Navigating a health and fitness journey when you're dealing with chronic illness, injury, pain, or disability can feel overwhelming — especially when mainstream fitness culture pushes one-size-fits-all solutions.

In this episode, we take a compassionate look at what it really means to pursue health and strength when your body doesn’t follow the “typical” path. We talk about how to set realistic goals, avoid the comparison trap, and define your own version of success.

We also dive into the concept of "laziness" — is it a real diagnosis, or just a label we place on ourselves when things aren’t going as planned? Plus, we introduce the Gears system, a flexible tool that helps you stay consistent without burning out, and explore how being kind to yourself can support better progress long-term.

Whether you're managing flare-ups, navigating fatigue, or just trying to figure out where to start, this one’s for you.

In this episode, Toria and Lucy open up about the personal stories behind their gym journeys, exploring how fitness became more than just physical—it became a way to navigate identity, reconnect with their younger selves, and reclaim strength on their own terms.

Toria reflects on how the gym became a safe space after being outed, offering emotional resilience as well as physical empowerment during one of the most challenging periods of her life.

Lucy shares how her early gym experiences were shaped by the pressure to achieve a more traditionally feminine physique, tied closely to how she presented herself to the world. Over time, she began embracing her masculine energy and allowing herself to explore new sides of who she really is.

Together, they unpack how lifting helped them break free from societal expectations, and how their training today reflects a deeper alignment with who they’ve always been. They also touch on their performance and endurance goals for the year, as well as some unexpected full-circle moments—like Lucy introducing Toria to the bodybuilding show she once competed in (and won!).

And for the first time, meet their shared alter ego: Lesley Bean from Yorkshire—northern, no-nonsense, and lifting heavy.

Join us as we explore the intersections of queerness, identity, and self-expression through the lens of fitness—with a bit of laughter (and chaos) along the way.

Where to find us:

Instagram: @taylormadetraining.pt & @vbthept

Join Lucy and Toria in another delightful episode of Vegains and Vagitarians, where unexpected adventures and heartfelt discussions take centre stage. Broadcasting live from Lucy's living room, the duo recounts a chaotic evening with a missing dinner, leading to humorous reflections on life’s little injustices.

Dive deeper into the power of communication as we share insights from a relationship-building game, "We're Not Really Strangers." Experience our candid conversations touching on important themes such as intimacy, vulnerability, and the essence of true connections. Discover how different perceptions shape relationships and why being open and honest can strengthen the bonds we share.

This episode offers a peek into our personal journeys, filled with laughter, introspection, and the occasional appearance of Kiwi, the endearing cat.

Whether you're here for the laughs, the lessons, or the lovely interactions, Lucy and Toria provide a heartwarming and introspective look into their unique partnership.

Where to find us:

Instagram: @taylormadetraining.pt & @vbthept