Ep 62 - Training Smarter: Why Your Workouts Aren’t Working and What to Do Instead

In this unapologetically honest episode of Non-Negotiable Living, Ashley tackles one of the biggest misconceptions keeping women stuck in their fitness journey — the myth that endless cardio and salads will get you toned. If you’ve been eating “clean,” running yourself into the ground with workouts, and still not seeing results, this episode will be a total wake-up call.

Ashley breaks down the real science behind getting that strong, defined, “toned” look — and why it has nothing to do with cardio overload or deprivation diets. You’ll learn how muscle is built (hello, hypertrophy!), why lifting heavy is essential for fat loss, and how undereating or overtraining is quietly sabotaging your progress and slowing down your metabolism.

She also dives deep into the role of cortisol — your body’s stress hormone — and how habits like skipping breakfast, overdoing HIIT classes, and fasting too long can cause stubborn belly fat, fatigue, and hormonal chaos. You’ll walk away understanding why rest days are just as important as your training days, and why fueling your body properly is the missing piece to finally seeing results.

Ashley lays out exactly what works: balanced strength training splits, realistic recovery, and smart nutrition that supports muscle growth and metabolic health. She dismantles the fear of getting “bulky,” empowers you to embrace strength, and reminds you that the toned, confident body you want is built through consistency, nourishment, and intentional training — not punishment and restriction.

If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start training for your body instead of against it, this episode is your blueprint.

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