In this episode of 100% Real with Ruby, I’m joined by Max Waldron, a coach, strength expert, and gym owner who has navigated multiple dimensions of the fitness industry. Together, we dive deep into the often-misunderstood differences between coaching and training, the mental and emotional barriers holding people back, and why fat loss isn’t sustainable as a lifestyle. Max brings his no-BS approach to challenge the fitness myths that keep you stuck, while providing a fresh perspective on building the body and life you truly want. This conversation is packed with actionable insights, powerful mindset shifts, and tools to help you break free from frustration and step into progress. Whether you’re a coach, a client, or someone who’s been spinning their wheels for years, this episode will make you think differently about what it means to succeed in your health and fitness journey. Don’t miss it!

Most of us already know what to do. Eat better, move more, be consistent—right? But if it were that simple, why would so many still feel stuck? The truth is, it’s not about knowledge; it’s about what’s stopping you from following through.

Fat loss isn’t sustainable long-term, and trying to balance it with life often leads to frustration. Fat loss should be viewed as a temporary phase, followed by maintenance or building phases.

Measure What Matters
Obsessively tracking every metric can detract from focusing on meaningful progress. Measure the variables that truly align with goals, such as consistency and effort, rather than arbitrary metrics like scale weight.

Many clients fail to appreciate their progress because they live in a scarcity mindset, focusing on what they lack instead of what they’ve achieved.

Muscle is not bulky; it is sculpted and compact. Building muscle creates a leaner, stronger look, and achieving this requires fueling the body and training effectively.

Addressing common fears of looking "too bulky" helps educate clients on the value of strength training and adequate nutrition

Creating the Right Environment

Success often stems from a supportive environment, such as meal prepping, structuring workouts, and reducing decision fatigue.

The Danger of Focusing Solely on Scale Weight or trying to make fat loss sustainable

Over-reliance on the scale as a measure of success can undermine progress. Shifting focus to performance, strength, and habits is more productive.

Key Insight: Addressing the emotional attachment to the scale helps clients find fulfillment in non-scale victories.

Even perceived setbacks provide valuable insights for future progress. Clients are never truly starting over—they’re building on past experiences.

Reframe "failure" as an opportunity to learn and grow, fostering resilience and a growth mindset.

Sustainability isn’t achieved through perfect plans but by aligning mindset with actions and focusing on intrinsic motivation.

Strength training fosters intrinsic motivation by creating enjoyment in the process and measurable progress beyond aesthetics.

Further Knowledge: Strength training also provides a tangible sense of accomplishment, reinforcing clients’ commitment to their goals.

Sacrifices and Realistic Expectations (1:03:59-1:07:42):

Achieving goals often requires more effort and sacrifice than initially expected. However, the trade-offs must align with what the client values most.

Insight: Helping clients evaluate their willingness to make sacrifices ensures alignment with their deeper goals and life priorities.

Training Intensity and Focus

Many don’t train with enough intensity to see significant progress. Simplified, structured programs with a focus on effort can yield better results.

prioritize progressive overload in their training and focus on quality over quantity.

.... and youd be keeping it

only improving your physique over time.... right?

You’ve dieted before. Maybe more times than you can count.

You cut calories. You tracked macros. You followed the plan. So why are youstill stuck?

Here’s the truth:another deficit won’t fix what’s actually keeping you from your goals. If it did, you wouldn’t still be frustrated, exhausted, and wondering why nothing is working.

🔎In this episode, we’re breaking down:
✅ Why constantly eating lessbackfires on your metabolism & muscle
✅ How your body fights back when you stay in a deficit too long
✅ Thereal reason you keep losing weight… then gaining it back
✅ Why training for strength isthe key to looking lean & defined
✅ How to stop chasing fat loss & startbuilding the body you want

💡FACT: 95% of diets fail long-term. So maybe it’s time to stopjust dieting—and start creating a physique that actually lasts.

👉Hit play now & DM me (@transformxruby) with your biggest takeaway. Let’s finally break this cycle—together. 🚀

submit your questions herehttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczwoVPaIPvsLDkqjnkvFy2MjCG2vwYj7u9Uq3bJLMTiS-q8w/viewform?usp=sf_link

In this episode of 100% Real with Ruby, I sit down with Gab Fundaro to dive deep into one of the most pervasive and misunderstood challenges women face today: body image and self-criticism. We uncover how our relationship with our appearance influences everything from confidence at work to our emotional well-being and even physical health. Together, we explore why external changes, like losing weight or changing your hairstyle, don’t always lead to true happiness or improved self-worth. Instead, we focus on actionable strategies for breaking free from societal pressures, reprogramming internal narratives, and aligning with what truly matters. This episode isn’t just about looking good; it’s about living well and finding empowerment beyond the mirror. Tune in to hear the insights, struggles, and solutions that can help you rewrite your story and reclaim your confidence.

Body image profoundly influences not only physical goals but also relationships, confidence, and emotional well-being.

Self-criticism often leads to rigid rules that are difficult to maintain, exacerbating negative self-perception.

Insight: Breaking the cycle starts with challenging negative self-talk and replacing it with constructive narratives. Recognizing this pattern can prevent self-sabotage.

Changes in appearance, such as weight loss or new hairstyles, may bring temporary satisfaction but don't improve body image at a deeper level.

Takeaway: Shifting focus from appearance to internal qualities fosters a healthier self-concept and enduring confidence.

Attempting to control external appearance often stems from an inability to control life circumstances.

Reflection: Building emotional resilience and focusing on values rather than control can create a sense of security and self-acceptance.

Body judgments are learned behaviors, often rooted in cultural and societal expectations.

Actionable Step: Identify and challenge these ingrained beliefs to reprogram your internal dialogue and foster self-acceptance.

Confidence should stem from values and actions aligned with personal goals, not contingent on appearance.

Encouragement: Define what confidence means to you and create actionable steps to achieve it in various life areas.

Weight bias and societal norms create undue pressure to conform, reinforcing the idea that physical appearance equates to worth.

Challenge: Reflect on the societal pressures you’ve internalized and actively reject unrealistic standards.

Recognizing and sitting with difficult emotions without letting them dictate actions fosters psychological flexibility.

Tip: Practice mindfulness and self-compassion to enhance emotional regulation.

Misalignment between actions and values often results in dissatisfaction and reliance on external validation.

Prompt: What small actions can you take today to align with your core values?

Shifting to a neutral perspective helps counter toxic positivity and fosters sustainable growth.

Exercise: Write down neutral thoughts about your body to practice reframing negative self-talk.

Small, consistent actions build confidence and momentum for larger goals.

Tip: Reflect on and celebrate one small win daily to reinforce positive behaviors.

Unpacking the origins of self-judgment and societal expectations allows for intentional, lasting change.

Thought: What beliefs about your body serve you, and which do not?

Strength extends beyond physical fitness to include emotional and mental resilience.

Suggestion: Identify areas where you feel strong outside of the gym and celebrate them.

Establishing boundaries allows time for self-care and fosters healthier relationships.

Action: Dedicate 10 minutes daily to a self-care activity and communicate this need to loved ones.