What are the “benefits” of interval training over traditional steady-state cardio? Are there any?

The stress hormone cortisol, and what it means for you and your dieting.

Assorted topics about mixing hybrid forms of training, biomechanics, diet, and more.

How Scott uses a client assessment file for every one of his clients.

Learning how to calibrate your training intensity.

Balancing work, life, balance in an increasingly frenzied modern culture.

We focus on long term optimization: it’s not a way to speed up your metabolism, there’s much more to it!

We adapt Buddha’s eight steps to end suffering and suggest specific journaling prompts as a way to deal with food issues and weight loss.

If you’re trying to lose fat (or gain muscle) when should you pay attention to the number on the weight scale?

Traveling and social events can be tricky situations to navigate for dieters. We discuss how to do it sanely, and how to tell the difference between dedication and obsession, or between being flexible and just “making excuses.”

How do you see the world from your client’s eyes?

We had JC Santana on again to talk functional training and share his wisdom.

Are there alternatives to traditional cardio for fat-burning and metabolic optimization? In this episode we discuss Scott’s use of metabolic circuits of various kinds: when, why, and how, plus the history of their development.

These are the thoughts and thinking patterns that hold you back, and what to do instead!

You have a big, long-term goal that will take time. You can’t do it all at once. You can only do what you can do right now. So, how do you do that? Since Mike recently finished a long process of completing his PhD, we figured we’d talk about deferred gratification and task-oriented thinking in the face of those long-term goals that can seem overwhelming if you try to think about the whole thing.

Scott reminisces about some lessons learns from his time at Muscle Camp in 1989.

This episode touched on a number of topics, beginning with a question about loose skin, and from there delving into the power of better sleep, solid routines, and using journaling to help with these things.

We talk to fitness cover model Andy Sinclair about the real work behind his insane metabolism and ability to stay lean year-round.We talk to fitness cover model Andy Sinclair about the real work behind his insane metabolism and ability to stay lean year-round.

Today our topic is the best diet and fat loss strategies or habits for when you want to lose a LOT of weight, like 40 lbs., 50 lbs., or more. You’re starting at square one, it can feel a bit daunting. Experts might say stuff like “start small, focus on the longterm,” but even though that’s good advice, it’s hard to follow. If oyu want to lose the wieght you want it gone–yesterday. but rushing things just leads to unhealthy behaviors.

This episode began with a real and raw letter from a potential client who suffers from binge eating, but who agreed to let us share her letter on the show. For those dealing with these issues right now, please do visit: scottabelfitness.com/foodissues to get a few specific, helpful exercises sent to you (journaling prompts, self-investigation questionnaires, etc.).