Always chasing the next fitness “fix” but still feeling stuck, bored, or totally burnt out?
You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not broken. In this episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast, I’m joined by Coach Jen (licensed counselor and head coach at Powerhouse Academy), and we’re breaking down why your obsession with what’s new might actually be ruining your progress.
Yup—we’re calling out shiny object syndrome for what it is: a sneaky little saboteur dressed up as “motivation.” From workout trends that promise the world to nutrition plans that sound revolutionary (until you’re starving and sad), we’re unpacking the psychology behind our need for novelty—and how it’s keeping you stuck in the cycle of start, burn out, repeat.
Here's what we cover:
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Why instant gratification feels so good… until it doesn’t
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The underrated power of “boring” when it comes to real results
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What “muscle confusion” actually does (spoiler: not much)
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How to build a fitness routine that doesn’t collapse the second life gets hard
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The mindset shift that helps you stick to habits—even when they’re not sexy
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Why your relationship with consistency impacts your kids, your career, and your confidence
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How to find your “skeleton”—the core routines that hold you together
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Smart ways to add variety without starting from scratch every damn Monday
Let’s be real: the basics aren’t broken. They’re just not flashy. But they work. And until you can fall in love with the repetitive, unsexy stuff? You’ll keep chasing results that don’t stick.
The cost to boredom will give you the benefit of success, period. The end. - Coach Jen
So if you’re tired of being tempted by every “next big thing” and ready to finally build something sustainable, this episode is the reset you didn’t know you needed.
Hit play, tag your trend-hopping gym buddy, and then come find us on IG—tell us which boring habit you swear by or which trend finally made you say, “nope.”
Subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs a little tough love and a lot of consistency in their corner. Because real change? Happens in the repetition.
Meet Jennifer Lawson
Jennifer is the head coach of the Powerhouse Academy. She is a licensed counselor with over 17 years of experience in the fitness industry. She has worked on the gym floor. She has done fitness competitions. She also works in her private practice as a licensed counselor with teens and young adults aged 13 to 25.
Connect with Nathalia
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Thanks for joining us on the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple and Spotify to help us reach even more women ready to simplify their fitness journey so they can lose weight, regain their confidence, and feel sexy AF!
More about the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast
Ever wish you had a fit and straightforward BFF with over 15 years of experience to help you filter through all the information regarding fitness, nutrition, and life?
That’s exactly what you’ll get when you listen to the Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast.
Join Former Bikini Olympia Champion, mom of 2, and fitness coach Nathalia Melo each week as she shares fitness, nutrition, and life tips to help busy working moms simplify their fitness journey so they can learn easy and simple strategies on how to lose weight and feel sexy AF.
After helping over 5000 busy working moms, Nathalia has found the blueprint to fitness, nutrition, and life success, which she will be sharing in this podcast: actionable tips that will help busy working moms be more present at work and at home.
This show is for you if you realize that nothing good comes from your comfort zone and are ready to challenge yourself to achieve great things. Follow Unfiltered Fit Life wherever you are listening to join us each week for a splash of sass, humor, and a whole lotta truth.
This episode is brought to you in partnership with Leah Bryant Co.
The podcast transcript for this episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast follows
Nathalia:
Welcome to another episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast! I'm Nathalia Melo, your host, and today I'm joined by our unofficial cohost and head coach of the Powerhouse Academy—Coach Jen! She's a licensed counselor with a powerful perspective on both fitness and mental health.
Today’s conversation is all about our society’s addiction to novelty and how that backfires when it comes to long-term fitness and wellness progress.
Jen:
Boredom is a lost art. Instant gratification is everywhere, and people have forgotten how to be okay with the basics that actually drive growth.
Boredom in Fitness & Nutrition
Jen:
We see people jump from one new workout, diet, or gym trend to the next because they can’t sit with the slow, steady grind. They don’t give time for anything to work.
Nathalia:
Totally. I always say no one builds a career—or a body—by constantly starting over. Repetition builds results.
Why the Basics Matter (Even If They’re “Boring”)
Jen:
Foundational habits are your skeleton. You can dress them up however you want, but without them, nothing sticks. Think of athletes: they drill the basics every day.
Nathalia:
Exactly. Your basics should be your non-negotiables—like your health, your family, your career. Novelty is great, but it can’t replace consistency.
The Problem with Chasing Novelty
Nathalia:
People get stuck chasing the next shiny object. It’s unsustainable, and when life gets hectic, they drop everything—including their health.
Jen:
It’s often a reflection of deeper issues. A lack of trust in themselves. Fear of commitment. Or even unresolved issues in their relationships.
The Deeper Psychology Behind It
Jen:
Sometimes this constant reaching is a way to avoid what’s going on inside the home—especially in relationships or self-worth.
Nathalia:
That hit. We often see people pouring into their kids’ sports or achievements without showing up for themselves in the same way.
Modeling Behavior for Our Kids
Jen:
Your kids watch everything. They’ll either mimic your inconsistency or swing the other way and become overly rigid out of anxiety.
Nathalia:
Chloe asked me why I go to the gym every day. When I told her it’s because I want to be strong and healthy, I could see her wheels turning.
How to Add Healthy Novelty
Jen & Nathalia’s Tips:
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Change your workout playlist 🎧
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Buy new sneakers or gym clothes 👟
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Take a class once a week 🧘♀️
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Switch up how you cook the same meals 🍳
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Use a meal prep service when needed 🥗
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Alternate training at home and in the gym 🏋️
Jen:
Just make sure the novelty is the seasoning, not the whole meal.
Final Thoughts: Build on Rock, Not Sand
Jen:
You can’t build a house on sand. Build on rock—a strong foundation of values and commitments. The cost of boredom is the path to success.
Nathalia:
Couldn’t agree more. Get comfortable doing the boring work. That’s where real transformation lives.
If this resonated with you, send us a fan mail or leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. We’d love to hear what landed!
