Ep. 16 - Unsexy Coaching Check-in 15: Started From the Bottom. Took the Ski Lift.

Some weeks, progress looks like six workouts, mostly hitting your nutrition targets, and realizing the weights that used to intimidate you don’t feel so intimidating anymore. There’s no dramatic breakthrough. Things are just going well—and that deserves more credit than we usually give it. In Episode 16 of the Unsexy Podcast, we’re back for Alex’s 15th coaching check-in with Aaron. We talk through his workouts, questions about hitting macros exactly, and the strength gains he’s starting to notice in everyday moments at the gym. We also compare our experiences with sleep, alcohol, and Aaron’s first stretch without nicotine, including the awkward moment when how you feel and what your sleep tracker says don’t line up neatly. Along the way, we get into gym self-consciousness, recurring aches, and how Aaron is adjusting his own training when heavier weights don’t feel right. Then there’s Alex’s attempt to branch out and try hiking. Apparently, loving nature and wanting to walk uphill for hours are separate interests. Through it all, we keep coming back to noticing your progress, being honest about your choices, and finding activities you actually want to keep doing. What You Will Learn - Recognize strength gains you might overlook when focusing on appearance. - Understand how Aaron approaches flexibility in Alex’s macro tracking. - Compare your subjective sleep experience with what your tracker reports. - Hear how Aaron adjusts weight and rep speed when his back feels uncomfortable. - Explore new activities without assuming you have to enjoy everyone else’s favorite. Video Chapters 00:00 Coaching check-in: weight and workouts 01:14 Do you have to hit your macros exactly? 02:54 Alcohol, sleep tracking, and quitting nicotine 06:57 Counting small wins and checking on aches 08:44 Heavy dumbbells start feeling normal 10:20 Getting in your head when people watch you lift 12:23 Comparing muscle size and strength 13:56 Adjusting workouts when your back feels off 14:46 Alex tried hiking—and has some feedback 20:46 Yoga is next and closing thoughts