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116. Mom Mode, Not Martyrdom: Postpartum Health, Mom Shaming & Social Media Lies

The Fitness League

Release Date: 01/01/2026

126. Q+A Day | Pull-Ups, Kettlebells & Smarter Training: How to Actually Get Stronger show art 126. Q+A Day | Pull-Ups, Kettlebells & Smarter Training: How to Actually Get Stronger

The Fitness League

In this episode of The Fitness League, Josh Scutnik and Joelle Cavagnaro dive into practical training questions that come up all the time—but rarely get clear answers. We break down kettlebell training fundamentals, how to improve your pull-ups the right way, and why progressive overload still matters no matter where you’re starting from. We also talk through how to adapt workouts to individual needs without losing effectiveness, including common mistakes people make when substituting exercises or relying too heavily on banded reps. Along the way, we share some behind-the-scenes insight...

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125. Smash or Pass: The Truth About Protein, Electrolytes, Cold Plunges & Fitness Trends show art 125. Smash or Pass: The Truth About Protein, Electrolytes, Cold Plunges & Fitness Trends

The Fitness League

Cold plunges. Saunas. Vibration plates. Electrolytes. Mobility routines. Everyone has an opinion—but what actually moves the needle? In this episode of The Fitness League, Josh, Alessandra, and Joelle play a round of Smash or Pass with some of the most talked-about health and fitness trends right now. We break down what’s worth your time, what’s overhyped, and what depends entirely on you. Along the way, we cover the fundamentals that never go out of style—why protein matters for recovery and strength, why fiber is still wildly under-consumed, and when electrolytes actually make sense....

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124. Q+A Day | Running Shoes, Injuries, Fat Loss & Staying Consistent Long-Term show art 124. Q+A Day | Running Shoes, Injuries, Fat Loss & Staying Consistent Long-Term

The Fitness League

In today’s Q+A episode, we’re answering real questions from real people navigating the messy middle of fitness. From finding the right running shoes and training through injuries, to preserving muscle during fat loss and staying motivated when progress slows—this episode covers a wide range of challenges that almost everyone faces at some point. We talk about why progress often looks different for seasoned lifters, how and when to adjust your training style, and why small, realistic goals are often the missing piece for long-term consistency. We also dive into the role of nutrition...

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123. Why Showing Up Imperfectly Still Changes Everything show art 123. Why Showing Up Imperfectly Still Changes Everything

The Fitness League

Waiting to feel motivated is one of the fastest ways to stall progress. In this episode of The Fitness League, Josh and Joelle break down why showing up—even when you’re exhausted, overwhelmed, or off-schedule—is often the most powerful move you can make. We talk about the mindset shift behind “doing it tired,” why flexibility beats perfection in every season of life, and how confidence is built through small, repeatable actions—not flawless routines. This conversation is for anyone who feels like life keeps getting in the way of their health goals and is tempted to check out...

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122. Real Change Starts Smaller Than You Think show art 122. Real Change Starts Smaller Than You Think

The Fitness League

The world feels loud, chaotic, and overwhelming—and a lot of people are waiting for something big to change before they feel better. In this episode of The Fitness League, we break down why that approach keeps us stuck, and why real change almost always starts with the smallest possible decisions. We unpack how tiny, repeatable choices shape behavior, identity, and eventually the culture inside your home and community. From decision fatigue and environment design to self-talk and leadership by example, this episode reframes change as something practical, controllable, and deeply...

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121. Break the Weekend Binge Loop: Build a Friday–Sunday System That Works show art 121. Break the Weekend Binge Loop: Build a Friday–Sunday System That Works

The Fitness League

Weekends hit harder—and it’s not a character flaw. It’s a system problem. In this episode, Josh and guests unpack the real mechanics behind weekend overeating: reward behavior after a long week, social pressure, decision fatigue, and the habit of treating Friday–Sunday like a free-for-all. Then we lay out practical, repeatable strategies that keep you social without the spiral. Change doesn’t come from one perfect weekend—it’s built through consistent, doable choices stacked over time. Press play, fix the Friday–Sunday system, and watch your results stop disappearing by Monday....

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120. From Chaos to Consistent: Fit Parenting, Simple Meal Prep & a Calmer Home show art 120. From Chaos to Consistent: Fit Parenting, Simple Meal Prep & a Calmer Home

The Fitness League

Parenting is loud. Your fitness and nutrition don’t have to be. In this episode, we get real about family fitness, working out with kids, stress-proof meal prep, and keeping your cool when life is overstimulating. We also dive into communication in relationships, taming toy clutter with minimalism, and why consistency beats perfection every time. This is your playbook for building a healthier home—without adding more chaos. What you’ll learn: Workouts with kids: how to engage them (and why boredom can boost creativity) Meal prep for busy parents: convenience-first, nutrient-dense,...

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119. The Running Reframe: Slow Down to Speed Up — Heart Rate Zones, Footwear & Running with Kids show art 119. The Running Reframe: Slow Down to Speed Up — Heart Rate Zones, Footwear & Running with Kids

The Fitness League

Hate running—or just burned out from “go harder” culture? This episode is your running reset. Joelle and Alessandra get real about falling back in love with running while juggling parenting, work, and real-life chaos. We break down heart rate zones (especially Zone 2), why slowing down builds a bigger aerobic base (and makes you faster), and how to choose proper running shoes so your feet and joints stop screaming. What you’ll learn: Slow to grow: How Zone 2 improves heart function, endurance, and pace without frying your nervous system Heart rate zones, decoded: Practical cues...

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118. You Are The Fitness League: Roadmap Reveals, Habit-Tracking Upgrades & the New Era of Challenges show art 118. You Are The Fitness League: Roadmap Reveals, Habit-Tracking Upgrades & the New Era of Challenges

The Fitness League

We’re building this together. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on The Fitness League—how your feedback shapes the app’s roadmap, what’s improving in habit tracking and user experience, and how community challenges keep you consistent. What you’ll hear: Roadmap reveals Habit tracking upgrades Community-first design UX improvements Long-term Vision If you’re ready for a community-driven fitness app that helps busy “everyday athletes” win the week—one habit at a time—this refresh is your playbook. APPLY FOR COACHING: The Fitness League app Join the Facebook...

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117. Night Shift, Family Chaos, Real Results: Kayla’s Flexible Nutrition Journey show art 117. Night Shift, Family Chaos, Real Results: Kayla’s Flexible Nutrition Journey

The Fitness League

Working nights and raising kids doesn’t leave a lot of room for macros and meal prep—and that’s exactly why this episode matters. We sit down with Kayla M. to unpack how she built sustainable habits while juggling night shift work, family responsibilities, and a life that rarely goes as planned. With guidance from Coach Kara, Kayla swapped the all-or-nothing mindset for a progress-over-perfection approach: flexible nutrition, compassionate self-talk, and showing up—even when it’s messy. You’ll hear how she navigates sleep-schedule swings, handles family events without...

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More Episodes

Motherhood is not a performance—it’s a marathon. In this episode, Joelle and Alessandra get real about postpartum health, mom shaming, and the pressure cooker of social media. We talk self-care that actually fits real life, flexible routines that keep you consistent, and why prioritizing your health makes you a better parent—not a selfish one.

What we cover:

  • Postpartum realities: hormones, energy, identity shifts

  • Mom shaming & social media pressure: how to mute the noise and trust yourself

  • Self-care for moms: simple recovery, nutrition, and movement wins

  • Flexible routines: “good enough” systems that survive busy seasons

  • Homeschooling without the chaos: structure, not rigidity

  • Permission to be human: a clean-enough house, a kind home, a healthier you

If you’re tired of unrealistic standards and ready for balance you can sustain, this conversation is your reset.

APPLY FOR COACHING:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching

The Fitness League app

https://www.fitnessleagueapp.com/

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

Chapters
00:00 Welcome Back to the Fitness League
01:13 Mailbox Mishap and Holiday Preparations
02:01 Health Drinks and Digestive Reactions
03:36 Postpartum Changes and Hormonal Fluctuations
05:05 Lab Work and Breastfeeding Journey
07:07 Vasectomy Failures and Pregnancy Surprises
10:38 Mom Shaming in Fitness and Health
16:58 Cleaning and Parenting Perspectives
28:36 The Big Picture of Parenting
31:29 Modeling Behavior for Children
33:34 The Myth of Perfection in Motherhood
36:25 Prioritizing Health and Well-being
39:11 Awareness vs. Action
41:55 Finding Your Own Path
44:47 The Importance of Diverse Perspectives
47:24 Growth Mindset and Continuous Learning
50:32 Navigating Social Media and Expectations
54:07 Flexibility in Parenting and Life