It's Pretty Simple

It's Pretty Simple

By Nikita KohliHealth & Fitness
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It's Pretty Simple episodes

  • What No One Tells You About Perimenopause: How to Prepare In Your 30s With Jen Lewellen

    In this episode of It’s Pretty Simple, I sit down with Jen from Own It Personal Training to talk about perimenopause, menopause, and how strength training can help women navigate this phase of life.Jen shares her personal journey—from quitting alcohol to becoming a personal trainer—and how she now specializes in helping perimenopausal women reclaim their strength, health, and confidence.We break down:✅ Perimenopause vs. Menopause: What’s the difference?✅ Common Symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, weight gain, mood swings, brain fog & more✅ Why Strength Training Matters: Muscle loss, metabolism shifts & how lifting weights helps✅ Managing Perimenopause Naturally: Sleep, stress management, diet & lifestyle changes✅ Best Supplements for Perimenopause: Omega-3s, magnesium, creatine & more👀 If you’re in your 30s or beyond, this is a must-watch! Learn how to prepare your body NOW to make the transition easier. Drop a comment below—are you experiencing perimenopause? What’s been your biggest challenge?🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe & share this episode!Follow Jen on https://www.instagram.com/jenlewellenfit/Follow me onhttps://www.instagram.com/equilateraltraining/

    1 hr 4 min
  • How to Set Realistic Goals Without Getting Overwhelmed | Goal-Setting Strategies

    In this episode of It’s Pretty Simple, I’m kicking off season 2 by talking about a goal-setting method that actually works for me—no pressure, no burnout.

    I’m not a fan of New Year’s resolutions, so I share why I prefer quarterly goals and habit-based changes. Whether it’s training for a half marathon or just trying to stay consistent with hydration, breaking things down into smaller chunks helps me stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.

    I also dive into other goal-setting methods like SMART goals and the 2% rule and how flexibility is key in making progress. If you’re already feeling off track with your resolutions, this episode is for you!

    Takeaways

    ✅ New Year resolutions can create unnecessary pressure.

    ✅ Quarterly goals are more manageable and keep you engaged.

    ✅ Breaking down larger goals into smaller steps is effective.

    ✅ Focusing on one goal at a time prevents overwhelm.

    ✅ Flexibility is key in achieving your goals.

    ✅ Habit-based goals support larger objectives without deadlines.

    ✅ Introduce new habits gradually to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

    ✅ SMART goals provide clear and actionable targets.

    ✅ The 2% rule encourages incremental progress.

    ✅ Finding a personalized approach to goal setting is essential.I hope this episode gives you some fresh perspective on how to set goals in a way that feels doable and fun.

    Let me know what works for you!

    Apply to Train with me

    Follow me on Socials

    17 min
  • Season 1 Recap | It’s Pretty Simple - Fitness, Nutrition & Wellness Season 2 Coming Soon!

    Season 1 of It’s Pretty Simple is officially wrapped up! 🎉

    If you’ve been following along, you’ve heard practical tips on fitness, nutrition, and mindset that you can apply to your everyday life. From PCOS and emotional eating to building sustainable habits and creating a balanced workout routine, this season was all about making health simple and achievable.

    Season 1 of It's Pretty Simple has been an amazing journey, and I want to take a moment to thank everyone who helped make it happen.

    To all of my incredible guests – thank you for coming on the show and sharing your knowledge, insights, and unique stories.

    You each played a huge role in making this season so special. 🙏 Your perspectives have inspired and educated me, and I know they've had the same impact on the listeners.

    A special thank you to my business coach – your guidance has been invaluable in helping me bring this vision to life. I’m grateful for your support, and encouragement along the way.

    And of course my editing team, thank you for dealing with all my changes and edits and last min requests 🙈

    To all of you who tuned in – thank you for your continued support! Without you, none of this would be possible. I’m so grateful for each listener who has joined the conversation.


    Season 1 has been unforgettable, I learnt a lot through the process and still am, and I couldn’t have done it without the amazing people involved.


    Season 1 may be wrapped up, but there’s plenty of content to go back and listen to. If you missed any episodes, now’s the time to dive in and catch up. You won’t regret it! 🎧


    Get ready for Season 2 – it’s going to be even better! 🔥

    Launch date coming soon

    3 min
  • Exercising During Pregnancy & Postpartum Recovery With Hana Jafar

    In this episode, I’m joined by Hannah Jafar, a certified personal trainer and psychiatry resident, to talk all things pre and postnatal training. From staying active during pregnancy to managing postpartum recovery, we cover it all. Hannah shares her experience in helping women rebuild strength after childbirth and sets the record straight on common myths.


    Key Takeaways:

    - Why exercise during pregnancy is essential (when done safely) and how to approach it.

    - Postpartum recovery: Managing expectations and rebuilding strength after childbirth.

    - The psychological struggles many moms face and the importance of mental health during postpartum.

    - How nutrition plays a key role in recovery, especially while breastfeeding.

    - The pressure on new moms regarding body image and how to manage it.

    - Why having a solid support system and prioritizing self-care is crucial.

    What You’ll Learn:

    - The best practices for postpartum fitness and core recovery.

    - How to deal with societal pressures about body image after having a baby.

    - The impact of nutrition on postpartum recovery and breastfeeding.

    - Why mental health support is essential for every new mom.

    If you're navigating the postpartum journey or just looking to better understand the challenges moms face, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights.


    Follow us on SocialsFollow us!

    Niks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equilateraltraining/

    Hanas Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healthwith.hana/


    Don't forget to subscribe, like this episode, and share it with anyone who could benefit from the conversation!

    59 min
  • 2024 Recap & 2025 Vision Board: How We’re Setting Goals for the New Year! With Georgia Canavan

    In this festive episode of It's Pretty Simple, I’m joined by my best friend, Georgia, for our annual end-of-year reflection and goal-setting session. For years, we’ve sat down together to reflect on our personal growth, career highlights, travel adventures, and everything in between — and this time, we’re sharing it all with you!

    We talk about what we’ve learned over the past year, the goals we’ve set for 2025, and how we’re embracing the process of growth, both personally and professionally. Whether it’s cycling trips, spiritual retreats, or new business ventures, we dive deep into what made 2024 meaningful and how we’re approaching the new year.
    Join us for an inspiring conversation and get ready to set your own intentions for 2025. We hope our conversation sparks some ideas for your own vision board and helps you set actionable, realistic goals that will make the new year your best yet!
    In this episode:
    Reflecting on 2024: what worked and what didn’t
    Our annual tradition of setting goals together and now sharing it with you
    Travel dreams, personal growth, and new business ventures
    Why we believe in starting your goals now and not just waiting for the New Year
    Tips for setting realistic, actionable goals and sticking to them
    Follow us!
    Niks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equilateraltraining/
    G's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trainwithg/
    Support the Podcast:
    If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to leave a review, share it with friends, and subscribe for more!

    52 min
  • Deloading Explained: How to Achieve Faster Gains and Avoid Burnout in Strength Training

    In this episode of It's Pretty Simple, I explore the concept of deloading—a vital yet often overlooked strategy in fitness. Building on last week's discussion about progressive overload, we explain how incorporating planned recovery weeks can prevent burnout, boost recovery, and keep your progress on track.

    What You'll Learn:

    • What deloading is and why it matters for your fitness journey.
    • How to recognize the signs that your body needs a break.
    • Simple strategies to implement a deload week, from reducing weight to adjusting your training volume.
    • The science behind deloading, including its effects on muscle repair, hormonal balance, and CNS recovery.

    • Whether you're a beginner or an experienced lifter, this episode provides practical, actionable advice to help you train smarter, not harder.

      Tune in to learn how deloading can keep your fitness journey sustainable and effective!

      👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share your deloading experiences in the comments!

      Apply for 1-1 Coaching


      • Integrating Deloading into Strength and Physique Sports Training Programmes: An International Delphi Consensus Approach
        https://sportsmedicine-open.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40798-023-00633-0

      • Gaining more from doing less? The effects of a one-week deload period during supervised resistance training on muscular adaptations
        https://peerj.com/articles/16777/

      • “You can't shoot another bullet until you've reloaded the gun”: Coaches’ Perceptions, Practices and Experiences of Deloading in Strength and Physique Sports
        https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/208


      • 13 min
      • Why Women Need to Stop Lifting Light Weights and Start Lifting Heavy to get "Toned"

        Welcome back to It’s Pretty Simple! I’m your host, Nikita, and in today’s episode, we’re diving into progressive overload—the single most important principle for building strength, muscle, and breaking through fitness plateaus.


        If you’ve ever wondered why you’re not seeing results despite putting in the work at the gym, this episode is for you. I’ll explain how progressive overload works, why it’s the key to your progress, and most importantly, how to test your strength with a 1-Rep Max (1RM) or 8-Rep Max (8RM) to apply this game-changing strategy effectively.


        I’ll share:

        - Why lifting heavy is essential for achieving a lean, toned body.

        - The science-backed benefits of heavy weights vs. light weights.

        - Real-life coaching examples to help you shift your mindset and make real progress.

        What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

        - What is Progressive Overload?

        - Learn why gradually increasing the stress on your muscles is the foundation of strength training.

        Strength Testing 101:A step-by-step guide to testing your 1RM and 8RM safely and effectively, so you know exactly how much weight to lift.


        Key Takeaways:

        - Stop doing high reps with light weights if you want to build strength and muscle.

        - Challenge your muscles with heavy weights to create the mechanical tension needed for growth.

        - Consistency, tracking progress, and eating enough protein are non-negotiable if you want results.

        Studies Referenced:

        1. Strength and Hypertrophy Adaptations Between Low- vs. High-Load Resistance Training: A Meta-AnalysisPublished in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research.

        2. The Effect of Resistance Training in Women on Dynamic Strength and Muscular Hypertrophy: A Systematic Review with Meta-analysisPublished in Sports Medicine.


        Whether you’re new to lifting or stuck at a plateau, this episode is packed with actionable advice, real-life stories, and science-backed insights to help you train smarter, lift heavier, and get the results you’ve been working for.If you’re ready to level up your training, hit play now!

        Don’t forget to:

        ✅ Like this video if you found it helpful.

        ✅ Subscribe for weekly fitness, nutrition, and fat loss tips.

        ✅ Comment below with your biggest takeaway or any questions you have.

        ✅ Share this episode with a friend who’s ready to crush their gym goals!


        21 min
      • Stop Emotional Eating: Tips to Overcome It With Eleni Dimitriadou

        n this episode, I sit with Licensed Psychologist Eleni Dimitriadou where we delve into the psychology behind emotional eating, exploring its definition, causes, and the impact of environment and childhood experiences. We discuss the differences between emotional and physical hunger, the role of guilt in eating habits, and strategies to break the cycle of emotional eating. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and understanding one's relationship with food. In this conversation, We discuss the impact of parental influence on eating habits and body image, emphasizing that issues surrounding food are often rooted in self-worth and emotional awareness.

        The discussion explores the pitfalls of diet culture, particularly the concept of cheat days, and highlights the importance of mindfulness and emotional tools in managing eating behaviors.



        takeaways

        • Emotional eating is a coping mechanism for negative emotions.
        • It's important to differentiate between emotional and physical hunger.
        • The environment plays a significant role in eating habits.
        • Guilt can perpetuate the cycle of emotional eating.
        • Childhood experiences shape our relationship with food.
        • Awareness is key to managing emotional eating.
        • It's okay to eat emotionally, but moderation is crucial.
        • Breaking the cycle requires finding alternative coping strategies.
        • Self-compassion is essential in addressing emotional eating.
        • Understanding triggers can help in managing cravings. The way someone was raised affects their relationship with food.
        • Self-worth is often the underlying issue in eating disorders.
        • Diet culture promotes harmful ideas like cheat days.
        • Emotional eating can stem from unmet emotional needs.
        • Creating a supportive environment is crucial for change.
        • Mindfulness practices can help manage emotional eating.
        • It's important to communicate struggles with family and friends.
        • Self-compassion is key to improving one's relationship with food.
        • Awareness of triggers is the first step to breaking cycles.
        • Professional support can guide individuals towards healthier habits.

        • Follow Eleni : https://www.instagram.com/eleni_psychotherapy/

          59 min
        • Living with PCOS: How Strength Training and Mindset Can Transform Your Life

          In this episode of It’s Pretty Simple, I’m joined by my long-time client and friend, Zainab, to explore her inspiring journey of living with PCOS. From hormonal imbalances and weight struggles to finding sustainable solutions through strength training and nutrition, this episode is packed with actionable insights.

          Key Takeaways:
          How to manage PCOS weight gain and improve hormonal health.
          Why strength training is better than high-intensity workouts for PCOS.
          The role of stress management in reducing symptoms like insulin resistance.
          Debunking myths about PCOS and restrictive diets.
          Steps to create a sustainable, PCOS-friendly lifestyle that works long-term.
          If you’re searching for practical tips on managing PCOS symptoms, improving your health, and thriving despite the challenges, this episode is for you.
          🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share to help others learn how to manage PCOS naturally!
          Apply for 1 on 1 coaching: https://forms.gle/ptsW9yyhz6hwjpXm8
          Zainab's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1zHLQLR3SeI1yjH3bXlhKB?si=709b0e1ea1b24231

          42 min
        • How to Stay Fit on Vacation: Simple Strategies to Maintain Your Progress on the Go

          Traveling doesn't mean you have to abandon your fitness goals. In this episode of It’s Pretty Simple, I share effective strategies for maintaining your workout routine and healthy eating habits while on the move.

          Discover how to stay fit without a gym, make nutritious food choices, and keep your wellness on track during your travels.
          Apply for 1 on 1 coaching: https://forms.gle/ptsW9yyhz6hwjpXm8
          Follow me on Socials : www.instagram.com/equilateraltraining.com

          14 min

        About It's Pretty Simple

        From the publisher's feed

        Welcome to "It's Pretty Simple," a podcast where Nikita, a personal trainer and nutrition coach, breaks down the complex world of fat loss, fitness, and nutrition. Starting her journey at 23,…