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.
