Fitness Stuff (for normal people)

This week on Fitness Stuff for Normal People, Marianna and Tony flip the script on progress in the gym by breaking down the one thing most people overlook: recovery. You don’t get stronger while you’re lifting, the real growth happens in the hours and days after when your body is given the chance to heal. From the second you rack the last rep to how you sleep two nights later, they walk through the full timeline of recovery and the science behind what really matters. Expect practical takeaways on nutrition, sleep, movement, and supplements, plus a look at which buzzy biohacks are actually worth it. If you’re serious about getting the most out of your training, this episode is your blueprint for making recovery your ultimate performance tool.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /month⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Legion Athletics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LABOR DAY SALE!!BOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(5:29) The Physiology of Recovery(9:46) Immediately Post-Workout(27:03) Nutrition(45:54) Sleep(49:04) Active Recovery and Rest Days(57:23) Alternative Recovery Techniques: Hype vs Science

This week on Fitness Stuff for Normal People, Marianna and Tony are switching things up with the very first SPLIT episode. First, they break down why the painkillers so many of us reach for after a tough workout—ibuprofen, Advil, Tylenol—might actually be stalling your progress and quietly adding long-term health risks. Then they move into the truth about THC and whether it’s really helping or hurting your goals to lose fat, build muscle, and get stronger. Two conversations, one episode, and plenty of takeaways for anyone chasing real results in the gym.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /month⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Legion Athletics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(3:10) NSAIDs/Pain Killers(26:56) THC

It’s Micro-Dose Monday on Fitness Stuff for Normal People where instead of diving deep on just one topic we’re serving up four quick hits you’ve been asking for. Today Marianna and Tony are talking about why you can’t trust calorie trackers and the research that proves it, the truth about plant vs. animal protein quality and why Marianna’s opinion has shifted, the FDA’s new rules for what can legally be labeled “healthy,” and the recent Chobani class action lawsuit that has Marianna rethinking her yogurt habit.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /month⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Legion Athletics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(3:26) Why You Can’t Trust Calorie Trackers (and why that’s actually totally okay)
(13:20) “Healthy” Food Label
(25:05) Plant vs. Animal Protein
(37:27) Chobani lawsuit

If you're ready to make real, lasting changes in your life, it’s not about what you do once in a while. It’s about what you do every day. In this episode of Fitness Stuff for Normal People, Marianna and Tony share the top habits they’ve added into their routines that changed everything. No trends, no fluff. Just simple, sustainable shifts that actually made a difference. These are the habits that helped us build momentum, stay consistent, and actually enjoy the process. If you’re trying to feel better, think clearer, or take back control of your day, this one’s for you.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /month⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Legion Athletics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(3:50) Ingredient Prep(9:10) Visualization(15:06) Reading(21:49) Waking Up Early(28:20) Walking (10k+ Steps)(29:47) Walking After Meals(32:52) Digital Boundaries(41:09) Meditation(46:55) Time Blocking(52:06) Consistent Check Ins

Half the world will experience a mental health disorder at some point, and what you eat could be making a bigger difference than you think. This week, we're diving deep into the science behind food and mood—how nutrients affect your brain, your stress response, and your overall mental state. We cover everything from neurotransmitters and inflammation to omega-3s, dietary patterns, and why diversity on your plate actually matters. This isn’t about cutting out junk or chasing superfoods. It’s about understanding how your food choices can support your mental health in a real, lasting way.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /month⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Legion Athletics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(4:07) Connection between food and the brain(8:43) Neurotransmitters and nutrients(17:31) Omega-3 & Mental Health/Cognition(20:46) Inflammation and Mental Health(24:32) Dietary Patterns and Mental Health(39:00) Practical Tips for Mental Health Through Food

In this episode of Fitness Stuff (For Normal People), Marianna and Tony dive into the wild world of peptides—what they are, what they’re supposed to do, and which ones are actually worth your time. They cover the big claims around fat loss, muscle growth, brain power, and faster recovery, breaking down the science in a way that actually makes sense. No gatekeeping, no BS—just straight talk on what works and what doesn’t. If you've been tempted by a TikTok ad or just want to understand what the hype is about, this one’s for you.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ALL of our complete 12-week training programsBonus episodes every FridayJust $5 /month⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Legion Athletics⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(7:46) Peptides for weight loss & metabolism(20:26) Peptides for growth & performance(35:30) Peptides for brain health & cognition(44:58) Peptides for recovery & injury

Dive into the world of metabolic adaptation and how your body adjusts in a calorie deficit. Discover the latest research on omega-6 seed oils and their surprising link to inflammation. Learn whether muscle soreness is truly hindering your progress or just part of the journey. Plus, explore the buzz around creatine made for women and whether it really lives up to the hype. A fast-paced and informative session packed with insights that every fitness enthusiast will want to hear!

If you care about living longer and better—this episode is for you. Today, we’re breaking down the 10 most important health metrics every person should be tracking for longevity, backed by research that ties each one to actual lifespan. No fluff—just the hard-hitting stuff that helps you live longer, move better, and feel more like yourself for years to come. Covering resting heart rate, grip strength, mental health, daily steps, VO₂ max, sleep quality, fiber, blood pressure, waist-to-height ratio, and metabolic labs like HbA1c & ApoB plus: how to track them, what your numbers should be, and realistic ways to improve them—without obsessing over every number on a spreadsheet.This is the kind of episode you’ll want to save and come back to. Because your future self will thank you.⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Access to 10+ complete training programsbonus episodes weeklyJust $5 /month⁠⁠⁠⁠Legion Athletics⁠⁠⁠⁠BOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(03:00) Resting Heart Rate(06:53) Strength Tests(15:40) Flourishing Scale(18:58) Daily Step Count(26:45) Blood Pressure(35:11) Waist:Height Ratio(39:34) Sleep Quality(42:23) Fiber Intake(53:32) VO2 Max(59:20) HbA1C & Apo B

Discover why micronutrients are essential for health, energy, and mental clarity, despite the focus on calories and macros. Learn about common deficiencies and the vital roles of nutrients like magnesium, potassium, and iron. Explore the significance of omega-3s and how they often fall short in our diets. Understand the importance of fiber and its impact on gut health. Finally, embrace a colorful plate philosophy for better nutrition and a balanced approach to supplements.

This week, we’re exposing ourselves by ranking the worst health and fitness trends we’ve ever fallen for. Some were popular, some were personal, and all of them were either misguided, unnecessary, or straight-up harmful. From raw vegan diets to daily HIIT classes to chewing gum instead of eating, we’re breaking down what we tried, what went wrong, and how cringe it really was. We’re giving each one a 1 to 10 cringe rating, sharing whether we’re still tempted, and deciding once and for all if we’d ever go back. If you’ve ever gotten caught up in wellness hype or made questionable choices in the name of health, you’re not alone. This one’s for you.⁠⁠⁠Sign up for Fitness Stuff PREMIUM here!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Access to 10+ complete training programsbonus episodes weeklyJust $5 /month⁠⁠⁠Legion Athletics⁠⁠⁠BOGO 50% off for your first order + 2X points on every order after thatuse code “FSPOD” at checkoutTimestamps:(3:12) GNC(13:32) raw vegan(20:22) macros(27:58) barrys boot camp(33:02) Apple Cider Vinegar (34:13) fasted cardio(35:29) Intermittent Fasting(40:02) Herbalife(41:54) BCAA(43:43) Food Sensitivity Tests(48:24) Green Juice(57:07) Eating disorder