Embrace Your Real
Welcome to Embrace Your Real with me, Julie Ledbetter, a podcast where I empower you to just be you. My hope for you is to stop hating your body, picking a part every flaw, questioning your worth, doubting your strength, making excuses, and constantly starting over. I get it, I’ve been there. I know it feels like an impossible cycle to break, but let me tell you: I’ve successfully broken the decade long struggle, and over the last 8 years I have helped thousands of other woman do the same. I know it’s possible and that’s why I am here to ensure you do, too! Every episode, I dish you a dose of real talk and actionable advice for building the body you want, creating unshakable confidence and embracing your authentic self. Each week I share my secrets on how to honor your body with movement, nourish your body with exactly what it needs, and give you transformative mental shifts that will help you show up for your life in a powerful way. Are you ready to embrace your real? Let's get it, let's go!
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Feeling Weaker Before Your Period, Here's What's Actually Happening
02/16/2026
Feeling Weaker Before Your Period, Here's What's Actually Happening
Hello, beautiful human. Today we’re talking about that week before your period — when your workouts suddenly feel harder. The same weights feel heavier. Your energy dips. Your motivation feels shaky. And even though this happens every month, it can still catch you off guard. Here’s what’s actually going on: estrogen and progesterone begin to drop. That hormonal shift can impact your strength, recovery, mood, and overall resilience. Your body is simply changing gears. So when you try to push the same way you do during your higher-energy weeks and your body pushes back? That’s not failure. That’s feedback. In today’s episode, we’re breaking down what’s happening and how to work with your body during this phase — so you can move forward without guilt, frustration, or feeling like you have to start over every single month. We’re going to talk about: • Why energy and strength can dip the week before your period • How to adjust your training in practical, realistic ways • Simple nutrition tweaks that support this phase • And how learning to work with your cycle builds consistency and body trust over time And if you loved this episode, I think you’ll also really enjoy this one. Episode 363: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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+3 Things To Remember When You Feel Like You're Failing
02/12/2026
+3 Things To Remember When You Feel Like You're Failing
If you’ve ever ended a day feeling like nothing went according to plan, like you dropped every ball you were trying to juggle, or like you somehow failed at taking care of yourself even though you tried, this episode is for you. In this episode, I’m sharing a very honest heart-to-heart about those heavy days when motivation is low, energy is gone, and life feels overwhelming. I walk you through three grounding reminders I personally come back to when I feel stretched thin or disappointed in myself, along with simple, practical ways to steady yourself in the moment and keep moving forward without guilt or pressure. This conversation is about perspective, grace, and learning how to stay connected to your goals without tying your worth to perfect days or productivity. Here is what you will learn: • Why one hard day, week, or even month does not undo the progress you’ve already built • How unrealistic expectations quietly create feelings of failure • The difference between failing and simply being human • Why your worth has nothing to do with your output or consistency • Simple grounding tools to use when you feel overwhelmed • How to refocus on your deeper “why” during tough seasons • A gentle reminder for moms navigating survival-mode days If this episode resonated, you may also enjoy: Episode 280: 10 Truths About Your Self-Worth If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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The Best Workout Split to Follow in 2026
02/09/2026
The Best Workout Split to Follow in 2026
If workouts have started to feel confusing or harder to stay consistent with, even though you genuinely want to take care of your body, or if you have ever chosen a plan that looked great on paper but felt impossible to keep up with once real life showed up, this conversation is for you. In this episode, I walk you through how to choose the right workout split based on how many days you realistically train each week. We break down two-day, three-day, four-day, and five-day splits, what each option looks like, and who each one supports best. I also talk about workout length, weekly training load, recovery, and why doing less in a smarter way often leads to better results over time. This is about simplifying your approach so consistency feels possible instead of pressured. Here is what you will learn: • Why the most effective workout split is the one you can repeat • How to choose a plan that works with your real schedule • What two, three, four, and five-day splits actually look like • How weekly training load impacts progress and recovery • How to decide between 30-minute and 60-minute workouts If this episode resonated, you may also enjoy: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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Why Imperfect Consistency Beats Trying to Be Perfect Every Time
02/05/2026
Why Imperfect Consistency Beats Trying to Be Perfect Every Time
Perfectionism has a sneaky way of showing up in fitness, even when your intentions are good. It sounds like needing the perfect plan, the perfect week, or the perfect amount of motivation before you start. And when something doesn’t go exactly right, it can feel easier to stop altogether than to keep going imperfectly. In this episode, I talk about why that mindset keeps so many women stuck, not because they don’t care or don’t try, but because the pressure to do everything perfectly makes consistency feel impossible. I walk through what your body actually needs to adapt and change, why repeated effort matters more than flawless execution, and how learning to show up imperfectly is what builds real momentum. This is about releasing the pressure and choosing habits you can return to, even when life feels messy. Here is what you will learn: • Why perfect plans usually fall apart in real life • How all-or-nothing thinking interrupts progress • What your body actually responds to when it comes to change • Why repetition matters more than intensity • How imperfect follow-through builds confidence over time If this episode resonated, you may also enjoy: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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Fad Diet Truths (and What Actually Works Instead)
02/02/2026
Fad Diet Truths (and What Actually Works Instead)
If January has you questioning your relationship with food all over again… If the start of the year brings a flood of new promises, strict plans, and messages telling you this is the moment to reset everything, this conversation is meant to meet you where you are. Wanting change is understandable. Feeling pressured to fix yourself is not the same thing. In this episode, I slow the pace and unpack what’s behind the surge of January diet trends, how to recognize warning signs before getting caught in another cycle, and why restriction often creates the very struggle it claims to solve. We talk about how extreme approaches affect your body, your energy, and your mindset, and why progress feels so fragile when food becomes stressful. Most importantly, we shift the focus toward habits that support steadiness, nourishment, and long-term trust with your body. Here is what you will learn: • Why diet trends spike at the beginning of the year • How to identify plans that rely on restriction • What happens in your body during repeated diet cycles • Why rigid rules increase stress and backfire over time • What a more supportive approach to nutrition looks like If this episode resonated, you may also enjoy: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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How to Quiet the Voice That Says You’re Not Enough
01/29/2026
How to Quiet the Voice That Says You’re Not Enough
There’s a voice that shows up for so many women, and it usually gets loud right when you’re trying to grow. It’s the one that tells you you’re not doing enough, not moving fast enough, or not where you should be by now. That voice can sneak in when you’re working toward a goal, when you finally start feeling confident, or even when you’re doing your best to slow down and rest. In this conversation, I walk you through what that inner critic actually is and why it tends to show up during moments of change. We talk about how your brain tries to protect you by turning discomfort into danger, how to create space between you and fear-based thoughts, and how to respond without spiraling into self-doubt. This is about learning to meet those thoughts with curiosity, not criticism, and building trust with yourself one small step at a time. Here is what you will learn: • Why that critical voice often appears during growth • How to separate fear-driven thoughts from facts • A simple way to pause instead of reacting • How curiosity helps quiet self-judgment • Why small daily follow-through builds confidence If this episode resonated, you may also enjoy: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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The 30-Day Strength Reboot You Need to Follow in January
01/26/2026
The 30-Day Strength Reboot You Need to Follow in January
Hello beautiful human! This episode is for you if January feels heavy and you’re already feeling pressure to do everything perfectly. If you’ve ever started the year excited, motivated, and ready to change everything, only to feel exhausted and discouraged a few weeks later, this conversation is for you. Instead of chasing extremes, intensity, or all-or-nothing plans, we’re focusing on building strength habits that feel realistic, supportive, and sustainable for real life. I walk you through a simple 30-day strength reboot designed to help you rebuild momentum without burning out. This is not a challenge or a dramatic reset. It’s a way to come back to the basics, simplify your workouts, and create consistency you can actually maintain. We talk about strength training frequency, workout structure, daily movement, and fueling your body in a way that supports progress without adding stress or unnecessary rules. Here is what you will learn: • Why strength training three days per week is enough to see real progress • How to structure your workouts so they feel simple and doable • Why 30-minute workouts still count and move you forward • How compound movements and progressive overload build lasting strength • What daily movement should look like without adding more stress • Why focusing on protein supports recovery without overhauling your diet If this episode resonated, you may also enjoy: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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Why the Word “Should” Will Keep You Stuck in 2026
01/22/2026
Why the Word “Should” Will Keep You Stuck in 2026
This episode is for you if the start of a new year has brought up quiet pressure instead of clarity. If thoughts like “I should be further along,” “I should be doing more,” or “I should want this by now” keep looping in your head, this conversation is meant for you. Those thoughts rarely feel motivating. They usually feel heavy, discouraging, and disconnecting, even when you are genuinely trying. In this episode, I walk you through why the word “should” tends to show up so strongly during transitions like a new year, and how it quietly pulls you into comparison, unrealistic expectations, and self-doubt. We talk about where those thoughts actually come from, how they affect your relationship with your body and your goals, and how to begin choosing habits and directions that feel supportive instead of draining. This is about moving into 2026 with more self-trust, clarity, and intention. Here is what you will learn: • Why “should” is often rooted in external expectations • How living by obligation creates constant self-criticism • Why “should” disconnects you from what you truly want • How your body signals when something feels misaligned • How shifting your language can change how you show up If this episode resonated, you may also enjoy:
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My Fitness Goals for 2026
01/19/2026
My Fitness Goals for 2026
This episode is for you if you are heading into a new year and realizing that your fitness goals need to support more than just how you look. Instead of chasing weight loss, control, or short-term intensity, we talk about what it really means to build habits that support energy, strength, and consistency for the long haul. I walk you through my fitness goals for 2026, not as a checklist to copy, but as a framework you can use to rethink your own goals in a way that feels supportive and sustainable. This is about shifting the focus from extremes to aligned daily habits, building trust with your body, and choosing routines you can actually maintain as life evolves. Here is what you will learn: • Why weight loss is no longer my primary fitness goal • The daily habits I am prioritizing instead • How I approach strength training in a sustainable way • Why total weight moved matters more than perfection • How aligned habits naturally lead to lasting results If this conversation resonated, you may also enjoy: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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Anti-Hustle January: Progress Without Burnout
01/15/2026
Anti-Hustle January: Progress Without Burnout
This episode is for you if January already has you feeling behind, tired, and overwhelmed by the pressure to change everything at once. Instead of pushing harder or trying to force motivation after the holidays, we talk about releasing the urgency that leads to burnout, so you can move forward in a way that supports your body, your energy, and your real life. We walk through five reasons why an anti-hustle January leads to more sustainable progress, along with grounded truths to hold onto as you reset your expectations. This is about building stability before intensity, stacking small wins, and choosing habits you can actually repeat long after January is over. Here is what you will learn: • Why January pressure is artificial and why your body needs stability first • How hustle culture sneaks into fitness and health goals and leads to burnout • What progress without burnout actually looks like in this season • Why energy is a better metric than weight or performance right now • How resetting expectations after the holidays builds consistency and trust • What sustainable progress feels like when your plan supports real life If this conversation encouraged you as you head into January, you may also enjoy: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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5 Things to Let Go Of This Year + 5 Things to Remember Going Into the New Year
01/12/2026
5 Things to Let Go Of This Year + 5 Things to Remember Going Into the New Year
This episode is for you if you are walking into the new year feeling a mix of gratitude, exhaustion, hope, and maybe a little disappointment that things did not go perfectly. Instead of trying to become a whole new person on January 1, we talk about gently releasing the pressure, shame, and all-or-nothing mindset that weighs you down, so you can actually build a year that fits your real life. Julie walks through five things to let go of that quietly sabotage your progress, and five truths to hold onto so you feel grounded, supported, and clear on how to move forward. This is about stacking small wins, building trust with yourself again, and remembering that starting over is not a sign of failure, it is proof you are still in it. Here is what you will learn: • Why staying stuck in “wishing” mode blocks the real change you want • How extreme all-or-nothing overhauls quietly backfire on your brain and body • A healthier way to approach weekends so they do not undo your rhythm from the week • What it really means to let your effort match your expectations • How to define what “healthy” means for you in this season of life • A simple way to rebuild self trust with one small habit at a time If this conversation encouraged you as you head into a new year, you may also enjoy: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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A Reminder on The Real Meaning of Christmas
12/25/2025
A Reminder on The Real Meaning of Christmas
Today’s episode is a simple pause in the middle of a full day. Christmas can feel busy and rushed, and it’s easy to move through the morning without slowing down long enough to remember why we celebrate it in the first place. This conversation brings you back to what matters so you can step into the day with peace instead of pressure. We talk about the heart of Christmas, why presence matters more than perfection, and how small quiet moments often hold the most meaning. If this season feels emotional, complicated, or heavier than usual, this episode will help you breathe, soften, and feel grounded again. Inside this episode, you will learn: • Why Christmas has never been about creating the perfect moment • How to release the pressure to pretend you feel a certain way • What it looks like to notice the small moments that bring peace • How to shift from performing joy to being present in your real life • A grounding reminder of the love and hope Christmas represents • A short prayer to help you move through the day with calm and gratitude If this message felt grounding, you might also appreciate: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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Boot Camp + Group Fitness Classes: Why They Aren’t Ideal for Building the Body You Want
12/22/2025
Boot Camp + Group Fitness Classes: Why They Aren’t Ideal for Building the Body You Want
Today’s episode is for the woman who has been showing up, sweating through boot camps and circuit-style classes, but not really seeing the muscle definition or body composition changes she hoped for. If you have ever wondered why you feel fitter and more exhausted, yet your progress photos look the same, this conversation will bring a lot of clarity. Group workouts can be amazing for community, accountability, and conditioning, but they are not always built to truly change the shape of your body. If you are craving structure, strength, and visible progress, you need something a little more intentional than random circuits and constantly changing workouts. In this episode, we unpack the difference between exercising and training, how to know what your current routine is actually doing for you, and simple ways to pair the classes you love with a strength plan that finally helps you build the body you want. Here’s what you will learn: • The difference between exercising for health and training for body composition • Why variety and intensity alone do not create muscle growth • The three key ingredients your body needs weekly: volume, frequency, and load • How most boot camp and circuit classes fall short for strength and muscle goals • Why recovery, stress, and fueling make or break your progress This episode is your reminder that you are not unmotivated or broken. You may just need a clearer training signal, a bit more structure, and a plan that supports the goals you actually have for your body. If you loved this episode, you may also enjoy: What Soreness Really Says About Your Workouts If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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5 Weight Gain Truths You Need to Hear Right Now
12/18/2025
5 Weight Gain Truths You Need to Hear Right Now
Today’s episode is here to help you breathe a little easier. If the scale has shifted or your clothes feel different after the holidays, it can bring up worry or pressure. But your body responds to changes in sleep, stress, meals, travel, and routines, and that response is normal. This episode gives you five simple reminders that bring everything back into perspective so you can move into your week feeling calm, supported, and confident again. Inside this episode, you will learn: • Why most weight fluctuations are water, not fat • How many calories it actually takes to gain one pound of body fat • Why one meal or weekend cannot undo months of consistency • How hormones, digestion, sodium, soreness, and sleep impact the scale • Why your body naturally settles again when your routines return • The habits that help your body feel steady and supported If you want a routine that helps you stay consistent without all-or-nothing thinking, the Movement With Julie app gives you balanced, structured workouts you can follow week after week without guesswork. And if you want to learn how to fuel your body in a way that feels sustainable and supportive, Macro Counting Made Simple walks you through the exact approach I teach to help you feel confident with your nutrition. If this episode encouraged you, you might also enjoy: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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25 Things I Learned in 2025
12/15/2025
25 Things I Learned in 2025
Today’s episode is a look back at the lessons that shaped me this year. 2025 stretched me, softened me, and taught me so much about motherhood, faith, strength, and what it means to care for my body in a season that looked nothing like the old rhythm I was used to. If this year felt messy, refining, or slower than you expected, this conversation will remind you that every season has purpose and every step counts. Whether you’re rebuilding routines, learning to trust your body again, navigating motherhood, or stepping into a new chapter, these 25 lessons are shared to encourage you, ground you, and help you see how much growth is happening beneath the surface. Here’s what you will learn: • Why quiet seasons can be the most transformative • How slowing down strengthens your body and mind • The power of fueling your body with intention • How faith, rest, and boundaries support your growth • Why small steps and evolving goals still move you forward • Ways to honor your body in every season • What truly sustains consistency when motivation fades This episode is your reminder that you’re not behind and nothing about your journey needs to look perfect to be meaningful. You are growing in more ways than you realize, and it deserves to be celebrated. If you loved this episode, you may also enjoy: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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What Is a Deload Week and Why You Need One
12/11/2025
What Is a Deload Week and Why You Need One
Today’s episode is for the woman who has been training hard but feeling more tired than strong. If your workouts suddenly feel heavier, your motivation is dipping, or you’re waking up tired even after rest, your body may be asking for a reset. A deload week is a simple, strategic way to support long-term progress without losing momentum. If you’ve been pushing through fatigue, feeling unusually sore, or wondering why your strength has stalled, this episode will help you understand the signs your body is giving you and how to build a deload week that leaves you feeling recharged and ready to lift again. Here’s what you will learn: • What a deload week actually is • Why recovery is where real progress happens • The biggest signs your body needs a reset • How deload weeks prevent burnout and plateaus • Different ways to structure a deload depending on your training style • How lighter loads, fewer sets, or lower frequency support your nervous system • How deloads strengthen your foundations and help you return stronger • How often you should take one based on your training • Why slowing down at the right time improves your long-term results This episode is your reminder that rest is not losing progress. It is how your body rebuilds, adapts, and supports the work you put in week after week. If you loved this episode, you may also enjoy: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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7 Metabolism Myths That Are Wrecking Your Progress
12/08/2025
7 Metabolism Myths That Are Wrecking Your Progress
Today’s episode is all about one of the most misunderstood topics in women’s health and fitness: your metabolism. If you’ve ever felt like your body has “slowed down,” or you’ve wondered why your progress has stalled no matter how clean you eat or how hard you train, this conversation will bring so much clarity. Your metabolism isn’t broken. It’s adaptable, responsive, and directly shaped by how you fuel, train, move, and recover. If you’ve been frustrated by plateaus, confused by mixed messages online, or stuck believing your best years are behind you, this episode walks you through the seven biggest metabolism myths holding women back. You’ll learn what actually influences your metabolism and the simple, sustainable habits that help it work with you instead of against you. Here’s what you will learn: • Why your metabolism isn’t “broken” even if you feel stuck • What actually causes metabolic slowdowns • How dieting and under-eating impact metabolic adaptation • Why rest and recovery support a stronger metabolism • The role muscle plays in daily energy burn • What actually boosts your metabolism long-term • How to build habits that support a responsive, efficient metabolism This episode is your reminder that you’re not stuck and nothing is wrong with your body. When you lift consistently, fuel intentionally, rest when you need to, and support your stress, your metabolism becomes stronger and more resilient at any age. If you loved this episode, you may also enjoy: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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8 Signs You’re Burnt Out + What Your Body Really Needs
12/04/2025
8 Signs You’re Burnt Out + What Your Body Really Needs
Today we’re diving into something that a lot of us feel but don’t always catch in the moment: Burnout. Not the regular kind of tired where a good night’s sleep fixes it. The deep, lingering exhaustion that follows you into the next day, the next workout, the next conversation. Sometimes, the next level of your results won’t come from pushing harder. It’ll come from slowing down, refueling, and reminding your body that it’s safe to grow again. This season, especially through the holidays, I challenge you to nourish your body instead of punish it. What I Discuss in This Episode How burnout disrupts your hormones, recovery, metabolism, and overall progress — even when you’re “doing everything right.” The real signs you’re burnt out. Why rest isn’t optional — and how slowing down, nourishing your body, and reducing stress can actually accelerate your results. Practical ways to support your nervous system during busy seasons so your energy, motivation, and performance return sustainably. If you loved this episode, you might also like episode If you want more from me, be sure to check out... Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website: Get my eBook: Amazon Storefront:
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The Truth About Resistance Band Workouts: Why They’re Way More Effective Than You Think
12/01/2025
The Truth About Resistance Band Workouts: Why They’re Way More Effective Than You Think
Today’s episode is all about a tool that so many women overlook but absolutely shouldn’t. If you’ve ever wondered whether resistance bands are actually effective, if they can help you build strength, or if they’re worth using when you don’t have a full gym setup, this episode is going to give you the clarity and confidence you’ve been craving. If you’ve felt limited by your equipment, unsure if you’re doing movements correctly, or worried that bands won’t deliver real results, this episode will show you why that’s just not the case. Resistance bands are one of the most budget-friendly, portable, joint-friendly, and genuinely effective tools you can use, especially if you want to build lean muscle from anywhere. Here’s what you will learn: Why your body responds to tension, not equipment price tags Why band resistance increases through the movement and how that boosts muscle growth The science showing bands can build strength just as well as dumbbells How bands improve stability, balance, and joint support Why bands are perfect for travel, home workouts, and postpartum seasons The five techniques that make band training more effective The most common mistakes that keep people from seeing progress How to apply progressive overload using nothing but bands Why intention, tempo, and form matter more than anything else This episode is your reminder that you don’t need a full gym to make real progress. When you focus on tension, control, and consistency, your muscles respond — whether you’re training with iron or a single twenty-dollar resistance band. If you loved this episode, you may also enjoy: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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My 5 Go-To Bible Verses for Thanksgiving This Year
11/27/2025
My 5 Go-To Bible Verses for Thanksgiving This Year
Today’s episode is a little different, and honestly, one that feels really special to share. As much as I love talking about movement, nutrition, and mindset, I also know that true peace and gratitude come from something deeper. And with Thanksgiving here, I wanted to share the five Bible verses that have grounded me most this year. These verses have helped me slow down, breathe, and stay connected to what truly matters, even when life feels full or overwhelming. If you’ve felt stretched thin, distracted, or anxious heading into this season, this episode will give you a soft place to land. Here is what you will learn: How to invite more calm and presence into your day The deeper meaning behind gratitude and why it strengthens your heart A simple way to re-center your perspective when stress or heaviness shows up Five verses you can lean on when you need peace, grounding, or reassurance This episode is your reminder that peace is not something you have to chase. It is something you can return to, again and again, through stillness, prayer, and intentional gratitude. If you loved this episode, you may also enjoy: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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What Every Woman Needs To Know This Holiday Season
11/24/2025
What Every Woman Needs To Know This Holiday Season
The holidays bring joy, connection, celebration, and memories. They also tend to bring stress, unpredictability, and that old tug-of-war between wanting to enjoy the moment and wanting to stay “on track.” If you’ve ever gone into this season with good intentions, only to end up anxious, overwhelmed, or in the all-or-nothing spiral, this episode is for you. I want to help you walk into this season with confidence and peace. You don’t have to choose between enjoying the holiday and honoring your goals. There is a middle ground, and it feels really good when you find it. Here is what you will learn: How slowing down can actually move your progress forward A realistic way to find balance without tracking every detail A healthier mindset around food during the holidays Why you never need to earn your rest, your meals, or your joy If you’ve been feeling pressure to be perfect or fear of losing the progress you worked so hard for, this episode will help you shift your mindset so you can enjoy this season fully while still feeling grounded in your body and your habits. If you loved this episode, you may also enjoy: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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4 Reminders That Changed How I See My Body
11/20/2025
4 Reminders That Changed How I See My Body
The holidays can bring so much joy, and they can also stir up body image thoughts that steal your peace. Photos, family comments, richer foods, and a disrupted routine can make you hyper-aware of how you look instead of helping you live the moments in front of you. In this episode, I am sharing four reminders that helped me shift from controlling my body to caring for it. These are the truths I come back to when the season feels loud and I want to move through it with more freedom, grace, and confidence. Here is what you will learn: The simple lens I use to remember what actually makes life feel meaningful How I define my “perfect weight” in a way that supports real life A kinder way to relate to the mirror so you can be present again Why chasing smaller often shrinks your life and what to choose instead A grounding practice to reconnect with your body when comparison shows up If this conversation meets you at the right time, let it be permission to live the season you are in with softness and self-respect. If you loved this episode, you will also enjoy: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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Holiday Fitness Q&A: Staying Consistent Without the Guilt
11/17/2025
Holiday Fitness Q&A: Staying Consistent Without the Guilt
The holidays are a beautiful season, but they can also be a season where your routine gets stretched. Travel, family gatherings, different foods, colder weather, unpredictable schedules. All of it can make consistency feel harder than usual. And if you’ve ever felt that tension between wanting to enjoy the moment and wanting to protect your progress, you are so not alone. In this episode, I am answering real questions from the Movement with Julie community about how to stay consistent through the holidays without guilt, pressure, or all-or-nothing thinking. We are talking about breaks, travel, motivation, rest, and how to stay anchored when your routine looks different. Here is what you will learn: How much progress you actually lose during time off What my personal bare-minimum workout routine looks like in busy seasons The mindset that keeps consistency alive when motivation is low The difference between discipline and self-pressure How I decide when to rest and when to push What to do after an off week so you do not get stuck in the spiral How to stay present with your family while still caring for yourself If you want to enjoy the holidays fully and still feel strong, steady, and confident in your body, this conversation will give you the reassurance and structure you need. If you loved this episode, you may also enjoy: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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How to Maintain Progress When You’re at 60% Effort
11/13/2025
How to Maintain Progress When You’re at 60% Effort
Today, I want to talk about something that so many of us struggle to accept — the idea that you can’t always give 100%. Some days, weeks, or even months… all you have is 60%. And that’s not failure — that’s being human. We live in a culture that glorifies “all or nothing.” It tells us that if we’re not giving it our absolute best — crushing workouts, tracking macros perfectly, staying on top of every little habit — then we’re somehow falling short. But it doesn't have to be this way. When you start giving yourself permission to scale your effort based on your season, you stop operating from guilt and start operating from grace. And that’s where real, sustainable progress happens. So in this episode of Embrace Your Real, we’re going to talk about: Why 60% effort still matters more than you think What “maintenance mode” actually looks like And how to give yourself permission to scale back without losing momentum If you loved this episode, you might also like Episode 474: If you want more from me, be sure to check out... Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website: Get my eBook: Amazon Storefront:
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7 Rules You Need This Thanksgiving + Holiday Season
11/10/2025
7 Rules You Need This Thanksgiving + Holiday Season
The holidays can bring so much joy, but let’s be honest, they can also bring stress. Between travel, family gatherings, endless food options, and your normal routine flying right out the window, it’s easy to feel like you’ve lost your rhythm. But this season doesn’t have to derail your progress or your peace. It just requires a little intention. So today, I’m sharing seven simple rules that will help you stay consistent, confident, and in control, without missing out on any of the fun. These are the exact things I remind myself of every single holiday season, and they’re the same strategies I teach inside Movement with Julie and Macro Counting Made Simple. What I Discuss: How to navigate the holiday season without losing your rhythm or peace Simple strategies to stay consistent and confident through the chaos How to enjoy food and family without guilt or restriction The mindset shift that makes progress sustainable year-round Practical tips to balance health, happiness, and holiday fun If you loved this one, I think you’ll also love Episode 586: If you want more from me, be sure to check out... Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website: Get my eBook: Amazon Storefront:
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What If Self-Discipline Has Been Misunderstood This Whole Time?
11/06/2025
What If Self-Discipline Has Been Misunderstood This Whole Time?
For years, we’ve been told that discipline means pushing harder, eating cleaner, and saying no to anything that doesn’t fit the plan. But what if that version of discipline, the one rooted in restriction, guilt, and grind culture, is actually the reason you’re burning out and losing motivation? In this episode, I’m breaking down what self-discipline really means and how to rebuild it in a way that feels supportive instead of punishing. You’ll learn how to recognize when your discipline is coming from fear instead of alignment, how to reconnect with self-trust, and how to make consistency feel good again. Here’s what you’ll learn: How the fitness world turned discipline into grind culture The difference between fear-based and aligned discipline How to tell when your motivation is rooted in control instead of connection Simple mindset shifts to make discipline feel empowering Why rest, flexibility, and joy all belong in your fitness routine How to rebuild discipline around self-trust instead of perfection If you’ve been stuck in the all-or-nothing mindset, this episode will help you redefine discipline so it finally feels sustainable. If you loved this conversation, you’ll also love Episode 562: . If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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What I Learned From Tracking Macros for Almost 15 Years (and How I Do It Differently Now)
11/03/2025
What I Learned From Tracking Macros for Almost 15 Years (and How I Do It Differently Now)
Today’s episode is one I’ve been so excited to record because this is a story that’s been such a big part of my own journey — and one that I know so many of you will relate to. We’re talking all about what tracking macros has actually taught me. I’m going to share what tracking gave me, what I wish I had known sooner, and then walk you through the six phases I went through — from tracking every single thing to where I am now, which is living in a place of peace, trust, and balance. By the end, you’ll know how to stay consistent without obsession, how to use tracking as a tool instead of a rule, and how to build the kind of food freedom that lasts. What I Discuss: The real lessons I learned from tracking macros for nearly 15 years — beyond food, into mindset, discipline, and self-trust. Why tracking isn’t meant to control you, and how I use it now as a tool for freedom, not restriction. The six phases I went through on my journey, from tracking every bite to living in full peace and balance with food. How under-eating doesn’t make you disciplined…it makes you depleted. How fueling your body actually builds confidence. The key shift that helped me move from obsession to awareness — and why real food freedom comes from knowing, not guessing. And if you loved this one, you will also love If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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7 reasons you’ve stopped seeing results after years of training
10/27/2025
7 reasons you’ve stopped seeing results after years of training
If you’ve been lifting consistently for years but your progress has stalled, your strength feels the same, your body looks the same, and your motivation is fading, this episode is for you. You’re doing everything “right”: tracking your macros, showing up for your lifts, sleeping, recovering… yet somehow, your body isn’t responding the way it used to. The truth? You’re not broken, your body has simply adapted. In this episode, we’re digging into what’s really going on when your progress plateaus after years of consistent training, and more importantly, what to do about it. You’ll learn what’s happening neurologically, hormonally, and physically when the results stop showing up, and how to reignite growth without overtraining or burning yourself out. Here’s what we’re diving into: How your brain’s “efficiency” in movement can secretly limit muscle activation Why nervous system fatigue often looks like low motivation — and how to recover from it How shifts in estrogen and testosterone affect your strength and recovery The real reason your body isn’t responding (hint: you’re probably under-fueling) Why recovery has to evolve with your training, or you’ll stay stuck in micro-fatigue What happens when dopamine-driven progress slows and training feels flat How to finally break the “work harder” mindset and train smarter for long-term results If your workouts have started to feel flat and your body isn’t changing, this episode will help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface, and give you the tools to start seeing results again. If you loved this conversation, you'll also love If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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The One Mistake Women Make with Dumbbells
10/23/2025
The One Mistake Women Make with Dumbbells
If you’ve been showing up consistently but not seeing the strength or definition you want, this episode might just reveal why. The most common mistake I see women make with dumbbells? Going too light, for too long. We’ve been told that heavier weights make women “bulky,” that lighter ones are for “toning,” or that cardio is the safer path to fitness. But those myths are holding you back from building the strong, confident body you actually want. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly why lifting too light stalls your progress and what to do instead so you can finally start seeing real change. Here’s what we’re diving into: Why light weights don’t trigger the muscle or metabolism changes you’re working for The science of progressive overload and how to apply it to your workouts How to know if your dumbbells are actually heavy enough The difference between training for endurance vs. building strength and muscle How to safely level up your lifts without fear of injury or “bulking up” The role structure plays in ensuring you keep progressing month after month If you’ve been stuck in the “light weights only” cycle, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and strategy to finally level up, without overcomplicating it. 🎧 Want more? Check out these episodes: If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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Pre-Holiday Pep Talk: How to Stay Consistent and Confident Through the Holidays
10/20/2025
Pre-Holiday Pep Talk: How to Stay Consistent and Confident Through the Holidays
The holidays are around the corner, and let’s be honest, this season can feel like a minefield when it comes to food, fitness, and consistency. One minute you’re excited for family and traditions, the next you’re stressing that all your progress is about to be undone by travel, late nights, and holiday cookies. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to toss in the towel or “start fresh” in January. You can enjoy the season and stay consistent, if you set yourself up with the right mindset and a simple plan. In this episode, I’m giving you a practical pep talk you can come back to anytime you feel that all-or-nothing thinking creeping in. Here’s what we’re diving into: How to mentally prep before the chaos begins The 3 non-negotiables that keep you steady no matter what What to do the day after you fall off track (hint: it’s not punishment) Why flexibility beats restriction when it comes to holiday food How to anchor yourself in your “why” so you finish the season proud, not guilty If you want to walk into January feeling strong, confident, and already consistent, this episode will give you the tools to do it. 🎧 Want more? Listen next to If you want more from me, be sure to check out… Follow me on Instagram: | | Movement With Julie | App: Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: Website:
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