also discuss how the industry’s standards have shifted — from conditioning and muscle density to the pressure of staying competitive — and what it takes to succeed long-term as an athlete and coach.If you’re an athlete navigating division transitions, debating enhancements, or figuring out how to balance ambition with health, this episode gives you an honest, experienced perspective from both sides of the stage.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 02:01] – Intro and Renee’s competition background - [02:01 – 05:28] – How Wellness began: the first U.S. shows and early division evolution- [05:28 – 08:13] – Competing against international athletes and the shift in Wellness standards- [09:18 – 12:24] – Why Renee stepped away from Wellness and took three years off- [12:24 – 15:08] – Returning to the stage: transitioning from Wellness back to Bikini- [15:08 – 20:00] – The conversation around PEDs, health, and knowing personal limits- [20:00 – 23:53] – Competing again: feedback from judges, physique adjustments, and next steps- [27:05 – 31:05] – Coaching insights: balancing athlete goals, show selection, and new Olympia qualifications- [33:02 – 35:59] – The growing concern over PED escalation in Bikini and Wellness divisions- [38:20 – 41:24] – How coaches should approach athlete enhancement with responsibility- [42:09 – 45:03] – Unsafe compounds, underregulated drugs, and female-specific risks- [45:25 – 49:12] – The most common PEDs in female bodybuilding and setting boundaries with clients- [51:06 – 54:14] – The truth about PEDs as “shortcuts” - [54:14 – 56:41] – Renee’s next show, what’s changing with her physique goals, and closing remarksLinks & resources:Follow Renee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renee_ifbbpro/Work With Renee: https://link.apisystem.tech/widget/survey/t8OwYuxGoXo2IsdQuJ6m?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacUV9oYLzSPg6DxfkfZ-i3lKwIodmhVQ4xxgmcp4MgsjzpjQ8XglIcl7kLuWA_aem_8d9sgUL2bai0GpP-Z0_qYwhttps://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 walking through the 30 most common mistakes first-time competitors make — from picking the wrong division to failing to prepare for show day details like tanning, posing, and timing.As a coach and athlete, I’ve seen it all — people underestimating how long prep takes, expecting linear fat loss, switching coaches mid-prep, and overlooking the mindset side of the sport. I cover not just what these mistakes are, but why they happen and how to avoid them, so you can set yourself up for a successful season and a smooth show day.Timestamps:- [00:00 – 02:15] – Introduction: Why this episode matters for first-time competitors- [02:15 – 03:45] – Mistake 1: Not having a “why” behind your decision to compete- [03:45 – 08:15] – Mistake 2: Picking the wrong division and underestimating muscle size at higher levels- [08:15 – 09:19] – Mistake 3: Underestimating the commitment - [09:19 – 10:25] – Mistake 4: Getting extra jobs to fund prep instead of planning ahead financially- [10:25 – 11:07] – Mistake 5: Choosing a coach only because they’re local- [11:07 – 13:21] – Mistake 6: Starting prep during a busy or stressful season- [13:21 – 17:11] – Mistake 7: Not communicating the commitment with your partner- [17:11 – 18:30] – Mistake 8: Not giving yourself enough time to get lean- [18:30 – 20:56] – Mistake 9: Expecting to lose fat linearly- [20:56 – 25:29] – Mistake 10: Being overly dependent on your coach- [25:29 – 27:21] – Mistake 11: Expecting to win your first show- [27:21 – 28:44] – Mistake 12: Trying to avoid hunger and fatigue - [28:44 – 35:15] – Mistake 13: Taking advice from too many people- [35:15 – 39:03] – Mistake 14: Switching coaches close to show day- [39:03 – 39:46] – Mistake 15: Neglecting posing practice- [39:46 – 41:52] – Mistake 16: Comparing your physique to others on social media- [41:52 – 43:09] – Mistake 17: Obsessing over peak week too early- [43:09 – 44:49] – Mistake 18: Normalizing extreme food focus- [44:49 – 46:45] – Mistake 19: Making last-minute changes without telling your coach- [46:45 – 47:47] – Mistake 20: Not reading tan prep instructions- [47:47 – 49:02] – Mistake 21: Doing show-day hair/makeup without practice- [49:02 – 50:00] – Mistake 22: Assuming the show weekend will run on schedule- [50:00 – 51:31] – Mistake 23: Failing to protect your tan- [51:31 – 53:12] – Mistake 24: Letting hair/makeup timing delay your call time- [53:12 – 55:23] – Mistake 25: Using inconsistent lighting for check-ins- [55:23 – 58:00] – Mistake 26: Focusing on all the wrong things show weekend- [58:00 – 59:18] – Mistake 27: Skipping finals out of disappointment- [59:18 – 01:01:49] – Mistake 28: Posting negatively on social media post-show- [01:01:49 – 01:05:00] – Mistake 29: Ghosting your coach after your show- [01:05:00 – 01:06:00] – Mistake 30: Post-show rebound 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