Not Just Gym Girls

In this episode, we’re talking about something almost every chronic dieter has felt but rarely gets explained well: metabolic adaptation. It’s the real reason your body can stall after months or years of dieting. If you’ve ever eaten less, trained more, and still wondered why nothing was changing, this episode will finally make it make sense. We go into what’s actually happening inside your metabo...

In this episode, we’re breaking down something we wish more women understood sooner: we were never meant to live at “fitness influencer” levels of leanness. We're sharing the truth behind why extreme leanness became the goal, what it actually takes to get there, and the very real physical and emotional costs we learned firsthand through years of chasing it. This is an honest conversation abou...

In this episode, Marisa and Vanessa dive into answering your questions. From identifying hormonal imbalances to modifying workouts around your menstrual cycle, and navigating food comments around the holidays, we're giving you all the best strategies. We share about navigating business ownership as sisters first, and the lessons we've learned along the way. We hope you enjoy! STRIVE FOR...

In this episode, Marisa and Vanessa dive into what it really looks like to navigate body image in your 20s, Your 20s are a decade full of changes, comparison, and self-discovery. From shifting hormones and evolving priorities to the pressures of social media and fitness culture, they break down why so many women feel disconnected from their bodies during this time. The sisters open up about their...

In this episode, we’re diving into what happens when your goals evolve, and how to navigate the identity shift that comes with it. Marisa and Vanessa share personal reflections on how changing direction doesn’t mean you’re quitting; it means you’re growing. We’ll explore why our goals naturally shift with different seasons of life, how to handle the uncomfortable “in-between” when you’re no longer...

In today's episode, we’re diving into what really helped us make peace with our bodies. For years, we lived in the constant pursuit of chasing smaller sizes, stricter diets, and an image of health that was never enough. In this episode, we’re sharing the turning points that helped us break free from body obsession and build a relationship rooted in respect, neutrality, and peace. We’ll talk a...

In this episode, we break down what actually changes first in a reverse diet and why it matters for your metabolism, hormones, and performance. We'll walk you through how to adjust your macros strategically, what signs show your body is responding well, and how to let go of the fear of eating more. STRIVE FOR STRONG WEBSITE: https://www.striveforstrong.com/ MARISA IG: https://instagram.com/ms...

In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how we program for fat loss at Strive for Strong, and why our approach looks so different from the “eat less, move more” mentality most women have been taught. Marisa and Vanessa dive into the science and strategy behind sustainable, hormone-friendly fat loss that prioritizes strength, metabolic health, and flexibility. You’ll learn how they design trai...

After a month of travel, Marisa and Vanessa sit down to share how stepping out of routine shifted their relationship with food and fitness. They talk about what they noticed in Italy’s food culture and how their approach to movement has evolved. The conversation highlights mindset shifts, like letting go of the pressure to “make up for” indulgence and trusting their bodies to find balance. Back ho...

In this episode, we're breaking down the myth of motivation and why waiting for that “spark” to feel inspired only keeps you stuck in the start–stop cycle. You’ll learn what’s actually missing (and it’s not willpower), plus how clarity, structure, and small habits matter more than bursts of motivation ever could. We'll share practical steps you can start using today, like stacking habits...

In this episode, Marisa and Vanessa break down the top five gym mistakes they see women making all the time, plus practical tips to fix them. From undervaluing strength training to rushing through workouts, under-fueling, falling into the all-or-nothing trap, and constantly comparing yourself to others,  you’ll learn how to shift your approach so your effort actually pays off. This conversation is...

Trying to balance your career while staying on top of your health can feel like a constant tug-of-war. In this episode, Marisa and Vanessa share their own experiences of juggling work and fitness, along with the common struggles so many of us face, like skipping workouts when deadlines pile up or feeling guilty for not doing it all. We dive into simple strategies to build consistent habits and fit...

In this episode, we’re diving into how to use macro tracking as a powerful tool without letting it take over your life. We share our own stories of how tracking shifted from empowering to obsessive during our earlier years, and why so many  struggle to find the balance between structure and freedom. We’ll talk about why people track macros, the hidden pitfalls that can make it feel rigid or stress...

In this episode, we dive into why comparison shows up so strongly, from the way our brains are wired for it to the way social media amplifies every highlight reel. We’ll talk about the dark side of comparison, how it leads to shame, guilt, and distraction from your own wins, while also exploring how to flip it into something that actually fuels your growth. By the end, you’ll see why your progress...

In this episode we’re breaking down the most common strength training myths we once lived by, explaining why they’re wrong, and sharing what actually works. From cardio-only fat loss to thinking machines were just for beginners, we’re tackling the myths that held us back in the gym. We’ll cover why lifting heavy won’t make you bulky, why soreness isn’t the only sign of a good workout, and why rest...

In this episode, we’re diving into how your everyday actions around food, movement, and body image can shape how your children relate to health for years to come. We’ll explore how common phrases like “I have to burn this off” or skipping meals can send lasting messages, and share simple, real-life ways to model a balanced relationship with food. We’ll also talk about how to show your kids that mo...

Do you constantly feel like you're hitting the reset button every week? Telling yourself, "I'll be good starting Monday," only to find yourself stuck in the same cycle by Thursday? You're not alone, and you're definitely not broken. In this episode, we’re breaking down the “start over” trap so many find themselves in when it comes to health and fitness. We’ll talk abo...

You started working out because it made you feel good, physically, mentally, emotionally. But now? It feels like just another task on your to-do list. In this episode, we’re unpacking what’s really going on when fitness starts to feel like a full-time job. We talk about the signs of burnout, why motivation might not be your problem, and how to reconnect with movement in a way that feels aligned, f...

Reverse dieting can be a powerful tool to heal your metabolism, boost strength, and break free from chronic under-eating, but only if you do it right. In this episode, we're breaking down what reverse dieting is, why it matters, and the most common mistakes we see people make. From increasing calories too quickly to letting the scale mess with your head, we walk you through what to avoid and...

In today’s Q&A episode, we’re answering all your most common questions about reverse dieting, what it actually is, how it works, and why it might be the key to healing your metabolism and seeing long-term results. We’ll be covering how to know if you need a reverse diet, why eating more food can support fat loss, how many calories to start with, and what signs to look for to know it’s working....

In today’s episode, we’re sitting down with Chandler Corlett, a former bodybuilder who gets real about what it was like to leave the stage behind and completely redefine her relationship with fitness, food, and her body. She opens up about what first drew her into the world of competing, the moment she started questioning if it still aligned with her values, and the identity struggles that came wi...

In this episode, we’re sharing the simple nutrition tips that actually changed our journey. We dive into small, meaningful shifts that helped us feel better, eat more consistently, and finally break free from the all-or-nothing mindset. We talk about how waiting until you're starving to eat was keeping us stuck, why building balanced meals gave us more energy and stability, and how focusing o...

In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how we handled our most recent vacation, from the mindset we had going into it, to how we eased back into routine once we got home. We talk about how we did not restrict, cut carbs, or add extra cardio before the trip just to “earn” a bikini moment. We share what it looks like to be in a health-supportive phase leading into vacation, not focused on aest...

In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into some hot takes the fitness industry doesn’t want to hear. From the over-prescription of GLP-1s (yes, we said it), to the fear-based food narratives that do more harm than the actual food, we’re calling out the BS. We also talk about the mental toll of constant macro tracking and why being tired of it doesn’t make you a failure, it makes you human. If yo...

If you’ve found yourself stuck in the cycle of restrictive dieting, regaining weight, and constantly starting over, this episode breaks down the deeper reasons why that pattern is so common, and how to finally break free from it. We will chat about the definition of yo-yo dieting, the physical and mental impact it can have over time, and why quick-fix approaches often backfire. You’ll also learn a...