Joy Sistina & Nell Grabowski: upbringing, overcoming "setbacks", gym talk

Joy Sistina and Nell Grabowski, fitness influencers, are two incredible women who have overcome hardships with strength. We talk about their upbringing and how they got into fitnesss. Joy shares how a devastating ankle injury forced her to pivot away from her lifelong sport of gymnastics and completely redefine her identity. Nell opens up about her scoliosis journey, spinal fusion, and what it was like overcoming physical limitations that once made everyday movement challenging.

Joy Sistina shares how she had to take a step back from pursuing world championships for powerlifting in order to take care of her mental health. She dives in with how she learned she had OCD and the steps she took to take care of it. Nell shares how being a student and academics caused her to be unhealthy due to putting grades before her health.

Joy also speaks vulnerably about stepping back from pursuing world championships in powerlifting to prioritize her mental health. She shares her recent OCD diagnosis, how it impacted her training and daily life, and the steps she took to regain control. Nell reflects on being a high-achieving student and how putting academics before her health led her down an unhealthy path — and what she had to unlearn along the way.

We also dive into today's gym culture and social media trends — from toxic diet messaging to the pressure to always "look the part" — and give our honest thoughts on where women's fitness is heading.

If you've ever had to rebuild yourself, pivot your dreams, or choose your health over external validation… this episode is for you.

Joy Sistina's social media:

-instagram: @joyjoysfitness_

-tiktok: @joyjoysfitness_

Nell Grabowski's social media:

-instagram: @nell.grabowski

-tiktok: @nellagrabowski