The Phoenix Files

Brittany Gatewood Brittany Gatewood

Why Age Is Not an Excuse – It’s Your Motivation!

Discover why age is not an excuse to avoid fitness but a reason to embrace it! Learn how strength training plays an integral role in aging. Stop letting age hold you back and start using it as your motivation for a healthier, stronger life.

Read More
Leanda Zupka Leanda Zupka

Understanding Emotional Eating

Emotional eating can be a major hurdle in your fitness and nutrition journey, often triggered by stress, boredom, or emotional voids. Learn to recognize emotional vs. physical hunger, identify emotional triggers, and implement mindful eating strategies. Discover effective ways to manage emotional eating, such as stress relief activities, healthy food alternatives, and structured routines.

Read More
Brittany Gatewood Brittany Gatewood

Fitness Industry Fails

We’re getting real about the things we absolutely despise in the fitness industry. From toxic diet culture to scammy products and misleading influencers, we’re calling out the nonsense that keeps people frustrated and confused. Tune in as we share what’s wrong with the industry and how to navigate it without falling for the hype.

Read More
Brittany Gatewood Brittany Gatewood

Navigating the Seasons of Your Journey

Discover how to adapt your fitness routine to life’s ever-changing seasons. In this post, we explore how to stay consistent during busy, overwhelming times and why it’s essential to embrace different fitness seasons—whether you’re focused on fat loss, muscle building, or maintenance. Learn practical tips for adjusting your workouts and nutrition based on your current life demands, and why understanding the purpose of each season is key to long-term success.

Read More
Leanda Zupka Leanda Zupka

Why You’re Not Seeing Results

Discover the common reasons why you're not seeing progress in your weight loss journey, from unrealistic expectations to improper food tracking. Learn actionable steps to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable results with patience, consistency, and smart strategies.

Read More
running Brittany Gatewood running Brittany Gatewood

Safety for Female Runners

Discover essential safety tips and gear for female runners to stay protected while enjoying your run. Learn about self-defense tools, concealed carry options, and practical tips to stay safe on the road or trail. From pepper spray and running with a dog to changing your routes and using GPS-sharing apps, this guide offers everything women need to know to run confidently and safely.

Read More
Brittany Gatewood Brittany Gatewood

Raising Healthy Kids

Discover how to lead by example and make exercise a family affair in this insightful blog post. Learn about the rising rates of childhood obesity, the impact of adult sedentary lifestyles, and practical tips for involving your kids in fitness. Set your family up for a lifetime of healthy habits by normalizing exercise and teaching the importance of self-care. Read on to understand why getting active together is essential for your family's well-being.

Read More
Leanda Zupka Leanda Zupka

Why Diets Don’t Work

Struggling with yo-yo dieting? Learn why diets don't work and how sustainable weight loss is possible with a balanced, lifestyle-focused approach. Discover the importance of nutrient-dense foods, non-scale victories, and avoiding rigid diet rules. Break the cycle and achieve long-term success with Phoenix Transformations.

Read More
Brittany Gatewood Brittany Gatewood

Don’t Trust the Scale

Discover why the scale isn’t the best measure of progress for your health and fitness journey. Learn how factors like muscle retention, hormonal changes, and body composition play a bigger role in achieving your goals. Understand why women’s weight fluctuates with their menstrual cycles, and how focusing on strength and well-being is more important than the number on the scale.

Read More
Brittany Gatewood Brittany Gatewood

Calories In Calories Out

This blog post explains the fundamental principle of weight loss: Calories In, Calories Out (CICO). It details how all successful diets work by creating a calorie deficit, highlights the importance of accurate tracking, and addresses factors like individual metabolic rates and medical conditions that can influence weight loss. Learn practical tips for managing your calorie intake effectively to achieve sustainable weight loss.

Read More
Brittany Gatewood Brittany Gatewood

Carbs Are Not The Enemy

Discover why carbohydrates are not the enemy in your diet. This blog post explains the important role carbs play in providing energy, debunks myths about weight gain and blood sugar spikes, and offers examples of healthy carb sources. Learn how to incorporate carbs into a balanced diet and why they are essential for optimal health and fitness.

Read More
Brittany Gatewood Brittany Gatewood

How to Build a Nutritious Plate

This blog post guides you through the essential skill of building a nutritious plate to support a healthier lifestyle. You'll learn how to balance your meals and the importance of the order in which you eat your food. By mastering these simple steps, you'll be better equipped to make healthier choices, whether you're eating at home or dining out.

Read More
Brittany Gatewood Brittany Gatewood

8 Books That Will Change Your Life

Discover 8 powerful books to help you transform your mindset and support your fitness and weight loss journey. From building better habits to understanding your body, these must-reads will guide you to success.

Read More
Brittany Gatewood Brittany Gatewood

Does This Sound Familiar?

You wake up one day, look in the mirror, and decide it's time to make a change. In this post, we'll explore why this all-too-common approach might be setting you up for burnout, and what you can do instead to create sustainable, long-lasting change.

Read More
Brittany Gatewood Brittany Gatewood

We Are NOT Trainers.

When you think of a personal trainer, what comes to mind? Someone who pushes you through grueling workouts, counting reps, and perfecting your form? While that’s certainly a part of it, our approach goes far beyond the gym. We don’t just want to help you burn calories; we want to help you transform your life.

Read More