58. Your Brain on Burnout: How Poor Recovery Is Sabotaging Your Mind and Body
Think you're just tired? Think again. In this episode, we break down how poor recovery—lack of sleep, chronic stress, and nonstop stimulation—is silently wrecking your focus, mood, and motivation. We’ll show you how to reverse the damage with simple, science-backed shifts that busy adults can actually implement. Because when your brain recovers, your whole life upgrades. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to the Fitness League 03:23 Survival Mode: Parenting Challenges 08:12 Choosing to Be Tired 11:42 The Grind vs. Rest Debate 15:39 Tired vs. Under-Recovered 19:16 Identifying Under-Recovery 21:51 Lessons from Ultra Marathoners 22:23 Understanding Recovery: Tired vs. Under-Recovered 23:21 The Mindset of Pushing Limits 24:41 The Science of Poor Recovery 26:37 Modern Life and Recovery Challenges 30:30 Daily Recovery Rituals and Techniques 32:01 The Impact of Digital Consumption on Sleep 33:51 Experimenting with Sleep Patterns 37:18 The Role of Supplements in Sleep Quality 41:16 The Importance of Sleep Windows 41:46 Optimizing Sleep Triggers 43:52 Temperature and Sleep Quality 45:49 Understanding Sleep Cycles 50:34 Recovery and Training Efficiency
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56:11
57. Strength at Every Stage: The Importance of Training For Every Age Group
Strength training isn’t just for athletes or the young—it’s one of the most powerful tools for health, confidence, and longevity at every age. In this episode, we break down how to approach training through the key phases of life, from youth and adolescence to adulthood, perimenopause, menopause, and beyond. You’ll learn: ✔️ The unique benefits of strength training in each life stage—from building bone density and confidence in teens to preserving muscle, metabolism, and independence in older adulthood ✔️ How hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause affect training—and how lifting can help ✔️ Why strength training is essential for mental health, joint support, and metabolic function across all age groups ✔️ Smart, sustainable strategies to adapt your training to your current phase of life—without burnout or overtraining Whether you're just getting started, adjusting to a new season, or guiding someone else through theirs, this episode will give you the tools and confidence to stay strong and thrive—no matter your age. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Exercise Across Life Stages 02:11 Young Adulthood: Building Strong Foundations 12:45 Pre and Postnatal Health: Myths and Realities 16:39 Menopause and Aging: Navigating Changes 21:47 The Importance of Strength Training Throughout Life 24:50 Rebuilding Strength: Overcoming Physical Limitations 26:53 The Importance of Muscle Maintenance Across Ages 30:33 Regrets of the Past: The Importance of Early Health Choices 32:11 Navigating Menopause: Hormonal Changes and Strength Training 35:52 Metabolic Health: The Foundation of Longevity 40:11 The Broader Benefits of Exercise Beyond Aesthetics 43:02 Aging Gracefully: The Role of Exercise in Independence 47:20 Community and Lifestyle: Lessons from Blue Zones
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56. Q+A Day | HIIT on Rest Days, Returning After Illness, and Breaking Up With a Coach
This Q+A episode hits on some of the most real and relatable topics in fitness—from managing cardio and recovery, to navigating coaching relationships, to getting back on track after being sick. We’re giving you clear, actionable advice to help you stay consistent and protect your mental and physical health along the way. We cover: ✔️ Whether adding HIIT on “rest” days helps or hurts your progress when following a strength program ✔️ The best way to return to the gym after being sick, including whether to jump back into your program or use a deload approach ✔️ How to professionally and confidently break up with a coach when the relationship isn’t serving you or your goals This episode is packed with straight talk and practical strategies for staying in control of your fitness journey—no matter what life throws at you. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Timestamps: 00:00 Returning to the Gym After Illness 04:49 Understanding Radon and Home Safety 09:08 Cardio Types for Health and Longevity 12:53 Incorporating HIIT into Your Routine 15:10 Hydration Alternatives and Supplementation 16:39 Project B: Updates and Future Plans 22:30 Navigating Pregnancy Challenges 24:52 Understanding Macro Tracking 26:54 Exploring CBD and Its Benefits 34:59 Meal Planning for Protein Intake 36:48 Post-Injury HIIT Workouts 40:44 Wearable Fitness Trackers: Whoop vs. Aura 45:43 Breaking Up with a Coach 49:52 Navigating Coaching Relationships 53:16 Understanding Warm-Up Protocols 58:33 Pushing Limits: The Importance of Failure 01:02:23 Balancing Strength and Cardio 01:04:19 Adjusting Protein Intake During Weight Loss 01:13:37 Final Thoughts and Community Engagement
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1:14:48
55. The Top 5 Things We’d Do Differently If We Started Our Fitness Journey Today
If we were starting our health and fitness journeys over today, these are the 5 critical lessons we would apply from day one. In this episode, we break down the biggest mistakes we made, what we’d do differently, and how you can skip the trial and error to fast-track your own success. We cover: ✔️ The importance of tracking your workouts and data—stop wandering through the gym without a plan ✔️ Why spending more time at maintenance calories (instead of constant dieting or bulking) is the real key to sustainable progress ✔️ How to avoid wasting money on unnecessary supplements and which ones are actually worth it ✔️ The power of having a clear vision and purpose behind your fitness goals to stay motivated long-term ✔️ Why daily movement outside of workouts is a game-changer for overall health and fat loss This is the advice we wish someone gave us at the start. If you’re just beginning—or even if you’ve been at it for a while—this episode will help you avoid common pitfalls and focus on what really matters. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Timestamps: 00:00 The Importance of a Clear Vision 02:59 Tracking Progress: The Key to Success 06:03 The Role of Progressive Overload 09:03 Mindset and Training Intensity 12:00 The Impact of Technology on Fitness 14:58 Strength Training as a Foundation 17:59 Conclusion and Key Takeaways 18:12 The Pitfalls of Forever Dieting 19:10 Understanding Maintenance and Reverse Dieting 21:43 The Journey to Recovery from Eating Disorders 25:28 Body Image and the Pursuit of Lean 27:12 The Cycle of Bulking and Cutting 30:22 The Importance of Maintenance Calories 33:49 Overspending on Supplements 37:44 Understanding Personal Purpose and Goals 40:24 The Importance of Purpose and Meaning 42:47 Redefining Goals and Finding Your Why 46:56 Sustaining Motivation Beyond Achievements 49:52 Exercise as a Foundation of Health 51:58 The Role of Movement in Daily Life
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1:02:37
54. Q+A Day | Weighted Vests, HIIT Timing, and Hypertrophy vs. Progressive Overload
In this Q&A episode, we’re answering your top questions on training efficiency, performance, and smart muscle-building strategies. Whether you're short on time, looking to optimize your workouts, or trying to understand key training principles, this episode delivers clear, actionable insights without the fluff. We cover: ✔️ The real benefits of using a weighted vest—for fat loss, endurance, and strength ✔️ When to add HIIT if you’re only lifting 3–4 times a week—and whether doing it post-lift is just as effective as separate cardio days ✔️ The difference between progressive overload and hypertrophy—and how both play a role in long-term muscle growth and strength gains If you're serious about training smart and getting the most out of your time in the gym, this episode will help you level up your approach with confidence. APPLY FOR COACHING: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching SDE Method app: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/sde-method-app Macros Guide https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros Join the Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey: https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies Alessandra's Instagram: http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik Joelle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn Josh's Instagram: http://instagram.com/joshscutnik Timestamps: 00:00 The Challenge of Morning Routines 02:56 Finding Sustainable Habits 06:02 Navigating Workout Programs 08:49 Understanding Fat Loss and Muscle Gain 11:55 Transitioning to a New Gym Environment 15:45 Balancing Parenting and Fitness 18:54 Integrating HIIT with Strength Training 21:06 Practical Applications of Science in Fitness 22:37 Understanding HIIT and Zone Training 24:38 Training for Race Day: Balancing Endurance and Speed 25:26 Adapting Training Programs for Individual Needs 26:27 Listening to Your Body: The Importance of Recovery 29:01 Navigating Digestive Health and Nutrition 30:44 Exploring Natural Approaches to Health Issues 35:31 Evaluating the Need for Supplements 42:32 The Role of Weighted Vests in Training 44:59 Maintaining Health During Pregnancy 45:28 Navigating Pregnancy and Nutrition 47:50 Managing Cortisol Levels and Morning Routines 53:08 Discussing Body Image and Food Choices with Children 01:00:12 Embracing Stretch Marks and Body Changes 01:06:22 Fitness and Politics: A Discussion on Controversy
Hosts Alessandra and Josh Scutnik along with Joelle Cavagnaro are here to help you improve your health + happiness in your day to day life by providing you with a no BS guide to improving your entire lifestyle through their five pillars of health: Training, Nutrition, Mindset, Movement, and Habits.
They understand what it's like to be busy humans who still want to prioritize their goals, so they give realistic tips and insights on how to build and improve your personal regimen.
Want to know more about us? Check out our website at www.lvltncoaching.com
Ireland