Fresh calendars don’t change lives—clear systems do. We kick off 2026 by swapping pressure-heavy resolutions for grounded routines, starting with two big levers: self-awareness and intentional time. From keeping workouts short and consistent to choosing creation over consumption, this conversation gets practical about how to make progress feel doable, even when life is busy and winter gets in the way.

We unpack our “ins and outs” for the year with zero fluff. Ins: being honest about what you want, structuring free time to reduce doomscrolling, and building habits that stick. Outs: fear-mongering around ultra-processed foods, needlessly long gym sessions, and the influencer sameness that flattens personality and nuance. Expect real talk on balanced nutrition, 30-minute strength sessions, and the mindset shift that turns goals into actions. We also share personal targets—running 1,000 kilometres and lifting one million kilograms across the year—plus the systems that support them: progressive overload, deloads, logging workouts, and rest without guilt.

Beyond training and nutrition, we zoom out to life design. We’re decluttering homes, deleting shopping apps, embracing secondhand first, and using tools like Todoist to turn intentions into tasks. Quarterly themes guide the year: intent in Q1, growth and community later on, leaving room for seasonal energy and recovery. And for the podcast? We’re sharpening our niche, inviting thoughtful guests, exploring studio sessions, and seeking value-aligned brand partners so we can keep levelling up without losing our voice.

If this resonates, hit follow, share with a friend who hates “new year, new me,” and drop your 2026 system in the comments. Your messages and reviews genuinely help this show grow—thank you for being here with us.

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Please review this episode, it really helps the pod grow.

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What happens when you judge fitness influencers by who you’d snog, who you’d marry, and who you’d avoid? A lot of laughs—and a surprisingly sharp filter for cutting through hype. We put big names on the playful hot seat and unpack what their content reveals about the industry: the stale comfort of “calorie deficit” clichés, the rise of aisle-filming icks, and the strange pull of carnivore stunt-eating that makes butter a co-star.

We also spotlight the creators we’d happily commit to: the evidence-led educators who make science feel human, the runners who mix elite performance with humour, and the voices that give context instead of commandments. You’ll hear why tone matters as much as take, how certainty sells better than nuance, and how to spot the difference between coaching and content farming. Our guiding questions keep it simple: Do they welcome doubts? Do they avoid absolutes? Do they help you build habits without turning your life into a brand?

Some tangents are too good to cut, so yes, we talk wild swimming, UK waters, and why trend-chasing can ignore unglamorous realities like sewage, safety, and stress. It’s a metaphor for the episode: before you dive in, ask better questions. If you’re tired of feeling talked at by your feed, this is your friendly nudge to curate for curiosity, compassion, and long-term sense.

Enjoy the ride, send us your own Snog/Marry/Avoid list, and tell us who we missed. If you smiled, learned, or shouted back at your headphones, tap follow, share with a friend, and leave a quick review—it helps more curious listeners find us.

James Smith PT

Eddie Abbew

Joe Wicks

Courtney Black

Ben Carpenter

Hugo Fry

El Mint

Steak and Butter Gal

Lucy Under Strong-woman

Josh Hills Nutrition

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December doesn’t just bring twinkly lights; it brings the “super flu,” bulging calendars, and snack tables that call your name. We share a realistic, compassionate game plan for staying well through illness, navigating peak‑work weeks, and enjoying festive food without slipping into all‑or‑nothing mode. If you’ve ever felt guilty for resting or worried that a week off would erase your gains, this conversation will help you reframe rest as a strategic tool, not a setback.

We start with the big question: when should you push and when should you pause? You’ll hear how to spot true recovery needs, why training while ill backfires, and how to return without panic by turning the dial down—fewer sets, lighter loads, longer rests—so confidence and conditioning come back fast. Then we shift to practical routines during busy weeks: choosing one anchor habit, using short full‑body sessions, and sprinkling in micro‑movement with a walking pad or ten‑minute walks. No toxic hustle, no 5 a.m. martyrdom—just smart choices that fit the week you’ve actually got.

Food anxiety gets equal airtime. We unpack food neutrality, why big satisfying meals often beat constant grazing, and how to handle parties when tracking isn’t realistic. You’ll get simple ideas for ready‑meal planning, protein‑forward breakfasts, and letting go of perfection so you can enjoy the season and move on. We also address the social side: handling family comments about your body or your plate with calm, direct boundaries. If old diet rules or holiday pressure still nudge you into “I’ve blown it” thinking, we offer a way back—one action at a time, plus longer‑term support that targets roots, not just the scale.

If you’re ready to protect your energy, keep your momentum, and enjoy your food with less noise, press play. And if this resonated, subscribe, share with a friend who needs a gentler plan, and leave us a review to help more listeners find the show.

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One day Rhi will get the episode number right

Trend cycles promise transformation, but not all of them care about your health. We dig into the last decade of fitness with a clear lens: what actually helps you feel strong, sane, and supported—and what’s just discipline theatre for the algorithm. From the 5am club and 75 Hard to carnivore feeds served on chopping boards, we unpack the hustle aesthetics that burn people out and sell shame as self‑improvement. We also get honest about SkinnyTok’s return of thin‑obsessed messaging and why using vulnerable kids to build a fitness brand crosses every ethical line.

Then we celebrate the good. Strength training for women has changed the game—better bones, confidence, and performance goals that go beyond shrinking. We talk about the quiet power of accessible programmes like Couch to 5K, and how inclusive run clubs create community without the cult vibe. Zumba and Clubbercise earn love for making movement joyful for people who would never touch a barbell. Tech gets a balanced take too: wearables and platforms like Strava can be brilliant when they inform rather than control, while saunas and cold plunges are positioned as nice-to-have rituals, not magic bullets.

Throughout, we keep it real about illness, periods, and low‑motivation weeks, because life doesn’t pause for macros or morning routines. You’ll leave with a simple filter for the next viral trend: is it accessible, adaptable, and kind to your nervous system? Does it build strength, skill, and community over time? If the answer’s yes, keep it. If not, bin it and go lift, walk, eat well, and sleep. Enjoyed the conversation? Follow the show, share this episode with a friend, and drop your favourite trend we should celebrate next. Your reviews and shares help the community grow.

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@joshuahillsnutrition @michaelulloapt

We pull apart the glossy myths of weight loss and talk about identity, confidence, and the way the world treats you when your body changes. Training wins, colder mornings, hair shedding, and loose skin sit alongside practical tools for sustainable habits and gentler self-talk.

• shoutout to Shannon and invite for DMs
• Amber’s 10k plan and strength PBs
• injuries, cold weather pain and recovery
• weight loss versus identity and confidence
• pretty privilege and social treatment shifts
• jealousy, boundaries and support networks
• rewriting self-stories and sustainable habits
• emotional eating, rituals and food neutrality
• loose skin, hair loss, feeling cold and ageing faces
• maintenance anxiety, balance and avoiding extremes
• inclusive spaces and everyday access
• credible creators to follow for better algorithms

As always, rate, review, it takes two seconds, you don’t have to log in
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Ever walked into a gym and felt the room decide whether you belong there? We start with the everyday stuff — cold runs, reluctant 10k sign-ups, the bravery of showing up alone — and then pull the camera back to show the bigger picture shaping those moments. Patriarchy still sets the tone in too many fitness spaces, from the stare you pretend not to notice to the route you won’t run after dark. That quiet vigilance isn’t paranoia; it’s a tax on focus, joy and consistency.

We talk about how safety dictates training windows in winter, why women gravitate to women-only gyms, and how progress accelerates when a space feels truly welcoming. There’s some good news: mainstream messaging for women is inching toward strength and performance over shrinking. But there’s also the marketing machine that weaponises insecurity. Think TRT ads flooding feeds while women battle for HRT, pink-taxed leggings and “glow” supplements, and sports bras that look great but fail at actual support. Design and pricing are not neutral; they decide who gets comfort, who gets value, and who gets to train without second-guessing their outfit.

We also trace how men’s social conditioning bleeds into fitness culture — the pressure to be big and emotionless, the policing of femininity, and why some “awareness” content misses the mark. Change needs education, empathy and better environments, not just viral posts. Along the way, we swap practical ideas: training with friends for night runs, choosing gyms that fit your needs, sharing ETAs, and seeking kit that prioritises function for different bodies, including masc and trans lifters who are underserved by current fits.

If this conversation resonates, help us keep it going: follow the show, share this episode with a friend who trains, and leave a review with one thing you want to see change in fitness culture. Your thoughts shape what we tackle next.

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What if the most important progress you make never shows up on a scale? We open the door to a frank, funny, and nuanced conversation about body goals, identity, and the everyday wins that actually change how life feels. From airplane seatbelts and clothing fit to TRX rows and clearer skin, we map the victories that prove health is bigger than a number.

We share lived experiences of weight loss that improved pain, energy, and confidence, without pretending the world treats every body the same. One of us reframes body goals through gender expression—building a strong back and broader upper body to align how we feel inside with how we’re seen—while the other unpacks the relief of moving more freely, sleeping better, and caring less about a target weight. Together, we draw a clean line between healthy ambition and harmful extremes, calling out the traps of underfueling, obsessive tracking, and quick fixes that sabotage wellbeing.

The conversation widens to society’s role: fat stigma, inaccessible spaces, the male gaze, and the double standard that calls men “distinguished” as they age while urging women to stay forever young. We talk about judgement from all sides, why the loudest critics are often the least content, and how therapy, patience, and perspective can help you choose what you’ll be judged for—and care a lot less about it. If you want to lose weight, we talk safe, sustainable approaches. If you don’t, we offer strength, performance, sleep, mood, and energy goals that deliver real momentum without obsessing over scales.

Come for the candour, stay for the practical wins and mindset shifts that make training feel purposeful again. If this resonates, tap follow, share it with someone who needs a kinder lens on progress, and leave a review to help more people find the show. What non-scale victory are you chasing this week?

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Think everyone at the gym knows exactly what they’re doing? Here’s a secret: most people are focused on themselves, often unsure about their own form. We dig into how to turn that insight into confidence, so you can train harder, smarter, and actually enjoy getting stronger without letting fitness take over your life.

We start by breaking the “permanent beginner” mindset and move into clear, doable progressions: swapping lunges for split squats, testing assisted pull-ups after lat pulldowns, and using short, focused sessions when time is tight. We talk honestly about effort, explaining why growth happens when your last reps slow down and burn while form stays solid. You’ll hear how filming sets, using reliable online resources, or booking even a single PT session can unlock safer mechanics and quick wins that compound over weeks.

Fuel and recovery anchor the whole plan. We cover practical protein targets across simple meals, pre- and post-workout basics that support quality training, and why sleep turns hard sets into real adaptation. We separate building muscle from getting “shredded,” unpack expectations shaped by social media, genetics, and assisted physiques, and help you choose your own path: aesthetics, strength, or a balanced blend. Most importantly, we offer goal frameworks you can start now—adding a few kilos to your lifts, mastering an exercise progression, or committing to two to three sessions a week—without counting every macro or living at the gym.

If you’re ready to stop second-guessing and start progressing, hit play, save this for your next session, and share it with a friend who needs a nudge. Subscribe for more straight-talking health and fitness chats, and leave a review to help other listeners find us.

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What if the scariest thing in fitness isn’t a burpee, but a panel of blokes explaining the menstrual cycle? Our Halloween special turns the gym into a haunted house and tours every room you secretly dread: MLM pitches at the door, sleds blocking every path, “high protein, low calorie” echoing like a curse, and denim-clad grunters who treat the rack like a stage. We laugh, we roast, but we also get honest about boundaries, ethics, and how to create a gym culture that actually feels good.

Along the way, we share wins from the week: a 90‑day “fitter, faster, stronger” block gathering steam, steady 5Ks that feel better than they look, and simple markers like resting heart rate, sleep, and fuelling that change everything. No hacks, no noise—just consistent training, manageable runs, and routine meals that leave you energised. If your watch nags, that’s data; if it stresses you out, that’s a cue to take it off. We keep the advice human and the tone hopeful.

For the proper chills, we retell a brilliant Reddit story about a haunted gym—alarms tripping, showers running, plates clanging with no one there—and swap our own eerie encounters. Whether you’re a sceptic or a believer, it’s a reminder that spaces hold stories. The best gyms turn down the fear and turn up the welcome, so beginners aren’t spooked by noise, clutter, or the cult of intensity. We wrap with a playful nod to mediums, tarot, and the thrill of not knowing what comes next, plus plans for more off-topic fun on Patreon.

If you love a little chaos with your kettlebells, hit play, subscribe, and leave a five-star review. Share this Halloween special with a friend who’s seen a ghost in the free-weights room—or just a guy lifting in jeans. What’s your scariest gym ick?

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If the weights floor has ever felt like a stage for the loudest person in the room, you’re not alone. We’re digging into the fitness “icks” that drain motivation and shut people out—from theatrical grunts and plate slamming to smug couples coaching each other badly and copycat content that mistakes clicks for care.

We talk honestly about what sustainable training looks like when sleep is a mess and energy is low: gentle rest days, mobility, slower runs, intervals when they help, and strength that fits your week instead of swallowing it. Running is cardio, not a personality test. We also unpack why calorie comparison reels and “high-protein cinnamon-roll” hacks miss the point. Most people understand calories; the real work is building habits around time, stress, taste, and culture. If protein is low, add proper foods. If you want dessert, choose a dessert you love. Simpler choices win.

Coaching culture gets a spotlight too. Shame-as-motivation influencers might grab attention, but behaviour change sticks when the bar to start is low and progress feels possible. Clear cues, small wins, and respectful language beat insults every time. And yes, we call for basic gym citizenship: re-rack your weights, share space, wipe benches, and wear clothes meant for training. The goal is a room where more people feel welcome to try, not fewer.

We wrap with community shoutouts to listeners from Norwich to Dallas and Germany, and a standing invite to send us your gym icks. If you smiled, winced, or nodded along, tap follow, share with a friend, and leave a quick review. Your stories shape what we tackle next.

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Please review this episode, it really helps the pod grow.

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A big thank you to Lauren for joining us for this episode. You can find Lauren on Instagram @laurenashleygordon

Please review and share this episode if you enjoyed it, it really helps us grow the pod and continue creating content for you all 

What if the gym stopped being a place to pay for your “treats” and became the place you build a life you’re proud of? We sit down with creator Lauren Ashley Gordon to trace a raw arc from a harsh mental low to a strength-first mindset, the kind that swaps punishment for progress and turns small wins into real confidence.

Lauren tells the truth about starting in May with nothing but a PT session and a promise to show up. The early “newbie gains” led to a 140 kg pull, but the bigger transformation was internal: training to be capable, not smaller. We talk about how that shift reframes body image, why performance fuels self-respect, and how competence in the gym spills into the rest of life. Expect practical gems too: lifting straps over gloves, creatine done right, and the surprising leggings that deliver shape and opacity without the premium price tag.

Then we open the door on a local fitness event that gave us both pride and heartbreak. We trained hard, beat our target time, and still watched the finish line get packed away around us. We process the sting honestly, share what organisers got wrong, and, more importantly, why we’re keeping the win. From there, we sketch out accessible steps to bigger challenges—baby tri sessions, HIROX relays, and how to build consistency through small, smart choices that reduce friction.

If you’re tired of toxic fitness culture and hungry for community, strength, and clear-headed advice, this is your invitation. Hit play, join the conversation, and tell us the hard thing you’re ready to try next. If the show resonates, subscribe, share it with a friend, and leave a review to help more people find their way to strength.

Thank you for listening!

Please review this episode, it really helps the pod grow.

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Ever feel like you’re the one standing between you and your goals? We break down self-sabotage with unflinching honesty and a lot of practical warmth—why we set giant, glittering plans we can’t sustain, how “start on Monday” thinking keeps us looping, and what actually works when life is busy and motivation is low. From skipped summer runs to snack-only days and overstuffed to-do lists, we trace the real patterns that derail progress and show how to make change so small it finally sticks.

We explore the traps that look productive but aren’t—overcomplicating training, rigid meal rules, and chasing goals you don’t really want because they sound impressive. Instead, we focus on building a tiny ladder of habits: a 15-minute walk before any 5K plan, one class with a friend before a full programme, and simple meals that fit your schedule. We talk future-self planning that removes friction, the identity shift of becoming “the person who shows up,” and how to let go of goals that don’t align so you stop ghosting your own commitments.

There’s also a candid look at fear of success and imposter syndrome—what happens when work grows, when results arrive, or when you worry being “too committed” makes you less relatable. The solution isn’t perfection; it’s personalisation. Design a blueprint that suits your attention span, energy, and preferences, then repeat the basics without the drama. You’re not failing; your plan might just be too big. Shrink it, simplify it, and keep going.

If this resonated, tap follow, share this with a friend who is stuck in “all or nothing,” and leave a quick review to help others find the show. Tell us: what single inch-sized step are you taking today?

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We dig into what makes a fitness community feel genuinely welcoming, where glossy events set hidden barriers, and how to build spaces that fit real lives rather than perfect images. Respect for HIROX, Ironman, and elite clubs stands alongside a call for clearer labels, lower barriers, and more honest inclusion.

• Gay to 5K as a blueprint for practical inclusion
• the gap between “inclusive” marketing and actual access
• HIROX identity, travel, training time and cost barriers
• Ironman expenses, coaching, gear and time privilege
• why “free to run” still costs money and confidence
• online communities that lower cost and pressure
• exclusivity vs inclusivity and being honest about who it’s for
• aesthetics, brand vibes and who feels welcome
• missing middle: beginner and intermediate event formats
• simple design fixes clubs can make to widen the gate

Review, subscribe, follow, please, share

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A 20th‑episode milestone deserves a little chaos, so we opened the floor to your questions and went wherever they led—no fluff, no shame, just real talk. From normalising leaks during workouts to the eternal “Do I really need 150g of protein?” debate, we dig into what actually moves the needle for health: a supportive community, smarter training, and food that makes you feel good without turning eating into homework.

We share what the past year taught us—why running slower can be the fastest way to get better, how hill and heat work build resilience, and where belonging changes everything. If Hyrox looks like a club you’re not in, we get it; finding your people matters more than forcing a trend. On the plate, we champion fibre and plant diversity, with beans and legumes doing the heavy lifting for gut health, satiety, and budget. Expect practical ideas for butter bean skillets, bean‑packed chillies, and easy salads, plus a clear, realistic protein starting point. We also talk fake meats that are worth it, what to watch on labels, and how to balance convenience with nutrition.

Life admin gets airtime too: deodorants that actually work (hello, Fussy Sensitive and Mitchum), avoiding fishy omega‑3 burps with timing and algae‑based options, and a hydration check that uses thirst and urine colour instead of rigid rules. Along the way, we swap comfort food ideas, laugh at our own gym fails, and answer whether a running vest for 5K is “allowed” (it is—wear the bag). If you want practical advice wrapped in candour and humour, you’ll feel right at home here.

If this resonated, tap follow, leave a quick review, and share it with a friend who needs a nudge to find their people. Got a question for our next Q&A? Send it our way and join the conversation.

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Please review this episode, it really helps the pod grow.

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Hype sells. Health doesn’t need to. We invited the supplement aisle into the light and asked the only questions that matter: does it work, is it safe, and is there a simpler way to get the same benefit? Between gym stories, a fresh rowing PB, and a big 2026 fitness goal, we break down what everyday people actually need—and what’s just expensive hope.

We start with the confusion: influencers, sleek labels, and bold claims make powders feel essential. Then we separate signals from noise. Magnesium can help if you’re deficient—but that’s a blood test call, and food-first sources often cover the gap. Creatine monohydrate earns a rare, evidence-backed gold star for strength, performance, and potential cognitive benefits, especially helpful for vegetarians and vegans—just hydrate well. Lion’s mane? Still early, mostly hype, and not one to take if you’re pregnant, managing chronic conditions, or allergic to mushrooms. Collagen promises glow and bounce, but digestion turns it into amino acids; results are modest at best compared to daily SPF, sleep, and consistent skincare. And electrolytes are salts—great for long, hot, hard sessions, unnecessary for most casual workouts and desk days.

We also talk money, marketing, and mindset. Protein bars can help in a pinch, but most people can meet protein needs with simple meals—yoghurt, eggs, beans, tofu, fish, chicken—without paying the brand premium. The pattern repeats: when you look past the lifestyle packaging, the biggest wins come from habits you can repeat—training you enjoy, varied foods, proper sleep, regular fluids, and sunlight without the burn. Supplements have a place when they fill a proven gap; they’re not a shortcut to a life you haven’t built yet.

If you’re curious, sceptical, or just tired of paying for promises, this one’s for you. Hit play, save your budget for good food and a plan you’ll stick to, and tell us your take: which supplement stayed—and which one’s out? Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a de‑hype, and leave a review so we can keep building this community together.

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Consistency - that magical buzzword thrown around in fitness circles as the ultimate solution to all our health and wellness struggles. But what exactly does consistency mean, and is it truly the golden ticket we're led to believe?

In this refreshingly honest conversation, we challenge the toxic narratives surrounding consistency in the fitness world. From the pressure to maintain perfect workout schedules to the shame that comes with missing a session, we explore how these expectations often set us up for failure rather than success.

"Consistency isn't perfection," we emphasize, "it's showing up for yourself and your goals more times than not." This simple reframing can transform how we approach our fitness journeys, allowing space for life's inevitable interruptions without spiraling into self-sabotage.

We dive into practical strategies for building sustainable consistency, like starting small with achievable habits, employing the 80/20 rule, and identifying what genuinely works for your unique personality and lifestyle. Rather than following rigid plans that might work for fitness influencers but not for busy parents or professionals, we advocate for finding your own sustainable rhythm.

The comparison trap gets special attention as we discuss how social media has warped our perception of achievements. Remember when running a marathon was considered impressive on its own? Now it seems you need to run it in under 3:30 or complete multiple marathons back-to-back to earn recognition. We encourage listeners to zoom out and appreciate their progress rather than measuring themselves against carefully curated highlight reels.

Whether you're struggling to maintain consistency in your fitness routine or feeling guilty about missing workouts, this episode offers permission to be imperfect while still making progress. Join us for this honest, relatable conversation about finding balance in the messy world of health and fitness.

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Please review this episode, it really helps the pod grow.

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Every woman knows the feeling—sitting in a doctor's office, describing debilitating symptoms, only to be dismissed with "try losing weight" or "it's just hormones." This isn't just frustrating; it's dangerous.

We're pulling back the curtain on the systemic problems in women's healthcare, exploring conditions like PCOS, endometriosis, and perimenopause that affect millions yet remain chronically under-researched and misunderstood. Did you know it takes an average of 7-8 YEARS to receive an endometriosis diagnosis? Or that women are twice as likely to die from heart attacks because their symptoms present differently than the "classic" male symptoms taught in medical school?

The disparities are staggering. When men experience erectile dysfunction or low testosterone, they're quickly offered medication. Yet women suffering from debilitating menstrual pain or perimenopausal symptoms are told to "just deal with it." Medical research has historically excluded women because of the perceived "messiness" of hormones, leaving enormous gaps in our understanding of female bodies. Even the BMI scale—still widely used today—was developed based solely on male bodies.

For women of colour, these problems compound exponentially, with maternal mortality rates three times higher than for white women. The entire system was designed "by men, for men," and everyone with a uterus is paying the price.

But there's hope. Conversations are opening up. Support groups are forming. Public figures like Davina McCall are bringing conditions like perimenopause into mainstream discussion. We're standing up and demanding better—better research, better treatment options, and better understanding.

Share your experiences with us on Instagram @thehealthhundspod. 

Thank you for listening!

Please review this episode, it really helps the pod grow.

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Helen Anderson joins us to share her health and fitness journey, including how she transitioned from being an internet personality representing body positivity to losing weight and finding joy in fitness on her own terms.

• Helen explains how comments about her body from a young age impacted her self-perception despite outwardly being an advocate for body confidence
• The turning point came in early 2023 when Helen decided to commit to her health to prove to herself she could stick with something
• Run Norwich experiences - Helen achieved a 58-minute time in only her second 10K race
• The BPM playlist hack that helps Helen maintain consistent running pace
• Moving from focusing on weight loss to valuing functional strength and fitness
• The double standards within the body positivity community when influencers choose to lose weight
• Industry "icks" including protein-washing products and the overwhelming number of supplement advertisements
• Practical advice for beginners: be consistent, drop the guilt, and lower your expectations about timeframes
• Helen's three-year journey to lose three stone and how maintenance has become effortless
• How fitness communities provide positive social connections beyond just exercise

Thank you for listening!

Please review this episode, it really helps the pod grow.

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Remember lining up in the school hall to be weighed in front of everyone? Or being forced to wear those ridiculous PE knickers while attempting gymnastics? The humiliation of childhood PE classes is something many of us carry well into adulthood—often manifesting as a complicated relationship with exercise and our bodies.

In this raw, unfiltered conversation, we unpack what it truly means to grow up as "the fat kid" and how these formative experiences shape our relationship with fitness for decades to come. We share personal stories of family members commenting on our weight, the mortification of communal showers, and the crushing pressure to fit into a body type that simply wasn't ours. What's striking is how differently these experiences affected us—one host recalling being taken to Weight Watchers at just ten years old, while the other's family never made weight an issue despite societal pressures.

We take a critical look at the viral "Box Wave" phenomenon, questioning whether exploiting a child's weight loss journey for social media fame is truly in the boy's best interest. When adults parade a child's transformation across platforms and morning television, what happens when the cameras stop rolling? The pressure to maintain that weight loss could potentially set him up for a lifetime of disordered eating and exercise behaviors.

School physical education comes under particular scrutiny as we suggest radical changes to how movement is taught to children. Why are we still forcing team sports on kids who hate them? Why not introduce weight training, yoga, or modified running programs that allow children to progress at their own pace? The stark gender differences in how overweight boys versus girls are treated reveals society's double standards—while a larger boy might be nicknamed "Big Tom" and find his place on the rugby team, girls face relentless pressure to shrink themselves.

Join us for this thought-provoking episode that will have you reflecting on your own childhood experiences and questioning how we might better support the next generation. Share your own PE trauma stories with us on social media—we're building a community where the messiness of health and fitness is embraced rather than hidden away.

Thank you for listening!

Please review this episode, it really helps the pod grow.

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Running a 10K doesn't have to be a high-pressure experience. Our candid conversation about Run Norwich preparation reveals the laid-back yet effective approach two everyday runners are taking toward this popular city event.

We dive into our training strategies – from multiple weekly runs and strength training to the dreaded hill work. While one of us focuses on building endurance through varied workouts, the other emphasizes practical considerations like testing race-day clothing and maintaining proper hydration. The refreshing "no worries" mindset emerges as perhaps the most valuable training tool, with both of us acknowledging that walking sections is perfectly acceptable and finishing is the primary goal.

Having completed a previous 10K at Holkham has boosted our confidence considerably. There's something reassuring about running through familiar city streets surrounded by cheering spectators and fellow participants. We share a laugh about how slower runners actually get better value for money by spending more time on the course – a perfect perspective shift for those who won't be challenging the front-runners!

The conversation naturally gravitates toward what might be the most crucial element of race preparation – planning the post-race celebration. Huggers restaurant emerges as the venue of choice, with its impressive selection of vegetarian and vegan options making it perfect for refueling after 10 kilometers of effort. Because sometimes, the promise of a delicious roast dinner provides exactly the motivation needed to cross that finish line.

Have you signed up for Run Norwich or another local race? Share your preparation strategies or join us at Huggers afterward to compare race experiences!

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