Find Andrea
Website:
https://www.getautoimmunestrong.com/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/getautoimmunestrong/?hl=en
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/autoimmunestrong/
Download My 9 Tips To Manage Hashimoto's:
https://mailchi.mp/0e5555d60258/the-definitive-guide-to-hashimotos
Get your supplements at Fullscript https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/hfh
Meal plans link https://www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/meal-plans
book discovery call https://www.outofthewoodsnutrition.com/contact-us
- Andrea runs Autoimmune Strong, an online exercise program specifically designed for people with autoimmune diseases
- Exercise for people with autoimmune conditions requires careful pacing to avoid triggering symptom flares
- The program focuses on progressive, gentle exercise starting with core strengthening, foam rolling, and proper alignment
- January is typically a recovery month for autoimmune patients after holiday stress, with March being when most people feel ready to start exercising
- Building muscle acts as a stress absorber for the body, helping increase stress tolerance over time
Exercise for autoimmune conditions
Detailed discussion about the unique approach needed for exercise with autoimmune disease.
- Details
- Andrea: Traditional "no pain, no gain" exercise approaches can trigger autoimmune flares
- Andrea: Many autoimmune patients either push too hard and flare or avoid exercise completely
- Andrea: Explained how stress (including exercise) affects autoimmune conditions
- Stephanie: Shared her personal challenges with exercise during menopause and after COVID
- Andrea: Described how her program helps people build strength gradually without triggering symptoms
- Conclusion
- Exercise needs to be carefully tailored for autoimmune conditions
- Listening to one's body is crucial but often difficult for autoimmune patients
- Progressive, gentle exercise can build capacity over time without triggering flares
Core strengthening technique
Andrea demonstrated a specific core exercise technique.
- Details
- Andrea: Taught the "tuck, suck, and squeeze" abdominal bracing technique
- Andrea: Explained how it works the transverse abdominis, which acts like an internal corset
- Andrea: Described how proper core engagement improves posture and reduces strain on joints
- Stephanie: Noted her challenges with posture and SI joint inflammation
- Conclusion
- Core strength is foundational for proper alignment and reducing joint strain
- The demonstrated technique can be done in small increments even by those with limited capacity
Autoimmune Strong program structure
Andrea explained how her program is structured to build capacity gradually.
- Details
- Andrea: Program has 6 progressive levels starting with foundational work
- Andrea: Level 1 focuses on core work, foam rolling, and foot/ankle alignment
- Andrea: Explained how foam rolling helps loosen fascia that becomes tight with inflammation
- Andrea: Described how the program gradually increases difficulty through progressive overload
- Andrea: Emphasized that even 5-7 minutes of exercise 3 days a week can build muscle
- Conclusion
- The program starts with foundational body awareness before adding intensity
- Progressive overload is applied carefully to build capacity without triggering flares
- Even small amounts of consistent exercise can produce meaningful results