Today, I'm tackling an EMBARRASSING topic: my terrible running skills ‍.

I'll admit it—I'm slow, short, and always lagging behind when I run with friends. I often find myself waiting for a chance to take a break, feeling like I'm dying inside…

You’d think that being a college gymnast, Ninja, Miss Fitness America, and an athlete would make me good at running. But nope! I remember trying to pass the Presidential and National fitness tests in school. All I needed was an 8-minute mile for the "better award," and I just couldn’t do it. I’d skip lunch to "try again," but always clocked around 10 minutes. Eventually, the teacher said, “I’m just going to give you the award.” I still felt like I hadn’t earned it .

But recently, I realized that the way YOU feel about pull-ups is how I feel about running.

It’s time for a CHANGE. It’s time to rewrite my running story, because conquering this challenge...

I debated whether to share the news of my recent break-up, but then I realized someone out there might relate. I don’t write these newsletters for sympathy but to share the lessons and insights I gain. Maybe you'll find a nugget of wisdom to help you navigate life's challenges.

This break-up was unlike any I've experienced before—it was mutual. Yet, even mutual decisions are emotionally draining. You grieve the life you envisioned, the relationship, and the loss of a wonderful family.

In the coming weeks, I'll juggle my usual workload while preparing to move again. Fortunately, I'm staying in the same complex but moving to another unit. Still, it's disruptive. After years of travel and adventure, I'm grateful for a home of my own, though the moving process is always stressful.

Despite hosting the largest Pull-up Workshop ever and landing my dream gig in NYC, I've taken time to grieve this loss.

Many focus on the negatives in a relationship, but this one brought...

Are you a woman determined to master the pull-up? Do you find yourself longing to achieve that impressive feat of strength but feel stuck in your progress? If so, you're in the right place. Hi, I'm Angela Gargano, and I've guided over 500 women in conquering their first pull-up. And I'm here to share my unique approach tailored specifically for women like you. ‍

Perhaps you've been relying on assisted bands or attempting intimidating drills without much success. It's time to shift your mindset and embrace a new strategy—one that breaks down the journey into manageable phases.

Phase One: Hanging On ‍

Let's start at the beginning. Phase one involves simply hanging onto the bar, even if only for a few fleeting seconds. It may feel challenging at first, but it's a crucial foundation to build upon. Focus on your grip strength and gradually increase your hang time as you gain confidence.

Phase Two: Extended Hang

In phase two, aim to increase your hang time to around 20 to...

A few weeks ago, I drove to Dallas to speak to a group of amazing ladies about transitioning from Self-Conscious to Self-Confident. I'm not sure if some of you know this, but growing up, I was actually called “Mandela”. When I was younger, being strong wasn’t considered beautiful; it was seen as “different”. In order to avoid being made fun of, I would go to school completely covered from head to toe, even if it was 100,000 degrees out. I was ashamed of my body.

Modeling agencies told me I was too short and manly to model, advising me not to even try. ‍

So when people "look at me" now and say, “Wow, she’s so confident”, or “Wow, she probably got those titles so easily”, the truth is that’s not the case at all. Everything was WAY harder for me, and not only did I have to break through many obstacles to get here, but I also had to deal with all the internal battles I was...

This week, my dear friend April celebrated her 32nd trip around the sun, and boy, did we make it memorable! Originally planning a laser tag extravaganza, fate had other plans as the venue was unexpectedly closed. But you know what they say about ninjas, right? We adapt and overcome!

So, we pivoted like pros and headed to the Urban Trampoline Park right here in Austin. Let me tell you, folks, it was like stepping into a wonderland for adults! With ninja warrior courses, trampolines, ropes courses, ziplines, and even laser tag, we had an absolute blast. And the best part? We practically had the place to ourselves!

It was a reminder of the importance of staying active and playful, no matter our age. We laughed, we jumped, and we felt like kids again. And amidst all the fun, I couldn't help but appreciate the fact that my incredible friends, all in their 30s and beyond, chose an active adventure over a typical night out. It's a testament to the power of...

Let me hit you with a little story that happened recently. Picture this: a sunny day in Austin, my boyfriend and I taking care of business, when suddenly, we stumble upon a little creature in need. Yep, you guessed it, a baby squirrel!

Now, normally I’m all about conquering obstacles, but this one was a different kind of challenge. I couldn’t just walk away. This little guy needed help. So, we sprang into action. Despite initial reluctance from my boyfriend (typical!), we made sure that furry friend got the care it needed.

Fast forward a bit, and we found ourselves playing nurse to this tiny critter, waiting anxiously for a call back from animal control. We nursed him, watched over him, and made sure he was comfortable.

Long story short, after a nerve-wracking journey to a special animal hospital, we got the news we’d been hoping for: the little guy was a fighter! He made it through the night, and now he’s on his way to a full recovery....

Are you a woman on a mission to conquer your first pull-up but feeling frustrated by the lack of progress? You're not alone. Many women face challenges when it comes to mastering this empowering exercise. But fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the often overlooked factors that can accelerate your journey to pull-up success.

The Frustration of the Pull-Up Journey

If you're a woman striving to achieve your first pull-up, you've likely encountered moments of frustration and doubt. Despite your dedication and hard work, progress might feel slow, leaving you wondering if you'll ever reach your goal. But fear not! Today, we're going to uncover the two missing links that can transform your pull-up journey and propel you towards success.

Understanding the Pull-Up Challenge

Before diving into the solutions, let's address why traditional approaches may not be yielding results. Many rely on assisted bands or repetitive drills without addressing fundamental...

Are you a woman struggling to conquer your first pull-up or increase your max? You're not alone. Despite using assisted bands and various online drills, many women find themselves stuck in their pull-up journey. But fear not, because in this guide, we'll explore why traditional methods may not be effective and introduce you to a revolutionary approach tailored specifically for women.

Reason 1: Assisted Bands Target the Wrong Muscles

Assisted bands provide support at the bottom of the pull-up, but this assistance actually hinders progress. By relying on the band to propel you upwards, you miss out on strengthening the crucial bottom portion of the pull-up—the hardest part. Instead of bouncing up with the band, it's essential to focus on exercises that target this weaker area directly. In our Pull Up Revolution program, we emphasize drills that strengthen the bottom portion, ensuring faster progress and lasting results.

Reason 2: Dependency on Assisted Bands

Just...

 I “forgot my pants” for a speaking gig in NYC**

YES, you are probably like, "HOW the hell did you forget your pants?" And to be honest, I have those thoughts exactly. I tried to pre-pack for my Speaking Event in NYC! I knew this was a quick trip: flying in at 5 am on Wednesday, Speaking Thursday, and flying back Thursday night…and I was so proud of myself because I felt so on top of it! ‍

I got to my hotel in NYC after a long day of traveling, did some breath work to regulate myself, and started working on my talk some more to make sure I had it down perfectly. The next morning I woke up, went for a quick run in the AM to pump myself up, practiced my talk, and then as I was taking my clothes out to get ready, I realized… I forgot my pants.. like full-on forgot the pants for the talk. And all I had was workout gear lol…

Instead of panicking, I just laughed, especially because the title of my talk is ...

Are you one of the many women out there still striving to conquer your first pull-up? If so, you're not alone. Despite your efforts, you may find yourself facing obstacles that hinder your progress. But fear not, because I'm here to guide you through the top five reasons why you might still be struggling with pull-ups and how to overcome them.

As a dedicated fitness trainer specializing in helping women achieve their first pull-up, I've encountered common pitfalls that prevent progress. But the good news is, once you address these issues, you'll be well on your way to mastering this empowering exercise.

So let's dive into the essential steps to optimize your pull-up journey:

1. Believe in Yourself and Stop Self-Sabotage

The first step to success is believing that you can achieve it. Negative self-talk and self-doubt can hold you back more than any physical limitation. Whether it's concerns about weight, age, or strength, it's time to let go of these limiting beliefs....