In this episode, Nikki and Janet chat with personal trainer and virtual coach Kourtney Thomas about the benefits, science and mindset of hypertrophy training and her program The Bigness Project.

They cover:

• What hypertrophy training is and why it’s not just for bros
• The difference in mindset when training to get “big” versus training to get smaller
• The science and application of hypertrophy training
• How long it takes to see a physical difference and beginner “gains”
• The role of rest and recovery in growing bigger muscles
• How hypertrophy training can fit into a fitness program if you also want to train for an endurance sport or work on strength and cardiovascular fitness
• Body image, the culture of smallness for women and how the message is changing
• Myths and misconceptions behind body building (e.g. it’s not functional or it will get your injured)

About Kourtney Thomas, CSCS

B.A. Hospitality Business, Michigan State University

ACSM Certified Personal Trainer, NSCA Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, RRCA Certified Running Coach, Owner, Kourtney Thomas Fitness

A former avoider of gym class, Kourtney stumbled her way into the fitness world via TV infomercials and never looked back. Within a couple of years, she’d made the career transition from desk to gym.

With that decision, Kourtney completed her personal training certification through ACSM, followed that up with her running coaching certification through the RRCA, and then became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA. Kourtney also holds certifications in Concurrent Hybrid Performance Coaching, Spinning, TRX, and ViPR Training. Her business, Kourtney Thomas Fitness, focuses on empowering people to not only master movement, but mindset and choices, too, in order to build a big, beautiful life.

Her passion for endurance running (Kourtney has completed numerous 5k and 10k races, many half marathons, and four marathons to date) evolved into strength training and eventually bodybuilding, and Kourtney believes that there is a style of movement that will ignite a fire in anyone.

When she’s not at the gym doing some variation of biceps curls (seriously, it’s a lot of the time), Kourtney rides her Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe anytime the weather is above 50 degrees, travels to national parks, stays up too late reading copious amounts of science fiction and fantasy, and bake elaborates cakes and cookies. Her motto is “Big Arms, Big Life,” and she lives that daily alongside her husband, Marty, miniature dachshund Boudreaux, and orange tabby cat, Brewer, outside of Colorado Springs, CO.

To connect with Kourtney, visit her site kourtneythomas.com or say hello on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.