Women’s Fitness Struggles: Gym Intimidation, Home Workouts & Mindset
Let’s get to know each other!Struggling with gym intimidation, home workout distractions, or staying motivated? You’re not alone.In this episode of Giggles & Glutes, Zoë and Donaé dive into the real fitness struggles women face — from walking into the gym and feeling judged, to dealing with equipment hoggers, unsolicited advice, and the chaos of training at home.We’ll also cover the mental side of fitness:•The scale obsession•Comparison trap on social media•Guilt over missed workoutsMost importantly, we share practical solutions to build confidence, set up your home space, and focus on progress that actually matters.👯♀️ Whether you’re starting your journey or pushing through a plateau, this episode will remind you: you’re not alone, and your struggles are valid.✨ Listen now for relatable stories, real talk, and motivation to keep going.⏰ Timeline:00:00 – Intro & Welcome01:10 – Gym Intimidation02:11 – The Men’s Weight Section03:45 – Gym Bullying & Bench Stories06:45 – Equipment Hogging08:50 – Unsolicited Advice & Form Policing11:30 – At-Home Workout Chaos13:00 – Motivation vs. The Fridge14:45 – The Mental Struggles16:00 – Practical Solutions That Work17:30 – Closing Encouragement📺 Watch on YouTube🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more📲 Follow us on Instagram: @gigglesandglutesDon’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE this with a friend who’s ready to build a body they love. 💪🍽️👩🏽⚖️ DisclaimerWe always strive to share the most accurate information on a topic; however, this may also include our personal opinions. All views and opinions expressed in this video are just that — opinions. This content is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health, fitness, or nutrition routines.Hang out with us on our socials!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giggles.glutes/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gigglesandglutesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GigglesandGlutes
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5 Metabolism Lies Keeping You Stuck (and What Actually Works)
Let’s get to know each other!We’re busting the biggest metabolism myths holding women back—from “six small meals” to “no food after 7 PM,” endless cardio, magic fat-burners, and the belief your metabolism crashes at 30. We unpack what metabolism really is, why protein and strength training matter, how sleep and circadian rhythm fit in, and how to build habits that last.🎥 We also recap our first YouTube Live Q&A (it was spicy 😅).What you’ll learn• Why meal content beats meal frequency• How protein’s thermic effect gives you an edge• Cardio vs. strength for a faster “engine”• The truth about “fat-burning” foods/supplements• Why metabolism stays stable 20–60 (lifestyle is the lever)Resources mentioned• Large lifespan metabolism study (published 2021)• Late-eating & circadian rhythm research (published 2022)(Note: none of this is medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider, especially regarding GLP-1 meds.)Next up → Build a strength-first weekly plan that you’ll actually stick to.⏰ Timeline:00:00 Intro + Live Q&A recap01:15 Why we’re talking metabolism02:20 What metabolism actually is (your body’s engine)03:18 Common “boost your engine” claims we hear04:02 Myth #1: “Six small meals boost metabolism”06:05 TEF explained + why protein wins08:10 Meal frequency vs. total daily intake (what matters)09:35 Practical tip: build plates protein-first11:02 Myth #2: “Eating late makes you fat”13:05 Why cut-off rules seem to work (it’s calories)14:22 Sleep, circadian rhythm & late meals16:10 Late-night, high-protein options that help17:05 Myth #3: “Endless cardio speeds metabolism”18:55 Muscle = BMR engine (why lifting matters)21:10 EPOC, HIIT, walking for recovery23:05 Programming: 2–4 strength + 1–2 HIIT weekly24:10 Audience check-in + thumbs-up request24:35 Myth #4: “Fat-burning foods/supps melt fat”27:05 Caffeine/green tea = tiny, temporary effects28:40 Spend on shoes, dumbbells, groceries instead29:28 Sleep target for women (7–9 hrs)30:05 Myth #5: “Metabolism plummets with age”32:10 Stability from 20–60, sarcopenia & lifestyle34:05 Strength + protein to protect metabolism35:08 Caution chat: GLP-1s & informed decisions37:00 Real-life habit timelines (complex vs simple)38:10 The 5 truths recap39:10 CTA: subscribe + next video pointer39:40 Outro📺 Watch on YouTube🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more📲 Follow us on Instagram: @gigglesandglutesDon’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE this with a friend who’s ready to build a body they love. 💪🍽️👩🏽⚖️ Disclaimer:We always strive to share the most accurate information on a topic however this can be mixed with opinion and we maintain that all the views and opinions expressed in this video is just that.Hang out with us on our socials!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giggles.glutes/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gigglesandglutesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GigglesandGlutes
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Fitness Truths Exposed: What the Industry Never Told Us
Let’s get to know each other!The fitness world sold us a LOT of lies — from “carbs make you fat” to “progress is always linear.” In this episode of Giggles & Glutes, Zoë and Donne break down the truths the industry never told us: why mindset matters more than macros, why the scale is NOT the full picture, and how rest, recovery, and balance are your real superpowers.We share the myths we had to unlearn, the toxic self-talk we overcame, and the tools that actually create long-term progress — without giving up pizza, wine, or your social life.If you’ve ever felt frustrated, confused, or stuck in your fitness journey, this episode will shift your perspective and help you finally find freedom in training, nutrition, and self-love.✅ Progress isn’t linear✅ Your mindset matters more than macros✅ Why the scale lies (and what to track instead)✅ Supplements: what’s worth it and what’s hype✅ The power of rest & recovery✅ Living life and still reaching your goals💌 Share this with a friend who’s been battling fitness myths and remind them: you don’t have to punish your body to see progress.⏰ Timeline:00:00 Welcome & Why This Episode Matters01:05 Progress Is Not Linear (and why that’s okay)04:20 Mindset vs Macros – The Real Secret to Results08:00 Comparison & Toxic Self-Talk in Fitness11:10 Fitness Myths We Had to Unlearn14:40 Dragging the Scale: Why It Lies to You19:30 Jeans, Glutes & Body Composition Reality Check23:00 Supplements – What’s Worth It (and What’s Not)27:15 Rest Is Powerful – The Truth About Recovery32:40 The Bonus Truth: You Don’t Have to Give Up Your Social Life35:00 Final Thoughts & Therapy Session Wrap-Up📺 Watch on YouTube🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more📲 Follow us on Instagram: @gigglesandglutesDon’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE this with a friend who’s ready to build a body they love. 💪🍽️👩🏽⚖️ Disclaimer:We always strive to share the most accurate information on a topic however this can be mixed with opinion and we maintain that all the views and opinions expressed in this video is just that.Hang out with us on our socials!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giggles.glutes/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gigglesandglutesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GigglesandGlutes
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Escape Diet Culture: 5 Steps to Heal Your Relationship with Food
Let’s get to know each other!You’ve meal-prepped, tracked every calorie, avoided the cake at work—and still ended up feeling out of control around food. Why?In this episode of Giggles & Glutes, Zoë and Donaé break down how diet culture wires us to feel guilt, fear, and shame about food. From the “what-the-hell effect” to the binge-restrict cycle, we unpack why you are not the problem—the system is.You’ll walk away with powerful mindset shifts and 5 steps to finally start healing your relationship with food.🎧 Whether you’re navigating binge eating, food anxiety, or the pressure to eat “clean” all the time—this is the conversation we all needed⏰ Timeline:00:00 Intro & why food feels like the enemy02:20 Office cake, guilt & “diet rules”04:05 Why willpower isn’t the problem06:45 The real reason bingeing happens09:20 Toxic diet culture: How it traps you11:40 Clean vs dirty food = a marketing lie13:00 The “what-the-hell effect” explained15:30 Binge-restrict cycle breakdown17:15 The mental toll of clean eating19:00 Social isolation & food anxiety21:10 Family, culture & the joy of nostalgic food24:10 Shame, cravings & learning to enjoy again26:45 The food police in your head28:10 5 Steps to Rebuild Food Freedom28:20 Step 1: Curate your digital environment30:10 Step 2: Notice & challenge the food police31:40 Step 3: Eat the “forbidden” food33:00 Step 4: Debunk myths with science34:10 Step 5: Reconnect with hunger/fullness cues35:30 Final message & call to action📺 Watch on YouTube🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more📲 Follow us on Instagram: @gigglesandglutesDon’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE this with a friend who’s ready to build a body they love. 💪🍽️👩🏽⚖️ Disclaimer:We always strive to share the most accurate information on a topic however this can be mixed with opinion and we maintain that all the views and opinions expressed in this video is just that.Hang out with us on our socials!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giggles.glutes/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gigglesandglutesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GigglesandGlutes
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34:40
Ditch the Scale: Smarter Ways to Track Your Fitness Progress
Let’s get to know each other!Are you letting a number on the scale ruin your day? In this episode of Giggles & Glutes, Zoë and Donaé get real about why the scale doesn’t show the full picture—and how to actually track your fitness progress in ways that matter.From strength gains to booty-growing jeans, from body comp hacks to Whoop insights and cycle syncing—this is the empowering conversation you didn’t know you needed. Expect giggles, real talk, and plenty of knowledge bombs to help you fall in love with the process again. 💪💕✨ What we cover:•The truth about daily weight fluctuations•Why strength and performance tell the real story•How to take progress pics that actually show change•Why your jeans might be lying to you•The underrated power of sleep, hormones, and hunger⏰ Timeline:00:00 Whoop update01:52 Ditching the Apple Watch03:15 Intro & topic reveal04:32 Scale obsession06:06 What weight really means07:54 Why weight fluctuates09:35 Hormones & cycle impact11:26 Smarter weighing approach12:49 Strength as progress14:52 Progressive overload16:20 Body composition vs scale17:44 Zoë’s transformation story18:55 Progress pictures20:18 Clothing fit check21:23 Flexibility & endurance22:17 How you feel23:25 Bonus facts: sleep & hormones25:00 Final takeaways25:40 Sign-off📺 Watch on YouTube🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more📲 Follow us on Instagram: @gigglesandglutes💬 Share your thoughts in the comments — have BCAAs made a difference for you?Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE this with a friend who’s ready to build a body they love. 💪🍽️👩🏽⚖️ Disclaimer:We always strive to share the most accurate information on a topic however this can be mixed with opinion and we maintain that all the views and opinions expressed in this video is just that.Hang out with us on our socials!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/giggles.glutes/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gigglesandglutesYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GigglesandGlutes
Welcome to Giggles & Glutes, a YouTube channel by best friends and Personal Trainers Donaé and Zoë, where we dive into all things life, fitness, and women’s empowerment. Join us for real talk, laughter, tips on building confidence inside and outside the gym and navigating everyday challenges. Whether you’re looking for workout advice, motivation, or a good laugh, Giggles & Glutes is your go-to spot for uplifting content. Subscribe now and be part of our supportive community!
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