Beyond the Training

Beyond the Training

Beyond the Fitness is a lifestyle and fitness podcast hosted by two friends passionate about health, personal growth, and becoming the best version of yourself. Each episode dives into fitness training, mindset, nutrition, discipline, and real-life conversations around self-improvement—both inside and outside the gym. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or looking to level up your life, this podcast goes beyond workouts to explore habits, motivation, and the mental strength it takes to grow.

Episodes

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    Is Training Supposed to Be Fun? How to Make Workouts Enjoyable and Sustainable

    Welcome back to the BTT Podcast with Bishop and Reggie. In this episode, we tackle a question that a lot of people struggle with on their fitness journey: Is training supposed to be fun? And if it is, how do you actually make it that way? We break down the balance between discipline and enjoyment in fitness, and talk about why making your workouts more enjoyable may be one of the most important keys to consistency and long-term results. From favorite exercises and rep ranges to gym atmosphere, workout partners, playlists, injury prevention, and choosing activities you can actually stick with, this conversation is all about making training something you can sustain for life. We also dive into the reality that not every workout is going to feel amazing — sometimes you have to push through when you don’t feel like it. But if your overall training style is something you genuinely enjoy, you’re much more likely to stay on track. In this episode, we talk about: Is working out supposed to be fun? How to make training more enjoyable Why sustainability matters in fitness Choosing exercises you actually like Gym consistency and motivation Workout partners and gym environment Rep ranges, training splits, and building habits Alternatives to traditional gym training Injury prevention and staying healthy enough to train Discipline vs enjoyment in fitness Whether you love the gym, struggle to stay motivated, or are trying to figure out how to make fitness fit your lifestyle, this episode gives a practical and honest take on how to build a routine you can actually maintain. 🎙️ This is Beyond the Fitness. Simple conversations. Real experiences. Real work. 📍 Follow the hosts: Official Instagram: @beyondthetraining Reggie: @prime_fit_73 Bishop: @bishop_dongainz 👉 Subscribe for future episodes, gym clips, and deeper conversations on fitness, mindset, and life.

    35 min
  2. 16 MAR

    #09-How We’d Actually Approach Calories and Meal Prep

    In this episode of the BTT Podcast, Bishop and Reggie wrap up their calorie, dieting, and meal prep series with a real conversation about what it actually takes to stay in a calorie deficit, build better eating habits, and make fat loss sustainable. They break down why calorie deficits are simple in theory but hard in practice, the importance of boundaries and accountability, how meal prepping can remove daily decision fatigue, and why tracking your food matters more than most people realize. They also talk about maintenance calories, cheat meals, snacking, social eating, and how to make healthier choices without overcomplicating the process. Along the way, they share personal experiences with weight loss, muscle loss during a deficit, cravings, routine, and the mindset needed to stay consistent for the long haul. There’s also a fun side conversation about video games, anime, and the realities of balancing fitness goals with real life. If you’re trying to lose weight, build structure around your eating, or just want practical advice without the fluff, this episode is for you. In this episode, we cover: Why people struggle to maintain a calorie deficit How to approach dieting and meal prep as a lifestyle Maintenance calories vs. calorie deficit vs. calorie surplus Why meal prep helps with consistency The importance of tracking calories and portion sizes Snacking, cheat meals, and social eating while dieting Protein, fiber, and simple meal ideas for beginners Hit or Miss: meal prep, calorie tracking, favorite foods, and more Topics discussed: calorie deficit, meal prep, dieting, fat loss, weight loss, maintenance calories, cheat meals, protein, fiber, healthy eating, fitness mindset, discipline, consistency, beginner weight loss tips

    1 hr
  3. 9 MAR

    #08-Weight Loss for Beginners: Mindset, Calories & Fat Loss Basics

    In this episode of the Beyond the Training (BTT) Podcast, Bishop and Reggie continue their conversation on weight loss for beginners and break down what they would do if they had to start their fitness journey all over again. This episode dives into the mindset needed to lose weight and gain muscle, while also covering the fundamentals that beginners need to understand before expecting real results. From calories, calorie deficits, and protein to fasting, sleep, cardio, and discipline, this conversation keeps it real about what the process actually looks like. The biggest takeaway? Weight loss is not just physical — it’s mental, behavioral, and rooted in the habits you build every single day. In this episode, we talk about: Why beginners get confused about weight loss The mindset required to lose weight and gain muscle Calories in vs. calories out What a calorie deficit actually means Why protein matters during fat loss Intermittent fasting and OMAD Why you can’t out-train a bad diet Walking, cardio, and daily movement Sleep, recovery, and building better habits Common self-defeating thoughts that hold people back Hit or miss: gym, walking, calorie tracking, fast results, and diets This is Part 2 of the series, so if you’re starting over, feeling stuck, or trying to build a better foundation in your fitness journey, this episode is for you. Special shoutout to Humble Little Side Hustles for sponsoring this episode. Follow them on Instagram: @HLSH.shop Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to support the podcast and follow the journey. Follow us on YouTube: Beyond the Training

    45 min
  4. 2 MAR

    #07-Body Dysmorphia After Weight Loss & Muscle Gain | Identity, Fitness Culture & Mental Health

    In this episode of the Beyond the Training (BTT) Podcast, Bishop and Reggie have an honest, unfiltered conversation about body dysmorphia after weight loss and muscle gain — and why your mind often can’t catch up to your physical transformation. From massive weight loss to muscle-building journeys, we break down what body dysmorphia disorder (BDD) really looks like in real life: Seeing the “old you” in the mirror Never feeling satisfied with your physique Chasing numbers on the scale Using insecurity as fuel in the gym Comparing yourself to fitness influencers on social media Bishop opens up about losing over 120+ pounds and still feeling disconnected from his reflection, while Reggie shares how growing up skinny and later building muscle created a different—but equally intense—form of body dysmorphia. We dive deep into: What body dysmorphia actually is (clinically & personally) Why identity plays a huge role in fitness and self-image How gym culture can quietly reward insecurity Steroids, fitness influencers, and unrealistic expectations Why social media makes body image issues worse The difference between discipline and self-punishment Why weight loss is simple—but incredibly hard Imposter syndrome, delusion, and motivation When body positivity helps — and when it becomes dangerous Why seeking therapy and professional help matters This episode isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about understanding the mental cost of physical transformation, learning when to push harder — and when to give yourself grace. If you’ve ever lost weight, gained muscle, stared at the mirror and thought “I still don’t see it” — this conversation is for you. 🎙️ This is Beyond the Fitness. Simple conversations. Real experiences. Real work.

    42 min
  5. 23 FEB

    #06-Overrated vs Underrated: Stairmaster, Pilates, Sauna Suits, Squats & Gym Recording + Anime Takes

    In this episode of the Beyond the Training (BTT) Podcast, Bishop and Reggie kick off a brand-new series: Overrated vs Underrated — where we call out fitness trends, gym culture debates, and even anime takes… and give our unfiltered opinions. We start off with real life: a brutal snowstorm in Jersey, shoveling “as cardio,” and waking up the next day feeling locked up with back pain. From there, we get into injuries, staying consistent, mobility work, and why sometimes the “best workout” is the one that doesn’t break you. Then we jump into the main event: Overrated vs Underrated (BTT-style). Disclaimer: this is our opinion — disagree if you want, but pull up in the comments. 🔥 Topics we debate: Stairmaster vs Running/Treadmill (cardio wars) Pilates (underrated? overrated? depends how you use it) Sauna suits / sweat bands / waist trainers (water weight vs real fat loss) Foam rolling (placebo or game changer?) Recording gym content (form checks vs entitlement in shared spaces) Squats (king of leg exercises… but dangerous if you do it wrong) And then we switch it up: One Piece overrated or underrated? Naruto vs Bleach vs One Piece debates Boruto catching strays (dinosaur arc madness 😭) And to close: Which anime character matches your gym mindset? (Toji, Aizen, Yami… and yes, Goku.) If you like gym talk with real opinions, real jokes, and real life context — this series is for you. ✅ Like, subscribe, and rate the podcast 5 stars if you’ve been vibing 💬 Comment: Whose takes are better — Bishop’s or Reggie’s? (We’re arguing either way.) 🎧 Available on all major streaming platforms.

    32 min
  6. 16 FEB

    #05-Is Motivation a Lie? Why Most People Quit the Gym (Systems > Willpower)

    In this episode of the Beyond the Training (BTT) Podcast, Bishop and Reggie break down one of the biggest fitness myths: motivation. If motivation really worked… why do so many people quit the gym after a few weeks? We get into the real reason most people fall off: it’s not a lack of inspiration — it’s a lack of systems, habits, and routines you can rely on when you don’t feel like it. Motivation is emotional, and emotions are unstable. What actually keeps you consistent is building a plan that removes friction and makes showing up automatic. In this conversation, we cover: Why motivation fades (and why New Year’s resolutions fail) The difference between motivation vs discipline vs systems Why beginners quit when progress feels “too slow” Why the first month of weight loss is often water weight How to build a gym routine that survives stress, life, and relationships How convenience (gym distance, timing, prep) makes or breaks consistency Why soreness and pain cause people to quit — and how to avoid it How to start light, start slow, and stop “killing yourself” on Day 1 Morning gym culture vs night gym culture (and why mornings hit different) Reggie shares how systemizing everything helped him lose 110+ pounds, including laying out clothes, supplements, gym bag, and removing every possible obstacle so the routine runs even when motivation doesn’t. If you’ve ever said: “I’ll start Monday…” “I just don’t feel motivated…” “I fell off—how do I get back?” This episode is your reset. 💪 Motivation is a spark. Systems are the engine. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations about fitness, mindset, discipline, and real life.

    20 min
  7. 9 FEB

    #04-Are GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs Cheating? The Truth About Ozempic, Wegovy & Fat Loss

    Are GLP-1 weight loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy cheating — or are they just another tool for improving health? In this episode of Beyond the Training (BTT), Bishop and Reggie dive head-first into one of the most controversial topics in fitness and weight loss today: the rise of GLP-1 agonists and the moral judgment surrounding them. To bring real context to the conversation, they’re joined by a special guest, Sophia, who openly shares her personal experience using a GLP-1 medication for weight loss. The discussion breaks down what GLP-1s actually do in the body, why people turn to them, and why so many others label them as “cheating.” Sophia talks candidly about side effects, nausea, dosage struggles, discipline in the gym, diet changes, and what it was really like losing over 50 pounds while still training and eating intentionally. They also explore the deeper issue behind the controversy: why people feel the need to gatekeep weight loss, shame others for using tools, and attach moral superiority to suffering. From comparisons to bariatric surgery and supplements to the impact of weight loss on blood pressure, health markers, and longevity, this episode centers one core question — does how you lose weight matter more than actually improving your health? Topics covered in this episode: What GLP-1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy) actually do Are weight loss drugs “cheating” or medically valid tools? Real side effects and challenges of GLP-1 use Losing weight while still training and preserving muscle Life after GLP-1s: maintaining weight loss off the medication The stigma, shame, and judgment around weight loss methods Health vs aesthetics: blood pressure, visceral fat, and longevity Why your weight loss journey is nobody else’s business This episode isn’t about selling medication — it’s about honest conversation, personal choice, and health autonomy. Whether you’re considering GLP-1s, already using them, or strongly opposed, this is a grounded, real-world discussion that cuts through internet noise and fitness culture judgment. Beyond the Training Podcast — do what works for you. BTT out.

    22 min
  8. 2 FEB

    #03-Why Starting Over Feels So Hard (Even When You’ve Done It Before)

    Why does starting over feel harder than the first time—especially when you already know you can do it? In this episode of Beyond the Training (BTT), Bishop and Reggie break down the mental and emotional weight that comes with restarting your fitness journey after falling off. Whether you regained the weight, lost strength, missed months in the gym, or feel embarrassed to “start from scratch,” this conversation hits the real reasons it feels so heavy: shame, fear of judgment, ego, burnout, and comparing yourself to the “old you.” They talk about what it’s like trying to outwork the ghost of your past—when the weight that used to move easily suddenly feels like a mountain. They also share personal stories about losing progress, gaining it back, dealing with COVID setbacks, injuries from ego lifting, and what actually helps you rebuild consistency when life gets chaotic. If you’ve ever said, “I used to be in great shape… and now I’m back here again,” this episode is your reset. In this episode, we cover: Why starting over feels harder than starting fresh The shame and fear of judgment when you regain weight or lose strength The “me vs me” mindset and how to stop comparing to your old self How to rebuild consistency when work, stress, and relationships interfere Active recovery, boundaries, and what to do when motivation disappears How to reframe goals so you actually stick with them Why ego lifting gets you hurt—and how to train smarter for longevity Whether you’re a beginner, getting back into the gym after time off, or rebuilding after injury, this episode will help you reset your mindset, scale your goals, and get back on track—without destroying your body or quitting again.

    28 min
  9. 30 JAN

    #2-Why Most People Fail at Fitness — The Truth Nobody Talks About

    Beyond the Training (BTT) is a fitness and mindset podcast that goes deeper than workouts, reps, and macros. Hosted by Reggie and Bishop, this show breaks down the real reasons most people fail at fitness—and more importantly, how to stop repeating the same cycles. In this episode, Reggie and Bishop get honest about why motivation fades, why walking into a gym can feel intimidating, and why consistency, mindset, and nutrition matter more than any single workout plan. From gym anxiety and poor programming to bad trainers, unrealistic expectations, and unhealthy relationships with food, they unpack the psychological and behavioral barriers that hold people back from reaching their fitness goals. Whether you’re a beginner stepping into the gym for the first time, someone who’s fallen off and trying to restart, or a seasoned lifter who’s struggling with diet and balance, this episode delivers real-world advice, tough love, and actionable takeaways. No fluff. No fake fitness influencer talk. Just honest conversations about discipline, failure, and learning how to build sustainable habits for long-term health. Topics covered in this episode: Why most people fail at fitness (and it’s not laziness) Gym intimidation, comparison, and mindset traps The importance of proper programming and coaching Why you can’t out-train a bad diet Fitness differences and challenges for men vs. women How to recover after falling off your routine Actionable steps to stay consistent long term If you’re tired of starting over every few months and want a realistic, no-BS approach to fitness, health, and self-improvement—Beyond the Training is for you. 🎙️ New episodes dropping soon 📍 Follow the hosts: Bishop — @Bishop_DonGains Beyond the Training-@Beyondthetraining Reggie — @PrimeFit_73 Beyond the Training. Because fitness doesn’t start—or end—in the gym. 💪🔥

    22 min
  10. 29 JAN

    #01-The Pilot

    Welcome to the pilot episode of the Beyond the Fitness Podcast  In this first episode, hosts Reggie Bonnah and Bishop Ruffin sit down for a raw, unfiltered conversation about fitness, weight loss, strength training, mindset, and personal growth. This episode sets the foundation for what this podcast is all about: two friends with very different fitness journeys coming together to talk honestly about the gym, discipline, injuries, mental fortitude, and what it really takes to improve your life. From lifting for confidence, navigating high school sports misinformation, learning the truth about calories and weight loss, to rebuilding after injuries and losing over 100 pounds—this conversation goes beyond workouts. Reggie shares his journey from being the skinny kid inspired by friends and family to building strength and discipline through lifting, while Bishop opens up about growing up overweight, using sports as his entry into fitness, losing over 110 pounds, and rebuilding his body with intention and science-backed thinking. Together, they blend real-life experience, behavioral psychology, and medical knowledge to create conversations that are honest, motivating, and grounded in reality. If you’re into: Fitness podcasts Weight loss journeys Strength training & lifting Gym mindset & discipline Mental toughness & self-improvement Science-based fitness conversations …this podcast is for you. 🎙️ This is Beyond the Fitness. Simple conversations. Real experiences. Real work. 📍 Follow the hosts: Official Instagram: @beyondthetraining Reggie: @primefit_73 Bishop: @bishop_dongainz 👉 Subscribe for future episodes, gym clips, and deeper conversations on fitness, mindset, and life.

    22 min

About

Beyond the Fitness is a lifestyle and fitness podcast hosted by two friends passionate about health, personal growth, and becoming the best version of yourself. Each episode dives into fitness training, mindset, nutrition, discipline, and real-life conversations around self-improvement—both inside and outside the gym. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or looking to level up your life, this podcast goes beyond workouts to explore habits, motivation, and the mental strength it takes to grow.