Welcome to the Look Good Move Well podcast, where you can get fresh ideas for your training, nutrition, and lifestyle to immediately put to use. If you want to be a sexy 80 year old AND throw your grandkids around like basketballs, listen in with Marcus Filly, the creator of Functional Bodybuilding, and Misbah Haque, Revival Strength coach and podcaster with Airborne Mind. We’ll be talking about avoiding burnout, keeping your passion alive for training, and fueling your body and mind so you can look good, move well now and for years to come.
New episodes will be released here on Fridays. Sign up for the email list for bonus content!
Sign up for our email list to get bonus content, free warmups and Functional Pump complexes, and our starter guide to training and nutrition.
Let's say you're crushing life outside the gym, like today's listener submission. Nutrition is on point, training is going well, and you're even meditating daily, you rock star. How much can you safely increase your training volume and intensity without going overboard? In this episode, learn the guidelines for getting after it and the warning signs for when you need to take it down a notch....
Today’s listener question leads us to challenge some assumptions. When you’re trying to fit in work, friends, and family AND get a great night’s sleep and get more out of your gym sessions, it might be time to step back and see what your true values and priorities are. We’re often conditioned to feel guilty when what we really love conflicts with how we feel pressured to live. Tune in for a recommendation on clarifying your priorities, as well as tips to improve the quality of your fitness even if it doesn't come first....
Make no mistake, you’ve got to push to see results from your fitness. But this episode shows you what’s between 0 and 100 so you can take an intelligent approach to your conditioning. Consistency makes the difference in keeping you healthy and motivated to train for the long haul, so learn how to stay in the sweet spot with these approaches to pacing and structuring conditioning work....
What do you do when you value your fitness and a healthy lifestyle, but also want to travel and taste the far corners of the world? Today’s listener question gives us the opportunity to take a step back and appreciate how fitness and health can help us experience more in life, as well as provide some ways to honor your body while you enjoy yourself....
What are the differences in a nutritional profile for a competitive athlete vs. someone who wants to look good, enjoy training, and have energy and mental focus throughout the day? There are similarities we recommend to all our clients, and some key differences. How do you tell what to change if you're raising or lowering your training volume? We cover what you'll need to know in this episode....
When you've lost that lovin' feeling for training, give this episode a listen for some insights into why it happens and how to get out of your funk. Often athletes get stuck in the picture of what training should look like even when it feels miserable, but the best approach is to walk away - literally. Use these pointers to empty your stress buckets and refuel your enthusiasm for getting back in the gym. ...
We get a lot of questions about cool-downs, including today's listener submission. But first, let's get clear on whether you're looking for a true cool-down to transition your body and mind away from the sympathetic state into the next part of your day, or a finisher that will have the opposite effect. Then we'll hit some cool-down tips to give you plenty of options to try out for yourself. ...
Has a client ever come at you with an unrealistic expectation? Maybe to hit it hard and shed pounds fast, with who knows what going on in the kitchen and elsewhere in their lives? Today we answer a listener question about helping clients get what they need to make the changes they want by meeting them just where they are. Listen in for some ways to approach the conversation, as well as design programming that works....
We often get asked for advice from passionate fitness enthusiasts who want to craft a career out of coaching. Certifications are great, but you should also pursue ways to deeply connect with your clients and evaluate their needs. As we start on a new season of Look Good Move Well, we're covering the intellectual as well as emotional ways to grow into a kickass coach....
What’s the hardest feat you’ve ever accomplished? Most physical tests such as competitions or difficult challenges are memorable because of the emotions they stir up. As Marcus shares in recounting some of his hardest tests as an athlete, being wracked with nerves, anxiety, and fear is extremely hard and uncomfortable. In this final episode of Season Four, learn how you can accept these feelings as part of your journey, and use them to help you when you step out on the floor....
Want our list of secret recovery weapons? Number five will shock you! Just kidding - but you may be surprised that our favorite recovery methods do not involve foam rolling, bands, or mobility routines. When you’ve hit some hard training, you need to heal your brain, your soft tissues and ligaments, and even your gut from training stress. Learn what active recovery really means, and what to do outside the gym that will keep you ready to return for more....
Clean bulk? Dirty bulk? Recomp? Today we take a question from a listener who just wants to lose those love handles, and we'll carve through the confusion on bulking and cutting. If you want to look good naked not just this year, but for decades or more, you can step off the diet merry-go-round for good with the tips on both training and nutrient intake in today’s episode....
Got aches and pains? Who doesn’t? Despite this extremely common side effect of training (and life in general), fixing bothersome pains isn’t so simple. Today we explore the ideal scenario of working with a pro to assess and prescribe training that helps your body heal and stay sound. And we’ll also give you some takeaways to try on your own - including one exercise that all niggling shoulders will love....
To keep the joy alive in your fitness, it’s worthwhile to include time to play and explore new movements and skills. But most of us are so busy we can barely hang on to our schedules of getting in a planned workout and making it to the next thing on the list for the day. If the days when you could head to the park and play around for hours are long gone, listen in for some ways to keep play and exploration alive in your busy schedule....
We all know that warming up is essential for a successful training session, but it’s tempting to skim through preparations to “save yourself” for the parts that excite you the most. When you bring intention and energy to your training prep, you can get more quality out of your session and improve your athleticism while still staying safe and injury-free. In today’s episode, we talk about maintaining quality throughout your entire training time, and how much is too much preparation....
Many of our individual design clients have this question that a listener also voices: what do you do when you crave the the motivation and fun that comes with the community aspect of a gym, while also staying true to your own body’s needs and your personal goals? Too much group fitness can make you feel crummy and contribute to nagging injuries and burnout, but we have social needs too. Balance both with suggestions from today’s episode....
Have you poked someone you love lately…into getting to the gym? Being passionate about health and fitness is terrific - until you turn into “that guy” (or girl) who oversteps when trying to encourage family members on their own fitness path. Today we talk about taking on this touchy topic in a way that shows the love we have for our friends and family, and also allows them to stay true to their own experience. This is also a skill with a ton of carryover into coaching clients, so listen in for some tips....
Simple equals strong! So what’s the role of bodyweight movements in a strength and conditioning program? Controlling your own body is an important benchmark before adding load with weights, and it can also stand on its own as an effective and challenging workout. Today’s episode gives some ideas on how to approach bodyweight movements in training, and we also answer a listener question about incorporating a weight vest into your program....
When you’re looking for a guide for your health and fitness, be sure to choose someone who can not only write a great program for you but also be there to support your growth as a person. What should you look for in a coach, how much should you pay, and what can you do as a client to get the most out of your experience? Get some guidance for coach and client success in this episode....
Today we’re digging into program design with the differences between bodybuilding, CrossFit, and the Functional Bodybuilding approach. We’ll cover some key differences between focusing on movement patterns vs. body parts, and also why assessing clients’ needs should be a constant part of designing workouts. If you’re bored by bodybuilding or find yourself squatting in almost every single class, get the framework for keeping your workouts or group classes functional and fresh....
Despite our best intentions, evening workouts can get eaten up by work time or family obligations. Moving training time to the morning can help make your health a priority. But not all of us are cut out to roll out of bed in the wee hours and get after some heavy squats. In this episode, we’ll cover some tips to make your mornings easier and set a consistent tone for training that will help you when you need to make a schedule switch....
Lots of our listeners work long shifts with down time in between, or have full-on workdays that make tough training feel like too much. How do you develop awareness of what your body needs and find a sustainable rhythm, even if you work for 12 hours in a row? And what should your program on such a day even look like? On days when your brain takes a beating, learn how to prevent injury and go with the flow....
Before you go keto, start intermittent fasting, or take on any popular diet, check these basics off your list to make sure you have sustainable habits down first. Diets come and go, but healthy practices will keep you looking lean long after the beef and cheese kick gets old. Med School Marcus will give you the lowdown on ketones in your body, and you’ll also learn when a diet like keto or intermittent fasting is appropriate to take on....
A carport gym and a track are all Marcus used to get jacked in his twenties, and if you’re a student or on a budget, you won’t need much more. If you’re thinking of setting up a home gym or are limited in your access to equipment, get some ideas for the essential investments. We’ll also talk about what Marcus would do differently if he were transported back in time - get these takeaways for your own training now....
Looking back at Awaken Training Series, we’re covering the key themes of Functional Bodybuilding as they’ve evolved over time. If you or your clients are still looking for ways to improve movement quality and progress with purpose, dive into the details of what makes FBB-style workouts so effective at getting stronger, faster, and better without burnout. ...
Protein is one of the factors that makes the biggest impact on your energy and body composition, but a lot of people struggle with inadequate levels in their diet. Today we’re talking about why protein is so important, and how to overcome barriers of preference, taste, and boredom to make sure you get enough. ...
Afternoon sugar and cravings for crappy food can mean your body is depleted - especially if you’re training hard and getting behind on quality food. If you want to perform better, stay lean, and fuel your body well, listen in for what to change about your daily approach....
Grab a notebook and pull up a seat - in this episode, Marcus shares exactly how he approaches meal prep for himself and his entire family, from pantry to fridge to stove to grill. Fueling yourself with delicious food all week long doesn’t have to be a chore or take a ton of time. Get the full breakdown, including Marcus’s tasty marinade with only three ingredients....
Do you sit down to eat breakfast, or grab a shake to gulp and go? In this episode, we discuss the ins and outs of liquid nutrition for meal replacement, nutrient supplementation, and weight loss or gain. Learn when to choose to chew, and be mindful of how you nourish yourself throughout the day....
Big changes to the competitive landscape of fitness mean an opportunity to reexamine your priorities in training. While those who dream of competing on a big stage may face disappointment, there are still many unknowns in what opportunities you'll have - and ways for both competitive and non-competitive athletes to get fired up about the training that happens day to day....
If your heavy squat is incomplete without one big breath and a weight belt, tune in for some tips on breathing and bracing under different types of contractions. (Those of you in Awaken Training Series getting to that 15-second overhead squat are going to love this one.) And for conditioning work, Marcus shares some surprising advice for breathing and building energy during high effort sets that we’d love for you to try out....
The heart-pumping feeling of competing with the person next to you at your gym can be addictive. Your adrenaline can pull you into greater capacity. But is it the wisest choice for day to day training? Turning on the racing switch means there’s little room for quality movement and improving technique. This episode is for coaches whose athletes only seem to care about the score instead of moving well, and for athletes who wonder if your progress is hindered by a competitive atmosphere....
What does Marcus - a 6x Games athlete - really miss about competing under the bright lights? And what lessons from that carry over to anyone who needs to change focus in their training, work, or life? If you’re bummed about the Regionals changes or life has thrown you a curveball in other ways, listen in for some gems on how to take what inspires you and let it light your way....
Food is an investment of your time that pays dividends in how your body feels and performs. If there’s something in your diet you suspect is stressing your system, learn how to experiment with eliminating categories of food for a time. Then we’ll hit three ways to keep your wallet happy and your food quality high....
Treat your brain as if it's the biggest, most beautiful muscle you've got and see what results you can get from your training when you slow down enough to take it in. There's a time and place to let your hair down, shut it off, and go - but more progress, satisfaction, and lessons that carry over to the rest of your life are all available to you every time you hit the gym doing the same workout you'd be doing anyway. Listen in today for some suggestions on how to become a thinking athlete....
Have you ever tried to change your nutrition by cutting out things like sugar and alcohol completely, but struggled to keep it up over the long term? Listen in for the three questions to ask yourself or your clients before any habit change with nutrition or training - and get some bonus tips on switching things up without having to think about what you're missing....
Functional Bodybuilding took off as an alternative to constant high volume, high intensity training often found in group classes, but you don't have to go it alone to train in this style. Here's a look at how Functional Bodybuilding can work for groups to promote quality of movement, unilateral strength and balance, and support for aesthetics while keeping the fun of a community class. ...
We all know the Instagram highlight reel doesn't show the full picture. But when failure is mostly invisible, how can you learn more about encountering the edge of your abilities in your training? Failure is an opportunity to grow and learn, but before you go for that 1RM, check the "failure matrix" in this episode for some keys to make the most out of pushing to the max....
Feeling vulnerable, afraid, and fragile is so uncomfortable that many people try to avoid it at all costs. Whether it's a competition, a scary workout, an uncomfortable movement, or something else in your life, getting cozy with that dark place of fear can ultimately lead to expansive learning and growth. Today we take a look at how to approach vulnerability in your training and what it can reward you with as a result....
Are your goals realistic? Today we’ll walk through shifting priorities with health, performance, and aesthetic goals and how to make sure your goals align with the way you live your life, breaking down some misconceptions on the way. We’ll leave you with a little homework for getting clear on your goals and would love to hear your results....
Hold the heavy breathing - at least until you've thought through your approach to intensity in training. Intensity has its place, but no one can live there all the time. Here's how to combine Functional Bodybuilding with intensity peaks so you can build your fundamentals of motor control, mechanics, strength, and consistency, and then turn on the jets for competitions or max effort moments....
Attention Awaken Training Series participants, or anyone wanting to get the most out of your training: here’s the one thing to focus on outside the gym to see your positive results stack up fast. Not in the program? Registration is open until Sunday, July 8 at 5pm Pacific!...
When you physically lose your strength, what lessons from your training will you share with others, and how does struggling with weights affect other parts of your life? Come back to the weight room and look through the lens of how consistency and focus can change your outlook on life, and what happens when you explore the limits of what you’re capable of....
If you’re doing anything other than lying on the couch, risk of injury is always a factor. Today we’re talking about the fears and mental anguish that come with injury, how to give your body space to heal while still enjoying movement, and the valuable learning that can come from being fragile....
Ever wish someone would hand you the magic macros for legit performance and a body to match? Before you dial in those digits, take a listen to find out what counting macros can and can’t do for you, and how to get the most from your experience if you decide to step up your tracking....
In the first episode, Marcus shares some simple ways to get confident in the kitchen and avoid the soggy salad struggle. Learn how to make Filly Frittata to hit protein and veggies in one delicious swoop for the ultimate breakfast all week long....
Vacuuming. Getting out of the car. Standing up. It’s easy to take our ability to move for granted, until it’s taken away. Just like Marcus’s baby daughter, the more ways you can move, the more freedom you have in life. Finding your own entry point into loving the way you can move will also keep you motivated in your training. Listen in to get inspired and take our 5-minute flow challenge!...
If you’ve ever wondered how to drop body fat and not feel like crap, or how to add lean muscle and still move the way you want to, today’s episode is for you. There are a lot of misconceptions about carbs out there, so let’s get started on how to use them wisely for the results you want....
Routine is awesome for helping you train consistently and build a healthy lifestyle, but there’s one area where too much of the same can mess you up. If your digestion sucks and you can’t figure out why, or your macros are on point but you’re still not seeing changes, this is an important listen....
When you wake up, do you consciously decide what you’ll do to start your day right? Or are you simply reacting to the stream of information flowing your way? A great morning routine is common among top performers - build some awareness around what works for you with some tips from this episode....
People search endlessly for the one diet or way of eating that will keep them looking good and moving well - but maybe the trick is to not diet at all. In this episode on intuitive eating, we talk about alternatives to tracking every macro and how to develop awareness of other factors that influence how nutrients affects your body....
Even though it affects your body composition, you can’t always control the stressors coming at you in life. But you can evaluate your own mental, physical, and emotional needs and respond with intention. What happens under the hood is the ticket to health - give this episode a listen to check in with yourself about your stress and learn some simple ways to cope....
Step away from the foam roller and get yourself sweaty and ready for whatever your session calls for in ten minutes or less. We’ll show you how to use Functional Bodybuilding to awaken your body efficiently and build strength and skill while you’re at it....
Movement pattern nerds, this one is for you. Using the shoulder press as an example, we talk about elements of movement variations to fire different muscles, adapt to limitations, fix junky patterns, and understand what works best for your body to build strength and move well....
Unlock the secrets of tempo training including a breakdown of what all those numbers mean, common mistakes, and how tempo can develop new capacities in your training when used correctly (and what happens when tempo goes awry). Awaken Training Series participants, take note! And if you weirdos really want to try it, we’ll give you the puke workout too....
Learn some ways to evaluate your own body’s readiness for the training ahead and still make great use of your time in the gym. When do you start counting your working sets? The answer depends, so listen in to see how to prepare your body so you hit your priorities for the day....
How do you know when you've truly outgrown your training plan or coach, or whether you simply haven't trusted the process enough? Getting the best from your training takes time and commitment, but we all have moments of doubt, especially when plateaus, injuries, or other life changes happen. Find out how to know if you should stay put or go....