⚠️ Trigger Warning:

This episode talks about binge eating and purging. If that’s something that could be triggering or heavy for you right now, feel free to skip or come back when you’re in a better headspace. Your mental health comes first — take care of you. 💛

In this heartfelt episode, Carissa and her longtime friend Cat dive deep into the personal and emotional journey of health and fitness. From their beginnings in the gym to the struggles with perfectionism, eating disorders, and the pressures of diet culture, they share raw and vulnerable stories. Cat opens up about her past with sports, her disordered eating habits, and the impact of programs like 75 Hard on her mental health. The conversation also highlights the importance of community, the transformation at Rebel gym, and the ongoing process of healing. This episode is a powerful reminder of the challenges many face in the pursuit of health and the necessity of a supportive environment in overcoming them.

In the second episode of Real Talk with Rebel Fitness, hosts Carissa and Shemar introduce the core values, or 'Pillars,' that guide their weight-neutral gym, Rebel Fitness. They discuss the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive environment, focusing on gratitude, love, courage, passion, authenticity, perseverance, and service. The episode delves into the challenges of running a gym counter to diet culture and emphasizes the significance of genuine connections and community involvement. They also touch on the impact of these pillars on their business practices, programming, and member interactions, providing insights for both potential gym-goers and fitness professionals.

Real Talk with Rebel: Our Journey from Franchise to True Health

Welcome to the first episode of Real Talk with Rebel! In this debut episode, Carissa and Shemar dive deep into the story behind Rebel Fitness. They discuss the journey of transitioning from a traditional franchise gym model focused on weight loss to creating a community centered on true health and wellness. They share personal experiences, challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how they redefined their gym's mission to prioritize genuine health over quick fixes. Tune in to hear their inspiring stories and learn what sets Rebel Fitness apart in the industry.

00:00 Introduction to Real Talk with Rebel

00:33 The Birth of Rebel Fitness

02:05 Challenges and Realizations

08:48 COVID-19 and the Pivot

11:38 Rebranding and New Philosophy

20:06 The Unexpected Motivation from Trolls

20:44 The Struggles and Evolution of Our Fitness Program

21:39 Integrity Over Profit: Our Stand Against Six-Week Challenges

22:47 The Importance of True Health and Member Support

23:42 Rethinking the Business Model for Sustainable Fitness

26:25 Building a Community of Like-Minded Individuals

31:59 Shamar's Inspiring Journey and Philosophy on Fitness

36:52 Introducing the Rebel Fitness Podcast