Fit Literate

Well, we need to talk about the way the internet is talking about celebrities, thinness, and eating disorders. If you want to read along with the Fit Lit book club, now is the time to get your hands on a copy of Fearing the Black Body by Dr. Sabrina Strings. More dates and details to come!

(Sorry about the echo - I did what I could)Surprise! Laura was in Florida so of course we recorded an episode! Let's see how many trends we predict correctly this year. Thank you for listening! More content to come this year :)

We brought on dietitian Clara Nosek to talk about the MAHA movement, explain what it's like to work with a dietitian, and answer your questions! You can follow Clara on all platforms @yourdietitianbff and subscribe to her substack, The Supper Clerb. Thanks for listening!Get bonus content and early access to all episodes on Patreon

Kayla Itsines backlash, morning routine final boss, and fine, we'll talk about skinnytok (even though we hate that we feel like we have to)

Join the Patreon for exclusive content and video versions of episodes!We didn't get to everything we wanted to in the end of year Q&A, so we're finishing the job! In this episode we answered questions about what to do when you don't like lifting, managing your relationship with metrics, dealing with diet triggers, and Carolyn's experience with long COVID.

We peered into our crystal balls to divine predictions for the new year. Enjoy the episode while we go touch some grass (:

(We don't actually do 2025 predictions in this episode) We're rounding out the year with a look back at 2024 highs and lows and listener Q's! For bonus content and video versions of all episodes, join the Patreon

Emergency mini episode! We're going ghost mode and to share our thoughts on the "winter arc" trend.

Run Clubs - they're in your city. Crowding the sidewalks, stinking up breweries, and, apparently, replacing dating apps. In this episode we investigate (with many lengthy tangents) why this long time fitness staple is experiencing a surge in popularity. Is the hype real? Are people really finding love at the run club?

We're going back to our roots with a classic fitness industry deep dive! Today we're covering two iconic indoor cycling brands - SoulCycle and Peloton. *Note*: At a couple points Carolyn refers to one of the founders of SoulCycle as Ruth Zuckerberg. This is incorrect- Her name is Ruth Zuckerman.

Part 3 of the summer Q&A series. Thanks for listening! Bonus episodes (including part 2 of this series) is on the Patreon! Click here to join

We've been training the last 6 weeks for this yapathon! In this episode we rant about anti-fat fitness "motivation" and answer your questions about macro trackers, DOMS, cycle syncing, and more. Check out the Patreon for bonus content and early access to new episodes :)

NOTE: Due to some tech difficulties this episode got cut a little short We're really hoping to have it all resolved by our next recording session! In this episode we talked about some of the weird diet-y ads some of you have been getting targeted with as well as the Oprah Ozempic special and doomsday prepper fitness propaganda on reels. Enjoy! Check out the Patreon for bonus episodes!

In this episode we're talking about online eating disorder communities, the way they have changed (and stayed the same) overtime with social media and censorship, and how to know if the algorithm has put you on a pipeline to disordered eating.If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek out support. Your can find resources here.  Sources: https://anad.org/eating-disorder-statistic/https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/statistics/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9875472/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6769899/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6382562/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7722117/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7575017/

We brought on friends of the pod, Kaitlyn Moore and Lauren Leavell, to talk about the recent phenomenon of "body positive" influencers pivoting to posting about their weight loss journeys. We highly recommend this episode of Kaitlyn's podcast, Dose of Sass, as a companion listen

It's 2024 and we are back with our official (sort of) In and Out list for the new year. We asked for the products, apps, brands, and trends you're seeing most on social media and we're giving our rapid-fire takes! A video version of this episode is available on patreon! 

For the last episode of the year we're looking back on 2023, giving advice for your holiday season woes, and predicting fitness and wellness trends for next year. Thank you for listening with us. See you in 2024! <3

FREE YOUR MIND! The Treadmill Strut Queen herself, Allie Bennett (aka @benntheredonethat on TikTok) joined us to talk about her viral fitness trend and what it's like being a full-time content creator. We also dissect 12-3-30 and the Cozy Cardio trends. 

Not you Mom, sorry for the confusion. We got Lauren Leavell to join us behind the paywall for a very special and laughter-filled bonus episode. Listen to the whole thing on the Patreon!

We've got the incomparable Lauren Leavell on the pod! We're talking all about Barre fitness, where it started, and Lauren's experience as a barre instructor in person and online. Lauren's Links: Instagram @laurenleavellfitness Tiktok @laurenleavell Listen to Rest Days

It's an astrology episode! We're giving you another chance to nurture the parasocial relationship by diving deep into Laura's astro chart. Join the Patreon to listen to the full episode!

Class is in session! This week we're taking you back-to-school and giving you our best advice for navigating fitness while at college. For bonus content and early access to feed episodes, join the Patreon! Email your questions and stories to [email protected]

In the third and final episode of our Vintage Fitness series we're talking about 90's sensation Tae Bo by Billy Blanks. For bonus content and early access to feed episodes, join the patreon! email questions and stories to [email protected]

In this episode Laura and Carolyn are playing a game they've dubbed "tops and bottoms" and it's 100% less sexy than it sounds. Listen to the full episode on ⁠Patreon!⁠

In part 2/3 of our vintage fitness series, we're diving into the history of one of the most influential fitness franchises of the past: Jazzercise! For bonus episodes (including part 1 of this series) and early access to new feed episodes, join the Patreon

(Alternate title: Old lady hand jobs in the high school gym) This week on the Patreon we're throwing it back and talking about two iconic as-seen-on-tv fitness gadgets: the Thigh Master and the Shake Weight. Join the Patreon to listen to the full episode and get early, ad-free versions of regular episodes!

In this week's episode we talk about the mental and emotional components of training, habit building, and coaching. This is technically the last portion of "Making Norm Our Blood Boy" where we went off-script and ended up having such a rich discussion, we just needed to put it on the main feed! The full episode (including the sillier bits) is up on Patreon.

This is a preview of our newest bonus episode. You can listen to it in full on the Patreon!

This week on Fit Literate we answered listener questions about rest days, podcasts we love, and future deep dive topics. We also figure out what's going on on TikTok with Mustard Lady and the "Girl Dinner" trend. Thanks for listening! For bonus content and early access to feed episodes, join the Patreon Email your questions and stories to [email protected]

We are breaking our silence and breaking down the now infamous career of fitness influencer Brittany Dawn! In this episode we dive deep into the rise, the fall, the lawsuit, the rebrand, and the many, many scandals. And, of course, it wouldn't be Fit Lit without a discussion about what this all means for the fitness industry and what lessons you can take away as a fitness consumer or a professional trying to build an online brand of your own. For bonus content and to support the show, join the Patreon! Follow us on Instagram @fitliteratepod Email us at [email protected]

Lo! And behold the muscular goddesses gracing the screens of iphones everywhere! This week we are talking about the (admittedly niche) #musclemommy trend celebrating muscular and strong women. And while the trend isn't much more than vehicle for thirst traps, we're using it as an opportunity to talk about a topic near and dear to our hearts: women and strength. In this episode we bust historical and contemporary myths about women and weight lifting, give important information and advice for women looking to get into strength training, and highlight three strong women of the past who paved the way for the female strength athletes and muscle mommies of today. To support the show and access bonus content, join the Patreon!

Building on our conversations about the rising trend of low intensity exercise and "hormone balancing" workouts, this week we are taking a deep dive into Pilates! We overview the history of Pilates, discuss the way it's represented on social media, and share insight from actual pilates instructors (because we don't really know what we're talking about.)  Use the links below to follow our contributors on the socials! Linds (@fatbodypilates) Rachel (@radpilates) Mychele Sims (@get2werk) MoJo (@whatmojoloves) Portia Boston (@portia.boston) Helen Phelan (@helenvphelan) Margaret Elizabeth (@margaretelizabeth__)

We're putting the pod in sport mode! This week the Fit Lit ladies indulge their New England roots and tackle the TB12 Method - the training, diet, and lifestyle plan created by Tom Brady and his "body coach" Alex Guerrero.  Join the Patreon for exclusive content Follow Fit Literate on Instagram

In this week's episode, Laura and Carolyn do a deep(ish) dive into the internet's favorite Yoga teacher, Adriene Mischler and chat with Fit Literate's FIRST EVER GUEST! Huge thank you to Divya Balakrishnan for sitting down to talk with us about the current state of yoga on the internet, how yoga fits into a balanced movement practice, and the importance of supporting South Asian practitioners in an industry that has been continuously whitewashed for white, western sensibilities.  Please leave a 5 star review if you enjoy the show! Support Fit Literate on Patreon Connect with Divya: Hidivya.com Divya on Patreon @divyabala on Instagram @divyabala_ on TikTok Divya Bala on YouTube

Happy New Year! We all know January is the most important month of the year for sales in the fitness, health and wellness industries. So in the first Fit Lit episode of 2023, Carolyn and Laura give their opinions on the products and trends being marketed the hardest. The girls also take some time to empty the pod inbox and answer some email questions and share how their personal resolutions are going so far. If you like the show, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts!  To get access to bonus content, join the Patreon! 

For the final Fit Literate installment of the year, Carolyn and Laura are sitting you down for one more big sister chat. From dealing with negative body image and setting boundaries around diet talk, to reframing workout priorities and staying consistent through the end-of-the-year hustle, the girls are delivering their most thoughtful and nuanced advice yet to help you get through the holiday season.  Links: "A Prospective Study of Holiday Weight Gain" Join the Patreon! Follow us on Instagram

Get your 3lb weights and fruit purees ready because we are doing a deep dive into celebrity trainer Tracy Anderson and her "research based" method. Content warning for conversations about weight, calories, and disordered eating and exercise behaviors. For access to bonus episodes, subscribe to the Patreon! Email us at [email protected] Follow us on instagram @fitliteratepod

Happy Halloween and welcome back Fit Literate listeners! After an (unplanned) break from recording, we are so excited to bring you our takes on some current events and have a little fun getting in the halloween spirit. In this episode we talk about Beachbody rebranding as a "health esteem" company, recap the Discourse around Taylor Swifts new music video, and draft our teams for the SFL (scary fitness league). For bonus content, join the Patreon! Vote for the scariest team in our Instagram story! Email your questions, fitness horror stories, and halloween costumes to [email protected] 

What's the next big trend in fitness? In this episode we utilize the insights we've gained from rotting our brains on TikTok to predict where we think the pendulum is swinging next. We cover "hormone balancing" workouts, cycle syncing, the resurgence of the pilates and y2k body ideals, and what we think this all means for the future of fitness content online. Thanks for listening! For bonus episodes and to support the show, join the Patreon! To send in your questions and stories, DM on on instagram (@fitliteratepod) or email us at [email protected]

It's a Q&A episode! Thank you to everyone who wrote in. We also tried to #LETNORMSPEAK, but he was feeling mic shy. Maybe next time. For part one of the Q&A and to support the show, sign up for the Patreon! Thanks for listening! We love you! <3

It's the "Hot Girl Walk" episode! We're diving into the walking-based fitness trend that's been blowing up on TikTok for the last few months, some fun facts about the history of walking for wellness, and the details of our personal ideal HGW. Because really, who doesn't love to take a stroll outside with a little drink? If you want us to answer your question or read a message from you on the next episode, email it to us at [email protected] or DM us on instagram @fitliteratepod For bonus episodes and to support the show, check us out on Patreon! Thanks for listening! <3

B-A-N-A-N-A-S! For part two of our YouTube vegans episode we are covering Healthy Emmy, High Carb Hannah, and yes, FreeLee the Banana Girl. We also give suggestions for a few vegan content creators who we think are worth following. Next week we'll be back with a mini on the main feed and bonus episode on the Patreon (click here to join). CW: disordered eating, anti-fatness

Is that poop in your eye or are you just happy to see us?  This is part one of a two part episode about vegan youtubers. In this episode we talk about Yovana (Rawvana), Alyse Parker (Raw Alignment) Mr. and Mrs. Vegan, and Fully Raw Kristina. The controversy, the drama, the scandal and speculation!! We don't think you're ready for this organic, home-made, high-carb-low-fat, raw vegan jelly.  CW: disordered eating, extreme diets, and antisemitism  To get access to exclusive episodes, become a member of the Patreon!

Laura, our resident group fitness expert, shares her tips on feeling comfortable and confident when trying a group fitness class for the first time. Whether you are new to classes in general or thinking of switching up your normal routine, this survival guide will help you calm your pre-class jitters. For exclusive episodes, subscribe to the Patreon

Does workout out have to hurt to be effective? For sure not. But with classic fitness cliche's like "No pain, no gain" being parroted in gyms for decades it can be easy to think that pain is a necessary part of exercise. In this Detox episode, Carolyn helps you set boundaries around discomfort in movement. For exclusive episodes, join the Patreon!

In the age of social media, photo retouching has taken on a whole new life. We live in a world where a free app on your phone can let you take a video that looks like you've gotten a nose job, a BBL, and a professionally done soft-glam makeup look. And while it can be easy to see filters as fun and harmless or an easy way to look more "presentable" online, they don't come without their consequences. In this episode Carolyn and Laura talk about the feedback loop between filters and beauty standards, the history of photo retouching, and ponder the Cardi B hypothesis: does a ho get cold? For bonus episodes, subscribe to the Patreon!

Since we're taking a little break this month, we thought we'd release one of the Patreon episodes to hold you over until we return with some fresh new content. In this Patreon exclusive episode Laura recounts a ... sticky situation from her latest influencer escapades and the girls play the price is right with the weirdest items they could find in the Goop online store. This episode originally aired on 5/19/22.  Sign up for the Patreon to listen to the other exclusive episodes and to support the show!

This week, Laura and Carolyn take of fitness industry juggernaut, Beachbody. Over the last 24 years Beachbody has been responsible for launching the careers of some of the most popular celebrity trainers, releasing some of the most iconic fitness programs of the 2000's and 2010's, and roping thousands of people into selling overpriced protein powder to their old high school acquaintances through facebook messenger. Has Beachbody lived up to its claims of making the world a better place? Or is it just another example of a prolific company prioritizing profit over the wellbeing of their customers? (hint: It's a little bit of the former and A LOT of the latter.) Thanks for listening! For access to exclusive episodes (including the future follow up to this one) join the patreon!

In this episode Carolyn and Laura dive into the career of Women's Fitness mogul and creator of the Sweat app and Bikini Body Guide (BBG), Kayla Itsines. They explore the influence Kayla and her programs had in the mid-2010's, the changes Kayla has made to her brand over the years, and our opinions on her app, workout programs, and social media presence as they are today. For access to exclusive episodes, check out the patreon!

In this Detox episode Carolyn talks about the phrase "get in shape," why it can be harmful, and what it has to do with bear cubs and Kim K's Met Gala dress.  Join the Patreon for exclusive episodes!