What do you do when life hits hard and everything feels like it’s falling apart? In this deeply personal episode of Fit for a Comeback, Nick Venuti returns to the mic after the loss of his father—and shares the life lessons that grief, chaos, and hard seasons have revealed. From losing control to setting boundaries, from being the person who always gives to realizing when it’s time to pour back into yourself—this episode explores what it means to keep going, even when it hurts. Nick opens up about handling death, leadership, and responsibility, and explains why the storm you’re in right now isn’t punishment—it’s preparation.

You don’t need more motivation. You need a system. In this episode of Fit for a Comeback, Nick Venuti calls out one of the biggest lies holding people back from making real progress: the idea that motivation is the secret to success. If you’ve ever told yourself “I’ll start Monday” or “I just need to get motivated again,” this one’s for you. Nick breaks down why motivation is a temporary emotion, not a long-term strategy, and explains what you actually need to stay consistent: identity, structure, and a simple process plan. This episode also introduces a powerful three-step framework used inside the Core 5 Blueprint and 14-Day Challenge that will help you build momentum....without waiting for perfect timing.

This episode of Fit for a Comeback dives into what it feels like to outgrow your environment...and the people in it. Nick unpacks the emotional tension that comes with leveling up your life while those around you stay the same, and how to stay committed to your growth without shrinking to make others comfortable.

In this episode, I delve into a deeply personal journey that resonates with many listeners: the process of recognizing when your identity no longer aligns with who you truly are. After a two-month hiatus from the podcast, it became clear to me that what I was experiencing—and what so many of us experience—was a significant identity shift. This moment often creeps up subtly, manifesting as feelings of discomfort in various aspects of life, from career choices and relationships to self-care habits and health routines. I share that if you’re feeling an internal tug of war between your past self and the person you wish to become, know that you're not alone. I'm currently navigating this territory myself, and together, we’ll explore how to identify and understand this ‘identity friction.’ Throughout the episode, I draw on my own experiences to illustrate how this friction can feel. Perhaps you wake up and dread going to work or resent the way you spend your time. You might catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and wonder when you became unrecognizable or feel detached from hobbies and routines that once brought you joy. The phrases “what happened to me?” and “why can’t I just feel normal?” arise frequently in our inner dialogue. I emphasize that it’s essential to recognize these feelings as normal part of the evolution process, a sign that you’re ready to step into the next phase of your growth. We discuss ‘identity friction,’ a term I use to describe the conflict between who you were and who you are becoming. This friction can feel heavy and reminiscent of comfort zones that may have once been beneficial but are now too confining. As I open up about my transition from an in-person coach to expanding my impact online, I reflect on the fear I felt at the thought of betraying the clients and the identity I've forged over a decade. It’s a familiar struggle, one that many face when attempting to break free from established patterns, especially in the realm of health and fitness. I reiterate that this process doesn’t equate to failure; rather, it’s an invitation to embrace change. I encourage listeners to acknowledge the internal conflict they may experience as they strive to adapt and grow. Recognizing this shift can be done through self-reflection, naming the aspects of your identity that no longer fit, and understanding what is holding you back. By listing out those elements and recognizing that this discomfort is a part of evolution, you empower yourself to start making conscious choices. Action steps follow the recognition phase. I guide listeners through the practicalities of defining their future selves—who they aspire to be—and emphasizing the importance of visualization in achieving those goals. Just as you would map a destination for a road trip, you must envision where you want to go in life and create a plan to get there. I stress the need for an anchor habit that can help center you during the tumultuous journey of change, whether it’s a morning routine or a simple act of self-care, and suggest that starting with small, achievable goals can lead to profound changes over time. Finally, I highlight the significance of community support. Surrounding yourself with individuals who share similar aspirations or who have successfully navigated their own identity shifts can provide invaluable support in your journey. Having a coach or mentor who has traversed the path you wish to follow can accelerate your growth and give you the confidence to fully embrace your evolution. This episode is a compassionate reminder that it’s okay to leave behind past versions of ourselves and that with awareness and intention, we can step into a more authentic and fulfilling iteration of who we are meant to be. Whether you’re just starting your journey or feeling lost in the transition, together, we’re building a roadmap for a powerful comeback.

This one’s for the person who keeps starting over—and never giving themselves the chance to finish. In this episode of Fit for a Comeback, Nick Venuti breaks down the real reason most people never see long-term success with their health goals. It’s not because the plan is wrong. It’s not because you “don’t have time.” It’s because you keep ghosting yourself the second things get hard. From gym memberships that fizzle out to coaching programs abandoned after week three, this episode calls out the cycle—and shows you how to break it. Nick explains why we procrastinate on the things that matter most, how false starts and perfectionism reinforce a broken identity, and what it really means to build belief through reps. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “just not consistent,” this episode will change the way you see yourself.

The fitness industry has a problem—and it’s not your glute bridge form. In this episode of Fit for a Comeback, Nick Venuti goes in on one of the most toxic trends in today’s fitness content: tearing down other forms of exercise just to promote your own. From Pilates to bands to strength training, the current wave of “my way is the only way” influencers is confusing people, crushing confidence, and stopping people from even getting started. If you’ve ever felt like your workouts aren’t good enough because they don’t look like what you see on social media…this one’s for you. Nick unpacks what real coaching looks like, why shame is never a strategy, and how movement is medicine—no matter the method. ⸻ 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why the “my method is best” trend is hurting more than helping • The difference between content that educates and content that shames • How Pilates, yoga, strength training, and loop bands all fit into the bigger picture • Why your tools don’t matter as much as your consistency • What real coaching looks like (spoiler: it’s not yelling about your rib flare) • How to stop second-guessing your workouts and just show up for yourself ⸻ 🔥 Memorable Quotes: • [1:33] “Free content gives you the tools. It doesn’t give you the plan.” • [2:22] “Demonizing one form of movement to promote another just builds walls for people.” • [4:15] “If I listened to the gym bros, I’d be more injured than healed. Yoga and Pilates saved me.” • [6:06] “Why the hell are you putting the band around your knees? — Because it works for me, that’s why.” • [7:17] “Movement is medicine. And consistency beats perfection every damn time.” • [9:23] “You wouldn’t use a saw to hammer a nail—so why use one exercise for every issue?” • [12:19] “There’s no right way to move. There’s only your way.” • [12:48] “Dumbbells, bands, sliders, kettlebells—they’re all just tools to build the house. That house is your health.”

In this episode of Fit for a Comeback, I delve deep into the mechanics of my coaching system, a thorough and practical framework designed to aid individuals in rebuilding their health and mindset after facing life's toughest challenges. Given the numerous inquiries I receive regarding my coaching program, this breakdown aims to clarify the methodologies and principles I integrate into my work. I emphasize that my approach is rooted in achieving real, sustainable results rather than promoting quick fixes. With a background in exercise physiology and years of diverse coaching experience, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients—from busy parents seeking to regain their physical confidence to elite athletes aiming for peak performance. This varied experience has led me to understand that while fitness isn’t a one-size-fits-all venture, a systematic structure can yield significant results for everyone. This understanding is at the heart of the Core 5 Blueprint, which is outlined in detail in this episode. I share my personal journey, revealing how a life-altering ankle injury shifted my perspective on fitness and coaching. The struggle and subsequent recovery ignited a realization that I could leverage this experience to better understand and guide others through their own struggles. Thus, I introduce the "First Five," a foundational phase where every client begins their journey with me. This stage focuses on building routines around manageable goals tailored to each individual's circumstance, promoting gradual adaptation that facilitates sustained progress. Moving forward, I outline the Core 5 Blueprint, which serves as the long-term framework for my clients. The cornerstone of this program lies in five crucial elements: flexible nutrition, functional fitness, yoga, Pilates, and a mindset shift. I elaborate on how flexible nutrition prioritizes sustainable eating habits without the pressure of extreme dieting, while functional fitness emphasizes whole-body movements rather than isolated muscle training. Yoga is not just an optional luxury but a vital tool for enhancing overall well-being, and Pilates stands out as an innovative method for injury prevention and rehabilitation. Another critical aspect of my coaching is the emphasis on a growth-oriented mindset. I highlight the importance of self-awareness and belief in one’s potential, fostering an environment conducive to personal empowerment and accountability. This holistic strategy is further complemented by structured phases of training that refine strength, facilitate fat loss, and reinforce healthy habits over time. By outlining the various components and methodologies of my coaching system, I aim to provide clarity to potential clients and anyone curious about my approach. This comprehensive system not only focuses on physical fitness but also addresses the mindset necessary to sustain long-term change. If this resonates with you, I encourage you to reach out for further engagement and discussion about how you can begin your own journey to a fitter, healthier self.

Let’s get one thing straight: sweating buckets and being sore for days doesn’t automatically mean you’re getting stronger. In this episode, Nick Venuti breaks down the difference between exercising and training—because yes, there’s a huge difference. If you’ve ever felt like you’re working your butt off in boot camps, HIIT classes, or random YouTube workouts and still not seeing results… this one’s for you. Nick shares how to shift your mindset from chasing calorie burn to building long-term strength, mobility, and confidence. From dead butt syndrome to the myth of more is better, it’s time to stop spinning your wheels and start training with purpose. ⸻ 💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • Why random movement ≠ progress • The real difference between training and just working out • How to build a sustainable routine without burnout • Why soreness and sweat are not success markers • What it means to train for life, not just for looks • How structured strength training can improve joint pain, posture, and performance

In this episode of Fit for a Comeback, I explore the concept of exercise as a vital part of daily maintenance, akin to caring for a car rather than a burdensome chore. I emphasize the importance of responding to our body's signals, using personal anecdotes to illustrate how consistent, gentle movement can address chronic issues effectively. The discussion highlights preventative fitness as a means to enhance long-term health outcomes and advocates for reframing exercise as a proactive choice rather than a reactive measure to health crises. I introduce a health barriers checklist to help listeners identify their challenges and set realistic fitness goals focused on functional movement. The key message is to prioritize maintenance and take immediate, small steps towards improving health, reinforcing that with the right mindset, everyone can cultivate a resilient, active lifestyle.