Gabby sits down with Dr. Mike Israetel, co-founder of Renaissance Periodization and a professor of exercise and sports science at Lehman College. Dr. Israetel is an expert in nutrition, bodybuilding, and strength training, and together they dive deep into the world of fitness, discussing how to break the repetitive start-stop cycle, the importance of consistency in training, and the balance between aesthetics and health. Dr. Israetel shares his unique insights into how people can approach their fitness journey, emphasizing the importance of habit-building and the mental shift needed to stay consistent. Whether you're a competitive athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone just starting your fitness journey, this episode offers practical tips for making lasting changes. Show Notes Introduction to Dr. Mike Israetel and His Fitness Philosophy Gabby introduces Dr. Mike Israetel, highlighting his background in sports science, bodybuilding, and his role as co-founder of Renaissance Periodization (RP), a comprehensive fitness and nutrition platform. Balancing Aesthetics and Wellness [00:00:00 - 00:10:00] Dr. Mike explains the balance between wanting to look good and maintaining wellness. He breaks down why it’s okay to focus on aesthetics and how wellness plays into achieving those goals. Breaking the Start-Stop Cycle in Fitness [00:10:01 - 00:25:00] Gabby and Dr. Mike discuss the common problem of starting and stopping fitness routines. Dr. Mike provides strategies on how to break this cycle and build lasting habits that lead to long-term success. The Importance of Consistency and Routine [00:25:01 - 00:40:00] Dr. Mike emphasizes the value of consistency in both training and nutrition. He shares tips on how to maintain a fitness routine even when life gets busy, highlighting the importance of making fitness a non-negotiable part of life. Supplements and Steroids: A Candid Conversation [00:40:01 - 01:00:00] Dr. Mike dives into the topic of supplements, discussing common supplements like creatine and whey protein. He also opens up about his experience with steroids and the realities of their impact on the body. Strength Training for Longevity [01:00:01 - 01:15:00] Gabby and Dr. Mike talk about the long-term benefits of strength training for health and longevity. Dr. Mike explains how muscle mass is critical as we age and shares his best practices for maintaining muscle and strength over time. Jiu-Jitsu, Bodybuilding, and the Competitive Mindset [01:15:01 - 01:30:00] Dr. Mike discusses his experiences in jiu-jitsu and bodybuilding, comparing the different mindsets needed for each sport. He explores how his competitive spirit in both arenas has shaped his approach to coaching and fitness. Building Empathy as a Coach [01:30:01 - 01:45:00] Dr. Mike explains his approach to coaching and the importance of empathy. He shares how he connects with clients by understanding their struggles and helping them navigate their personal fitness journeys. Resources Renaissance Periodization (RP): Explore the fitness and nutrition platform co-founded by Dr. Mike Israetel, offering personalized training and nutrition plans. Follow Dr. Mike Israetel on YouTube: Stay updated on Dr. Mike’s latest tips, videos, and insights into fitness and nutrition. Everything Gabby Reece: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GabbyReece Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gabbyreece/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gabbyreeceofficial Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialGabrielleReece/ Sponsors: Ritual: Get 25% off your first month at ritual.com/GABBY. Start Ritual or add Essential For Women 18+ to your subscription today. OneSkin: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code REECE at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Keeper: Track expenses, find deductions, and get a bigger tax refund. Get 10% off @Keeper.Tax at keepertax.com/gabby! #keepertaxpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices