Tone It Down

Tone It Down

Welcome to Tone It Down, your new weekly ritual for exhaling, exhaling again, and remembering you’re not supposed to have it all figured out. Hosted by Karena Dawn, cofounder of Tone It Up and your favorite wellness bestie, this is the girlfriend group chat you actually want to be in. The one where we laugh so hard our mascara migrates, unpack the stuff that’s been sitting on our hearts, and walk away feeling—finally—seen. Every episode is an invitation to step out of the relentless “do more, be more, achieve more” swirl and slip into something softer. Here, we explore what it really takes to feel good in our bodies, steady in our minds, and connected in our lives. Think fitness and nutrition with a side of real-life evolution, the quiet self-care practices that actually stick, and the private girl talk rarely shared in public. No posturing. No perfection. Just honest conversations about the glow-ups, the growing pains, the rituals we love, and the resets we desperately need. Tone It Down Tuesdays are your new anchor. A place to feel grounded, motivated, held, and reminded that wellness is not a performance. It’s a relationship. And the good news? You don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re stretching, meal prepping, commuting, multitasking, or tapping out of the chaos, this podcast offers space to breathe and reset. Because at the end of the day, we’re all evolving. We’re all learning. And we’re all craving conversations that go deeper than highlight reels. So pull up a seat. Bring your full self. And come tone down the noise so you can tune into your life again.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    How Tone It Up Trainer Ariel Belgrave Went from Corporate Burnout to Climbing Mountains & Living Her Dream

    Welcome to episode seventeen of Tone It Down. In this fired-up conversation, Karena sits down with fitness powerhouse, Under Armour athlete, and all-around force of nature Ariel Belgrave — AKA Gym Hooky — live and in person in Palm Springs while filming for the Tone It Up app. Ari shares her incredible journey from D1 rugby athlete to corporate burnout at JP Morgan, to becoming one of the most energetic and beloved fitness coaches in the game. She opens up about being adopted, meeting her biological family, training to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for her 37th birthday, and launching her new podcast, Sweat and Equity. This episode is a full-body YES and a reminder that you are capable of so much more than you think. How do I find the courage to go after the life I actually want? This episode is your reminder that audacity is a practice, not a personality trait and that every small, brave step you take is building the most beautiful version of your life. (03:51) The permission slip you've been waiting for: something is always better than nothing Release the all-or-nothing mindset. A 15 or 20 minute workout counts fully, completely, and powerfully. Consistency beats perfection every single time. Shorter workouts done regularly will always outperform the hour-long session you never make it to. (06:31) Surrounding yourself with women doing big things will change your life Seeing other women build freedom and generational wealth makes it feel possible for you too. Your "why not" era starts the moment you believe there's a way. Bet on yourself before you feel ready. Ari left a corporate salary to go all in on fitness and it became the most rewarding decision of her life. (15:17) Being a beginner again is one of the most joyful things you can do You don't have to have all the answers before you start. Getting curious about something new is where the magic lives. Ari had never hiked more than a day before training for Kilimanjaro. She hired a coach, showed up as a beginner, and summited the tallest mountain in Africa. (33:51) The other side of hard is where you find out who you really are When things get tough, come back to your why. The reason you started is bigger than the moment you want to stop. You are more capable than you give yourself credit for. Ari was one hour from the summit, quads spazzing, ready to stop and she still made it to the top. (40:45) Your passion and your paycheck can live in the same sentence Impact and income are not opposites. You are allowed to love what you do and be well compensated for it.. If you're building something in the fitness or wellness space, know that your gift has real value and the world needs what only you can offer. Connect with Ari: @gymhooky on Instagram The Sweat & Equity Show website Let's Connect: THE BIG SILENCE PODCAST Join the app to Radiate & Rise: Tone It Up App Tone It Up YouTube Tone It Up Instagram

    48 min
  2. 28 APR

    From ‘The Biggest Loser’ to Real Wellness: Kim Lyons on Strength, Balance & Aging Well

    Welcome to episode fourteen of Tone It Down. In this conversation, Karena sits down with fitness icon, former Biggest Loser trainer, and women's health champion Kim Lyons, live from a wellness conference in Laguna Beach, California. Kim shares her remarkable journey from landing fitness magazine covers to coaching women through the most transformative season of their lives. Together, Karena and Kim dive into the real conversation around perimenopause, protein, lifting weights, and why finding your balance is the greatest gift you can give yourself. This episode is a beautiful reminder that you are not behind, you are not alone, and the best is absolutely still ahead. How do I feel strong, healthy and like myself again after 40? This episode is your pass to stop doing more and start doing what actually works for your body, your hormones, and your joy. (00:34) Baby Steps Are the Boldest Move You Can Make Small, consistent daily habits are more powerful than extreme routines you can't maintain. Progress over perfection, always. (13:48) Getting to Know Your Body Is the Ultimate Power Move So many women enter perimenopause and menopause feeling blindsided but knowledge is your superpower. Use your biomarkers as clues, not causes for anxiety. Each one is a stepping stone toward feeling your best. (21:18) Protein Is Your Best Friend — Here's How to Use It Most women are only eating 40–50 grams of protein a day and your body is quietly asking for more. Aim for one gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight as your starting point. (36:52) Lift the Weights — Your Future Self Will Thank You Don't be afraid of heavier weights, especially after 40. They are one of the most important things you can do for your long-term health. Focus on compound movements that give you the most bang for your buck—you don't need hours in the gym. (38:37) This Season of Life Is Your Greatest Opportunity Working out smarter, not harder, is not giving up, it's leveling up. You are not behind. You are exactly where you need to be, with everything you need to move forward. Connect with Kim: @trainerkimlyons on IG (https://www.instagram.com/trainerkimlyons/) Let's Connect: THE BIG SILENCE PODCAST (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-silence/id1607181597) Join the app to Radiate & Rise: Tone It Up App (https://my.toneitup.com/pages/tone-it-up-app) Tone It Up YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@toneitup/featured) Tone It Up Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/toneitup/?hl=en)

    1hr 3min
  3. 21 APR

    Beyond the Workout: Community Conversations, Emily’s Story of Resilience and Trusting Yourself Through a Diagnosis and Adversity

    Welcome to episode fifteen of Tone It Down. In this uplifting community conversation, Karena sits down with her longtime friend and PR director Emily Teachout, live on the set of the Radiate and Rise summer challenge in Palm Springs. Emily opens up about the unexpected health journey that reshaped her perspective on movement, connection, and what it means to truly live. From navigating a rare cancer diagnosis at 39 to planning her dream trip to France and Italy, Emily radiates the kind of resilience and joy that reminds you that life is happening right now — and it is so worth celebrating. This episode is a warm, honest, and deeply inspiring reminder that you are never alone, your body is more incredible than you know, and the best chapters are still ahead. How do I find gratitude and joy again when life feels hard? This episode is your reminder that healing is not linear — and that on the other side of your hardest season is a version of you who is more grateful, more present, and more alive than ever. (02:38) The Workout Is Just the Beginning The real magic happens in the connections you make before and after you move your body, the workout is simply the doorway. Shared passions and hobbies are one of the most powerful ways to build friendships that actually stick, no matter where you are in life. (07:50) Trust Yourself, Even When No One Else Does If something feels off in your body, keep asking questions. Your instincts are one of the most powerful tools you have. You are your own greatest advocate, and the courage it takes to keep pushing for answers is always worth it. (12:52) The Best Thing You Can Do for Someone You Love Taking even one small thing off someone's plate during a difficult season is one of the most loving things you can do. Being proactive with your care and support is a superpower. Your people will never forget it. (17:14) Your Body Is a Gift — Move It Like You Mean It When you can lift heavy, jump around, and bask in nature, that’s something to celebrate every single day. Gratitude for your health is not just a mindset shift, it is a complete transformation in how you experience every workout, every walk, every moment outside. (32:08) Vulnerability Is Your Superpower Suffering is universal and so is joy. When you open up about what you are going through, you give others permission to do the same. Being just 2% more vulnerable can completely change what comes back to you: connection, support, and love you never expected. Connect with Emily: @EmilyTeachout (https://www.instagram.com/emilyteachout/) on IG Teachout Travels on Substack (https://substack.com/@teachouttravels) Let's Connect: THE BIG SILENCE PODCAST (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-silence/id1607181597) Join the app to Radiate & Rise: Tone It Up App (https://my.toneitup.com/pages/tone-it-up-app) Tone It Up YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@toneitup/featured) Tone It Up Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/toneitup/?hl=en)

    38 min
  4. 14 APR

    The New Health Equation: Mental Fitness Meets Physical Wellness—Part 2

    Welcome to part two of a very special episode of Tone It Down. Today’s discussion was recorded live from an incredible wellness conference panel where Karena brought together three powerhouse women: Dr. Deepika Chopra AKA the Optimism Doctor, master trainer and former Biggest Loser coach Kim Lyons, and burnout prevention expert and wellness entrepreneur Ariel Belgrave. Together, they unpack a new equation that's changing everything: mental fitness plus physical wellness. Topics of discussion include rewiring the brain for optimism, why calorie counting is outdated science, and the lessons we can learn from climbing a mountain with half the amount of recommended training time.  How do I stop running on empty and start thriving in every season of life? This episode is a warm reminder that you are not alone and that every hard season holds the seeds of your next breakthrough. (00:17) The truth about burnout that changes everything Burnout isn't just about working too hard, it's rooted in chronic stress and a disconnection from meaning. Understanding this is the first step to real recovery. Boundaries and agency are more powerful antidotes to burnout than rest alone. (05:21) Burnout recovery is a journey, not a quick fix Burnout is stress that accumulates over a long period of time. Give yourself grace and give your recovery the same time and attention. Taking PTO is a start, but the real shift happens when you address what caused the stress in the first place. (07:06) Reframe the way you talk to yourself after a hard day Stress isn't the enemy, it's your body's natural response to living. The key is how you interpret it. Remind yourself: you have climbed tall mountains before. You've done hard things and you can do this, too. (10:59) Self-leadership: the reframe that makes self-care feel empowering Wellbeing isn't just a personal app or a ClassPass credit, it's a culture. The best companies weave it into everything they do. Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It is one of the most generous things you can do for the people around you. (12:03) Nourish your brain: the nutrition link nobody talks about enough What you eat sends direct messages to your body and brain. Understanding the "why" behind your food transforms the way you eat. When you find your missing nutrients, you can finally give your body exactly what it needs to thrive. (16:49) Even the experts are a work in progress and that's the whole point Deepika—the "optimism doctor"—openly admits she is not naturally optimistic. Optimism is a skill, and she works on it every day. Life comes in seasons. What works in one season may need to shift in another and that's not failure, it's wisdom. Connect with our guests: Deepika Chopra:@drdeepikachopra on IG (https://www.instagram.com/drdeepikachopra/) Kim Lyons: @trainerkimlyons on IG (https://www.instagram.com/trainerkimlyons/) Ariel Belgrave: @gymhooky on IG (https://www.instagram.com/gymhooky/) Let's Connect: THE BIG SILENCE PODCAST (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-silence/id1607181597) Join the app to Radiate & Rise: Tone It Up App (https://my.toneitup.com/pages/tone-it-up-app) Tone It Up YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@toneitup/featured) Tone It Up Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/toneitup/?hl=en)

    26 min
  5. 7 APR

    The New Health Equation: Mental Fitness Meets Physical Wellness

    Welcome to part one of a very special two-part episode of Tone It Down. Today’s discussion was recorded live from an incredible wellness conference panel where Karena brought together three powerhouse women: Dr. Deepika Chopra AKA the Optimism Doctor, master trainer and former Biggest Loser coach Kim Lyons, and burnout prevention expert and wellness entrepreneur Ariel Belgrave. Together, they unpack a new equation that's changing everything: mental fitness plus physical wellness. Topics of discussion include rewiring the brain for optimism, why calorie counting is outdated science, and the lessons we can learn from climbing a mountain with half the amount of recommended training time.  What if the missing piece in your health journey isn't your workout but your mind? This episode is a reminder that your mind is the most powerful muscle you have. And the best part? You can train it starting tonight. Stay tuned for the continuation of this live panel conversation! (00:00) Redefining what mental fitness actually means Understand that mental fitness works just like physical fitness. Know that optimism, joy, resilience, and happiness are not personality traits you're born with, they are learnable, trainable skills you can develop. (07:19) Understanding your nervous system AKA the foundation of everything Why the brain prioritizes safety over growth Start building your own personal toolkit of tools that help you feel safe and grounded. (08:25) Two brain-training tools you can put to use tonight Swap your to-do list for a ta-da list (11:31) Training your brain for positivity  Understand that you likely have more positive thoughts than you realize Know that people who score higher on optimism have measurably lower levels of inflammation, lower cortisol, and better overall health markers. (18:30) Taking the mountaintop mentality into your everyday life Embrace being a beginner. Connect your mind and body as one. Let your "why" be bigger than yourself. (21:38) Carrying your strength out into the world Know that every rep, every hard workout, every mountain you climb is training you for life—not just for the gym Ask yourself after every hard thing you do: "If I can do this, what else can I do?" And let that question expand what you believe is possible Connect with our guests: Deepika Chopra:@drdeepikachopra on IG (https://www.instagram.com/drdeepikachopra/) Kim Lyons: @trainerkimlyons on IG (https://www.instagram.com/trainerkimlyons/) Ariel: @gymhooky on IG (https://www.instagram.com/gymhooky/) Let's Connect: THE BIG SILENCE PODCAST (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-silence/id1607181597) Join the app to Radiate & Rise: (https://my.toneitup.com/pages/tone-it-up-app) Tone It Up YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@toneitup/featured) Tone It Up Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/toneitup/?hl=en)

    28 min
  6. 31 MAR

    Worth the Hype? Karena & Des Break Down Your Favorite TikTok Wellness Trends

    Welcome to a no-filter episode of Tone It Down Tuesday! Karena is joined by her girl Deseray — Tone It Up's Head of Marketing and a self-described "chronically online" wellness trend spotter — live from Laguna Beach. Together, they dive headfirst into the wellness trends taking over your TikTok feed, from mouth tape and magnesium mocktails to cold plunges, clean girl mornings, and somatic shaking. No judgment, just honest takes, lots of laughs, and the reminder that the best wellness routine is the one that actually works for YOU. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by all the things you're supposed to be doing, this episode is your permission slip to slow down, tune in, and watch yourself go. Which wellness trends are actually worth your time and which are totally skippable? (02:03) Maxing Culture: Mouth Tape, Magnesium & the Supplement Stack Life Magnesium stacks, chlorophyll, electrolytes — the world of supplement stacking is wild and growing fast. Karena and Des break down what's actually buzzy vs. what's worth exploring. Des introduces the sleepy girl mocktail (tart cherry + magnesium) and decides she needs to test it herself. Science experiment incoming! Bottom line: start with one thing, see how you feel, and don't let the 10-step supplement stack intimidate you into doing nothing. (08:44) Soft Wellness Era: Somatic Healing, Nervous System Resets & Breathwork Somatic shaking, scream therapy, and vagus nerve hacks are all over the internet  but do they actually work? Karena shares a real breathwork experience where emotions genuinely released—tears, shaking and all. It's a real thing when done with the right guidance. Des keeps it real: some of those videos look like rage bait. The girls agree they need a somatic healer on the pod to actually test it live. (10:46) Biohacking & Longevity: Cold Plunges, Saunas & Red Light Therapy Karena calls herself a "basic biohacking baddie.” Give her cold, heat, and red light and she's good. Cold plunge truth talk: Des admits she hates it but loves how she feels after. Karena meditates IN the cold plunge. Everyone is different and that's the whole point. Red light therapy is Karena's secret weapon for mental health, skin, and winding down at night. Low lift, high reward. (17:12) The Clean Girl Aesthetic: Permission to Just Wake Up Don't let a curated TikTok morning make you feel like yours isn't enough. Karena's real clean girl routine: open your eyes, say thank you. Gratitude is the only non-negotiable morning habit you actually need. Give yourself the gift of a judgment-free morning. Show up as you are and let that be more than enough. (19:02) Fitness Trends: Workout Snacks, Pilates Boom & Lifting Weights Short workouts, walking as exercise, reformer Pilates, weight lifting… the fitness world has never had more options and that's a GOOD thing. Des shares her weight lifting glow-up: two weeks of consistent lifting and she feels stronger, more toned and more energized than ever. The results speak. Karena's take: do whatever the frick you want to do. Your workout trains your mindset for the rest of the day, so move in a way that lights you up. Let's Connect: New Year New TI-YOU 6 Week Challenge (https://my.toneitup.com/pages/new-year-new-tiyou-challenge) THE BIG SILENCE PODCAST (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-big-silence/id1607181597) Tone It Up App (https://my.toneitup.com/pages/tone-it-up-app) Tone It Up YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@toneitup/featured) Tone It Up Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/toneitup/?hl=en)

    23 min
  7. 24 MAR

    Stronger Than Before: Chyna on Motherhood, Surrender & Finding Her Way Back

    Welcome to this special solo episode of Tone It Down with trainer Chyna Rae. Fresh off two days of filming the brand new Radiate and Rise series, Chyna sits down for her very first solo episode to share what's been on her heart. She opens up about the unexpected curveballs that shaped the last six years of her life — from leaving the fitness world and discovering her inner artist, to becoming a mom and finding her way back to the Tone It Up community she loves. This episode is a warm, honest reminder that you don't have to have it all figured out and that the most beautiful chapters of your life might be the ones you never planned for. What do I do when life doesn't go the way I planned? This episode is your reminder that you are not alone — and that every unexpected turn is quietly leading you somewhere even better. (02:24) Trusting the unexpected detours in your journey Recognize that the curveballs you didn't see coming can lead to gifts you never would have found otherwise. Stay open to new sides of yourself. Your creative self, your athletic self, your nurturing self — they can all coexist and take turns. Every unexpected chapter is an opportunity to discover just how multifaceted and capable you truly are. (04:48) The freedom that comes from surrendering control Releasing your grip on how things "should" go opens up space for something even greater to come in. Every layer of letting go might feel scary, but there is always more waiting for you on the other side of it. Life feels lighter and more exciting when you stop carrying the weight of trying to control every next step. (07:12) A simple daily practice to feel lighter right now Every morning, start your day by surrendering the pressure and expectations you've been placing on yourself. Remember that most of the pressure you feel is coming from within — and you have the power to release it. Waking up with an open heart instead of a clenched fist allows you to be present, free, and genuinely excited about what's ahead. (11:54) You don't have to have it all figured out Let go of the idea that you need a perfect plan, some of the best things in life arrive completely unplanned. Trust your gut, trust your intuition, and trust that good things are on their way to you. The most freeing thing you can do is let life unfold instead of trying to map out every single step. Connect with Chyna:  @ChynaRaeee on IG Let's Connect: New Year New TI-YOU 6 Week Challenge THE BIG SILENCE PODCAST Tone It Up App Tone It Up YouTube Tone It Up Instagram

    16 min
  8. 17 MAR

    Follow Your Fire: TIU Trainer & Tabata Expert Kristina Earnest on Reinvention & Finding Your Purpose

    This week, Karena sits down with Tone It Up trainer and Tabata queen Kristina Earnest for an episode that is equal parts inspiring, hilarious, and deeply real. From trading a career in fashion merchandising for a front desk job at a gym, to teaching her first-ever cycling class with zero certification and someone else's playlist, Kristina's journey into fitness is proof that sometimes the most unexpected leap of faith leads you exactly where you were always meant to be. Kristina opens up about navigating multiple miscarriages, uprooting her life across the country more than once, and overcoming a heart condition that doctors said would keep her from running — a condition that ultimately became the very reason she fell in love with movement. If you have ever felt stuck, scared to start over, or unsure whether your dream is even possible, this conversation will leave you feeling seen, uplifted, and ready to take that next step. You are so not alone in this. (00:00) Coming Next (01:00) Intro How Do You Find the Courage to Start Over When You Have No Roadmap? (03:55) From Fashion to Fitness: Kristina's Career Leap What Happens When Life Keeps Redirecting You — And How Do You Keep Going? (13:30) Choosing Family, Choosing Home (18:02) Coming Back to Yourself After a Season Away How Can the Thing That Held You Back Become Your Greatest Strength? (15:16) The Heart Condition That Became Her Superpower How Do You Keep Trusting the Process When You Don't Know What's Next? (20:13) On Intuition, Open Doors & Taking the Leap What Does It Really Mean to Work Out for the Right Reasons? (22:31) Sweating With a Smile — It's Not About the Aesthetic CONNECT & RESOURCES • Follow Kristina Earnest on Instagram: @KristinaEarnest • Try Kristina's Activate & Ignite program — available now in the Tone It Up app • Find Karena Dawn at @karenadawn on Instagram and karenadawn.com • Leave a voice message for the pod at karenadawn.com/message • Subscribe to the Tone It Up newsletter for live event updates and new program drops

    28 min

About

Welcome to Tone It Down, your new weekly ritual for exhaling, exhaling again, and remembering you’re not supposed to have it all figured out. Hosted by Karena Dawn, cofounder of Tone It Up and your favorite wellness bestie, this is the girlfriend group chat you actually want to be in. The one where we laugh so hard our mascara migrates, unpack the stuff that’s been sitting on our hearts, and walk away feeling—finally—seen. Every episode is an invitation to step out of the relentless “do more, be more, achieve more” swirl and slip into something softer. Here, we explore what it really takes to feel good in our bodies, steady in our minds, and connected in our lives. Think fitness and nutrition with a side of real-life evolution, the quiet self-care practices that actually stick, and the private girl talk rarely shared in public. No posturing. No perfection. Just honest conversations about the glow-ups, the growing pains, the rituals we love, and the resets we desperately need. Tone It Down Tuesdays are your new anchor. A place to feel grounded, motivated, held, and reminded that wellness is not a performance. It’s a relationship. And the good news? You don’t have to do it alone. Whether you’re stretching, meal prepping, commuting, multitasking, or tapping out of the chaos, this podcast offers space to breathe and reset. Because at the end of the day, we’re all evolving. We’re all learning. And we’re all craving conversations that go deeper than highlight reels. So pull up a seat. Bring your full self. And come tone down the noise so you can tune into your life again.

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