Self-Selecting

In this episode, I break down why most muscle-building phases fail—and it usually has nothing to do with the plan itself. I explain why building muscle requires a completely different level of discomfort than fat loss, why you need to commit to the process even when you don’t like how you look, and how inconsistent adherence on both training and nutrition is the biggest reason people spin their wheels. We also cover the truth about “lean bulking,” why comparison (especially with enhanced athletes) will mislead you, and how to actually make a build productive by focusing on execution, training intensity, and being coachable.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 03:49] – Why most builds feel unproductive and the gap between expectations vs reality.
- [03:50 – 06:49] – Building muscle requires a different kind of “suck” than fat loss.
- [06:50 – 10:59] – Tunnel vision, consistency, and why you don’t have to love the building phase to succeed.
- [11:00 – 14:59] – Having a clear reason to build (you can always lose fat later).
- [15:00 – 18:29] – PED misconceptions, “lean bulk” myths, and committing fully to the process.
- [18:30 – 23:56] – The fastest ways to gain fat in a build.
- [23:57 – 29:28] – Why most builds fail.
- [29:29 – 32:13] – Overcomplicating training (glute bias myths).
- [32:14 – 37:13] – Being coachable, accepting feedback, and removing ego from progress.
- [37:14 – 40:16] – Stop ignoring weaknesses.
- [40:17 – 42:48] – You know if you’re truly adherent.

Links & Resources:

Purchase The Complete Fat Loss Guide: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-fat-loss-guide/

Purchase The Glute Building Blueprint: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-glute-building-program/

https://coryfit.com/

⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min

⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultation

For more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/

⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I break down why fat loss often feels inconsistent—and why the real issue usually isn’t the plan, but your level of adherence to it. I explain the different levels of dietary adherence, how to identify intentional vs unintentional deviations, and why not everyone needs to be “perfect” to make progress. We also cover how to match your expectations to your execution, avoid burnout from unnecessary rigidity, and build a sustainable fat loss approach that actually works long term.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 03:36] – Why fat loss feels inconsistent.
- [03:37 – 04:44] – Defining adherence.
- [04:45 – 05:56] – Level A adherence.
- [05:57 – 07:33] – Level B adherence.
- [07:34 – 09:38] – Level C adherence.
- [09:39 – 12:34] – Level D adherence.
- [12:35 – 16:44] – Why most people don’t need perfect adherence to lose fat successfully.
- [16:45 – 20:25] – Tight deadlines, aggressive fat loss, and intentional vs accidental non-adherence.
- [20:26 – 25:21] – Why your body keeps score even when your tracking doesn’t.
- [25:22 – 32:52] – Ranking dietary deviations.
- [32:53 – 39:38] – Why loosening adherence can sometimes improve fat loss results.
- [39:39 – 43:29] – Find your real bottleneck and build a sustainable dieting system.

Links & Resources:

Purchase The Complete Fat Loss Guide: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-fat-loss-guide/

Purchase The Glute Building Blueprint: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-glute-building-program/

https://coryfit.com/

⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min

⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultation

For more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/

⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, Courtney Starr and I have an honest conversation about switching divisions, building a competitive physique, PED realities in women’s bodybuilding, and making decisions that align with your long-term health. We break down bikini vs wellness demands, the sacrifice required to stay competitive, the importance of genetics, and why success in bodybuilding has to be defined on your own terms—not just placings or titles. If you’re navigating division changes, enhancement decisions, or chasing progress without losing yourself, this episode is for you.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 03:49] – Courtney Starr intro, coaching background, and bodybuilding journey.
- [03:50 – 06:55] – Courtney in bikini in 2020.
- [06:56 – 11:59] – First PED exposure, early misconceptions, and the bikini landscape in 2020.
- [12:00 – 15:59] – Transitioning from bikini to wellness and why the switch made sense.
- [16:00 – 20:29] – Sacrifice, intimidation, and realizing bodybuilding is more than just size.
- [20:30 – 27:39] – Building muscle, offseason weight gain, and why staying shredded year-round is overrated.
- [27:40 – 33:59] – PED requirements, genetics, and whether success is worth the trade-offs.
- [34:00 – 35:59] – Sleep, training, nutrition, and the basics that matter before PED use.
- [36:00 – 41:24] – Understanding real PED risks, fake compounds, and informed consent.
- [41:25 – 49:59] – TRT, Anavar, hormones, bloodwork, and why health should come first.
- [50:00 – 55:35] – Growth hormone, lab-based decisions, and smarter enhancement choices.
- [55:36 – 01:01:21] – Defining your “why,” sponsorships, and what success really means.
- [01:01:22 – 01:05:01] – Moving back to bikini and Courtney’s current direction.

Links & Resources:

Follow Courtney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thatnutritionchic/

Work With Courtney: https://www.allstarphysiques.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnGrbzKbi22fg7y76opEXD8_nh57m_B9d5yx_EISL268oVF4HzghfO0-im7BA_aem_OJZg_ZsipCYn0zBtNnYASg

Purchase The Glute Building Blueprint: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-glute-building-program/

https://coryfit.com/

⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min

⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultation

For more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/

⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I break down the difference between real physiological hunger and cravings, and why most people struggle to tell them apart—especially during a fat loss phase. I walk through what’s actually driving hunger (hormones, sleep, stress, hydration), why not all hunger signals are “real,” and how emotional and behavioral patterns influence cravings. I also cover practical ways to assess what you’re feeling in the moment, build tolerance to hunger, and make better decisions without feeling out of control while dieting.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 04:16] – Breaking down hunger vs cravings and why most people misinterpret the signals
- [04:17 – 07:52] – Physiological hunger explained (ghrelin, leptin, and true hunger cues)
- [07:53 – 09:14] – Why not all hunger is real (dehydration, habits, environment)
- [09:15 – 13:17] – The mistake of trying to outrun hunger during dieting
- [13:18 – 16:02] – How meal composition and nutrient timing impact hunger and energy
- [16:03 – 18:38] – Distinct vs transient hunger and the role of sleep + cortisol
- [18:39 – 21:58] – How upbringing and food behaviors shape hunger awareness
- [21:59 – 27:04] – Emotional hunger vs true hunger (anxiety, fear, and food attachment)
- [27:05 – 32:39] – Cravings, cheat meals, and why calories vs behavior both matter
- [32:40 – 37:18] – Using flexibility (“slush fund”) to reduce binge/restrict cycles
- [37:19 – 40:34] – How to differentiate hunger vs cravings in the moment
- [40:35 – 42:14] – Why eliminating hunger isn’t realistic + building tolerance
- [42:15 – 47:59] – Self-talk, decision-making, and improving dietary control long-term

Links & Resources:

Purchase The Glute Building Blueprint: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-glute-building-program/

https://coryfit.com/

⁠Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min

⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultation

For more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/

⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink

In this episode, I answer 20 training-focused questions covering everything from pre-workout nutrition, hypertrophy vs running, training timing, and recovery, to common gym frustrations and technique issues.

I break down how to optimize performance, make better training decisions, and remove overthinking—whether it’s choosing the best time to train, progressing lifts, managing fatigue, or navigating real-world scenarios like missed sessions, poor workouts, or gym distractions.

This is a practical Q&A designed to help you train smarter, stay consistent, and get more out of your workouts long-term.

Timestamps:

- [00:00 – 03:19] – Q1: Favorite pre-workout meal?
- [03:20 – 04:59] – Q2: How to handle unsolicited gym advice from partner?
- [05:00 – 06:25] – Q3: Running goals vs hypertrophy.
- [06:26 – 08:24] – Q4: Mobility and stretching.
- [08:25 – 10:04] – Q5: B-stance RDL technique.
- [10:05 – 11:23] – Q6: Missing a lower body session: When to skip vs adjust your split?
- [11:24 – 13:07] – Q7: Best time to train?
- [13:08 – 14:54] – Q8: Training during PMS.
- [14:55 – 18:19] – Q9–10: Increasing weight + lower back pain.
- [18:20 – 21:22] – Q11–12: Hip mobility + intra-workout carbs.
- [21:23 – 25:18] – Q13–15: Bad sessions, sleep trade-offs & lifting shoes.
- [25:19 – 29:00] – Q16–17: Workout partner distractions + exercise frustration.
- [29:01 – 36:23] – Q18–20: Post-workout nutrition, training frequency & muscle growth.

Links & Resources:

Purchase The Glute Building Blueprint: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-glute-building-program/

https://coryfit.com/

Coaching: Let's Chat⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15min

⁠Consults: Book a Call⁠https://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultation

For more content, follow along:⁠Instagram⁠: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/

⁠Patreon⁠: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink