

The Dr. Shannon Show
Dr. Shannon Ritchey, PT, DPT
Whether it's a research-based solo episode, a detailed expert interview, or a casual coffee chat, you'll learn what is true (and what isn't) regarding fitness, nutrition, mental health, skincare, and more. Join Shannon Ritchey, Doctor of Physical Therapy, fitness trainer, and founder of Evlo Fitness, each Thursday and occasional Fridays for science-based tools to improve your health.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 5, 2023 • 32min
#95: Improve results without overworking: what NOT to do
If improving body composition (and sustaining it) is your goal, overworking is not the answer. In this episode, I provide the first half of a workshop that I led on the Evlo membership. I debunk myths, filter the noise, reference recent research, and guide you on what to avoid and what to focus on for better results without depleting yourself.0:00: Introduction 2:58: Workshop introduction 10:38: Common fitness mistakes11:28: Common fitness mistakes: moderate-intensity category19:33: Common fitness mistakes: low-intensity category25:54: How fitness actually works 28:35: Top concerns when suggest focusing on muscle building Follow Dr. Shannon on IG14 day Evlo trialTo take our free 35-minute Upper Body Build class taught by Dr. Shannon, visit portal.evlofitness.com.

Dec 29, 2022 • 14min
#94: The biggest fitness mistake that backfires in the new year
There is a common mistake people make in the new year: they cut calories too low and add too much cardio. I speak on the science behind how this affects your metabolism and why it often leaves you in a worse place than when you started. I give my suggestion on what to focus on instead. 0:00: Introduction 00:43: The common New Year mistake2:10: Why under eating and overdoing cardio backfires8:50: What to do insteadFree workshop - 1/2/2023 Follow Dr. Shannon on IG14 day Evlo trialTo take our free 35-minute Upper Body Build class taught by Dr. Shannon, visit portal.evlofitness.com.

Dec 22, 2022 • 28min
#93: My body recomposition journey this year
In this episode, I talk about how I changed my body composition this year through a muscle-forward approach and gentle consistency.0:00: Introduction 3:06: Misconceptions about a muscle-forward approach 7:10: Things to consider before hearing Dr. Shannon’s results 8:23: Dr. Shannon’s results of 202311:10: Setting the foundation for these results 16:42: What Dr. Shannon learned this year21:00: Nutrition23:25: Workouts 24: 53: Goals moving forwardFree workshop - 1/2/2023 Follow Dr. Shannon on IG14 day Evlo trialTo take our free 35-minute Upper Body Build class taught by Dr. Shannon, visit portal.evlofitness.com.

Dec 15, 2022 • 32min
#92: An endocrinologist's view on "balancing hormones" with Dr. Arti Thangadu
Dr. Arti Thangudu is an Endocrinologist and triple board-certified MD. In this episode, Dr. Thangudu debunks myths around "hormone balance," specifically thyroid hormone. We discuss weight loss and cortisol, CGMs, "balancing" blood glucose, and more. 00: Introduction2:22: Myths about "hormone balance"7:45: Exercise and hormone health12:03: Overexercise and chronic stress19:17: Continuous glucose monitors and the general public24:50 Food and blood sugar8 free Evlo classesFollow Dr. Shannon on IG14 day Evlo trialTo take our free 35-minute Upper Body Build class taught by Dr. Shannon, visit portal.evlofitness.com.

Dec 8, 2022 • 24min
#91: How to utilize cycle syncing while still keeping your workouts effective
Cycle syncing is very popular right now. On the one hand, we love that it encourages you to step away from the constant torturous workouts and vary your intensity based on how you're feeling. There is not a lot of research on the effectiveness of cycle syncing, but Dr. Shannon and Dr. Payton share their thoughts, and how to use cycle syncing to keep your body balanced. 0:00: Introduction 1:56: What is cycle synching?4:00: Why we like this trend 6:42: Is it cycle synching that’s balancing your hormones?8:23: Muscle effects on hormones10:24: Misconceptions about gaining muscle12:30: Can you gain muscle while following typical cycle synching model?15:02: Using trackers for cycle synching 19:10: Using Evlo while cycle synching 8 free Evlo classesFollow Dr. Shannon on IG14 day Evlo trialTo take our free 35-minute Upper Body Build class taught by Dr. Shannon, visit portal.evlofitness.com.

Dec 1, 2022 • 42min
#90: A hypertrophy guide for the modern woman who struggles to build muscle
This episode is not for beginners - but for the modern woman who is training but struggling to see results. We review the "5 basics," and I give more advanced tips on how to make your workouts higher payoff without depleting you. 0:00: Introduction 8:33: Reviewing the 5 basics12:16: Tips for programming 14:38: Tips for exercise selection19:56: Tips for progressive overload 30:53: How many sets do you need for muscle growth?35:14: Tips for nutrition36:35: Tips for recovery 39:56: SummaryBe in the loop about our upcoming workshopBlog - Calculate 1 rep max8 free Evlo classesFollow Dr. Shannon on IG14 day Evlo trialStudy about heavy vs. lighter liftingMeta-analysis about sets/weekTo take our free 35-minute Upper Body Build class taught by Dr. Shannon, visit portal.evlofitness.com.

Nov 24, 2022 • 14min
#89: Thanksgiving episode - why trying to "burn off" holiday food won't work, and what to do instead
Burning off holiday food is ineffective and can taint your relationship with food and exercise. In this episode, I speak about how to re-wire your brain around food and exercise this time of year. I also talk about how your workouts can benefit from enjoying larger meals this time of year. 0:00: Introduction2:20: Neuroplasticity8:08: Why burning off what you eat is not an effective strategy10:49: Recommendation for your workout the day after Thanksgiving8 free Evlo classesFollow Dr. Shannon on IG14 day Evlo trialTo take our free 35-minute Upper Body Build class taught by Dr. Shannon, visit portal.evlofitness.com.

Nov 17, 2022 • 38min
#88: Improve your relationship with food with Miranda Galati, RD
Did you know that many "weight loss" plans intentionally drop your calories too low, so you often gain the weight back and have to return to their program? Registered Dietitian Miranda Galati speaks to this problem and how to build a better relationship with food. We discuss a balanced plate, emotional vs. physical hunger, and more. 0:00: Introduction 3:13: Miranda’s personal relationship with food and exercise 9:34: Potential long-term consequences of not addressing gut issues 11:39: Miranda’s current philosophies on nutrition 15:07: Differences between emotional and physical hunger 21:15: The balanced plate 24:16: The impact of stress 28:21: Miranda’s experience with Evlo31:31: “Tune out the noise and turn inward”34:17: How to work with Miranda Free guide from Miranda: How to find balance with foodMiranda on TiktokMiranda on IG8 free Evlo classesFollow Dr. Shannon on IG14 day Evlo trialTo take our free 35-minute Upper Body Build class taught by Dr. Shannon, visit portal.evlofitness.com.

Nov 10, 2022 • 37min
#87: How to adjust your routine to continue progressing around the holidays
We tend to fall into two patterns over the holidays:1. You add extra cardio to "burn off" food that you enjoyed over holiday parties or 2. You get so overwhelmed that you throw in the towel completely. In this episode, I explain how longer, moderate-intensity workouts are not the answer this time of year and how to set an effective routine that will not burn you out. 0:00: Introduction 2:54: Typical holiday exercise patterns vs. a new approach5:50: The stress bucket 11:00: Dr. Shannon's personal example 17:31: How to build an effective program without burning out 20:22: Moderate intensity fitness classes 24:20: How to adapt your schedule around the holidays 26:50: Incorporate more time for relaxation 27:46: How to assess if your routine is overflowing your stress bucket 34:35: Summary8 free Evlo classesFollow Dr. Shannon on IG14 day Evlo trialBEST OF WEEK SIGNUP (sign up before 11/13/22)To take our free 35-minute Upper Body Build class taught by Dr. Shannon, visit portal.evlofitness.com.

Nov 7, 2022 • 20min
OQM #11: How many steps should you be taking for weight loss?
Dr. Payton Busker, a former physical therapist and expert at Evlo Fitness, joins the conversation to unravel the mysteries of walking and weight loss. They discuss how cardio alone may not guarantee weight loss and emphasize the importance of strength training. The duo debunks the 10,000 steps myth, advocating for listening to your body's needs instead. They also highlight the risks of excessive walking and the crucial role of recovery days in a fitness routine. It's a deep dive into creating a balanced and effective exercise plan!


