Level Up With Sharelle and Dani

This week we answer a question we hear constantly: why aren’t my glutes growing when I’m training them consistently? If you’re putting in the work and not seeing results, you’re not alone. We talk about why glutes can be tricky to target when we spend so much of the day sitting, how other muscles love to take over, and why lower back pain is a signal worth listening to. We also cover the two common traps: skipping targeted glute activation and going straight to heavy loads, or doing the activation but never progressing to heavier work. Plus, why the pump can be a useful guide, why your glutes need progressive overload like any other muscle, and why you have to eat enough to grow. We also get into the mental side of a building phase, from tracking the right metrics to finally letting go of the old jeans. We hope you enjoy the episode! Let us know in the comments what your favourite glute exercise is. It’s time to Level Up! Follow us on InstagramLevel Up: https://www.instagram.com/levelup_podcast_/Sharelle: https://www.instagram.com/sharellegrant/Dani: https://www.instagram.com/daniantonellos/ Please leave us a review to let us know what you think of our podcast xxx

This week we tackle one of the most common questions we get: why you can nail your nutrition Monday to Friday, then lose the plot on the weekend. Spoiler, it’s not a willpower problem. We unpack how weekday structure and rigidity can set you up for an all or nothing weekend, why “I’ll start again Monday” is a false permission slip, and what it looks like to aim for 70 to 80% consistency across the whole week instead of 100% for five days. Plus, some practical fixes: bringing a little of the weekend into your week, anchoring a weekend training session, and our two-block approach to planning and prep so you’re never left with an empty fridge on a Friday night. We hope you enjoy the episode! Let us know in the comments which day of the week is hardest for you. Please follow us on Instagram here: Level Up: https://www.instagram.com/levelup_podcast_/Sharelle: https://www.instagram.com/sharellegrant/Dani: https://www.instagram.com/daniantonellos/ Please leave us a review to let us know what you think of our podcast xxx

Today's episode is all about nutrition, breaking down essential concepts for beginners and beyond. We discuss the importance of balancing macronutrients, staying hydrated, practicing portion control and creating sustainable eating habits. The conversation emphasises that nutrition is a personal journey and listeners are encouraged to find their unique way of eating that fits their lifestyle. You can follow us on Instagram here: Level Up: https://www.instagram.com/levelup_podcast_/ Sharelle: https://www.instagram.com/sharellegrant/ Dani: https://www.instagram.com/daniantonellos/ Please leave us a review to let us know what you think of our podcast xxx

In today’s episode, we ask you a question worth sitting with: are you actually living the life you want? We get into what it really means to walk your own path, the difference between fitting in and truly belonging, and why going against the grain takes more courage than most people talk about. We share our own experiences of being pulled in directions that weren’t ours, navigating other people’s opinions and feedback, and learning to stay the course even when the path ahead has no clear blueprint. We also get honest about ambition, the double-edged sword of always wanting more, and why building a life on your own terms means nothing if you never stop to appreciate where you already are. We hope you enjoy the episode! Please leave a comment if you did! Find us on Instagram here:Level Up: https://www.instagram.com/levelup_podcast_/Sharelle: https://www.instagram.com/sharellegrant/Dani: https://www.instagram.com/daniantonellos/

In today’s episode, we get into something that most people don’t talk about enough: why making genuine friendships gets harder as we get older, and what we can actually do about it. We share our own honest experiences of feeling disconnected, navigating the shift from having friends everywhere in our twenties to having to be a lot more intentional about connection now. We talk about the difference between solitude and loneliness, why ambivalent friendships can actually be more draining than the ones that clearly run their course, and how social media gives us a false sense of connection that leaves a lot of us feeling more isolated than ever. We also get into the practical stuff: how to nurture the friendships that matter, when it makes sense to reconnect with someone from your past, and why putting yourself out there to make a new friend feels exactly like dating but is absolutely worth it. Take a chance and reach out to someone this week! Find us on Instagram here:Level Up: https://www.instagram.com/levelup_podcast_/Sharelle: https://www.instagram.com/sharellegrant/Dani: https://www.instagram.com/daniantonellos/

In today's episode, we get honest about the cringe-worthy mistakes we made on our own fitness journeys, and there are plenty of them. We reflect on our early days in group fitness, running, and bodybuilding, the lessons that came from competing, and how our understanding of training, nutrition, and recovery has evolved over the years. If you have ever looked back at what you used to do in the gym and cringed, this one is for you. We hope you enjoy the episode! Please leave a comment if you did! Find us on Instagram here: Level Up: https://www.instagram.com/levelup_podcast_/ Sharelle: https://www.instagram.com/sharellegrant/ Dani: https://www.instagram.com/daniantonellos/

In today's episode, we get into the complexities of body image, and we are not holding back on the personal stuff. We share our own experiences navigating bad body image days and the practical tools that actually help, from mindset shifts and self-care to the role that external influences play in shaping how we feel about ourselves. This is an honest conversation that we think every woman needs to hear. We hope you enjoy the episode! Please leave a comment if you did! Find us on Instagram here: Level Up: https://www.instagram.com/levelup_podcast_/ Sharelle: https://www.instagram.com/sharellegrant/ Dani: https://www.instagram.com/daniantonellos/

In this episode, we break down the different stages of your fitness journey, from getting started in the gym through to becoming a more advanced and experienced lifter. We talk about what changes as you progress, what to focus on at each stage, and how to keep training in a way that supports your goals long term. Whether you’re brand new to the gym, starting to find your groove, or looking to take your training to the next level, there’s something here for you.

This week we unpack the trends shaping body image, health, and the messages we're bombarded with, and why strength, longevity, and mental wellbeing matter more than any trend. We look at how social media, Hollywood, and pharmaceuticals are shaping the way we see health and beauty, from the resurgence of heroin chic to the rise of GLP-1s and peptides for weight management. We also talk about why strength training matters for healthy ageing, how much control society has over our standards of beauty, and the pull of influencer culture and social validation. Plus, some practical takeaways: focusing on what you can control, the risks of unregulated supplements, and how to feel healthy and confident at any age. Find us here on Instagram Level Up: https://www.instagram.com/levelup_podcast_/ Sharelle: https://www.instagram.com/sharellegrant/ Dani: https://www.instagram.com/daniantonellos/ Please leave a comment to let us know what you thought of today's podcast xx

This week we discuss into the realities of body recomposition, debunking common myths and exploring who can actually benefit from this approach. Learn how to achieve fat loss and muscle gain at the same time, without resorting to extreme measures. We break down the nuances of body recomposition, covering the importance of training, goal setting, and tracking the right metrics. We also discuss the challenges, what realistic expectations look like, and the practical steps you can take to make body recomposition work for you. It's time to Level Up! Find us on Instagram Level Up: https://www.instagram.com/levelup_podcast_/ Sharelle: https://www.instagram.com/sharellegrant/ Dani: https://www.instagram.com/daniantonellos/ Please leave us a review to let us know what you think of our podcast xxx