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This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

3 Brutally Honest Secrets to Building a Muscular Body from a Top Coach

The real truth about building your dream body—no shortcuts, just facts.

Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackMar 19, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
Mario Tomic
Copyright Mario Tomic/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackMar 19, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
Fitness & Workouts

We've all looked in the mirror and imagined a better version of ourselves. For Mario Tomic, a renowned fitness coach with over 440,000 YouTube subscribers, that journey wasn't the straight path many fitness influencers portray. His evidence-based approach to nutrition, exercise, and mindset developed through years of trial and error, revealing three essential secrets to natural bodybuilding success. In this candid breakdown, he shares the brutal realities of natural bodybuilding that would have saved him years of frustration—insights that could be the difference between spinning your wheels and making real progress on your fitness journey.

Phase 1: The Fat Loss Obsession

When starting his fitness journey, Tomic was completely focused on getting lean. "I was hyper focused on getting lean. In my mind, that was the thing that made the best physique stand out," he explains. With an all-or-nothing mentality, he eliminated fast food, sugars, sodas, and even dairy from his diet.

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

Chicken and Broccoli Every Day

His meals became repetitive—chicken breast, broccoli, green peas, almonds, and brown rice almost daily. Tomic recalls, "I was also hitting the gym four or five days per week using a program that I got randomly from the internet." Additionally, he performed fasted cardio every morning, believing that six months of perfect adherence would yield his dream physique.

The Wall

Six months and 35 pounds later, the results still weren't what he wanted. "I thought maybe it just takes a little longer for some people," Tomic shares. As he approached the one-year mark, his progress stalled both physically and mentally. Despite losing significant weight, his appearance was worsening—he had become skinny without visible abs.

The Big Realization

The crucial realization finally hit: "Fat loss only reveals the physique that you have," says Tomic. The problem wasn't just body fat but a lack of muscle underneath. The severe calorie restriction and excessive cardio prevented muscle development. Tomic admits, "I should have gotten somewhat lean and ended the cut after those initial six months. And then I focused on building more muscle."

RELATED:Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

Phase 2: Building The Foundation

Shifting focus to muscle growth presented new challenges. "I'd become so accustomed to cutting calories that I was now afraid of eating more. The idea of seeing the scale go up was very uncomfortable," Tomic reveals. This fear led to barely increasing calories while maintaining high cardio volume—a recipe for what he calls "perma cutting."

Muscle Grows Slowly

Tomic didn't initially understand that muscle growth operates on a completely different timeline than fat loss. "Losing a pound a week is normal, but gaining a pound of muscle takes a month or even longer," he explains. The breakthrough came when he learned about progressive overload and became more data-driven in his approach.

Beat the Logbook

"I started to treat my workouts like a game. Every session I had a goal. I wanted to beat the logbook," says Tomic. This athlete mindset, rather than a dieter's mentality, began producing better results. He eventually achieved long-sought milestones like bench pressing two plates.

RELATED:What Happens When You Quit Soda, According to a Nutritionist

The Years-Long Journey

This period taught him a valuable lesson: "It takes years to build an impressive physique if you're a guy with average genetics and you're starting without a lot of muscle like I did," Tomic acknowledges. The journey requires commitment to gaining 1-2 pounds per month, consuming adequate protein, and progressively getting stronger. Looking back, Tomic realizes, "I wasted months in this gray area where I ate too little to gain muscle, but just enough to keep myself spinning my wheels."

Phase 3: The Reality of Getting Shredded

About five years into his fitness journey, with a decent muscle base, Tomic decided to get to 8-10% body fat. "It was also a chance to apply everything I learned about nutrition and training," he says. His approach was meticulous—weighing meals, tracking calories and macros, monitoring daily weight, taking progress photos, measuring his waist, and prioritizing 10-12,000 daily steps over long cardio sessions.

Looking Great, Feeling Terrible

After seven months of strict adherence, Tomic achieved his goal. "I was under 10% body fat and I looked as lean as the guys I saw online, but it came at a heavy cost," he admits. The consequences were severe: constant hunger, feeling cold despite warm weather, nonexistent libido, decreased strength, and increased irritability.

The Unsustainable Standard

"Even though I looked shredded in photos, which was great, physically and mentally, I felt horrible," Tomic confesses. This experience revealed that many fitness influencers set unrealistic standards. "I started to realize that a lot of this was fake, that this goal of being shredded all the time isn't sustainable for an actual guy like me."

Finding the Sweet Spot

This realization prompted Tomic to adjust his approach. "Since then, I shifted my goals to stay around 12 to 15% body fat, which is still lean, but I can maintain it as a lifestyle all year round," he explains. This range allows him to occasionally cut to 10% for short periods or bulk up to 15-17% before returning to his maintenance zone.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

The Social Media Reality Check

The journey taught Tomic how social media distorts expectations. "When you scroll through your feeds, it's easy to get this impression that everyone is benching 350 pounds, deadlifting six plates, and staying sub 10% body fat," he observes. In reality, those who stand out online are typically genetic outliers, often using performance enhancers.

Set Realistic Goals

"Comparing yourself to them makes no sense, and it just sets you up with the wrong expectations," Tomic warns. His final advice emphasizes patience during plateaus. "Consistency and time are the secrets behind having an aesthetic physique as a natural," he concludes.

The Long Game

By learning from Tomic's experiences across these three critical phases, you can avoid common pitfalls and develop a more realistic, sustainable approach to building your ideal physique. Remember that the journey isn't measured in days or months, but years of consistent effort and adaptation.

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Fitness & Workouts

3 Honest Secrets to Building a Muscular Body

Mario Tomic
Copyright Mario Tomic/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackMar 19, 2025
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

We've all looked in the mirror and imagined a better version of ourselves. For Mario Tomic, a renowned fitness coach with over 440,000 YouTube subscribers, that journey wasn't the straight path many fitness influencers portray. His evidence-based approach to nutrition, exercise, and mindset developed through years of trial and error, revealing three essential secrets to natural bodybuilding success. In this candid breakdown, he shares the brutal realities of natural bodybuilding that would have saved him years of frustration—insights that could be the difference between spinning your wheels and making real progress on your fitness journey.

Phase 1: The Fat Loss Obsession

When starting his fitness journey, Tomic was completely focused on getting lean. "I was hyper focused on getting lean. In my mind, that was the thing that made the best physique stand out," he explains. With an all-or-nothing mentality, he eliminated fast food, sugars, sodas, and even dairy from his diet.

RELATED:I'm a Nutritionist and These are the Best Banana Recipes For Weight Loss

Chicken and Broccoli Every Day

His meals became repetitive—chicken breast, broccoli, green peas, almonds, and brown rice almost daily. Tomic recalls, "I was also hitting the gym four or five days per week using a program that I got randomly from the internet." Additionally, he performed fasted cardio every morning, believing that six months of perfect adherence would yield his dream physique.

The Wall

Six months and 35 pounds later, the results still weren't what he wanted. "I thought maybe it just takes a little longer for some people," Tomic shares. As he approached the one-year mark, his progress stalled both physically and mentally. Despite losing significant weight, his appearance was worsening—he had become skinny without visible abs.

The Big Realization

The crucial realization finally hit: "Fat loss only reveals the physique that you have," says Tomic. The problem wasn't just body fat but a lack of muscle underneath. The severe calorie restriction and excessive cardio prevented muscle development. Tomic admits, "I should have gotten somewhat lean and ended the cut after those initial six months. And then I focused on building more muscle."

RELATED:Tone Sagging Arms in 2 Weeks With These 5 Exercises

Phase 2: Building The Foundation

Shifting focus to muscle growth presented new challenges. "I'd become so accustomed to cutting calories that I was now afraid of eating more. The idea of seeing the scale go up was very uncomfortable," Tomic reveals. This fear led to barely increasing calories while maintaining high cardio volume—a recipe for what he calls "perma cutting."

Muscle Grows Slowly

Tomic didn't initially understand that muscle growth operates on a completely different timeline than fat loss. "Losing a pound a week is normal, but gaining a pound of muscle takes a month or even longer," he explains. The breakthrough came when he learned about progressive overload and became more data-driven in his approach.

Beat the Logbook

"I started to treat my workouts like a game. Every session I had a goal. I wanted to beat the logbook," says Tomic. This athlete mindset, rather than a dieter's mentality, began producing better results. He eventually achieved long-sought milestones like bench pressing two plates.

RELATED:What Happens When You Quit Soda, According to a Nutritionist

The Years-Long Journey

This period taught him a valuable lesson: "It takes years to build an impressive physique if you're a guy with average genetics and you're starting without a lot of muscle like I did," Tomic acknowledges. The journey requires commitment to gaining 1-2 pounds per month, consuming adequate protein, and progressively getting stronger. Looking back, Tomic realizes, "I wasted months in this gray area where I ate too little to gain muscle, but just enough to keep myself spinning my wheels."

Phase 3: The Reality of Getting Shredded

About five years into his fitness journey, with a decent muscle base, Tomic decided to get to 8-10% body fat. "It was also a chance to apply everything I learned about nutrition and training," he says. His approach was meticulous—weighing meals, tracking calories and macros, monitoring daily weight, taking progress photos, measuring his waist, and prioritizing 10-12,000 daily steps over long cardio sessions.

Looking Great, Feeling Terrible

After seven months of strict adherence, Tomic achieved his goal. "I was under 10% body fat and I looked as lean as the guys I saw online, but it came at a heavy cost," he admits. The consequences were severe: constant hunger, feeling cold despite warm weather, nonexistent libido, decreased strength, and increased irritability.

The Unsustainable Standard

"Even though I looked shredded in photos, which was great, physically and mentally, I felt horrible," Tomic confesses. This experience revealed that many fitness influencers set unrealistic standards. "I started to realize that a lot of this was fake, that this goal of being shredded all the time isn't sustainable for an actual guy like me."

Finding the Sweet Spot

This realization prompted Tomic to adjust his approach. "Since then, I shifted my goals to stay around 12 to 15% body fat, which is still lean, but I can maintain it as a lifestyle all year round," he explains. This range allows him to occasionally cut to 10% for short periods or bulk up to 15-17% before returning to his maintenance zone.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

The Social Media Reality Check

The journey taught Tomic how social media distorts expectations. "When you scroll through your feeds, it's easy to get this impression that everyone is benching 350 pounds, deadlifting six plates, and staying sub 10% body fat," he observes. In reality, those who stand out online are typically genetic outliers, often using performance enhancers.

Set Realistic Goals

"Comparing yourself to them makes no sense, and it just sets you up with the wrong expectations," Tomic warns. His final advice emphasizes patience during plateaus. "Consistency and time are the secrets behind having an aesthetic physique as a natural," he concludes.

The Long Game

By learning from Tomic's experiences across these three critical phases, you can avoid common pitfalls and develop a more realistic, sustainable approach to building your ideal physique. Remember that the journey isn't measured in days or months, but years of consistent effort and adaptation.

Fitness & Workouts

11 Strength-Building Secrets From a Pro Coach Who Knows

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Jordan Fernandez, nasm-cpt
By Jordan Fernandez, nasm-cptAug 16, 2024
Jordan Fernandez, nasm-cpt
Jordan is dedicated to improving health, strength, and cardiovascular fitness through resistance and aerobic ...
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Want some strength-building secrets? Ask me. I've been a fitness coach for over five years, first getting certified through the National Academy of sports medicine as a personal trainer, and then I did their corrective exercise specialist program. I wanted to get more into the strength and performance side of coaching, so I then earned my CSCS from the National Strength and Conditioning Association. My focus has been on helping novice and intermediate fitness clients build foundational levels of strength through proper biomechanical movement patterns, progressive overload, and appropriate periodization.

For the average person, getting stronger using safe and well-structured exercise programs is virtually 100% upside, minus the time and effort required to stick with a program.

Aside from the obvious benefit of being able to lift heavier objects and have better endurance when performing day-to-day tasks, strength training with exercises like squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, and other compound movements improves mobility, bone density, metabolism, and a wide range of health markers associated with longevity, health span, and an overall improved quality of life.

For individuals interested in developing a more muscular appearance, strength training has the benefit of increasing muscle mass as well with the degree of increase varying depending on the exact resistance and program design.

Overall, however, beginner and intermediate clients generally see strength improvements, muscle improvements, and health improvements from strength training.

Related: I’m a Nutritionist And Here Is Why You Should Be Eating More Sourdough Bread

The Top Secret to Strength Building

Gym and dumbbell weight training equipment on sport ,Healthy life and gym exercise equipments and sports concept ,copy spaceShutterstock

The top secret for strength building is consistency, which is by far the most important factor when it comes to getting results.

Focus less on the intensity and duration of every single workout and focus more on consistently hitting the gym two to three times a week for an extended period of time, or theoretically your entire life as fitness is always an ongoing process.

Start Light With Higher Reps

Athlete making effort to do last sit-upShutterstock

Use a weight that allows good form for 15 repetitions and stick with that for 4-8 weeks.

Focus on These Movements

Barbell deadlift hands, strong fitness and power of black woman, athlete and bodybuilder in gym, sports workout and exercise. Closeup floor start, healthy muscle training and heavy challenge liftingShutterstock

Focus mostly, if not entirely on compound movements like squats, deadlifts, pull ups, overhead presses, and chest presses.

Use free weights

Kettlebell,Training,Gym,weights,training,exercise,Shutterstock

Uee free weights like barbells, dumbbells, and kettlebells for 80 percent of your training. Machines are okay, but they are not as beneficial as free weights because they require less stabilization.

Eat these Essentials

Ketogenic low carbs diet concept. Healthy eating and dieting with salmon fish, avocado, eggs and nuts. Top viewShutterstock

Eat protein and carbohydrates. Most people focus on protein, but you need carbs to fuel your workouts.

Don't Forget Rest Days

Bare legs in running shoes preparing to exercise on a bright summer day on an empty roadShutterstock

Take at least 2 active rest days per week, and even up to 4 is okay. Do some light walking, cycling, and physical movement but do not push too hard on those days.

Sleep!

Man sleeping on bed in bedroom at homeShutterstock

Sleep is key for recovery. If you are not sleeping 7-8 hours a night, your gains will be affected over time.

Warmup

Young sporty man squatting or exercising on the beach during sunset. Athletic man doing fitness workout or training outdoors. Sports and healthy lifestyleShutterstock

Make sure to do a warmup at the beginning of your workout. The warmup should consist of light cardio to elevate your body temperature followed by active and dynamic stretches such as walking lunges and body weight squats, then perform warm up sets for each exercise using light weights as you ease into your heavier working sets.

Add Mobility Work

Man foam rolling. Athlete stretches using foam roller.Shutterstock

Adding mobility work such as foam rolling can help improve your range of motion at the beginning of a workout. Save static stretching for after your strength workout.

Avoid Cardio After a Workout

Tired,Runner,Rest,Running,recover,jogging,exerciseShutterstock

If your goal is to maximize strength, avoid doing cardio after your workout. It's vital to allow your body to recover from strength training. For health benefits, cardio is still good, however keep it to around 30 minutes and separate it from your strength training sessions, ideally on non-lifting days.

Think About Long-Term Gains

Gorgeous brunette warming up and doing some push ups a the gymShutterstock

Understand that strength building is a long term gain. It takes years to completely transform yourself from where you are now to a newer, much stronger version. You will see benefits in the short term, but making strength training a way of life as opposed to a temporary program is the only way to truly lasting results.

Related: I Lost 100 Pounds While Eating This Kind of Spaghetti

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Strength Training

Barbel weights in gymShutterstock

The most common mistake by far that newer lifters would make is focusing on the amount of weight they lift in each workout or exercise as opposed to having clean lifting technique and long term consistency. While there's nothing wrong with pushing yourself using heavy weights, absolutely never sacrifice your form in the pursuit of heavier weightlifting. An injury will set you back substantially and there is little marginal benefit in lifting excessively heavy weights when it comes to gaining real strength.

The next common mistake is creating a program that is so intense or has so many days a week per lifting that it becomes unrealistic for your schedule. Even a consistent two-day-a-week program is going to be a four or five day week lifting program that you are not consistent with.

Be realistic when planning your workout program that fits within your lifestyle. While you will need to make sacrifices to get your workouts in, if the program you are trying is completely unrealistic for your schedule, it's not going to deliver the results.

The final mistake I will mention here is attempting to dramatically lose weight while also gaining strength. Beginner fitness enthusiasts can lose weight and build strength at the same time, and including strength training in a weight loss program is definitely recommended.

However, in the long run, gaining maximal strength requires eating enough food to fuel your workouts which can often conflict with aggressive weight loss goals. With that said, a slow and steady improvement to your muscle-to-fat ratio as your body transforms from the strength training is definitely feasible.

Precautions to Take Before Strength Training

Shot of a muscular young woman in sportswear working out with personal trainer at the gym. She is pumping up her biceps muscule with heavy weight.Shutterstock

If you have any pre-existing health conditions or injuries, you should always get clearance from your health care provider before beginning any exercise program.

For otherwise healthy individuals, the most important thing is to start with a light weight and focus on exercise technique and form. In a perfect world, you would have supervision from a professional coach, however if this is not possible you can opt for virtual coaching programs and finding qualified coaches online who put out free content regarding the proper exercise techniques.

If you feel any pain, especially in your joints while lifting, stop immediately and get evaluated by a health care professional.

Generally speaking, strength training is far safer than many other common recreational activities and has a much lower injury rate.

In fact, strength training is associated with decreases in injury risk from other activities due to the improved resilience of your body as you get stronger.

Related: 15 Proven Ways to Sculpt Your Dream Body by An Expert Coach

Final Word From the Pro Coach

Waist up portrait of muscular couple smiling at camera while standing with arms crossed in modern gym lit by sunlightShutterstock

I cannot emphasize consistency enough. If you follow any reasonable workout program consistently and ensure that over time you are progressing your weight on your exercises, you will get stronger.

💪🔥Body Booster: Don’t stress about workout intensity. Consistent gym visits are the secret to strength building.

Jordan Fernandez is a strength and conditioning coach and personal trainer at Trainer Academy
Fitness & Workouts

Fitness Influencer Shares His Bodybuilding Secrets and Flexes His Biceps

simeonpanda3
simeonpanda/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothNov 10, 2024
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
✓Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Simeon Panda is flexing his granite-like biceps – in his workout clothes. Panda is a fitness entrepreneur, trainer, and social media influencer who boasts over 8.1 million followers on Instagram alone. The 37-year-old regularly shares tips and tricks on how to get in shape, build muscle, and bodybuild – the “natural” way. In a recent post, he reveals three tips on how he gets the maximum burn during his final set – and you can take advantage of his expert knowledge. “3 ways to make that last set count,” he captioned the Instagram video. Here is everything you need to know about his tactic and the other diet and fitness habits he abides by.

Here Is His Trick

simeonpanda1simeonpanda/Instagram

According to Panda, there are three steps to maximizing the burn. First, “slow down the tempo,” he says. Next, “Control the eccentric.” And lastly, “Perform drop sets.”

He Started Bodybuilding as a Teen

simeonpanda5simeonpanda/Instagram

Simeon discovered bodybuilding after gaining weight in his early teens. “It sounds silly, but it was never about the physique,” he told Muscle & Fitness. “The physique was not part of the plan. I started at 14 or 15, and I loved how it felt. To this day the strength training is what I love the most. Building a certain physique comes with it, and I love that, but it’s the training that actually gets me to go to the gym.”

High Volume Training

simeonpanda6simeonpanda/Instagram

Simeon is a fan of high volume training. “I love volume. If someone hasn’t used high-volume training, I can guarantee they’ll increase their muscle mass from doing it,” he added to the publication. “For me, it’s something I’ve always done. It’s contributed to my strength and my size. I get the best of both worlds.”

He Prioritizes Shoulders

simeonpanda4simeonpanda/Instagram

In order to achieve his superhero body, he prioritizes his upper body. “The first thing is the shoulders,” he says. “You have to have big delts. You need arms, too, but it really is the shoulders.”

High Rep Sets of a Compound Exercise

simeonpanda2simeonpanda/Instagram

Panda starts his workout with several high-rep sets of a compound exercise. He also divides his workouts up by exercise group. He takes three sets to slowly build up to his heaviest weight, followed by three to four sets pushing very heavy loads, and a warm-down set or two to finish.

RELATED: Get in Shape with the Army's Running Routine

Healthy Diet

simeonpanda7simeonpanda/Instagram

Simeon maintains that “you need to take diet as seriously as you do your workouts.” He makes sure to eat healthy food to fuel his workouts.

💪🔥Body Booster: To maximize the burn, slow down the tempo of your last set of exercise.

Fitness & Workouts

3 Simple Stretches Made This Coach More Flexible in 2 Weeks

Liv_Livinleggings
Copyright Livinleggings/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackDec 05, 2024
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Feeling stiff after a long day at your desk? Or maybe you've tried countless stretching routines only to feel overwhelmed and discouraged? You're not alone. Most people believe improving flexibility requires hours of complex stretching routines—but mobility expert Liv discovered otherwise.

After helping thousands transform their mobility through her unique blend of strength training and yoga, Liv realized that effective flexibility training doesn't need to be complicated. Her discovery? Just three essential stretches, performed consistently, can create dramatic improvements in as little as two weeks. As the creator of 'The Yoga Rebel Method' and with over 500K YouTube subscribers following her practical approach, Liv has refined these moves to work for any fitness level.

Ready to transform your flexibility with just minutes a day? Here's the simple three-stretch routine that changed everything for Liv and her students.

The Game-Changing Discovery: How Your Fascia Holds the Key

"Quite simply, fascia is a thin layer of connected tissue, which encases everything within the body... it's all connected, like one big spiderweb," Liv explains in her post. This understanding led to her first breakthrough stretch, which targets the entire fascial system through one simple movement.

The First Move: Your Full-Body Reset

"I love this stretch because it tackles so many muscles in one go, which makes it perfect for when you are short on time," Liv says. Start in a seated position with feet wider than hips, lean back onto your hands with fingertips pointing outward, and lift your hips into a reverse tabletop.

RELATED: She Tried The Blue Zone Diet For 7 Days And Discovered A Surprising Truth

Perfect Your Form for Maximum Results

"Think of tucking your tailbone under and engaging your bum muscles as if you're trying to flatten out the front of the hip," Liv instructs. "Press your chest up towards the sky, and this might be where you choose to stay if you've got a bit more flexibility to play with here."

The Second Essential: Your Back-Body Transformer

The second stretch unlocks the posterior chain. "This targets the back of the body and can help reduce the chances of back pain," Liv shares. Using a prop like a stick or strap for guidance, alternate between a low squat and a forward fold.

Making It Work for Your Body

If you're just starting out, Liv offers modifications: "If you need something to make this a little bit more accessible, slightly elevate your heels with something—weight plates or books do a great job of this." Remember, "Don't go thinking you're the only one because it's fully intended. We do not need to straighten our legs in order to stretch the hamstrings."

RELATED: 30 Days of 30g Protein Meals From a Top Dietitian

The Final Piece: Unlocking Your Upper Body

The third stretch completes the system. "This last one is great for improving your shoulder mobility for things like handstands and top shelf snacks, as well as improving your ability to squat low and help improve your posture," Liv notes. From a kneeling position, step one foot out while reaching overhead, focusing on proper form: "Think of rolling the top rib cage on top of the bottom rib cage so your chest stays facing outward."

Why This Simple System Works

"There are many ways that we can stretch a muscle... But simply put, they all do the same job just in a different way," Liv explains. This streamlined approach targets everything from "the feet and ankles, the quads, the hip flexors, the wrists, the biceps, the chest and shoulders, glutes, hamstrings, and back," to "inner thighs, lats and triceps."

RELATED:6 Reasons Women Should Lift Weights Instead of Doing Cardio for Weight Loss

Your Two-Week Transformation Plan

The key to success is consistency. Perform these three stretches either in the morning or before bed, holding each position for 20-30 seconds per side. "Simply doing these three stretches will make a world of difference to your flexibility," Liv promises. After two weeks of daily practice, you'll understand why these are the only stretches you need. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

Fitness Coach Shares 60-Second Move to Banish Flabby Arms

Jenna_Collins17
Copyright Jenna Collins Fitness/YouTube
Christopher Roback
By Christopher RobackNov 20, 2024
Christopher Roback
Professional Health, Science Editor and Writer
Christopher Roback is an experienced news journalist specializing in political, science, and crime news.
See Full Bio
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you frustrated with flabby arms that won't seem to tighten up, no matter what you try? You're not alone. Millions of people struggle with this common problem, but there's hope. In this article, certified personal trainer and nutrition coachJenna Collins, with 25 years of dance experience in ballet, tap, and jazz, shares one simple yet powerful exercise that can help transform your arms – no equipment needed. Keep reading to discover this game-changing exercise that takes just minutes a day and can be done right in your living room, regardless of your fitness level or age.

Why Your Arms Get Flabby (And What You Can Do About It)

"There are several reasons for flabby arms," explains Jenna. "Most commonly, it's due to loss of collagen through aging, extreme weight loss, or being overweight." She notes that you can have flabby arms even if you're not overweight, often due to lack of muscle tone.

Age Matters: But Don't Let It Stop You

"Usually around our mid to late thirties, we begin to lose muscle mass," Jenna reveals. "That's why it's so important that we work hard to build and maintain muscle from a young age to minimize the effects of aging as much as possible." She shares an inspiring example: "I'm going to use this lady as my example. She's 65, and it just goes to show that with work and consistency, you can maintain tight-toned arms."

RELATED:Fitness Coach Reveals 12 Habits That Helped Her Beat Stubborn Belly Fat

The Truth About Genetics and Body Goals

"Yes, some people are gifted with good genes and naturally have more muscle mass and find it easier to stay in shape and lose fat," Jenna acknowledges. "But do not let genes put you off. Yes, some people will have to work harder to build muscle and reach their body goals, but if you truly want it, you will make it work."

Nutrition: The Missing Piece of the Puzzle

"Building muscle doesn't mean you just lose the body fat. That's not how it works," Jenna emphasizes. "You need to have good nutrition habits in place to burn that body fat off so you can reveal those toned, tight muscles underneath. You'll never be able to out-train a bad diet."

RELATED:She Got Lean in 3 Months With 9 Simple Daily Changes

Your Simple, No-Equipment Arm-Toning Exercise

Here's Jenna's guaranteed exercise for tighter arms:

  1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Keep shoulders pressed back, chest open.
  3. Position elbows close to your sides.
  4. Bring arms forward with palms facing up and closed fists.
  5. Slowly move only your forearms backward, keeping your elbows pinned.
  6. Squeeze triceps tight when arms are fully extended.

"The key here is to squeeze your triceps on the extension as much as possible," Jenna advises. "If you didn't know you had these muscles, by the end of this exercise, you'll know they exist."

Making It Work: Sets, Reps, and Progression

Perform:

  • 10-12 reps per arm
  • 3-4 sets
  • 60-90 seconds rest between sets.

"You can perform this isometrically alternating your arms, or you can perform it moving both arms simultaneously," says Jenna. For those who want to progress, she suggests either increasing reps and sets or adding dumbbells for extra resistance. She adds, "If you can't do the standing, you can also do this seated."

The Secret to Success: Consistency Is Key

"To get results with anything, you need to remain consistent," Jenna emphasizes. "If you can't apply consistency, patience, and hard work, you just cannot expect to get results. There's no quick fix."

She adds that avoiding excessive cardio is crucial: "This will not tighten and tone your arms. You need to be focusing on resistance training. The more lean muscle mass you have, the more calories your body will burn at rest."

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Creating Lasting Habits

"The earlier you start this, the easier it'll be to maintain it as you get older," Jenna shares. "It's not only because you'll likely already have the muscle tone, but it creates good habits. If they're instilled early, they'll be easy to stick to as you get older, it's become your lifestyle." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 31 Fitness Tips Every Beginner Needs to Look Sexy, According to Coaches.

Fitness & Workouts

She Lost 60 Lbs Doing These 4 “Unpopular” Things

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Coach Lost 60 Pounds Eating These 11 High Protein Meals
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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 19, 2025
Leah Groth
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Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

There are lots of common weight loss methods – eating more protein, lifting weights, and cutting calories. However, one expert has some more unconventional tips. Kassie Magnusen is a weight loss and nutrition coach who helps “busy mamas drop fat & get the sculpted body they’ve always wanted,” she writes in her Instagram bio. “4 unpopular things I do for fat loss that most people don’t talk about,” she captioned a post. “I might get some push back for some of these, but that’s okay. This is what works for me.”

She Avoids High-Intensity Cardio

Her first unpopular habit? “I avoid high-intensity cardio—it’s never in my routine,” she says. “Mostly because I just don’t like it, and also because it’s not the most effective for fat loss. I was a cardio bunny for years and I got burnt out on trying to ‘burn more calories.’ Now, I lift weights, walk daily (7-10k steps), and focus on building muscle. More muscle = higher metabolism = easier fat loss.”

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

She Eats First Thing in the Morning and Right Before Bed

Next, she eats first thing in the morning and right before bed. “No ‘fasted cardio.’ No ‘cut off eating at 7 PM’ rule. I fuel my body throughout the day to keep my metabolism running & prevent cravings. A balanced protein-rich meal before bed actually supports muscle recovery & better sleep,” she writes.

She Doesn’t Track Calories Burned in a Workout

She also doesn’t keep track of how many calories she burns in a workout. “I used to stress over watching my fitness tracker & trying to ‘burn more.’ Now I just focus on getting stronger, not shrinking myself. Your workout isn’t about calories burned and how much you sweat—it’s about building muscle & changing your body composition,” she says.

I Never Eat in a High-Calorie Deficit

The fourth thing she doesn’t do? “I never eat in a high-calorie deficit,” she says. “I don’t do 1,200-calorie crash diets. I keep my deficit moderate so I can still eat enough to fuel workouts, keep my metabolism happy, and avoid bingeing.”

Bottom Line: Fat Loss Isn’t About Extremes

The bottom line? “Fat loss isn’t about extremes. It’s about eating enough, training smart, and building a body that burns more fat naturally,” she said. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Fitness & Workouts

Coach Reveals the 4 Biggest Cardio Mistakes You Are Making

Angelina Stebich angeeelina.fit
Copyright angeeelina.fit/Instagram
Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 18, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
See Full Bio
Follow:
✓Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you doing cardio to build muscle and lose weight? You should avoid a few common mistakes. Angelina Stebich is a fitness coach and influencer who shares her workout tips with hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers. In a new post, she reveals common mistakes people make during workouts. “4 worst ways to do cardio if you want to build muscle,” she writes. “Cardio is great for heart health and fat loss, but if your goal is muscle growth, the wrong type can sabotage your progress. Here’s what to avoid,” she says.

Doing Cardio Before Lifting

Her first mistake is super common: Doing cardio before lifting weights. According to Angelina, “it drains energy, making your strength training less effective.” Instead, you should do it after strength training.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Doing Fasted Cardio

The second mistake is doing fasted cardio. While skipping your meal before hitting the treadmill is “popular for fat loss,” she says it isn’t good for your muscles. “It can increase muscle protein breakdown without proper fueling,” she says.

Doing Cardio on Rest Days

Another mistake lots of people make it doing cardio on rest days. “Treat rest days as true recovery. Light walking? Fine. Intense cardio? You’re just burning potential gains,” she says.

Ignoring Heart Rate Zones

Her final mistake is ignoring heart rate zones. “Staying in the fat-burning zone (low intensity) preserves muscle better than constant high-intensity work,” she says.

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

Cardio Isn’t the Enemy

Her bottom line? “Cardio isn’t the enemy,” she says. “It’s about balance. Stick to 2–3 sessions per week, prioritize strength training & fuel up properly!”

More Reasons Why Doing Cardio Before Lifting Is a Bad Idea

In another post, she reveals why doing cardio before lifting is a bad idea. “Many gym-goers swear by doing cardio before lifting. While it may seem like a good idea, here are some reasons why you might put strength training first,” she says. The first reason? “Fatiguing your muscles before lifting can limit your power, performance & energy,” she says.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Other Reasons?

Other reasons include reduced muscle gains, as “strength training relies on energy reserves, and cardio can deplete them too soon,” higher injury risk, “tired muscles = compromised form = greater risk of injury,” she says, slower progress, as “prioritizing cardio first may make it harder to progressively overload in weight training,” and decreased focus for form. “Cardio can leave you fatigued, making it harder to focus on proper lifting technique,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Fitness & Workouts

10 Ways to Get in Shape by June

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Trish Koeslag Pops the Lid on 2 “Dieting Myths” That Kept Her From Losing 15 Pounds
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Leah Groth
By Leah GrothMar 18, 2025
Leah Groth
Writer, Editor, and Content Creator
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related.
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Are you hoping to lose weight and shape up by summer? One expert has a simple plan for you. Trish Koeslag is revealing the truth about burning fat over 40. In a new social media post, the women’s nutrition and fitness coach, whose mission is to help women over 40 simplify macros and movement to lose weight, reveals 10 tips to help you get fit in months. “If I wanted to hit my weight loss goal by June, this is exactly what I’d do,” she writes.

Get in a Calorie Deficit

The first thing you need to do is get into a calorie deficit. In order to determine “how much you should eat for your goals,” download a free macro calculator and input your numbers.

RELATED:8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat

Walk Daily

Next, walk “everyday” she says, recommending doing it outside. “Aim for 10K+ steps (I go for an hour walk every morning and the rest of my steps are incremental throughout the day. I track steps using my Apple Watch)! she writes.

Amp Up Your Protein Intake

Make sure you are eating enough protein. “EAT 25-30g of protein at every meal. (Foods like chicken breast, ground chicken/turkey, shrimp, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, eggs)!” she suggests.

RELATED:20 Foods You Didn’t Know Were Ultra-Processed

Hydrate

Hydration is also key. “DRINK 2-3L of water daily,” she says. She also recommends adding electrolytes.” According to the Mayo Clinic, hydration is essential for various reasons. Water helps eliminate waste through urination, perspiration, and bowel movements, keeps your temperature regular, lubricates and cushions joints, and helps protect sensitive tissues.

Lift Weights

Next, lift weights. “STRENGTH train 3-4x/week making sure that you are pushing intensity levels (where you feel like maybe you could do 1-2 more reps on your last rep)!” she says. According to the Mayo Clinic, strength and weight training help reduce body fat, preserve and increase lean muscle mass, and burn calories more efficiently. Strength training may also help you:

  • Develop strong bones
  • Manage your weight
  • Enhance your quality of life
  • Manage chronic conditions
  • Sharpen your thinking skills

Do Zone 2 Cardio Twice a Week

She also recommends doing zone 2 cardio twice a week. “Try 30 minutes to start using the elliptical, stair master, go for a run (do what you enjoy)!” she writes.

RELATED:I Got My Best Body After 50 and Here’s How You Can, Too

Don’t Drink Your Calories

Make sure not to drink your calories. “LIMIT liquid calories (eat your calories, drinking them will likely leave you hungry)!” says Trish.

Eat Mostly Whole Foods

When it comes to diet, choose whole foods 90% of the time, “and fun foods 10% of the time,” she suggests. “I don’t cut out any food I love, including chocolate. I eat it in moderation)!”

Get Enough Sleep

Make sure to get enough rest. She recommends sleeping 7 to 8 hours and managing stress via “journaling, reading, yoga, breath work, walking,” she says.

Diet Less, Maintain More

She suggests spending less time dieting and more time in maintenance. “Focus on a 12 week cut then get back into maintenance so you can fuel your body to build muscle)!” she says. And finally, “FOCUS on consistency, not perfection.” And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.

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