We're back with a brand new Q&A podcast this week! And I've got a bunch of really good listener questions to dive into...

1. Tips on drinking alcohol and still being able to lose weight?
2. I'm horrible about rest days. I always feel so guilty. How do I overcome this?
3. How to estimate calories at a restaurant?
4. Most important thing for a beginner to build muscle?
5. I'm a newbie to strength training. Can I see progress only lifting 4 one hour a week?

Learn about online fitness coaching: https://chrisgatesfitness.com/podcast/

75. Q&A: How to Build Muscle As A Beginner

This week on the Brunch Breakdown Podcast, the boys are talking Costco Tramp Stamps, and which store Barcodes they would get tattooed on them. How “6-7” is making Millennials look extremely LAME. Red Lobster’s Boil Bag Jingle, the end of the Tush Push, new music, beer, and MORE! See Yinz at the Table. Thanks for Listening!

Check out the SOUNDS OF BRUNCH Playlist on Spotify! WATCH Full Episodes of the @BrunchBreakdown Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, & Facebook. LISTEN on AMAZON, Audible, Spotify, Apple, and Everywhere You Get Your Podcasts. FOLLOW us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and GoodPods!

Costco Tramp Stamp BRUNCH

In this episode, I dive into one of the most common challenges ambitious parents face: neglecting their own health while climbing the career ladder.

We’ll explore why so many working professionals and parents in leadership roles sacrifice their well-being in pursuit of success, and how that mindset often backfires. You’ll learn why putting your health first isn’t selfish, it’s strategic, and how simple, sustainable habits can make you a stronger leader, parent, and professional.

I also share actionable strategies you can start today, like reframing health as an asset, ditching the all-or-nothing mindset, and using your business skills to create better systems for your personal wellness.

If you’ve ever told yourself “I’ll focus on my health when things slow down,” this episode is your reminder that health is how you get there, not what comes after.

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Learn about 1-on-1 online fitness coaching » https://chrisgatesfitness.com/coaching/

163. Why Parents in Leadership Roles Often Neglect Their Health (And What to Do About It)

This week on the Brunch Breakdown Podcast, we're at the table talking  about James Franklin & Penn State, People in our everyday lives who we would Buyout of their contracts, Brunch Court (ft. Scorpion Cheese Fries), The Conservative (aka Flavorless) Super Bowl Halftime Show, Corn Mazes, Cologne, Music, Beer, and MORE! See Yinz At The Table. Thank You for Listening. 

Check out the SOUNDS OF BRUNCH Playlist on Spotify! WATCH Full Episodes of the @BrunchBreakdown Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, & Facebook. LISTEN on AMAZON, Audible, Spotify, Apple, and Everywhere You Get Your Podcasts. FOLLOW us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and GoodPods!

Buyout BRUNCH

In this episode, I sit down with my long-time client Jeff Rodgers, who has completely transformed his life and body over the past four years.

Jeff shares his story of going from 353 pounds and intimidated by the gym — to losing over 130 pounds, running a half marathon, and eventually building strength, confidence, and muscle through sustainable habits.

You'll hear:

• How Jeff lost over 100 pounds without giving up his favorite foods

• The mindset shift that helped him overcome gym intimidation and stay consistent

• Why calorie cycling and flexibility made healthy eating finally click

• How strength training reshaped his body and boosted his energy

• What he’s learned about balance, travel, and staying on track long-term

This is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever struggled with weight loss, motivation, or feeling out of place in the gym! Jeff’s story is a powerful example that no matter how busy life gets, you can build a lifestyle that works — and sustain it for good.

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Learn about 1-on-1 online fitness coaching » https://chrisgatesfitness.com/coaching/

164. From 353 Pounds to Confident and Strong: Jeff’s Story

This week on the Brunch Breakdown Podcast, we’re talking the NBA Gambling Scandal, Ticketmaster’s CEO justifying ticket prices, the 2025 World Series is home of the best Hotel Room in Sports, New Music, Beer, and MORE! See Yinz at the Table. Thanks for Listening!

Check out the SOUNDS OF BRUNCH Playlist on Spotify! WATCH Full Episodes of the @BrunchBreakdown Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, & Facebook. LISTEN on AMAZON, Audible, Spotify, Apple, and Everywhere You Get Your Podcasts. FOLLOW us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and GoodPods!

BRUNCH with Pookie, Black Tony, & Chauncey BIllups

This Week on the Brunch Breakdown Podcast: Are those "AI Nostalgia" Videos, Cool or Nahhh? Brunch w/ Stephen A. Smith. This Week In Football (ft. Sports Radio Annoyingness). YouTube TV Folks wishing they had Cable, Holidays in Southern California, Beer, Music, and MORE! See Yinz at the table for another delicious episode! Thank You For Listening. 

Check out the SOUNDS OF BRUNCH Playlist on Spotify! WATCH Full Episodes of the @BrunchBreakdown Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, & Facebook. LISTEN on AMAZON, Audible, Spotify, Apple, and Everywhere You Get Your Podcasts. FOLLOW us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and GoodPods!

AI Nostalgia BRUNCH

This week on the Brunch Breakdown Podcast, the boys are talking Diddy’s Prison Hooch, Every College Football Coach getting fired, Baja Blast Pie, Beer, New Music, Cuffing SZN, They Debut.a new Segment called, "WHOSE HAIR WOULD YOU WANT?!" and a lot MORE! See Yinz At The Table! Thank You For Listening! 

Check out the SOUNDS OF BRUNCH Playlist on Spotify! WATCH Full Episodes of the @BrunchBreakdown Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, & Facebook. LISTEN on AMAZON, Audible, Spotify, Apple, and Everywhere You Get Your Podcasts. FOLLOW us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and GoodPods!

The Best Hair at BRUNCH

In this episode, I sit down with my client Ryan, who’s dropped 80 total pounds in his fitness journey and 8 inches off his waistline since we started working together.

Ryan shares what it’s really like to rebuild his health and fitness as a busy professional and dad living in Los Angeles, from struggling with consistency and burnout to developing a balanced approach to training and nutrition that actually fits real life.

We dive deep into:

1. How Ryan lost 80 pounds and built muscle through consistency, not perfection
2. The nutrition strategies that helped him break free from yo-yo dieting
3. Why tracking calories and protein is like managing a bank account
4. How to handle holidays, eating out, and travel without losing progress
5. The mindset shift that helped him stay consistent, even through injuries, wildfires, and busy seasons
6. Why functional fitness — being able to carry his son, climb hills, and lift heavier weights — matters more than aesthetics

Ryan’s story is a powerful reminder that real, lasting transformation comes from patience, sustainability, and staying adaptable when life gets messy.

I hope you enjoy our chat!

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And if you're interested in getting results similar to Ryan's, check out my coaching page to learn more about 1-on-1 online fitness coaching » https://chrisgatesfitness.com/coaching/

165. From Burnout to Balance: Ryan’s 80-Pound Transformation

Apply for 1-on-1 coaching and get 75% off your first month » https://chrisgatesfitness.com/coaching-application-form/

166. How to Eat Healthy Over the Holidays (Replay)

This Week on the BRUNCH BREAKDOWN Podcast, The boys are discussing their ultimate Thanksgiving Plates, the Teams they actually want to to see in the College Football and NFL Playoffs, Family Bathrooms, Truck Commercials, and Is "Baby" by Justin Bieber, an Oldie? Plus, New Music, New Beer, and MORE! See Yinz At The Table for a delicious Thanksgiving Brunch. Thank You For Listening. 

Check out the SOUNDS OF BRUNCH Playlist on Spotify! WATCH Full Episodes of the @BrunchBreakdown Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, & Facebook. LISTEN on AMAZON, Audible, Spotify, Apple, and Everywhere You Get Your Podcasts. FOLLOW us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and GoodPods!

75. Q&A: How to Build Muscle As A Beginner

Chris Gates Fitness

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