The Out of the Cave Podcast

Exercise - Part III


Listen Later

In this third episode, Lisa unpacks how movement can become a powerful act of self-care — not self-control. Drawing on her own healing and trauma-informed expertise, she challenges some mainstream fitness narratives and reclaims exercise as a tool for reconnection, resilience, and radical self-acceptance.

Topics Include:

  • Mind-body Connection

  • Exercise Intensity

  • Intentional Movement

  • Self-Acceptance

[1:43] Lisa discusses the importance of healing dissociation and strengthening the mind-body connection, particularly through movement and exercise, referencing the nervous system and polyvagal theory. Lisa explains the basics of polyvagal theory, differentiating between sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) nervous system responses, and highlights the importance of understanding whether someone is in hyperarousal or hypoarousal (freeze). Lisa emphasizes that movement, especially intentional and conscious movement, is crucial for shifting out of a freeze state and re-engaging with life.

[13:05] Lisa critiques the narrative that only gentle movement is healthy, arguing that for some people, high-intensity movement is necessary and supportive for healing. Lisa addresses concerns about high-intensity exercise raising cortisol, explaining that acute stress is natural and only becomes harmful if not balanced with rest, nutrition, and hydration. Lisa introduces the idea of using exercise as an opportunity to practice showing up as the person you aspire to be, referencing her work with clients.

[25:00] Lisa discusses insights from clients and personal observations about how one’s mindset and self-identity at work or during exercise significantly impact the experience, especially for those with chronic pain. She emphasizes that it is not the activity itself but the internal dialogue and self-perception that create stress or discomfort. 

[34:45] Lisa explains that negative self-talk and a judgmental mindset during exercise can trigger stress responses and contribute to chronic pain. She highlights the importance of recognizing the ‘inner predator’ and shifting to a more compassionate, supportive internal dialogue. Lisa addresses the importance of intention in exercise, noting that exercising to change oneself out of shame or inadequacy sends danger signals to the brain, while exercising from a place of self-acceptance and abundance fosters safety and healing.

[46:12] Lisa points out that any movement, not just yoga, can be a mind-body exercise if approached with mindful attention. She shares the practice of focusing solely on the present activity, such as being on the mat or treadmill, to enhance the mind-body connection. Lisa recounts how “John” taught her to be present and connected to her body during weightlifting, which led to a transformative realization about exercise and life.

[52:45] Lisa encourages listeners to act as their own coach or trainer, pushing themselves out of love and self-care rather than self-criticism, and to remember their inherent worthiness. Lisa asserts that everyone deserves and is worthy of stretching beyond their comfort zone, and that self-care and personal growth are individual responsibilities. 

[1:04:25] Lisa invites listeners to reach out with questions, comments, or reflections about their experiences and the topics discussed.  

*The views of podcast guests do not necessarily reflect the views and beliefs of Lisa Schlosberg or Out of the Cave, LLC.

Purchase the OOTC book of 50 Journal Prompts

Leave Questions and Feedback for Lisa via OOTC Pod Feedback Form

Email Lisa: ⁠[email protected]

Out of the Cave Merch - For 10% off use code SCHLOS10

Lisa’s Socials

⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠

Reclaiming Peace With Food Retreat at the Omega Institute - September 7-12, 2025 


...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Out of the Cave PodcastBy Lisa Schlosberg

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

63 ratings


More shows like The Out of the Cave Podcast

View all
Good Life Project by Jonathan Fields / Acast

Good Life Project

3,287 Listeners

The One You Feed by Eric Zimmer

The One You Feed

2,501 Listeners

10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

10% Happier with Dan Harris

12,553 Listeners

Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson by Rick Hanson, Ph.D., Forrest Hanson

Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

2,467 Listeners

Therapist Uncensored Podcast by Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP & Ann Kelley PhD

Therapist Uncensored Podcast

1,388 Listeners

For The Love With Jen Hatmaker Podcast by Jen Hatmaker

For The Love With Jen Hatmaker Podcast

6,402 Listeners

Like Mind, Like Body by Curable: the program for chronic pain recovery through mindbody medicine

Like Mind, Like Body

668 Listeners

The Cure for Chronic Pain with Nicole Sachs, LCSW by Nicole Sachs, LCSW

The Cure for Chronic Pain with Nicole Sachs, LCSW

2,455 Listeners

The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast by Tammy Sollenberger

The One Inside: An Internal Family Systems (IFS) podcast

269 Listeners

Hit Play Not Pause by Hit Play Not Pause

Hit Play Not Pause

724 Listeners

Mayim Bialik's Breakdown by Mayim Bialik

Mayim Bialik's Breakdown

5,221 Listeners

Adult Child by Andrea

Adult Child

1,802 Listeners

We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle and Audacy

We Can Do Hard Things

41,435 Listeners

The Crappy Childhood Fairy Podcast with Anna Runkle by Anna Runkle

The Crappy Childhood Fairy Podcast with Anna Runkle

304 Listeners

The Tamsen Show by Tamsen Fadal / Authentic Wave

The Tamsen Show

243 Listeners