In this one, we’re back with another vulnerable sit-down playing We’re Not Really Strangers — and things get real (again).

Toria opens up about how going vegan has impacted her physically and emotionally, and we dive into how we navigate communication, conflict, and connection as a couple.

We also share something we haven’t before: that we actually broke up twice in the first couple of months of dating.

It wasn’t easy — but those uncomfortable conversations brought us closer than ever.

This episode is about growth, grace, and what it really means to choose someone — even when it’s messy.

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