Training for Life

Breaking Free: Why Free Weights Win Over Machines In this episode, Sarah and Tanna dive into the pros and cons of training with free weights versus machines—and why free weights can be a game-changer. Sarah shares her fitness journey, starting out in the aerobics room, gradually working up the courage to use machines, and eventually finding her confidence with free weights. If she could go back in time, she’d tell her younger self to get instruction early and embrace free weights sooner. Tanna, on the other hand, began her training with free weights and credits them for giving her exceptional form. She reflects on how her solid start wasn’t everyone’s experience and how important proper guidance is for building strength safely. Whether you're a free weight fan, a machine regular, or just starting out, this episode will inspire you to rethink your approach to strength training.

In this episode, Sarah and Tanna get real about the journey to accepting their natural builds—celebrating the strengths they’ve found in the bodies they have rather than the ones they thought they wanted. Sarah opens up about her long-time wish to look like the taller, leaner fitness influencers she once admired, while Tanna shares her struggles with wanting a long, slender torso.

Together, they explore the freedom that came when they stopped forcing their bodies into ideals that didn’t match their natural frames. Tanna talks about taking on Olympic weightlifting, even with long femurs that might challenge her form, while Sarah focuses on the joy she finds in balancing health, fitness, strength, and being a devoted mom. This episode is a refreshing reminder that true strength and beauty come from owning and embracing the body that’s uniquely yours.

In part two of their nutrition deep dive:

Link to part 1: What We Eat in a Day: Real-Life Nutrition That Actually Works (Pt 1)

Sarah and Tanna focus on the power of pre and post-workout nutrition for maximizing energy, endurance, and recovery. They share their tried-and-true strategies for fueling workouts, including the importance of the post-workout protein window, how they structure their meals around workouts, and why they avoid fats right before and after exercising.

They break down what they eat to optimize performance, support muscle recovery, and stay on track with their fitness goals. With insights into timing, nutrient balance, and recovery strategies, this episode offers practical tips to help you fuel smarter, train stronger, and get the most out of your workout sessions.

 In this episode of Training for Life, Sarah and Tanna give listeners an inside look at what they eat in a day, sharing personal nutrition tips and daily habits that fuel their active lives. Tanna breaks down her approach to tracking macros, giving insight into how she balances her meals for optimal energy and muscle support. Meanwhile, Sarah shares her intuitive eating approach, focusing on listening to her body and prioritizing protein to stay fueled and feeling her best.

They each reveal how they split up meals, snacks, and nutrients throughout the day to maintain a healthy, sustainable diet. Whether you're a dedicated tracker or prefer a more flexible style, Sarah and Tanna’s discussion offers practical ideas to help you find your own approach to eating well and staying strong on your health journey.

In this episode of Training for Life, Sarah and Tanna explore the significance of adult friendships and the powerful impact they have on your health, longevity, and overall happiness. They dive into how strong, supportive relationships can provide emotional stability, reduce stress, and even improve your quality of life. But as they share personal experiences, they also acknowledge that sometimes people just aren’t your people—and that's okay. Learning to prioritize the right relationships can be key to building a healthier, happier you. Tune in for insights on navigating friendships and fostering meaningful connections that truly enrich your life!

In this episode of Training for Life, Sarah and Tanna dive deep into the transformative shift from chasing short-term wins to embracing lifelong wellness. Sarah shares her experience of competing in a figure competition—an intense journey of strict dieting and grueling workouts. But a few months in, she questioned whether this was truly a healthy goal, especially as a role model for her 6-year-old daughter. Was this really the kind of example she wanted to set?

Tanna reflects on her ambitious leap into Olympic weightlifting, deciding to aim for the World Championships after just a few lessons. Both women discuss the realization that while short-term achievements can be motivating, true wellness is about sustainable habits that support long-term health and happiness. If you're ready to shift your mindset from temporary results to lasting wellness, this episode will inspire you!

White Knuckling Through Life: Why Trying to Do It All Doesn’t Work! In this episode of Training for Life, Sarah and Tanna tackle the all-too-common habit of "white knuckling" through life ~ pushing too hard, trying to juggle too many tasks, and overwhelming yourself by attempting to install every good habit at once. Sound familiar? The result is often burnout, frustration, and falling short on all fronts. Sarah and Tanna share personal stories and insights on how trying to do too much at once can lead to failure. They explore healthier approaches to building habits, focusing on realistic, sustainable changes that actually stick. If you’ve ever felt like you’re trying to hold everything together but nothing’s working, this episode is for you!

In this episode of Training for Life, Sarah and Tanna dive into a topic that impacts 90% of women ~ cellulite. They get real about their own struggles with it and how even being incredibly fit doesn’t erase those little dimples.

But here’s the truth: cellulite is NORMAL and if you're looking after your health, then it's time to work on our MINDSET. Sarah and Tanna emphasize that focusing on your overall health and strength is what really matters. You can be strong, fit, and proud of what your body can achieve ~ with or without cellulite! They encourage shifting your mindset from fixating on appearance to valuing your health, strength, and abilities, setting a powerful example for others.

Is Sweat the Sign of a Good Workout? In this episode of Training for Life, Sarah and Tanna tackle the common misconception that a good workout has to leave you drenched in sweat. They break down why focusing solely on cardio, especially as we age, can lead to muscle loss and fewer long-term health benefits. If you've ever wondered whether you're working hard enough when strength training doesn’t make you sweat like cardio, this episode has the answers. Sarah and Tanna explain the importance of building muscle, how it supports your overall health, and why sweating less doesn't mean you’re working out less effectively. Tune in to find out how to shift your focus from just cardio to a balanced routine that will help you stay strong and fit for life!

Episode on Benefits of STRENGTH Training ~ https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/training-for-life/id1727565159?i=1000643808133

Episode on Benefits of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) ~ https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/training-for-life/id1727565159?i=1000648355262

In this episode of 'Training for Life', Sarah and Tanna dive into the difference between fleeting motivation and lasting dedication. They open up about how even they, as trainers, don't always feel motivated to work out or prioritize their health. But it's their dedication - not motivation - that keeps them consistent on tough days. They explore how relying on motivation alone can be a losing game, and why building dedication and discipline is the real key to long-term success in your fitness journey. If you’re struggling to stay consistent, this episode will give you the insights and strategies you need to stick with your goals, even when you don’t "feel like it."