Tummy tuck recovery is widely misunderstood. Some people are told surgery is a “quick fix,” while others are told they should never need surgery at all. The reality is far more nuanced.In this episode of Sage Connections, I’m joined by Lisa Marie Ryan, co-creator of Tummy Tuck Rehab. Lisa is a former competitive CrossFit athlete, coach, and pregnancy and postpartum athleticism specialist—and she also brings the lived experience of navigating diastasis recti and ultimately choosing to have a tummy tuck herself.We have an honest, grounded conversation about what real tummy tuck recovery looks like—beyond the incision. We discuss physical rehabilitation, the mental and emotional layers of healing, common mistakes during recovery, and what it truly means to rebuild strength and confidence after surgery. Lisa also shares insight on decision-making, the balance between conservative rehab and surgical intervention, and why collaboration between surgeons, physical therapists, and fitness professionals matters so much.Tummy Tuck Rehab offers extensive free educational resources, including downloadable PDFs to help guide clients through the decision-making process around surgery. They are also launching a comprehensive return-to-fitness guide in January. In addition, Lisa is launching her own return-to-functional-fitness post–tummy tuck program in January and works one-on-one with pregnancy, postpartum, and tummy tuck clients.Whether you’re considering a tummy tuck, currently recovering, or a clinician wanting to better support your patients, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and a more realistic framework for recovery.Connect with Lisa Marie Ryan Website: https://www.lisa-ryan.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisa.marie.ryanTo learn more about Tummy Tuck RehabWebsite: https://www.tummytuckrehab.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/tummytuckrehabPodcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2414621Connect with Sage Physical Therapy & WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.com#TummyTuckRecovery#CoreRehab#WomensHealth#PelvicFloorPT#SageConnections

In this episode of Sage Connections, I’m joined by Andre Kzirian, owner of Troy City Fitness and Game Day Men’s Health in Southfield, for a grounded, evidence-based conversation on fitness, nutrition, hormone replacement therapy, and peptides—and how these systems work together to drive real results.We explore why training alone isn’t always enough, how nutrition and hormones influence fat loss and performance, and where peptides may play a supportive role when used responsibly. Andre shares his integrated approach to helping people optimize strength, recovery, metabolism, and long-term health—without relying on shortcuts or hype.If you’ve been consistent with your workouts but still feel stuck, fatigued, or frustrated with your results, this episode will help you understand what may be missing.CONNECT WITH ANDRE KZIRIANTroy City FitnessWebsite: https://www.tcfgym.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/troycityfitness and https://www.instagram.com/andre.kzirianGame Day Men’s Health – SouthfieldWebsite: https://gamedaymenshealth.com/southfield-mi/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gameday_southfield_miLocation: Southfield, MI🎁 Special Offer for ListenersFREE testosterone test for all listeners who mention Sage Connections.Connect with Sage Physical Therapy & WellnessWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.com

Episode 20 — and our first-ever live recording!Today I’m joined by Dr. Mike Israetel, co-founder of Renaissance Periodization (RP), PhD in Sport Physiology, and one of the most respected educators in strength training, hypertrophy, and recovery.In this episode, we break down recovery from multiple angles — physical, psychological, and identity-driven — and explore how fatigue, stress, mindset, and training demands shape the way we heal and perform.We cover:• What recovery actually means• Acute vs. chronic fatigue• Sleep, stress, nutrition, and recovery• Identity shifts during injury or setbacks• Why rest is hard for so many people• Tools to rebuild trust with your bodyWhether you train hard, work in health or fitness, or are navigating burnout or injury, this conversation brings clarity to a topic most people misunderstand.CONNECT WITH DR. MIKE ISRAETELInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmikeisraetelYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RenaissancePeriodizationRenaissance Periodization: https://renaissanceperiodization.comCONNECT WITH SAGE PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESSWebsite: https://www.sageptwellness.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sageptwellnessEmail: info@sageptwellness.comPRODUCTIONRecorded at Elev8 Sound StudiosInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elev8soundstudiosFilmed by 888CreativeInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/888creative_#DrMikeIsraetel #Recovery #TrainingRecovery #Overtraining #Hypertrophy #StrengthTraining #FitnessPodcast #RenaissancePeriodization #SageConnections #AthleteHealth