EPISODE · Aug 28, 2026 · 56 MIN
E. 181 Fitness Myths Women Need to Stop Believing | Amanda Sangiacomo
from Self-Selecting · host Cory Hageman
In this episode, I sit down with Amanda Sangiacomo to unpack some of the biggest myths and misleading claims circulating in women’s fitness. We talk about whether Pilates can actually narrow your rib cage or “lengthen” muscles, why women fear getting bulky, what body recomposition really requires, and why body scans don’t always tell the full story.We also get into viral claims around “cortisol face,” influencers promoting extremely high calorie intakes, peptides and performance-enhancing drugs, and the responsibility that comes with presenting an enhanced physique online. Amanda and I break down how genetics, biomechanics, training intensity, recovery, and lifestyle all influence what’s realistically achievable.Finally, we discuss “pretty muscle,” the evolution of elite CrossFit, adaptive athletes, and why getting extremely lean may not make sense for your actual life—even if you technically can do it. If you’ve ever compared your body, calories, training, or progress to someone online, this conversation will help you put those comparisons into context. Timestamps:- [00:00 – 08:18] – Rib Cage & Pilates Myths: Can You Actually Change Your Structure?- [08:18 – 12:00] – “I Don’t Want to Get Bulky”: The Reality of Building Muscle- [12:00 – 17:15] – Body Recomposition: Muscle Gain vs. Fat Loss- [17:15 – 19:51] – DEXA & InBody Scans: Why the Numbers Can Mislead You- [19:51 – 24:40] – High-Calorie Diet Claims & What Fitness Influencers Leave Out- [24:40 – 26:42] – “Cortisol Face” & Viral Wellness Misinformation- [26:42 – 32:15] – Peptides, PEDs & What “Natural” Really Means- [32:15 – 37:25] – Pilates Misinformation, Biomechanics & Building Your Ideal Physique- [37:25 – 41:11] – “Pretty Muscle,” CrossFit & How Elite Fitness Has Changed- [41:11 – 44:16] – Adaptive CrossFit Games & Redefining Athletic Performance- [44:16 – 50:38] – Natural vs. Enhanced: PED Transparency & Responsibility- [50:38 – 56:51] – Is Getting Extremely Lean Actually Worth ItLinks & Resources:Follow Amanda on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplymander/Work With Amanda: https://www.blackironnutrition.com/nutrition-coaching-sign-upPurchase The Complete Fat Loss Guide: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-fat-loss-guide/Purchase The Glute Building Blueprint:https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-glute-building-program/https://coryfit.com/Coaching: Let's Chathttps://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/15minConsults: Book a Callhttps://calendly.com/coryfit-coaching/one-time-consultationFor more content, follow along:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cory_fit/Patreon: https://patreon.com/CoryFit?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLink
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E. 181 Fitness Myths Women Need to Stop Believing | Amanda Sangiacomo
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