Feel like your workout motivation fades as the days get shorter? You’re definitely not alone. When the colder months set in, the urge to cozy up instead of working out can be strong. But staying active through winter doesn't have to be a struggle—it can actually become an enjoyable part of the season. In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I dive into how you can create a winter fitness routine that works with your body’s natural rhythms, making your workout time something you look forward to.

One key strategy is adapting your routine to suit winter’s slower pace. Resistance training, for example, can be a grounding choice that supports your goals without overwhelming your energy levels. Embracing periodization—essentially, cycling through different workout intensities and focuses—allows you to stay consistent without burning out. Fitness isn’t about pushing forward relentlessly; it’s about tuning into the season's natural ebb and flow and working with it, not against it.

I also discuss:

(00:00) - Navigating Seasonal Changes in Fitness

(07:58) Seasonal Maintenance

(10:03) - Creating a Cozy Winter Workout Environment

(16:32) - Embracing Authenticity for Inner Beauty

and more!

If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood and wondering how you’ll find time for self-care? Balancing the two may seem impossible, but with the right approach, it doesn’t have to be. In this episode of Embrace your Real, I dive into the heart of managing those early, unpredictable months of motherhood while making space for your well-being.

You’ll discover practical ways to nurture yourself, from catching much-needed rest to nourishing your body in small but impactful ways. I'll also explore how setting personal boundaries and leaning into your intuition can prevent burnout + so much more.

I also discuss:

(00:00) Balancing Motherhood and Self-Care (06:36) Prioritizing Self-Care for New Moms (14:50) Daily Movement for Postpartum Self-Care (19:48) Embracing Authentic Beauty and Confidence

and more!

If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

Is cardio the secret sauce for achieving a lean, toned physique, or is there more to the equation? In this episode of Embrace Your Real, let’s dive into the truth about cardio's role in your fitness journey and why it may not be as essential as you think. While cardio improves heart health and helps burn calories, it’s resistance training that truly transforms your body composition, builds muscle, and boosts your metabolism.

Join me as I explain why prioritizing strength training, with a sprinkle of cardio, creates a balanced routine that can unlock your strongest, most confident self. From integrating HIIT to incorporating steady-state cardio and active recovery, I’ll guide you through designing a fitness plan that works for you—even if you're stuck at home and more.

I also discuss:

(00:00) Role of Cardio in Strength Training

(08:56) Balancing Cardio in Strength Training

(09:43) Benefits of Steady State Cardio

(15:38) Strategic Cardio for Optimal Fitnes

(18:34) Convenient Dumbbell Workouts for Women

and more!

If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

How do you stay committed to your health and fitness goals during the holidays without feeling like you have to defend your choices? In this episode, we dive into the art of navigating social gatherings with confidence, even when your healthy lifestyle comes under scrutiny. From practical tips on handling comments to staying aligned with mindful practices like counting macros, we’ve got you covered.

Instead of fixating on food, shift your focus to the people around the table. By fostering connections and engaging in meaningful conversations, you can enjoy the festivities while staying on track. After all, the real joy of the season is in the relationships we nurture, not just what's on your plate!

I also discuss:

(00:00) Navigating Social Gatherings With Confidence

(02:01) Dealing with Social Pressures Around Healthy Eating

and more!

If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

Is there an ideal time of day to work out, or does it all depend on your lifestyle? In this episode, we dive into the world of afternoon and evening workouts, especially for those who just can’t get moving in the morning.

I also explore the bonus benefits of evening workouts, like transforming leftover stress into relaxation but, of course, it’s not all perfect – I tackle the common challenges of evening exercise, from disrupted sleep to schedule clashes and that creeping sense of losing motivation as the day winds down.

Whether you’re rethinking your workout schedule or looking to optimize your current routine, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you find the best fit.

I also discuss:

(00:27) Pros and Cons of Afternoon Workouts

(10:10) Understanding the Cons of Evening Workouts

(12:39) Managing Workout Motivations in Seasons

(19:35) Choosing the Best Workout Time

and more!

If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

What if your biggest barrier to progress wasn’t physical but mental? Think about it—if your mind is telling you that you can’t push further or won’t improve, you may start believing it. Your body responds to your thoughts, and this can be the real reason why you’re stopping early, skipping reps, or shying away from challenging exercises.

In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I'm diving into why negative self-talk can sabotage your fitness journey and how to tackle it head-on. The mind is just as important as the muscles when it comes to reaching your goals. If we constantly reinforce self-doubt, we hold ourselves back. But imagine what can happen when we reframe those thoughts.

We’re breaking down actionable steps to silence that inner critic, from recognizing negative thoughts in the moment to replacing them with positive affirmations.

I also discuss:

(02:55) - How to recognize negative self-talk + when it's happening

(04:18) Focusing on progress and not being perfect

(05:52) Creating your mantras

and more!

If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

Is your workout time working against you? In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I will uncover how your body's natural rhythms could be impacting your fitness gains. Whether you're a crack-of-dawn enthusiast or someone squeezing in a late-night session, we’re here to break down how timing could be the missing piece in your fitness puzzle. Early morning workouts come with perks like enhanced fat burning, better insulin sensitivity, and the benefit of syncing with your natural hormone surge. But, let's be real—mornings aren’t for everyone!

For those who feel more alive later in the day, we'll explore how understanding your chronotype could help you optimize your workouts. If you’ve tried and struggled to make mornings your go-to workout time, we’ve got you covered with practical tips to ease into a routine, all while keeping it simple and stress-free.

We also discuss:

(00:00) Optimal Exercise Timing for Results

(02:11) Pros and Cons of Morning Workouts

(04:31) Benefits of Morning Workouts

(06:12) Effectiveness of Fasted Workouts

(16:19) Finding Your Ideal Workout Time

(17:09) Optimal Exercise Performance Timing

and more!

If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

What if your self-worth wasn’t tied to your reflection? In a world where body image can feel like everything, imagine the freedom of valuing yourself beyond physical appearance.

In this episode of Embrace Your Real, we dive deep into the relationship between self-image and body image—two concepts that often get tangled in our minds.

I’ll be sharing practical tips and mindset shifts to help you build a positive self-image that isn’t confined to what you see in the mirror. Together, we’ll explore how to break free from comparison, avoid harmful self-labels, and focus on personal progress and authenticity. You’ll discover that nurturing a healthy self-image starts with recognizing your intrinsic value, which goes far beyond any social media highlight reel.

(00:00) Improving Body Image

(01:32) Building a Positive Self-Image

(13:33) Embracing Authentic Self-Worth

If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

Can you picture maintaining your fitness routine while feeling empowered and energized throughout pregnancy? In this episode of Embrace Your Real, join me as I dive into how staying active can ease common symptoms like fatigue and swelling, while boosting both mental health and circulation. Bonus points: I will share tips for adjusting your routine during the first trimester, including how to embrace energy fluctuations.

I’ll also cover the importance of strengthening your core and pelvic floor, using gentle movements like diaphragmatic breathing and pelvic tilts + so much more

I also discuss:

(00:00) Staying Active During Pregnancy

(11:10) Building Strong Core and Pelvic Floor

(16:04) Second Trimester Exercise and Posture

(29:17) Exercise Guidelines During Pregnancy

(35:30) Embracing Your Authentic Beauty

And more!

If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page

What if perfectionism is holding you back from reaching your fitness potential? In this episode of Embrace Your Real, I dive into the all-or-nothing mentality that often derails our progress before we even realize it.

Whether it's skipping workouts because you don’t have time for a full session, or feeling discouraged by a single misstep, this mindset can leave you stuck. In reality, small, consistent efforts can have a huge impact over time.

(00:00) Breaking the All or Nothing Mentality

(1:43) Embracing Small Wins in Your Fitness Journey

(07:35) Promoting Self-Acceptance

And more!

If you want more from me, be sure to check out...

Follow me on Instagram: @juliealedbetter | @embraceyourreal | @movementwithjulie

Movement With Julie | App: https://sale.movementwithjulie.com/

Macro Counting Made Simple Online Academy: https://www.macrocountingmadesimple.com/

Website: www.juliealedbetter.com

Get my eBook: FREE Macro Counting Ebook

Amazon Storefront: Julie Ledbetter's Amazon Page