Muscle Science for Women

In this episode Rachel tells us about her "mini cut" for an upcoming vacation, which leads to a discussion on pool party fashion; Ashleigh has a wellness industry rant about "girl dinner;" they talk about their favorite (and most embarrassing) music to listen to while working out, and they get into the business and branding side of Muscle Science for Women. This one is a real mixed bag of fitness and funny - submit your questions and topic ideas to the ladies at [email protected]. Thanks to our new sponsor, Goodr! These super cute, polarized, quality sunglasses are incredibly well-priced, and some with a one year warranty. These comfortable sunnies come in a ton of styles, colors, shapes, and sport-specific styles - all with incredible names (one of our favorites is the "Sells House, Buys Avocados" style.) Head to goodr.com/MSW and use the code MSW for free shipping! Check out our newest program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: http://www.musclescienceforwomen.com

Ashleigh and Rachel get real womanly in this episode, covering everything about periods including: the period products we like and use; how to avoid premenstrual headaches, a case study about how to get your period back if you've lost it; and why having a period is "a luxury." We also talk more about skincare and have a surprise special guest! If you have topic ideas or questions for the hosts, send them to [email protected]. Here's Ashleigh's ebook, Fuel for Pregnancy and Postpartum: https://ashleighvanhouten.com/collections/my-book/products/ebook-fuel-for-pregnancy-and-pospartum More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: https://www.rgfit.com/msw Info on our Grow your Glutes workshop: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes Here is the Amazon link for Rachel's workout top: https://amzn.to/3r73Eyz And thank you to show sponsor BUBS Naturals! Go to bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order of coffee, collagen, grass-fed butter-based creamer, MCT powder and more with the code MSW20 when you visit https://www.bubsnaturals.com Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at active stacks.com and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase.

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel chat about the new American Gladiators documentary, what type of testing is best to determine hormone levels and overall health, and how to optimize unilateral --single limb--training: why it's important, what exercises are most impactful, and how to rest properly for maximum output. If you have topic ideas or questions for the hosts, send them to [email protected]. More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: musclescienceforwomen.com Info on our Grow your Glutes workshop: rgfit.com/glutes And thank you to show sponsor BUBS Naturals! Go to bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order of coffee, collagen, grass-fed butter-based creamer, MCT powder and more with the code MSW20. They are also doing an awesome giveaway for the month of August - win a coffee bundle and a pair of Ashleigh's custom-designed solid gold barbell earrings by entering here: https://www.bubsnaturals.com/MSW Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at active stacks.com and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase.

In this Q&A episode, Ashleigh and Rachel dive into the 75 hard challenge, they talk about safe sun exposure, caffeine consumption, and they revisit their old debate on using wrist straps when lifting...this is a fun one, don't miss it! If you have topic ideas or questions for the hosts, send them to [email protected]. More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women: musclescienceforwomen.com Info on our Grow your Glutes workshop: rgfit.com/glutes And thank you to show sponsor BUBS Naturals! Go to bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order of coffee, collagen, grass-fed butter-based creamer, MCT powder and more with the code MSW20. They are also doing an awesome giveaway for the month of August - win a coffee bundle and a pair of Ashleigh's custom-designed solid gold barbell earrings by entering here: https://www.bubsnaturals.com/MSW Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at active stacks.com and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

In this fun episode Ashleigh and Rachel show off some summer fashion (follow us on YouTube to watch the episodes!) and answer listener questions including: How to fix bloating, and how much stomach bloat is normal How to optimize good digestion How to find a doctor who understands the importance of nutrition What is nutritional yeast and is it good for you? Are good mornings a good exercise? And more! Thanks to our BRAND NEW sponsor, Goodr! These super cute, polarized, quality sunglasses are incredibly well-priced, and some with a one year warranty. These comfortable sunnies come in a ton of styles, colors, shapes, and sport-specific styles - all with incredible names (one of our favorites is the "Sells House, Buys Avocados" style.) Head to goodr.com/MSW and use the code MSW for free shipping! If you have topic ideas or questions for the hosts, send them to [email protected]. Check out our new program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop. More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women.

In this episode with Ashleigh and her special guest, postpartum fitness and kettlebell expert Melissa Paris, the two moms discuss the importance of the postpartum period for long-term health and healing, the kinds of breathwork that help improve core stability, the best way to support and strengthen core and pelvic health both before and after birth, how to navigate fitness "as a mom" while juggling all the new responsibilities and distractions, and the number one thing women should do in the weeks after birth...you'll have to listen to find out what it is! Follow Melissa on Instagram @melissaparisfitness If you want to learn more about my thoughts on pregnancy and postpartum nutrition, check out my ebook. If you have topic ideas or questions for the hosts, send them to [email protected]. Check out our new program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop. More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women. And thank you to show sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20. Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more here and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

In this episode, Rachel and Ashleigh dive deeper into the topic of hormone replacement therapy for women, attempting to clear up some misconceptions and provide information for listeners to better inform their own further research. (As a reminder, this episode does not contain medical advice and is meant for general information and entertainment purposes only.) The ladies cover topics including: Some common misconceptions around the health risks of HRT for women, and where these misconceptions stemmed from; An overview of The Women's Health Initiative, the largest-ever hormone replacement therapy clinical trial, the results that came from it and the limitations and issues with this study; The differences between synthetic and bio-identical hormones; Some concluding thoughts on how to conduct your own research and speak to your care provider if you're interested in learning more about HRT. If you have topic ideas or questions for the hosts, send them to [email protected]. Check out our new program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop. More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women. And thank you to show sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20. Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more here and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase! Further reading and resources: Estrogen Matters by Avrum Bluming, MD (a breast oncologist) and Carol Tavris, PhD. They dive deep into this topic, debunking the estrogen myth, and cite over 400 references in their book. Happy Healthy Hormones by Dr. Daved Rosensweet, MD. A deep dive into hormones, menopause, BHRT (bioidentical HRT), and much more. Clark JH. A critique of Women's Health Initiative Studies (2002-2006). Nucl Recept Signal. 2006 Oct 30;4:e023. doi: 10.1621/nrs.04023. PMID: 17088939; PMCID: PMC1630688. Writing Group for the Women's Health Initiative Investigators. Risks and Benefits of Estrogen Plus Progestin in Healthy Postmenopausal Women: Principal Results From the Women's Health Initiative Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA. 2002;288(3):321–333. doi:10.1001/jama.288.3.321 Cagnacci, Angelo, and Martina Venier. 2019. "The Controversial History of Hormone Replacement Therapy" Medicina 55, no. 9: 602. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina55090602

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel try (and fail) to do a rapid-fire Q&A, but they still cover a lot of ground: they chat about the latest fat-loss drug, Ozempic; the new social media food trend of making everything out of cottage cheese; and answer other questions about gut health, whether there's value in core-specific workouts, and how often you should "go to failure" in your workouts. All that and more! If you have topic ideas or questions for the hosts, send them to [email protected]. Interested in pre and post-natal nutrition? Check out Ashleigh's Fuel for Pregnancy and Postpartum ebook. Check out our new program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop. More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women. Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more here and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase! And thank you to show sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

In this Q&A episode, Rachel and Ashleigh catch up on what's going on in their lives after a brief break and chat about: Impactful glute exercises Learning new skills The misconceptions around hormone replacement therapy for women And that's just the tip of the iceberg! If you have more questions for Ashleigh and Rachel, send them to [email protected] Check out our new program, the Grow Your Glutes Workshop. More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women. Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more here and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase! And thank you to show sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

In this re-released episode, Ashleigh discusses what she's seen/experienced as the issues in the coaching industry today, and what we can all do to improve it. As a professional in the health and fitness industry for more than a decade, Ashleigh has worked as a coach and has experience as a client; she's also worked with, observed, interviewed, and learned from some of the top coaches in the industry. When a coaching experience doesn't go well, it's easy to chalk it up to an unmotivated client, or a crappy coach - sometimes this is true, but more often it boils down to miscommunication and unclear goals. A coach/client relationship requires understanding, open-mindedness, respect, and communication (just like every relationship) but often we don't focus on this; instead we focus on how much money we're spending, how fit the coach looks, and how long this "getting healthy" process will take. In this episode, Ashleigh breaks down what she sees as the biggest "failures" of both coaches and clients, and how she thinks we can improve the culture and understanding and approach to coaching to improve outcomes and create healthier, happier people. Have more questions or topic ideas for us? Email them to [email protected]. Check out our new program, the Grow your Glutes Workshop. More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women. Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - use code MM20 to save on anything you buy: grassfed collagen, MCT, and their new amazing coffee!

In this re-released episode, Ashleigh welcomes back her friend Dr. Elly Michelle Lieppman, a licensed naturopathic doctor who specializes in individualized women's medicine, optimizing hormones, digestion, and energy. Learn more at drellymichelle.com. Dr. Elly and Ashleigh tackle the complex and spicy topic of sexual health and libido - discussing topics like: How libido is an indicator of overall health The many physical and emotional layers that contribute to libido What our sex hormones are telling us Dietary issues that can contribute to low libido Why women especially should prioritize their sexual health more Have more questions or topic ideas for us? Email them to [email protected]. Check out our new program, the Grow your Glutes Workshop. More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women. Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - use code MM20 to save on anything you buy: grassfed collagen, MCT, and their new amazing coffee!

In this Q&A episode, Ashleigh and Rachel are asked about their body fat percentages, our favorite lifts, what to do with rest day restlessness, and more chats about optimizing training around your monthly cycle. Have more questions or topic ideas for us? Email them to [email protected]. Check out our new program, the Grow your Glutes Workshop. More info on our flagship strength training program, Muscle Science for Women. Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more here and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase!

Since May is a busy month for the Muscle Science for Women ladies, please enjoy the re-release of one of the most popular podcast episodes Ashleigh ever recorded: her interview with Dr. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist and a professor in the department of neurobiology at the Stanford University School of Medicine. If you haven't heard this episode before, it's full of usable, accessible tools to understand and manage your stress response - and if you have heard it before, we really think this one is worth listening to again! Dr. Huberman studies brain development, brain plasticity, neural regeneration as well as things like controlling your brain state, tangible ways to manage fear, stress and anxiety, and at his lab he also works on strategies for halting and reversing vision loss ad how visual perceptions and autonomic arousal states impact behavioral responses. In this episode we dive into practical ways to immediately control brain state and help mitigate acute stressors, rewiring your brain for positivity, we talk about neurotransmitters, breath work, and even how your vision impacts your stress response. Questions, comments, feedback? Send us a note at [email protected]. Check out our flagship training and education program, Muscle Science for Women. Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen, delicious, high-quality coffee, and MCT powder at bubsnaturals.com and use the code MM20 for a discount!

This week is all about reverse dieting: Ashleigh and Rachel discuss what a reverse diet is, and why you should do it after spending time in a caloric deficit. They also talk about what many people get wrong about reverse dieting; how changing your body size changes your nutritional and metabolic needs; and how to find your new "maintenance" calories after you've changed your body composition. This is an important episode for anyone who's lost weight or changed their body composition, hit their goal, and thought, "now what do I do?" You'll also want to listen to this episode to find out why Rachel has a black eye... AND the Muscle Science for Women: Grow your Glutes Workshop is now open! Sign up here: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes Email your questions, comments, topic ideas and feedback to [email protected] We are so excited to announce a new show sponsor: BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

In today's episode, Ashleigh and Rachel talk all things High Intensity Interval Training: What exactly is it, and what are the common ways people do it wrong? What are the potential benefits? What are the potential downfalls? Can it be effective for women looking to lose fat, build muscle, and who have limited time for workouts? What are their favorite HIIT workouts? The ladies also discuss their new offering, the Grow Your Glutes workshop, and introduce a potential new intro theme song, hope you love it! Learn more or sign up for the Grow your Glutes workshop here: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes Sign up for the Muscle Science for Women course here: http://musclescienceforwomen.com Email your hosts any feedback, funny stories, questions or topic ideas to [email protected] Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase! And thank you to show sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at https://bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel talk about cutting and bulking in tandem with the seasons; whether or not you can/should try to change your body composition without losing or gaining weight; how to know when it's time to move on from a current goal and start a new challenge; and of course, they talk about healthy protein treats for those of us who are trying to chaise gains but who also need ice cream. Here's a link for how to make the BEST protein ice cream: https://www.rgfit.com/blog/ninja-creami-protein-ice-cream-low-calorie Here's the link to get on our Grow Your Glutes workshop waitlist: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes Want to share your funny fitness stories, suggest topic ideas or guests, or give feedback? Email [email protected] Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase! Shoutout to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20. Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.rgfit.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/ Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

"A healthy body is a responsive body." Have you ever found yourself frustrated with a body composition or fat loss goal - you feel like you're doing everything right but not seeing the results you want? It could be that you're missing some of the foundational health principles that will help encourage body composition changes. Many of the most important factors for fat loss or muscle gain - things like proper nutrition, recovery, rest, hormonal health, stress management, and more - are ignored in favor of sexier things like new workout plans, but the fact remains: a healthy, well-fed and recovered body will respond better to new challenges than an undernourished, overworked one. This is what Ashleigh and Rachel chat about in today's episode as Ashleigh talks about the final week of prep before her photoshoot; they discuss what went well, what didn't, how she feels, and what comes next. Rachel also talks about some injury recovery, how to manage back pain, and the two coaches share some painfully hilarious fitness-related stories. Send in your feedback and podcast questions or comments to [email protected]. Add your name to the waitlist for their new Grow your Glutes workshop, coming soon: https://www.rgfit.com/glutes Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase! Thank you to our sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at https://www.bubsnaturals.com/ and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20. Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.rgfit.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/ Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

In this episode of Muscle Science for Women, Ashleigh gives an update on her short but intense photo shoot prep and fat loss plan, revealing the challenges she's having (they're not what you think!) and they talk about the importance of motivation in goal setting - as well as what to do when motivation fails. They dig into the role cardio can play in fat loss, and how to implement it in a strategic, sustainable, and healthy way. Email us with your thoughts, comments, topic suggestion to [email protected] Learn more about the Muscle Science for Women flagship program at http://musclescienceforwomen.com Thanks to our show sponsor, BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans and creamer, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20 Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.metflexlife.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/ Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

Join the Build Your Glutes Workshop interest list HERE! This week, Ashleigh and Rachel answer listener questions about training around your cycle; Rachel shares details about her business rebranding; and the two ladies announce their first new workshop product since Muscle Science for Women was born...hint, it's all about the glutes :) Learn more about the new course and how you can sign up for a bigger, stronger backside. Reach out with any questions, comments, or topic ideas by emailing [email protected]. Learn more about the Muscle Science for Women flagship program at musclescienceforwomen.com Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase! Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.metflexlife.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/ Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

In this episode, hosts Rachel and Ashleigh answer your questions, including whether their feelings about themselves or about beauty in general have changed as their "online careers" have grown. They also offer their own tips or advice for how to cultivate contentment, compassion, and self-love in an online world that can be increasingly judgemental and negative. Ashleigh also gives an update on her photoshoot prep, and they discuss how to manage your goals when unexpected stresses are thrown at you. If you have questions, comments, feedback, or podcast topic ideas, email them to [email protected]. Thank you to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20. If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw

In this episode, the girls nerd out about the benefits and uses of creatine and collagen; they discuss the nuances of nutrition timing when in a deficit; Ashleigh talks about her experience with Rachel's Training program so far, and more. If you have any questions, topic ideas, comments or feedback, send them to [email protected] Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase! Sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.metflexlife.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/ Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

Even coaches need coaching - Ashleigh is working on a short but intense "prep" for an upcoming photoshoot, and she discusses her plan and goals with her surprise coach - including things she does and doesn't like about having a coach, the difficulties of a prep after having a child, her changing values, the non-negotiables required when looking to make body composition changes, and ultimately, the TRUE value of a coach...it's not always what we think it is! What do you want to learn from or know about Ashleigh's photoshoot prep? Send your questions to [email protected]. Thank you to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans in dark and medium roast options, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20. If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.metflexlife.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/ Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

In this short solo episode, Ashleigh answers listener questions about whether fasting for women is a good idea; when you know you've reached a goal and when it's time to take a break/maintain, and her thoughts on the current state of fitness coaching and accreditation. Learn more on her episode with women's fasting expert Cynthia Thurlow here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hmsWBTLSmU&t=276s Listen to Ashleigh's episode about "what's wrong with the coaching industry and how we can fix it" here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAyfP4kGpDs Learn about Ashleigh's Strength Training for Women Specialist Certification through the Primal Health Coach Institute here: https://nm356.isrefer.com/go/STW/themusclemaven/ If you have any questions, feedback, or topic ideas, send them to [email protected] Thanks to our new show sponsor: BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

One of the questions most frequently asked of the Muscle Science for Women podcast hosts is around optimizing hormonal health as we age, so we can maximize muscle, minimize stress, and live vibrant, healthy lives. It's a complex topic, though, and one that requires more than one podcast episode to dive into! This week, Ashleigh chats with Dr. Halie Schoff, a licensed and practicing Functional Chiropractor, Integrative Health Practitioner, and Podcaster with a Master's in Applied Clinical Nutrition. She is a former collegiate athlete who has a passion for teaching people how to bridge the gap between fitness and holistic health. With a focus on women's hormones and gut health, Dr. Halie has worked with thousands of people all over the world to regain their health through lifestyle, optimal diet, movement, and functional practices. Learn more on her podcast, Podcast-Alpha Health + Wellness Radio, her instagram @drhalieschoff @alphahealthwellness, and her website, drhalieschoff.com They dive into topics like: - How to be healthy in our cortisol driven society; - How to optimize hormones for overall health; -The important hormones we're not paying attention to; -Adrenal health and more! If you have more questions or topic ideas for us, email [email protected]. Thanks to our show sponsors: Active Stacks makes high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase! BUBS Naturals offers the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20.

Ashleigh and Rachel answer some of the most commonly asked questions they get about: How much protein can you really metabolize at once? How do you know how much protein you should be eating per meal? They provide actionable strategies to help you figure it out for yourself How to come back to training after injury and illness in a safe smart way and how to minimize muscle loss during injury What do they think of cold water therapy, including when it can be helpful and when it can be harmful New protein ice cream recipes (squash ice cream anyone?) If you have questions you'd like the hosts to answer or discuss, send them to [email protected]. Shoutout to our show sponsor Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase! Thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.metflexlife.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/ Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

In this episode, Rachel and Ashleigh catch up after the holidays and talk about their new year's challenges and resolutions and some things they're working on. Rachel talks about improving gut health and Ashleigh discusses a new exercise goal she's scared to try. They also answer a very unique listener question about spot REDUCING muscle, rather than spot reducing fat: can you do it, and if so, how? Why might you want to spot reduce muscle in the first place? This is a fun one - please email your feedback and any questions you want answered on the show to [email protected]. We are so excited to announce a new show sponsor: BUBS Naturals! They offer the best quality collagen and powdered MCT on the market, and they give 10% of their earnings to charity-supporting veterans. They've also recently launched some new products, including their Origin Blend coffee beans, so now they're a one-stop shop for your boosted caffeine needs :) Try their new brews and related products at bubsnaturals.com and get a full 20% off your order with the code MSW20. If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.metflexlife.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/ Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

In this episode, Ashleigh speaks with health and fitness coach Laura Ruspis (@coachlaura.fit) and mom of four about her fitness and motherhood journey, and together they answer your questions about prenatal vitamins, training in the postpartum period while breastfeeding, postpartum food prep, how partners can support postpartum women, how to look at fitness post-birth, and so much more. If you'd like more info about fueling for pregnancy and postpartum, you can download Ashleigh's ebook on the topic here: https://ashleighvanhouten.com/products/ebook-fuel-for-pregnancy-and-pospartum If you have any questions, comments, or feedback for us, send us a message at [email protected] Thank you to our show sponsor, Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase! If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.metflexlife.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/ Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel discuss the potential benefits and drawbacks of intra-workout fuel (I.e., eating something during a workout). We dive into the details of why it might help performance, what intra-workout fuel is best, and how it could promote unhealthy attitudes toward food if you're unaware of how you're using it. They also answer questions about rehabbing injuries, and the two hosts have some differing opinions on what does and does NOT count as dessert. If you have questions you'd like the hosts to answer or discuss, send them to [email protected]. We're excited to introduce our podcast partner, Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase! Thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com Follow and learn more about Rachel at https://www.metflexlife.com/ and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/rachelgregory.cns/ Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at https://ashleighvanhouten.com/ and on IG https://www.instagram.com/themusclemaven/

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel chat with Functional Bodybuilding Master Coach Bri Lamb about her journey from college athlete to CrossFitter to training for health and aesthetics. She talks about her struggles with overtraining and how she's worked to find balance while still chasing goals and, of course, wanting to look good naked...and how she applies her experiences and training to help her clients do the same. Connect with Bri on Instagram @briannalamb But first, the ladies dive into some current events, weighing in on the "Liver King controversy" and also a discussion on whether the rise in cosmetic procedures in women is part of women's empowerment or just another way for women to feel like they aren't good enough without some kind of outside intervention. We'd love to hear your thoughts on these topics! Please send your feedback to [email protected] and we may read your comments on the show! Thanks to our show sponsor Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com

In this fun - and overdue - episode, you can get to know your hosts Rachel and Ashleigh as they answer your rapid-fire personal questions about how they met, what it's like being an entrepreneur in the fitness industry, how they spend their "rest days", whether they were into sports and fitness as kids, their favorite junk food, and more. They also answer some health questions around recovery and hot/cold therapy. Rachel's Book List: https://www.amazon.com/shop/rachelgregory If you have questions you'd like the hosts to answer or discuss, send them to [email protected]. We're excited to introduce our new podcast partner, Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at https://activestacks.com/discount/MSW10 and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase! Thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com Email your questions, comments, and feedback to [email protected] Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

In this episode, Ashleigh and Rachel answer questions about: -the importance (or lack therof) of dynamic warm-ups for strength training; -why some coaches program "ego" workouts and whether they're helpful or a waste of time; -whether sweating, exhaustion, and soreness is an accurate indicator of a good workout; -what crossfit gets wrong about strength training Thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com Email your questions, comments, and feedback to [email protected] Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

In their second live webinar/podcast episode, Ashleigh, Rachel, and their guests discuss the fears, misconceptions, and tactics around eating during the holidays. They cover topics including: Do people actually tend to gain weight around the holidays, or is it a myth? How to balance enjoying special meals with loved ones while also feeling good and sticking to your goals and boundaries How to manage peer pressure around eating and drinking with family and friends Straightforward strategies to plan ahead around holiday meals, and also what you can do during meals to enjoy your food without guilt, and without the junk food hangover the next day! The hosts also decode some of their dreams and ask the question: is it ever ok to approach strangers in the gym? If you have questions, topic ideas, or suggestions you'd like the hosts to answer or discuss, send them to [email protected]. We're excited to introduce our new podcast partner, Active Stacks! They make high-quality beef protein isolate in two delicious flavors, chocolate and vanilla. They're made with cocoa and vanilla paste, not that unexplained "natural flavoring" you see listed everywhere, so it tastes better and mixes well into your protein shakes or baking. Beef protein is often easier to digest than whey protein for many people, and it's high in glycine, an amino acid that is the main building block for collagen and can help improve sleep and muscle building. Learn more at activestacks.com and use the code MSW10 to save 10% on your purchase! If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

This episode marks the first time that Rachel and Ashleigh recorded a "live" podcast, allowing listeners to attend the zoom call and participate, asking questions and giving input. It was super fun, so watch out for more of these in the future! This week, they discuss overcoming body composition plateaus, focusing on challenges with fat loss. They cover: How to ensure your goals align with your lifestyle and your behaviors How to conduct a "body composition" audit on yourself to ensure you're actually doing the right things to meet your goals How to know the difference between a fat loss stall and your body just being happy where it is Different ways to monitor success aside from the weight on the scale How to know when you need to change your plan, or stick to it a little longer We also gave away the biggest discount EVER on our Muscle Science for Women program…so make sure you sign up for our next live podcast/workshop so you don't miss special discounts and offers. Sign up here: https://www.metflexlife.com/registration-page Thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore If you want to sign up for the MSW program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com Email your questions, comments, and feedback to [email protected] Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

Rachel and Ashleigh are answering your questions today on topics like the importance of veggies when building muscle, how to add carbs intelligently to support training and muscle building, and more - but first Rachel talks about her new healthy treat obsession and Ashleigh tells a story about the strangeness of online coaching, which leads her to an idea for a "reverse Only Fans"...you have to listen to this one to hear what she's talking about! This episode is a little adult, a little funny, and educational too. Thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore For Rachel's ice cream recipes, head here: https://www.metflexlife.com/blog/ninja-creami-protein-ice-cream-low-calorie If you want to sign up for the program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: musclescienceforwomen.com Email your questions, comments, and feedback to [email protected] Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

This one is spicy! In this Q&A episode, Rachel and Ashleigh start out by discussing workout and exercise order selection, but then dive deep into a fun, but respectful, debate about whether or not you should "pre-exhaust" your muscles before doing your big lifts, or whether you should keep it simple and do the big, challenging lifts first and exhaust your muscles at the end. They also get into whether more people could benefit from machine-assisted movements or if we should prioritize old-school compound lifts with barbells. Wherever you fall in this debate, it's a good lesson that there is never a one-size-fits-all approach to fitness and that the best approach is the one that works for you. The ladies also decide to come up with a Spotify workout playlist – if you want to send in your suggestions, email your fave songs to [email protected] If you want to sign up for the program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw And thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

In this solo episode, Ashleigh talks about some of the key elements largely missing from the strength and fitness coaching industry, especially regarding coaching women - the biggest challenge being the lack of women's focused research, study, and resources to better inform coaches programming and support. The industry as a whole needs more resources, formal scientific study, and compassionate listening in order to best understand, support, and guide our clients to their reaching their goals and finding their healthiest selves. Ashleigh also briefly discusses her new coaching resource, the Strength Training for Women Specialist Certification offered through the Primal Health Coach Institute, designed for all coaches who work with female clients. For more information or to sign up, head here: https://nm356.isrefer.com/go/STW/themusclemaven/ Reach out to us with questions and comments at [email protected]. And thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

In this episode Rachel and Ashleigh answer listener questions about carbs (carbs aren't bad, it's how we use-or abuse-them), talk about some upcoming trips and exciting life plans, and discuss the latest launch of their Muscle Science for Women training program! If you want to sign up for the program and have Ashleigh and Rachel as your personal coaches, along with a comprehensive 12-week training plan and hours of high-level content on nutrition, training, recovery, and much more, you can sign up now by going to this link: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw Reach out to us with questions and comments at [email protected]. And thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

In this episode Rachel and Ashleigh chat about how Rachel is prepping for her latest photoshoot - they talk nutrition and caloric deficits, how much cardio you really need to do to change your body composition, how to achieve aesthetic goals without driving yourself crazy, and lots more! If you have any fitness or wellness topics you want us to cover, reach out! Please sign up for the Muscle Science for Women e-mail list to be the first to know about our program, new launches, and more: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw Reach out to us with questions and comments at [email protected]. And thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

In this episode, Ashleigh chats with Dr. Stacy Sims, an exercise physiologist and leading voice in women's performance. She has directed research programs at Stanford, AUT University, and the University of Waikato, focusing on female athlete health and performance and pushing to improve research on all women. She's written two books, Roar and Next Level, and is well known for her ted talk women are not small men – her goal, similar to Rachel and Ashleigh's, is to educate everyone about the unique challenges and needs of women who are looking to improve health and performance. Please sign up for the Muscle Science for Women e-mail list to be the first to know about our program, new launches, and more: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw Reach out to us with questions and comments at [email protected]. And thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/optimalcarnivore Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

In this episode of Muscle Science for Women, Ashleigh and Rachel discuss Kim Kardashian's new job as "chief taste consultant" for Beyond Meat, and also talk about Rachel's experience with a doctor giving her bad nutrition advice. We dive into advocacy, misleading marketing, and why understanding and listening to your own body is so important. Please sign up for the Muscle Science for Women e-mail list to be the first to know about our program, new launches, and more: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw Reach out to us with questions and comments at [email protected]. And thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: amazon.com/optimalcarnivore Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

Today's podcast is a big one, and comes with an announcement: Ashleigh is officially changing the Muscle Maven Radio podcast to the Muscle Science for Women podcast! First: please sign up for the Muscle Science for Women e-mail list to be the first to know about our program, new launches, and more: https://www.metflexlife.com/msw Moving forward, Ashleigh and her co-host Rachel Gregory, the creators of the Muscle Science for Women program, will answer listener questions and address key elements of wellness and fitness including nutrition, training, recovery, hormonal health, and more - all with a focus on women's unique physiology, goals, and challenges. We encourage EVERYONE, male and female, to continue to listen, engage, and learn, because the more we all know about strength and fitness, the better! Reach out to us with questions and comments at [email protected]. And thank you to our show sponsor, Optimal Carnivore, the makers of high-quality, nutrient-dense whole food supplements. We love their grass-fed organ complex, and you'll get 10% off your first order with the discount code MUSCLESCI on their Amazon Store: amazon.com/optimalcarnivore Follow and learn more about Rachel at metflexlife.com and on IG at @rachelgregory.cns Follow and learn more about Ashleigh at ashleighvanhouten.com and on IG @themusclemaven

In this episode Ashleigh takes a deep dive on fitness culture with Erin Power, Coaching & Curriculum Director at the Primal Health Coach Institute about the current state of fitness culture, it's impact on women specifically, and whether or not leaders in the fitness and wellness industry can hope to change or dismantle the harmful aspects of fitness culture in an increasingly digital, instant-gratification world. Ashleigh also reveals that she is developing a course for Primal Health Coach Institute for coaches aimed at creating a deeper understanding around strength training for women: the physiological, psychological, hormonal, and cultural aspects as well as practical knowledge that is sorely lacking in generic strength training programs. It will cover practical aspects around recovery, hormonal health, physical changes throughout a woman's lifecycle, as well as nutritional requirements, physiological differences and the impacts on training programming, and how coaches can better inform themselves about these topics to provide better support to strength-training women. Erin and Ashleigh cover the following topics: Is it naive to ask people to aim for non-esthetic goals, or will body image always be a significant part of fitness? How can coaches promote self-efficacy? How can we help determine the difference between intrinsic and extrinsic goals in our social media obsessed culture? Is competition (and comparison) inherently bad? Is #fitspo ever inspiring? How can we work to lessen the influence and impact of fitness culture? So much more! For more information about the courses offered by Primal Health Coach Institute, visit: https://www.primalhealthcoach.com To follow Erin, head to @eat.simple.erin on Instagram And stay tuned for more information about Ashleigh's course, launching soon! Muscle Maven Radio is sponsored by BiOptimizers, makers of Ashleigh's favorite probiotic, digestive enzymes, and other gut health promoting products. After using their P30M and MassZymes product for the past year and noticing a significant improvement in digestion especially during times of stress, Ashleigh has not looked back and recommends thee product to everyone (their Magnesium supplement is excellent as well). Even those of us with optimal diets can use some help now and then - check out their products here and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

Dr. Will Cole is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the world via webcam, having started one of the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Cole specializes in clinically investigating underlying factors of chronic disease and customizing a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. He is also the bestselling author of Ketotarian, The Inflammation Spectrum, and the New York Times bestseller Intuitive Fasting. In this episode, Will and Ashleigh cover the following topics: What is Intuitive Fasting and why is it so misunderstood? What is functional medicine The impact he sees clinically on wellness with consistent incorporation of mindfulness/meditation/gratitude/spiritual practices Why he thinks we need a cultural reframing around alcohol consumption Social media, raising healthy kids, and more! Learn more about Dr. Will Cole, his work, podcast, and books at www.drwillcole.com Please check out our show Sponsor, Palleovalley - they make Ashleigh's favorite healthy snacks, 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious, chocolatey treat). This company doesn't cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - learn more at paleovalley.com and use the code MMR to save 15% on anything you buy!

Ashleigh chats with functional podiatrist and movement specialist Dr. Emily Splichal today about mobility and strength work we can all do to improve our foot function and health. She talks about her functional approach to foot health and pain and how strongly connected the feet are to the rest of our bodies, including our hips, pelvic floor, and even jaw. She also offers suggestions for how we can encourage proper mechanics with our young kids as they learn to walk and run. Learn more about Dr. Splichal at www.dremilysplichal.com and her company Naboso and its proprioceptive products at www.naboso.com Muscle Maven Radio is sponsored by BiOptimizers, makers of Ashleigh's favorite probiotic, digestive enzymes, and other gut health promoting products. After using their P30M and MassZymes product for the past year and noticing a significant improvement in digestion especially during times of stress, Ashleigh has not looked back and recommends thee product to everyone (their Magnesium supplement is excellent as well). Even those of us with optimal diets can use some help now and then - check out their products here and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

This episode is an excerpt from a talk Ashleigh did recently for Robb Wolf's private community health and fitness platform called The Healthy Rebellion. She spoke to the community about the origins of her organ meat cookbook It Takes Guts, the importance of incorporating organ meats into your diet, and then a breakdown about one specific cut: heart. She discusses how to source, prep, and cook heart, the health benefits, and why it may be a tasty and relatively easy addition to your meal planning! To learn more about The Healthy Rebellion: https://join.thehealthyrebellion.com/ Please check out our show Sponsor, Palleovalley - they make my new favorite healthy snacks, 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious, chocolatey treat). This company doesn't cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - learn more at paleovalley.com and use the code MMR to save 15% on anything you buy!

This week Ashleigh chats with chef James Berry, founder of Pluck, which is an organ-meat based seasoning blend. James is also a former private chef for celebrities including Tom Cruise and George Clooney! Ashleigh and James chat about how subtle dietary changes can reap big rewards, and James offers tips to make meal planning and cooking at home easier and less of a chore. He also shares some pretty crazy stories of his time making meals for some of the world's biggest celebrities! If you'd like to try Pluck organ meat seasoning, head to eatpluck.com and use the code MAVEN10 to save money on your first order. Muscle Maven Radio is sponsored by BiOptimizers, makers of Ashleigh's favorite probiotic, digestive enzymes, and other gut health promoting products. After using their P30M and MassZymes product for the past year and noticing a significant improvement in digestion especially during times of stress, Ashleigh has not looked back and recommends thee product to everyone (their Magnesium supplement is excellent as well). Even those of us with optimal diets can use some help now and then - check out their products here and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

Ashleigh is back with her Muscle Science for Women co-creator Rachel Gregory! This time they're tackling the topic of Intuitive Eating: what is it? Is it possible to eat intuitively in a food culture where everything is hyperpalatable? Can you eat intuitively and still lose body fat? Do you need to track calories to lose weight? They cover all of this and more, don't miss this episode if you're looking to remove some of the stress and rules around your daily eating habits. Muscle Maven Radio is sponsored by BiOptimizers, makers of Ashleigh's favorite probiotic, digestive enzymes, and other gut health promoting products. After using their P30M and MassZymes product for the past year and noticing a significant improvement in digestion especially during times of stress, Ashleigh has not looked back and recommends thee product to everyone (their Magnesium supplement is excellent as well). Even those of us with optimal diets can use some help now and then - check out their products here and use the code MUSCLEMAVEN for a discount.

In the last episode of 2021, Ashleigh talks about her pregnancy and birth story: her experiences being pregnant; including how she adjusted her diet and workout regimen; her actual birth experience, which involved an unmedicated birth at a birth center with a midwife and doula (and a couple surprises); and how she approached recovery, health, and life in the fourth trimester, aka the first few months after birth. While this episode is not meant to be formal advice to any potential or new mom, it is a deeply personal story where Ashleigh shares her thoughts, feelings, experiences, and some suggestions or things to think about when you're going through this incredible journey - questions to ask yourself, and areas you may want to research more, learn about, or ask your care provider about. This episode is for moms-to-be and also their support people, spouses, and family. If you'd like to know more specifics about Ashleigh's birth preparation, recovery, fitness plan, products used, and so on, send her a message through her website: ashleighvanhouten.com

Ashleigh is back with another episode co-hosted by her friend and Muscle Science for Women co-creator Rachel Gregory! In this episode the two podcast hosts and health coaches answer questions from listeners about the differences between muscle building and strength building; how to get back into the gym after injury; how to start working out in your 40's and 50s, and they talk about the next round of their Muscle Science for Women course starting again in January 2022. If you want to learn more and sign up for this 12-week course all about the theory and application of strength and muscle building, sign up here to be notified when spaces open up. If you want to learn more about Kabuki Education Week and register to listen to our lecture, you can do that here. Thanks to our show sponsor BUBS Naturals - stock up on the best quality grassfed collagen and MCT powder at here (www.bubsnaturals.com) and use the code MM20 for a massive 20% discount!

Jill Coleman is a veteran of the fitness industry, with a history in figure competitions, fitness magazine cover modeling, personal training, and more - now, she has her own range of programs and certifications and offers business coaching for people looking to grow and level up in the health and fitness industry. Ashleigh worked with Jill personally on a fitness business consultation, and they got together recently to talk all things efficiency, work/life balance, the importance of daily commitments to your health and your business, how to approach investing in yourself, and so much more. In this episode Ashleigh and Jill chat about: How to prioritize a few thing (instead of trying to prioritize everything) to become more productive What moderation in life, nutrition, and exercise means for Jill What "anchor actions" are and how they help productivity Why she thinks you should play to your strengths instead of focus on your weaknesses A discussion on investing in yourself as an entrepreneur - how to know when to spend money And more! Learn more about Jill and her programs at jillfit.com, her #moderation365 course, and check out her business podcast Fit Biz U. Please check out our show Sponsor, Palleovalley - they make Ashleigh's new favorite healthy snacks, 100% grassfed and fermented beef sticks and Superfood bars made with bone broth protein and packed with plant-based superfoods (while still managing to taste like a delicious, chocolatey treat). This company doesn't cut corners, they combine the best that plants and animals have to offer for our health, and it shows - learn more at paleovalley.com and use the code MMR to save 15% on anything you buy!