In this Q+A episode of The Fitness League Podcast, we're answering real listener questions about some of the most common fitness frustrations—tight hamstrings, hip pain, pregnancy workouts, balancing running and lifting, and whether you can truly build muscle with just dumbbells at home.

We break down why "tight" hamstrings often aren't a flexibility problem at all, how strengthening muscles in a lengthened position can improve mobility, and why hip control across multiple planes of movement matters more than endless stretching. We also dive into smart training adjustments during pregnancy, how to manage recovery when increasing intensity, and how to balance strength training with running without burning out.

If you're training at home with limited equipment, feeling stuck with nagging hip or hamstring issues, or navigating fitness through a new season of life, this episode will give you practical, actionable guidance. As always, the focus is on consistency, smart progression, and building strength that supports real life—not comparing your journey to anyone else's.

Because progress isn't built in one perfect workout—it's built in the ways you keep showing up.

APPLY FOR COACHING:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching

The Fitness League app

https://www.fitnessleagueapp.com/

Macros Guide

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros

Join the Facebook Community:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching

FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies

Alessandra's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik

Joelle's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn

Josh's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/joshscutnik

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Fitness League 01:00 Addressing Tight Hamstrings and Hip Pain 11:51 Exploring Exercise Selection and Recovery 19:13 Navigating Pregnancy and Fitness 22:00 Running and Lifting: Finding Balance 25:02 Building Muscle with Limited Equipment 31:55 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

In this episode of The Fitness League Podcast, Josh, Alessandra, and Joelle dive into the real-life intersection of parenting, fitness, and community. From navigating toddler milestones and children's health concerns to unpacking the nuances of gentle parenting, this conversation explores how modern parents balance raising healthy kids while trying to stay healthy themselves.

We also introduce the Hot Mom Summer initiative—a community-driven movement designed to foster accountability, consistency, and connection inside The Fitness League. We break down how trackables improve follow-through, why global challenges can spark meaningful motivation, and how upcoming app updates are making it easier than ever to find the right program for your season of life.

This episode is about more than workouts. It's about building an environment—at home and inside your community—that supports long-term health. If you're a busy parent trying to lead by example, stay consistent, and find support along the way, this conversation will resonate.

As always, change isn't built in one big moment. It's built in the culture you create around you.

APPLY FOR COACHING:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching

The Fitness League app

https://www.fitnessleagueapp.com/

Macros Guide

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros

Join the Facebook Community:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching

FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies

Alessandra's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik

Joelle's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn

Josh's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/joshscutnik

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Fitness League 01:00 Navigating Family Life and School Schedules 03:55 Parenting Challenges: Tummy Aches and Trust 09:50 Transitioning from Babyhood to Toddlerhood 11:30 Introducing Hot Mom Summer 16:26 Engaging Community and Challenges in Fitness 22:46 Creating Engaging Content for Diverse Audiences 23:28 Flexibility in Fitness Programs 25:20 Inclusivity in Challenges: Hot Mom Summer 27:09 Rebranding and Sustainable Goals 29:11 Quarterly Performance Testing and Community Engagement 31:45 Organizing Fitness Programs: The Bucket Approach 37:43 Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality in Fitness 44:18 Educating Users: The Language of Fitness

In this Q+A episode of The Fitness League Podcast, we're tackling real-life fitness questions from busy moms and lifters trying to make progress without perfect conditions.

We dive into practical macro tracking strategies for moms who don't have time to weigh every gram, how to find motivation postpartum when routines feel impossible, and simple meal ideas that make healthy eating sustainable (yes, yogurt bowls make the list). We also break down workout splits, why flexibility in your training matters more than perfection, and how small tweaks—like foot positioning on leg curls—can improve muscle activation and results.

This episode is about adapting your fitness approach to your current season of life. Whether you're navigating postpartum recovery, juggling kids and career, or just trying to stay consistent without burning out, we'll help you simplify the process and focus on what actually moves the needle.

As always, progress isn't built in one big moment—it's built in the small decisions you repeat consistently.

APPLY FOR COACHING:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching

The Fitness League app

https://www.fitnessleagueapp.com/

Macros Guide

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros

Join the Facebook Community:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching

FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies

Alessandra's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik

Joelle's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn

Josh's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/joshscutnik

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Fitness League 03:57 Macro Tracking Tips for Busy Moms 11:54 Finding Motivation Postpartum 16:02 Quick and Healthy Meal Ideas 20:41 Protein Snacks and Alternatives 22:08 Core Exercises During Pregnancy 22:54 Movies and Mental Health 28:06 Training Splits: Full Body vs. Upper/Lower 32:19 Flexibility in Workout Scheduling 35:03 Leg Curl Techniques and Preferences

The health and fitness space is changing fast—and not all of it is for the better. In this episode of The Fitness League Podcast, Josh, Alessandra, and Joelle break down the rising popularity of GLP-1 medications, the explosion of peptide marketing, and the growing influence of social media on how people make health decisions.

We talk honestly about what these tools can and can't do, why quick fixes are being sold as long-term solutions, and how misinformation spreads when integrity takes a back seat to engagement. This isn't about fear or shame—it's about becoming a smarter consumer in an industry that often profits from confusion.

We also introduce and reinforce the L5 Method—training, nutrition, mindset, movement, and habits—as the foundation that no medication, supplement, or trend can replace. Along the way, we discuss caffeine use, community and environment, and why foundational health practices still matter most if your goal is sustainable progress.

If you've felt overwhelmed by health trends, unsure who to trust, or curious about where modern medicine fits into a healthy lifestyle, this episode will help you zoom out, think critically, and refocus on what actually moves the needle.

APPLY FOR COACHING:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching

The Fitness League app

https://www.fitnessleagueapp.com/

Macros Guide

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros

Join the Facebook Community:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching

FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies

Alessandra's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik

Joelle's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn

Josh's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/joshscutnik

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Fitness League Podcast 01:49 The Impact of GLP-1 Medications 05:23 The Role of Influencers in Health and Fitness 09:12 Navigating the Health and Fitness Industry Safely 18:50 The L5 Method: A Holistic Approach to Health 19:51 Foundations of Weight Management 21:13 Stacking Strategies for Weight Loss 23:18 The Importance of Protein and Strength Training 27:16 Self-Reflection on Fitness Goals 28:43 The Role of Caffeine in Performance 33:53 The Gym Environment and Its Impact 37:12 Closing Thoughts on Consistency and Growth

In this episode of The Fitness League, Josh Scutnik and Joelle Cavagnaro dive into practical training questions that come up all the time—but rarely get clear answers. We break down kettlebell training fundamentals, how to improve your pull-ups the right way, and why progressive overload still matters no matter where you're starting from.

We also talk through how to adapt workouts to individual needs without losing effectiveness, including common mistakes people make when substituting exercises or relying too heavily on banded reps. Along the way, we share some behind-the-scenes insight into how The Fitness League app is evolving, how community feedback shapes programming decisions, and why tracking habits—not just workouts—can be a game changer for consistency.

This episode is all about training with intention: understanding why you're doing what you're doing, focusing on proper form, and building strength in a way that actually carries over to real life. Whether you're working toward your first pull-up, learning kettlebells, or just trying to train smarter—not harder—this one's for you.

APPLY FOR COACHING:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching

The Fitness League app

https://www.fitnessleagueapp.com/

Macros Guide

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros

Join the Facebook Community:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching

FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies

Alessandra's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik

Joelle's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn

Josh's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/joshscutnik

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Fitness League 01:24 Kettlebell Training Insights 06:44 Mastering Pull-Ups 13:53 Adapting Workouts for Individual Needs 17:41 Behind the Scenes at TFL 25:53 The Future of Health and Wellness

Cold plunges. Saunas. Vibration plates. Electrolytes. Mobility routines. Everyone has an opinion—but what actually moves the needle?

In this episode of The Fitness League, Josh, Alessandra, and Joelle play a round of Smash or Pass with some of the most talked-about health and fitness trends right now. We break down what's worth your time, what's overhyped, and what depends entirely on you.

Along the way, we cover the fundamentals that never go out of style—why protein matters for recovery and strength, why fiber is still wildly under-consumed, and when electrolytes actually make sense. We also talk through cold exposure, sauna use, Zone 2 cardio, mobility work, and macro tracking, with real-world context instead of blanket advice.

This episode is about cutting through the noise, understanding your individual needs, and building a health approach that's effective, sustainable, and actually enjoyable.

If you've ever wondered whether the latest trend is a game-changer or just good marketing—this one's for you.

APPLY FOR COACHING:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching

The Fitness League app

https://www.fitnessleagueapp.com/

Macros Guide

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros

Join the Facebook Community:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching

FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies

Alessandra's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik

Joelle's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn

Josh's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/joshscutnik

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Fitness League 04:59 Team Meetup and Fun Times 05:25 Smash or Pass: Health and Fitness Edition 10:31 The Importance of Protein 14:26 Fiber: The New Protein? 18:57 Electrolytes: Necessary or Not? 23:12 Recovery Tools: Vibration Plates and More 27:57 Cold Plunges: Benefits and Drawbacks 32:36 Saunas: A Must-Have for Recovery 37:12 Training Trends: Zone 2 Cardio and Rucking 41:36 Mobility Routines: Why They Matter 52:42 Wrap-Up and Call to Action

In today's Q+A episode, we're answering real questions from real people navigating the messy middle of fitness. From finding the right running shoes and training through injuries, to preserving muscle during fat loss and staying motivated when progress slows—this episode covers a wide range of challenges that almost everyone faces at some point.

We talk about why progress often looks different for seasoned lifters, how and when to adjust your training style, and why small, realistic goals are often the missing piece for long-term consistency. We also dive into the role of nutrition during fat loss, how useful fitness trackers really are, and what to do when illness or setbacks derail your routine.

If you've ever felt stuck, frustrated, or unsure whether you're doing the "right" thing—this episode will help you zoom out, adapt intelligently, and keep moving forward without starting over.

As always, the goal isn't perfection—it's progress you can actually sustain.

APPLY FOR COACHING:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching

The Fitness League app

https://www.fitnessleagueapp.com/

Macros Guide

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros

Join the Facebook Community:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching

FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies

Alessandra's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik

Joelle's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn

Josh's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/joshscutnik

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Q&A Introduction 00:58 Running Shoes and Preferences 03:06 Injury Management and Alternative Exercises 07:23 Progress and Expectations in Fitness 11:37 The Reality of Progress in Long-Term Training 15:06 Setting Goals and Finding Motivation 17:43 Changing Training Styles for Progress 18:48 Fitness Trackers: Garmin vs. Apple Watch 20:20 Running Frequency and Program Adherence 21:32 Pregnancy and Modifying Exercises 22:40 Affordable Meat Options and Nutrition 25:26 Muscle Preservation During Fat Loss 30:10 Dealing with Illness and Training Adjustments 35:47 Getting Back on Track After Setbacks 42:08 Aerobic Training and VO2 Max 46:26 Adjusting Macros for Different Training Days

Waiting to feel motivated is one of the fastest ways to stall progress. In this episode of The Fitness League, Josh and Joelle break down why showing up—even when you're exhausted, overwhelmed, or off-schedule—is often the most powerful move you can make.

We talk about the mindset shift behind "doing it tired," why flexibility beats perfection in every season of life, and how confidence is built through small, repeatable actions—not flawless routines. This conversation is for anyone who feels like life keeps getting in the way of their health goals and is tempted to check out entirely because they can't do things "right."

We also share how the foundational principles of health don't change—only how you apply them does—and why adapting your approach is a strength, not a failure. Along the way, we introduce how The Fitness League was built to support real people navigating real life, not ideal circumstances.

If you've ever felt like you're behind, burned out, or barely holding it together—this episode is your reminder that progress doesn't require perfect conditions. It just requires showing up.

APPLY FOR COACHING:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching

The Fitness League app

https://www.fitnessleagueapp.com/

Macros Guide

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros

Join the Facebook Community:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching

FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies

Alessandra's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik

Joelle's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn

Josh's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/joshscutnik

Chapters

00:00 Welcome Back and Personal Updates 02:43 Navigating Life's Challenges and Responsibilities 05:41 The Importance of Showing Up 08:23 Understanding the 'Do It Tired' Mindset 11:11 Embracing Seasons of Tiredness 14:53 Grit vs. Grace: The Balancing Act 18:47 Finding Your Mantra: Personal Accountability 22:55 The Power of Small Actions 28:18 Flexibility in Fitness: Adapting to Life's Changes 32:50 The Fitness League: A New Approach to Health

The world feels loud, chaotic, and overwhelming—and a lot of people are waiting for something big to change before they feel better. In this episode of The Fitness League, we break down why that approach keeps us stuck, and why real change almost always starts with the smallest possible decisions.

We unpack how tiny, repeatable choices shape behavior, identity, and eventually the culture inside your home and community. From decision fatigue and environment design to self-talk and leadership by example, this episode reframes change as something practical, controllable, and deeply impactful—even when the bigger picture feels out of reach.

Rather than chasing motivation or grand gestures, we explore how designing your environment, simplifying decisions, and aligning daily actions with who you want to be can create a ripple effect far beyond just your own health. This conversation is about reclaiming agency, protecting your energy, and understanding how bettering yourself is one of the most meaningful ways to better the world around you.

If you've felt helpless watching the state of the world—or frustrated that nothing seems to be working—this episode will give you a grounded, empowering place to start.

APPLY FOR COACHING:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching

The Fitness League app

https://www.fitnessleagueapp.com/

Macros Guide

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros

Join the Facebook Community:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching

FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies

Alessandra's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik

Joelle's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn

Josh's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/joshscutnik

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Change and Choices 02:42 The State of the World and Personal Control 09:35 Focusing on Personal Well-Being 15:59 The Myth vs. Reality of Change 22:37 Creating Automatic Behaviors 28:45 The Ripple Effect in Communities 32:37 Final Thoughts on Personal Growth and Change

Weekends hit harder—and it's not a character flaw. It's a system problem. In this episode, Josh and guests unpack the real mechanics behind weekend overeating: reward behavior after a long week, social pressure, decision fatigue, and the habit of treating Friday–Sunday like a free-for-all. Then we lay out practical, repeatable strategies that keep you social without the spiral.

Change doesn't come from one perfect weekend—it's built through consistent, doable choices stacked over time. Press play, fix the Friday–Sunday system, and watch your results stop disappearing by Monday.

APPLY FOR COACHING:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/1-1-coaching

The Fitness League app

https://www.fitnessleagueapp.com/

Macros Guide

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/free-resources/calculate-your-macros

Join the Facebook Community:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/lvltncoaching

FREE TOOLS to start your health and fitness journey:

https://www.lvltncoaching.com/resources/freebies

Alessandra's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/alessandrascutnik

Joelle's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/joellesamantha?igsh=ZnVhZjFjczN0OTdn

Josh's Instagram:

http://instagram.com/joshscutnik

Chapters

00:00 The Weekend Struggle: A Common Challenge 02:34 Understanding Weekend Overeating: The Mechanics 14:08 Social Pressures and Expectations: Navigating the Weekend 22:22 Strategies for Success: Planning for the Weekend