The Better Fitness Podcast

She wakes up to four paramedics at the foot of her bed, then ends up in a full cardiac arrest in the ER. Most people would assume the finish line is behind them after that. My guest Darlene “Aunt Dee” Faust chose a different story and she tells it with the honesty you only get from someone who’s lived it. We talk about how she started running around age 58 to 60 after a simple 5K push, then steadi...

Cardio gets messy when everything that spikes heart rate gets labeled the same. We pull the confusion apart and make it simple: real cardio is cyclical, continuous movement using large muscle groups long enough to change how your heart and muscles move oxygen. From zone two walks to sprint intervals, we explain how each intensity shapes your heart differently—either increasing the volume it pumps...

Ready to trade diet whiplash for strength, energy, and clothes that fit better? We sat down with strength and nutrition coach Claire Farrar to unpack what really changes bodies long term: smart fueling, realistic deficits, progressive strength training, and a supportive community that keeps you showing up even on busy weeks. Claire traces the shift from quick fixes to a more thoughtful approach bu...

We tackle common strength training myths with Alliance Fitness Center owner Sarah Small, separating fact from fiction to help you train more effectively and avoid misinformation that could be limiting your results. • Lifting weights doesn't make women "bulky" due to insufficient testosterone levels in most women • Muscle soreness isn't necessary for progress and can actually hi...

We dive into the science and applications of strength training for all ages, defining what it is and dispelling common misconceptions about how to build real strength. • Strength training requires working muscles at 70-80% of maximum capacity, not high-rep endurance activities • Children as young as 6-7 can safely strength train, with research showing no negative impacts on growth • People in thei...

In this introductory episode, your hosts Sarah Showalter and Collin McGee take you behind the scenes of The Better Fitness Podcast .  We share our stories, why we decided to start this podcast, and what you can expect from future episodes.  From strength training and nutrition to the culture of fitness and building a strong community, we’ll dive into it all. Tune in as we kick off this exciting jo...