Clayton and Jennie unpack the “recovery industrial complex” and separate what actually moves the needle from what just looks shiny. They explain how adaptation really works and lay out a simple recovery stack you can trust. If you’ve wondered whether cold plunges, red light, or compression boots are worth it, this gives you a grounded framework and practical next steps.

In this episode, Clayton is joined by his wife Bridget to discuss the challenge: if you could only do five exercises for the rest of your life, which would you choose and why? The conversation explores how to select movements that offer the greatest long-term benefits, considering factors like aging, maintaining joint health, variety, and personal interest. They reflect on how experience, background, and health status influence exercise choices, and share insights into balancing individual workouts with overall programming. The episode also touches on teaching teens to create their own workouts, programming philosophy, and the importance of understanding movement patterns for lifelong fitness.

Think you need more discipline to reach your fitness goals? Think again. In this episode, Clayton and Jennie dive deep into why relying on willpower and motivation isn't enough—and what actually works instead. From the inevitable "motivation crash" that hits around the 3-month mark to building bulletproof systems that carry you through life's curveballs, this conversation will shift how you think about consistency. Whether you're struggling to maintain your gym routine, constantly hopping between diets, or feeling like you lack the "discipline gene," this episode reveals the real secret: it's not about being tougher—it's about being smarter with your systems.

You’ve been taught to measure progress by what you see in the mirror.

But what if that’s the wrong metric?

In this episode of the Timber & Steel Podcast, Clayton and Jennie unpack why aesthetic goals—while understandable—can quietly sabotage your long-term progress. Together, they explore how fitness culture pushes quick fixes, flashy results, and performative routines that don’t actually lead to a stronger, steadier life.

You’ll hear:

• How subtle comparisons and influencer content distort your sense of progress

• What kind of physical and emotional transformation can’t be seen in the mirror

• Real stories from members who rebuilt their confidence, one small step at a time

• Why consistency, emotional safety, and sustainability matter more than body changes

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things but not seeing results fast enough, this episode is for you. It’s not about lowering the bar—it’s about raising your standards for what real progress actually looks like.

In this grounded, honest conversation, Clayton and Jennie unpack the mindset traps and cultural noise surrounding diets and nutrition plans. From obsessive macro counting to the guilt-inducing expectations of diet culture and social media, they explore why simple systems, small wins, and self-awareness are more powerful than rigid rules. The episode emphasizes sustainable change through habit-building, grace, and structure—not perfection. Whether you’re overwhelmed by options or just tired of starting over, this one’s a reminder that your meals (and your mindset) don’t need to be complicated to be effective.

In this thoughtful episode, Jennie and Clayton discuss why fitness should be viewed through a lens of sustainability rather than survival. They emphasize the importance of proper form, emotional safety, and learning over performance in fitness environments. The conversation highlights how many fitness spaces prioritize intensity and calorie-burning over proper technique and long-term health, advocating instead for an approach that values progress over perfection and builds a foundation for lifelong wellness.

In this episode of the Timber & Steel podcast, hosts Clayton and Jennie discuss how many people quit their fitness journeys prematurely because they don't see the "expected" visible results, despite making real progress. They explore how true fitness improvement often happens internally before external changes become apparent, emphasizing the importance of recognizing "non-scale victories" like improved coordination, mobility, and daily energy. The conversation highlights how shifting focus from numerical goals to quality-of-life improvements creates more sustainable motivation and meaningful long-term success.

In this episode of Timber & Steel, we dive into the mental side of modifying workouts and staying competitive in your 30s to 50s. The conversation explores how to maintain a healthy competitive spirit while being smart about scaling exercises and embracing consistency over intensity. We discuss the importance of finding the right community, reframing what success looks like in fitness, and maintaining a sustainable approach to training that keeps you moving well for years to come.

In this episode of Timber & Steel, we dive into the practical realities of maintaining fitness while on vacation. Rather than advocating for perfect adherence to training routines, we emphasize how minimal, strategic efforts can help maintain strength and prevent that dreaded "starting over" feeling upon return. Through real examples and practical tips, we show how just 8-10 minutes of intentional movement once or twice during your trip can make a significant difference, while still allowing you to fully enjoy your vacation.

A detailed discussion about pull-up progression and training strategies, focusing on proper form, scaling options, and the importance of comprehensive strength training. The conversation covers various methods to build pulling strength, from basic ring rows to strict pull-ups.

Today, we're diving deep into what it truly means to be "adventure ready" - and it's not just about having big muscles or running marathons. We'll explore how functional fitness can prepare you for both outdoor adventures and daily life challenges, share real success stories from our gym members, and offer practical tips that anyone can implement, regardless of their current fitness level. Whether you're planning mountain expeditions or simply want to keep up with your kids at the park, this episode will show you how to build the strength, mobility, and confidence you need.

Join us for an insightful discussion about breaking free from rigid food rules and embracing a more mindful approach to eating. In this episode, we explore how to develop sustainable eating habits that work for your unique lifestyle, rather than following one-size-fits-all diet rules. We discuss the importance of building strong support systems, trusting credible nutrition research while honoring individual needs, and finding the balance between structure and flexibility in your eating patterns. Whether you're struggling with strict food rules or looking to develop a healthier relationship with food, this episode offers practical strategies for making peace with your plate.

This episode explores the complex world of nutritional supplements, emphasizing the importance of obtaining nutrients primarily through whole foods rather than relying on supplements. The discussion highlights the risks associated with the unregulated supplement industry, including quality control issues and potential contamination. Key takeaways include the need for individual assessment of supplementation needs, the importance of thorough research before taking supplements, and the recommendation to invest in quality whole foods rather than excessive supplementation. The conversation also emphasizes that while some people may benefit from specific supplements, there's no one-size-fits-all solution, and consulting healthcare providers is crucial for determining individual needs.

In this episode of the Timber and Steel podcast, we explore the deep connection between exercise and mental wellbeing, discussing how movement can serve as a powerful tool for improving mental health.

In this enlightening episode of the Timber and Steel podcast, we explore the critical topic of breaking through fitness plateaus, with a particular focus on the mental aspects that often hold athletes back. The discussion highlights several key strategies, including the importance of strategic intensity in workouts, where athletes are encouraged to push their limits safely in 1-2 sessions per week. The conversation emphasizes the value of clear goal-setting, maintaining focus on personal objectives rather than external influences, and the vital role of coach communication in achieving breakthrough moments. A particularly powerful insight reveals how tackling physical challenges in the gym builds mental resilience that transfers to other areas of life, demonstrating the far-reaching benefits of consistent, intentional training.

In this enlightening episode, we dive deep into the complexities of diet culture and offer a refreshing alternative approach to nutrition. Our hosts discuss how the constant pressure to follow rigid dietary rules and make dramatic lifestyle changes often leads to unsustainable results. Instead, they advocate for a simpler, more sustainable approach focused on gradual habit building and basic nutritional principles. Through personal stories, including Jenny's journey with eating disorders, they emphasize the importance of breaking free from societal food rules and finding what works for your body. The conversation highlights how making small, manageable changes - like adding one serving of vegetables to a single meal - can lead to lasting transformation without the guilt and pressure associated with traditional dieting approaches.

Simple, consistent actions in both fitness and nutrition lead to better long-term results while enhancing overall quality of life. The key is to remove unnecessary complexity and focus on fundamental habits that can be maintained over time.

In this episode of the Timber and Steel podcast, the hosts dive into the topic of recovery post-workout, emphasizing its importance for both fitness and overall well-being. They cover key recovery practices, including the significance of sleep, the role of rest and relaxation, proper nutrition and hydration, the impact of stress management, and the benefits of mobility exercises. The discussion includes practical tips and personal anecdotes to illustrate how incorporating these habits can lead to better performance and prevent injuries. Listeners are encouraged to create daily checklists to ensure they consistently meet their recovery needs.

Very few people want to take the time to do specific work on their mobility. They don’t care until it’s too late and then it’s so much harder to get back what they’ve lost. In this episode we talk about how to keep and improve the mobility we have and why it’s so important.

Learn the problems with SMART goals and how to set goals that work.