The Fitness Lying Down Podcast

Food is more than fuel. It’s deeply connected to the health of our bodies, our communities, and our environment. In this episode, we explore the intersection of sustainability and malnutrition, two global challenges that are shaping the future of food. We begin by defining what sustainability means in both personal health and environmental terms, breaking down how our food choices influence climat...

What does it really mean to build better athletes—beyond sets, reps, and one-rep maxes? In this episode, Cory sits down with Cal Poly Pomona’s Head Strength & Conditioning Coach to explore the evolving world of collegiate performance training. They discuss how DVRT has reshaped movement-based programming for Mike’s athletes, the importance of communication and trust in the coach-athlete relati...

💸 Recovery: Now Only $4,999.99! Includes one vibrating foam roller, a red light you’ll never use, and just enough guilt to keep you coming back for more. Sound familiar? In this episode, we’re side-eyeing the fitness industry’s obsession with monetizing rest—and reminding you that recovery doesn’t need to be exclusive, complicated, or crazy expensive. Spoiler: your body doesn’t need a subscriptio...

Why do we keep getting injured doing the same things that used to feel just fine? In this episode, we peel back the layers of human movement—breaking down how compensations sneak into our patterns over time, silently disrupting the system until pain or injury shows up at the door. But here’s the kicker: doing the same workouts and same routines expecting a different result? That ends today. It&#39...

What do bathroom cleanliness, quiet confidence, and next-level coaching all have in common? More than you'd think. In this episode, Cory and guest started their conversation with fitness pro decorum in mind—but quickly turned into a deep dive on what it really takes to succeed in this industry. From setting the tone as a leader to doing the unglamorous work behind the scenes (yes, including cl...

🏋️‍♂️ Jack LaLanne, Jazzercise, and the Strongman circus act—oh my! Fitness has come a long way, but not always in the right direction. Tune in to hear Cory trace the steps (and missteps) that shaped how we train today. Think strength training is just a modern trend? Think again. In this episode, we travel through time—from the calisthenics of ancient Greece to the machine-crazy gyms of the 1980s,...

True strength isn’t just built—it’s protected. Learn how your sacred systems of levers, fulcrums, and bases control how you move, lift, and live pain-free. You’ve heard the cues: “Engage your core.” “Stack the joints.” “Own the movement.” But what if your shoulder pain keeps showing up? Or your hips feel tight no matter how much you stretch? In Part II of The Fisics of Phytness, we’re getting nerd...

Think strength training is just about picking things up and putting them down? Think again. In this episode, we crack open the human body like a high school physics class—except way more fun, and with fewer awkward lab partners. From overhead presses to single-leg movements, we explore how your body works like a system of levers, fulcrums, and force—and why changing how you move matters more than...

What if the secret to faster progress, fewer injuries, and stronger lifts wasn’t grinding harder—but learning how to let go? In this game-changing episode, I sit down with DVRT creator Josh Henkin to unpack a concept that could transform the way you move: softness. Yeah, we said it—softness. But before you scroll past, hear us out: This is the kind of conversation that pulls back the curtain on wh...

Ever wondered why all those crunches and sit-ups aren't delivering the strength, stability, or pain-free movement you've been promised? Spoiler alert: Your abs aren't your core! In this eye-opening episode, we ditch the outdated notion of "Abs of Steel" for a smarter, stronger, and more functional alternative—the "Copper Core." Imagine a core that efficiently transf...

Burpees—are they the ultimate test of fitness, or just a one-way ticket to exhaustion? In this episode, we dive deep into the origins, evolution, and controversy surrounding one of the most polarizing exercises in the fitness world. Did you know burpees weren’t even created as a workout? That’s right—Royal H. Burpee designed them as a fitness assessment, not a punishment. So how did they go from a...

For years, squats have ruled leg day , but what if lunges are the real MVP of functional strength? 🤔 In this episode, we’re flipping the script on lower-body training and diving deep into why lunges deserve way more love —and how they complement, not compete with, squats . 💪 Why lunges aren’t just a leg exercise 🛠 How different implements (Ultimate Sandbag, kettlebells, bands) change the game 🏋️...

💡 Are you missing the most important piece of your strength training? Spoiler: It’s not more weight or extra reps—it’s how well you move. Most people train squats, deadlifts, and presses, but they completely overlook rotation—one of the most essential movement patterns for real-world strength. And here’s the kicker: It’s not just about twisting more—it’s also about knowing when to resist rotation...

What if I told you that the key to lifting heavier, moving better, and avoiding injury isn’t MORE tension—but LESS? In this episode of Relax to Get Strong, we’re flipping the script on strength training. You’ve been told to brace hard, tighten up, and stay rigid—but what if that’s actually holding you back? Here’s the truth: Your body moves and performs best when it’s loose, not locked up. More te...

You’ve heard it before—*GO BEAST MODE!* But what does that really mean? Is it about crushing yourself in the gym, leaving sweat angels on the floor, and pushing to the max every time? 🤔 Or... is there a *smarter* way to unleash your inner beast? In this episode, we're breaking down the **myths of beast mode** and showing you how lifting **heavy AND smart** can unlock strength, confidence, and...

Do you feel like every workout has to leave you completely drained to make a difference? What if we told you there’s a better way? 🎧 In this episode, we uncover the secret to building real, lasting strength through purposeful movement—without burning yourself out. We’ll tackle the all-or-nothing mindset that keeps so many people stuck: skipping workouts because they can’t “do it all” or pushing t...

In this episode FLD owner, Cory Cripe, reflects on the importance of empathy, flexibility, and embracing humanity—not perfection—in coaching. He shares why fitness professionals need to coach whole humans—not just bodies or isolated parts—and why coaches are often expected to present “good vibes” at all times. No bad days. No off moods. Just relentless positivity. But is that expectation even fair...

The holiday season is here, and with it comes a whirlwind of joy, stress, and maybe a sprinkle of guilt over those extra cookies or missed workouts. But what if we told you that exercise  doesn’t  have to be about punishment or guilt? In this episode, we dive into the power of  positive movement  and why intense training only works when it’s backed by the right mindset and energy. Plus, we’ll expl...

Boutique gyms are everywhere—offering everything from candlelit yoga to intense boxing classes. But what’s driving their meteoric rise? In this episode, we unpack the evolution of boutique fitness, exploring why these studios are thriving, the secret behind their community-focused model, and whether they’re here to stay or just another fitness fad. 💡 Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or a profe...

“Unpacking the Essentials: What Makes a Strength Training Session Truly Effective?” Have you ever wondered if you’re tracking the right metrics during your workout? Or maybe you’ve been pushing for that intense muscle burn or chasing soreness as a sign of success. But here’s the truth: what we often think makes a great workout might just be holding us back. In this episode, we’ll break down the es...

🎙️ NEW EPISODE ALERT! 🎙️ What does it really take to motivate clients with all kinds of personalities, backgrounds, and fitness goals? 🤔 Whether you’re working with the go-getters or the more hesitant beginners, it’s all about finding that spark and keeping it lit. 🔥 In this episode, I’m joined by long-time friend of the show, Josh Henkin, to break down the art and science behind motivating clie...

In this episode, we’re tackling a real struggle in the fitness industry—when professionals rely on exercises from the internet without trying them first. While online content can spark creativity, it’s vital to consider whether these moves truly fit our clients’ unique needs and goals. Fitness Lying Down owner, Cory Cripe, will discuss why trying exercises yourself is essential to avoid the strugg...

In this episode, we dive into what it really means to train after 40, featuring an insightful conversation with Josh Henkin. Together, we tackle the important considerations for keeping your body strong, resilient, and injury-free as you enter this next phase of life. We go beyond the buzzwords and trends to explore a powerful concept: healthy aging versus anti-aging . Instead of trying to “turn b...

In strength training, the role of hands and feet is often underestimated, yet they serve as critical foundations for stability and strength. By learning to engage and position these extremities properly, we create a kinetic chain that supports the entire body. When our hands and feet are actively involved in stabilizing and generating force, we distribute tension more effectively, leading to great...

In this enlightening episode, Megan the Trainer RD delves deep into the world of adaptogens, focusing specifically on ashwagandha, a popular herb known for its potential stress-relieving properties. You’ll discover the science behind how adaptogens work to help your body manage stress, boost mood, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall well-being. Before you consider adding ashwagandha to your...