121. 5 Fitness Lies We Believed (So You Don’t Have To)
Marriage Fit
Episode Summary We’ve been in the fitness world for over two decades, and we’ve heard just about every myth, fad, and gimmick out there. But there are 5 lies we believed ourselves (and see over and over again) that are still keeping people stuck not just in their fitness, but in their confidence, consistency, and connection. In this episode of Marriage Fit, we unpack those lies and share the real truths that actually lead to results in your body and in your relationship. What We Cover: Why “No Pain, No Gain” is a fast track to burnout, not results ...
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120. The New Definition of Fit: How You Show Up in Life, Not Just the Gym
Marriage Fit
Episode Summary What if fitness had less to do with how you look — and everything to do with how you show up? In this episode of Marriage Fit, Chris and Annie break down why being “fit” isn’t just about gym reps and macros. It’s about life reps: showing up with focus, intention, and teamwork in your marriage, parenting, and personal growth. You don’t need a six-pack to be a strong partner — you just need to keep stepping into who you want to become. In This Episode, We Cover: Why the old definition of “fit” is failing couples Our...
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119. When’s the Best Time to Work Out? Pros, Cons & Real Talk
Marriage Fit
Episode Summary: Ever wonder when the best time is to work out? Morning? Lunch? After work? Weekends? In this episode, Chris and Annie break down the pros and cons of each workout window — and help you figure out what time actually works for you. Whether you're a 5AM riser, a lunch-break hustler, or a weekend warrior, this episode will help you get honest about your schedule, energy, and goals. They also share real stories from marriage, gym life, and parenting to help you and your partner build fitness consistency together. What You’ll Hear in This...
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118. The Real Dad Bod: 9 Traits Every Dad Needs (That Have Nothing to Do With Abs)
Marriage Fit
Episode Summary: The world tells dads to fight the “dad bod” with crunches and protein shakes. But the real battle isn’t against belly fat — it’s against passivity, disconnection, and drifting identity. In this special Father’s Day episode, Chris and Annie break down 11 traits that define a strong father, using insights from Mind Pump’s Fatherhood Episode and Dan Martell’s character-first leadership list. These traits go way deeper than fitness. They shape how you lead your family, support your marriage, and show up for yourself — mentally,...
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117: Let’s Be Honest: Top 5 Fitness Excuses (and What to Do Instead)
Marriage Fit
Episode Title: “Let’s Be Honest: Top 5 Fitness Excuses (and What to Do Instead)” Episode Summary: We all make excuses — even us. But in this episode, we’re calling them out. From “I don’t have time” to “I’ll start Monday,” we’re breaking down the most common excuses people use to delay their health and fitness goals. Chris and Annie share real stories from marriage, gym life, and client experiences — plus practical mindset flips to help you break free from the patterns that are holding you back. Whether it’s about working out, staying accountable, or dialing...
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116: The Power of the Pause
Marriage Fit
🎙️ Episode Title: The Power of the Pause: Why Rest Is Productive In this episode, we’re leaning into a radical truth: rest is not a reward—it’s a rhythm. We explore how taking a true Sabbath or rest day isn’t lazy—it’s life-giving. From recharging your marriage and deepening connection to fueling your creativity and boosting fitness recovery, rest touches every area of our lives. You’ll hear personal stories of what happened when we rested well vs. when we pushed too hard, plus a reminder straight from Genesis 2:2-3 that even God paused. We also unpack: How unplugging from...
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115. The 5 Best and 5 Most Overrated Health Hacks
Marriage Fit
Episode Summary: In today’s episode, we’re cutting through the noise on health hacks. There's a flood of advice online — but what actually works, and what’s just hype? We’ve tried it all — some hacks that made a huge difference, and some that were total flops. In this conversation, we break down the 5 best health hacks you should absolutely be using (spoiler: they're simpler than you think) and the 5 most overrated hacks that you can safely skip. We also share how building better health habits together as a couple can completely change your connection, your energy, and your overall...
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114: Say. Do. Achieve. The Power of Language, Mindset, and Marriage with Thomas Blackwell
Marriage Fit
Guest: Thomas Blackwell, keynote speaker, mindset coach, and founder of Say Do Achieve Episode Summary: In this powerful and inspiring episode, we sit down with Thomas Blackwell — a former Division I tennis coach, successful entrepreneur, and now sought-after keynote speaker and high-performance coach — to unpack how the words we speak shape the lives we lead. From building businesses to building a strong marriage with his high school sweetheart, Thomas shares timeless truths on mindset, language, leadership, and love. Whether you're chasing big goals or looking to strengthen your...
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113: Creating Healthy and Happy Kids – A Holistic Approach to Parenting
Marriage Fit
In this episode of Marriage Fit, we dive into what it really takes to raise healthy and happy kids. Parenting today comes with unique challenges—screen time battles, busy schedules, and the constant temptation of unhealthy food choices. But the good news? Small, intentional habits can create a lifelong foundation for your kids' well-being. We break down six key strategies that make a difference in your child's physical and mental health while strengthening your family bond. 1. Be the Example: Stay Healthy and Active Yourself Kids don’t just listen to what we say—they mimic what we do. If...
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112: Real Talk: The Inner Battles: 75 HARD, Rest, Routines & Growth
Marriage Fit
Welcome to Episode 112 of Marriage Fit! What started as a discussion on competition vs. being competitive evolved into an insightful conversation about personal growth, mindset, and overcoming challenges. In This Episode, We Cover: The Power of Rest – Why taking a rest week is essential and how recovery fuels long-term progress. Lessons from 75 HARD – The deeper takeaways from the challenge beyond just fitness. Routines: A Double-Edged Sword – How to create a structure that supports growth without feeling trapped. The Mental Battles We Face – Strategies to shift your mindset...
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- Opening Hook: Discuss how common it is to feel intimidated when walking into a gym, especially for newcomers or those returning after a long break.
- Goal of Episode: Help listeners understand and overcome “gymtimidation” by breaking down its causes, sharing practical tips, and empowering them to build confidence in any fitness space.
- Why This Matters: When people feel intimidated, it can prevent them from starting or staying consistent with their fitness journey. Conquering these feelings is the first step toward lasting health and wellness.
Segment 1: What Is “Gymtimidation” and Why Does It Happen?
- Define Gymtimidation: Explain that “gymtimidation” is the anxiety or intimidation people feel in a gym setting, often due to fear of judgment, unfamiliarity with equipment, or lack of experience.
- Common Causes:
- Fear of Judgment: Worried others are watching or judging your form, appearance, or fitness level.
- Equipment Overwhelm: Not knowing how to use machines or weights properly.
- Self-Comparison: Feeling insecure next to more experienced or fitter gym-goers.
- Personal Stories: Briefly share any personal experiences with gymtimidation (or examples) to make the topic relatable.
Segment 2: Strategies to Conquer Gymtimidation
1. Start with a Plan
- Explanation: Having a plan eliminates wandering and builds confidence because you know what exercises to do and in what order.
- How to Implement: Suggest options like following an app, finding a workout plan online, or working with a trainer to build a routine.
2. Choose the Right Gym Environment
- Explanation: Different gyms have different vibes. Finding one that matches your comfort level (e.g., beginner-friendly, women-only spaces, etc.) can make a big difference.
- How to Implement: Research gyms in your area, take advantage of trial memberships, or even try virtual workouts to ease in.
3. Focus on Small Goals Over Big Transformations
- Explanation: Setting small, achievable goals (e.g., getting through a full workout, learning one new machine) helps build momentum and confidence.
- How to Implement: Share examples of small wins that listeners can aim for, like increasing weight on a lift or completing a full workout with proper form.
4. Go with a Friend or Accountability Partner
- Explanation: Having a gym buddy can make workouts more enjoyable and reduce intimidation. They can provide support, and having someone familiar around can ease nerves.
- How to Implement: Offer tips for finding a workout partner (friends, family, or through social media) or joining group classes where there’s a sense of community.
5. Remember That No One’s Really Watching
- Explanation: Most people at the gym are focused on their own workouts, not on what others are doing. This is a big mindset shift that can help reduce anxiety.
- How to Implement: Suggest practicing this mindset shift by observing others’ focus in the gym or even trying headphones or mindfulness techniques to stay grounded.
Segment 3: Turning Gym Anxiety into Gym Confidence
- Reframe the Gym as a Learning Opportunity: See each workout as a chance to learn and grow, regardless of where you are in your fitness journey.
- Take Advantage of Resources: Most gyms offer orientation sessions or have trainers available to help with equipment. Encourage listeners to ask questions—they’re often surprised at how approachable gym staff can be.
- Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Reinforce that fitness is about progress over time, not immediate results. Even small improvements are wins!
Listener Challenge
- Challenge of the Week: Encourage listeners to step outside their comfort zone—whether it’s trying one new piece of equipment, asking for a trainer’s help, or going to the gym during a busier time.
- Share Their Experience: Ask listeners to share their progress or “firsts” on social media and tag the podcast, or message in with their experiences of conquering gymtimidation.
Conclusion
- Recap of Key Points: Reiterate that gymtimidation is common, but manageable with the right mindset and tools.
- Final Encouragement: Empower listeners to see the gym as a space for growth, not judgment, and to embrace their fitness journey at their own pace.
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Peace ✌🏼 | Love 🤟🏼 | FITNESS 💪🏼