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Blog
Dive deep into my thoughts about eating and living well, and how best to create a healthy relationship with food and exercise.
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How to build a fitness routine that works when you’re tired, busy, and not feeling it
One of the biggest mistakes people make is building a fitness routine around ideal conditions.
Michael Ulloa
6 days ago


Fat loss vs muscle gain: why trying to do both is slowing your progress
One of the most common goals people bring to me is this: "I want to lose fat and build muscle at the same time." Honestly, I get it. Who wouldn't want to get leaner while also building muscle? The problem is that these goals often pull you in different directions. As a performance nutritionist and online coach with more than 10 years of experience helping people improve their health and fitness, this is one of the biggest areas of confusion I see. Many people spend months try
Michael Ulloa
Jul 8


Why Your Fitness Plan Should Change As Your Life Gets Busier
Many fitness plans are designed for ideal conditions rather than real life.
They assume you have unlimited energy, a predictable schedule, uninterrupted sleep and plenty of free time. But for most people, life really doesn’t work like that.
Michael Ulloa
Jun 24


Why you’re not seeing progress in the gym (even though you’re showing up consistently)
Many fitness plans are designed for ideal conditions rather than real life.
They assume you have unlimited energy, a predictable schedule, uninterrupted sleep and plenty of free time. But for most people, life really doesn’t work like that.
Michael Ulloa
Jun 24


The Real Role of Mindset (It’s not what you think)
Strength training is more than aesthetics; it is an investment in daily life. By building capacity for real-world movements like carrying shopping or playing with children, you support joint health and reduce injury risk. Consistently practicing basic movement patterns improves energy, metabolic health, and confidence without needing extreme gym sessions.
Michael Ulloa
Jun 17


Strength Training for Everyday Life and How It Improves More Than Just Muscle
Strength training is more than aesthetics; it is an investment in daily life. By building capacity for real-world movements like carrying shopping or playing with children, you support joint health and reduce injury risk. Consistently practicing basic movement patterns improves energy, metabolic health, and confidence without needing extreme gym sessions.
Michael Ulloa
May 18


The Real Role of Mindset (It’s Not What You Think)
Many people feel exhausted because they prioritise calorie counting over proper fuelling. True energy requires a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to stabilise blood sugar. Rather than undereating or skipping meals, focus on consistent, well-structured nutrition and hydration to support your workouts, mental clarity, and overall health.
Michael Ulloa
May 4


The Most Underrated Exercise for Health (Yes, Walking)
Whenever I share content about the benefits of walking, I am always surprised by the amount of pushback it gets. Some people scoff and say, “Walking isn’t real exercise” or “That doesn’t count.”
Michael Ulloa
Apr 9


Cold Water Immersion: The Cold, Hard Truth About Ice Baths
If you spend any time on social media, you’ve probably seen people dunking themselves into ice baths, from athletes and influencers to your mate at the gym. According to Instagram, they’re the ultimate recovery tool, mental health hack, and longevity secret all in one. But do they actually work? Can cold water immersion really speed up recovery , boost your health, and make you live longer? Or are we all just freezing our bits off for absolutely nothing? Let’s dive into what
Michael Ulloa
Oct 17, 2025


Cortisol and Fitness: The Truth About the Stress Hormone and Your Workouts
If you spend any time on social media, you’ve probably seen cortisol, often called the “stress hormone”, being blamed for everything from stubborn belly fat to burnout. Wellness influencers love to use it as a villain, but the truth is far more interesting (and far less scary). Cortisol isn’t your enemy. It’s a hormone essential for survival, recovery, and even peak performance. The problem isn’t cortisol itself, it’s when our modern lifestyles push it out of balance. In this
Michael Ulloa
Sep 9, 2025


How Do I Stay Motivated to Exercise Regularly? 10 Proven Tips for Consistency
If you are wondering, how do I stay motivated to exercise regularly? You are not alone. Many people start their fitness journey feeling enthusiastic, only to see their motivation fade over time. The truth is that motivation fluctuates. It is discipline and habit-building that sustain long-term progress. In this article, I will go through proven strategies, from mindset shifts to practical habit hacks, to help you stay on track with your fitness goals. Whether you are a beginn
Michael Ulloa
May 9, 2025


Are 10,000 Steps a Day Actually Necessary?
We have all heard it “You have got to hit 10,000 steps a day.” Whether from your fitness tracker, a friend, or a wellness challenge at...
Michael Ulloa
Apr 15, 2025


The Science of Stretching: What the Research Actually Says
Stretching is one of those fitness topics that divides people. Some swear by it, weaving it into every workout. Others completely skip...
Michael Ulloa
Apr 7, 2025


How to Set Fitness Goals That Don’t Revolve Around Weight Loss
Let's explore how to establish objectives that prioritise strength, well-being, and personal fulfilment.
Michael Ulloa
Apr 3, 2025


What Exercise Burns the Most Belly Fat? - The Wrong Fitness Focus
Learn why spot reduction is a myth & discover better ways to measure real progress.
Michael Ulloa
Feb 18, 2025


How Many Exercises Per Muscle Group? The Ultimate Guide
Do you ever wonder if your workout routine is correctly structured or if are you just spinning your wheels? Read more to find out...
Michael Ulloa
Jan 3, 2025


Exercises to lose belly fat? The myth of targeted fat loss
If you have ever typed “exercises to lose belly fat” into Google, you are not alone. It’s one of the most common fitness queries out...
Michael Ulloa
Dec 12, 2024


How many sets per muscle group to build muscle?
So you're looking to build muscle ? I'm pretty sure that this won't be groundbreaking to hear, but you are going to have to lift weights...
Michael Ulloa
Nov 8, 2024


The 3 Best Exercises to Target the Lower Glutes
This article is part of our muscle building series and here we explore the best exercises to target the lower glutes.
Michael Ulloa
Oct 25, 2024


Why work with a trainer online? The benefits of online personal training.
We are here to provide you with all the information you need to see whether online personal training could be the right fit for you.
Michael Ulloa
Oct 2, 2024
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