Lowering the Barrier

Alex Thieme
  • 5.0 (40)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Lowering the Barrier

There is SO much information on fitness and nutrition out there - and I get it - did we really need ANOTHER guy making a podcast? I hear ya. But here's the thing - most of the fitness/nutrition information out there is just noise. The average person who wants to get in shape doesn't need more noise - they need clarity. They need it to be easier. They need a lower barrier to entry. And that's what this podcast is - an attempt to lower the barrier to fitness.

  1. 34: Building Brands That Last in a Wellness World That Won't Sit Still w/ Tatum Brandt

    APR 9

    34: Building Brands That Last in a Wellness World That Won't Sit Still w/ Tatum Brandt

    Brand strategist, creative genius, and generally cool person, Tatum Brandt joins us to talk about what today’s top fitness and wellness brands are doing right - and what most coaches are missing. We dive into emerging trends, building brand loyalty, and how to stand out without selling out. If you’re trying to build a business that actually lasts, this one’s for you. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 2:15 How did you get started? 7:00 The shift from fitness to wellness - how to stay relevant 13:30 Equinox case study: what are they getting right/wrong? 23:00 Branding: formula vs vibes 29:00 Client-first messaging 35:00 From online to in-person; how and why? 49:00 Creating a timeless brand 59:00 Navigating social media without burnout 1:08:00 Tatum’s upcoming projects Tatum Brandt’s Links Website: https://www.brandtcreative.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tatumbrandt/ LoadWomen Website: https://loadwomen.com/ LoadWomen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loadwomen/ MY LINKS Website: ⁠https://www.alexthiemefitness.com/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexthiemefitness/⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@alexthiemefitness⁠ Join my email list: ⁠https://www.alexthiemefitness.com/email⁠ If you loved this episode, please follow/subscribe and give a 5 star review! Thank you! Bonus points - share it with a friend who might enjoy the show. Want to try the best diet app on the market? Download MacroFactor and use code 'ALEX' for a two week free trial.⁠https://macrofactorapp.com/⁠ Legion Athletics (Supplements): Use code 'ALEXTME' to get double points and support me⁠https://legionathletics.com/⁠

    1h 14m

  2. MAR 20

    33: Lost weight but can't see abs? How important is sleep? Can you grow muscle with ONE set per week? And more!

    In this episode, we do a Q&A with questions submitted from Instagram followers. If you’d like to submit a question, I open the anonymous question box every Tuesday on my Instagram story. Alternatively, you can DM or email me your question and I’ll get to it on our next Q&A episode. 0:00 Intro 13:05 How important is sleep? When is sleep more important than a workout? 22:00 How much muscle should you expect to lose with 6 weeks of rest (due to surgery)? 26:15 Bored of lifting weights, but know it’s good for me - any advice? 37:40 Can maintenance calories change due to age? 41:30 Stomach is last place to lose body fat. I want visible abs but don’t want to continue with a calorie deficit - what would you do? 49:40 Can you grow muscle with one hard set per week? 53:00 Should I worry about water weight if I’m focused on fat loss? 58:50 Recommendation on water intake? LINKS Website: ⁠https://www.alexthiemefitness.com/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexthiemefitness/⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@alexthiemefitness⁠ Join my email list: ⁠https://www.alexthiemefitness.com/email⁠ If you loved this episode, please follow/subscribe and give a 5 star review! Thank you! Bonus points - share it with a friend who might enjoy the show. Want to try the best diet app on the market? Download MacroFactor and use code 'ALEX' for a two week free trial.⁠https://macrofactorapp.com/⁠ Legion Athletics (Supplements): Use code 'ALEXTME' to get double points and support me⁠https://legionathletics.com/⁠ Sources: Pontzer Metabolism - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34385400/ Dose Response of Resistance Training - https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/460/967 1 vs 3 vs 5 Sets on Muscle Growth - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30153194

    1h 5m

  3. MAR 11

    32: Making Fitness Fit Your Life - Without Overcomplicating It w/ Matteo Marra

    Struggling to stay consistent with fitness? Unsure how to balance training, nutrition, and real life? Matteo Marra breaks it all down - why less training might get you more results, the easiest way to estimate calories (without obsessing), and how to stop "starting over" every Monday. If you want a simpler way to build muscle, lose fat, and enjoy the process, don’t miss this one!

    1h 7m

  4. MAR 4

    31: Menopause 101 w/ Amanda Thebe

    In this must-listen conversation, Amanda Thebe—fitness and women’s health expert, best-selling author of Menopocalypse, and Canada’s first menopause workplace educator—breaks down what every woman should know about menopause. Featured in Oprah, Shape, and CBC Radio, Amanda shares the biological changes, the importance of symptom tracking, and how to take charge of your health. We also discuss practical wellness strategies, hormone therapy, and how men can better support the women in their lives. If you’ve ever felt unprepared for menopause, this episode will give you the knowledge and confidence to navigate it head-on. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Menopause and Amanda Thebe 6:15 Understanding Menopause: Biological Changes and Symptoms 14:00 Empowering Women: Advocacy and Education in Menopause 18:45 The Unique Experience of Menopause: Individual Symptoms 30:10 Navigating Healthcare: Finding the Right Support 34:10 Hormone Therapy 51:45 Lifestyle Changes for Menopause Management 01:03:20 Men as Allies in Menopause Amanda Thebe’s Links Website: https://amandathebe.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanda.thebe Book: https://amzn.to/3F18kN4 MY LINKS Website: ⁠https://www.alexthiemefitness.com/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexthiemefitness/⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@alexthiemefitness⁠ Join my email list: ⁠https://www.alexthiemefitness.com/email⁠ If you loved this episode, please follow/subscribe and give a 5 star review! Thank you! Bonus points - share it with a friend who might enjoy the show. Want to try the best diet app on the market? Download MacroFactor and use code 'ALEX' for a two week free trial.⁠https://macrofactorapp.com/⁠ Legion Athletics (Supplements): Use code 'ALEXTME' to get double points and support me⁠https://legionathletics.com/⁠

    1h 12m

  5. FEB 24

    30: Body Image, Weight Cutting in Sport, and Nutrition in Powerlifting w/ Malisa Nguyen

    In this episode of Lowering the Barrier, I talk with Melissa Nguyen, a registered dietitian and founder of Strength and Intent, about the complexities of nutrition and mental health in the fitness world. We also cover weight cutting in sport, nutritional strategies in powerlifting, and more! 0:00 Intro 3:30 Eating Disorders vs Disordered Eating 14:00 Body Image Pressure in Powerlifting 29:15 Nutrition Mistakes in Powerlifting 35:15 Weight Cutting in Powerlifting (and other sports) 50:55 Practical Advice for Coaches and Athletes Malisa’s Links https://www.instagram.com/malisanguyen/ https://www.instagram.com/strengthandintent/ https://www.strengthandintent.com/ LINKS Website: ⁠https://www.alexthiemefitness.com/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexthiemefitness/⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@alexthiemefitness⁠ Join my email list: ⁠https://www.alexthiemefitness.com/email⁠ If you loved this episode, please follow/subscribe and give a 5 star review! Thank you! Bonus points - share it with a friend who might enjoy the show. Want to try the best diet app on the market? Download MacroFactor and use code 'ALEX' for a two week free trial.⁠https://macrofactorapp.com/⁠ Legion Athletics (Supplements): Use code 'ALEXTME' to get double points and support me⁠https://legionathletics.com/⁠

    1 hr

  6. FEB 17

    29: Q&A - Will Pilates grow muscle? Improving balance as you age? How to build muscle without getting too big? And more!

    In this episode, we do a Q&A with questions submitted from Instagram followers. If you’d like to submit a question, I open the anonymous question box every Tuesday on my Instagram story. Alternatively, you can DM or email me your question and I’ll get to it on our next Q&A episode. Timestamps 0:00 Intro 8:30 Is Pilates good for muscle growth? 17:15 What to do about loose skin after weight loss? 20:30 How to improve balance as you age? 36:15 Any benefit to cardio in hot or cold weather? 42:45 Do you NEED a rest day or is zone 1/2 cardio okay? 46:30 Why do nutrition labels differ for similar foods? 50:40 How to gain muscle definition without getting too big? 54:00 How to achieve body recomp? 55:40 How to be in a deficit without tracking calories? 1:04:10 Maxed out weights at home; how do I keep building muscle? LINKS Website: ⁠https://www.alexthiemefitness.com/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexthiemefitness/⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@alexthiemefitness⁠ Join my email list: ⁠https://www.alexthiemefitness.com/email⁠ If you loved this episode, please follow/subscribe and give a 5 star review! Thank you! Bonus points - share it with a friend who might enjoy the show. Want to try the best diet app on the market? Download MacroFactor and use code 'ALEX' for a two week free trial.⁠https://macrofactorapp.com/⁠ Legion Athletics (Supplements): Use code 'ALEXTME' to get double points and support me⁠https://legionathletics.com/⁠

    1h 13m

  7. FEB 12

    28: Why Confidence is Built, Not Born w/ Chloé Bromage

    Confidence isn’t something you’re born with – it’s built. In this episode, Chloé Bromage joins me to talk about how she overcame self-doubt, embraced discomfort, and built a thriving business by showing up unapologetically. We dive into beating the all-or-nothing mindset, overcoming imposter syndrome, and why taking action (even when it feels cringe) is the key to success in fitness, business, and life. If you’ve ever struggled with self-doubt, hesitated to post online, or felt stuck in your own way, this episode is for you. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Chloé Bromage 02:16 Chloé's Move to the USA0 5:42 The Impact of Solo Travel on Identity 09:52 Chloé's Entry into Fitness and Coaching 11:17 Business Structure and Growth 18:32 Resilience and Consistency in Success 23:44 Building Confidence on Social Media 29:47 Finding Balance in Hustle Culture 34:20 Emotional Regulation and the All-or-Nothing Mentality 40:38 Consistency and Daily Habits 43:29 Taking the Leap: Advice to Younger Self Chloe Bromage’s Links https://www.instagram.com/chloebromage/?hl=en https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCori_hTfGTEyqJQtMDtzp0g https://www.healthhypedbychloe.com/ LINKS Website:⁠https://www.alexthiemefitness.com/⁠ Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexthiemefitness/⁠ TikTok:⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@alexthiemefitness⁠ Join my email list:⁠https://www.alexthiemefitness.com/email⁠ If you loved this episode, please follow/subscribe and give a 5 star review! Thank you! Bonus points - share it with a friend who might enjoy the show. Want to try the best diet app on the market? Download MacroFactor and use code 'ALEX' for a two week free trial ⁠https://macrofactorapp.com/⁠ Legion Athletics (Supplements): Use code 'ALEXTME' to get double points and support me⁠ https://legionathletics.com/⁠

    46 min

  8. FEB 8

    27: Coaching, Practical Nutrition, and Pickleball w/ Mike Doehla

    In this episode, Mike Doehla shares his journey from building and selling Stronger U to navigating life as a father and exploring new interests like pickleball. He discusses the illusion of work-life balance, the challenges of parenting, and how his perspective on business and coaching has evolved. We talk about the complexities of weight management, the importance of identity in health transformations, and the role of education in coaching. We wrap it up with insights on finding purpose beyond work. Mike Doehla’s Links https://www.instagram.com/mikedoehla/ Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Mike Doehla and His Journey 05:01 Shifting Perspectives: Life After Stronger U 10:01 Work-Life Balance: The Challenge of Parenthood 14:51 Exploring New Interests: Pickleball and Beyond 19:59 Building a Business in the Pickleball Community 25:06 The Importance of Open-Mindedness in Coaching 30:05 Key Traits of Successful Clients 34:30 Understanding Weight Management and Client Success 37:45 The Importance of Identity in Health Transformation 41:12 Education and Practical Coaching Strategies 44:49 The Role of Client Transformations in Coaching 52:52 The Future of Coaching in an AI-Driven World 58:53 Finding Purpose Beyond Work LINKS Website:⁠https://www.alexthiemefitness.com/⁠ Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/alexthiemefitness/⁠ TikTok:⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@alexthiemefitness⁠ Join my email list:⁠https://www.alexthiemefitness.com/email⁠ If you loved this episode, please follow/subscribe and give a 5 star review! Thank you! Bonus points - share it with a friend who might enjoy the show. Want to try the best diet app on the market? Download MacroFactor and use code 'ALEX' for a two week free trial.⁠https://macrofactorapp.com/⁠ Legion Athletics (Supplements): Use code 'ALEXTME' to get double points and support me⁠https://legionathletics.com/⁠

    1h 5m
See All (34)

    5
    out of 5
    40 Ratings

    About

    There is SO much information on fitness and nutrition out there - and I get it - did we really need ANOTHER guy making a podcast? I hear ya. But here's the thing - most of the fitness/nutrition information out there is just noise. The average person who wants to get in shape doesn't need more noise - they need clarity. They need it to be easier. They need a lower barrier to entry. And that's what this podcast is - an attempt to lower the barrier to fitness.

    Information

    • Creator
      Alex Thieme
    • Years Active
      2024 - 2025
    • Episodes
      34
    • Rating
      Explicit
    • Copyright
      © Alex Thieme
    • Show Website
      Lowering the Barrier

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