The Real Body Podcast

Tessa Reyes Benz
  • 5.0 (7)
  • FITNESS

Welcome to TRB – The Real Body Podcast, where we’re rewriting what it means to have a healthy body and mind. Hosted by trainer and movement coach, Tessa, this podcast is here to break free from toxic fitness and diet culture, helping you unlearn the industry’s harmful messaging and reconnect with yourself in a way that feels good—inside and out. Your real body is the one you have right now, and it deserves respect, kindness, and freedom to move in ways that support both your physical and mental well-being. Here, we explore what it means to feel strong—without guilt, shame, or pressure to shrink or conform. Each episode, we’ll have real conversations about movement, mindset, self-acceptance, and finding joy in taking care of ourselves without the toxic rules. This is about unlearning the noise, embracing who you are, and discovering what freedom in your own skin can feel like. Because The Real Body is your body—right now, as it is. And your healthiest self is the one that feels good in both body and mind.

Episodes

  1. 09/26/2025

    Trending Topics with Tessa: Are These Fitness Fads Worth It?

    Fitness trends are everywhere... weighted vests, walking pads, cycle syncing, creatine. BUT are they worth the hype? Or just another shiny object being pushed into your feed so companies and influencers can make a quick buck? In this episode of The Real Body, I’m breaking down these trending tools one by one. We’ll talk about what’s real, what’s marketing, who they’re actually good for, and how you can often get the same benefits for free. I’ll share my honest opinions, the science behind each trend, and practical alternatives that fit into real life. Whether you’re curious about jumping on the trend train or just want to cut through the noise, this episode will help you decide what’s worth it for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The truth behind the weighted vest craze and when it’s actually worth using Why walking pads are booming in the remote-work era, and who really benefits My hot take on cycle syncing and how to approach it without limiting your strength goals Why I actually recommend creatine (even though I rarely suggest supplements) Free or low-cost alternatives to each of these trends so you can get started right now Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: Learn more about my Cycle Syncing Program → https://www.tessareyesbenz.com/cycle-sync Let’s connect on Instagram → @tessareyesbenz Share your thoughts about this episode! Comment with a 🕵🏻‍♀️ emoji on my IG post so I know you tuned in. If you loved this episode, here are 3 ways you can support the podcast: Subscribe so you never miss a new episode. Leave a quick rating & review!!! It really helps me keep creating this content for you. Share this episode with a friend who’s been eyeing one of these trends, i'm sure they’ll thank you later!

    26 min
  2. Dana’s Story: A True Beginner's Transformation

    09/04/2025

    Dana’s Story: A True Beginner's Transformation

    Welcome to another episode of The Real Body! This episode is part of my Real Body Stories series, where I bring on women to share their authentic fitness journeys, because transformation is about so much more than before-and-after photos. In this episode, I sit down with my client Dana, who started her journey in March 2024 as a true beginner in strength training. Over the past year and a half, I’ve had a front-row seat to her complete transformation. From moving through grief, to discovering a whole new relationship with her body, Dana’s story is full of honesty, inspiration, and practical insights for anyone beginning their own health and fitness journey. We talk about: What it feels like to go from beginner to consistent strength training. How Dana redefined success beyond body size and shape. The biggest mindset shifts that changed her relationship with her body. How building strength has impacted her energy, confidence, and everyday life. Whether you’re brand new to fitness, struggling to stay consistent, or looking for motivation to keep going, Dana’s story will encourage you to see health and success in a whole new way. ✨ Ready to start your own journey? I work 1:1 with clients all over the world, helping women build strength, confidence, and habits that last. Space is limited, so click the link below to learn more about how we can work together.   💪🏽 https://www.tessareyesbenz.com/Personal-Training

    1h 5m
  3. The Power of Breathwork with Jessica Marie

    08/22/2025

    The Power of Breathwork with Jessica Marie

    What if the key to feeling calmer, more present, and more connected to your body was as simple as your next breath? In this episode of The Real Body, I sit down with life coach and breathwork coach Jessica Marie to dive into the world of guided breathwork. We explore what actually happens when you bring breathwork into your daily life, why it can be more than just “taking a deep breath,” and how this practice can transform your health, your energy, and your relationship with your body. Together, we tackle some of the most common myths about breathwork, clear up the “woo-woo” reputation it sometimes carries, and show how accessible and powerful it truly is for the everyday person. Whether you’re brand new to the idea or curious about how to make it part of your routine, this conversation will give you practical takeaways to start using today. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What breathwork really is (and how it works in the body), the surprising health benefits of practicing breathwork regularly, common myths and misconceptions about breathwork, who would benefit most from this practice, and simple ways to get started right now! Connect with Jessica: Get on her waitlist for a free breathwork/coaching call HERE Join her email list: www.iamjessicamarie.com 🤳🏻 Follow her on Instagram: @iam_jessicamarie_ If you loved this episode, here are 3 ways you can support the podcast: Subscribe so you never miss an episode. Leave a quick rating & review because it really helps the show grow! Share this episode with a friend who could use a little breath of fresh air today.

    54 min

  4. 05/14/2025

    Toxic Body Talk

    Ever find yourself saying things like “I need to lose weight before I can wear that” or “I’ve let myself go”? You’re not alone—and it’s time we unpack where these thoughts come from and how to break free from them. In this powerful episode, host Tessa takes a raw and real look at toxic body talk—those harmful narratives we absorb from media, fitness culture, and even loved ones that shape how we see and treat our bodies. You’ll learn: ✨ Where toxic body messaging really comes from (hint: it’s everywhere) ✨ How it turns into your inner voice without you realizing it ✨ 3 steps to rewrite the script in your head and begin healing your relationship with your body ✨ How to set boundaries, shift your language, and start practicing radical self-respect Whether you're just starting your body image journey or you've been working on self-acceptance for years, this episode is your reminder: You are not broken. You are not alone. And you are already worthy—exactly as you are.

    33 min

  5. 04/24/2025

    The Real Body - How We Got Here

    In this inaugural episode of The Real Body Podcast, Tessa introduces listeners to the heart and soul of her new show—a space dedicated to honest, empowering conversations about fitness, health, and self-acceptance. You’ll hear why she started the podcast, her personal journey escaping the clutches of diet culture, and what “The Real Body” really means.

    18 min
  6. Cycle Syncing Made Simple

    03/17/2025

    Cycle Syncing Made Simple

    Welcome to Cycle Syncing Made Simple, where we break down the power of syncing your workouts, nutrition, and lifestyle with your menstrual cycle. Join Tessa as she blends her expertise as a doula and personal trainer to help you work with your body, not against it. Learn how to adjust your workout routine for each phase of your cycle, optimize your workouts, and embrace recovery all while fostering a balanced and empowering relationship with your body. Ready to feel stronger and more in tune with your natural rhythm? Learn more about Tessa’s Cycle Syncing Workout Program here!

    26 min
  7. How to Build Habits That Stick: The Power of Habit Stacking

    03/05/2025

    How to Build Habits That Stick: The Power of Habit Stacking

    In this episode, we’re breaking down the transformative concept of habit stacking—an approachable, effective way to build new habits without feeling overwhelmed. 🚶‍♀️💡 We’ll explore: ✨ Why awareness and acceptance are the first steps to any lasting change. ✨ The importance of taking baby steps (and why small wins matter more than big leaps). ✨ How to avoid the trap of unrealistic expectations set by diet and fitness culture. ✨ Practical tips to start habit stacking today and integrate meaningful habits into your daily life. If you’ve ever struggled with consistency or felt like creating new habits is too daunting, this episode is for you. 💪 🎧 Tune in, take it step by step, and let’s make progress together!

    26 min
  8. Sharing My Truth: The Heart Behind My Feature in Darling Magazine

    03/05/2025

    Sharing My Truth: The Heart Behind My Feature in Darling Magazine

    Welcome to my second private podcast episode! 🙌🏽 If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by fitness culture or struggled with the pressure to meet impossible standards, this episode is for you. My hope is that it inspires you to question those old narratives, embrace self-love, and move with intention, care, and grace. In this heartfelt episode, I share a very special piece of my journey—an article I wrote that was published in Darling Magazine in the fall of 2023. It’s a story about how my Lazy Girl Workouts came to be, the impact of fitness and diet culture on my life, and how I reclaimed my body, mind, and relationship with movement. You’ll also hear a little about my blogging days (RIP True Motherhood), my time as a doula, and how writing this essay was a healing, full-circle moment for me. 🎧 Tune in to hear my story, and let me know in the comments if something resonates with you or sparks a question. I’d love to keep the conversation going! Did something in this episode feel relatable? Do you want to hear more about my journey as a doula or how my fitness career took shape? Let me know—I’m always down for a deep dive in future episodes. Thank you for being here and supporting this space for honesty, connection, and growth. 💖

    16 min
  9. How to Support Your Body & Hormones Through Exercise in Your 30s

    03/05/2025

    How to Support Your Body & Hormones Through Exercise in Your 30s

    Entering your 30s is a game-changer. It’s when you start listening to your body in a whole new way. In this episode, I’m answering a question from member, Lauren, that I really wish I had asked when I entered my 30s:  How do you gracefully enter your mid-30s and support your body and hormones through exercise? I’m sharing everything I’ve learned (through trial and error) about: 🔥 The shift from working out for aesthetics to training for strength & longevity 💪 Why strength training should be a priority—and how much you actually need 🚶‍♀️ The right way to incorporate cardio for hormone health 🍽️ The four biggest nutrition shifts that changed my energy, metabolism & body composition 😴 How stress, sleep, and your cycle impact your workouts—and what to do about it  If you’ve ever felt like your body isn’t responding the way it used to… or you’re wondering how to feel strong, energized, and balanced in this decade (and beyond), this episode is for you! 💌 Don’t forget to submit your questions in The Studio, I’d love to feature one in a future episode!

    36 min
  • 9 Episodes

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to TRB – The Real Body Podcast, where we’re rewriting what it means to have a healthy body and mind. Hosted by trainer and movement coach, Tessa, this podcast is here to break free from toxic fitness and diet culture, helping you unlearn the industry’s harmful messaging and reconnect with yourself in a way that feels good—inside and out. Your real body is the one you have right now, and it deserves respect, kindness, and freedom to move in ways that support both your physical and mental well-being. Here, we explore what it means to feel strong—without guilt, shame, or pressure to shrink or conform. Each episode, we’ll have real conversations about movement, mindset, self-acceptance, and finding joy in taking care of ourselves without the toxic rules. This is about unlearning the noise, embracing who you are, and discovering what freedom in your own skin can feel like. Because The Real Body is your body—right now, as it is. And your healthiest self is the one that feels good in both body and mind.

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