Modern Body: Pilates & Movement for Life

In this episode, Aly DiRoma invites Jess Arnaudin, a holistic esthetician and author of Plant Based Beauty, to chat about the power of simple, intentional skincare and why less is often more when it comes to our routines. Jess shares her philosophy on skin as an outward reflection of internal well-being, making this conversation a must-listen for anyone seeking a more mindful approach to skincare.

Jess’s journey from a fast-paced med spa on Fifth Avenue to creating her holistic skin studio is filled with heart and wisdom. She explains how addressing the body’s fascia, lymphatic, and nervous systems during treatments can transform the skin from the inside out. As Jess beautifully puts it, “Your skin is intelligent; it knows what to do. So much of what we do should just nudge it in the right direction.”

In this episode, you’ll discover the magic of simplifying your skincare routine, using clean, effective products, and incorporating small daily rituals—like facial massage and gua sha—that bring balance to both skin and spirit. Plus, Jess and Aly chat about their shared love of fascia work and how it all ties back to movement and well-being.

• The importance of skincare rituals for overall well-being
• The power of a "less is more" approach to skincare
• How movement and fascia care support healthy, glowing skin
• Practical, easy-to-follow tips for skin nourishment
• Tools and techniques like gua sha, dry brushing, and oil cleansing
• Why holistic skincare is about more than just beauty—it’s about how you feel

Whether you’re a skincare novice or looking to fine-tune your routine, this conversation with Jess is packed with insights and practical advice that will inspire you to care for your skin in a more holistic, mindful way.

Where to Find Jess

IG: @ritualswithjess

Website: https://www.jessarnaudin.com/

Book: Plant Based Beauty

Ready to prioritize movement, health, and overall well-being? Join Modern Body Online Studio and start your journey today! Sign up now and enjoy a free 7-day trial for access to over 300 on-demand classes that range from Pilates-inspired to strength and mobility sessions that help you build a strong, resilient body. Head over to Modern Body Online Studio to begin your free trial today! https://modernbody.uscreen.io/

Connect with Aly DiRoma:  https://link.me/alydiroma

In this episode of Modern Body: Pilates & Movement for Life, Aly DiRoma dives deep into the theme of “Tuning In”—an essential concept for reconnecting with our bodies on a deeper, more intuitive level. Aly reflects on her personal journey of transitioning from a competitive, performance-driven mindset to embracing movement as a tool for mindfulness and self-awareness. She candidly shares how she rewrote her relationship with movement, evolving from the need to control and perfect her body, to finding joy and purpose in tuning into its needs and rhythms.  This episode is perfect for anyone feeling stagnant in their movement practice or seeking a fresh, compassionate approach to fitness.

Main Takeaways:

• Movement is more than just a tool for achieving physical goals; it’s a way to deeply connect with your body.
• Aly encourages listeners to replace metrics and expectations with intuition, self-compassion, and presence in their movement practice.
• The idea of “tuning in” means being fully present with your body in whatever state it’s in—whether during rigorous exercise or simple daily tasks like walking the dog or doing laundry.

Notable Quotes:

• “Can you find other benefits from movement rather than the metrics? And can you be okay with adopting a new mindset or relationship with your body during these times?”
• “Life itself is an experiment, and movement can be one too. Let yourself try new things, have fun, and just see what happens.”

Episode Highlights:

• Aly’s personal journey from competitive dance to discovering a more mindful approach to movement.
• Practical steps to incorporate the “Tuning In” mentality into your life: breathe deeply, be present, and release expectations.
• A sneak peek into Modern Body’s upcoming 14-Day “Tuning In” Sequence, offering short, varied classes designed to help you reconnect with your body in a meaningful way.

Join Aly in this insightful and refreshing episode, and discover how tuning into your body can transform not just your movement, but your relationship with yourself. 

Ready to explore? 

Visit Modern Body to start your 7-day free trial and explore over 200 on-demand classes. https://modernbody.io/

Connect with Aly DiRoma: 👉 https://link.me/alydiroma

The human body thrives on movement, but when it comes to building muscle, do we always need to push ourselves to the brink of exhaustion? In this episode, Aly DiRoma explores the popular fitness trend of training to failure and whether it’s really the best or only way to build muscle mass.

Aly takes a deep dive into the topic, breaking down myths and presenting evidence-backed insights. She challenges the common notion that you must work your muscles to failure, or close to it, in order to see gains. Instead, she offers a balanced approach, emphasizing that while training to failure can be beneficial for some, it's far from a universal requirement. Through anecdotes and expert insights, Aly reveals that there are plenty of other effective, and often more sustainable, methods to build muscle without overexertion.

Key Takeaways:

• Training to Failure: What it is, when it works, and why it’s not always necessary.
• Bodyweight and Light Weights: How using your own body or light weights can still lead to effective muscle building.
• Sustainable Strength Building: Why blending strength with bodyweight training might be your best bet for longevity and health.

This episode is a refreshing look at fitness that encourages listeners to find what works best for their bodies, not just follow the latest trend. With a focus on realistic, approachable fitness methods, Aly invites you to rethink how you approach strength training.

In This Episode:

• The truth behind the "train to failure" trend
• Alternative methods to build and maintain muscle
• Why progressive overload is effective but not the only way
• The role of bodyweight exercises and light weights in muscle development

For Further Reading 

Effect of resistance training to muscle failure vs non-failure on strength, hypertrophy and muscle architecture in trained individuals 

Effect of Training Leading to Repetition Failure on Muscular Strength: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Join Modern Body:

Ready to explore new ways to strengthen your body? 👉 Sign up for your free week at Modern Body.   https://modernbody.uscreen.io/catalog

Connect with Aly DiRoma: 👉 https://link.me/alydiroma

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to buy into the hustle culture, pushing yourself to move constantly without pause. But is that truly the best way to care for your body? In this episode of Modern Body: Pilates & Movement for Life, host Aly DiRoma reminds us why rest and recovery are as crucial to our wellness as the movement itself.

Aly shares her personal evolution in training philosophy, explaining why she adjusted Modern Body's weekly movement schedule to include both active and passive rest days. She advocates for giving the body the time it needs to regenerate, highlighting that rest isn't just about physical downtime—it's essential for mental clarity and nervous system recovery as well.

With a blend of scientific insight and practical advice, Aly explores how recovery days can enhance performance, reduce stress, and build resilience over the long term. She also tackles how societal pressures for constant productivity can sabotage our health, encouraging us to listen to our bodies and embrace a more intuitive approach to movement.

Key takeaways:

• Rest is Power: Aly likens the rest and recovery process to making bread—allowing the dough (your body) to rise and regenerate prevents it from becoming dense and overworked.
• Active vs. Passive Rest: Aly discusses the value of both active recovery, such as relaxed walks or restorative movement sessions, and passive recovery, where you simply give your body a full break.
• Regeneration for Longevity: By resting, you hydrate fascia, repair muscles, and reset your nervous system, setting the stage for long-term vitality in your fitness journey.

Notable Quote:

• "Movement mimics life, and rest allows us to continue moving, unrestricted, for years to come."

Tune in for a fresh perspective on how incorporating rest into your routine can make you stronger, more energized, and ready for whatever life brings your way.

Join Modern Body:

Explore a variety of Pilates, functional movement, and strength training classes with a 7-day free trial at Modern Body. Get started today and experience the power of rest in your fitness journey.👉 Sign up for your free week at Modern Body.  https://modernbody.uscreen.io/catalog

Connect with Aly DiRoma: 👉 https://link.me/alydiroma

In today's episode, host Aly DiRoma takes us on a journey into the world of simplifying our movement practice to extract more joy and benefits from it. In a world that constantly tells us to add more—more intensity, more complexity, more goals—Aly advocates for the opposite: stripping away the excess to create a practice that’s grounded, sustainable, and ultimately, more rewarding.

Aly’s approach is refreshingly practical, offering a three-step process to help listeners simplify their movement routines without losing any of the benefits. Whether you’re just starting your movement journey or looking to refine an established practice, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to pare down and embrace simplicity. Aly's guidance offers the perfect roadmap to a more grounded and satisfying movement practice.

Notable Quotes:

• "Sometimes we just need to get back to the basics—take the complexity out."
• "When you reduce complexity, it makes life easier, less stressful, and way more enjoyable."

• Why simplifying is key to long-term movement success and reducing stress in all areas of life.
• A three-step process to identify what’s working (and what’s not) in your current movement practice.
• How to create a realistic and sustainable schedule that fits your life, while still getting all the benefits.
• The power of stepping away from a "do more" mentality and embracing a "less is more" approach.
• Practical tips for making movement a natural, enjoyable part of your life.

Simplifying your movement practice can lead to deeper benefits, more consistency, and greater satisfaction in both your physical body and mental well-being. Aly reminds us that stripping away what’s unnecessary allows us to focus on what truly matters—and that simplicity can extend beyond just movement into other areas of life.

Check out Aly's membership platform, Modern Body, where you can dive deeper into Pilates, natural movement, and strength training, all with a simplified approach. Visit Modern Body to start your 7-day free trial and explore over 200 on-demand classes.

Connect with Aly DiRoma: 👉 https://link.me/alydiroma

Introduction:

In this episode, Aly DiRoma welcomes fellow movement expert Kara Duval for an open-hearted conversation that dives into the profound relationship between movement and life. Kara shares her journey of evolving from a structured fitness instructor to embracing movement as a personal, expressive experience that reflects the natural rhythms of life. Together, Aly and Kara explore how movement is not just about reaching fitness goals, but about tuning into your body and the present moment, giving yourself permission to simply be.

Kara’s approach focuses on the idea that movement should nurture the body and soul, not punish it. She highlights how shifting away from rigid rules and embracing intuitive, pleasurable movement can help people find a deeper connection with themselves. One of Kara's memorable quotes underscores this beautifully: "I'm one amongst billions. The way you move is unique to you—let that be your guide, not a strict set of rules."

Through anecdotes about teaching during the pandemic, their shared love for inclusivity in the movement space, and a shared history with ballet, Aly and Kara encourage listeners to rethink the way they approach fitness and wellness. This episode is a gentle reminder that the most important outcomes are the ones you feel, not the ones you see.

Notable Quote: "Movement isn’t just about doing; it’s about feeling. It’s about showing up for yourself and allowing your body the freedom to move in a way that feels natural and nurturing." ~ Kara Duval

In This Episode:

• The experience of movement vs. outcome-based goals
• How movement mimics life’s ebbs and flows
• Kara’s transition from structured instruction to a more intuitive, nurturing style
• The importance of body inclusivity and personalizing movement practices
• Why letting go of rigid fitness rules can help cultivate long-term wellness

This episode will resonate with anyone who wants to shift their mindset on movement, find joy in their body, and embrace life’s fluidity.

Interested in becoming a Modern Body Studio member? Go to Modern Body Studio.

Connect with Aly DiRoma: 👉 link.me/alydiroma

Introduction:

In Part 2 of a two-part mini-series, Aly DiRoma delves into the specifics of strength training during pregnancy, offering insightful guidance on how to safely maintain or begin a resistance training regimen. If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed by conflicting advice on exercise during pregnancy, this episode is your go-to source for clarity. Aly explores the natural changes your body goes through and how you can adapt your workouts to benefit both you and your baby throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond.

Notable Quotes:

• "There are always exceptions to the rules. And although there can be those guidelines to keep everybody safe...it just isn't ever black and white."
• "You don't need to do five days a week of resistance training...Two times a week is going to serve you just as well."
• "Give yourself grace. Give yourself space. Start slow. Stay in tune with yourself and your body."

Episode Highlights:

1. Physiological Changes: Aly breaks down the key changes that occur in your body during pregnancy, such as hormonal shifts, cardiovascular adaptations, and respiratory changes, and how these impact your ability to exercise.
2. Safe Practices and Modifications: Discover the do’s and don’ts of pregnancy workouts. From avoiding certain positions like supine exercises to modifying movements to ensure safety and comfort, Aly provides practical tips to tailor your fitness routine.
3. The Power of Strength Training: Aly shares compelling research that highlights the numerous benefits of resistance training during pregnancy, from improved vitality to reduced risk of gestational diabetes.
4. Practical Training Plans: Learn how to structure a sustainable and enjoyable strength training program that fits into your lifestyle, even if you’re only training twice a week.

Why You Can't Miss this Episode:

This episode is packed with essential information that will empower you to approach your pregnancy fitness journey with confidence. Whether you're a fitness enthusiast or a beginner, Aly’s advice is both reassuring and motivating. She provides actionable steps to ensure that your workouts are not just safe, but also incredibly beneficial for you and your baby.

Engage With Us:

If you’re ready to start your pregnancy strength training journey check out Aly’s Simply Strong and Empowered Prenatal programs on the Modern Body Online Studio. Both programs offer supportive, safe, and effective workouts that are perfect for expectant mothers.  Let’s move together towards a stronger, healthier pregnancy!

Start your Modern Body Online Studio 7-day free trial today! Head over to https://modernbody.uscreen.io/catalog

Connect with Aly DiRoma: 👉  https://link.me/alydiroma

Introduction:

In this episode of Modern Body: Pilates & Movement for Life, host Aly DiRoma dives deep into the topic of strength training during pregnancy, a subject that's close to her heart and personal experience. As she navigates through the often conflicting advice surrounding exercise during pregnancy, Aly provides clear and actionable insights on how resistance training can be not only safe but incredibly beneficial for both mother and baby.

Key Takeaways:

• Yes, You Can! Aly debunks the myth that pregnant women should avoid strength training. As long as there are no pre-existing conditions, strength training is safe and recommended for expectant mothers.
• The Benefits Are Big: From maintaining muscle mass to improving mental health and preparing for the physical demands of childbirth, staying active during pregnancy provides many benefits..
• Listen to Your Body: Aly emphasizes the importance of adjusting your workouts based on how you feel, taking breaks when needed, and understanding that every pregnancy is unique.

Notable Quote:

•  "The whole point of moving throughout pregnancy...is to enable you to be the most empowered and connected to your body so you can make the best choices for yourself and your child."

In This Episode:

• Debunking common myths about exercise during pregnancy.
• Detailed benefits of strength training for pregnant women.
• Personal anecdotes that highlight the practicality of maintaining strength during pregnancy.

Why You Should Listen: Whether you’re pregnant, planning to be, or simply curious about how to maintain a strong, resilient body through all life’s stages, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Aly’s blend of professional advice and personal experience makes for an engaging and informative listen that’s sure to empower and motivate.Tune in to gain the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your pregnancy fitness journey!

Interested in becoming a Modern Body Studio member? Go to https://modernbody.uscreen.io

Connect with Aly DiRoma: 👉 https://link.me/alydiroma

Introduction: 

In this episode, Aly DiRoma uncovers the true essence of training with longevity in mind. It's not about going hard and fast for a quick fix, but about cultivating a sustainable, enjoyable practice that keeps you strong, supple, and capable for years to come. Aly dives into the 3 pillars of the Modern Body Method of training and how she incorporates them into the Weekly Movement Maps for MB Online Studio members. Aly breaks down the common misconception that longevity training is just for those who are "getting older." In reality, it's about meeting your body where it's at today and training it in a way that ensures you're not just moving now, but moving well into the future. 

Notable Quotes:

• "If it isn’t enjoyable, chances are you’re not going to keep doing it. And then there is no longevity in that."
• "Longevity is also not synonymous with easy training or light training. It's relative to you and what you need."

Episode Highlights:

• Understanding the true meaning of longevity in movement
• Why longevity training is crucial at any age
• The importance of balancing different types of movement: support, strength, and sustain
• How Modern Body’s weekly movement map is designed to support long-term health and fitness
• The power of variety and balance in sustaining a movement practice

Join Modern Body: Ready to train for longevity and feel good in your body every day? Become a member of Modern Body and enjoy a seven-day free trial. Gain full access to every class, engage with the community, and experience the difference a longevity-focused practice can make.  👉 Sign up for your free week at Modern Body

Connect with Aly DiRoma: 👉 Follow Aly DiRoma

Title: Mobility Training-What It Is and Why You Need It

Introduction:  

In this episode, Aly DiRoma takes us on a deep dive into the world of mobility training, uncovering why it's essential for maintaining a strong, flexible, and resilient body throughout life. Mobility training isn’t just about staying limber; it’s about enabling your joints to move through their full range of motion, ensuring you can navigate life’s physical demands with ease and grace. Aly emphasizes that while mobility might seem like something we naturally possess, our modern, often sedentary lifestyles can limit our body's ability to move freely. This episode explores practical ways to integrate mobility into your existing routine without feeling overwhelmed by adding another task to your to-do list.

Notable Quotes:

• "Mobility is one of those ways, one of those natural capacities that we have to move our body that we rarely tap into in our regular lives."
• "The goal of mobility training is to increase your usable and controllable range of motion. And how you're going to do this is by using your muscles."

Episode Highlights:

• What mobility training really is and why it's becoming increasingly important in today's world.
• The difference between mobility and flexibility, and why both hypermobile and less mobile individuals can benefit from mobility training.
• Practical tips on how to weave mobility exercises into your existing fitness routine without feeling like you're taking on more than you can handle.
• Specific examples of mobility exercises that target different parts of the body, from shoulder circles to hip mobility, and how these can enhance your overall physical performance and reduce the risk of injury.

Why This Episode is a Must-Listen:  

Aly’s insightful discussion on mobility training is a gentle reminder that our bodies are designed for movement, but modern life often restricts that natural capacity. Whether you’re an avid runner, a dedicated yogi, or someone simply looking to improve everyday functionality, this episode offers valuable guidance on how to maintain and enhance your body's natural ability to move, ensuring you can keep doing what you love well into the future.

Interested in becoming a Modern Body Studio member? Go to Modern Body Studio