Make Fit Simple

Andrea dives into the world of creatine, breaking down the science, benefits, and misconceptions surrounding this powerhouse supplement. She discusses how creatine supports muscle growth, recovery, and cognitive function, making it valuable for both fitness enthusiasts and those simply aiming to stay strong and energized as they age. Andrea also addresses common myths, such as creatine being &quot...

In this episode, Andrea kicks off the new year by sharing practical and motivating tips to help listeners maintain a consistent workout routine. Building on a previous episode about the true meaning of consistency, she breaks down the importance of realistic goals, having a clear plan, and avoiding comparisons with others. Andrea emphasizes the value of making small, incremental improvements and a...

In this episode of MakeFitSimple , Andrea kicks off the new year with an eye-opening discussion about ultra-processed foods and their surprising impact on overeating and weight gain. Inspired by a groundbreaking study from the National Institutes of Health, Andrea dives into the science of how these foods influence hunger hormones, appetite, and eating behaviors, even when calories and nutrients a...

Andrea dives into a relatable topic: bloating. She shares quick, simple tips to prevent and reduce bloating, from hydration and gut-friendly foods to surprising strategies like abdominal massage, yoga, and mindful eating habits. Andrea also discusses the impact of gut health, hormones, and core strength on bloating, offering actionable advice for anyone dealing with this common issue. With her sig...

Andrea dives into the vital role of strength training during perimenopause and beyond, breaking down how building muscle supports metabolic health, hormone regulation, and bone density. She explains why adding muscle is about more than aesthetics—it’s about improving quality of life and easing the transition into menopause. With practical tips, personal stories, and insights from research, Andrea...

In this episode, Andrea dives deep into the often-overlooked signs of core health issues and how they impact the body, from ab gripping and rib flare to foot alignment and "booty clenching." She explains how these subtle imbalances can lead to back pain, pelvic floor dysfunction, and even difficulty building strength or losing fat. With practical tips, breathing techniques, and mobility...

Andrea dives into a common fitness concern in this episode: "Do I have to do squats to build muscle or see changes in my legs?" Drawing on her own journey with hip and knee issues, Andrea explores alternative exercises for building strong, toned legs without the need for traditional weighted squats. She provides practical, effective movements for those dealing with pain or mobility limit...

Today Andrea is addressing the frustration of working out hard but not seeing results, offering practical insights to help listeners break through plateaus and achieve body composition goals. Building on last week’s discussion on consistency, she explores six key factors—ranging from NEAT activity and workout progression to hormones, sleep, rest, and diet—while sharing relatable anecdotes and acti...

Andrea discusses the often misunderstood topic of consistency, joined by her husband, Paul, for a candid conversation on their different approaches to maintaining it. They tackle the common misconception that consistency equals perfection and explain how true consistency is about showing up, making progress, and embracing small shifts rather than expecting flawless execution. Together, they share...

Andrea dives into the timely topic of food shaming, especially as the holiday season approaches. She discusses how food shaming, whether directed at others or at ourselves, can impact mental and emotional well-being, particularly in family and social gatherings. Andrea shares personal experiences and offers practical tips to recognize, avoid, and respond to food-shaming behaviors with compassion a...

Andrea welcomes Sneha Jain, a registered dietitian and certified diabetes care and education specialist, to discuss the critical connection between insulin resistance and conditions like PCOS, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Sneha shares practical insights into recognizing early signs of insulin issues, the role of hormones, and debunks myths about carbs. Listeners will al...

Andrea delves into the complexities of anxiety in the second part of a two-part interview. She breaks down the nine types of anxiety, helping listeners identify how each might manifest in their lives, and offers tangible ways to improve them. Alongside guest Dr. Nicole Cain, they provide practical examples and strategies to manage anxiety, including a four-step "panic-proof plan" to help...

Andrea dives deep into anxiety and panic in this two-part episode with Dr. Nicole Cain, a pioneer in integrative mental health. In part one, they explore the roots of anxiety, how it manifests in different ways, and how to approach healing beyond just managing symptoms. Dr. Cain shares her expertise on the nine types of anxiety and explains why anxiety isn't simply a chemical imbalance. Andre...

In this episode, Andrea dives deep into one of the most crucial components of building muscle and overall health—protein, and its relationship with amino acids. Joined by special guest Angelo Keely, the co-founder and CEO of Kion, Andrea explores why protein is key not only for muscle growth but also for metabolism, fat loss, and longevity. Angelo shares insights on the science behind protein and...

In this episode, Andrea dives into how to keep your immune system strong during the fall and winter months when sickness tends to strike. She shares simple habits and effective supplements to help boost immunity, drawing from research to back her recommendations. From vitamin D3 and K2 to elderberry and zinc, Andrea explains how these supplements work to prevent illness and support overall health....

Andrea reflects on a recent podcast mishap, using it as a springboard to discuss how mistakes and setbacks are a normal part of life, especially when it comes to fitness and nutrition goals. She shares three practical tips on how to manage these moments with grace, from avoiding negative self-talk to learning to laugh at yourself. Andrea reminds listeners that perfection isn’t the goal and that ev...

In this episode, Andrea sits down with Dr. Thais Gibson, a counselor, bestselling author, and co-founder of the Personal Development School, to dive into the topic of self-sabotage. With nearly a decade of experience and expertise in subconscious reprogramming, Thais breaks down why we often find ourselves stuck in patterns that prevent growth, despite our best intentions. Together, they explore p...

Andrea is resharing one of her most-listened to episodes with guest Dr. Ashurina Ream, a licensed clinical psychologist, who is the owner of "Psyched Mommy",  which offers online mental health resources for mothers. Dr. Ream and Andrea sit down for a conversation about the reality of the struggles of motherhood and navigating guilt, shame, burn out, identity crisis, depression, and much...

In this episode, Andrea sits down with Brittany Carpenter , a functional medicine dietitian and gut health expert, to explore the importance of gut health and its connection to overall well-being. Brittany shares her unique approach to gut health, focusing on what to add to your diet rather than what to eliminate. They discuss the impact of stress on digestion, the importance of variety in the die...

In this episode of the MakeFitSimple podcast, Andrea welcomes back Dr. Caroline Packard, a women's pelvic floor physical therapist with a deep passion for helping women overcome pelvic floor dysfunction. They dive into the complexities of rib flare and ab gripping, exploring how these issues affect breathing, pelvic floor health, and overall movement. Caroline, who also contributed extensivel...

Make It Simple is celebrating the 200th episode!! On this milestone Andrea dives into her number one tip for staying consistent with an exercise routine: finding joy in movement. Today she encourages listeners to discover their "soulmate workout"—the exercise that genuinely makes them happy—and then blend it with what their body needs to achieve fitness goals. Andrea shares practical adv...

In this episode, Andrea tackles a common concern many have after starting a strength training routine: feeling bigger or puffier after lifting weights. She breaks down the science behind this sensation, explaining how factors like water retention, increased blood flow, and muscle inflammation contribute to these feelings. Andrea will reassure you that this puffiness is a temporary and normal part...

In this episode, Andrea tackles the common struggle of feeling overwhelmed by lofty goals and the pressure to achieve perfection. She emphasizes that you can still achieve meaningful results by doing less, as long as you maintain consistency over time. Drawing from her own experiences and those of her clients, Andrea breaks down the importance of letting go of the all-or-nothing mentality and embr...

Andrea is discussing all things electrolytes! From muscle contractions to hydration and brain function, and why in the heck you need them! She covers it all. With practical tips on how to incorporate electrolytes through foods like watermelon and spinach, and handy supplements for those on-the-go moments, Andrea ensures you are well-equipped to stay balanced and healthy. Plus, she shares her favor...

Andrea dives into an enlightening conversation with Betsy Johnson from Mama Made Strong, a seasoned physical therapist with 20 years of experience and a mom of triplets. Betsy shares her journey from traditional orthopedic clinics to specializing in the often overlooked connection between orthopedic issues and the pelvic floor. She sheds light on the surprising ways our feet, hips, and posture int...