Top 3 Tips For Success With Macronutrients

Macros Don’t Have To Be Hard — Follow The Tips Below And You’ll See Progress In No Time!

Start with protein

Before you even begin to approach your carbohydrate and fat numbers, lock in your protein intake first. Protein is the most direct indicator of how much lean muscle you can gain, and lean muscle is what allows you to look toned… so it makes sense to start here! Once you spend a bit of time eating the right amount of protein, you’ll likely begin to feel more full and have more energy — after that, dialing in your carbs and fats becomes MUCH easier!

Avoid fat around workouts

Good, nutrient rich fats are important for hormone regulation and production, but the majority of us eat way too much fat when we’re not tracking. Oil is an ingredient in a staggering number of foods, especially in meals prepared by restaurants. But the #1 time to avoid fats as much as possible is around workouts — fat gets digested before carbs, but carbs are the primary fuel consumed during workouts! In general, you should aim to eat less than 8 grams of fat in your pre and post-workout meals.

Avoid fat around workouts

DO NOT decrease your macros on rest days

It’s tempting to lower your food intake on rest days since you don’t have as much physical activity to balance it out — but this is a trap you really don’t want to fall into! You’ll see way more success if you keep your macros consistent each day, because you break down muscle during your workouts. Rest days are when you build it! The most essential way to fuel this process is with food, so make sure you have the right kinds and plenty of them!If you’re interested, I designed a system that allows you to identify exactly what your macros should be, along with how to eat to support your hard work in the gym so you can finally build the body you want…

DO NOT decrease your macros on rest days

min read

Macros Don’t Have To Be Hard — Follow The Tips Below And You’ll See Progress In No Time!

Start with protein

Before you even begin to approach your carbohydrate and fat numbers, lock in your protein intake first. Protein is the most direct indicator of how much lean muscle you can gain, and lean muscle is what allows you to look toned… so it makes sense to start here! Once you spend a bit of time eating the right amount of protein, you’ll likely begin to feel more full and have more energy — after that, dialing in your carbs and fats becomes MUCH easier!

Avoid fat around workouts

Good, nutrient rich fats are important for hormone regulation and production, but the majority of us eat way too much fat when we’re not tracking. Oil is an ingredient in a staggering number of foods, especially in meals prepared by restaurants. But the #1 time to avoid fats as much as possible is around workouts — fat gets digested before carbs, but carbs are the primary fuel consumed during workouts! In general, you should aim to eat less than 8 grams of fat in your pre and post-workout meals.

Avoid fat around workouts

DO NOT decrease your macros on rest days

It’s tempting to lower your food intake on rest days since you don’t have as much physical activity to balance it out — but this is a trap you really don’t want to fall into! You’ll see way more success if you keep your macros consistent each day, because you break down muscle during your workouts. Rest days are when you build it! The most essential way to fuel this process is with food, so make sure you have the right kinds and plenty of them!If you’re interested, I designed a system that allows you to identify exactly what your macros should be, along with how to eat to support your hard work in the gym so you can finally build the body you want…

DO NOT decrease your macros on rest days

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How To Get Started With Strength Training

A Quick Guide To Achieving Maximum Results, Even If You’re Completely New To Lifting

Proper Form Is Everything

Your form when performing an exercise can make the difference between mediocre and killer results. Bad form can involve many things: using momentum and “swinging” your limbs; poor posture, which can cause unnecessary stress on your muscles; and generally not being in control during the exercise. By using gradual motions, focusing on engaging the correct muscle groups, and referencing exercise diagrams, you can make sure your form is spot on! Yes, this is more work. And doing it “right” might reduce the number of reps you can do… But you’ll get to where you want much faster.

Proper Form Is Everything

Progressive Overloading

When you have a vision for the body you want to build, it’s natural to want it now — the danger here is lifting too heavy too soon. It’s easy to fool yourself into thinking you can lift heavier by taking shortcuts with your form, make sure you stick to step #1! Once you find the amount you can safely lift for the optimal number of reps, it’s totally normal to stay at that level for a bit. Don’t be in a rush to lift more — small increases over time will add up to more lean muscle than you’re probably thinking, so be patient and you’ll be rewarded!

Progressive Overloading

Give Yourself Plenty Of Rest

I used to do strength training 6 days a week (plus tons of cardio) — I didn’t realize how much this was setting me back until much later. Please don’t make the same mistake! 3-5 days of focused, targeted strength training is enough to reach your goals. Muscle is torn down during workouts and built during rest periods, so it’s counterproductive to shortchange yourself on downtime! Rest before your workouts matters too — in other words, don’t time your cardio right before your strength training sessions or you’ll have too little energy when training.If you want to join a program that offers clarity on the exact exercises to do, your ideal number of reps, how many sessions a week to aim for, and so much more in order to build the body composition you truly want…

Give Yourself Plenty Of Rest

8 min read

A Quick Guide To Achieving Maximum Results, Even If You’re Completely New To Lifting

Proper Form Is Everything

Your form when performing an exercise can make the difference between mediocre and killer results. Bad form can involve many things: using momentum and “swinging” your limbs; poor posture, which can cause unnecessary stress on your muscles; and generally not being in control during the exercise. By using gradual motions, focusing on engaging the correct muscle groups, and referencing exercise diagrams, you can make sure your form is spot on! Yes, this is more work. And doing it “right” might reduce the number of reps you can do… But you’ll get to where you want much faster.

Proper Form Is Everything

Progressive Overloading

When you have a vision for the body you want to build, it’s natural to want it now — the danger here is lifting too heavy too soon. It’s easy to fool yourself into thinking you can lift heavier by taking shortcuts with your form, make sure you stick to step #1! Once you find the amount you can safely lift for the optimal number of reps, it’s totally normal to stay at that level for a bit. Don’t be in a rush to lift more — small increases over time will add up to more lean muscle than you’re probably thinking, so be patient and you’ll be rewarded!

Progressive Overloading

Give Yourself Plenty Of Rest

I used to do strength training 6 days a week (plus tons of cardio) — I didn’t realize how much this was setting me back until much later. Please don’t make the same mistake! 3-5 days of focused, targeted strength training is enough to reach your goals. Muscle is torn down during workouts and built during rest periods, so it’s counterproductive to shortchange yourself on downtime! Rest before your workouts matters too — in other words, don’t time your cardio right before your strength training sessions or you’ll have too little energy when training.If you want to join a program that offers clarity on the exact exercises to do, your ideal number of reps, how many sessions a week to aim for, and so much more in order to build the body composition you truly want…

Give Yourself Plenty Of Rest
3 Hacks For Hitting Your Macros Easily

Simple Steps To Keep You Ahead Of The Game And Build The Body Composition You Want!

Track ahead of time

If you hate tracking meals, let me ask you: when are you tracking them? Many women track after the meal is already done, but the most effective tracking happens in advance. By entering your numbers the night before, you won’t have to worry about stopping and starting throughout the day. This might sound like a small detail, but trust me when I say tracking on the go has the power to completely derail your day. That does not need to happen!

Track ahead of time

Prepare in advance

Make foods in a large enough quantity that you can turn one prep session into meals for days. Portion it out into containers ahead of time and bring those in for lunch for a few days. Not only will this save you time on cooking, it’s so much less stressful when you’re focused on getting out the door in the morning. You can apply this to as many meals as you want, too — make healthy, balanced dinners you’d be happy to eat for leftovers and you’ll have so much time!

Prepare in advance

Do it

I don’t care if this seems like a cop out for step 3, because the vast majority of the women reading this who agree with steps 1 & 2 will not take this to completion. So I’m going to get ahead of that right now and give you a push — if you plan, prepare, and execute on your macro-centric meal plan, coupled with the appropriate level and type of strength training, your chances of actually building the body you want go through the roof!Macros can feel daunting if you’re not used to tracking and working with numbers, but they’re super simple to apply when you have a dedicated community and certified coaches to guide you through it! If you want to join one of our customizable nutrition and fitness programs…

Do it

8 min read

Simple Steps To Keep You Ahead Of The Game And Build The Body Composition You Want!

Track ahead of time

If you hate tracking meals, let me ask you: when are you tracking them? Many women track after the meal is already done, but the most effective tracking happens in advance. By entering your numbers the night before, you won’t have to worry about stopping and starting throughout the day. This might sound like a small detail, but trust me when I say tracking on the go has the power to completely derail your day. That does not need to happen!

Track ahead of time

Prepare in advance

Make foods in a large enough quantity that you can turn one prep session into meals for days. Portion it out into containers ahead of time and bring those in for lunch for a few days. Not only will this save you time on cooking, it’s so much less stressful when you’re focused on getting out the door in the morning. You can apply this to as many meals as you want, too — make healthy, balanced dinners you’d be happy to eat for leftovers and you’ll have so much time!

Prepare in advance

Do it

I don’t care if this seems like a cop out for step 3, because the vast majority of the women reading this who agree with steps 1 & 2 will not take this to completion. So I’m going to get ahead of that right now and give you a push — if you plan, prepare, and execute on your macro-centric meal plan, coupled with the appropriate level and type of strength training, your chances of actually building the body you want go through the roof!Macros can feel daunting if you’re not used to tracking and working with numbers, but they’re super simple to apply when you have a dedicated community and certified coaches to guide you through it! If you want to join one of our customizable nutrition and fitness programs…

Do it
How Dieting Leads to Weight Gain

Sounds backwards, right? Why would dieting lead to gaining weight when it’s designed to do the opposite? That’s exactly what we’re covering in this article — if you’re serious about losing weight and getting lean, not just seeing a lower number on the scale, read on...

1. Fatigue

1. Fatigue

Have you ever started a diet and started feeling sluggish, tired, and drained? Of course — that’s what happens when you’re eating too little to meet your body’s needs! Overeating can make us tired for a while, but undereating is just as bad, and possibly even worse. But it gets worse: Less energy means less output in the gym... and that gets in the way of you building lean muscle! This is a BIG reason why eating less often makes it harder, not easier to lose weight.That’s not all, though — there’s another reason it’s often harder to tone on a diet...

2. Muscle loss

2. Muscle loss

Even if you’re eating enough protein, you can still lose muscle if your overall calorie intake is too low. Think about it this way: Your body doesn’t just use calories to store fat; it directs that energy to many essential processes, one of which is maintaining your muscle tissue! Since limiting your food limits your muscle growth and can even lead to muscle loss, you have less active tissue consuming calories at rest... and that in turn leads to one of the biggest problems:

“3. Slower metabolism

3. Slower metabolism

Your metabolic rate is largely dictated by how much active tissue you have, because that tissue consumes extra calories and helps keep your fat stores under control. Muscle is one form of active tissue you have direct control over building, and as you add more, your metabolism gets faster — burning potentially hundreds more calories a day if you keep adding lean muscle!While dieting can reduce your weight, it’s rarely the most effective solution long-term. There are better, more sustainable, and less hair-raising ways to do it... and isn’t that what we’re all after?If you want personalized 1:1 help with eating for your unique body and building a toned body composition, apply to become a WarriorBabe here!

8 min read

Sounds backwards, right? Why would dieting lead to gaining weight when it’s designed to do the opposite? That’s exactly what we’re covering in this article — if you’re serious about losing weight and getting lean, not just seeing a lower number on the scale, read on...

1. Fatigue

1. Fatigue

Have you ever started a diet and started feeling sluggish, tired, and drained? Of course — that’s what happens when you’re eating too little to meet your body’s needs! Overeating can make us tired for a while, but undereating is just as bad, and possibly even worse. But it gets worse: Less energy means less output in the gym... and that gets in the way of you building lean muscle! This is a BIG reason why eating less often makes it harder, not easier to lose weight.That’s not all, though — there’s another reason it’s often harder to tone on a diet...

2. Muscle loss

2. Muscle loss

Even if you’re eating enough protein, you can still lose muscle if your overall calorie intake is too low. Think about it this way: Your body doesn’t just use calories to store fat; it directs that energy to many essential processes, one of which is maintaining your muscle tissue! Since limiting your food limits your muscle growth and can even lead to muscle loss, you have less active tissue consuming calories at rest... and that in turn leads to one of the biggest problems:

“3. Slower metabolism

3. Slower metabolism

Your metabolic rate is largely dictated by how much active tissue you have, because that tissue consumes extra calories and helps keep your fat stores under control. Muscle is one form of active tissue you have direct control over building, and as you add more, your metabolism gets faster — burning potentially hundreds more calories a day if you keep adding lean muscle!While dieting can reduce your weight, it’s rarely the most effective solution long-term. There are better, more sustainable, and less hair-raising ways to do it... and isn’t that what we’re all after?If you want personalized 1:1 help with eating for your unique body and building a toned body composition, apply to become a WarriorBabe here!

Mindful Eating Mashup for the Holidays | Ep. 218


Video Description

In this special The Macro Hour mash-up episode, Nikkiey Stott cuts through the holiday noise with no B.S. strategies for mastering mindful eating during the holidays. Featuring the best mindful eating insights and tips, this episode shows you how to avoid feeling deprived or out of control while embracing balance and owning your choices. It’s time to make this holiday season work for you—not against you. Packed with practical advice and empowering moments, this mash-up will help you enjoy festive meals and celebrations while staying aligned with your goals. Tune in to discover how to navigate the holidays with confidence and ease.

How to Stay Consistent with Fitness During The Holidays (Without Perfection) | Ep. 216


Video Description

The holidays are here, and with packed schedules, family gatherings, and endless travel, it’s easy to feel like your fitness goals have to take a back seat. But they don’t have to! In this episode of The Macro Hour, Nikkiey Stott shares practical strategies to stay on track with your fitness during the holidays—no perfection required. You’ll learn how to ditch the "all-or-nothing" mindset, fit in quick but effective workouts, and find ways to keep moving even when life feels chaotic. From bodyweight circuits to movement "snacks," this episode will help you stay consistent, keep your momentum, and enter January feeling stronger and more confident than ever.

WarriorBabe Interview: Emily's Approach to Sustainable Fitness and Nutrition

Emily returns to discuss her sustainable approach to fitness and nutrition, emphasizing long-term health and well-being. She shares how she plans her meals and workouts to fit her busy lifestyle, offering tips that viewers can easily adapt to maintain their health goals without feeling overwhelmed.

listen

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Mindful Eating Mashup for the Holidays | Ep. 218



Episode Description

In this special The Macro Hour mash-up episode, Nikkiey Stott cuts through the holiday noise with no B.S. strategies for mastering mindful eating during the holidays. Featuring the best mindful eating insights and tips, this episode shows you how to avoid feeling deprived or out of control while embracing balance and owning your choices. It’s time to make this holiday season work for you—not against you. Packed with practical advice and empowering moments, this mash-up will help you enjoy festive meals and celebrations while staying aligned with your goals. Tune in to discover how to navigate the holidays with confidence and ease.

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

8 min read

How to Stay Consistent with Fitness During The Holidays (Without Perfection) | Ep. 216



Episode Description

The holidays are here, and with packed schedules, family gatherings, and endless travel, it’s easy to feel like your fitness goals have to take a back seat. But they don’t have to! In this episode of The Macro Hour, Nikkiey Stott shares practical strategies to stay on track with your fitness during the holidays—no perfection required. You’ll learn how to ditch the "all-or-nothing" mindset, fit in quick but effective workouts, and find ways to keep moving even when life feels chaotic. From bodyweight circuits to movement "snacks," this episode will help you stay consistent, keep your momentum, and enter January feeling stronger and more confident than ever.

This is some text inside of a div block.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

8 min read

Hormones and Health - How Personalized Care Drives Real Change with Dr. Stephen Cabral | Ep. 209



Episode Description

In this episode of The Macro Hour, we’re excited to welcome back Dr. Stephen Cabral, a naturopathic doctor and functional medicine expert, for an in-depth discussion on the importance of personalized health protocols and the impact of hormones on mood, metabolism, and overall well-being. Building on our previous conversation, Dr. Cabral helps interpret my re-test results from the Equi.Life Stress, Mood, and Metabolism test, highlighting the importance of understanding hormonal shifts and why re-testing is crucial for tracking health progress.We dive into the science behind personalized wellness, discussing how individual factors like lifestyle, stress, and genetics influence hormones and why one-size-fits-all solutions often fall short. Dr. Cabral also explains the connection between metabolism and mental health, and shares practical strategies for optimizing hormones, improving mood, and enhancing metabolic function. Whether you’re looking to gain insights on hormonal health, learn the importance of re-testing, or simply get practical tips for wellness, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you take charge of your health journey.

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Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.

8 min read

How to Stay Consistent on Your Fitness Journey

How to Stay Consistent on Your Fitness Journey

Consistency isn’t easy — between food temptations, finding time, and life’s inevitable bumps in the road, there are endless setbacks waiting for us. Let’s explore 3 simple ways to reclaim your consistency, make the journey more sustainable, and stay on track toward your goals!

1. Pre-plan

One of the simplest antidotes to setbacks is to see them coming from a mile away. You can’t plan for getting sick, but you can anticipate how you need to tweak your macros while you recover. You can’t know that you’ll have no energy on a random Tuesday, but you can plan your workouts around your body’s natural rhythms. You never know when a friend will call to make last-minute dinner plans, but you can plan out your macros a day ahead of time and still make choices that support your goals.

Life is fullest when there’s spontaneity, but knowing your options in advance will ensure you have less room for error when stuff comes up!

2. Know your end goal

The journey will never feel like it’s worth it if you don’t know what you’re aiming for. Better health is a great pursuit. Losing 30 pounds can be, too. But if you don’t know what you want life to look like on the other end, or if you don’t have a good reason to get there, you’ll burn out long before you get there. Clarity lowers resistance. Drive motivates action. Keep your deepest reasons for building your ideal body composition front and center — you’ll find it much easier to stay the course and build an amazing body!

3. Control your time frames

Setting big goals is great, but only if you allow yourself an appropriate amount of time. If you want to lose some serious weight within a month, it’s tough to do it without making serious sacrifices in your health (and even then, it might be impossible). If you want to give yourself faster targets, great; just break your bigger goals into milestones. Every goal you don’t hit has the potential to discourage you, so position goals outside your comfort zone but ensure they’re still within your ability to control! To stay consistent, give yourself every advantage — and allow yourself a bit of grace.

If you want personalized 1:1 help with building your own fitness plan and a body composition that lasts for the long haul, apply to become a WarriorBabe here!

min read

How to Stay Consistent on Your Fitness Journey

Consistency isn’t easy — between food temptations, finding time, and life’s inevitable bumps in the road, there are endless setbacks waiting for us. Let’s explore 3 simple ways to reclaim your consistency, make the journey more sustainable, and stay on track toward your goals!

1. Pre-plan

One of the simplest antidotes to setbacks is to see them coming from a mile away. You can’t plan for getting sick, but you can anticipate how you need to tweak your macros while you recover. You can’t know that you’ll have no energy on a random Tuesday, but you can plan your workouts around your body’s natural rhythms. You never know when a friend will call to make last-minute dinner plans, but you can plan out your macros a day ahead of time and still make choices that support your goals.

Life is fullest when there’s spontaneity, but knowing your options in advance will ensure you have less room for error when stuff comes up!

2. Know your end goal

The journey will never feel like it’s worth it if you don’t know what you’re aiming for. Better health is a great pursuit. Losing 30 pounds can be, too. But if you don’t know what you want life to look like on the other end, or if you don’t have a good reason to get there, you’ll burn out long before you get there. Clarity lowers resistance. Drive motivates action. Keep your deepest reasons for building your ideal body composition front and center — you’ll find it much easier to stay the course and build an amazing body!

3. Control your time frames

Setting big goals is great, but only if you allow yourself an appropriate amount of time. If you want to lose some serious weight within a month, it’s tough to do it without making serious sacrifices in your health (and even then, it might be impossible). If you want to give yourself faster targets, great; just break your bigger goals into milestones. Every goal you don’t hit has the potential to discourage you, so position goals outside your comfort zone but ensure they’re still within your ability to control! To stay consistent, give yourself every advantage — and allow yourself a bit of grace.

If you want personalized 1:1 help with building your own fitness plan and a body composition that lasts for the long haul, apply to become a WarriorBabe here!

3 Steps to Setting Powerful New Year’s Resolutions

3 Steps to Setting Powerful New Year’s Resolutions

Most people wing it when setting their resolutions — but not YOU. You want to see results and you’re determined to follow through... Isn’t that why you’re here, after all? Now let’s dive into how to do it!

1. Concrete

It’s not enough to want to ‘lose weight’ or ‘gain muscle’. Vague goals create vague results! The more specific you can be, the better (which clothes you want to fit into, how much definition you want to see, how many pounds you want to drop in fat or gain in muscle, etc.). Your brain does its best work when it has concrete objectives, because clearer intentions lead to clearer action steps. And those actions are what ultimately create the results you want! Speaking of...

2. Actionable

Every goal must be translated into specific action steps to take shape. Whether you’re in a cut phase, build phase, or maintaining your macros to drop fat and build muscle gradually, that won’t happen unless you know what steps to take to get there. Otherwise, your strategy is built on hope — not what actually works! To bridge the gap, turn each outcome-based goal into an input-based one. Want to lose 10 lbs? Your ‘inputs’ might be 4 strength and 2 cardio workouts a week, with a slight reduction in daily calories (or an increase in calories if you’ve been undereating). This may take some trial and error on your own, but a macronutrient & fitness coach can help with that!

3. Realistic

Over the span of years, you should absolutely set the biggest, most audacious goals you want to achieve — but when it comes to your goals for this year or the first few months, it’s better to keep it real. Within a few years you can absolutely build a dream body composition that’s relatively easy to keep, but a few months of focused effort might not yield the final result you want. That’s okay! Know that lasting fitness takes time but is very doable — though it does require you to have a clear idea of what’s reasonable in the short term so you can achieve unreasonable results in the long term.

If you want personalized 1:1 help with building your own fitness plan and a body composition that lasts for the long haul, apply to become a WarriorBabe here!

min read

3 Steps to Setting Powerful New Year’s Resolutions

Most people wing it when setting their resolutions — but not YOU. You want to see results and you’re determined to follow through... Isn’t that why you’re here, after all? Now let’s dive into how to do it!

1. Concrete

It’s not enough to want to ‘lose weight’ or ‘gain muscle’. Vague goals create vague results! The more specific you can be, the better (which clothes you want to fit into, how much definition you want to see, how many pounds you want to drop in fat or gain in muscle, etc.). Your brain does its best work when it has concrete objectives, because clearer intentions lead to clearer action steps. And those actions are what ultimately create the results you want! Speaking of...

2. Actionable

Every goal must be translated into specific action steps to take shape. Whether you’re in a cut phase, build phase, or maintaining your macros to drop fat and build muscle gradually, that won’t happen unless you know what steps to take to get there. Otherwise, your strategy is built on hope — not what actually works! To bridge the gap, turn each outcome-based goal into an input-based one. Want to lose 10 lbs? Your ‘inputs’ might be 4 strength and 2 cardio workouts a week, with a slight reduction in daily calories (or an increase in calories if you’ve been undereating). This may take some trial and error on your own, but a macronutrient & fitness coach can help with that!

3. Realistic

Over the span of years, you should absolutely set the biggest, most audacious goals you want to achieve — but when it comes to your goals for this year or the first few months, it’s better to keep it real. Within a few years you can absolutely build a dream body composition that’s relatively easy to keep, but a few months of focused effort might not yield the final result you want. That’s okay! Know that lasting fitness takes time but is very doable — though it does require you to have a clear idea of what’s reasonable in the short term so you can achieve unreasonable results in the long term.

If you want personalized 1:1 help with building your own fitness plan and a body composition that lasts for the long haul, apply to become a WarriorBabe here!

How To Get Toned While Enjoying Carbs Guilt-Free

How To Get Toned While Enjoying Carbs Guilt-Free

Simple vs. complex carbs

Carbs are not all created equal, and this is especially true of the distinction between simple and complex carbs. Simple carbs are the ones that are broken down the fastest — sweets, fruits, etc. (dried mangoes are one of my FAVORITES). Complex carbs, on the other hand, take longer to digest and are found in sources like wheat, potatoes and other starches. I generally shoot for 90% complex and 10% simple in a given day, and the time of day matters here, as you’ll see shortly…

Simple vs. complex carbs

Diversify your carb sources

Macronutrients are the core of our focus at WarriorBabe, but that doesn’t mean micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, etc.) are any less important. There are tons of different carb sources to choose from, and each has a different blend of nutrients our bodies need to thrive. By varying up your meals and incorporating different carbohydrates, you’ll be able to have more energy and vitality you can put toward your workouts and life in general!

Diversify your carb sources

ALWAYS eat carbs before and after workouts

This is one of the most common mistakes I notice from women who are regularly doing strength training but not seeing the results they want. Carbs are the fuel your body looks for first during workouts — without its chosen fuel, it pulls from your muscle stores instead… which is NOT what you want. Always have carbs before your workouts (around 30 minutes for simple carbs, about 90 for complex) and follow up with more when you’re done!Follow what you read here and you’ll be ahead of the vast majority of women following macronutrient plans… but the best thing you can have is nutritional and workout guidance from expert coaches along with resources like specialized macro calculators and nutrient breakdowns for tons of the most common food sources available. To get all of this and more…

ALWAYS eat carbs before and after workouts

min read

How To Get Toned While Enjoying Carbs Guilt-Free

Simple vs. complex carbs

Carbs are not all created equal, and this is especially true of the distinction between simple and complex carbs. Simple carbs are the ones that are broken down the fastest — sweets, fruits, etc. (dried mangoes are one of my FAVORITES). Complex carbs, on the other hand, take longer to digest and are found in sources like wheat, potatoes and other starches. I generally shoot for 90% complex and 10% simple in a given day, and the time of day matters here, as you’ll see shortly…

Simple vs. complex carbs

Diversify your carb sources

Macronutrients are the core of our focus at WarriorBabe, but that doesn’t mean micronutrients (vitamins, minerals, etc.) are any less important. There are tons of different carb sources to choose from, and each has a different blend of nutrients our bodies need to thrive. By varying up your meals and incorporating different carbohydrates, you’ll be able to have more energy and vitality you can put toward your workouts and life in general!

Diversify your carb sources

ALWAYS eat carbs before and after workouts

This is one of the most common mistakes I notice from women who are regularly doing strength training but not seeing the results they want. Carbs are the fuel your body looks for first during workouts — without its chosen fuel, it pulls from your muscle stores instead… which is NOT what you want. Always have carbs before your workouts (around 30 minutes for simple carbs, about 90 for complex) and follow up with more when you’re done!Follow what you read here and you’ll be ahead of the vast majority of women following macronutrient plans… but the best thing you can have is nutritional and workout guidance from expert coaches along with resources like specialized macro calculators and nutrient breakdowns for tons of the most common food sources available. To get all of this and more…

ALWAYS eat carbs before and after workouts
How to Get Ripped at 51 w/Alicia Erickson | Ep. 221


Video Description

In this episode of The Macro Hour, Nikkiey Stott sits down with Alicia Erickson, also known as The Midlife Maven, who transformed her health and fitness journey at 51, proving that midlife can be a powerful new beginning. After 13 years as a portrait photographer, Alicia found her passion in empowering women to embrace their strength and vitality through strength training and nutrition. She shares her incredible story, the mindset shifts that helped her thrive, and practical lessons for anyone ready to take charge of their health. This conversation is a testament to the possibilities that await in midlife and beyond—don’t miss it.

Align Your 2025 Goals with Your Higher Self | Ep. 220


Video Description

In this episode of The Macro Hour, Nikkiey Stott dives into how to tap into the most empowered, confident version of yourself to carry you forward into the new year. With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, this episode focuses on aligning your goals with the future self you’re stepping into—the person you aspire to become. Explore how the connection, vision, and feeling of your most empowered self can serve as a guide to achieving your goals. Let 2025 be the year you take control, align with your potential, and step fully into the version of yourself you’ve always envisioned. Tune in for a powerful and inspiring conversation to help you start the new year on the right track.

The Ultimate New Years Resolution Mashup | Ep. 219


Video Description

In this episode of The Macro Hour, Nikkiey Stott delivers a no B.S. mash-up packed with actionable advice to crush your New Year’s goals starting right now. This episode cuts through the fluff and provides strategies to help you stick to the promises you make to yourself. You don’t need January 1st to start leveling up—your journey starts today. Tune in to take control of your resolutions, build momentum, and make this year your best year yet

listen

view more
How to Get Ripped at 51 w/Alicia Erickson | Ep. 221



Episode Description

In this episode of The Macro Hour, Nikkiey Stott sits down with Alicia Erickson, also known as The Midlife Maven, who transformed her health and fitness journey at 51, proving that midlife can be a powerful new beginning. After 13 years as a portrait photographer, Alicia found her passion in empowering women to embrace their strength and vitality through strength training and nutrition. She shares her incredible story, the mindset shifts that helped her thrive, and practical lessons for anyone ready to take charge of their health. This conversation is a testament to the possibilities that await in midlife and beyond—don’t miss it.

Align Your 2025 Goals with Your Higher Self | Ep. 220



Episode Description

In this episode of The Macro Hour, Nikkiey Stott dives into how to tap into the most empowered, confident version of yourself to carry you forward into the new year. With New Year’s Eve just around the corner, this episode focuses on aligning your goals with the future self you’re stepping into—the person you aspire to become. Explore how the connection, vision, and feeling of your most empowered self can serve as a guide to achieving your goals. Let 2025 be the year you take control, align with your potential, and step fully into the version of yourself you’ve always envisioned. Tune in for a powerful and inspiring conversation to help you start the new year on the right track.

The Ultimate New Years Resolution Mashup | Ep. 219



Episode Description

In this episode of The Macro Hour, Nikkiey Stott delivers a no B.S. mash-up packed with actionable advice to crush your New Year’s goals starting right now. This episode cuts through the fluff and provides strategies to help you stick to the promises you make to yourself. You don’t need January 1st to start leveling up—your journey starts today. Tune in to take control of your resolutions, build momentum, and make this year your best year yet

4 Principles For Getting Toned After Menopause

Sustainable, Actionable Steps You Can Take To Get In Control Of Your Body Composition

Higher fat, lower carbs

A quick word of warning: This means a slight increase in fats and corresponding decrease in carbs. I’m not saying to start a ketogenic diet — far from it! But this does mean your numbers will change, and macro calculators won’t take into account those types of details despite how important they are. That’s in our flagship program, the WarriorBabe VIP, we designed a specialized macro calculator that will tell you exactly how to shift your macros to maintain and improve your results!

Higher fat, lower carbs

Pull back on caffeine

This might sting a bit if you depend on your morning coffee to help get you going, but stimulants become harder on our bodies over time. Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an occasional cup — just know that excessive caffeine usage can be a stress trigger. As a result, our hormones are easily thrown off balance, which is one of the quickest paths to regressing even when we do everything else right. Speaking of stress triggers, there’s another big one to be wary of...

Caffeine

Less cardio

Starting during menopause, our bodies create more cortisol (a “fight or flight” hormone) in response to stress, including physical stress. More cortisol means we hold onto more fat stores, which is the opposite of what we want! This is why we need less exercise over time, and our workouts need to do more in less time (i.e. NOT intense, sustained cardio — walking is great though 👍). To maximize your time in the gym and see the results you want without falling victim to this, read on...

Back off of cardio

Strength training becomes MORE important

After reading the tip above, it’s easy to think that it’s a bad idea to push yourself with resistance in the gym, but nothing could be further from the truth. As we age, our skeleto-muscular strength naturally decreases, which is why falls and other injuries have a harder time healing. If you want to feel and look younger, proper strength training will help you build the bed of lean muscle you need to make it happen!To get and stay in control of your body composition, getting the correct type of exercise in the optimal amount, while reducing your stressors, is a necessary but difficult balance to achieve. There’s a solution that has helped tens of thousands of women do this sustainably and consistently — to secure your spot and finally start down the right path…

Strength training becomes MORE important

8 min read

Sustainable, Actionable Steps You Can Take To Get In Control Of Your Body Composition

Higher fat, lower carbs

A quick word of warning: This means a slight increase in fats and corresponding decrease in carbs. I’m not saying to start a ketogenic diet — far from it! But this does mean your numbers will change, and macro calculators won’t take into account those types of details despite how important they are. That’s in our flagship program, the WarriorBabe VIP, we designed a specialized macro calculator that will tell you exactly how to shift your macros to maintain and improve your results!

Higher fat, lower carbs

Pull back on caffeine

This might sting a bit if you depend on your morning coffee to help get you going, but stimulants become harder on our bodies over time. Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy an occasional cup — just know that excessive caffeine usage can be a stress trigger. As a result, our hormones are easily thrown off balance, which is one of the quickest paths to regressing even when we do everything else right. Speaking of stress triggers, there’s another big one to be wary of...

Caffeine

Less cardio

Starting during menopause, our bodies create more cortisol (a “fight or flight” hormone) in response to stress, including physical stress. More cortisol means we hold onto more fat stores, which is the opposite of what we want! This is why we need less exercise over time, and our workouts need to do more in less time (i.e. NOT intense, sustained cardio — walking is great though 👍). To maximize your time in the gym and see the results you want without falling victim to this, read on...

Back off of cardio

Strength training becomes MORE important

After reading the tip above, it’s easy to think that it’s a bad idea to push yourself with resistance in the gym, but nothing could be further from the truth. As we age, our skeleto-muscular strength naturally decreases, which is why falls and other injuries have a harder time healing. If you want to feel and look younger, proper strength training will help you build the bed of lean muscle you need to make it happen!To get and stay in control of your body composition, getting the correct type of exercise in the optimal amount, while reducing your stressors, is a necessary but difficult balance to achieve. There’s a solution that has helped tens of thousands of women do this sustainably and consistently — to secure your spot and finally start down the right path…

Strength training becomes MORE important
Top Workout Tips For A Healthy & Lean Body Post-Menopause

A Straightforward Path To Building A Toned, Healthy Body You Love

Prioritize building muscle

After around the age of 30, our bodies have a harder time of building and maintaining muscle, which is only exacerbated by the hormonal changes present during menopause.It becomes more important than ever to focus on strength / resistance training to elevate and preserve your bed of muscle tissue…Not only for building the physique you want, but also to make your body more resilient against injuries.

Manage your cardio carefully

Cardio can knock you off balance by introducing greater physical stress…Causing increased inflammation and overproduction of stress hormones like cortisol that cause you to hold onto more fat stores.Too much cardio can create the exact effect you want to avoid, so don’t go crazy with it!

Additive movements

Combating stiffness has a wide range of benefits that go beyond simply feeling good when you move.Being more limber can even help you get more juice out of your resistance training since you’re able to use smoother motions!You can support your tendon and ligament health and feel great by doing more mobility work, foam rolling, and dynamic stretching.

Balance exercises

One of the most common causes of injuries as we age is a reduction in our balance.This doesn’t only imply falls and more extreme injuries — I’m talking about regular minor issues that come up.By working on your balance, you can spend less time in pain and move more effectively, so be sure to work balance movements into your daily routine.Even a few times a week is enough!

Get feedback

Menopause comes with unique challenges that many fitness coaches aren’t equipped to address, especially not specifically with macronutrient-based plans…Which are the most effective approach for toning consistently without the draconian diet restrictions you’ll find in many mainstream programs.But with the right feedback, you can spot the holes in your current approach and get recommendations customized to what you need based on your goals, age, and what’s most important to YOU.WarriorBabe has a growing roster of certified fitness coaches trained in macronutrients who can do just that, and if you want to get in control of your body composition and health sustainably…

8 min read

A Straightforward Path To Building A Toned, Healthy Body You Love

Prioritize building muscle

After around the age of 30, our bodies have a harder time of building and maintaining muscle, which is only exacerbated by the hormonal changes present during menopause.It becomes more important than ever to focus on strength / resistance training to elevate and preserve your bed of muscle tissue…Not only for building the physique you want, but also to make your body more resilient against injuries.

Manage your cardio carefully

Cardio can knock you off balance by introducing greater physical stress…Causing increased inflammation and overproduction of stress hormones like cortisol that cause you to hold onto more fat stores.Too much cardio can create the exact effect you want to avoid, so don’t go crazy with it!

Additive movements

Combating stiffness has a wide range of benefits that go beyond simply feeling good when you move.Being more limber can even help you get more juice out of your resistance training since you’re able to use smoother motions!You can support your tendon and ligament health and feel great by doing more mobility work, foam rolling, and dynamic stretching.

Balance exercises

One of the most common causes of injuries as we age is a reduction in our balance.This doesn’t only imply falls and more extreme injuries — I’m talking about regular minor issues that come up.By working on your balance, you can spend less time in pain and move more effectively, so be sure to work balance movements into your daily routine.Even a few times a week is enough!

Get feedback

Menopause comes with unique challenges that many fitness coaches aren’t equipped to address, especially not specifically with macronutrient-based plans…Which are the most effective approach for toning consistently without the draconian diet restrictions you’ll find in many mainstream programs.But with the right feedback, you can spot the holes in your current approach and get recommendations customized to what you need based on your goals, age, and what’s most important to YOU.WarriorBabe has a growing roster of certified fitness coaches trained in macronutrients who can do just that, and if you want to get in control of your body composition and health sustainably…

3 Reasons You'll Never Tone During Menopause (and How to Fix Them)

1. You’re hitting your cardio too hard

Running. Cycling. Swimming. They’re all great for your heart, and they work wonders for knocking off a few pounds in your 20s... but cardio has a nasty side effect that intensifies as we age:Cortisol.This hormone is responsible for stress, anxiety, and all sorts of other fun negative emotions... and it also reinvests your muscle tissue into fat stores, secretly undoing your hard work while you run away the calories.And that stress response? It grows more intense over time, especially through menopause. So the harder you work, the clearer your body hears the message that it’s time to hunker down and store those calories for a rainy day.Exercise is key for transforming your body composition — just back off the cardio and put that hard work into building strength.

1. You’re hitting your cardio too hard

2. You don’t eat enough

Speaking of strength, you know what the #1 factor behind muscle growth is outside of the gym?Your total calorie intake.If you don’t meet your calorie needs, good luck building definition. Your body simply isn’t getting the energy it craves to build lean muscle. You can break down all the muscle you want (strength training is just a bunch of micro-tears in your body), but to build it back up, you’ve GOT to have fuel.So if your body needs 1700+ calories a day (very common for women who lift) and you’re eating 1200? Less lean definition it’s that simple.BUT — even if your basic calorie needs get met, that’s not the end of the story on food...

2. You don’t eat enough

3. Your macros are wrong

The energy from calories alone won’t get you toned. Your body needs specific nutrients to build lean muscle definition, and they come in the form of macros: protein, carbs, and fats.First off, you need enough protein to get toned — about 1 gram per pound of body weight. If that sounds like a lot, you’re right! When you want definition, your body DOES want a lot of protein. It goes directly into repairing the muscle you break down in the gym and building up new definition.Then you have carbs... and if you want to have energy throughout the day and gas your body up for a great workout, then carbs are an absolute MUST. Your body uses them to make glycogen, your body’s preferred source of fuel — and if it doesn’t get glycogen, it uses muscle tissue for fuel. And that cuts directly into the results you’re trying so hard to achieve!Don’t sleep on fats, either. You need a healthy amount of estrogen, progesterone, and even testosterone to build muscle, and your body uses fat to produce those hormones! While you don’t want to go overboard (keto focuses WAY too much on fat), it has its place in your macro numbers.Be warned, though: Your macros change during menopause, and there’s no getting around it. What does this mean? That your body has different nutritional needs to support healthy hormone production, and that’s half the game once the change hits! All else being equal, healthy hormone production is what gets you toned once perimenopause sets in. Sadly, no generic macro calculator can help you with that.But if you want to know what and when to eat to tone your unique body, we have programs for exactly that right here. Good luck!

“3. Your macros are wrong

8 min read

1. You’re hitting your cardio too hard

Running. Cycling. Swimming. They’re all great for your heart, and they work wonders for knocking off a few pounds in your 20s... but cardio has a nasty side effect that intensifies as we age:Cortisol.This hormone is responsible for stress, anxiety, and all sorts of other fun negative emotions... and it also reinvests your muscle tissue into fat stores, secretly undoing your hard work while you run away the calories.And that stress response? It grows more intense over time, especially through menopause. So the harder you work, the clearer your body hears the message that it’s time to hunker down and store those calories for a rainy day.Exercise is key for transforming your body composition — just back off the cardio and put that hard work into building strength.

1. You’re hitting your cardio too hard

2. You don’t eat enough

Speaking of strength, you know what the #1 factor behind muscle growth is outside of the gym?Your total calorie intake.If you don’t meet your calorie needs, good luck building definition. Your body simply isn’t getting the energy it craves to build lean muscle. You can break down all the muscle you want (strength training is just a bunch of micro-tears in your body), but to build it back up, you’ve GOT to have fuel.So if your body needs 1700+ calories a day (very common for women who lift) and you’re eating 1200? Less lean definition it’s that simple.BUT — even if your basic calorie needs get met, that’s not the end of the story on food...

2. You don’t eat enough

3. Your macros are wrong

The energy from calories alone won’t get you toned. Your body needs specific nutrients to build lean muscle definition, and they come in the form of macros: protein, carbs, and fats.First off, you need enough protein to get toned — about 1 gram per pound of body weight. If that sounds like a lot, you’re right! When you want definition, your body DOES want a lot of protein. It goes directly into repairing the muscle you break down in the gym and building up new definition.Then you have carbs... and if you want to have energy throughout the day and gas your body up for a great workout, then carbs are an absolute MUST. Your body uses them to make glycogen, your body’s preferred source of fuel — and if it doesn’t get glycogen, it uses muscle tissue for fuel. And that cuts directly into the results you’re trying so hard to achieve!Don’t sleep on fats, either. You need a healthy amount of estrogen, progesterone, and even testosterone to build muscle, and your body uses fat to produce those hormones! While you don’t want to go overboard (keto focuses WAY too much on fat), it has its place in your macro numbers.Be warned, though: Your macros change during menopause, and there’s no getting around it. What does this mean? That your body has different nutritional needs to support healthy hormone production, and that’s half the game once the change hits! All else being equal, healthy hormone production is what gets you toned once perimenopause sets in. Sadly, no generic macro calculator can help you with that.But if you want to know what and when to eat to tone your unique body, we have programs for exactly that right here. Good luck!

“3. Your macros are wrong
WarriorBabe Interview: How Valerie Got Toned During Menopause

Valerie opens up about her fitness journey during menopause, sharing valuable lessons on staying toned and healthy through this significant life transition. The interview covers her approach to weight training, cardio routines, and how she adjusted her diet to cope with hormonal changes. Valerie's story is a beacon of hope and guidance for women facing similar challenges.

Why Having A Coach During Menopause Can Help You Crush Your Fitness Goals | Season 2 | Ep. 171


Video Description

Let’s get real about why you need a coach to hit your fitness goals.A coach gives you personalized guidance, keeps you accountable, and pushes you past your limits. They help you avoid mistakes and make sure you progress safely and effectively.Stop guessing and get expert advice to break through plateaus and see real results faster.Join host Nikkiey Stott as she dives deep into why it's important to invest in a coach if you’re serious about maximizing your fitness journey.

Menopause and Fitness: The Importance of Long-Term Goals | Season 2 | Ep. 167


Video Description

Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels with fitness? 🧐In this episode of The Macro Hour Podcast, we’re getting real about the importance of playing the long game in fitness and why you might not be seeing the results you want. It's not about quick fixes or overnight transformations—it's about consistency, patience, and understanding the bigger picture.We'll dive into the scientific data that shows true changes start becoming visible around 8-12 weeks. That’s right, real, lasting change takes time. We’ll discuss why setting realistic, long-term goals is crucial for achieving and maintaining your fitness dreams.Tune in to learn:Why the long game is essential for sustainable fitnessThe science behind why it takes 8-12 weeks to see true changesHow to set achievable long-term goals and stick to themDon’t get discouraged by slow progress. Embrace the journey, stay consistent, and watch the transformation unfold.Get 15% off your first purchase at paleovalley.com/themacrohour.......#FitnessJourney #LongTermGoals #ConsistencyIsKey #FitnessOver40 #SustainableFitness #HealthAndWellness #TheMacroHourPodcast #fitover40 #fitover50Fitness Journey, Long Term Goals, Consistency Is Key, Fitness Over 40, Sustainable Fitness, Health And Wellness, The Macro Hour Podcast, fit over 40, fit over 50

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view more
How To Navigate Fitness Goals with an Unsupportive Partner | Ep. 208



Episode Description

In this episode Nikkiey Stott takes on a challenge that can feel discouraging on any health journey: handling unsupportive partners. She’ll explore why your partner may feel hesitant or even resistant to your goals—often due to their own insecurities or fears about how these changes may affect your relationship. Understanding these perspectives can be the first step to approaching these conversations with empathy rather than defensiveness.From setting the right tone to inviting your partner to join your journey (without pressure), you’ll learn actionable tips to foster understanding, mutual respect, and find alternative sources of support when needed. Your health goals are about you, and with a little empathy and communication, you can move forward confidently, no matter the response. If you’re working toward a healthier lifestyle and want to bring your partner on board—or at least find common ground—this episode is for you.

Real Menopause Talk with Hatty McCafferty | Ep. 207



Episode Description

In this episode Nikkiey Stott sits down with Hatty McCafferty, host of the Real Menopause Talk podcast, for an open and informative conversation on menopause—an often misunderstood and overlooked stage in women’s health. Hatty shares her mission to bring real, unfiltered conversations about menopause to the forefront, debunking myths and addressing the physical and emotional shifts women experience. Together, they dive into the importance of awareness, how to prepare for the menopause journey, and ways to support both mental and physical well-being during this pivotal life phase. Whether you're approaching menopause, in the midst of it, or supporting a loved one, this episode is packed with empowering insights and tips.

Menopause and Fitness: The Importance of Long-Term Goals | Season 2 | Ep. 167



Episode Description

Ever feel like you’re spinning your wheels with fitness? 🧐In this episode of The Macro Hour Podcast, we’re getting real about the importance of playing the long game in fitness and why you might not be seeing the results you want. It's not about quick fixes or overnight transformations—it's about consistency, patience, and understanding the bigger picture.We'll dive into the scientific data that shows true changes start becoming visible around 8-12 weeks. That’s right, real, lasting change takes time. We’ll discuss why setting realistic, long-term goals is crucial for achieving and maintaining your fitness dreams.Tune in to learn:Why the long game is essential for sustainable fitnessThe science behind why it takes 8-12 weeks to see true changesHow to set achievable long-term goals and stick to themDon’t get discouraged by slow progress. Embrace the journey, stay consistent, and watch the transformation unfold.Get 15% off your first purchase at paleovalley.com/themacrohour

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A Process For Mastering Any Exercise (Even If You Can’t Do A Single Rep Yet)

Follow These 3 Tips To Build The Strength Necessary For Any Exercise You Want!

Hold under tension

If you have trouble with the movement of an exercise and feel like you need some help building up your supporting muscles, isometric exercises (ones where you hold a position rather than flexing your muscles) are a great way to build up your strength and muscular endurance. Planks are one of the most common examples, but you can also hang from a pullup bar with your upper back muscles tightened or go into a pushup and hold yourself in the halfway position. This will quickly give you a great burn when you do it right!

Hold under tension

Do the negative portion only

The hardest part of any exercise is typically the concentric or active half, but you still get benefits from the eccentric or negative half. If you’re able to do it in a secure and controlled manner (no taking risks!), doing only the negative portion at first can help you gain enough strength to do the whole motion cleanly. With pushups, this means easing yourself down to the ground slowly and resetting without actually pushing up; with pullups, this might involve pushing off from the ground and “cheating” to the apex, then gradually easing yourself back down to the ground.

Do the negative portion only

Remove resistance

This won’t be possible with every exercise, but another option is counterbalancing some of the strain with a resistance band. For example, say you’re doing tricep dips elevated above the ground on a machine — if you can do it safely, try securing a band to one of the handles and resting your foot in the band (or your knee, if the band is smaller). With the right size and amount of resistance, the dips will become slightly easier, giving you more stable reps so you can work up to a fully unassisted exercise!If you want a systematic approach to building the strength and body composition you want most with coaching and support every step of the way, I created a program designed to meet your exact needs and help you finally see the results you’ve been working toward for so long…

Remove resistance

8 min read

Follow These 3 Tips To Build The Strength Necessary For Any Exercise You Want!

Hold under tension

If you have trouble with the movement of an exercise and feel like you need some help building up your supporting muscles, isometric exercises (ones where you hold a position rather than flexing your muscles) are a great way to build up your strength and muscular endurance. Planks are one of the most common examples, but you can also hang from a pullup bar with your upper back muscles tightened or go into a pushup and hold yourself in the halfway position. This will quickly give you a great burn when you do it right!

Hold under tension

Do the negative portion only

The hardest part of any exercise is typically the concentric or active half, but you still get benefits from the eccentric or negative half. If you’re able to do it in a secure and controlled manner (no taking risks!), doing only the negative portion at first can help you gain enough strength to do the whole motion cleanly. With pushups, this means easing yourself down to the ground slowly and resetting without actually pushing up; with pullups, this might involve pushing off from the ground and “cheating” to the apex, then gradually easing yourself back down to the ground.

Do the negative portion only

Remove resistance

This won’t be possible with every exercise, but another option is counterbalancing some of the strain with a resistance band. For example, say you’re doing tricep dips elevated above the ground on a machine — if you can do it safely, try securing a band to one of the handles and resting your foot in the band (or your knee, if the band is smaller). With the right size and amount of resistance, the dips will become slightly easier, giving you more stable reps so you can work up to a fully unassisted exercise!If you want a systematic approach to building the strength and body composition you want most with coaching and support every step of the way, I created a program designed to meet your exact needs and help you finally see the results you’ve been working toward for so long…

Remove resistance
3 Things You Should NEVER Do On Leg Day

Ignore Them At Your Peril..

Overdo it

If you go too hard, boy oh boy will you feel it EVERYWHERE over the next few days. Our legs are some of the longest, largest muscles in the body and they get used every time we walk, let alone when we work them hard in the gym. You can overdo it by pushing yourself to go past the point of total muscle failure, adding on more sets than you need, and even forcing yourself to stick to a higher weight than you’re comfortable with. Go hard, but not TOO hard!

Overdo it

Drop your form

This goes hand in hand with #1 above — push yourself too hard or go too heavy and you’ll be more likely to let your form slip to compensate for the added difficulty and strain. Using “lazy” or improper form can engage the wrong muscles in the wrong ways and leave you feeling sore the next day, even when you technically aren’t overdoing it. Use a mirror every now and then to check on your form and be sure to do your exercises the right way, even when it’s hard!

Drop your form

Skip it

I know how played-out this joke is, but I’m serious here: Don’t skip leg day! Not only is it essential to commit to dedicated leg workouts if you want definition, but the rest of your workouts depend on leg strength too! Most machines require you to dig your feet into the ground and push off slightly, as do weight benches — the stronger your lower body, the more juice you can get out of everything else you do in the gym. Crushing leg day is essential for making every other workout count!Leg day is essential to get right, but what you do outside of the gym is equally important for getting the most mileage possible out of your hard work. To build the body composition you want sustainably and reap the benefits of your nutrition and exercise…

Skip it

8 min read

Ignore Them At Your Peril..

Overdo it

If you go too hard, boy oh boy will you feel it EVERYWHERE over the next few days. Our legs are some of the longest, largest muscles in the body and they get used every time we walk, let alone when we work them hard in the gym. You can overdo it by pushing yourself to go past the point of total muscle failure, adding on more sets than you need, and even forcing yourself to stick to a higher weight than you’re comfortable with. Go hard, but not TOO hard!

Overdo it

Drop your form

This goes hand in hand with #1 above — push yourself too hard or go too heavy and you’ll be more likely to let your form slip to compensate for the added difficulty and strain. Using “lazy” or improper form can engage the wrong muscles in the wrong ways and leave you feeling sore the next day, even when you technically aren’t overdoing it. Use a mirror every now and then to check on your form and be sure to do your exercises the right way, even when it’s hard!

Drop your form

Skip it

I know how played-out this joke is, but I’m serious here: Don’t skip leg day! Not only is it essential to commit to dedicated leg workouts if you want definition, but the rest of your workouts depend on leg strength too! Most machines require you to dig your feet into the ground and push off slightly, as do weight benches — the stronger your lower body, the more juice you can get out of everything else you do in the gym. Crushing leg day is essential for making every other workout count!Leg day is essential to get right, but what you do outside of the gym is equally important for getting the most mileage possible out of your hard work. To build the body composition you want sustainably and reap the benefits of your nutrition and exercise…

Skip it
The 4 Keys To Getting Toned Shoulders

Simple Tips That Deliver Consistent Results Even When Nothing Else Seems To Work

Lift heavy

High repetitions + low weight on any exercise is a solid recipe for physical endurance, but if your goal is to get toned, this isn’t the way to do it. A toned appearance comes from lean muscle, which requires lifting heavy for a limited number of reps. You shouldn’t go minutes on end before feeling the burn!

Lift heavy

Don’t rush it

It’s easy to think that you’ll get toned shoulders faster simply by getting out every last rep you possibly can… but nothing could be further from the truth. I would take fewer, slower, more controlled reps at an appropriate (not excessive) weight any day! Otherwise, you’re more likely to swing your arms and rob your shoulders of the most powerful benefits of the exercise.

Don’t rush it

Getting enough carbs

In order to have the energy to power your lifts, your muscles need the right fuel… and the first place it looks is carbohydrates. Otherwise, your muscles will get their energy internally, reducing your lean muscle mass and making you go backwards! eating enough carbs (especially before working out) helps your muscles get the most out of your workouts and make visible progress!

Getting enough carbs

The most hated word in fitness

It’s not “diet”, “restrictive”, etc… it’s patience. None of us wants to wait, and when you’re in the early stages of a program or plan it’s tough to know whether the results will be worth your time and effort. That’s why it’s so important to have a solid foundation in macronutrients and exercise, which will allow you to have greater certainty over your outcome from the very beginning!If you want to take the next step and secure your spot in a program that’s sustainable, fun, and gives you a clear path to the body you want…

8 min read

Simple Tips That Deliver Consistent Results Even When Nothing Else Seems To Work

Lift heavy

High repetitions + low weight on any exercise is a solid recipe for physical endurance, but if your goal is to get toned, this isn’t the way to do it. A toned appearance comes from lean muscle, which requires lifting heavy for a limited number of reps. You shouldn’t go minutes on end before feeling the burn!

Lift heavy

Don’t rush it

It’s easy to think that you’ll get toned shoulders faster simply by getting out every last rep you possibly can… but nothing could be further from the truth. I would take fewer, slower, more controlled reps at an appropriate (not excessive) weight any day! Otherwise, you’re more likely to swing your arms and rob your shoulders of the most powerful benefits of the exercise.

Don’t rush it

Getting enough carbs

In order to have the energy to power your lifts, your muscles need the right fuel… and the first place it looks is carbohydrates. Otherwise, your muscles will get their energy internally, reducing your lean muscle mass and making you go backwards! eating enough carbs (especially before working out) helps your muscles get the most out of your workouts and make visible progress!

Getting enough carbs

The most hated word in fitness

It’s not “diet”, “restrictive”, etc… it’s patience. None of us wants to wait, and when you’re in the early stages of a program or plan it’s tough to know whether the results will be worth your time and effort. That’s why it’s so important to have a solid foundation in macronutrients and exercise, which will allow you to have greater certainty over your outcome from the very beginning!If you want to take the next step and secure your spot in a program that’s sustainable, fun, and gives you a clear path to the body you want…

What It Really Means To Get Toned | Ep. 201


Video Description

In this episode Nikkiey Stott breaks down what it really means to get “toned” and debunks some of the most common myths around this popular fitness goal. We’ll dive into the science of building muscle and losing fat, and why these two processes are key to achieving a lean, defined physique. From understanding the importance of strength training to optimizing your nutrition, you’ll learn exactly what it takes to reach that toned look without falling for quick-fix fads or gimmicks. Tune in to discover how to create a strong, confident, and sculpted body the right way!

Debunking the Myth - Why Lifting Weights Won't Make Women Bulky | Ep. 175


Video Description

Join Nikkiey Stott, co-founder of WarriorBabe, in this episode of The Macro Hour as we debunk the myth that lifting weights will make women bulky. Learn about the science behind muscle growth, the benefits of strength training, and why women are less likely to gain excessive muscle mass. Discover how lifting weights can help you achieve a toned, lean physique, boost your metabolism, and improve your overall health and confidence.Tune in for expert insights that will empower you to embrace strength training. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with friends who need this valuable information.

Transform Your Body Over 45: Build Muscle & Lose Fat | Season 2 | Ep. 169


Video Description

This Warrior Babe completely reshaped her body in just two and a half years by building muscle and shedding body fat. And get this, she’s 60 years old! 💪We’ll take you step-by-step through her process, from gaining 20 pounds of muscle in her first building phase to losing it in her first cut. Stay tuned until the end to discover why alternating between building and fat loss phases is key to muscle growth.Here’s the deal: building muscle at any age, especially for menopausal women, is all about consistency, hard work, and a strategic approach to nutrition and training. Cheryl's journey shows how increasing caloric intake, focusing on protein, and committing to strength training can transform your body. No shortcuts, just dedication and smart planning.Ready to start your own transformation? Let’s build muscle, lose fat, and redefine what’s possible at any age.

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How To Manage Holiday Cravings Without Derailing Progress | Ep. 202



Episode Description

In this episode Nikkiey Stott dives into one of the most common challenges on a fitness journey—cravings. She explores why cravings happen, from emotional triggers to nutrient deficiencies, and how to handle them in a way that aligns with your goals. You’ll learn practical strategies to prevent cravings, respond to them in the moment, and build a healthier relationship with food without feeling restricted or guilty. If cravings are holding you back or causing you frustration, this episode is packed with tips to help you stay in control and keep progressing toward your goals.

Debunking the Myth - Why Lifting Weights Won't Make Women Bulky | Ep. 175



Episode Description

Join Nikkiey Stott, co-founder of WarriorBabe, in this episode of The Macro Hour as we debunk the myth that lifting weights will make women bulky. Learn about the science behind muscle growth, the benefits of strength training, and why women are less likely to gain excessive muscle mass. Discover how lifting weights can help you achieve a toned, lean physique, boost your metabolism, and improve your overall health and confidence.Tune in for expert insights that will empower you to embrace strength training. Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with friends who need this valuable information.

Transform Your Body Over 45: Build Muscle & Lose Fat | Season 2 | Ep. 169



Episode Description

This Warrior Babe completely reshaped her body in just two and a half years by building muscle and shedding body fat. And get this, she’s 60 years old! 💪We’ll take you step-by-step through her process, from gaining 20 pounds of muscle in her first building phase to losing it in her first cut. Stay tuned until the end to discover why alternating between building and fat loss phases is key to muscle growth.Here’s the deal: building muscle at any age, especially for menopausal women, is all about consistency, hard work, and a strategic approach to nutrition and training. Cheryl's journey shows how increasing caloric intake, focusing on protein, and committing to strength training can transform your body. No shortcuts, just dedication and smart planning.Ready to start your own transformation? Let’s build muscle, lose fat, and redefine what’s possible at any age.

Begin Your Journey To A Stronger, Healthier You

Uncover what’s holding you back from getting toned & feeling confident in your skin!