The Exercise Coach presents: The Strength Changes Everything Podcast. Learn from Exercise Coach Co-Founder Brian Cygan, Franchisee Amy Hudson, and Dr. James Fisher, Chief Science Officer of The Exercise Coach about how to enjoy a strong, healthy lifestyle. The Exercise Coach’s unique two 20-minute workouts a week is how thousands across the United States get and stay in great shape. This podcast gives you the facts, from the experts, in easy-to-understand lessons so you can take control of y ...
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Nourish Your Mind. Love Your Body. Rock Your Life! Join world-renowned fitness and healthy lifestyle coach Betty Rocker and special guests for conversations and content that will uplift you, inspire you, and provide you with valuable insights for a healthy mind, body and spirit.
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Join me today to check out 3 leg strength assessment tests! These fun tests call on the strength of our legs and posterior chain, plus our balance, flexibility and explosive power. Since we as women carry over half of our skeletal muscle in our lower body, keeping our muscle tissue and bones strong as we age helps us maintain our balance and functi…
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Contralateral Adaptations, Strength Training Through Injury and Surgery
23:16
23:16
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23:16Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher discuss the critical role of strength training before and after surgery—and why it can make all the difference in your recovery. They cover how pre-surgery strength sets the stage for success, what to do (and what not to do) after an injury, and how training one side of your body can benefit the other. Tune in to lea…
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Stretch Your Muscles, Stretch Your Life: How Flexibility Impacts Strength, Pain, and Performance with Dr. Dave Behm
32:44
32:44
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32:44Hosts Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher discuss all things stretching and muscle soreness with Dr. Dave Behm, author of The Science and Physiology of Flexibility and Stretching. They cover the most common affliction, when it makes sense to stretch, and for how long you should stretch. You’ll also hear expert insights on the correlation between stretc…
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How to Strength Train Smarter by Controlling Your Range of Motion
27:37
27:37
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27:37Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher discuss the importance of range of motion in strength training and how it impacts performance, injury prevention, and long-term joint health. They cover why strength varies throughout a movement, the dangers of locking out your joints, and the myths about extreme ranges of motion. Tune in to hear expert insights on t…
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The Truth About Type I and Type II Muscle Fibers: Strength Training Essentials
22:39
22:39
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22:39Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher explore the difference between type one and type two muscle fibers—why they matter, how they function, and how to train them effectively. They discuss why neglecting type two fibers can lead to rapid muscle loss and how simple strength exercises can make a huge difference in keeping you strong, mobile, and functional…
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5 Ways to Test Your Grip Strength (and why it matters to your health)
13:41
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13:41Whether you're opening a jar or lifting your dumbbells, your grip strength is integral to your ability to do just about everything with your hands. Weakened grip strength is linked to risks for things like falls, fractures, prolonged recovery from illness, cognitive decline and more. Today I'm giving you 5 ways you can test your grip strength so yo…
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Why Most People Fail in the Gym (And How Supervision With a Personal Trainer Can Help)
27:57
27:57
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27:57Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher dive deep into the science of supervised workouts, sharing research on the benefits of guided workouts. They explore the key differences between supervised and unsupervised training, why many people struggle to train effectively on their own, and how coaching impacts technique, effort, safety, and motivation. Tune in…
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The Truth About Exercise Plateaus and How to Move Forward
46:32
46:32
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46:32Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher tackle one of the biggest frustrations in fitness—plateaus. They break down why plateaus happen, the role of recovery, nutrition, and mindset, and how to adjust your training to keep moving forward. Tune in to hear why slow progress is better than doing nothing at all, the importance of balancing effort with rest, an…
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Strength Training for Women: Hormones Aren’t Your Enemy with Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple
38:27
38:27
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38:27Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher talk with Lauren Colenso-Semple about the science of female muscle physiology and how hormonal fluctuations impact strength training. They explore the misconceptions around women’s hormones, the underrepresentation of women in research, and whether training recommendations should differ between men and women. Lauren …
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EMDR Therapy and Mental Health Support with Susie Morgan, LMFT, BCETS
48:27
48:27
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48:27EMDR stands for "Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing." It is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method that helps people recover from trauma and PTSD symptoms, and directly treats the way memory is stored in the brain. It is shown to be a helpful treatment for disorders such as anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, addic…
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Global Consensus: The Science-Backed Benefits of Resistance Training for Healthy Aging
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35:10Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher break down the latest research on exercise and longevity, focusing on the newly published Global Consensus on Optimal Exercise Recommendations for Enhancing Healthy Longevity in Older Adults. They explore why resistance training is essential for healthy aging, preserving muscle mass, bone density, and overall functio…
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Q&A: GLP-1 for Weight Loss: The Science, Side Effects & How to Protect Your Muscles
18:17
18:17
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18:17Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher explore the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy for weight loss. They discuss how these drugs work, why muscle mass, not just body weight, is the true marker of health, and why many people who lose weight too quickly end up weaker, not healthier. Tune in to hear the long-term risks of GLP-1 use and how …
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The 6 Essential Elements of an Effective Strength Training Program with Matt Brzycki
33:34
33:34
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33:34Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher sit down with Matt Brzycki, a strength and health fitness expert with more than 41 years of experience as an administrator, instructor, and a coach. They discuss how to get stronger, train smarter, and see real results—without wasting time or risking injury. Tune in to hear the key principles of an effective workout,…
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PERI + POST Menopause Testing and Treatment Options with Dr. Jill Carnahan
55:17
55:17
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55:17Looking for relief from symptoms in perimenopause or postmenopause? I sat down with Dr. Jill Carnahan (who is my functional medicine doctor), and talked to her about the specific tests and treatment options she uses for women in the different menopause stages. We also share resources for online support with hormone balancing (in the US, the UK and …
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Strength Training: The Untold Benefits of Exercise for the Brain
19:15
19:15
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19:15Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher explore the powerful connection between strength training and brain health. They discuss how resistance training enhances cognitive function, the surprising link between resistance training and Alzheimer’s, and how lifting weights can improve insulin sensitivity. Tune in to hear how strength training benefits not jus…
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The 30-Day Metabolic Comeback Challenge: A Smarter Way to Achieve a Metabolic Reset with Gerianne Cygan
22:18
22:18
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22:18Amy Hudson sits down with Gerianne Cygan, the Co-Founder of the Exercise Coach, to discuss what it takes to achieve a Metabolic Comeback. They discuss why most diets fail, how yo-yo dieting leads to more fat gain over time, and why strength training is essential for sustainable fat loss. Tune in to hear how you can reset your metabolism, boost ener…
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Top Nutrition Strategies for Perimenopause and Postmenopause
34:36
34:36
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34:36Join me to learn about the best foods to eat in the menopause years (both perimenopause and postmenopause) so you can support your body from the inside out while your hormones are changing. These strategies will help you hold onto your valuable muscle tissue for better mobility, agility and strength over time. Plus, they’ll help you support a healt…
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Why Strength Training Works for Everyone — No Exceptions
30:08
30:08
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30:08Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher break down three important research papers on the connection between strength, muscle mass, and longevity. They cover the benefits of exercising regularly and how being strong—regardless of weight—greatly reduces the risk of all-cause mortality. Tune in to hear valuable insights on how strength training improves heal…
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Can You Reverse Osteoporosis? Strength Training for Bone Mineral Density
17:03
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17:03Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher dive into the critical connection between strength training and bone health, explaining how building muscle can improve bone density and combat age-related bone loss. They explain the role of hormones like testosterone and estrogen in bone health and why starting resistance training early makes such a big difference.…
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The Best Perimenopause Training Tweaks for a Strong, Sculpted Body
36:12
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36:12Training in perimenopause requires a few simple tweaks to drive great results in our body, and prevent weight gain. As hormone levels change, our body responds differently to the exercise we do which means we sometimes don't see the results we expect even when we put in a big effort. So today I'm sharing the best types of exercise and the best work…
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Q&A: How Strength Training Before and After Injury Can Transform Your Healing Journey
13:18
13:18
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13:18Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher explore how strength training is more than just a workout—it's a lifelong investment in your health, mobility, and resilience. You’ll learn why proactive strength training can act as your body’s insurance policy, how to recover faster after an injury, and the surprising science behind strength training through pregna…
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My Shocking Accident and How My Healthy Habits Saved Me
28:59
28:59
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28:59On my cross country trip coming home for Christmas I had a shocking fall that dislocated my elbow. I was lucky enough to have the strength to get up, drive myself to a hospital and recover well over the following weeks. Falls can be dangerous at any age, and you never know when you're going to need to draw on your reserves. It's always a good time …
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How to Lose Fat Without Muscle Loss: Science-Backed Solutions with Dr. Wayne Westcott
42:28
42:28
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42:28Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher chat with Dr. Wayne Westcott, an accomplished international authority in health, fitness and aging. He’s the author of over 25 fitness books and the go-to expert and deep source of knowledge for maintaining strength at any age. They discuss how strength training not only combats muscle and bone loss but also helps pr…
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You are the MAIN CHARACTER of the story that is unfolding in 2025! You've got 12 chapters to write in 12 months. So let's outline the first quarter of our main character's health and fitness plans together today so we can jumpstart your success this year! Grab the free worksheet so you can follow along: bit.ly/2025main In this episode…. ⭐️ How chap…
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How to Set Goals for the New Year and Crush 2025 Through Healthy Habits
28:24
28:24
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28:24Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher explore the science, strategies, and mindset shifts needed to set meaningful goals and build sustainable habits. From understanding what health truly means to leveraging neuroplasticity and dopamine to stay motivated, they share actionable insights that can help you take charge of your well-being and make the upcomin…
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How Resistance Training Exercises for Seniors Can Boost Functional Capacity
29:08
29:08
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29:08Amy Hudson and Dr. James Fisher dive into the best resistance training exercises for seniors, offering insights into how these exercises improve strength, mobility, and independence. You’ll learn why resistance training is essential for healthy aging, how to tailor exercises to individual needs, and practical tips to start or improve your fitness j…
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Q&A: Warm Up or No Warm Up, Eating Before or After Workout, Body Sculpting, Cardio vs. Strength Training
41:04
41:04
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41:04Amy Hudson, Brian Cygan, and Dr. James Fisher answer all your burning questions about health, fitness, and strength training. They cover the best way to warm-up before strength training, eating before or after a workout, and why you should prioritize strength training over cardiovascular exercises. Amy, Brian, and James discuss how becoming stronge…
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NEW SEASON! The Secret to Feeling Decades Younger; Welcoming a New Co-host
40:34
40:34
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40:34Welcome to Season 2 of the Strength Changes Everything! In this kickoff pisode, Amy Hudson, Brian Cygan, and Dr. James Fisher dive into the science of strength training and how it can help optimize your health, wellness, and longevity. Expect to hear the latest science, practical tips, and inspiring stories to help you build strength, optimize heal…
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Join us for this replay from the archives to learn more about myths involving fitness... Brian and Amy explore a couple of articles talking about the impacts of weight loss vs. exercise on longevity, and discuss the myths surrounding losing weight and achieving optimal physical health. Learn why focusing on losing weight is the wrong goal, and why …
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The Dose-Response Relationship in Exercise
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11:33
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11:33Join us for this replay from the archives to learn more about dose-response and what it means for your fitness... Learn how a little-known principle in exercise determines whether you get the fitness results you are looking for, or you just spend some time moving weights up and down at the gym. Find out why the dose-response to exercise is what you…
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Why Does Muscle Really Matter for Weight Loss?
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8:58Join us for this replay from the archives to learn more about how strength training should complement dieting for weight loss... Dr. James Fisher answers the question “Why does muscle really matter for weight loss?” Find out why muscle mass should be a vital component of your weight loss strategy and why dieting without strength training is a recip…
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The Secret to Strengthening Your Lower Back and Eliminating Lower Back Pain
21:51
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21:51Join us for this replay from the archives to learn more about effective exercise for your lower back and what can surprisingly make lower back pain worse... In part two of the interview with Dr. James Fisher, we explore what it takes to actually strengthen the lower back and why exercises like the deadlift are not effective in targeting your lower …
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Join us for this replay from the archives to learn more about solving the problems causing lower back pain... Brian Cygan and Dr. James Fisher discuss the origins of lower back pain and why the vast majority of Americans will experience some form of lower back pain in their lives. Learn about the root cause of lower back pain and why most treatment…
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Join us for this replay from the archives to learn more about the importance of muscle burn... Amy Hudson and Brian Cygan explain why that feeling of your muscles burning is exactly what you want to feel every time you go to the gym. Learn why muscle burn is one of the best indications that you’re exercising at the right intensity and without it, y…
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How Strength Training Prevents and Reverses Pre-Diabetes
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17:02Join us for this replay from the archives to learn more about life-changing advice and details about pre-diabetes... Amy and Brian break down the science behind pre-diabetes and how strength training is the most efficient and effective way to escape the negative feedback loop of insulin resistance, systemic inflammation, and weight gain. If you or …
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The Exercise Coach Came Out of 2020 Strong, Here’s Why
26:16
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26:16Join us for this replay from the archives to learn more about the Exercise Coach's strong business model... Amy and Jesse Hudson explore the reasons the Exercise Coach saw phenomenal growth over the past 18 months while other fitness brands struggled to stay open. Learn about the key differences in the business model that make the Exercise Coach a …
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Free Weights vs. Machines: Which One Is Better?
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16:03Join us for this replay from the archives to learn more about misconceptions about machines and if free weights or machines are better... Amy and Brian settle the age-old debate of which one is better: free weights or machines? Learn about some common misconceptions about machines that prevent people from getting the fitness results they want in th…
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Join us for this replay from the archives to learn more about how you can use more effort in less time... Amy and Brian go into the science behind eccentric overload and why this little-understood movement is responsible for the incredible gains in strength Exercise Coach clients experience in their first six sessions. Find out what eccentric overl…
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The Science of Why Strength Changes Everything
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12:28Join us for this replay from the archives to learn more about the science and principles behind strength training... Brian and Amy explore the scientific research that shows that strength training is the ultimate exercise for combatting the aging process, getting into the best shape of your life, and how those principles are applied to every workou…
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How Many Benefits To Strength Training Are There?
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17:53Join us for this replay from the archives to learn more about the benefits of strength training in a fun manner... In the midst of preparing for the upcoming National Exercise Coach Conference, Brian and Amy play a game of trying to name as many benefits of strength as they possibly can without repeating themselves. As you would expect of something…
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The Science of Strength: Brian Cygan Interviews James Fisher, PhD - Part 2
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32:21Join us for this replay from the archives to learn more about what is accepted versus what is truth... In part 2 of this interview, Brian Cygan and Dr. James Fisher discuss the science of strength and why the accepted wisdom of exercise may actually be causing more harm than good. Learn how many exercises you really need during a session, why “card…
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I know you've probably heard me say that over training can really undermine your results. But what does "over training" actually mean for you? Is it okay to combine other exercises with the program you're currently doing? And what about running or pickleball or swimming or other recreational activities you enjoy on top of your regularly scheduled w…
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The Science of Strength: Brian Cygan Interviews James Fisher, PhD - Part 1
23:59
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23:59Join us for this replay from the archives to learn more about the science of strength and how it may affect your fitness plans and goals... Brian Cygan and Dr. James Fisher break down the science of strength and discuss what the proper level of resistance during training is, the threshold for the effort that you need to achieve to see results, and …
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What Role Does Guidance Play in a Person's Ultimate Ability to Achieve Their Desired Results From Exercise?
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17:38Join us for this replay from the archives and learn more about why supervision is key to effective workouts... When it comes to fitness results, the key to rapid, positive changes is having a coach who can give you the accountability and motivation you need to work harder and more effectively while still being safe. Brian Cygan and Amy Hudson discu…
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Is There an Extra Benefit to Doing Pre-Exhaustion Sequences?
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7:23Join us for this replay from the archives and learn more about isolation vs compound exercises... Amy and Brian explore the question “Should you pre-exhaust your muscles with isolation exercises before taking on compound movements?” Find out why the idea of the pre-exhaustion sequence is actually hurting your fitness progress and why putting compou…
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Multi-Joint vs. Single-Joint Strength Movements - Is One Better Than the Other?
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11:04Join us for this replay from the archives and learn more about the right movements and how they may give you more time... Discover the secret to amplifying your total-body fitness results while also spending less time at the gym. Find out why multi-joint movements can have a serious positive impact on your strength and physical fitness while taking…
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Protein for Women: Part 2 Plus, How to Use Aminos, BCAA's, Collagen and Creatine
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23:34When it comes to supplements, there are so many out there. But how do you know what you need, and what the difference is between protein powder and say, a BCAA? And do we all need to be taking collagen? Plus there's a lot of buzz about creatine for women right now...is it merited? We're diving into all of this in more in the second installment of m…
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Should I Stretch Before or After a Strength Training Session?
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15:50Join us for this replay from the archives and learn the truth about stretching before and after exercise... Before you jump into your next exercise session, learn why what you’ve been told about stretching is completely wrong and how it can actually increase the odds of you getting injured. Brian and Amy explore some common myths regarding stretchi…
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Is It Safe to Wear a Mask While Exercising?
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12:03Join us for this replay from the archives and learn more about oxygen intake and masks... Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been a lot of talk about whether or not wearing a mask during exercise is a safe thing to do. Amy and Brian breakdown the studies and science behind wearing a mask and oxygen intake, and reveal why The Exercise Co…
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Protein for Women: Part 1 Plus Tips for Using and Choosing Protein Powders
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32:31Why is protein so important for us as women? The reasons go well beyond our body composition goals. Today I’m talking all things protein, including why we need it, how much we need, and how those needs change over time. Plus, I’m covering protein powder and some different ways you can use it - from timing around your workouts to cooking with it. An…
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